cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Condis Crystals

Conformationally disordered crystals (condis crystals) may present the most important mesophase of linear macromolecules. To distinguish condis crystals from the other two mesophases, liquid crystals and plastic crystals, one notes that there are no rigid rod or disc-like mesogens as one finds in liquid crystals, and there are no close-to-spherical molecules as one finds in plastic crystals. The liquid-like translational motion and positional disorder, characteristic of liquid crystals, is absent in condis crystals. Similarly, the orientational disorder and rotational motion of the molecules in plastic crystals is not present in condis crystals. The analysis of condis crystals is based on thermal analysis to find the degree of conformational disorder, on X-ray diffraction to elucidate the structure and limits of intramolecular motion, on Raman and infrared spectroscopy to evaluate vibrational motion, and nuclear magnetic resonance for detailed analysis of the motion in the condensed state. Discussed examples will be: cycloalkanes of 12 to 26 ring atoms, polyethylene, paraffins of 9 to 44 chain atoms, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly-trans-1, 4-butadiene, polyparaxylylene, and oligomeric polyphenylenes.
Biological Studies of Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Castor Bean

The biology of Liriomyza sativae Blanchard on castor bean, Ricinus communis L., was studied. Host preferences of L. sativae and L. trifolii (Burgess) for castor bean and celery, Apium graveolens L., were determined. Total developmental times for the immature stages of L. sativae reared on castor bean varied from 13.1 d at 30°C to 28.5 d at 20°C; pupal development lasted slightly longer than the combined egg and larval stages. L. sativae females produced a mean of 164.5 larval progeny at 25°C on castor bean during an average lifespan of 13.4 d. Fecundity peaked at age five days. L. sativae females strongly preferred castor bean over celery for oviposition; no progeny were produced on celery. In contrast, L. trifolii produced about four times as many progeny on celery as on castor bean.
PREDICTORS FOR ADVERSE OUTCOMES AFTER TRICUSPID VALVE SURGERY

Surgical risk prediction models (STS and EuroScore II) predict the risk of operative mortality and morbidity after adult cardiac surgery but, unfortunately, these models do not include tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. We hypothesized that predictors for adverse outcome after TV surgery are unique and
Determining coherent reference states of general semicoherent interfaces

Abstract We present a new method for determining the unique reference state in which the Burgers vectors of misfit dislocations in semicoherent interfaces are defined. Similar to previous work, our method requires cancelation of coherency and dislocation stresses far from the interface as well as consistency of far-field rotations with a prescribed interface crystallographic character. We compute misfit dislocation elastic fields using Stroh’s formalism and the Sextic theory, accounting fully for elastic anisotropy. The method is applicable to all types of interfaces, including ones with three sets of dislocations, and does not require the definition of a transformation path between adjacent crystals. We examine the accuracy of our method by comparing it with previous results on interfaces with one or two sets of dislocations. We then use it to carry out the first calculations of the coherent reference state of an interface with three sets of dislocations.
Broader outside social discourses, embodiment, and technism in James Cresswell's critique of discourse analysis methodology

In our judgment, Cresswell's theoretical discussion of the two main concerns with CDA methodology and the conceptual ways to deal with them is most interesting and promising. However, we found his empirical illustration of how to deal with these two concerns unconvincing, problematic, and apparently contradicting of his overall theoretical framework, but also instructional and thought-provoking. We see the main shortcoming of Cresswell's application of his theoretical ideas to empirical research in his technism, a belief that there are methodological techniques detached from investigators' research goals and subjectivity - a belief likely rooted in positivism. In our commentary, we want to justify our judgment and offer our own illustrations of his fruitful theoretical and methodological ideas.
Study of respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia in neonate

Objective It is to discuss the clinical characteristic of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) pneumonia in neonate.Methods The pathogen of 158 cases of neonate pneumonia was detected.The respirovirus antigen was detected with direct fluorescence method and the cell culture of nasopharynx secreta was done.The clinical data of neonate who was diagnosed RSV pneumonia was summarized.Results 59 cases of neonate pneumonia were detected RSV(37.34%).The detect rates in days of age 21 d group was 23.68%(9/38) and that in days of age ≥21 d group was 41.67%(50/120).There was significant difference between the two groups(P0.05).RSV and bacteria mixed infection was 13 cases(8.23%).Febrility on admission was six cases(10.17%).Cough showed as paroxysmal cough and continuous cough was 54 cases(91.53%),anhelation was 53 cases(89.83%).Bellows moist rales was 44 cases(74.58%),dry rales was 9 cases(15.25%),wheezing rale was 6 cases (10.17%).Bronchopneumonia change in X ray was 52 cases(88.14%),segmented consolidation shadow was 7 cases(11.86%).There was no significant difference on symptom and objective sign incidence rates of RSV pneumonia between days of age 21 d group and ≥21 d group(P0.05).There was no significant difference on symptom and objective sign incidence rates between simple RSV infection and mixed infection(P0.05).Conclusion RSV is one of the important pathogen of neonate pneumonia.The mixed infection rate of neonate RSV pneumonia is higher and the clinical manifestation of RSV pneumonia is short of specificity.
Analyzing Tumor Metabolism In Vivo

Altered metabolism is a clinically actionable hallmark of cancer. Some reprogrammed activities in cancer cells have predictive value and others are associated with therapeutic liabilities. Recent years have brought increased exploration of metabolism in intact tumors, complementing a large literature on cancer cell lines. We review the expanding tool kit available for studying the metabolic features of tumors in vivo. These techniques include metabolomics, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, and they vary according to their invasiveness and breadth of metabolic assessment. Special attention is given to the emerging role of intraoperative infusions of stable, isotope-labeled nutrients, which have provided the first view of true metabolic flux in human tumors. These studies also demonstrate markedly different metabolic phenotypes from those observed in culture, indicating the potential for this approach to provide a disease-relevant ...
No Seat at the Table: Representation in Collective Bargaining in Professional Sports

This study analyzes representation in collective bargaining in professional sports leagues and shows that the labor market is not completely competitive off-the-field. Because collective bargaining impacts future compensation and player unions are always represented by current players and often represented by more experienced players, there is a much higher incentive to advocate for policies that increase pay for more experienced players. Conversely, policies that maintain monopsony power for leagues with regards to inexperienced players, such as player drafts, have remained in sports leagues. However, these policies may also restrict the quantity demanded for more experienced players. This paper provides a theoretical model and examines empirical evidence regarding the differences between younger and older players. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corruption, Contention, and Reform: Staying power: building and sustaining citizen engagement

I can’t tell just how many of these movements I’ve seen started in New York during my forty years in politics, but I can tell you how many have lasted more than a few years – none . . . They were mornin’ glories – looked lovely in the mornin’ and withered up in a short time, while the regular machines went on flourishin’ forever, like fine old oaks. – George Washington Plunkitt Keeping up the pressure One day not long after the turn of the twentieth century George Washington Plunkitt, former New York State Senator and a Sachem of Tammany Hall, sat on the bootblack stand in the New York County Courthouse and delivered that assessment of reformers (Riordon 1963: 21). Deep democratization and strong political foundations for reform require citizen participation, but Plunkitt’s observations remain all too true, even in a time of heightened consciousness about corruption. Collective-action problems; material need, and often the prospect of losing even petty corrupt benefits; low levels of trust among citizens, in government, and in reformers themselves; threats and intimidation by the powerful; and the sheer amount of effort and sacrifice involved in checking corruption all make citizen involvement in reform difficult to sustain. The scenario can be depressingly familiar: anti-corruption efforts debut with great fanfare and high-minded appeals, attract an initial surge of citizen and news media interest, and then gradually descend into apathy, division, or cynicism. The last several years have featured numerous examples of citizen action against corruption that drew widespread support at first, yet gradually ebbed: consider Anna Hazare’s series of hunger strikes in India, in 2011 and 2012, and his initially huge mass movement that dwindled in size and enthusiasm as time went by ( Guardian 2012). Greater pluralism and safe political space – or more focused anti-corruption activism and demands for accountability – mean little without strong and sustained citizen involvement. How can an active citizen presence be sustained?
Modeling of Collagenous Tissues Using Distributed Fiber Orientations

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and is the major component of load-bearing tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and others. The mechanical behavior of collagenous tissues depends on the relative collagen content and its organization. Fiber orientation plays a crucial role in the mechanical behavior of these tissues. Several mechanical properties such as anisotropy and Poisson’s ratio are mostly determined by fiber organization. Additionally, mechanical models that include fiber orientation distributions better predict the mechanical behavior of collagenous tissues. Dr. Lanir proposed a pioneering formulation to model the mechanics of collagenous tissues that includes fiber nonlinearity, buckling, and distributed orientations. This formulation had been used to model a variety of tissues and is considered the gold standard for the analysis of distributed fibers. The objective of this chapter is to describe the methods to analyze the mechanical behavior of tissues with fiber orientation distributions. This chapter includes methods to measure fiber orientation, a detailed description of Lanir’s formulation, simplified versions of Lanir’s approach, and applications to several collagenous tissues.
Audio-band coating thermal noise measurement for Advanced LIGO with a multimode optical resonator

In modern high precision optical instruments, such as in gravitational wave detectors or frequency references, thermally induced fluctuations in the reflective coatings can be a limiting noise source. This noise, known as coating thermal noise, can be reduced by choosing materials with low mechanical loss. Examination of new materials becomes a necessity in order to further minimize the coating thermal noise and thus improve sensitivity of next generation instruments. We present a novel approach to directly measure coating thermal noise using a high finesse folded cavity in which multiple Hermite-Gaussian modes coresonate. This method is used to probe surface fluctuations on the order ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}17}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{m}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ in the frequency range 30--400 Hz. We applied this technique to measure thermal noise and loss angle of the coating used in Advanced LIGO.
A parallel implementation of the Smith-Waterman algorithm for massive sequences searching

Efficient biological sequence searching is an important and challenging task in bioinformatics. Among those fundamental sequence analysis algorithms, the Smith-Waterman algorithm that adopts the dynamic programming mechanism provides very high sensitivity. Unfortunately, the inefficiency in performance of this algorithm limits its applications in the real world. With the advances in the engineering technology, massive parallelism can be achieved using the FPGA-based techniques. A parallel implementation methodology of the Smith-Waterman algorithm is presented. This method provides magnificent speedup over the traditional sequential implementation, while maintain the same level of sensitivity.
Water dynamics in rigid ionomer networks

The dynamics of water within ionic polymer networks formed by sulfonated poly(phenylene) (SPP), as revealed by quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS), is presented. These polymers are distinguished from other ionic macromolecules by their rigidity and therefore in their network structure. QENS measurements as a function of temperature as the fraction of ionic groups and humidity were varied have shown that the polymer molecules are immobile while absorbed water molecules remain dynamic. The water molecules occupy multiple sites, either bound or loosely constrained, and bounce between the two. With increasing temperature and hydration levels, the system becomes more dynamic. Water molecules remain mobile even at subzero temperatures, illustrating the applicability of the SPP membrane for selective transport over a broad temperature range.
Surgical Pathology of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Correlation with Clinical and Molecular Subtypes

Advances in our understanding of the pathobiology of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) have led to an increasingly refined classification of a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors and the discovery of clinicopathologically distinct subtypes with critical implications for therapeutics, prognosis, and genetic counseling. Histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and mutational analysis continue to play an exceedingly important role, not only in diagnosis, but also in the clinical management and achievement of optimal outcomes in patients with GIST. This chapter reviews diagnostic advances and the key histologic features of GIST, in conjunction with clinical and molecular correlates.
Mathematics in the Christ’s Hospital Curriculum Before 1673

This chapter considers the place of mathematics in the curriculum at Christ’s Hospital, a school in central London, during the period from the establishment of the school in 1552, to 1673, when the Royal Mathematical School began within the school. Although there is no known extant manuscript evidence it is almost certain that elementary arithmetic was the only mathematics taught at the school during those early years, and that students were introduced to that subject by Writing School masters who adopted classroom organizational approaches consistent with the cyphering tradition. There would have been an emphasis on numeration and the four operations, and on calculations involving money and weights and measures, with the intention of preparing students for apprenticeships as clerks. The chapter also draws attention to the influence of the Grammar School within Christ’s Hospital. Grammar School masters taught Latin and Greek to children deemed to be “capable,” and there was an expectation that some would win scholarships to the University of Cambridge or to the University of Oxford—where they would seek to become qualified lawyers or clergymen within the Church of England. When, in 1673, the Royal Mathematical School was created, Samuel Pepys and others assumed that mathematics and navigation studies would be at the pinnacle of academic pursuits within Christ’s Hospital, but that assumption ran counter to a school ethos which had developed and matured between 1552 and 1673. The chapter concludes with a summary of six research questions for which answers will be sought in this book, as well as summaries of each of the ten chapters.
Solving Hardy-Weinberg with Geometry: An Integration of Biology and Math

Abstract Introducing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium into the high school or college classroom can be difficult because many students struggle with the mathematical formalism of the Hardy-Weinberg equations. Despite the potential difficulties, incorporating Hardy-Weinberg into the curriculum can provide students with the opportunity to investigate a scientific theory using data and integrate across the disciplines of biology and mathematics. We present a geometric way to interpret and visualize Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, allowing students to focus on the core ideas without algebraic baggage. We also introduce interactive applets that draw on the distributive property of mathematics to allow students to experiment in real time. With the applets, students can observe the effects of changing allele frequencies on genotype frequencies in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Anecdotally, we found use of the geometric interpretation led to deeper student understanding of the concepts and improved the student...
I/O device optimization techniques tailored for highly-scaled FinFET technology

Performance and reliability of I/O FinFET device were co-optimized by fin surface smoothing and LDD Si interstitialization with the aim at the scalability. The fin surface smoothing process demonstrated Ion-Vt performance improvement by +6% / +3% for I/O N/PMOS, along with +8% speed gain in I/O ring oscillators. And core devices leveraged the merit, exhibiting +2% Ion-Ioff benefit with comparable electrostatics and variability. For I/O NMOS drain design, LDD Si interstitialization implantation achieved Isub reduction and 2.5× hot-carrier lifetime improvement, thanks to the well-engineered enhanced diffusion.
Prospective Pilot Study Comparing Pre- and Postsurgical CTSAQ and Neuro-QoL Questionnaire with Median Nerve High-Resolution Ultrasound Cross-Sectional Areas.

Purpose The aims of this study were (1) to assess the utility of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorder (Neuro-QoL) questionnaire in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by comparing the validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure Neuro-QoL to the validated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Assessment Questionnaire (CTSAQ) before and following carpal tunnel release, (2) to compare the measurements of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) using high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) before and after surgery, and (3) to determine a correlation between HRUS and PRO. Methods Individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were evaluated using the CTSAQ, Neuro-QoL, and HRUS before surgery and at 3 months after surgery. Results Twenty patients completed the study. Overwhelmingly, there was an improvement in symptoms and function assessed by patients on both the Neuro-QoL and the CTSAQ at 3 months after surgery. The Neuro-QoL Physical Function and Upper Extremity scores had strong correlation with the CTSAQ activity score but had low to moderate correlation with the CTSAQ symptoms score, before and after surgery. The HRUS measurements of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet demonstrated a decrease in CSA whereas no noticeable changes were observed at mid tunnel and at the outlet (hook of hamate). The correlations between the ultrasound findings and PRO measures ranged from weak to strong. Conclusions Patients had resolution of symptoms and higher physical function following carpal tunnel release measured by both the CTSAQ and the Neuro-QoL scores. The Neuro-QoL self-assessment questionnaire, a measurement of quality of life, correlated well with the CTSAQ. Therefore, it could be used as a self-assessment outcomes tool in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release. At 3 months after surgery, HRUS measurements of the median nerve CSA showed a noticeable decrease of CSA only at the inlet of carpal tunnel. This objective improvement correlated with the improvement in CTSAQ and Neuro-QoL scores. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnosis II.
Refugees and the Meaning of Home: Cypriot Narratives of Loss, Longing and Daily Life in London, by Helen Taylor

Book Review: Refugees and the Meaning of Home: Cypriot Narratives of Loss, Longing and Daily Life in London Helen Taylor Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave MacMillan, 2015, 188 pp.
Hours Lost to Planned and Unplanned Dental Visits Among US Adults.

INTRODUCTION Poor oral health is associated with lost hours at work or school, which may affect a person's productivity. The objective of our study was to estimate work or school hours lost to dental visits among adults aged 18 and older by the types of visits (emergency or unplanned; routine, planned, or orthodontic; or cosmetic) and to determine the factors associated with hours lost. METHODS We used the most recent Oral Health Supplement data, from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), to estimate the total hours lost at work or school for dental visits among adults in the United States. The associations of the hours lost in unplanned and planned dental visits with socioeconomic characteristics, oral health status, and affordability were calculated. We used χ2 tests and logistic regression to determine associations at P < .05. RESULTS An average of 320.8 million work or school hours were lost annually for dental care in the United States, of which 92.4 million hours were for emergency (unplanned) care (0.99 h/adult), 159.8 million for routine (planned) care or orthodontic care (1.71 h/adult), and 68.6 million for cosmetic care (0.73 h/adult). Adults with poor oral health were more likely to lose one or more hours in unplanned dental visits (OR = 5.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.25-9.63) than those who reported very good oral health. Not being able to afford dental care was positively associated with more work hours lost in unplanned care (odds ratio [OR] = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.76-3.73). Compared with Hispanic adults, non-Hispanic white adults (OR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.40-3.11) and non-Hispanic Asian adults and adults of other races/ethnicities (OR =1.91; 95% CI, 1.06-3.47) were more likely to lose any hours for planned care. Consistently, those with more than a high school education were more likely to lose any hours in planned care (OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06-1.83) than those with a high school education or less. CONCLUSIONS Dental problems result in hours lost from work and may adversely affect a person's productivity. There is disparity in lost hours at work by race/ethnicity and dental care affordability.
Stem Cell-Derived Models of Viral Infections in the Gastrointestinal Tract.

Studies on the intestinal epithelial response to viral infection have previously been limited by the absence of in vitro human intestinal models that recapitulate the multicellular complexity of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent technological advances have led to the development of “mini-intestine” models, which mimic the diverse cellular nature and physiological activity of the small intestine. Utilizing adult or embryonic intestinal tissue, enteroid and organoid systems, respectively, represent an opportunity to effectively model cellular differentiation, proliferation, and interactions that are specific to the specialized environment of the intestine. Enteroid and organoid systems represent a significant advantage over traditional in vitro methods because they model the structure and function of the small intestine while also maintaining the genetic identity of the host. These more physiologic models also allow for novel approaches to investigate the interaction of enteric viruses with the gastrointestinal tract, making them ideal to study the complexities of host-pathogen interactions in this unique cellular environment. This review aims to provide a summary on the use of human enteroid and organoid systems as models to study virus pathogenesis.
Density functional theory study of electronic structure of defects and the role on the strain relaxation behavior of MoS2 bilayer structures

Recent capability of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to grow large-area and high-quality monolayer and few-layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) structures renders intrinsic defects such as vacancies that alter the electronic properties of these structures. As a result, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to investigate the electronic structure of various types of CVD-grown vacancy defects and the role on the strain relaxation behavior of bilayer MoS2. DFT calculations suggest that additional charge states are activated in the gap between the valence band and conduction band for the atoms neighboring the defects in the layer and in the layer above the defects. In addition, the DFT results indicate that the presence of local defects lower energy barriers for strain relaxation of bilayer MoS2 attributed to sliding between the layers. These results demonstrate the modifications of the electronic properties of 2D structures and the strain due to the presence of defects.
Dose-Dependent Enhancement Effects of Azone on Skin Permeability

In vitro permeability experiments have been combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies in an attempt to address the dose-dependent influence of Azone on the permeability coefficients of solutes for hairless mouse stratum corneum. A spray technique was developed to deliver uniformly and quantitatively small amounts of Azone to the stratum corneum. Permeability data obtained for several model solutes of varying lipophilicity suggest lipid fluidization and polar route enhancement as the mechanisms of action for Azone. Alkanols and steroids, both of which are enhanced primarily by lipid fluidization, had different degrees of relative enhancement. This provides evidence that the stratum corneum barrier is heterogeneous, rather than a homogeneous slab barrier. Two effects of Azone on the stratum corneum were detected by DSC. A decrease in the area and a shift to lower temperatures were noted for the lipid endotherms with increasing doses of Azone. A lipid fluidizing effect would qualitatively account for the increases in the permeability coefficients noted for more lipophilic solutes. The stratum corneum keratin endotherm also appears to be altered in the presence of Azone. It is possible that alteration of the keratin structure could lead to the development of polar routes in the stratum corneum.
Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Age-Related Memory Impairment

Annie Smith is a 72-year-old widowed woman who responded to an advertisement for volunteers interested in learning skills to improve their memory functions. Although she continues to live an active and independent life, managing all of her own household and financial affairs and volunteering two days per week at a local hospital, she reports a number of memory problems that are sources of embarrassment and inconvenience in her daily life. Most of these problems are focused around several situations that are important to her. First, at church, she finds herself having difficulty remembering the names of some of the other members of her congregation. When in a crowd of people, she often has trouble remembering what people have told her; she may lose her train of thought or have trouble finding the right words. On several occasions, she has forgotten to put her money into her purse before going to church, and has been embarrassed at being unable to give her offering. Mrs. Smith has played bridge with a small group of women on a weekly basis over the past 12 years. Lately, she notes that she forgets the cards which have been played, and has occasionally even forgotten the bid. While she used to take pride in her ability to do her grocery shopping completely from memory, lately she has relied on making hurried lists on scraps of paper, which she frequently cannot find in her purse. She also misplaces important objects, such as her eyeglasses or purse, while at home. Sometimes she spends hours looking for lost bills or objects. She is also distressed that she is unable to remember friends’ telephone numbers, and relies on her address book for all of this information.
4 Genome Data Drives Change at Culture Collections

Collections of living microbes exist in a number of scales and with different degrees of permanence and formality. Many organizations have an interest in the activities and success of these collections. Modern genome data are both dependent on culture collections and transforming the fundamental nature of the collections at the same time. The ability to apply genomic technology to the identical materials as previous studies provides a rapid path to advanced projects on a variety of topics. Genomic analyses of fungi generated from classical genetic or environmental studies are providing an unprecedented level of detail and can differentiate among isolates once considered identical. New approaches to characterize and index living material in microbial collections may enable rapid identification of novel or desirable genetic traits. Resource allocation for living collections is often made without consideration of the intangible benefits provided by collections, and many collections are in peril of being lost.
Secondary Tumors and Miscellaneous Lesions Involving the Pancreas

Secondary tumors involving the pancreas (metastatic or by direct extension) may not be treated by surgical resection. They are usually suspected with the proper clinical history and imaging techniques. Tissue confirmation may be obtained through fine needle aspiration or biopsy. In some cases, the diagnosis of a primary pancreatic neoplasm is suspected pre-operatively, and the surgeon may be surprised to be told at the time of frozen section (or post-operatively after the evaluation of permanent sections) that a metastasis is a possibility.
Dual-taper modular hip implant: Investigation of 3-dimensional surface scans for component contact, shape, and fit

Abstract Background The etiology of wear particle generation and subsequent corrosion in modular total hip arthroplasty implants likely begins with mechanical fretting. The purpose of this study was to determine geometric features of the male and female taper surfaces that drive stability within the neck-stem junction. Methods Eighteen modular hip components received 3-dimensional surface scans to examine the neck-stem taper junction using an optical scanner. The normal distance between the surfaces of the neck taper as seated in the stem slot was measured and produced a color map of the contact proximity. Contour plots identified surface shape variation and contact. Angle measurements and neck seated depth were analyzed by regression. Results The typical features observed were (1) a vertical line of contact at one end of the transition from the flat surface to the radius surface; (2) a vertical line of contact in the radius surface just past the centerline; (3) a concavity along the flat surface between the neck and stem components; and (4) one of the neck flat surfaces was closer to its mating surface on the stem. The seated depth of the neck was dependent on the taper angles in the flat section of the neck (R2 = 0.5000, P = .0332). Conclusions The shape of the neck and stem tapers deviate from ideal design dimensions, contributing to relative motions between the neck and stem. While these processes are not proven to directly cause implant failure, they may place the implants at higher risk for failure.
Algorithm for Virtual Synchronous Machine Phase Resynchronization

In this paper, the idea of operating parallel inverters to mimic the dynamic stability of a synchronous generator (SG) is investigated when the inertia and damping constants are differed. These inverters are virtual synchronous machines (VSM) due to the replication of the inertial dynamics inherent to the SGs. Instead of using a conventional Phase-Lock Loop (PLL) in order to synchronize distributed generation (DG) to the grid frequency, the swing equation inherent to SG dynamics implemented. Parallel VSM controlled inverters can have behaviors based on the constants of their individual swing equation. This can cause the phase angles to differ beyond IEEE synchronization limits. The proposed algorithm is implemented to correct the phase angle and return parallel VSMs to acceptable operating ranges. Simulation results are performed in PSCAD-EMTDC simulation environment.
Ge1-xSnx alloy quantum dots with composition-tunable energy gaps and near-infrared photoluminescence.

Low-cost, less-toxic, and abundantly-produced Ge1−xSnx alloys are an interesting class of narrow energy-gap semiconductors that received noteworthy interest in optical technologies. Incorporation of α-Sn into Ge results in an indirect-to-direct bandgap crossover significantly improving light absorption and emission relative to indirect-gap Ge. However, the narrow energy-gaps reported for bulk Ge1−xSnx alloys have become a major impediment for their widespread application in optoelectronics. Herein, we report the first colloidal synthesis of Ge1−xSnx alloy quantum dots (QDs) with a narrow size dispersity (3.3 ± 0.5–5.9 ± 0.8 nm), a wide range of Sn compositions (0–20.6%), and composition-tunable energy-gaps and near-infrared (IR) photoluminescence (PL). The structural analysis of the alloy QDs indicates linear expansion of the cubic Ge lattice with increasing Sn, suggesting the formation of strain-free nanoalloys. The successful incorporation of α-Sn into crystalline Ge has been confirmed by electron microscopy, which suggests the homogeneous solid solution behavior of QDs. The quantum confinement effects have resulted in energy gaps that are significantly blue-shifted from bulk Ge for the Ge1−xSnx alloy QDs with composition-tunable absorption onsets (1.72–0.84 eV for x = 1.5–20.6%) and PL peaks (1.62–1.31 eV for x = 1.5–5.6%). Time-resolved PL (TRPL) spectroscopy revealed microsecond and nanosecond timescale decays at 15 K and 295 K, respectively, owing to the radiative recombination of dark and bright excitons as well as the interplay of surface traps and core electronic states. Realization of low-to-non-toxic and silicon-compatible Ge1−xSnx QDs with composition-tunable near-IR PL allows the unprecedented expansion of direct-gap Group IV semiconductors to a wide range of biomedical and advanced technological studies.
Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the most common non-surgical procedures performed in the United States. Excessive, unwanted hair can be seen in all ages, ethnicities and skin types and lasers can help provide a permanent reduction in hair growth. Professional and home-based laser and light systems are both currently available, with professional systems including the 694 nm ruby laser, 755 nm Alexandrite laser, the 800 nm diode laser, the long-pulsed 1,064 nm Neodymium doped: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), and radiofrequency. While generally safe, side effects from laser hair removal are possible and should only be used by trained medical professionals after performing a thorough history and physical examination. This chapter will provide a succinct approach to laser hair removal, including but not limited to available modalities, patient selection, reported side effects and management of care.
GesturePod: Enabling On-device Gesture-based Interaction for White Cane Users

People using white canes for navigation find it challenging to concurrently access devices such as smartphones. Building on prior research on abandonment of specialized devices, we explore a new touch free mode of interaction wherein a person with visual impairment can perform gestures on their existing white cane to trigger tasks on their smartphone. We present GesturePod, an easy-to-integrate device that clips on to any white cane, and detects gestures performed with the cane. With GesturePod, a user can perform common tasks on their smartphone without touch or even removing the phone from their pocket or bag. We discuss the challenges in building the device and our design choices. We propose a novel, efficient machine learning pipeline to train and deploy the gesture recognition model. Our in-lab study shows that GesturePod achieves 92% gesture recognition accuracy and can help perform common smartphone tasks faster. Our in-wild study suggests that GesturePod is a promising tool to improve smartphone access for people with VI, especially in constrained outdoor scenarios.
He Is Just Like Me: A Study of the Long-Term Use of Smart Speakers by Parents and Children

Over the past few years, the technological vision of the HCI and UbiComp communities regarding conversational devices has become manifest in the form of smart speakers such as Google Home and Amazon Echo. Even though millions of households have adopted and integrated these devices into their daily lives, we lack a deep understanding of how different members of a household use such devices. To this end, we conducted interviews with 18 families and collected their Google Home Activity logs to understand the usage patterns of adults and children. Our findings reveal that there are substantial differences in the ways smart speakers are used by adults and children in families over an extended period of time. We report on how parents influence children's use and how different users perceive the devices. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings and provide guidelines for improving the design of future smart speakers and conversational agents.
Microporous Drug Delivery System for Sustained Anti-VEGF Delivery to the Eye.

Purpose To describe a novel microporous drug delivery system (DDS) for sustained anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) delivery to the eye and to evaluate its efficacy in a corneal injury model. Methods A macro-porous DDS (1.5 × 1.5 × 4 mm) loaded with 2 mg of bevacizumab was implanted subconjunctivally in three Dutch-belted pigmented rabbits after corneal alkali injury (2N NaOH). Three rabbits received sham DDS. Animals were followed for three months and assessed in vivo and ex vivo for corneal neovascularization (NV), epithelial defect, stromal scarring, endothelial cell loss, and expression of angiogenic and inflammatory markers in the cornea and retina. Results Anti-VEGF DDS treatment led to complete inhibition of superior cornea NV and complete corneal re-epithelialization by day 58 whereas sham DDS resulted in severe cornea NV and persistent epithelial defect (9%∼12% of total cornea area) through the end of the study. Histologically, anti-VEGF DDS significantly reduced CD45+ and F4/80 CD11b+ cell accumulation (79%, P < 0.05) in the cornea, ameliorated tumor necrosis factor-α expression (90%, P < 0.05), reduced corneal stromal scarring and prevented corneal endothelial cell loss, as compared to sham DDS. Moreover, anti-VEGF DDS achieved retinal penetration and reduction in retinal VEGF levels at 3 months. Conclusions Use of subconjunctival anti-VEGF DDS suppresses cornea NV, inflammation, stromal scarring, prevents endothelial cell loss, and abrogates retinal VEGF upregulation in a rabbit corneal alkali burn model. Moreover, it delivers anti-VEGF antibodies to the retina for three months. This delivery platform could enable antibody therapy of other corneal and retinal vascular pathologies. Translational Relevance We describe a method for sustained anti-VEGF delivery to the eye for the treatment of ocular injuries.
Primary Empty Sella

Primary empty sella (PES) syndrome is a misnomer as it is not a syndrome but a radiological finding with possible endocrine abnormalities. No specific headache type has been shown to be caused by PES. Endocrine screening may be considered for asymptomatic persons with PES.
Disclosure quality and earnings management

Abstract Drawing upon the results of theoretical and empirical research on the relation between corporate disclosure and information asymmetry and on the relation between information asymmetry and earnings management, we hypothesise that the extent of earnings management is negatively related to corporate disclosure quality. We measure disclosure quality using the Association for Investment Management and Research's rankings of corporate disclosure and earnings management using discretionary accruals. Our empirical analysis, conducted on a sample of 803 firm-year observations, supports our hypothesis and provides evidence on management's use of the flexibility afforded under current minimum disclosure requirements to exercise discretion in reporting earnings. © City University of Hong Kong.
Historic Preservation in the City of Beaufort: Considerations for Resilience

Homeowners of historic structures face added difficulties compared to other homeowners when deciding whether and how to adapt their home to increased flooding risks. Due to the cultural significance of historic properties, federal, state and local governments incentivize preservation efforts and regulate what adaptation techniques are available to homeowners. Because household-scale changes are essential to protect historic properties and the future of the tourism industry in Beaufort, this paper seeks to understand how federal and state incentive programs and local government regulatory schemes impact historic preservation efforts. To do so, this paper will first review federal recognition of Beaufort’s historic assets. Second, this paper will describe federal and state incentives (i.e. grants, tax credits and tax assessments) aimed at preserving historic resources. Crucially, while homeowners may be required to undergo adaptation projects that “least impact on the historic character of the building, its site, and setting” in order to be eligible for federal and state incentives, they may still undergo even substantial measures when necessary to protect the historic site, as in the case of flooding. Third, this case study will look at how Beaufort preserves its historic assets through local zoning and planning ordinances. This section will emphasize that Beaufort’s Historic District Review Board (HRB) has broad discretion to approve preservation projects for historic houses through issuing “certificates of appropriateness.” Further, this section will highlight how the HRB can actively promote adaptation to increased flood damage through stabilization of homes determined to be “demolished by neglect.” Fourth, this paper will examine how the city’s local flood damage prevention ordinances, which are required under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), aim to protect all structures at special risk against flood damage. This section will show how Beaufort’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) can promote preservation through carefully considering which historic houses are eligible for variances from these ordinances. Lastly, this paper will take a brief look at how Annapolis, Maryland has used a “resilience guide” to promote historic preservation. Such documents can provide homeowners and local governments with essential guidance on how to safeguard historic properties against damage from flooding.
Contingent access to stimuli associated with cocaine self-administration is required for reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior

In this study, we examined the importance of contingent access to a cocaine-related stimulus in the production of cocaine seeking following extinction of lever responding for cocaine. Rats self-administered cocaine for 2 weeks in daily 3-h sessions under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule. A compound stimulus (tone + light) was presented with each infusion. Following seven daily 3-h extinction sessions, rats were reintroduced to the compound stimulus alone. This stimulus was presented in three ways: (1) contingent on lever pressing, (2) noncontingent, and (3) both contingent and noncontingent. Following 3 more extinction days, rats were again reintroduced to the compound stimulus, yet with contingent access to cocaine. Only the two groups with contingent presentation increased lever responding on the 1st day, while all groups increased responding for cocaine on the 2nd day. The need for contingent access to drug-associated stimuli in the absence of drug to produce drug-seeking behavior may be relevant for studies of neural substrates of relapse.
Early Student Support for the Origins of the Kuroshio and Mindanao Current

Abstract : Autonomous underwater gliders are proving to be valuable tools for ocean sampling, and are being adopted remarkably rapidly by the oceanographic community. Oceanography has been primarily an observational science in the sense that almost every known phenomenon in the ocean was observed before it was predicted theoretically. The primary long-term goal of this project is to demonstrate the use of gliders to address basic scientific problems. Gliders are fulfilling the promise of continuous, sustained observation of the ocean down to length scales on the order of kilometers, a range now commonly termed the submesoscale. Gliders are proving to be especially useful in boundary currents. Glider data are being assimilated into regional ocean models, and because they are sustained in the region of interest, these data are often found to be profoundly influential in the predicted ocean state. We propose to use glider data to address these major issues: the temporal and spatial modulation of the submesoscale, variability of western boundary currents, and the value of glider data in assimilating models. The approach uses data sets that either exist or are currently being collected to address the objectives above. Through a variety of funding, we are compiling rich data sets from various locations around the globe using gliders. In this project, we propose to focus on data from four of these efforts. As part of the ongoing DRI Origins of the Kuroshio and Mindanao Currents, sections across the North Equatorial Current and the Mindanao Current are being continuously occupied in a 4-year effort. An ONR-funded program of glider deployments in the Kuroshio (Luzon Strait) provides continuous observations for the period April 2007-June 2008. With NOAA funding, we are gathering data on the California Current, with the earliest observations dating from 2005. And with NSF funding, we have studied thermohaline structure in the subtropical gyre north of Hawaii.