cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maximum weight digital regions decomposable into digital star-shaped regions

We consider an optimization version of the image segmentation problem, in which we are given a grid graph with weights on the grid cells. We are interested in finding the maximum weight subgraph such that the subgraph can be decomposed into two "star-shaped" images. We show that this problem can be reduced to the problem of finding a maximum-weight closed set in an appropriately defined directed graph which is well known to have efficient algorithms which run very fast in practice. We also show that finding a maximum-weight subgraph that is decomposable into m star-shaped objects is NP-hard for some m >2.
Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 400,000 new cases of leishmaniasis occur worldwide each year. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is being encountered more frequently in the United States because of increasing travel and immigration from endemic areas. The indications for treatment and recommended treatment regimens reported in the infectious disease and dermatology literature vary widely. We examine both classic and newly developed therapeutic agents and modalities for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Proper therapy depends on species identification. New World leishmaniasis, in general, requires more aggressive therapy; parenteral antimonials are the drugs of choice. Physical modalities may suffice in most cases of Old World leishmaniasis because of its strong tendency toward spontaneous resolution. Learning objective : At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to outline both the classic and the newly developed agents and modalities used to treat various forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Guidelines for the use of pair programming in a freshman programming class

Undergraduate freshman programming classes are conventionally organized such that individual students complete a set of concept-specific and unrelated programming assignments. This structure does not prepare students for future collaborative efforts or for the future use of software engineering practices. The addition of pair programming into a freshman programming class at the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) showed similar benefits to similar studies on upper-division software classes, and is expected to show an improvement in students' willingness and ability to participate in complex, collaborative software engineering assignments in later classes. This paper describes the implementation of the pair programming experiment at UCSC, discusses some of the issues that compromised the effectiveness of certain pairs, and provides implementation guidelines for avoiding such issues in other classes.
Importance of Hospital Entry: Walk-in STEMI and Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: Patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) require rapid identification and triage to initiate reperfusion therapy. Walk-in STEMI patients have longer treatment times compared to emergency medical service (EMS) transported patients. While effective triage of large numbers of critically ill patients in the emergency department is often cited as the reason for treatment delays, additional factors have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate baseline demographic and clinical differences between walk-in and EMS-transported STEMI patients and identify factors associated with prolonged door to balloon (D2B) time in walk-in STEMI patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 136 STEMI patients presenting to an urban academic teaching center from January 2009 through December, 2010. Baseline demographics, mode of hospital entry (walk-in versus EMS transport), treatment times, angiographic findings, procedures performed and in-hospital clinical events were collected. We compared walk-in and EMS-transported STEMI patients and identified independent factors of prolonged D2B time for walk-in patients using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: Walk-in patients (n=51) were more likely to be Latino and presented with a higher heart rate, higher systolic blood pressure, prior history of diabetes mellitus and were more likely to have an elevated initial troponin value, compared to EMS-transported patients. EMS-transported patients (n=64) were more likely to be white and had a higher prevalence of left main coronary artery disease, compared to walk-in patients. Door to electrocardiogram (ECG), ECG to catheterization laboratory (CL) activation and D2B times were significantly longer for walk-in patients. Walk-in patients were more likely to have D2B time > 90 minutes, compared to EMS- transported patients; odds ratio 3.53 (95% CI 1.03, 12.07), p = 0.04. Stepwise logistic regression identified hospital entry mode as the only independent predictor for prolonged D2B time. Conclusion: Baseline differences exist between walk-in and EMS-transported STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Hospital entry mode was the most important predictor for prolonged treatment times for primary PCI, independent of age, Latino ethnicity, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and initial troponin value. Prolonged door to ECG and ECG to CL activation times are modifiable factors associated with prolonged treatment times in walk-in STEMI patients. In addition to promoting the use of EMS transport, efforts are needed to rapidly identify and expedite the triage of walk-in STEMI patients. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(1):81–87.]
Relation of stressful life events to metabolic control among adolescents with diabetes: 5-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relation of stressful life events to metabolic control. DESIGN We interviewed adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (n = 132; average age at enrollment = 12 years) annually for 5 years. MEASURES Each year we administered measures of stressful life events, psychological distress, and self-care behavior. We downloaded data from blood glucose meters, and obtained measures of metabolic control (hemoglobin A1c) from medical records. RESULTS Using longitudinal growth curve modeling, stressful life events predicted greater psychological distress, poorer self-care behavior, and worse metabolic control in both cross-sectional and longitudinal (lagged) analyses. Cross-sectionally, many of these relations were stronger among older than younger adolescents. Self-care behavior partly mediated this association. CONCLUSION Stressful life events are related to poor metabolic control-especially for older adolescents. A primary mechanism appears to be a lack of good self care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).
Anomalous Behavior During the Solidification of Silicon in the Presence of Impurities

Nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation of silicon results in the melting of the surface with subsequent solidification from a crystalline substrate. In the presence of impurities or alloys, the solidification dynamics are greatly affected by the nature of the impurities. Five classes of materials have been investigated: amorphous Si, mutually soluble alloys, high solubility impurities, low solubility impurities, and compound forming materials. Solidification of each of these classes of materials is discussed. Several anomalous kinetic regimes are observed, including explosive crystallization, surface nucleation of solid, and internal nucleation of melt. These results are interpreted in terms of thermodynamic modifications of the melting temperature in the alloy regions.
Sentencing and Comparative Theory

Mirjan Damaska and other comparative criminal justice theorists have given very little attention to how comparative law models and theories might apply to sentencing. Although numerous scholars have studied the differences in sentencing alternatives and overall punishment severity across national boundaries, almost none have linked these differences to the models and theories used to describe, explain, and predict changes in criminal pretrial and guilt-determination procedures. In the United States there have been significant recent changes in sentencing goals and procedures, in particular: 1) retributive and public safety goals have been given increased emphasis, while rehabilitation has been de-emphasized; 2) many U.S. jurisdictions now use some form of sentencing guidelines; 3) almost all jurisdictions apply mandatory or mandatory-minimum sentences to certain offenders; 4) the U.S. Supreme Court has held that certain facts permitting sentence-enhancement may no longer be informally determined by the trial judge at the sentencing hearing, but must be submitted to the jury and proven beyond a reasonable doubt; and 5) overall sentencing severity (as measured, for example, by prison populations relative to resident population and relative to criminal caseloads) has risen substantially in almost all U.S. jurisdictions. Do comparative law models help to explain any of these changes? This essay considers whether Damaska’s theories, some variation on his theories, or alternative comparative law theories might help to explain cross-national variations (as well as within-nation variations, across states and other jurisdictions) in sentencing goals, procedures, alternatives, and outcomes.
Indians and the Political Economy of Colonial Central America, 1670–1810. By Robert W. Patch. (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2013. Pp. xi, 272. $36.95.)

Organized into six dense chapters with a brief but effective introduction and a conclusion, this monograph covers the whole of Central America. With an eighteenth‐century focus and an emphasis on S...
Nearctic Eucosma (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Four New Species and Three New Synonymies

Nine species are treated. New species and their type localities are Eucosma pediasios , Sanderson, Tex.; E. rindgei , Denver, Colo.; E. austrina , Canadian, Tex.; and E. notialis , Kerrville, Tex. The first three form a compact group but differ in male genitalia; they were found misidentified as E. comatulana (Zeller). The last was found misidentified as E. matutina (Grote). New synonymies are E. comatulana (= E. mandana Kearfott), E. matutina (=E. grotiana Kearfott), and E. similiana (Clemens) (= E. diffusana Kearfott). E. similiana , now considered a subspecies of E. dorsisignatana (Clemens), and with which it is sympatric, is raised to species rank because of differences in forewing pattern and size. All pertinent type specimens were examined. A neotype is designated for E. matutina , and a lectotype for E. clavana (Zeller).
Investigation of superparamagnetic (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and magnetic field exposures on CHO-K1 cell line

Rapid development in nanomaterial synthesis and functionalization has led to advanced studies in actuation and manipulation of cellular functions for biomedical applications. Often these actuation techniques employ externally applied magnetic fields to manipulate magnetic nanomaterials inside cell bodies in order to drive or trigger desired effects. While cellular interactions with low-frequency magnetic fields and nanoparticles have been extensively studied, the fundamental mechanisms behind these interactions remain poorly understood. Additionally, modern investigations on these concurrent exposure conditions have been limited in scope, and difficult to reproduce. This study presents an easily reproducible method of investigating the biological impact of concurrent magnetic field and nanoparticle exposure conditions using an in-vitro CHO-K1 cell line model, with the purpose of establishing grounds for in-depth fundamental studies of the mechanisms driving cellular-level interactions. Cells were cultured under various nanoparticle and magnetic field exposure conditions from 0 to 500 μg/ml nanoparticle concentrations, and DC, 50 Hz, or 100 Hz magnetic fields with 2.0 mT flux density. Cells were then observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy, and subject to biological assays to determine the effects of concurrent extreme-low frequency magnetic field and nanoparticle exposures on cellnanoparticle interactions, such as particle uptake and cell viability by MTT assay. Current results indicate little to no variation in effect on cell cultures based on magnetic field parameters alone; however, it is clear that deleterious synergistic effects of concurrent exposure conditions exist based on a significant decrease in cell viability when exposed to high concentrations of nanoparticles and concurrent magnetic field.
Effects of DDT on the Blood of Tenebrio Molitor Linnaeus1

Biochemical determinations on the blood of the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, show that exposure to DDT resulted in no change in protein nitrogen, 50 percent increase in non-protein nitrogen, 90 percent increase in reducing compounds, and 70 percent increase in amino nitrogen. Chromatographic determination showed a comparable 60 percent increase in the amino nitrogen. Eighteen amino compounds were separated and identified chromatographically with phenol butanol-acetic acid, collidine and lutidine as solvents. They are alanine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, norleucine, ornithine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, taurine, threonine, tyrosine and valine. Most of the compounds increased as a result of DDT poisoning, but norleucine and taurine decreased. Since changes obtained in the blood of insects due to starvation and DDT poisoning are similar, it is likely that the starvation which follows DDT poisoning is the cause of death of the insect.
Bronchopulmonary diseases. Immunologic perspectives.

Immunologic reactions to airborne and other antigens may account for a wide spectrum of tissue damage in the bronchopulmonary tree. Recognition of clinical syndromes in which such reactions occur and of the antigens involved enables more definitive prevention or treatment of these disorders.
A Forgotten Fermat Problem (December 2008)

The early French mathematician Pierre de Fermat (1601–1665) is well known for his misnamed “Last Theorem,” the conjecture that if n > 2, then the equation x n + y n = z n has no nonzero integer solutions. Many of us also know “Fermat's Little Theorem,” that if p is a prime number that does not divide a number a , then p divides a p −1 − 1. It is less well known that Fermat left dozens, perhaps even hundreds of problems and conjectures for his successors. Typically, Fermat would state a problem in a letter to a friend. Sometimes he would claim that he had a solution or a partial solution. Other times he made no such claim. Many of Fermat's problems fell to the new methods of calculus discovered by Newton and Leibniz in the decade after Fermat died. Most of the rest of them were solved in the 18th century, many by Euler. The so-called “Last Theorem” remained unsolved until the 1990s. This month we look at one of Fermat's other problems, a problem in geometry that Euler solved in 1747 or 1748. Euler had apparently been reading a collection of Fermat's letters, [Fermat 1658, Fermat 1894, pp. 402–408] for he writes “A certain proposition is found in Fermat's collected letters, which he proposed to be demonstrated by geometers,” and that “up to now, no demonstration of it has ever been provided.” Euler claims that a proof “by analysis,” by which he means analytic geometry, is easy, but that he will give an old-fashioned geometric proof. Indeed, his proof, and even the style of his writing, is more like the 17th century than his own 18th century. As stated in undated letter (probably June 1658) from Fermat to Kenelm Digby, the problem is this. Let AN B be a semicircle with diameter AB and where N bisects the semicircumference (See Fig. 1, taken from [Fermat 1896, p. 406]).
A Comparative Approach to Art Education Policy Research

The challenges and opportunities of globalization require art education scholars and practitioners to develop international competencies, but research in the specific field of comparative art education is very limited at present. In this article, I provide a pragmatic framework for studying art education policy as a subfield of comparative cultural policy. Based on a review of literature in comparative cultural policy, I discuss how research in the field has evolved over the past 35 years along three main trajectories, which I call comparative international, cross-national, and transnational. I present major conceptual models used in comparative cultural policy, and conclude with general recommendations for art education policy scholars interested in pursuing international research.
The emptiest magnetosphere

At the voyager 2 press conferences at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, it is hard for particles and fields to compete with movies of swirling clouds and Hollywood-style tour of Triton (with soundtrack). So if one of the scientists from the six particles and fields experiments (generally a 'nurdly' lot) says something vaguely descriptive it tends to be snapped up. While my colleagues winced at my description of Uranus's magnetosphere as 'weird and wonderful', at least it helped get the subject actually mentioned by the press.
‘Supporters, not consumers.’ Grassroots supporters’ culture and sports entertainment in the US

Based on ethnographic research with supporters’ groups in the US, this article explores how Ultra and other global models of fandom are being appropriated by soccer fans in the US and Canada. I arg...
Uniaxial Nonlocal Formulation for Geometric Nonlinearity–Induced Necking and Buckling Localization in a Steel Bar

AbstractA nonlocal formulation with the potential to mitigate mesh dependence in fiber models for steel elements is presented. The formulation addresses two common modes of localization in prismati...
Peer led Recovery Learning Communities: Expanding Social Integration Opportunities for People with the Lived Experience of Psychiatric Disability and Emotional Distress

Social integration is the development of mutually supportive relationships with other community members. For people with psychiatric disabilities (PD) social integration is a critical aspect of mental wellness and recovery. While people with PD generally want supportive friends, their social networks tend to be weak, often limited to treatment staff and close family. The barriers to social integration of people with PD are often high, and include public discrimination, lack of confidence, and insufficient financial resources. In the United States, community mental health providers have focused primarily on illness management and have not successfully helped clients integrate socially. To fill that gap, people with lived experience of psychiatric disability have for many years established networks of peer support, including peer-facilitated groups. With the aim of enhancing that approach, peers in Massachusetts developed the “Recovery Learning Community” model, a regional network of peer support and education operated and staffed by people with lived experience, are distinct from most other peer run programs in that they provide meetings and workshops in various community locations, not only in a single location. In this article, we describe conceptually and with examples the significant impact RLCs have on both the social integration of people with PD and the delivery of mental health services in United States and internationally.
T-Shaped Gold→Stiborane Complexes as Carbophilic Catalysts: Influence of the Peripheral Substituents

As part of our efforts toward the discovery of new late transition metal catalysts, we synthesized [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2(o-C6Cl4O2)SbPh)Au]+ (3+) and [(o-(iPr2P)C6H4)2(o-C6Cl4O2)SbPh)Au]+ (4+), two cationic bis(phosphino)gold stiborane complexes, which were isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts and fully characterized. Structural and computational studies indicate that the cores of these two complexes are almost structurally and electronically identical. Despite these similarities, these two complexes exhibit different catalytic activities in the hydroamination of phenylacetylene using anilines or in the cyclization of N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)benzamide. Indeed, whereas 3+ catalyzes both reactions, we found that 4+ is inactive. The data collected on these two complexes suggest that the origin of this contrasting behavior is steric, rather than electronic, with the relatively bulky iPr2P ancillary ligands blocking access to the reactive gold center.
Use of Computer Technology During Family-Centered Rounds: A Qualitative Study of Parent Perspectives

OBJECTIVES: Physicians often use computer technologies to assist in work activities, including family-centered rounds (FCR), but little is known about the attitudes of families on the use of these technologies. We aimed to describe these perceptions on the presence and use of computer technologies during FCR. METHODS: We conducted observations of FCR from a parent’s visual perspective to “see what they see.” This was followed by in-depth interviews with the families of patients admitted to the hospitalist service at our institution to describe their experience with the use of computer technology by the medical team during FCR. RESULTS: From the analysis of 31 individual interview transcripts, our research team identified the following 4 themes: (1) technology serves a purpose during FCR; (2) to view data in real time; (3) do not lose the human connection; and (4) transparency is valued. Thirty-eight observations showed broad use of computer technologies by the medical team. Devices were used to provide data that would educate the family; however, the devices were often placed between the medical team and family, creating a physical barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Families recognized the benefit of computer technologies in the care of their child and would like greater sharing of information by the medical team. They insisted their child always be “placed first” and that the team be transparent with their use of technology. Computer technology may create possible obstructions and distractions to the medical team. As computer technologies become more commonplace in medicine, maintaining the essence of good patient-communication and family centered care is essential.
The Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases over the Past 100 Years: A Brief Review

The diagnoses of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have been well characterized from a phenotypic point of view over the past 100 years. After several decades of refining the terminology used to describe the inflammatory bowel diseases, we have also begun to peel away at the complex pathophysiology of these distinct yet overlapping diseases over the past 20 years, determining what genetic, immunologic, microbiologic, and environmental characteristics that predispose and result in patients developing IBD. In this chapter, we will briefly describe the history for each of these chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal maladies, first with the early clinical descriptions of each disease entity, followed by the examples of the early laboratory, radiographic, and endoscopic evaluations. We will also discuss early leading hypotheses in the pathophysiology of these disorders, as well as the changes these theorems prompted in clinical management over the last century as we have expanded our armamentarium for these diseases.
Molecular imaging with targeted ultrasound contrast microbubbles.

Microbubbles were prepared from insoluble perfluorocarbon gas, stabilized with a monolayer of phospholipid with a grafted PEG brush and decorated with targeting ligands, such as monoclonal antibodies or peptides on a flexible PEG spacer arm. Such targeted bubbles selectively and firmly bind to the surfaces coated with the specific receptors in vitro. Bubble deposition areas can be detected by ultrasound imaging. Single bubble detection sensitivity is possible.
An Argument for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Registry: One Model

Over the last several years, there has been increasing awareness around the unique challenges faced by adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. More cancer centers across the United States...
Captain Marvel (2019)

In the genre of comic book movies, origin stories are a vehicle to introduce audiences to key players in a cinematic universe, and quickly explain motive, crucial character traits and quirks, and t...
Treatment for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: A systematic review

Abstract Objective To perform the first systematic review evaluating all established treatment modalities of head and neck lymphedema resulting from head and neck cancer therapy. Since craniofacial lymphedema treatment represents unique challenges not addressed by extremity lymphedema therapies, a systematic review and evaluation of treatment modalities specific to this area is needed to guide clinical management and further research. Data sources Four electronic databases were searches from inception to September 2018. These included Scopus (Embase), PubMed (Medline), Clinicaltrials.gov , and Cochrane Databases. Review methods A search string was developed, and all databases queried for keywords on three subjects: head and neck cancer, lymphedema, and therapy. Results were uploaded to an EndNote database where relevant items were identified by hand-searching all titles and abstracts. Subsequently results were combined, duplicates removed, and full papers screened according to eligibility criteria. Results Of a total 492 search results, twenty-six items met eligibility criteria for this review. These included fourteen cohort studies, seven case reports, two randomized controlled trials, two systematic reviews, and one narrative review totaling 1018 study subjects. The manual lymph drainage group had the largest number of studies and participants, with fewer studies investigating selenium, liposuction, and lymphaticovenular anastomosis. Conclusion Evidence for the efficacy of all types of lymphedema therapy is limited by paucity of large randomized controlled trials. While manual lymph drainage is best studied, liposuction and surgical treatments have also been effective in a small number of patients.
EDUCATIONAL FUZZY DATA-SETS AND DATA MINING IN A LINEAR FUZZY REAL ENVIRONMENT

Educational data mining is the process of converting raw data from educational systems to useful information that can be used by educational software developers, students, teachers, parents, and other educational researchers. Fuzzy educational datasets are datasets consisting of uncertain values. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a classification model under uncertainty unique to the modern student. This is done by developing a model of the uncertain data that come from an educational setting with Linear Fuzzy Real data. Machine learning was then used to understand students and their optimal learning environment. The ability to predict student performance is important in a web or online environment. This is true in the brick and mortar classroom as well and is especially important in rural areas where academic achievement is lower than ideal.
A peaceful death orchestrates immune balance in a chaotic environment.

Immunity evolved as an impossibly elegant, yet devastatingly destructive force to combat pathogens, environmental insults, and rogue malignant cellular agents arising from within. The immunologic arsenal developed in a veritable coevolutionary arms race with the world’s pathogens, culminating in lymphocytic weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, T cells and B cells endowed with antigen specificity, the capacity for clonal expansion, and most importantly, long-lived memory, represent the pinnacle of such evolution. Together with the innate immune response, the adaptive immune system holds the power to mediate sustained inflammatory responses with such voracity that tissues, organs, or the host itself may endure critical collateral damage. To preserve balance, adaptive immunity has developed under the guiding principle of primum non nocere , or “first, to do no harm,” limiting the aggression of the innate immune response (e.g., septic shock, penumbra of cerebrovascular and brain infarcts). Herein, redundant mechanisms to preclude aberrant deleterious immunity have evolved as the predominant state of being, establishing a significant molecular and cellular threshold to initiate and maintain inflammation. Often overlooked, following the excitement of the active immune response, are the critical means by which the host resolves the inflammatory process, restoring local and systemic balance. The findings by Liu et al. (1) provide further description of molecular processes and cellular mediators of the resolution process, shedding light on mechanistic aspects of immune homeostasis. The inflammatory process is characterized by 3 phases of active, overlapping response, including the initiation, resolution, and a postresolution period. During onset, local, tissue-resident cellular mediators respond to noxious stimuli through the release of soluble factors including chemotractants, cytokines, and eicosanoids, establishing a microenvironmental milieu to recruit, differentiate, and polarize leukocytes. Local vascular endothelium provides a quiescent barrier, regulating homeostatic interchanges between tissues and the circulation. During acute inflammation, complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a mediate … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: lotzemt{at}upmc.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Robotic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Paraesophageal hernias are an uncommon form of hiatal hernia (10%). Symptomatic hernias should be repaired unless there are clinical parameters precluding safe and effective surgical intervention. Robotic repair is an efficient and ergonomic approach to this challenging anatomical problem. The preoperative evaluation consist of a careful documented medical history and a workup comprising a esophagogastroduodenoscopy, pH testing (only performed if patients had disabling reflux symptoms), upper GI series and high-resolution manometry. OR size must accommodate the robotic system consisting of three to four integrated components; the patient cart, the vision cart, and one or two consoles. The patient is placed in supine position with outstretched arms to 80° and split legs in steep reverse Trendelenburg. Four trocars, placed in the left upper abdomen and a subxiphoid incision for the Nathanson liver retractor are employed. The patient cart is docked on the left side or the head depending on the robot model. The herniated contents are reduced, the hiatus and the left crus are exposed, the hernia sac is dissected off its mediastinal attachments, and any violation of the pleura should be addressed by means of immediate closure with suture or clip placement. A 3 cm intra-abdominal esophageal length should be obtained with esophageal mobilization alone, otherwise a Collis gastroplasty must be performed to obtain additional esophageal length. The crura is closed using a running 0 non-absorbable barbed suture and a C-shaped GORE® Bio-A mesh is used routinely to reinforce the closure. A tension-free 360° fundoplication is gauged over the bougie. The shoeshine maneuver is fundamental to ensure the proper orientation of the wrap demonstrating a “short-gastric to short-gastric” association. It is important to recognize common early complications like; violation of the pleura and pneumothorax, bleeding, vagal injury, esophageal and gastric perforation and late complications like dysphagia, severe reflux and recurrence. Operation of a symptomatic recurrent paraesophageal hernia should be performed by highly experienced surgeons, as these procedures represent a substantial technical challenge. In this setting, the robotic platform presents an invaluable approach. The best timing for operative repair after an acute presentation is a subject of ongoing debate. Although any clinical or radiological suspicion of acute ischemia or perforation requires immediate surgical management, most acute presentations can be initially managed conservatively providing the opportunity for semi-elective repair. Robotic compared to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair has been demonstrated to be associated with increased costs in several studies.
Investigating Influential Factors of Student’s Capability to Solve Engineering Problems Using Principal Component Analysis

The research to practice full paper explores the influential factors that determine a student’s ability to solve engineering problems. The study examined senior exit interview survey data, provided by the Cal Poly Pomona Civil Engineering Department, to investigate the criteria that may influence a student’s problem-solving capabilities regarding engineering problems. The data consisted of categorical responses to a wide variety of questions chosen by the Civil Engineering Department through rounds of discussion within the department assessment committee. Questions ranged from engineering club involvement, the confidence of capabilities in leadership and communication, and the ability to apply engineering knowledge. The survey was conducted on an anonymous basis utilizing the online tool, Survey Monkey. Past research investigating factors that influence a student’s problem-solving capabilities have consisted of qualitative approaches, however, this research consists of a quantitative approach. The quantitative approach uses statistical modeling with the incorporation of senior survey data to identify the factors that influence a student’s problem-solving capability. The statistical model implemented is a generalization of Principal Component Analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, which explains the association among several categorical variables. The reason for using multiple correspondence analysis over other statistical models is because of its ability to analyze data from a survey and determine associations between groups of individuals with similar backgrounds. This strongly fits the scope of this research as the model utilizes survey data collected on individuals with similar backgrounds. The key results after conducting the quantitative analysis are the influential factors that best describe a student’s ability to solve engineering problems. By examining the commonalities and differences among student’s that have problem-solving abilities at 3 different levels, average, good, and excellent, the variations in two different variables were distinguished as being responsible for explaining the difference in capability. The variables identified our ability to understand the impact of engineering solutions in multiple contexts and the ability to apply engineering techniques in practice. The difference in ability regarding these two variables explains the difference in problem-solving capabilities among the students as a group. From these findings, emphasis on these categories can be further reinforced to students potentially making them better problem-solvers.
Ethical and Societal Issues Occasioned by Xenotransplantation.

There are three sorts of issues associated with genetic engineering and, by implication, with xenotransplantation. These are dangers associated with the technology, animal welfare issues, and the claim that genetic engineering represents a technology that humans should not embark upon. Using the hearts of pigs for humans in need of transplants has been a major issue in xenotransplantation. There are dangers associated with such use, such as immunological rejection of the organ, endogenous viruses infecting the recipients, and issues of privacy. In addition, the issue of fair distribution of organs arises. Animal welfare issues also arise, most notably the living conditions of the donor animals, issues notably present in confinement agriculture. A major issue emerges from animals’ being kept under conditions that fail to meet the needs dictated by the animals’ biological and psychological natures. Xenotransplantation animals will be kept under deprived laboratory conditions that similarly fail to meet the animals’ natures. This is a significant concern for society in general. There are also issues of “bad ethics” arising from scientists’ disavowal of ethical concerns in science. This in turn, coupled with societal ignorance of science, creates a climate for proliferation of religious and other non-rational concerns, such as the claim that xenotransplantation violates God’s will. These spurious concerns can only be ameliorated when public understanding of science improves, and scientific understanding of ethics increases.
High-Pass Filters to Reduce the Effects of Broad Atmospheric Contributions in Sbas Inversions: A Case Study in the Delaware Basin

We use Sentinel-1 A/B InSAR to measure deformation rates of −2 to 2.5 cm/yr in the Delaware Basin from fluid injection and extraction relating to oil and gas activity. Long-wavelength atmospheric effects make it challenging to obtain reliable time series, which are necessary to study the time-dependent deformation. We show that high-pass filters isolate the short-wavelength deformation signals from broad-scale atmospheric contributions. Future work will explore automatic ways to choose the most-suitable filter, which may be applied to other tectonically-stable regions.
Histórias de vida por autobiografias: inspirações na constituição docente

RESUMO Este estudo toma como foco a constituicao docente, presente nas historias de vida dos educadores, a partir de registros autobiograficos. O estudo origina-se de uma pesquisa realizada em nivel de mestrado que teve por objetivo analisar como os professores do ensino medio, de uma escola da rede privada, da regiao metropolitana de Porto Alegre, se formam como profissionais da educacao. Os pressupostos teoricos estao embasados nos conceitos de Josso (2010) e Abrahao (2003; 2004; 2011), principalmente. Na analise, atenta-se aos motivos da escolha profissional, os primeiros contatos com a docencia e os processos de constituicao docente. As analises dos registros destacam a importância do formar-se em servico, as trocas entre pares no ambiente de trabalho, a disponibilidade para acolher o outro e as figuras de professores guardadas na memoria. Esses ultimos acabam assumindo um lugar de evidencia que orienta e aponta para horizontes deexpectativas, materializadas na escolha da profissao docente. Palavras-chave: Autobiografia. Constituicao docente. Historias de vida. Formacao de professores.
What Food waste solutions do people support

Abstract In the U.S., the estimated food waste at the household level is 32% of purchased food, translating to $240 billion in economic losses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency set the first-ever national food waste reduction goal of a 50-percent reduction by 2030. Under this policy environment, this study assesses public support for nine food waste solutions: changes in food packaging, changes in portion sizes, standardization of date labeling terms, selling imperfect produce in retail stores, making donations easier, using uneaten food to feed animals, implementing composting in communities, consumer education campaigns on food waste, and taxing food waste. An online survey was sent to a nationally representative sample of U.S. respondents that asked about support for and perception of the effectiveness of each food waste solution. This study finds that making donations easier and the standardization of date labels were the most supported food waste solutions. Different food waste solutions appealed to different demographics of people based on their personal food waste experiences. Results are similar for the perception of the effectiveness of each food waste solution. Nevertheless, the percentage of respondents that considered each food waste solution to be effective was almost always less than the share of respondents who supported the solution. Thus, it is important to be cautious about this divergence when assessing public opinion on potential solutions, which may be enacted as policies designed to mitigate food waste.
Cultural study and problem‐solving gains: Effects of study abroad, openness, and choice

Summary Past research indicates that foreign experience helps problem solving because the experience of adapting one's lifestyle imparts cognitive flexibility. We propose that an independent process involves studying cultural traditions and systems, which imparts foreign concepts that enable unconventional solutions. If so, advantages on unconventionality problems should be associated with experiences studying of another culture, such as typically occurs in study-abroad programs. The link should be especially strong for individuals with personalities high in openness and in contexts featuring choice. A survey of MBA students' past foreign stays found that greater study abroad was associated with more unconventional solutions and provided mixed support for the two moderating conditions. Study 2 experimentally varied the presence of choice before putting participants through a simulated foreign internship featuring study and situations demanding adaptation. Subsequent solutions to a product design problem were more conventionally Asian and (marginally) less conventionally American in the choice condition, and these effects were mediated by the amount of foreign knowledge acquisition. Implications for selecting employees and developing employees on the basis of foreign experiences are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing Classroom Communication with Interactive Technology: How Faculty Can Get Started.

This paper proposes that Interactive Technology can help professors enhance communication in the classroom so there is increased attention, interest, preparation, and retention of class materials by the students. Interactive Technology (also called audience response systems) involves students using individual response pads (clickers) to respond to questions asked in class by the professor. The students’ responses are captured by a receiver and with the software available, professors can get instant feedback from their students to determine how well they understand the material presented. To get started using this technology, professors can either buy a system outright or utilize one in conjunction with their textbook. After attending a few training classes and working with their Information Technology people to install it in their classroom, a professor can start working with the system to enhance their interaction with students in class. This paper describes Interactive Technology in more detail and how to get started using it.
The Sales Blitz: An Experiential Exercise for Use in College-Level Courses in Professional Selling:

This article discusses the use of a field exercise as a teaching tool in classes in professional selling. The benefits of such an exercise are discussed from the perspective of the author's more than five years experience with the technique. Details regarding the mechanics of the program are provided for those interested in adapting it to their classes.
CHOLINERGIC MODULATION OF OLFACTORY PATTERN SEPARATION

Pattern separation plays an important role in perception and memory. In olfaction, pattern separation is critical component of piriform cortical odor processing contributing to behavioral perception of overlapping odor mixtures. Previous work has demonstrated that odor discrimination ability is modulated by acetylcholine. Here, we extended this previous work by using a distinct, well characterized complex odor stimulus set that has been shown to differentially involve pattern separation processes within piriform cortex. We find that the cholinergic muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine facilitates the acquisition of odor discrimination. Furthermore, the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine impairs acquisition of odor discrimination even if the antagonist is limited to the piriform cortex. Finally, acetylcholine effects are most robust during discrimination acquisition, with minimal effects during expression.
Oral granular cell tumors: A clinicopathologic and immunocytochemical study

To investigate the histogenesis of the granular cell, a large series of granular cell tumors was studied for clinical and histopathologic features with emphasis on immunocytochemical markers. The nongingival granular cell tumors (NGGCT) were found to be more prevalent among females than males by a ratio of 2:1 and arose on the tongue (67%), the buccal mucosa (13%), the lips (8%), the soft palate (6%), and other sites (6%). With the use of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method, polyclonal rabbit antisera were employed. The antisera were directed to the following antigens: S-100 protein, myoglobin, myosin, actin, desmin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and muramidase. Results indicated that granular cell tumors are not homogenous for immunocytochemical markers. Nongingival granular cell tumors were universally positive for S-100 protein and failed to exhibit immunoreactivity for myogenous or histiocytic markers. Alternatively, the gingival granular cell tumor of infancy was negative for all markers, whereas rhabdomyoma was reactive with myogenous markers and a subpopulation of tumor cells displayed S-100 protein immunoreactivity. The granular cell ameloblastoma was reactive only with antiserum to alpha-1-antitrypsin. Ultrastructurally, granular cells from one of two NGGCT showed a direct evolution from skeletal muscle fibers. It is concluded that the oral NGGCT is a tumor positive for S-100 protein that may arise from muscle or nerve sheath.
Peroxidizing and carotene bleaching substances in bacon adipose tissue

The peroxidation activity of hemoglobin solutions was studied for the effects of concentration of hemoglobin and heat. The carotene bleaching activity of hemoglobin was studied for the effects of pH, concentration of hemoglobin, concentration of carotene, time, heat, and poisons. These observations were compared to similar studies of hemoglobin free extracts of salt cured bacon fatty tissue. It was found that hemoglobin activity is not influenced by boiling but that there is a heat labile factor in hemoglobin free extracts. Evidence is presented that the hemoglobin free extracts contain at least two principles which may be responsible for the rapid development of rancidity in bacon and one inhibitor.
T1 cortical hypointensities and their association with cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis

Background: Neocortical lesions (NLs) largely contribute to the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS), although their relevance in patients’ disability remains unknown.Objective: To assess the incidence of T1 hypointense NLs by 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with MS and examine neocortical lesion association with cognitive impairment.Methods: In this case-control study, 21 MS patients and 21 age-, sex- and years of education-matched healthy volunteers underwent: (i) a neuropsychological examination rating cognitive impairment (Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS); (ii) a 3.0-Tesla MRI inclusive of an isotropic 1.0 mm3 three-dimensional inversion prepared spoiled gradient-recalled-echo (3D-IRSPGR) image and T1- and T2-weighted images. Hypointensities on 3D-IRSPGR lying in the cortex, either entirely or partially were counted and association between NLs and cognitive impairment investigated.Results: A total of 95 NLs were observed in 14 (66.7%) patients. NL+ patients perfor...
A statistical study of the accuracy of floating point number systems

This paper presents the statistical results of tests of the accuracy of certain arithmetic systems in evaluating sums, products and inner products, and analytic error estimates for some of the computations. The arithmetic systems studied are 6-digit hexadecimal and 22-digit binary floating point number representations combined with the usual chop and round modes of arithmetic with various numbers of guard digits, and with a modified round mode with guard digits. In a certain sense, arithmetic systems differing only in their use of binary or hexadecimal number representations are shown to be approximately statistically equivalent in accuracy. Further, the usual round mode with guard digits is shown to be statistically superior in accuracy to the usual chop mode in all cases save one. The modified round mode is found to be superior to the chop mode in all cases.