cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Properties of the Catadioptric Fundamental Matrix

The geometry of two uncalibrated views obtained with a parabolic catadioptric device is the subject of this paper. We introduce the notion of circle space, a natural representation of line images, and the set of incidence preserving transformations on this circle space which happens to equal the Lorentz group. In this space, there is a bilinear constraint on transformed image coordinates in two parabolic catadioptric views involving what we call the catadioptric fundamental matrix. We prove that the angle between corresponding epipolar curves is preserved and that the transformed image of the absolute conic is in the kernel of that matrix, thus enabling a Euclidean reconstruction from two views. We establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for a matrix to be a catadioptric fundamental matrix.
Importance of second-order piezoelectric effects in zinc-blende semiconductors.

We show that the piezoelectric effect that describes the emergence of an electric field in response to a crystal deformation in III-V semiconductors such as GaAs and InAs has strong contributions from second-order effects that have been neglected so far. We calculate the second-order piezoelectric tensors using density-functional theory and obtain the piezoelectric field for $[111]$-oriented ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ quantum wells of realistic dimensions and concentration $x$. We find that the linear and the quadratic piezoelectric coefficients have the opposite effect on the field, and for large strains (large In concentration) the quadratic terms even dominate. Thus, the piezoelectric field turns out to be a rare example of a physical quantity for which the first-order and second-order contributions are of comparable magnitude.
Beam Position Monitor System for Storage Rings

Beam position monitors (BPM) for synchrotron light storage rings usually consist of beam pickup electrodes, coaxial relays and a narrowband receiver. While accurate, these systems are slow and of limited use in the commissioning of an accelerator. A beam position monitor is described which is intended to be a principal diagnostic during debug and routine running of a storage ring. It is capable of measuring the position of a single bunch on the first or nth orbit to an accuracy of a few percent. Stored beam position is more accurately measured with averaging techniques. Beam position changes can be studied in a bandwidth from DC to a few MHz. The beam monitor electronics consist of a separate amplification, detection, and sampling channel for each beam pickup electrode. Fast switches in each channel permit selection of the nth turn for measurement (single bunch mode). A calibration pulse is injected into each channel after beam measurement to permit gain offsets to be measured and removed from the final data. While initially more costly than the usual beam position monitor system, this system will pay for itself in reduced storage ring debug and trouble shooting time.
Nutrition and the Open Abdomen

Adequate nutrition support is critical in the management of patients with an open abdomen. Despite the literature supporting its use in trauma patients, provider concerns and clinical controversies remain regarding the early administration and long-term sequelae of enteral nutrition (EN) therapy in these patients. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical concepts behind the use of the open abdomen, as well as examine the altered nutrition requirements associated with the maintenance of a temporary laparostomy. The rationale for early EN is described, as well as the pros and cons surrounding the use of supplemental parenteral nutrition in those patients unable to meet nutrition goals enterally in a reasonable time frame. Finally, an open abdomen nutrition support algorithm is provided as part of the critical care plan in these patients who represent the sickest of surgical patients.
MICROHABITAT AFFINITIES OF SMALL MAMMALS IN SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA

We assessed the influence of 19 microhabitat factors on the distribution and abundance of small mammals at 60 plots across Fort Sill Military Reservation in Comanche County, Oklahoma. Trapping took place each spring from 1989 to 1992. We collected 15 small mammal species and used 10 of these (Chaetodipus hispidus, Cryptotis parva, Microtus ochrogaster, Neotoma floridana, Peromyscus attwateri, P. leucopus, P. maniculatus, Reithrodontomys fulvescens, R. montanus, and Sigmodon hispidus) in our analyses. Microhabitat variables for each mammal species were evaluated as unweighted measures based on the presence or absence of each species at a plot and as weighted measures based on the abundance of each species at each plot. Both weighted and unweighted data were subjected to cluster analysis, principal components analysis, and discriminant-function analysis. General trends of the microhabitat affinities of species in each cluster were summarized on principal components. Four species (C. hispidus, N. floridana, P. attwateri, and P. leucopus) occupied barren or rocky areas with a tall herbaceous or woody canopy, and 6 species (C. parva, M. ochrogaster, P. maniculatus, R. fulvescens, R. montanus, and S. hispidus) preferred open grassy areas. Weighted discriminant analysis produced better predictive accuracy (75% correctly classified) than the unweighted data (63% correctly classified). Total number of broadleaf trees and rocky ground cover were the most important factors in discriminating among groups.
Newport Green, a fluorescent sensor of weakly bound cellular Zn2+: competition with proteome for Zn2+

Newport Green (NPG) is a recognized sensor of cellular Zn2+ that displays fluorescence enhancement upon binding to Zn2+. Because of its modest affinity for Zn2+, the extent of its capacity to bind cellular Zn2+ is unclear. The present study investigated the range of reactivity of NPGESTER with cells, isolated (Zn)-proteome, and model Zn-proteins. The sensor accumulated in pig kidney LLC-PK1 cells and was slowly (>40 min) hydrolyzed to the fluorescent, acid form, NPGACID. The powerful, cell permeant Zn2+ chelator, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine (TPEN) failed to quench the growing fluorescence emission, indicating that Zn–NPGACID had not formed and NPG–Zn-protein adduct species probably were not present. Furthermore, NPGACID did not bind to Zn-carbonic anhydrase or Zn-alcohol dehydrogenase, two proteins that form adducts with some other sensors. Strikingly, most of the NPGACID that had been converted from NPGESTER was detected in the extracellular medium not the cells. As a result, after cells were incubated with NPGESTER and then Zn-pyrithione to raise the internal concentration of mobile Zn2+, Zn–NPGACID was only observed in the external medium. Residual cellular NPGACID was unable to bind extra intracellular Zn2+ delivered by pyrithione. Proteome isolated from the sonicated cell supernatant was also unreactive with NPGACID. Titration of proteome or glutathione with Zn2+ in the presence of NPGACID revealed that NPGACID only weakly competes for mobile Zn2+ in the presence of these cellular components. In addition, when proteomic Zn2+ was released by a nitric oxide donor or N-ethyl-maleimide, little Zn2+ was detected by NPGACID. However, exposure to nitric oxide independently enhanced the fluorescence properties of NPGACID. Thus, the biochemical properties of NPG related to cellular Zn2+ chelation deepen the question of how it functions as a Zn2+ sensor.
CyberCIEGE Scenario Design and Implementation

In 2005, the initial version of CyberCIEGE, a network security simulation packaged as a video game, was released. Since then, we have developed a suite of game scenarios and have enhanced and extended the underlying game engine to cover a broad set of cybersecurity concepts. CyberCIEGE includes a Scenario Development Kit to customize existing game scenarios and create new ones. A Scenario Development Language lets instructors express security policies of interest and the circumstances in which these policies must be enforced. This language programs and augments the underlying CyberCIEGE simulation, enabling context-rich interaction with students, while relying on the simulation to assess network security and enterprise productivity. Scenario creation requires both story telling and highlevel programming techniques. Scenario designers use a forms-based integrated development environment to express a scenario in terms of its initial conditions, security policies, economic constraints, and student feedback.
Abstract 558: Microchanneled Polysaccharide Hydrogel Laden With Endothelial Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells With VEGF Facilitate Formation of Vascular Structures and Are Effective for Repairing Tissue Ischemia

Various hydrogels are used to create vascular structure in vitro or to improve cell engraftment to overcome low cell survival in vivo, a main hurdle for bare cell therapy Recently we developed a modified alginate hydrogel within which microchannels are aligned to guide the direction and spatial organization of loaded cells. We investigated whether these cell constructs in which HUVECs and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are co-loaded in this novel microchanneled hydrogel facilitate formation of vessels in vitro and in vivo, and enhance recovery of hindlimb ischemia. We crafted a modified alginate hydrogel which has microchannels, incorporates a cell adhesion peptide RGD, and was encapsulated with VEGF. We then compared vascular structure formation between the HUVEC only (2 x 105 cells) group and the HUVEC plus hMSC group. In the HUVEC+hMSC group, we mixed HUVECs and hMSCs at the ratio of 3:1. For cell tracking, we labeled HUVECs with DiO, a green fluorescence dye. After loading cells into the microch...
Privacy in the Cloud

The rise of cloud computing has changed the way of using computing services and resources. Consciously or unconsciously, people are enjoying the services provided by the cloud when they access Gmail, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Microsoft Office Live, or run hundreds of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances for processing large-scale data. Due to the high demand for cloud-based services, cloud computing has emerged as the dominant computing paradigm in recent years. Besides that, the flexibility and cost savings made possible through migration to the cloud infrastructure, have encouraged many companies to use cloud computing for their critical applications. However, the advantages of clouds come with increased security and privacy risks. Today’s cloud computing platforms face important challenges for protecting the confidentiality and privacy of data and applications outsourced to cloud infrastructures. Multi-tenancy and other inherent properties of the cloud computing model have introduced novel attack surfaces and threats to users’ privacy. Unless the privacy issues are resolved, cloud computing cannot and should not be used for sensitive applications, such as financial transactions or medical records, where privacy and confidentiality of users are crucial. In this chapter, we present the privacy issues in cloud computing systems and discuss the state-of-the-art solutions and open problems.
Pollen gene flow and molecular identification of full-sib families in small and isolated population fragments of Gleditsia triacanthos L.

To analyze the utility of isolated remnant populations for full-sibling (full-sib) identification among open-pollinated single-tree progeny in the outcrossing and insect-pollinated tree Gleditsia t...
ADAM17 Inhibitors Attenuate Corneal Epithelial Detachment Induced by Mustard Exposure.

PURPOSE Sulfur mustard, nitrogen mustard (NM), and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide all cause corneal injury with epithelial-stromal separation, differing only by degree. Injury can resolve in a few weeks or develop into chronic corneal problems. These vesicants induce microbullae at the epithelial-stromal junction, which is partially caused by cleavage of transmembranous hemidesmosomal collagen XVII, a component anchoring the epithelium to the stroma. ADAM17 is an enzyme involved in wound healing and is able to cleave collagen XVII. The activity of ADAM17 was inhibited in vesicant-exposed corneas by four different hydroxamates, to evaluate their therapeutic potential when applied 2 hours after exposure, thereby allowing ADAM17 to perform its early steps in wound healing. METHODS Rabbit corneal organ cultures exposed to NM for 2 hours were washed, then incubated at 37°C for 22 hours, with or without one of the four hydroxamates (dose range, 0.3-100 nmol in 20 μL, applied four times). Corneas were analyzed by light and immunofluorescence microscopy, and ADAM17 activity assays. RESULTS Nitrogen mustard-induced corneal injury showed significant activation of ADAM17 levels accompanying epithelial-stromal detachment. Corneas treated with hydroxamates starting 2 hours post exposure showed a dose-dependent ADAM17 activity inhibition up to concentrations of 3 nmol. Of the four hydroxamates, NDH4417 (N-octyl-N-hydroxy-2-[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl] acetamide) was most effective for inhibiting ADAM17 and retaining epithelial-stromal attachment. CONCLUSIONS Mustard exposure leads to corneal epithelial sloughing caused, in part, by the activation of ADAM17 at the epithelial-stromal junction. Select hydroxamate compounds applied 2 hours after NM exposure mitigated epithelial-stromal separation.
Growth performance and behavioral patterns of pigs infested with sarcoptic mites (Acari: Sarcoptidae).

Two studies were conducted to evaluate growth performance of pigs artificially infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis (De Geer). Results of one study, conducted for 10 wk during November 1984 to February 1985, showed that twice-infested pigs (with mean lesion score of 2.2, based on a scale of 0–4) had significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed efficiency (F/G) than once and uninfested pigs 6 wk after infestation. No differences in ADG or F/G were observed during the final 4 wk of the observation period. Behavioral observations indicated no differences in standing, lying, ingesting (feeding and drinking), and rooting activities during sarcoptic mite infestation. When growth performance of twice and uninfested pigs was compared in a second study conducted for 5 wk during March 1985, no differences were observed in ADG and F/G after infestation. Results indicated that certain levels of sarcoptic mange did not adversely affect growth performance of pigs. A field evaluation indicated that treatment for sarcoptic mange did not improve ADG in naturally infested animals. Economic significance of these results is discussed.
Investigation of In Vitro Release of Cisplatin from Electrostatically Crosslinked Chitosan-Alginate Nanoparticles

The major aim of this study was to design chitosan/alginate nanoparticles as swelling controlled drug release system for anticancer drugs. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR and transmission electron microscopy analysis and their biocompatibility and in vitro cytotoxicity were evaluated. The nanoparticles were loaded with widely used anticancer drug, cisplatin, and controlled release of drug was investigated to observe the effects of various parameters such as percent loading of the drug, pH, temperature, and nature of release media on the release profiles. The release of cisplatin was also studied in various simulated biological fluids.
New drug therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) can be inhibited by smoking cessation. As adjunct drugs, nicotine replacement therapy and an antidepressant bupropion are found to improve the abstinence rate from smoking. The mainstay of drug therapy of COPD consists of bronchodilators. Inhaled long-acting anticholinergic agents are in development. Inhaled long-acting beta 2-agonists are newly available. Theophylline has weak antiinflammatory effects. The significance of corticosteroids and mucolytic drugs in stable COPD is yet to be elucidated. In severely hypoxemic patients with COPD long-term domicillary oxygen therapy improves the survival rate. There is no drug therapy which can prevent the long-term deterioration of pulmonary function in patients with COPD. New class of drugs are now in development.
Union Density and Women’s Relative Wage Gains

The drive to improve wages and working conditions which ac-companied the industrial revolutions in democratic countries has primarily been a men’s movement. In virtually all countries, the vast majority of strikes have been in industries in which men predominate and union leadership has tended to be a male prerogative. In part this is explicable in terms of the greater importance of wage work to men than to women since the early stages of the industrial revolution. In a number of countries women’s employment was crucial in the early stages of industrialisation, yet many women tended to see wage work as occupying brief periods in their lives rather than as a lifetime commitment.
Kids vs. Adults: Using Observations and Student Surveys to Evaluate the Arkansas Teacher Corps

This study is an evaluation of the Arkansas Teacher Corps, an alternative teacher certification program that places teachers in high needs schools in rural, southern Arkansas. This evaluation focuses on an intermediate goal of the organization — effective teaching practices — and uses a matching strategy to determine the effectiveness of Arkansas Teacher Corps Fellows. Data comes from third party observations and student surveys. ATC teachers are rated significantly higher on constructs of content knowledge, teacher-student relationships in class, and teacher-student relationships out of class by students. There are no significant differences between ATC and non-ATC teachers noted by observers or on other constructs measured by student surveys.
16×16 pixel silicon on sapphire CMOS digital pixel photosensor array

A report on a 16×16 pixel digital pixel photosensor array fabricated in silicon on sapphire CMOS technology is presented. The integrated current from integrated pin photodiodes is converted into a pulse density modulated address event stream at the pixel level. An arbitrated asynchronous interface is employed to output the digital data. The transparency of the sapphire substrate allows imaging from both the back and front side, opening possibilities for new and novel applications of CMOS photosensor arrays.
A COMPARISON OF THE OXIDASE TEST AND THE WISCONSIN MASTITIS TEST FOR THE DETECTION OF ABNORMAL MILK1

An oxidase reaction with tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine hydrochloride (TMPD) was carried out in 179 samples of raw milk. Results of the oxidase test were compared with those of the Wisconsin Mastitis Test (WMT). With an increase in the. WMT value, particularly above 20, the percentage of samples with TMPD in the leuco form increased. With WMT values ranging from 25 to 35, this percentage ranged from 86 to 94.
Effects of Potassium Sorbate on Growth and Ochratoxin Production by Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium Species1,2

Effects of potassium sorbate on growth and ochratoxin production by Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 and Penicillium sp. isolated from cheese were studied. Potassium sorbate at 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15% delayed or prevented spore germination and initiation of growth, and decreased the rate of growth of both organisms in yeast-extract sucrose (YES) broth at 12°C. However, at 25°C germination and growth of A. ochraceus was more rapid. Increasing concentrations of sorbate caused more variation in the amount of total mycelial growth of Penicillium sp. and generally resulted in a decrease in total mycelial mass. Potassium sorbate also greatly reduced or prevented production of ochratoxin by Penicillium sp. for up to 70 d at 12°C. At 0.05 and 0.10% sorbate, ochratoxin production was greatly reduced over the control, and was eliminated at 0.15%. Overall, ochratoxin production by Penicillium sp. in the presence of sorbate was very low or eliminated. On the other hand, A. ochraceus responded somewhat differently to sorb...
The Plasma Concentrations of the Anorexigenic PYY and Orexigenic Ghrelin Decrease and Increase Respectively during Chemotherapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, as the Leukemic Burden Is Gradually Eliminated and the Body Weight Improves.

Abstract Anorexia and cachexia are common manifestations in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at diagnosis. Possible mediators of the anorexia-cachexia syndrome are hormones, cytokines, and adipokines from peripheral tissues, and neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, cytokines, and other hormones in the hypothalamus. Peptide YY (PYY) and ghrelin are gastrointestinal track-derived hormones involved in the short- and long-term regulation of food intake and energy balance. PYY, synthesized mainly by endocrine cells of the terminal ileum and colon, is released into the systemic circulation in response to a meal and participates in signalling the end of the meal at the hypothalamus. PYY exerts its pro-satiety actions possibly through an Y2 receptor-mediated mechanism. Ghrelin, secreted predominantly from X/A-like endocrine cells of the oxyntic glands of the stomach, is primarily secreted in the fasting state, with plasma concentrations falling within one hour of a meal. Its role in food intake and energy balance is opposite to that of PYY, as it exerts orexigenic effects through activation of the hypothalamic neuropeptide Y-Y1 (NPY-Y1) pathway. We evaluated the secretion of PYY and ghrelin at diagnosis and during chemotherapy in children with ALL. Ten patients aged 2-7years were included in this perspective study. All patients were treated following the same protocol (HOPDA97)1. A physical examination was performed and blood chemistries were evaluated by standard techniques. Preprandial PYY and active ghrelin levels were determined by specific radioimmunoassays (Linco Research, Inc., USA). Measurements were performed at diagnosis prior to chemotherapy and at several time points prior to each next cycle of chemotherapy for up to 18 months (6–10 measurements per patient). Baseline PYY levels were 213.2±85.3pg/ml, increased significantly to 283.9±72.9pg/ml after the induction and consolidation phase of chemotherapy, and returned progressively to pre-treatment levels at the 6th cycle of the maintenance phase. Baseline active ghrelin concentrations at diagnosis were low (32.6±8.6pg/ml), fluctuated throughout the study period and stabilized at significantly higher levels (57.4±31.6pg/ml) after the 8th cycle of maintenance phase of chemotherapy. These data suggest that in children with ALL and anorexia-cachexia the levels of PYY decrease with time, as the leukemic burden is eliminated. In contrast, active ghrelin levels are relatively low at diagnosis, remain low during the early cycles of chemotherapy, but normalize with the elimination of the leukemic burden, paralleling the body weight gain trajectory.
Community Economic Development Service Learning in and Online Class

Community service learning is a natural pedagogical tool for economic development-related classes in higher education. This paper provides fellow faculty with some community service ideas that have been tested in an undergraduate economic geography class. In particular, these projects have served community and state organizations within a class that is delivered in an entirely online format.
A world of homeowners: American power and the politics of housing aid

Nancy Kwak’s book is a brilliant study of US attempts at exporting the idea of mortgage-driven and state-regulated private homeownership to the developing world after the Second World War. As the U...
Planetary Boundary Layer Modeling and Standard Provisions for Supertall Building Design.

AbstractAccording to recent results of planetary boundary layer research relevant to the design of tall buildings subjected to large-scale synoptic storm winds, for elevations of up to at least 1 k...
Interspinous implants to treat spinal stenosis

Purpose of review Lumbar spinal stenosis has historically been treated with open decompressive surgery which is associated with significant morbidity and may give rise to various complications. Interspinous spacers (ISS) have been developed as a less invasive strategy which may serve to avoid many of these risks. The two current spacers that are FDA approved and commercially available are the Coflex and Superion devices. The goal is to review these two implants, their indications, and patient selection.
Cell-free tumor DNA and TERT promoter mutations in bladder cancer.

353Background: Currently, there are no FDA-approved blood biomarkers for the prognosis or prediction of outcomes in urothelial carcinoma (UC). The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter is recurrently mutated at high frequency in UC (50%). These mutations have been correlated with tumor recurrence and survival. Tumor cell-free DNA (cfDNA) with somatic genomic alterations can be found in the plasma of cancer patients and has the potential for use as a non-invasive cancer biomarker. Detection of TERT promoter mutations in cfDNA might be used as a prognostic tool to monitor disease outcome in UC patients. We set out to detect tumor cfDNA and TERT promoter mutations in cfDNA from patients with UC at different stages. Methods: UC patients receiving chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant, first or second-line metastatic setting had blood collected either before or during therapy. cfDNA was isolated from ~1ml plasma samples using the QIAmp (Qiagen) kit. Samples underwent ultra-low pass whole genome sequencing...
Mass and charge transport relevant to the formation of toroidal lithium peroxide nanoparticles in an aprotic lithium-oxygen battery: An experimental and theoretical modeling study

The discharge and charge mechanisms of rechargeable Li-O2 batteries have been the subject of extensive investigation recently. However, they are not fully understood yet. Here we report a systematic study of the morphological transition of Li2O2 from a single crystalline structure to a toroid like particle during the discharge–charge cycle, with the help of a theoretical model to explain the evolution of the Li2O2 at different stages of this process. The model suggests that the transition starts in the first monolayer of Li2O2, and is subsequently followed by a transition from particle growth to film growth if the applied current exceeds the exchange current for the oxygen reduction reaction in a Li-O2 cell. Furthermore, a sustainable mass transport of the diffusive active species (e.g., O2 and Li+) and evolution of the underlying interfaces are critical to dictate desirable oxygen reduction (discharge) and evolution (charge) reactions in the porous carbon electrode of a Li-O2 cell.
Association of Circulating Transfer RNA fragments with antibody response to Mycoplasma bovis in beef cattle

High throughput sequencing allows identification of small non-coding RNAs. Transfer RNA Fragments are a class of small non-coding RNAs, and have been identified as being involved in inhibition of gene expression. Given their role, it is possible they may be involved in mediating the infection-induced defense response in the host. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify 5′ transfer RNA fragments (tRF5s) associated with a serum antibody response to M. bovis in beef cattle. The tRF5s encoding alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, lysine, proline, selenocysteine, threonine, and valine were associated (P < 0.05) with antibody response against M. bovis. tRF5s encoding alanine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, lysine, proline, selenocysteine, threonine, and valine were associated (P < 0.05) with season, which could be attributed to calf growth. There were interactions (P < 0.05) between antibody response to M. bovis and season for tRF5 encoding selenocysteine (anticodon UGA), proline (anticodon CGG), and glutamine (anticodon TTG). Selenocysteine is a rarely used amino acid that is incorporated into proteins by the opal stop codon (UGA), and its function is not well understood. Differential expression of tRF5s was identified between ELISA-positive and negative animals. Production of tRF5s may be associated with a host defense mechanism triggered by bacterial infection, or it may provide some advantage to a pathogen during infection of a host. Further studies are needed to establish if tRF5s could be used as a diagnostic marker of chronic exposure.
Some Features of Unsteady Separating Turbulent Boundary Layers

A survey of the physical features of steady and unsteady separating turbulent boundary layers is presented for practical Reynolds numbers and reduced frequencies for helicopter and turbomachinery flows. Well upstream of separation there is little interaction between the periodic motions, so the flow away from the wall has little phase variation from the freestream. Near the wall between the viscous sublayer and the semi-logarithmic region, unexpected phase shifts of the velocity and turbulence oscillations occur.
Breeding for β-glucan content in elite North American oat (Avena sativa L.) using molecular markers

Genomic selection (GS) is a method to estimate the breeding values of individuals by using markers distributed throughout the genome. We evaluated the accuracies of GS using data from five traits on 446 oat lines genotyped with 1005 Diversity Array Technology (DArT) markers and two GS methods (RR-BLUP and BayesCπ) under various training designs. Our objectives were to: 1) determine accuracy under increasing marker density and training population size; 2) assess accuracies when data is divided over time; and 3) examine accuracy in the presence of population structure. Accuracy increased as the number of markers and training size become larger. Including older lines in the training population 2 Reprinted with permission from The Plant Genome 4:132-144. 2 Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011. 3 USDA-ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, IA, USA 50011 4 USDA-ARS, R.W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA. 5 Primary researcher and author. *Corresponding author( jeanluc.jannink@ars.usda.gov).
Preoperative Outcome Scores are Predictive of Achieving the Minimal Clinically Important Difference After Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects of the Knee with Osteochondral Grafts

Objectives:Osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) and fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) are popular cartilage restoration techniques that involve the single-stage implantation of ...
Traumatic versus Idiopathic Benign Positional Vertigo: Analysis of Disease, Treatment, and Outcome Characteristics.

ObjectiveTo compare characteristics between traumatic and idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) focusing on outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingHigh-volume terti...
D2D Data Offloading in Vehicular Networks with Delivery Time Selection

Within the framework of a Device-to-Device (D2D) data offloading system for cellular networks, we propose a Content Delivery Management System (CDMS) in which the instant for transmitting a content to a requesting node, through a D2D communication, is selected to minimize the energy consumption required for transmission. The proposed system is particularly fit to highly dynamic scenarios, such as vehicular networks, where the network topology changes at a rate which is comparable with the order of magnitude of the delay tolerance. Through extensive system level simulations, we compare the energy consumed by the devices to perform D2D data offloading using the proposed scheme with the energy consumed when using a benchmark scheme (proposed in previous works) without optimal transmission instant selection. The results show that, in specific scenarios, compared to the benchmark system in which the transmission instant is not optimized, the proposed system allows a reduction of the energy consumed for D2D communications above 90%.
Correcting Deletions in Probabilistic Non-Binary Segmented Burst Deletion Channels

Consider a burst deletion channel where in a block of L consecutive non-binary symbols at most a single burst deletion of length b symbols exists. Existing schemes for this scenario leverage non-binary de Bruijn sequences to perfectly locate deletions. In contrast, we propose to solely use binary marker patterns in combination with a new soft-decision decoder. In this scheme, deletions are soft located by assigning a posteriori probabilities for the location of every burst deletion event of length of at most b, and replaced by erasures, then the resulting errors are further corrected by an outer channel code. Such a scheme has an advantage over the non-binary scheme as it in general increases the rate compared to an approach based on non-binary de Bruijn sequences, with only a minor loss in performance of locating a deletion error. Also, the proposed scheme provides a better error correction performance than existing schemes for the same code rate.
Does interbody cage lordosis impact actual segmental lordosis achieved in minimally invasive lumbar spine fusion

OBJECTIVE In an effort to prevent loss of segmental lordosis (SL) with minimally invasive interbody fusions, manufacturers have increased the amount of lordosis that is built into interbody cages. However, the relationship between cage lordotic angle and actual SL achieved intraoperatively remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if the lordotic angle manufactured into an interbody cage impacts the change in SL during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) done for degenerative pathology. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of a single-surgeon database of adult patients who underwent primary LIF between April 2017 and December 2018. Procedures were performed for 1-2-level lumbar degenerative disease using contemporary MIS techniques, including transforaminal LIF (TLIF), lateral LIF (LLIF), and anterior LIF (ALIF). Surgical levels were classified on lateral radiographs based on the cage lordotic angle (6°-8°, 10°-12°, and 15°-20°) and the position of the cage in the disc space (anterior vs posterior). Change in SL was the primary outcome of interest. Subgroup analyses of the cage lordotic angle within each surgical approach were also conducted. RESULTS A total of 116 surgical levels in 98 patients were included. Surgical approaches included TLIF (56.1%), LLIF (32.7%), and ALIF (11.2%). There were no differences in SL gained by cage lordotic angle (2.7° SL gain with 6°-8° cages, 1.6° with 10°-12° cages, and 3.4° with 15°-20° cages, p = 0.581). Subgroup analysis of LLIF showed increased SL with 15° cages only (p = 0.002). The change in SL was highest after ALIF (average increase 9.8° in SL vs 1.8° in TLIF vs 1.8° in LLIF, p < 0.001). Anterior position of the cage in the disc space was also associated with a significantly greater gain in SL (4.2° vs -0.3°, p = 0.001), and was the only factor independently correlated with SL gain (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Compared with cage lordotic angle, cage position and approach play larger roles in the generation of SL in 1-2-level MIS for lumbar degenerative disease.
Accommodative Exercises to Lower Intraocular Pressure.

Purpose. This study investigated how a conscious change in ocular accommodation affects intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular biometrics in healthy adult volunteers of different ages. Methods. Thirty-five healthy volunteers without ocular disease or past ocular surgery, and with refractive error between −3.50 and +2.50 diopters, were stratified into 20, 40, and 60 year old (y.o.) age groups. Baseline measurements of central cornea thickness, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber angle, cornea diameter, pupil size, and ciliary muscle thickness were made by autorefraction and optical coherence tomography (OCT), while IOP was measured by pneumotonometry. Each subject’s right eye focused on a target 40 cm away. Three different tests were performed in random order: (1) 10 minutes of nonaccommodation (gazing at the target through lenses that allowed clear vision without accommodating), (2) 10 minutes of accommodation (addition of a minus 3 diopter lens), and (3) 10 minutes of alternating between accommodation and nonaccommodation (1-minute intervals). IOP was measured immediately after each test. A 20-minute rest period was provided between tests. Data from 31 subjects were included in the study. ANOVA and paired t-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results. Following alternating accommodation, IOP decreased by 0.7 mmHg in the right eye when all age groups were combined ( = 0.029). Accommodation or nonaccommodation alone did not decrease IOP. Compared to the 20 y.o. group, the 60 y.o. group had a thicker ciliary muscle within 75 μm of the scleral spur, a thinner ciliary muscle at 125–300 μm from the scleral spur, narrower anterior chamber angles, shallower anterior chambers, and smaller pupils during accommodation and nonaccommodation ( ’s < 0.01). Conclusion. Alternating accommodation, but not constant accommodation, significantly decreased IOP. This effect was not lost with aging despite physical changes to the aging eye. A greater accommodative workload and/or longer test period may improve the effect.
Abstract 13178: Attainment of LDL-C Goals is Associated With Measures of Patient Engagement With Their Healthcare Providers

Introduction: Achieving optimal levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduces risk of cardiovascular events. We have found substantial gaps in LDL-C goal attainment in employees and...
Korea’s Growth Prospects: Overcoming Demographics and COVID-19

Korea’s economy has leaped to high-income status thanks to several decades of sustained high growth. However, population aging and shifts in global demand provide headwinds for future growth and Korea now faces the effects of COVID-19 on economic activity. This paper asseses the expected drag on potential growth from these factors and discusses policies that could provide offsetting upward momentum by facilitating structural transformation. We find that potential output growth slowed to about 2½ percent before the COVID-19 pandemic and would have fallen to 2 percent by 2030, mainly due to demographic factors. Moreover, there is a possibility of scarring from the COVID-19 shock as adjustment frictions from structural rigidities interact with shifts in demand and supply patterns, lowering investment and labor force participation. At the same time, industry-level analysis suggests ample scope to raise productivity, especially in services where productivity gains have lagged. Addressing these rigidities could offset a large proportion of the expected downward pressure on potential output.
Constraining PERMANOVA and LDM to within-set comparisons by projection improves the efficiency of analyses of matched sets of microbiome data.

Matched-set data arise frequently in microbiome studies. For example, we may collect pre- and post-treatment samples from a set of individuals, or use important confounding variables to match data from case participants to one or more control participants. Thus, there is a need for statistical methods for data comprised of matched sets, to test hypotheses against traits of interest (e.g., clinical outcomes or environmental factors) at the community level and/or the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) level. Optimally, these methods should accommodate complex data such as those with unequal sample sizes across sets, confounders varying within sets, and continuous traits of interest. PERMANOVA is a commonly used distance-based method for testing hypotheses at the community level. We have also developed the linear decomposition model (LDM) that unifies the community-level and OTU-level tests into one framework. Here we present a new strategy that can be used with both PERMANOVA and the LDM for analyzing matched-set data. We propose to include an indicator variable for each set as covariates, so as to constrain comparisons between samples within a set, and also permute traits within each set, which can account for exchangeable sample correlations. The flexible nature of PERMANOVA and the LDM allows discrete or continuous traits or interactions to be tested, within-set confounders to be adjusted, and unbalanced data to be fully exploited. Our simulations indicate that our proposed strategy outperformed alternative strategies, including the commonly used one that utilizes restricted permutation only, in a wide range of scenarios. Using simulation, we also explored optimal designs for matched-set studies. The flexibility of PERMANOVA and the LDM for a variety of matched-set microbiome data is illustrated by the analysis of data from two real studies. Including set indicator variables and permuting within sets when analyzing matched-set data with PERMANOVA or the LDM is a strategy that performs well and is capable of handling the complex data structures that frequently occur in microbiome studies.
Utilizing Simtronics SPM 700 distillation in engineering unit operation laboratory

This paper introduces a novel virtual method to conduct continuous distillation experiment in an undergraduate unit operation laboratory with the help of SPM 700 Distillation Column, one of the mod...
“Déjà Vu all over again?”: The Mexican crisis and the stabilization of Uruguay in the 1970s

Abstract Comparing the 1978–1982 Uruguayan stabilization with the 1990–1994 Mexican experience reveals that exchange rate based stabilization tends to increase the economy's vulnerability to unexpected shocks. An exchange rate rule, with full capital mobility, can only succeed if compatible financial policies are strictly adhered to — even when severe negative shocks take place — and if reliance on persistent capital inflows is not essential. This requires monetary restraint, even under serious recessionary conditions, and tight fiscal policies to moderate interest rates. The epilogues of both experiences demonstrate that abandoning the exchange rate rule in the wake of a shock, even if inevitable, makes future stabilization more difficult.
Richard Rorty, Liberalism and Cosmopolitanism

Richard Rorty was one of the most controversial and influential philosophers of the late twentieth century. Known primarily for his attacks on truth and the idea that knowledge is a ‘mirror of nature’, his contribution as a humanist and a great moralist has been overlooked by recent scholarship. McClean re-evaluates Rorty’s work in the light of his liberal cosmopolitan outlook, showing how it can be applied to a range of social and political issues, including international terrorism, religious fundamentalism, neo-liberalism, sexual politics and business culture.
Health Benefits of Outdoor Recreation: Implications for Health Education.

(1990). Health Benefits of Outdoor Recreation: Implications for Health Education. Health Education: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 16-21.
Statistically optimized biopsy strategy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer

Presents a method for optimizing prostate needle biopsy, by creating a statistical atlas of the spatial distribution of prostate cancer from a large patient cohort. In order to remove inter-individual morphological variability and to determine the true variability in the spatial distribution of cancer within the prostate, an adaptive-focus deformable model (AFDM) is first used to register and normalize the prostate samples. A probabilistic method is then developed to select the prostate biopsy strategy that the greatest chance of detecting prostate cancer. For a test set of data from 20 prostate subjects, five needle locations are adequate to detect the tumor 100% of the time. Furthermore, results on the accuracy of deformable registration and the predictive power of our statistically optimized biopsy strategy are presented in this paper.
Bork's 'Legislative Intent' and the Courts

Robert H. Bork’s influence upon modern antitrust law is difficult to overstate. One of his lasting legacies is his analysis of the legislative history, text, and structure of the Sherman Act, which led him to conclude the intent of the Congress passing it was to maximize consumer welfare and economic efficiency. That conclusion was adopted by the Supreme Court in 1979 and has formed the foundation for antitrust policy and enforcement ever since. This article explains the rationale for Bork’s “consumer welfare” thesis, recounts the history of its rise and the objections it engendered from other academics, and summarizes its salutary effect upon antitrust law and business practices.
New step growth polymers via reissert compound chemistry

Reissert compounds are the result of the formal addition of acyl cyanides across the CH=N bonds of aromatic heterocyclic compounds or acyclic imines. The chemistry of this class of compounds is primarily based upon the acidity of the CH(CN)-NCOR moiety and the nucleophilic reactivity of the conjugate base. Three methodologies for application of this chemistry to the synthesis of polymers are summarized: 1) formation of polyamides by the “Reissert reaction” of suitable difunctional imines and diacid chlorides, 2) condensation of the anions of difunctional Reissert compounds with dielectrophiles such as dihaloalkanes and dialdehydes and 3) use of Reissert compound chemistry to construct novel monomers for use in traditional condensation polymerizations. All three methodologies are proven to be effective in the production of nitrogen containing polymers.
A convective diffusion model for the scavenging of submicron aerosol particles by snow crystals of arbitrary shapes - some comments and corrections

Wang (1985) published a convective diffusion model for determining the scavenging efficiency of submicron aerosol particles by snow crystals of arbitrary shapes. There was a typographic error in one of the equations which needs to be corrected. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a few questions raised to me by some readers. Eq. 12 of Wang (1985) reads: n=n~ {exp ]B( ~o ~ ) /D~ ]/ [exp(B~o/Dfp) -1] } (1) This should be corrected as: n=n~ {exp [B(~o ~ ) /D~ ] -1 } / [exp(B~o/D~) 1 ] (2) Eq. 2 is the correct solution of the convective diffusion equation (eq. 9 of Wang, 1985 ): ~ D ~ n B F " Vn=0 (3) where: ~ = _ j7¢ (4)
A survey of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy use in the United States

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to assess the current level of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) use in the United States. METHODS Three-hundred thirty-three randomly selected radiation oncologists were sent a 13-question survey regarding IMRT use. IMRT users were asked about the number of patients and sites treated, their reasons for adopting IMRT, and future plans for its use. Physicians who did not use IMRT were asked about their reasons for not using IMRT; whether they intended to adopt it in the future; and, if so, their reasons. RESULTS One-hundred sixty-eight responses (50.5%) were received. Fifty-four respondents (32.1%) stated that they currently used IMRT. Most IMRT users (79.6%) had adopted IMRT since 2000. Academic physicians were more likely to use IMRT (P = 0.003) compared with private practitioners. The percent of physicians using IMRT in practices comprised of 1 physician, 2–4 physicians, or > 4 physicians were 15.4%, 28.4%, and 44.2%, respectively (P = 0.02). The most common sites treated were head and neck malignancies and genitourinary tumors. Of the 114 IMRT nonusers, 96.5% planned to use IMRT in the future, with 91.8% planning to use IMRT within 3 years. Among IMRT nonusers, the most common reason cited for not using IMRT was lack of necessary equipment. The most common reasons for adopting IMRT (users) or wanting to adopt IMRT (nonusers) were to improve delivery of conventional doses and to escalate dose. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-third of radiation oncologists in the United States use IMRT. However, this number appears to be growing rapidly. Efforts to ensure the safe and appropriate application of this new technology are warranted. Cancer 2003;98:204–11. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11489