cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of long versus short spreading sequences in coded asynchronous DS-CDMA systems

The performance of turbo-coded asynchronous direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) using long and short spreading sequences is compared by both analysis and simulation. For coded systems with a conventional matched filter (MF) receiver, three analytical methods with different complexity are compared: the standard Gaussian approximation, the improved Gaussian approximation (IGA), and the density function approach. It is shown that while the standard Gaussian approximation is fairly accurate for the long sequences, it is too optimistic for the short sequences. For the short-sequence systems, the IGA gives an accurate estimate for the performance with much less complexity than the density function approach. The analysis shows that for either the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel or the flat Rayleigh fading channel and a MF receiver, there is a degradation in the average performance of the turbo-coded short-sequence systems compared to the long-sequence systems due to the fact that the cross-correlations are not time-varying. However, the short-sequence systems are amenable to the use of an interference suppression technique designed to minimize the mean square error. Such a minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver in the turbo-coded system is shown to outperform the long-sequence system with the MF receiver, especially when there is a near-far problem, as previously observed in a convolutionally-coded system. Finally, similar results are obtained by computer simulations for the turbo-coded CDMA systems on a frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channel.
Accurate Formula for Gaseous Transmittance in the Infrared

By considering the infrared transmittance model of Zachor as the equation for an elliptic cone, a quadratic generalization is proposed that yields significantly greater computational accuracy. The strong-band parameters are obtained by iterative nonlinear, curve-fitting methods using a digital computer. The remaining parameters are determined with a linear least-squares technique and a weighting function that yields better results than the one adopted by Zachor. The model is applied to CO2 over intervals of 50 cm−1 between 550 cm−1 and 9150 cm−1 and to water vapor over similar intervals between 1050 cm−1 and 9950 cm−1, with mean rms deviations from the original data being 2.30 × 10−3 and 1.83 × 10−3, respectively.
Performance analysis of small FDDI networks

Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) networks offer a standardized, high-speed interconnection between components in a distributed computer system. Extensive research has been conducted on the performance of FDDI networks consisting of hundreds of stations distributed over an area of several hundred square meters. This paper extends the prior work to the case of small networks; for example 10 stations distributed around a single room laboratory. The characteristics for these smaller networks differ in some instances from the behavior of larger networks - these differences can be significant in applications where high performance is demanded from a small FDDI based network.
Insulin-related growth factors stimulate proliferation of retinal progenitors in the goldfish

The retina of the adult goldfish grows throughout the life of the animal, in part, by the continual addition of new neurons. Further, destruction of extant neurons in this tissue stimulates neuronal regeneration. In an attempt to identify growth factors that regulate both normal and injury-stimulated neurogenesis, we used organ culture techniques and tested nine peptide growth factors for their ability to modulate cell proliferation in both normal retinas and retinas with lesions. Of the growth factors tested, only the insulin-related peptides (insulin and insulin-like growth factors I and II) consistently stimulated proliferation, and this was restricted to the retinal progenitors within the circumferential germinal zone. None of the growth factors tested stimulated proliferation of rod precursors (cells in the mature retina whose progeny are exclusively rod photoreceptors) or the injury-stimulated retinal progenitors. Although the negative data are subject to multiple interpretations, these data suggest that in the retina of the adult goldfish, insulin-related peptides regulate proliferation of retinal progenitors within the circumferential germinal zone, but molecules that modulate the proliferation of the rod precursors or injury-induced retinal progenitors in the retina of the adult goldfish have yet to be identified. J. Comp. Neurol. 394:386‐394, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Visual impairment and unintentional injury mortality: the National Health Interview Survey 1986-1994.

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between reported visual impairment and unintentional injury mortality. Design Mortality linkage study of a population-based survey. Methods Mortality linkage through 1997 of 116,796 adult participants, aged 18 years and older, from the 1986 to 1994 National Health Interview Survey was analyzed with respect to reported visual impairment using Cox regression models. Results The average follow-up was 7.0 years, and 295 unintentional injury deaths were identified. After controlling for survey design, age, sex, and the presence and number of eye diseases, participants with severe, bilateral visual impairment were at increased risk of death relative to participants without visual impairment (hazard ratio: 7.4; 95% confidence interval: 3.0–17.8). Conclusions Our data provide evidence that severe, bilateral visual impairment is associated with an increased risk of unintentional mortality among adults in the United States.
Bleeding after laparoscopic gastric bypass: Case report and literature review

d n Bleeding after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass LRYGB) is an uncommon complication. We report a case f bleeding in either the gastric remnant or proximally at the ejunojejunostomy after LRYGB, causing complete obtruction of the Roux limb secondary to intraluminal clotted lood. This complication has not been previously reported. literature review revealed 11 articles addressing postoprative bleeding after LRYGB. Of 2895 patients, 89 (3.1%) eveloped evidence of postoperative bleeding. Of the 89 atients who bled, 18 (20.2%) had spontaneous resolution nd required no therapy or blood transfusion. Blood transusions were required in 49 (55%) of the 89 who bled, and perative intervention was required in 18 (20.2%). Upper ndoscopy was used as both a diagnostic and a therapeutic ool in 11 patients (15.4%). In one-half of those patients, ctive bleeding was identified and controlled endoscopially. One patient required a second endoscopic procedure o control recurrent bleeding at the jejunal–jejunal staple ine successfully. In the remaining half, active staple line leeding was ruled out. No mortality secondary to postoprative bleeding was reported. We discuss modifications in urgical technique, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophyaxis, and the increasing use of endoscopic control in the cute setting.
Rab7 Activation by Growth Factor Withdrawal Contributes to the Induction of Apoptosis

The Rab7 GTPase promotes membrane fusion reactions between late endosomes and lysosomes. In previous studies, we demonstrated that Rab7 inactivation blocks growth factor withdrawal-induced cell death. These results led us to hypothesize that growth factor withdrawal activates Rab7. Here, we show that growth factor deprivation increased both the fraction of Rab7 that was associated with cellular membranes and the percentage of Rab7 bound to guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Moreover, expressing a constitutively GTP-bound mutant of Rab7, Rab7-Q67L, was sufficient to trigger cell death even in the presence of growth factors. This activated Rab7 mutant was also able to reverse the growth factor-independent cell survival conferred by protein kinase C (PKC) delta inhibition. PKCdelta is one of the most highly induced proteins after growth factor withdrawal and contributes to the induction of apoptosis. To evaluate whether PKCdelta regulates Rab7, we first examined lysosomal morphology in cells with reduced PKCdelta activity. Consistent with a potential role as a Rab7 activator, blocking PKCdelta function caused profound lysosomal fragmentation comparable to that observed when Rab7 was directly inhibited. Interestingly, PKCdelta inhibition fragmented the lysosome without decreasing Rab7-GTP levels. Taken together, these results suggest that Rab7 activation by growth factor withdrawal contributes to the induction of apoptosis and that Rab7-dependent fusion reactions may be targeted by signaling pathways that limit growth factor-independent cell survival.
17β-Estradiol replacement improves renal function and pathology associated with diabetic nephropathy

The protective factor of female gender appears to be lost in diabetes; the incidence of diabetes and its complications, including diabetic nephropathy, are equal in women and men. This study examin...
High-performance software emulation of 1750 A processor

We describe a software emulator of the MIL-STD-1750 A architecture that executes 1750A code at a rate of about 4 MIPS on a Sun 200 MHz Ultra2 workstation, and effectively several times faster than that when application-specific optimizations are used. A number of optimization techniques were used, including binary translation and an unusual emulation of the 1750A timers and memory management unit. The performance technologies used within the emulator are for the most part applicable to the emulation of other processor architectures.
Efficient Look-Up-Table-Based Modeling for Robust Design of $\Sigma\Delta$ ADCs

The sigma-delta (SigmaDelta) analog-digital converter (ADC) has been widely used in data conversion applications due to its good performance. However, oversampling and complex circuit behaviors render the transistor-level analysis of these designs prohibitively time consuming. The inefficiency of the standard simulation approach also rules out the possibility of analyzing the impacts of a multitude of environmental and process variations critical in modern VLSI technologies. We present a look-up table (LUT)-based modeling technique to facilitate much more efficient performance analysis of SigmaDelta ADCs. Various transistor-level circuit nonidealities are systematically characterized at the building block level and the whole system is simulated much more efficiently using these building block models. Our approach can provide up to four orders of magnitude runtime speedup over SPICE-like simulators, hence significantly shortening the CPU time required for evaluating system performances such as signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio. The proposed modeling technique is further extended to enable scalable performance variation analysis of complex SigmaDelta ADC designs. Such modeling approach allows us to perform trade-off analysis of various topologies considering not only nominal performances but also their variabilities. Equally important, with our efficient parametric modeling technique, we are able to feasibly extract simulation-based statistical performance correlation models allowing low-cost alternate linearity test of ADC designs.
Affective differences among subgroups of chronic pain patients

Abstract Cluster analyses were performed on the MMPIs of 76 male and 68 female chronic low back pain patients. The results of these analyses were very consistent with previous research, suggesting that the existence of homogeneous subgroups among pain patients is a reliable finding. Additionally, significant differences were found between the subgroups on anxiety, anger, and anger expression. The implications for differential treatment of patients in the various subgroups are discussed.
Measurement of coupling impedance of accelerator devices with the wire-method

Abstract A new formula to calculate the coupling impedance of accelerator components from measurements with the wire-method has been developed. The application of the formula is illustrated with experimental examples.
Sacral Nerve Sheath Tumor Simulates a Pedunculated Fibroid on Sonography

Received February 23, 2007, from the Department of Radiology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California USA. Revision requested March 29, 2007. Revised manuscript accepted for publication May 10, 2007. We thank Tammy LaPolt and Julie Ostoich for manuscript and image preparation. Address correspondence to Maria Luisa C. Fogata, MD, Department of Radiology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Suite 3100, 4860 Y St, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. E-mail: maria.fogata@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu Abbreviations MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PNST, peripheral nerve sheath tumor 28-year-old female patient with a history of menorrhagia and intermittent leg pain was referred for pelvic sonography. Transabdominal and endovaginal pelvic sonography was performed. Gray scale sonography showed a complex left adnexal mass isoechoic to the uterine myometrium (Figure 1). The uterus and both ovaries appeared normal in size and morphologic characteristics. The left adnexal mass measured 4.2 × 3.5 × 3.5 cm, had a cystic component, and was seen separate from the ovary. Color Doppler sonography showed some vascularity to the mass. A pedunculated fibroid was considered because the mass appeared isoechoic to the myometrium, although connection of the mass with the uterus was not seen. A neurogenic tumor was considered in the differential diagnosis due to symptoms of leg pain. Other differential possibilities included endometrioma, a hemorrhagic cyst, an ovarian tumor such as a fibroma or Brenner tumor, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggested for further evaluation and showed a left pelvic mass that was contiguous with a nerve root in the sacral foramina, consistent with a sacral peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) (Figure 2). The mass showed heterogeneous low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Postcontrast images showed peripheral enhancement in the mass. The left pelvic side wall mass was resected, and pathologic diagnosis showed a PNST (schwannoma). This unique case shows the importance of including gynecologic and nongynecologic causes in the differential diagnosis of an unusual pelvic mass. Nongynecologic pelvic masses such as neurogenic, gastrointestinal, and extraperitoneal masses, including a presacral teratoma or
Intra- and Inter-Fractional Variation Prediction of Lung Tumors Using Fuzzy Deep Learning

Tumor movements should be accurately predicted to improve delivery accuracy and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissue during radiotherapy. The tumor movements pertaining to respiration are divided into intra-fractional variation occurring in a single treatment session and inter-fractional variation arising between different sessions. Most studies of patients’ respiration movements deal with intra-fractional variation. Previous studies on inter-fractional variation are hardly mathematized and cannot predict movements well due to inconstant variation. Moreover, the computation time of the prediction should be reduced. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new predictor for intra- and inter-fractional data variation, called intra- and inter-fraction fuzzy deep learning (IIFDL), where FDL, equipped with breathing clustering, predicts the movement accurately and decreases the computation time. Through the experimental results, we validated that the IIFDL improved root-mean-square error (RMSE) by 29.98% and prediction overshoot by 70.93%, compared with existing methods. The results also showed that the IIFDL enhanced the average RMSE and overshoot by 59.73% and 83.27%, respectively. In addition, the average computation time of IIFDL was 1.54 ms for both intra- and inter-fractional variation, which was much smaller than the existing methods. Therefore, the proposed IIFDL might achieve real-time estimation as well as better tracking techniques in radiotherapy.
The Populist Style in American Politics: Presidential Campaign Discourse, 1952–1996

This paper examines populist claims-making in US presidential elections. We define populism as a discursive strategy that juxtaposes the virtuous populace with a corrupt elite and views the former as the sole legitimate source of political power. In contrast to past research, we argue that populism is best operationalized as an attribute of political claims rather than a stable ideological property of political actors. This analytical strategy allows us to systematically measure how the use of populism is affected by a variety of contextual factors. Our empirical case consists of 2,406 speeches given by American presidential candidates between 1952 and 1996, which we code using automated text analysis. Populism is shown to be a common feature of presidential politics among both Democrats and Republicans, but its prevalence varies with candidates’ relative positions in the political field. In particular, we demonstrate that the probability of a candidate’s reliance on populist claims is directly proportional to his distance from the center of power (in this case, the presidency). This suggests that populism is primarily a strategic tool of political challengers, and particularly those who have legitimate claims to outsider status. By examining temporal changes in populist claims-making on the political left and right, its variation across geographic regions and field positions, and the changing content of populist frames, our paper contributes to the debate on populism in modern democracies, while integrating field theory with the study of institutional politics.
Occurrence of Boletus Piedmontensis in North Carolina and Georgia

Dr. J. W. Gerdemann, University of Illinois, generously supplied the Illinois isolate for our experiments. The Bend isolate was collected and maintained in pot culture by Mr. Iwan Ho of the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon. Statistical analyses were not performed because the results reported in this paper are self evident, i.e., either germination occurred or it did not.
Content Use from Websites: Effects of Governance Mechanisms

This study investigates how people use content from websites when there are mechanisms that validate content on those sites. Specifically, we examine the effects of two governance mechanisms, expert- and community-governance, on content usage from two web pages. We draw upon the elaboration-likelihood model as the theoretical basis to postulate hypotheses for empirical testing. Data collected from student subjects through a web-based experiment show that credibility of a governance mechanism has a positive effect on individuals' use of content from web pages, while also influencing their perceptions of content quality. Research and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Quantal acetylcholine release: Vesicles or gated channels?

Abstract 1. 1. The vesicle theory for the quantal release of acetylcholine (ACh + ) has been challenged because: (a) there is a high concentration of ‘free’ ACh + in the terminal axoplasm, (b) the hydrolysis of this ‘free’ ACh + may disrupt transmission, (c) there is a poor correlation between vesicle number and ACh + , (d) the vesicles may be artifacts produced by fixation. 2. 2. To bypass these problems it has been proposed that ACh + is released from stores in the axoplasm through a gated membrane channel, but this hypothesis is even more difficult to reconcile with the facts than the vesicle theory it is designed to supercede. 3. 3. It is concluded that a modified vesicle or a gated tubule theory is more likely to fit the facts.
Taxi-Out Time Prediction for Departures at Charlotte Airport Using Machine Learning Techniques

Predicting the taxi-out times of departures accurately is important for improving airport efficiency and takeoff time predictability. In this paper, we attempt to apply machine learning techniques to actual traffic data at Charlotte Douglas International Airport for taxi-out time prediction. To find the key factors affecting aircraft taxi times, surface surveillance data is first analyzed. From this data analysis, several variables, including terminal concourse, spot, runway, departure fix and weight class, are selected for taxi time prediction. Then, various machine learning methods such as linear regression, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbors, random forest, and neural networks model are applied to actual flight data. Different traffic flow and weather conditions at Charlotte airport are also taken into account for more accurate prediction. The taxi-out time prediction results show that linear regression and random forest techniques can provide the most accurate prediction in terms of root-mean-square errors. We also discuss the operational complexity and uncertainties that make it difficult to predict the taxi times accurately.
System Reliability, Trust, and Complacency in Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

As more sophisticated fetal heart rate monitoring systems are introduced into hospitals, it is important to understand how system reliability affects the potential for complacency in users. The goa...
Comparison of the mineral composition of the sediment found in two Mars dunefields: Ogygis Undae and Gale crater – three distinct endmembers identified

Abstract The composition of two dune fields, Ogygis Undae and the NE–SW trending dune field in Gale crater (the “Bagnold Dune Field” and “Western Dune Field”), were analyzed using thermal emission spectra from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) and the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). The Gale crater dune field was used as a baseline as other orbital compositional analyses have been conducted, and in situ sampling results will soon be available. Results from unmixing thermal emission spectra showed a spatial variation between feldspar mineral abundances and pyroxene mineral abundances in Ogygis Undae. Other datasets, including nighttime thermal inertia values, also showed variation throughout the dune field. One explanation proposed for this variation is a bimodal distribution of two sand populations. This distribution is seen in some terrestrial dune fields. The two dune fields varied in both mineral types present and in uniformity of composition. These differences point to different source lithologies and different distances travelled from source material. Examining these differences further will allow for a greater understanding of aeolian processes on Mars.
Digital Networked Information Society and Public Health: Problems and Promises of Networked Health Communication of Lay Publics

This special issue of Health Communication compiles 10 articles to laud the promise and yet confront the problems in the digital networked information society related to public health. We present this anthology of symphony and cacophony of lay individuals' communicative actions in a digital networked information society. The collection of problems and promise of the new digital world may be a cornerstone joining two worlds-pre- and postdigital network society-and we hope this special issue will help better shape our future states of public health.
Modeling the Effects of a Normal-Stress-Dependent State Variable, Within the Rate- and State-Dependent Friction Framework, at Stepovers and Dip-Slip Faults

The development of the rate- and state-dependent friction framework (Dieterich Appl Geophys 116:790–806, 1978; J Geophys Res 84, 2161–2168, 1979; Ruina Friction laws and instabilities: a quasistatic analysis of some dry friction behavior, Ph.D. Thesis, Brown Univ., Providence, R.I., 1980; J Geophys Res 88:10359–10370, 1983) includes the dependence of friction coefficient on normal stress (Linker and Dieterich J Geophys Res 97:4923–4940, 1992); however, a direct dependence of the friction law on time-varying normal stress in dynamic stepover and dip-slip fault models has not yet been extensively explored. Using rate- and state-dependent friction laws and a 2-D dynamic finite element code (Barall J Int 178, 845–859, 2009), we investigate the effect of the Linker–Dieterich dependence of state variable on normal stress at stepovers and dip-slip faults, where normal stress should not be constant with time (e.g., Harris and Day J Geophys Res 98:4461–4472, 1993; Nielsen Geophys Res Lett 25:125–128, 1998). Specifically, we use the relation dψ/dt = −(α/σ)(dσ/dt) from Linker and Dieterich (J Geophys Res 97:4923–4940, 1992), in which a change in normal stress leads to a change in state variable of the opposite sign. We investigate a range of values for alpha, which scales the impact of the normal stress change on state, from 0 to 0.5 (laboratory values range from 0.2 to 0.56). For stepovers, we find that adding normal-stress dependence to the state variable delays or stops re-nucleation on the secondary fault segment when compared to normal-stress-independent state evolution. This inhibition of jumping rupture is due to the fact that re-nucleation along the secondary segment occurs in areas of decreased normal stress in both compressional and dilational stepovers. However, the magnitude of such an effect differs between dilational and compressional systems. Additionally, it is well known that the asymmetric geometry of reverse and normal faults can lead to greater slip and a greater peak slip rate on reverse faults than on normal faults, given the same initial conditions for each (Nielsen Geophys Res Lett 25:125–128, 1998; Oglesby et al. Science 280:1055–1059, 1998; Oglesby and Archuleta J Geophys Res 105:13643–13653, 2000; Oglesby et al. Bull Seismol Soc Am 90:616–628, 2000). For dip-slip models, we find that adding the Linker–Dieterich normal stress dependence to the state variable serves to mitigate differences in peak slip rate between reverse and normal fault models. However, differences in total slip among reverse and normal fault models remain relatively unchanged. We also examine effects from initial shear stress (loading stress) and effects from incorporating a rate-strengthening zone on the uppermost portion of a reverse and a normal fault.
Impact of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Dosing on Patients Weighing More Than 100 kg on 3-Month Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose The landmark National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) trial established the effectiveness and dosing of intravenous tPA for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at .9 mg/kg with a maximum dose of 90 mg. Since the publication of the NINDS trial in 1995, there has been a drastic increase in the amount of obesity and the average weight of adults in the United States, which has caused an increase in the number of patients receiving 90 mg of alteplase for AIS. This retrospective trial was an attempt to see if reduced-dose tPA is as effective as full .9 mg/kg dosing. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective analysis to assess the dosing rate and 90-day outcomes comparing maximum dosage (90 mg) and standard dosage (.9 mg/kg) of tPA. Results A total of 301 patients were included in the analysis with 64 (21%) receiving less than .9 mg/kg dosing. The adjusted binary logistic regression model showed a statistically significant association toward a good outcome for increases in tPA dose rate (odds ratio = 1.7, P = .027) when compared against a poor outcome. Our analysis showed that patients receiving doses of alteplase closer to .9 mg/kg had a higher likelihood of a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1 at 90 days. Conclusions With the growth of obesity in the United States and the lack of data supporting dose capping of alteplase, it remains unclear if this dosing practice should continue to be accepted without question. Further studies are needed to assess optimum dosing practices particularly given the obesity epidemic.
The laughing child: sex, interpretation, and laughter in Sigmund Freud’s ‘Analysis of a Phobia in a Five-Year-Old Boy’ and Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw

ABSTRACTThis article reexamines moments of children’s laughter in two texts key to the field of queer childhood studies, Freud’s ‘Analysis of a Phobia in a Five-Year-Old Boy’ (1909) and Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw (1898). Drawing on the Western philosophical tradition that theorises laughter as radical rupture, the article argues that the laugh of the child, insofar as it is capable of deflecting the analytical gaze of adults, poses a queer threat to adult projects of psychoanalytic interpretation. This leads the article to suggest that an attention to children’s laughter might help us to queer the queer child a little further, allowing us to conceive of the relationship between children and sex in terms that are not always necessarily sexual.
Colliding-Droplet Microreactor: Rapid On-Demand Inertial Mixing and Metal-Catalyzed Aqueous Phase Oxidation Processes.

In-depth investigations of the kinetics of aqueous chemistry occurring in microdroplet environments require experimental techniques that allow a reaction to be initiated at a well-defined point in time and space. Merging microdroplets of different reactants is one such approach. The mixing dynamics of unconfined (airborne) microdroplets have yet to be studied in detail, which is an essential step toward widespread use and application of merged droplet microreactors for monitoring chemical reactions. Here, we present an on-demand experimental approach for initiating chemical reactions in and characterizing the mixing dynamics of colliding airborne microdroplets (40 ± 5 μm diameter) using a streak-based fluorescence microscopy technique. The advantages of this approach include the ability to generate two well-controlled monodisperse microdroplet streams and collide (and thus mix) the microdroplets with high spatial and temporal control while consuming small amounts of sample (<0.1 μL/s). Mixing times are in...
Assessing the safety of superficial chemical peels in darker skin: A retrospective study

Background Chemical peels have shown efficacy in the treatment of acne, photoaging, and pigmentary dyschromias; however, studies evaluating side effects, particularly in patients with skin of color, are limited. Objective We sought to determine the frequency of side effects and complications associated with superficial chemical peels in patients with skin types III-VI. Methods A 5-year single center retrospective analysis was performed. Results Of 473 chemical peel treatments included in this study, 18 (3.8%) were associated with short-term (≤2 weeks) or long-term (>2 weeks) complications. The most frequent complications were crusting (2.3%), postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (1.9%), and erythema (1.9%). All side effects resolved within 8 months of treatment and were located on the face. When stratified by season, side effects were noted to be less common during the winter. In the adjusted model, Fitzpatrick skin type VI was associated with a higher odds of side effects (odds ratio 5.14, 95% confidence interval 1.21-21.8; P = .0118). Limitations Single center retrospective design. Conclusion In this study, superficial chemical peels performed on patients with skin types III-VI had a relatively low complication rate, and skin type VI had higher odds of experiencing an adverse event. Side effects were noted to be less frequent during the winter months.
A balanced budget view on forming giant planets by pebble accretion

Pebble accretion refers to the assembly of rocky planet cores from particles whose velocity dispersions are damped by drag from circumstellar disc gas. Accretion cross-sections can approach maximal Hill-sphere scales for particles whose Stokes numbers approach unity. While fast, pebble accretion is also lossy. Gas drag brings pebbles to protocores but also sweeps them past; those particles with the largest accretion cross-sections also have the fastest radial drift speeds and are the most easily drained out of discs. We present a global model of planet formation by pebble accretion that keeps track of the disc's mass budget. Cores, each initialized with a lunar mass, grow from discs whose finite stores of mm-cm sized pebbles drift inward across all radii in viscously accreting gas. For every 1 $M_\oplus$ netted by a core, at least 10 $M_\oplus$ and possibly much more are lost to radial drift. Core growth rates are typically exponentially sensitive to particle Stokes number, turbulent Mach number, and solid surface density. This exponential sensitivity, when combined with disc migration, tends to generate binary outcomes from 0.1-30 AU: either sub-Earth cores remain sub-Earth, or explode into Jupiters, with the latter migrating inward to varying degrees. When Jupiter-breeding cores assemble from mm-cm sized pebbles, they do so in discs where such particles drain out in $\sim$10$^5$ yr or less; such fast-draining discs do not fit mm-wave observations.
Inventory of Nanomaterials in Construction Products for Safety and Health

AbstractConstruction workers face the possibility of exposure to nanomaterials, which are particles smaller than asbestos. Nanomaterials exposure is expected to increase in coming years because of ...
Heavy Particle Collisions

The collisions between ion-ion, ion-neutral, and neutral-neutral are heavy particle collisions. These species all have much lower temperatures compared to the electrons, thus move much slower compared to the electrons. The important heavy particle collisions are: 1. Resonant and non-resonant charge transfer Resonant charge transfer is important in producing fast neutrals and slow ions, that would modify the overall chemical reactivity of plasma towards the surface. A+ + A → A + A+ Non-resonant charge transfer can take place between unlike atoms/molecules or between an atom and a molecule. A+ + B → A + B+ Figure 11 shows the non-resonant charge transfer between N+ and O, while several non-resonant eharge transfer reactions between oxygen molecule and atom are important in an oxygen plasma.
Lassa Virus and Central Nervous System Diseases

Lassa fever, famous and infamous for its hemorrhagic shock syndrome, hospital epidemics, and high mortality in untreated cases, can now also be linked to neurological and psychiatric syndromes. Infrequent but important manifestations of disease in hospitalized Lassa fever patients are early acute encephalitis, late or convalescent ataxia, and subacute or chronic neuropsychiatric syndromes, including mania, depression, asthenia, sleep disorders, dementia, and psychosis. Readers are referred to Solbrig and McCormick (1991) for details of the clinical cases. The natural history of disease in Lassa patients includes neurological disease; neurological syndromes were recognized in 41% of hospitalized Lassa patients.
Early orthopedic Class III treatment with a modified tandem appliance.

JCO/APRIL 2003 G patients with dentofacial deformities characterized by either a midfacial deficiency or true mandibular prognathism are perhaps the most challenging cases for the clinician to manage. In patients with midfacial deficiency, the current clinical protocol calls for orthopedic maxillary protraction by means of elastics to either an extraoral facemask or a chin cup.1,2 A maxillary expander is often used to enhance the orthopedic effect.3,4 If the patient is motivated enough to wear a facemask, treatment is likely to be successful.5,6 Downward and forward movement of the maxilla, an increase in overjet,7-12 and a backward rotation of the mandible with increased anterior facial height have all been documented with facemask therapy.13-16 The major problem, however, has been one of compliance, due to both the physical appearance of the extraoral appliance and skin irritation from the anchorage pads. This article presents an intraoral appliance that has been used clinically to achieve successful results in such cases without relying on unusual patient cooperation.
Update on Sjögren Syndrome and Other Causes of Sicca in Older Adults

Dry eye and dry mouth symptoms are each reported by up to 30% of persons more than 65 years of age, particularly in women. Medication side effects are the most common contributing factors. The evaluation of these symptoms requires measures of ocular and oral dryness. Sjogren syndrome is the prototypical disease associated with dryness of the eyes and mouth and predominantly affects women in their perimenopausal and postmenopausal years. In addition to topical treatment of the mucosal dryness, patients with Sjogren syndrome may require treatment with systemic immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents to manage a variety of extraglandular manifestations.
Eager Abstraction for Symbolic Model Checking.

We introduce a method of abstraction from infinite-state to finite-state model checking based on eager theory explication and evaluate the method in a collection of case studies.
The future of system justification theory.

In this article, we respond to commentaries by Friesen et al. (2018, Br. J. Soc. Psychol.), Osborne et al. (2018, Br. J. Soc. Psychol.), and Owuamalam et al. (2018, Br. J. Soc. Psychol.) on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of system justification theory. The first two commentaries are highly favourable in their evaluation of the state of theory and research on system justification, and they provide insightful suggestions for new directions. The third commentary is far more critical of system justification theory. We address each objection in some detail, seeking to correct a number of misconceptions about system justification theory and clarify the fact that the theory specifies three - ego, group, and system justification - motives rather than one. Finally, we end by proposing exciting new areas for future research, such as (1) distinguishing between subjective and objective consequences of system justification in a broader array of social and political contexts and (2) developing practical interventions to reduce system justification motivation and strengthen the motivation to improve upon the status quo.
Anatomy of the Thigh Gap

This article explores the ongoing obsession with the thigh gap ideal in certain pockets of Western societies. A thigh gap is the space some women have between their inner thighs when they stand with their feet together. The thigh gap ideal is flaunted on “thinspo” websites, which compile diet and exercise tips and display pictures of fashion models and “real women” in their efforts to inspire women to become thinner. I aim to identify what is wrong with the thigh gap obsession and to suggest a way to overcome it. I begin by describing the genesis of the obsession. I then argue that the relation women in the grip of this preoccupation have to their bodies is an instance of what I call bodily alienation. Next, I consider responses to the thigh gap phenomenon. I claim that a viable response, besides broadening standards of beauty, lies in pursuing bodily activities for their own sake. I call the view I articulate “sensualism.” I conclude by discussing the merits of an individual response of the type I advocate, in light of the structural character of women’s oppression through standards of beauty.
Dielectric RheoSANS: a mutual electrical and rheological characterization technique using small-angle neutron scattering

Abstract Dielectric RheoSANS is a new measurement technique that combines in situ electrical, mechanical, and scattering capabilities to probe the structure and dynamics of soft materials at equilibrium and under flow. This review summarizes the technique and presents data from model systems including conductive polymers, colloidal suspensions, and viscoelastic surfactant solutions. Finally, we identify several areas within soft matter that have historically combined dielectric, rheological, and structural characterization methods and discuss the outlook for studying those systems with dielectric RheoSANS.
Constraints for the Progenitor Masses of 17 Historic Core-collapse Supernovae

Using resolved stellar photometry measured from archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging, we generate color-magnitude diagrams of the stars within 50 pc of the locations of historic core-collapse supernovae (SNe) that took place in galaxies within 8 Mpc. We fit these color-magnitude distributions with stellar evolution models to determine the best-fit age distribution of the young population. We then translate these age distributions into probability distributions for the progenitor mass of each SN. The measurements are anchored by the main-sequence stars surrounding the event, making them less sensitive to assumptions about binarity, post-main-sequence evolution, or circumstellar dust. We demonstrate that, in cases where the literature contains masses that have been measured from direct imaging, our measurements are consistent with (but less precise than) these measurements. Using this technique, we constrain the progenitor masses of 17 historic SNe, 11 of which have no previous estimates from direct imaging. Our measurements still allow the possibility that all SN progenitor masses are <20 M {sub ☉}. However, the large uncertainties for the highest-mass progenitors also allow the possibility of no upper-mass cutoff.
Comment on “Measuring euro area monetary policy” by Carlo Altavilla, Luca Brugnolini, Refet Gürkaynak, Giuseppe Ragusa and Roberto Motto

Abstract Most of the time, ECB monetary policy can be characterized as working through the term structure of riskfree OIS rates, as considered in the paper by Carlo Altavilla and his coauthors. But some very important policy actions over the European debt crisis instead work mainly through sovereign spreads. The database constructed by the authors can also be used to analyze monetary policy surprises that work through these spreads.
Analysis of circulating HMGB1 in human serum

As a ubiquitous nuclear protein, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is constitutively expressed and can be actively secreted by macrophages/monocytes, as well as passively released from damaged cells following pathological injuries. Studies indicate that HMGB1 functions as a mediator of infection- and injury-elicited inflammatory diseases. Although intracellular HMGB1 functions as a regulator of tumorigenesis, epigenetic anticancer agents or therapeutic γ-ray irradiation could also cause active secretion or passive release of HMGB1, enabling serum HMGB1 to serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and therapy of various cancers. Here we describe a semiquantitative immune blotting method to measure HMGB1 in human serum, in comparison with a commercially available HMGB1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.
Nucleation seed size determines amyloid clearance and establishes a barrier to prion appearance in yeast

Amyloid appearance is a rare event that is promoted in the presence of other aggregated proteins. These aggregates were thought to act by templating the formation of an assembly-competent nucleation seed, but we find an unanticipated role for them in enhancing the persistence of amyloid after it arises. Specifically, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rnq1 amyloid reduces chaperone-mediated disassembly of Sup35 amyloid, promoting its persistence in yeast. Mathematical modeling and corresponding in vivo experiments link amyloid persistence to the conformationally defined size of the Sup35 nucleation seed and suggest that amyloid is actively cleared by disassembly below this threshold to suppress appearance of the [PSI+] prion in vivo. Remarkably, this framework resolves multiple known inconsistencies in the appearance and curing of yeast prions. Thus, our observations establish the size of the nucleation seed as a previously unappreciated characteristic of prion variants that is key to understanding transitions between prion states.
Formulation, manufacturing and regulatory strategies for extracellular vesicles-based drug products for targeted therapy of central nervous system diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a family of natural nanosize vesicles that transport biological cargos, including DNA, RNA, protein, and lipids. In recent years, EVs have attracted a lot of attent...
Characteristics of Single-Molecule Magnet Dimers ([Mn3]2) on Graphene and h-BN

With appropriate choice of ligands, Mn3-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) can be covalently linked to form SMM dimers that exhibit either ferromagnetic (FM) or antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground sta...
A randomized trial of albumin infusion to prevent intradialytic hypotension in hospitalized hypoalbuminemic patients

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent complication of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), occurring from 15 to 50% of ambulatory sessions, and is more frequent among hospitalized patients with hypoalbuminemia. IDH limits adequate fluid removal and increases the risk for vascular access thrombosis, early hemodialysis (HD) termination, and mortality. Albumin infusion before and during therapy has been used for treating IDH with the varying results. We evaluated the efficacy of albumin infusion in preventing IDH during IHD in hypoalbuminemic inpatients. A randomized, crossover trial was performed in 65 AKI or ESKD patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 3 g/dl) who required HD during hospitalization. Patients were randomized to receive 100 ml of either 0.9%sodium chloride or 25% albumin intravenously at the initiation of each dialysis. These two solutions were alternated for up to six sessions. Patients' vital signs and ultrafiltration removal rate were recorded every 15 to 30 min during dialysis. IDH was assessed by different definitions reported in the literature. All symptoms associated with a noted hypotensive event as well as interventions during the dialysis were recorded. Sixty-five patients were submitted to 249 sessions; the mean age was 58 ( $$\pm$$ 12), and 46 (70%) were male with a mean weight of 76 ( $$\pm$$ 18) kg. The presence of IDH was lower during albumin sessions based on all definitions. The hypotension risk was significantly decreased based on the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative definition; (15% with NS vs. 7% with albumin, p = 0.002). The lowest intradialytic SBP was significantly worse in patients who received 0.9% sodium chloride than albumin (NS 83 vs. albumin 90 mmHg, p = 0.035). Overall ultrafiltration rate was significantly higher in the albumin therapies [NS − 8.25 ml/kg/h (− 11.18 5.80) vs. 8.27 ml/kg/h (− 12.22 to 5.53) with albumin, p = 0.011]. In hypoalbuminemic patients who need HD, albumin administration before the dialysis results in fewer episodes of hypotension and improves fluid removal. Albumin infusion may be of benefit to improve the safety of HD and achievement of fluid balance in these high-risk patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04522635
Invisible Roads and Transportation Engineering

A new technology invisible road has been proposed in this chapter to confirm zero emission of greenhouse gas from transportation infrastructure system to green infrastructure and transportation system. Simply underground maglev system is to be constructed for all transportation systems to run the vehicle smoothly just over 2 ft over the earth surface by propulsive and impulsive force at flying stage. Vehicles will not require any energy since it will run by superconducting electromagnetic force created by the maglev technology. A wind energy modeling has also been added to meet the vehicle’s energy demand when it will run on non-maglev area. Naturally all maglev infrastructure network will be covered by evergreen herb except pedestrian walkways to absorb CO2, ambient heat, and moisture (vapor) from the surrounding environment to make it cool. Indeed, the proposed maglev transportation infrastructure technology will be an innovative one in modern engineering science which will also reduce the climate change dramatically.
Measure of asymmetric association for ordinal contingency tables via the bilinear extension copula

Abstract This paper proposes a new correlation ratio based on the bilinear extension copula regression to describe asymmetric association for ordinal contingency tables. Theoretical and finite sample properties of the proposed measure and its estimator are studied.