cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadband, miniaturized stacked-patch antenna based on magneto-dielectric substrates for L-band operation

The low profile and wide bandwidth of microstrip stacked-patch antennas makes them an attractive choice for many RF applications, especially in the UHF and L bands. There are competing factors that impact the design of these antennas. For instance, miniaturization can be achieved through the use of substrates with a high permittivity but their use tends to come at the expense of increased coupling between the patches and the ground plane, and consequently a reduced bandwidth. High permittivity dielectric materials can also be heavy (e.g., ceramics) and are therefore not suitable for many applications where light weight antenna structures are required. Additionally, a reduction in the physical size of the antenna tends to be accompanied by a reduction in gain.
A quantitative histotopologic analysis of the variation in lobulo-alveolar mitotic activity in the Lewis/Mai rat mammary gland during the estrous cycle†

Quantitative microscopic techniques were employed to determine relative mitotic activity of lobulo-alveolar tissue in thick sections obtained from the inguinal mammary glands of colchicine-treated post-pubertal Lewis/Mai rats sacrificed at different phases of the estrous cycle. It was found that the magnitude of lobulo-alveolar cell mitotic activity and the proportion of the lobulo-alveolar tissue with mitotic activity undergo significant fluctuations during the estrous cycle. The frequency distribution of mitotic activity in lobulo-alveolar tissue was different and heterogenous at each phase of the estrous cycle. The frequency distribution of nuclei in lobulo-alveolar tissue during the estrous cycle showed only minor variations and could not explain the variation in mitotic activity. Similarly, no morphological differences were observed in the mammary gland which could account for the variation observed in mitotic activity. It was concluded that the variation in mitotic activity of lobulo-alveolar tissue is probably related to alterations in the generation time of lobulo-alveolar cells imposed by cyclical variation in ovarian hormones during the estrous cycle.
Torture allegations as events data Introducing the Ill-Treatment and Torture (ITT) specific allegation data

Forthcoming in Journal of Peace Research, 2014 The Ill-Treatment and Torture (ITT) Data Collection Project uses content analysis to measure a number of variables on more than 15,000 public allegations of government illtreatment and torture made by Amnesty International (AI) from 1995 to 2005. The ITT specific allegation (SA) event data use the torture allegation as the unit of observation, thus permitting users to manipulate them for a wide variety of purposes. In this article, we introduce the ITT SA data. We first describe the key variables in the SA data and report a number of bivariate descriptive statistics to illustrate some of the research questions that might be usefully investigated with the data. We then discuss how we believe the ITT SA data can be used to study not only AI’s naming and shaming behavior, but also states’ (lack of) compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT). We conclude with an empirical analysis using the SA data that investigates the effect of domestic political institutions on formal complaints, investigations, and adjudication of torture allegations. We show that legislative checks are positively associated with complaints, investigations, and trials; elections and freedom of speech are positively associated with investigations and trials; and powerful judiciaries are associated only with investigations.
Patients with impending abdominal compartment syndrome do not respond to early volume loading

Background: It is recommended that patients with impending abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) should be volume loaded to insure the adequate preload. We evaluated our prospective resuscitation database to determine how patients who developed ACS differ from non-ACS patients in response to early volume loading. Methods: Over 36 months, 152 consecutive high-risk patients were resuscitated by a standard intensive care unit (ICU) protocol that escalates interventions in nonresponders. Interventions, responses, and outcomes are prospectively collected and the characteristics of ACS and non-ACS patients were compared. Results: Twenty-three patients (15%) developed ACS and were decompressed 8 ± 1 hours after ICU admission. The ACS and non-ACS patients had similar demographics and injury severity. The severity of pre-ICU shock tended to be greater in the ACS patients. During the first 8 hours of ICU resuscitation, patients who developed ACS received more blood transfusions (11 ± 2 versus 2 ± 0.2 units; P<0.05) and crystalloids (13 ± 2 versus 4 ± 0.3 L; P<0.05). As a result, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure increased more in the ACS patients (20 ± 1.5 versus 15 ± 0.5 mm Hg; P<0.05), but comparatively the cardiac index did not (3.2 ± 0.2 versus 4.2 ± 0.1 L/min/m 2 ; P<0.05) and the ACS patients developed pathologic elevations of gastric regional CO 2 pressures (70 ± 7 versus 48 ± 1 mm Hg P<0.05). Conclusions: Conventional preload directed resuscitation to enhance cardiac function is not effective in patients with impending ACS, and this traditional resuscitation strategy is detrimental in this subgroup of patients.
The Machine and Social Policies: Tammany Hall and the Politics of Public Outdoor Relief, New York City, 1874–1898*

In the late nineteenth century, public outdoor relief came under severe and sustained attack from reformers. Municipal reformers attacked it as a source of machine patronage and corruption, and charity reformers saw it as the cause of pauperism and moral turpitude among the poor. But in New York City, the critical decision to cut the municipal program came not from the reformers, but from the city's Democratic machine, Tammany Hall itself. In December 1876, the machine administration of Tammany Mayor William Wickham and Boss John Kelly terminated municipal outdoor relief funding for 1877, except for the distribution of coal. The previous “reform” administration had, by contrast, kept the program intact.
Hemodynamic effects of intravenous butopamine in congestive heart failure

Butopamine is chemically similar to dobutamine but, unlike dobuiamine. it is not a catecholamine. Preclinical studies on dogs show that butopamine is inotropic intravenously and orally. We gave butopamine intravenously to eight patients with congestive heart failure using a progressive dose-response protocol ranging from 0.02 to 0.17 mcglkglmin. The mean cardiac index and stroke volume index increased at doses 2: 0.06 mcglkglmin: there was also an increase in heart rate at 2:0.06 mcglkglmin. At 2:0.()8 mcglkglmin the augmented stroke volume tended to plateau so that additional increases in the cardiac index lvere secondary to the elevated heart rate. Improved ventricular performance, measured by systolic time intervals, left ventricular stroke work index, and the calculated mean rate of lefi ventricular pressure development during isovolumetric contraction (f1P/f1t/PCWPj, was noted at 2:0.06 mcglkglmin, Systemic systolic blood pressure increased at 2:0.04 mcglkglmin but diastolic and mean arterial pressures and pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures did not change. The progressive increase in cardiac output was accompanied by a reduction in pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances. Although mean premature ventricular contractions per minute did not change, two patients experienced a substantial increase in ventricular ectopy at 0.10 and 0.12 mcg lkglmin , Butopamine induces a positive inotropic response in patients with congestive heart [ai lure but Fir equal increments in cardiac output, butopamine increases heart rate more than dobutamine.
Risk factors for requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support after a Norwood operation

Background Patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support after a Norwood operation constitute an extremely high-risk group. Data regarding risk factors for the requirement for ECMO post-Norwood are limited, however. We retrospectively assessed risk factors for requiring ECMO support after a Norwood operation during a 10-year period in a high-volume center. Methods Retrospective case-control study of 64 consecutive patients requiring ECMO support after a Norwood operation at a single institution during a 10-year period (January 2001-December 2010), with a 3:1 era-matched control group of patients who underwent a Norwood but did not require ECMO. Results In univariate analysis, ascending aorta less than 2.0 mm, longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, intraoperative shunt revision, and right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit were associated with the need for postoperative ECMO. A single left ventricle was protective compared with single right ventricle anatomy. By multivariate logistic regression, birth weight less than 2.5 kg and longer CPB time were independently associated with the need for postoperative ECMO. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis identified a peak lactate of 9 mmol/L and a peak vasoactive inotrope score (VIS) of 27 within 48 hours of surgery as most prognostic of the need for ECMO. Conclusions Birth weight less than 2.5 kg and longer CPB time are independently associated with the need for ECMO after a Norwood operation. Peak serum lactate and peak VIS may be useful in stratifying risk for ECMO. Risk factors for ECMO post-Norwood appear to be similar to the risk factors for early mortality post-Norwood.
Polymers for RF Apps

The demand for increasingly higher rates of data, voice, and video transmission, together with miniaturization of portable and wireless technologies, has driven the need for high-performance applications that have become a major aspect of every day life. From hundreds of megahertz to millimeter-wave frequencies, the evolution of wireless communications has led to several indispensable technologies such as cellular communications, wireless local area networks (WLAN), ultra-wideband (UWB), and wireless personal area networks (WPAN). Consumer driven, the need for accessing these radio technologies has been pushing radio-frequency (RF) engineers toward achieving low-cost and ultraminiaturized solutions. With the need for more flexible, light weight, and reconfigurable systems, these solutions are beginning to have an impact on space and defense applications as well.
Ion implanted photodiode detectors in epitaxial /Ga/x/In/1-x//As

Ion implanted p-n junction photodiodes in epitaxially grown (Ga(x)In(1-x))As material are reported on here. Photoresponse in these diodes was investigated for approximately the entire composition range of x between zero and one. High values for quantum efficiency were obtained for the devices with a high value of x.
Should rational drug development in psychiatry target more than one mechanism of action in a single molecule

SummaryRational drug development has come to psychiatry. Both the promise and the challenge that comes with this fact are great. One issue raised is whether to decide rationally to develop drugs with more than one mechanism of action (MOA) to improve efficacy and/or tolerability. As with any issue in science, thinking and planning will only take one so far. After that, the dice must be rolled and the results assessed. Undoubtedly, some drugs with dual or even more MOAs will prove to be desirable and others not. The question is which ones.
Dynamic insets for context-aware graph navigation

Maintaining both overview and detail while navigating in graphs, such as road networks, airline route maps, or social networks, is difficult, especially when targets of interest are located far apart. We present a navigation technique called Dynamic Insets that provides context awareness for graph navigation. Dynamic insets utilize the topological structure of the network to draw a visual inset for off-screen nodes that shows a portion of the surrounding area for links leaving the edge of the screen. We implement dynamic insets for general graph navigation as well as geographical maps. We also present results from a set of user studies that show that our technique is more efficient than most of the existing techniques for graph navigation in different networks.
Expression of Testosterone Conditioned Place Preference Is Blocked by Peripheral or Intra-accumbens Injection of α-Flupenthixol ☆

Abstract Previous evidence indicates that peripheral and intranucleus accumbens injections of testosterone have rewarding effects in male rats as measured in a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. The present study investigated the neurochemical bases of the rewarding properties of testosterone by examining the effect of peripheral and intranucleus accumbens injection of the dopamine receptor antagonist α-flupenthixol on expression of testosterone-induced CPP. On alternating days, adult male Long–Evans rats received peripheral injections of testosterone in a water-soluble hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBC) inclusion complex (0.8 mg/kg) or saline-HBC immediately prior to being confined for 30 min to one of two compartments of a place preference apparatus. All rats received 8 days of pairings (four hormone pairings, four saline pairings). On day 9 the rats were given a 20-min test session during which they had access to all compartments of the apparatus. No hormone was injected prior to the test session; however, rats received a peripheral (20 min prior; 0.2, 0.3 mg/kg) or intra-accumbens (2 min prior, 5.0 μg) injection of α-flupenthixol or saline. On the test day, rats receiving saline injections spent significantly more time in the compartment previously paired with injections of testosterone than in the compartment previously paired with vehicle injections. In contrast, rats receiving peripheral or intra-accumbens α-flupenthixol injections did not spend significantly more time in the compartment previously paired with testosterone. The blockade of testosterone CPP was not due to an effect of α-flupenthixol on motor behavior. The findings provide further evidence of the rewarding affective properties of testosterone and indicate that peripheral administration and intra-accumbens administration of α-flupenthixol block expression of testosterone CPP. The rewarding affective properties of testosterone are mediated, at least in part, via an interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system.
Use of irreversible electroporation in unresectable pancreatic cancer

Irreversible electroporation is a non-thermal injury ablative modality that has been in clinical use since 2008 in the treatment of locally advanced soft tissue tumors. It has been reported to be utilized intraoperatively, laparoscopically or percutaneously. The method of action of IRE relies on a high voltage (maximum 3,000 volts) small microsecond pulse lengths (70 to 90 microseconds) to induce cell membrane porosity which leads to slow/protracted cell death over time. One of the largest unmet needs in oncology that IRE has been utilized is in locally advanced (stage III) pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and palliation with encouraging improvement in overall survival. Its inherent limitation still remains tissue heterogeneity and the unique settings based on tumor histology and prior induction therapy. There remains a high technical demand of the end-user and the more extensive knowledge transfer which makes the learning curve longer in order to achieve appropriate and safe utilization.
Soundscapes and Larval Settlement: Larval Bivalve Responses to Habitat-Associated Underwater Sounds.

We quantified the effects of habitat-associated sounds on the settlement response of two species of bivalves with contrasting habitat preferences: (1) Crassostrea virginicia (oyster), which prefers to settle on other oysters, and (2) Mercenaria mercenaria (clam), which settles on unstructured habitats. Oyster larval settlement in the laboratory was significantly higher when exposed to oyster reef sound compared with either off-reef or no-sound treatments. Clam larval settlement did not vary according to sound treatments. Similar to laboratory results, field experiments showed that oyster larval settlement in “larval housings” suspended above oyster reefs was significantly higher compared with off-reef sites.
Current Concepts in Total Ankle Replacement for Radiologists: Features and Imaging Assessment

OBJECTIVE. This article reviews the current concepts of total ankle replacement (TAR). The features of traditional and new prosthetic designs, materials, and surgical techniques are discussed. Normal postoperative imaging findings are illustrated. CONCLUSION. TAR is becoming a mainstream treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Although the results after TAR have not reached the same level as those for hip arthroplasty and knee arthroplasty, the revision rates show that this form of therapy is rational and promising. For this reason, assessment of postoperative imaging is important. The foundation of the radiologic interpretation of TAR is knowledge of the physiologic purpose, orthopedic trends, imaging findings, and complications.
A Brief Overview of Four Principles of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Throughout the United States and Europe, economic support for various health-related services is diminishing. As part of this economic tidal wave, rehabilitation services for persons with an acquired brain injury likewise have been reduced. The failure to clarify which types of rehabilitation services are efficacious for specific patient groups has further compounded this problem. Too often, no clear scientific database is available to counter decisions based more on economic concerns than on the needs of patients (Prigatano, 1996b).
Ileoanal Anastomosis with Ileal Reservoir Following Total Colectomy and Mucosal Proctectomy

Selected patients requiring proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis, in whom preservation of continence is desired
The Risks We Are Willing to Take: Youth Civic Development in "Postwar" Guatemala.

In this article, Michelle J. Bellino explores contrasting approaches to civic education in two rural schools serving indigenous Maya youth in post–civil war Guatemala. Through comparative ethnography, she examines how youth civic pathways intersect with legacies of authoritarianism while young people shape their identity as members of historically oppressed groups. She suggests that student decisions about how and when to participate in civic issues function as a risk calculus, taking into consideration the costs and benefits of both participation and nonparticipation as well as the civic obligation to abstain or join communities in struggle. Although serving similarly impoverished communities hard-hit by state actors during the war and now struggling with issues of indigenous autonomy, both schools position daily experiences with injustice as an entry point for constructing youth citizenship. Beyond this shared experience of historical injustice and its ongoing effects, educators envision young peoples' ...
Large-scale parallel visualization of particle-based simulations using point sprites and level-of-detail

Recent large-scale particle-based simulations are generating vast amounts of data posing a challenge to visualization algorithms. One possibility for addressing this challenge is to map particles into a regular grid for volume rendering, which carries the disadvantages of inefficient use of memory and undesired losses of dynamic range. As an alternative, we propose a method to efficiently visualize these massive particle datasets using point rendering techniques with neither loss of dynamic range nor memory overheads. In addition, a hierarchical reorganization of the data is desired to deliver meaningful visual representations of a large number of particles in a limited number of pixels, preserving point locality and also helping achieve interactive frame rates. In this paper, we present a framework for parallel rendering of large-scale particle data sets combining point sprites and z-ordering. The latter is used to create a multi level representation of the data which helps improving frame rates. Performance and scalability are evaluated on a GPU-based visualization cluster, scaling up to 128 GPUs. Results using particle datasets of up to 32 billion particles are shown.
Precipitin Formation in the Guinea Pig

In previous studies on precipitin production in the white rat,' an animal generally considered a poor precipitin producer, we have shown that strongly flocculating antiserums having low constant antiserum optimal ratios, low titers by the antigen dilution method and relatively high titers by the antiserum dilution method may be obtained following the injection of sheep serum. In view of the fact that the guinea pig is also referred to as a poor precipitin former,2 it was felt that similar studies with this animal would be of value.
Option-Based Approach to Value Engine Maintenance Cost Guarantees and Engine Maintenance Contracts

The acquisition of new aircraft and engines is a process riddled with uncertainties regarding the economic performance of the assets once in operations. Trend in the recent years has been for original equipment manufacturers to offer warranties and performance guarantees during sales campaigns in order to limit airlines’ exposure to technical risks and assure them that operating costs will remain under control. Similarly, more and more airlines are transitioning from traditional sub-contracted “labor and material” engine maintenance or in-house maintenance to “pay-by-the-hour” maintenance contracts offered either by engine manufacturers or independent maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. Estimating the value of these warranties, performance guarantees and maintenance contracts is not only an accounting game: there are significant risks faced by manufacturers and repair facilities when such contracts are offered. At the same time, valuing these contracts is a daunting task due to the uncertainty regarding maintenance costs and their sensitivity to operating conditions and operating environments. The primary focus of this paper is on high bypass ratio turbofan maintenance and an option-based approach to computing the fair value of the previously mentioned contracts is proposed. The methodology is inspired by numerical methods used to value financial derivative securities. Comprehensive “by-the-hour” maintenance contracts are shown to be a special case of maintenance guarantee contracts. Finally, the method is applied and some results are presented.
Dual-Emissive Difluoroboron Naphthyl-Phenyl β-Diketonate Polylactide Materials: Effects of Heavy Atom Placement and Polymer Molecular Weight

Luminescent materials are important for imaging and sensing. Aromatic difluoroboron β-diketonate complexes (BF2bdks) are classic fluorescent molecules that have been explored as photochemical reagents, two-photon dyes, and oxygen sensors. A series of BF2bdks with naphthyl and phenyl groups was synthesized, and photophysical properties were investigated in both methylene chloride and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Polymer molecular weight and dye attachment site along with bromide heavy atom placement were varied to tune optical properties of dye–PLA materials. Systems without heavy atoms have long phosphorescence lifetimes, which is useful for lifetime-based oxygen sensing. Bromine substitution on the naphthyl ring resulted in intense, clearly distinguishable fluorescence and phosphorescence peaks important for ratiometric oxygen sensing and imaging.
A ‘spot’ diagnosis

A 5-year-old girl from a non-consanguineous family presented with marked ‘freckling’ from 12 months of age and eight basal cell carcinoma (BCC); the first at the age of 4 years. There was no history of photosensitivity or exaggerated sunburn and her medical history was otherwise unremarkable. Examination demonstrated heterogeneous lentigines on her face, decolletage and hands (figure 1), with sparing of the submental area (figure 2), following a distinctly sun-exposed distribution. Adjacent to the left nasal ala, a surgical scar from previous excision of a BCC was also apparent. Figure 1 Heterogenous lentigines on the face and decolletage. Figure 2 Sparing of the submental area following a distinctly sun-exposed distribution. ### What is the most likely diagnosis based on this clinical presentation? 1. Kindler syndrome 2. Rothmund–Thomson syndrome 3. Erythropoietic protoporphyria 4. Xeroderma pigmentosum ### What would be the next step in investigation to confirm your diagnosis? 1. Serum protoporphyrin …
Do Arms Control Treaties Work? Assessing the Effectiveness of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty

How do international arms control treaties influence state policies? This article investigates this question by analyzing the efficacy of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Despite fierce debate over the last several decades, scholars still lack a full understanding of whether or not the treaty “works.” This debate persists, in part, because existing studies suffer from a key limitation: they are not designed to infer a causal connection between NPT membership and nuclear proliferation. Prior research cannot determine whether membership in the treaty restrains states from developing nuclear weapons or simply reflects existing preferences. To address this limitation, this article accounts for selection effects by using a measure of states’ ex ante treaty commitment preferences. Our analysis of nuclear proliferation from 1970 to 2000 provides evidence that the NPT has played a key role in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons. Even after accounting for strategic selection into the treaty, NPT ratification is robustly associated with a lower likelihood of pursuing nuclear weapons. Our results not only matter for debates over the NPT and nonproliferation but also have broad implications for the study of how international institutions affect international politics.
Analysis of the Crowd Spines Ball Larva Antibody Test Results in JingYuan County in 2012

Objective This study aims to understand the crowd spines ball larva antibody levels in JingYuan county in order to provide reference for the comprehensive prevention and control of the disease. Methods Using cluster random sampling method,five towns from the east, west, south, north, and the center of the county in 2012 three villages were randomly selected from each town of five towns from the east,west, south, north and the center of the county, so a total of 15 villages were sampled. The hydatid IgG antibody in serum was determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method in residents who were over 3years old and maintained residence for at least 6 months every year. Results A total of 3, 181 people were tested and 84 tested positive, accounting for 2.64% of the total. The positive rate of BanGeShan village was the highest(8.15%) and the positive rates of different villages were statistically significant(chi-square=12.85, P12.85). Infection mainly occurred in people over 60, people involved in cattle and sheep slaughtering and fur trading, hui and islamic people, while there was no statistically significant difference between male and female participants(P0.05). Conclusion Spines ball larva disease was prevalent among people over60 and people involved in cattle and sheep slaughtering and fur trading in parts of JingYuan county, indicating that the prevention and control of key areas and key populations should be strengthened.
Three dimensions ontology modification matrix

The Semantic Web vision provides the current Web with the necessary infrastructure that allows the computer to process knowledge. One of the cornerstones of this infrastructure is the Ontology. Ontology is a formal way of sharing knowledge via a machine-readable format in order to facilitate the reuse of the knowledge among different parties. For example, Web Ontology Language (OWL) defines the that allows the reuse of a desired content of another ontology. That is, ontology is expected to be modified in order to be accommodated with added, removed, or refined knowledge in order to fulfill new requirements. Otherwise, it would be outdated; resulting in poor Semantic Web applications. Also, when an ontology is about to be built or chosen, it is worthwhile to make sure that this ontology can be easily modified by other parties in order to suit new tasks. Thus, in this work, a three dimensions ontology modification matrix approach is proposed as an attempt to relatively indicate the complexity of an ontology. This approach can assist in estimating ontology modification efforts and tracking the ontology development process; yet, it is a simple approach. An empirical analysis on this work has performed including real world ontologies. The results indicate that the proposed work is effective and competitive. Moreover, some applications for the proposed work have noted.
A Computerized Experiment for Comparison Between Methods of Uncertainty Propagation

One of the fields in artificial intelligence (AI) which has already been applied to productive programs is the expert systems field. Among other areas, expert systems are applied in engineering (e.g. diagnosis). This paper summarizes an experiment, the results of which can be used as a tool to help evaluate methods for propagating uncertain information to be used for diagnosis and planning for maintenance in a nuclear power plant, as well as in other industrial facilities.
The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Perceptions of Different Literacy Types Among College Students

Studies on reading literacy have yet to connect how students perceive the importance of different literacy areas to their ability perception in those areas. This article analyzes students’ importance ranking of four different areas of literacy: prose (comprehending written information), document (interpreting information in forms, schedules, tables, and graphs), quantitative (using and comprehending numbers found in written material), and health (using health-related information). It was expected that perceptions of literacy importance would be related to self-efficacy and that students would rank quantitative literacy as the lowest in importance. As hypothesized, self-efficacy and importance rankings were positively related among 250 undergraduates (67 males, 183 females; Mean age = 21.88) who completed online surveys. Also, the importance ranking of and perceived ability in quantitative literacy were lower than the other literacy types. Although quantitative literacy is a significant indicator for futur...
System architecture for 3D terrafly online GIS

We present the architecture of 3D TerraFly, a three-dimensional extension of TerraFly, which is a Web-enabled geographic information system designed for visualization, analysis and composition of remotely-sensed imagery. 3D TerraFly has a client/server architecture. The client-side application is a web-embedded component called the 3D TerraFly Viewer that performs 3D terrain rendering and interactive navigation. The server side applications include texture imagery servers and mesh servers that, respectively, handle texture data requests and mesh data requests.
Time-of-Day Pricing in Taxi Markets

For a regular weekday in New York City, the number of taxi trips at 8 P.M. may be 10 times greater than that at 5 A.M., while passengers are charged under the same pricing scheme. Motivated by temporally non-stationary demand and supply in the taxi market, the time-of-day (TOD) pricing scheme for taxi industry is framed to vary trip cost dynamically over time, so that total market revenue is maximized. Temporal market dynamics is modeled as a semi-Markov process, which captures leftover of drivers, spillover of passengers, and restoration of drivers in service along the time horizon. The TOD pricing scheme is therefore formulated as discrete time stochastic dynamic programming with the goal to find the optimal sequence of price multipliers. The approximate dynamic programming (ADP) approach is introduced to solve the curse of dimensionality. Numerical experiments are conducted using New York City taxi trip data to illustrate the effectiveness of TOD price in real-world taxi market. The results suggest that TOD price may increase daily market revenue by over 10% using the ADP approach. Our experiments also show that TOD price may be even more effective if sudden surges in demand take place in the market.
Solvent Contamination Determined by UV Reflection

Commercial organic cleaning solvents, unless specially prepared, may increase contamination of an item rather than clean it. A simple test to determine the presence or absence of a contaminant in a solvent can be performed by using ultraviolet-reflection spectroscopy. The procedure consists of immersing a quartz-paper coupon in a small quantity of the solvent to be tested, then evaporating the solution to dryness in a vent hood at room temperature. Prior to immersion, clean quartz paper typically reflects 70 to 90% of the ultraviolet in a range from 200 to 360 nm. If the filaments of the quartz-paper coupon have had any contaminant from the solvent deposited on their surfaces, the multi reflections produce an extensive ultraviolet absorption.
Improving survival prognostication of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: Revised staging criteria

Purpose Current staging criteria for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs), while useful, have limitations. In this study, we used a population-based registry to evaluate the prognostic utility of the current staging systems and assess whether evidence-based modifications can improve survival predictions.
Retinoblastoma cells activate the AKT pathway and are vulnerable to the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235.

// Chencheng Xie 1 , Matthew J. Freeman 1 , Huarui Lu 1 , Xiaohong Wang 1 , Colleen L. Forster 2 , Aaron L. Sarver 3 and Timothy C. Hallstrom 1 1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA 2 BioNet, Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA 3 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Correspondence to: Timothy C. Hallstrom, email: // Keywords : retinoblastoma, AKT, NVP-BEZ235, carboplatin, topotecan Received : October 19, 2016 Accepted : March 10, 2017 Published : April 08, 2017 Abstract Retinoblastoma is a pediatric cancer of the retina most often caused by inactivation of the retinoblastoma ( RB1) tumor suppressor gene. We previously showed that Rb1 loss cooperates with either co-activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, or co-deleting Pten, to initiate retinoblastoma tumors in mice. The objectives of this study were to determine if the AKT pathway is activated in human retinoblastomas and the extent that anti-PI3K therapy induces apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells, alone or in combination with the DNA damaging drugs carboplatin and topotecan. Serial sections from human retinoblastoma tissue microarrays containing 27 tumors were stained with antibodies specific to p-AKT, Ki-67, forkhead box O1 (p-FOXO1), and ribosomal protein S6 (p-S6) using immunohistochemistry and each tumor sample scored for intensity. Human retinoblastoma tumors displayed significant correlation between p-AKT intensity with highly proliferative tumors ( p = 0.008) that were also highly positive for p-FOXO1 ( p = 0.002). Treatment with BEZ235, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, reduced phosphorylation levels of the AKT targets p-FOXO and p-S6 and effectively induced apoptosis the Y79 and Weri-1 human retinoblastoma cell lines and in vivo in our retinoblastoma mouse model. Long-term treatment with BEZ235 in vivo using our retinoblastoma-bearing mice induced apoptosis but did not significantly extend the lifespan of the mice. We then co-administered BEZ235 with topotecan and carboplatin chemotherapeutics in vivo , which more effectively induced apoptosis of retinoblastoma, but not normal retinal cells than either treatment alone. Our study has increased the variety of potentially effective targeted treatments that can be considered for human retinoblastoma.
Implementation of a Computerized Tablet-Survey in an Adolescent Large-Scale, School-Based Study.

BACKGROUND Computerized surveys present many advantages over paper surveys. However, school-based adolescent research questionnaires still mainly rely on paper-and-pencil surveys as access to computers in schools is often not practical. Tablet-assisted self-interviews (TASI) present a possible solution, but their use is largely untested. This paper presents a method for and our experiences with implementing a TASI in a school setting. METHODS A TASI was administered to 3907 middle and high school students from 79 schools. The survey assessed use of tobacco products and exposure to tobacco marketing. To assess in-depth tobacco use behaviors, the TASI employed extensive skip patterns to reduce the number of not-applicable questions that nontobacco users received. Pictures were added to help respondents identify the tobacco products they were being queried about. RESULTS Students were receptive to the tablets and required no instructions in their use. None were lost, stolen, or broken. Item nonresponse, unanswered questions, was a pre-administration concern; however, 92% of participants answered 96% or more of the questions. CONCLUSIONS This method was feasible and successful among a diverse population of students and schools. It generated a unique dataset of in-depth tobacco use behaviors that would not have been possible through a paper-and-pencil survey.
Can OCT angiography be made a quantitative blood measurement tool

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) refers to a powerful class of OCT scanning protocols and algorithms that selectively enhance the imaging of blood vessel lumens, based mainly on the motion and scattering of red blood cells (RBCs). Though OCTA is widely used in clinical and basic science applications for visualization of perfused blood vessels, OCTA is still primarily a qualitative tool. However, more quantitative hemodynamic information would better delineate disease mechanisms, and potentially improve the sensitivity for detecting early stages of disease. Here, we take a broader view of OCTA in the context of microvascular hemodynamics and light scattering. Paying particular attention to the unique challenges presented by capillaries versus larger supplying and draining vessels, we critically assess opportunities and challenges in making OCTA a quantitative tool.
Nano-structured platinum group metal-free catalysts and their integration in fuel cell electrode architectures

Abstract The novel platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is synthesized by a modified sacrificial support method (SSM). The catalyst chemical/surface composition is studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the morphology of the material is observed using both HR-SEM and HR-TEM, demonstrating the open-frame, self-supported catalysts. This new catalyst’s electrochemical performance is evaluated by polarization curves and has behaviour comparable to the state-of-the-art PGM-free catalysts. Meso-structure imaging shows pores on the order of 100 nm, the mean size of the individual silica particles in the sacrificial support. For the first time, PGM-free catalyst layer (CL) morphology in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is studied in detail by combined nano- and micro X-ray computed tomography (CT) and interpretational modelling. The highly inhomogeneous, high-tortuosity, through-thickness structure of the CL is observed with micro-CT. The nano-CT method for these thick PGM-free electrodes is not sufficient to capture the full through-thickness morphology of these electrodes. Water retention curves suggest water pooling at the MEA components’ interfaces and significant dependence of capilary pressure and saturation on through-thickness location. This study is the first of its kind to identify morphology-dependent transport losses in the thick PGM-free electrodes using scale-bridging between meso-, micro-, and macro.
Preoperative functional health status is a predictor of short-term postoperative morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Functional health status (FHS) is the ability to perform activities of daily living without caregiver assistance. Objectives The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact of impaired preoperative FHS on morbidity and mortality within 30 days of bariatric surgery. Setting Academic medical center in the United States. Methods The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program 2015 data set was queried for primary minimally invasive bariatric procedures. The demographic characteristics and perioperative details of patients who were functionally independent were compared with patients with impaired FHS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds of developing a perioperative complication or death for patients with impaired functional health. Results Of patients, 1515 (1.0%) were reported as having impaired FHS and 147,195 patients (99.0%) were independent before surgery. Patients with impaired FHS experienced significantly longer length of hospital stays (2.4 versus 1.8 d; P Conclusions Patients with impaired FHS preoperatively have a significantly increased risk of short-term morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. The results of this study highlight the importance of establishing quality initiatives focused on improving short-term outcomes for patients with impaired functional health status.
Effect of Pericarp Removal, Gibberellic Acid Treatment, and Stratification on Seed Germination of Abelia ×grandiflora

Abstract Seed germination within Abelia R. Br. spp. has been described as slow and inconsistent. An experiment was conducted with seeds of Abelia ×grandiflom (Andre) Rehd. (glossy abelia) to test procedures to increase germination percentage, uniformity and rate. The effect of pericarp removal was examined on seeds with no additional treatment, and on seeds that were stratified (moist-prechilled) for 60 days at 4C (39F) or immersed in 100 mg/liter gibberellic acid for 24 hr. Treatments were replicated five times with 15 seeds per replication. Seeds were sown on sphagnum peat, and germinated under mist in a greenhouse. Weekly germination counts were recorded for 8 weeks. Seeds with intact pericarps germinated at a significantly higher percentage than those without pericarps. Stratified seeds germinated in fewer days than the other treatments. The combination of stratified seeds with intact pericarps gave the best overall response, with final germination of 62% and a reduction in germination time to 14 days...
CRT-700.08 The Impact of Beta Blockers on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes

Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a novel procedure that has revolutionized the treatment for severe aortic stenosis (AS). There is limited data on the pre-operative beta-blocker (BB) impact on TAVR outcomes. A Retrospective analysis of 373 patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR
The microbiome in prostate inflammation and prostate cancer.

The human microbiome may influence prostate cancer initiation and/or progression through both direct and indirect interactions. To date, the majority of studies have focused on direct interactions including the influence of prostate infections on prostate cancer risk and, more recently, on the composition of the urinary microbiome in relation to prostate cancer. Less well understood are indirect interactions of the microbiome with prostate cancer, such as the influence of the gastrointestinal or oral microbiota on pro- or anti-carcinogenic xenobiotic metabolism, and treatment response. We review the literature to date on direct and indirect interactions of the microbiome with prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Emerging studies indicate that the microbiome can influence prostate inflammation in relation to benign prostate conditions such as prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as in prostate cancer. We provide evidence that the human microbiome present at multiple anatomic sites (urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, etc.) may play an important role in prostate health and disease. In health, the microbiome encourages homeostasis and helps educate the immune system. In dysbiosis, a systemic inflammatory state may be induced, predisposing remote anatomical sites to disease, including cancer. The microbiome’s ability to affect systemic hormone levels may also be important, particularly in a disease such as prostate cancer that is dually affected by estrogen and androgen levels. Due to the complexity of the potential interconnectedness between prostate cancer and the microbiome, it is vital to further explore and understand the relationships that are involved.
Effect of a convenient single 90-mg pamidronate dose on biochemical markers of bone metabolism in patients with acute spinal cord injury.

Background/Objective: To describe the biochemical and adverse effects of a convenient single 90 mg pamidronate dose in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and compare these effects with th...
Screening for Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders in Female Athletes

Low energy availability appears to be the key etiologic abnormality central to the pathologies seen in the Female Athlete Triad. The energy deficit comes from either increased exertion or inadequate intake of nutrition, either through disordered eating (inadvertent or purposeful) or one of the pathologic eating disorders. It is important to educate female athletes about this concerning scenario as early intervention can limit morbidity and mortality from it. It is important for those interacting with female athletes, both recreational and competitive, to screen for disordered eating/eating disorders (DE/ED) which could lead to low energy availability. With proper education, screening can be done informally by virtually anyone who interacts with female athletes. In the formal setting, question-based tools are available to facilitate the process. Several of these tools are discussed in this chapter. Any athlete who screens positively for possible DE/ED should be referred to a physician and/or mental health provider for further evaluation.
Theories and Principles of Viscosity

Viscosity is a transport phenomenon. Viscosity is the transport of momentum due to a velocity gradient. The beginning of the phenomenological studies of viscosity goes back to the ancient Greeks and later the Romans characteristically applied what they had learned in practical ingenious ways [1]. Modern theories of viscosity of liquids are based on continuum mechanics and molecular theory.
The Professional Education Program of the American Cancer Society

ABSTRACT Professional education by the American Cancer Society stresses early diagnosis and prompt and adequate treatment. It provides information on cancer to motivate the medical and allied health professions to practice the latest techniques in detection and diagnosis. The program is aimed at the primary physician defined as the physician who sees the patient first. The methods used include publications, audiovisual materials and conferences. Clinical fellowships are supported to increase the number of physicians with expertise in the management of cancer. To insure the inclusion of cancer in the education of medical students, the American Cancer Society supports Professors of Clinical Oncology in Medical Schools. The American Cancer Society also assists other professional organizations in carrying out their educational programs. The effectiveness of professional education activities of the American Cancer Society results from the organization of the Society into its National Headquarters, 58 Divisions and 3, 000 Units. This allows for broad coverage at national, regional and local levels and provides professional education where the target audience lives and works.