cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
aVR vs. -aVR: should aVR be left where it is?

There is a long-ranging debate regarding the proposal for replacing the frontal plane lead aVR by its inverse (–aVR), something that has already been implemented in Sweden. Technically a –aVR is not obtained by changing the lead positions, but only by creating an automated mirror of the original waveform recorded by the bipolar leads. The proponents extol the merits of this transformation of aVR,1 while others2 express reservations for such action. The debate has been further rekindled recently by the expressed intentions of some authors3 to induce cardiology societies throughout the world to adopt a switch from aVR to –aVR, and to influence the major ECG manufacturers to take steps in modifying their products for such a change. I believe that this scientific impasse can be resolved by a debate where both arguments and counterarguments about the advantages of –aVR can be heard throughout the scientific community. The recent burgeoning interest in lead aVR, in general, has succeeded in reversing its old characterization as a ‘useless lead’; aVR has some, indeed a lot, of value, based on its mathematical relationship with individual and various combinations of limb leads.4 However, the intention of this communication is not to highlight the usefulness of aVR, but to delve in the issue whether –aVR has, or does not have, advantages over aVR. The reader should keep in mind that –aVR, in the so-called orderly Cabrera sequence, is part of a general argument that expanding the 12-lead ECG more by its 12 inverse leads (e.g. –I, –aVF, –V1, –V3, etc.) constitutes a real enhancement of the …
Preschoolers' mid-afternoon snack intake is not affected by lunchtime food consumption.

Abstract The purpose of this study was two-fold: to determine the contribution of mid-afternoon snack intake to total daily energy intake and to examine the effect of lunchtime eating on subsequent snack intake in preschool children. Lunch energy intake was manipulated by varying the energy content of the milk beverage served at lunch. Mid-afternoon snack consumption in 135 children, aged 18–66 months, offered chocolate-flavored or plain milk at lunch. Nutritious mid-morning snacks, lunches and mid-afternoon snacks were served on a rotating schedule 2 days per week for 12 weeks. The children were allowed to consume as much as they wanted of any food items served at lunch or snacktime, including the beverages. Although the children consumed significantly more energy during lunchtime meals at which sucrose-sweetened chocolate milk was served, their intake of the mid-afternoon snack was not affected by the type of milk beverage served or the energy consumed at lunch. All children consumed between 20 and 25% of their daily energy requirement at lunch and between 8 and 22% of their daily energy requirement during the mid-afternoon snack. Snacks are an important source of energy for young children, especially those under three years of age.
How actions create--not just reveal--preferences.

The neo-classical economics view that behavior is driven by – and reflective of – hedonic utility is challenged by psychologists’ demonstrations of cases in which actions do not merely reveal preferences but rather create them. In this view, preferences are frequently constructed in the moment and are susceptible to fleeting situational factors; problematically, individuals are insensitive to the impact of such factors on their behavior, misattributing utility caused by these irrelevant factors to stable underlying preferences. Consequently, subsequent behavior might reflect not hedonic utility but rather this erroneously imputed utility that lingers in memory. Here we review the roles of these streams of utility in shaping preferences, and discuss how neuroimaging offers unique possibilities for disentangling their independent contributions to behavior.
Neuronal model for stereoscopic vision.

Abstract A neuronal model for stereopsis is described and simulated. Without the assumption of specific feature detectors, objects are unambiguously located in three-dimensional visual space. Random-dot stereograms are correctly resolved in depth with stimulus details conserved within planar contours.
Polarization effects in two-phonon Raman scattering in cubic crystals.

Two-phonon Raman scattering in cubic crystals, noting use of polarization effect to determine active irreducible representations
Sunkist Growers: Refreshing the Brand

The objective of this case is to introduce students to what is possibly the most complex agricultural cooperative in the United States and learn more about the economic issues involved in citrus production globally. Students are asked to analyze a strategy built around brand loyalty with higher costs and an inability to dictate to growers what varieties are most valuable to retailers.
Chromatic-dispersion-insensitive PMD monitoring using optical off-center bandpass filtering

We demonstrate that by using an off-center optical bandpass filter and monitoring the extracted clock power, an accurate PMD feedback signal is realized. This feedback signal is insensitive to chromatic dispersion.
Quantifying myocardial organization using coherence analysis during ventricular fibrillation and for defibrillation research: a single reference electrode approach

This study investigated local epicardial electrical organization during ventricular fibrillation (VF), and its relationship with defibrillation outcome. Unipolar electrograms (5 seconds duration) prior to defibrillation shock were recorded from 112 epicardial sites during 168 defibrillation attempts on nine canine subjects. Magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) spectrums were used to calculate normalized coherence values for each of the sites with respect to a reference site chosen ad hoc. The average coherence value at distances 3.5 mm and 26.67 mm from the reference site were found to be 0.69/spl plusmn/0.11 and 0.30/spl plusmn/0.05 respectively (p<0.01). None of the several local coherence parameters were found to be associated with defibrillation outcome. These preliminary results suggest that the state of local myocardial organization, as quantified by MSC values with respect to a single reference electrode, may not be related to defibrillation outcome.
Combining reactive and deliberative agents for complete ecosystems in infospheres

The diversity of resources and information in real infospheres calls for artificial ecosystems with a diversity of interacting agents ranging from reactive to deliberative paradigms and maintaining the information ecology. After discussing the notion of infosphere and some interests of the XML family for such a world, this paper provides examples showing the interest of such hybrid systems.
Effects of disturbance on germination and seedling establishment in a coastal prairie grassland: a test of the competitive release hypothesis

Summary 1 We evaluated the responses of native grassland sods to a variety of types of disturbance in order to assess hypotheses about the competitive effects of established vegetation on seed germination and seedling establishment. In particular, we consider whether germination is more responsive to the magnitude and duration of vegetation removal (competitive release) or to individual disturbance types (specific effects). 2 Field-collected sods of coastal tallgrass prairie were subjected to no manipulation, cutting with clippings left, cutting with clippings removed (hayed), burning, and complete destruction of established vegetation under greenhouse conditions. The emergence and fate of seedlings, as well as light penetration through the canopy, were followed for a period of 4.5 months. 3 Total seedling emergence increased from cut to control, hayed, burned and plants-removed treatments. Several periods of increased seedling emergence suggested responses to both light penetration and seasonal change. 4 Species richness was lowest in cut sods and highest in sods that had plants removed or were burned. Rarefaction analysis showed that these differences were largely those expected from differences in seedling number, except for the cut treatment, which produced fewer species per seedling than other treatments. 5 Indicator species analysis and ordination methods revealed that seedling community composition overlapped strongly across all treatments, although the area of ordination space did increase with increasing numbers of seedlings. 6 Overall, most of the effects of disturbance could be explained by cumulative light penetration to the soil surface, an indicator of total competitive release, although a few specific effects could be found (particularly for the cutting treatment). Thus, these results generally support the competitive release hypothesis.
An Experientially- and Community-Oriented Graduate Course in Mental Health Administration

A graduate course in mental health administration that combines classroom, field visit, and practicum components is described. The course provides students with an overview of the major responsibilities, concerns, and issues in the management of mental health facilities. Course evaluation data indicate that the course has been meeting its goal of stimulating students' interest in this area of increasing involvement by psychologists.
Coulomb friction effects on the dynamics of bearings and transmissions in precision robot mechanisms

General guidelines for analyzing friction at the joints are discussed. It is shown that friction can be related to the joint coordinates and their first and second time derivatives. The resulting extended robot dynamics formulation is investigated as it applies to the inverse and forward robot dynamics problems. The analytical dependency of Coulomb friction on joint interactions is explicitly examined. As an illustration of friction effects in transmissions, the friction in harmonic drives is considered and a method is developed for its evaluation. The quantitative characterization of several specific cases is provided. The study is significant for the design and control achieving of high-speed precision robot motion. >
Expression of rRNA genes and nucleolus formation at ectopic chromosomal sites in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We constructed yeast strains in which rRNA gene repeats are integrated at ectopic sites in the presence or absence of the native nucleolus. At all three ectopic sites analyzed, near centromere CEN5, near the telomere of chromosome VI-R, and in middle of chromosome V-R (mid-V-R), a functional nucleolus was formed, and no difference in the expression of rRNA genes was observed. When two ribosomal DNA (rDNA) arrays are present, one native and the other ectopic, there is codominance in polymerase I (Pol I) transcription. We also examined the expression of a single rDNA repeat integrated into ectopic loci in strains with or without the native RDN1 locus. In a strain with reduced rRNA gene copies at RDN1 (∼40 copies), the expression of a single rRNA gene copy near the telomere was significantly reduced relative to the other ectopic sites, suggesting a less-efficient recruitment of the Pol I machinery from the RDN1 locus. In addition, we found a single rRNA gene at mid-V-R was as active as that within the 40-copy RDN1. Combined with the results of activity analysis of a single versus two tandem copies at CEN5, we conclude that tandem repetition is not required for efficient rRNA gene transcription.
Pharmacokinetics (PK) of intraveneous scopolamine (SCP) plus physostigmine (PHY) in healthy elderly male and female volunteers

Purpose (1) To investigate the PK of SCP in healthy elderly volunteers, (2) To determine any PK interactions of PHY on SCP. Methods: Sixteen healthy elderly volunteers received 6.7μg/kg IV SCP/placebo, followed 60 minutes later by 6.7μg/kg IV PHY/placebo. Plasma SCP concentrations were measured by radio-receptor assay (LOQ: 100 pg/ml). Noncompartmental PK analysis was performed. ANOVA was used to assess gender, treatment and age differences. Results: CLtot was 2.9±1.5 l/min (mean±SD), while Vdss was 249±106 l, resulting in a terminal half-life (t1/2) of 72±19 min. No significant PK differences were found after co-administration of PHY. A gender difference was found for Vdss and t1/2, where males had a 45% higher Vdss and a 26% longer t1/2 than females. Significant age differences were found for CLtot and Vdss; the elderly showed higher values than those in the young. The following table shows PK parameters in the young (6M, 6F) and elderly healthy (8M, 8F) volunteers. (See Table) Conclusions SCP showed rapid, extensive distribution and high clearance values suggesting extrahepatic metabolism. PHY did not have any influence on SCP PK. Gender differences were found in Vdss and t1/2, and age differences were found in CLtot and Vdss, which may due to changes in plasma/tissue protein binding and/or extrahepatic metabolism. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P34–P34; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.130 Table 1. Elderly Males Elderly Females Young Males Young Females CLtot (l/min) 3.5 (1.9) 2.3 (0.5) 1.7 (0.2) 1.4 (0.5) Vdss (l) 296 (128) 203 (55) 168 (52) 155 (60)
Comparison of the transfer of coumaphos from beeswax into syrup and honey

The organophosphate insecticide coumaphos has recently received emergency approval in the United States for control of fluvalinate-resistant Varroa destructorand the small hive beetle, Aethina tumidaMurray. We investigated the transfer of coumaphos from wax into syrup and honey, using adsorption of coumaphos from diluted syrup or honey onto a solid-phase extraction cartridge, elution, and subsequent analysis. Coumaphos in syrup was quantitated using HPLC with UV detec- tion, and we found that coumaphos migrates from wax into syrup, with low concentrations increas- ing over a few months. Concentrations reached 200-300 ppb in 100 g of syrup in contact with 10 g of wax containing 1000 ppm of coumaphos; contact with wax containing 100 and 10 ppm led to lower amounts. Impurities made HPLC determination of coumaphos in honey impossible, but the solid phase extract could be analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Concentrations in honey were similar to those in syrup, reaching 430 ppb after 26 weeks at 1000 ppm in wax.
Diagnosis of speech problems in patients with cleft palate

In 1928, Wardill, writing on cleft palate, referred to “one of the rare cases of perfect speech result.” It is unlikely that this statement would be made today, when, in many centers throughout the world, speech free of the stigmata of cleft palate is the accepted clinical goal and, frequently, the actual outcome of treatment. On the other hand, no centre can yet claim perfect results for all its patients. Diagnostic procedures are most essential in the lives of those individuals who do not achieve acceptable speech through surgery alone. The goal of this paper is to discuss some of the problems encountered in diagnosis, to relate them to patient care, and to motivate the reader to further exploration and study.
High dosage expression of a zinc finger protein, Grt1, suppresses a mutant of fission yeast slp1(+), a homolog of CDC20/p55CDC/Fizzy

Selective proteolysis at and after the onset of anaphase is a key cell cycle event required for sister chromatid separation as well as for exit from mitosis. It requires ubiquitination of substrates by Anaphase Promoting Complex(APC)/Cyclosome. Slp1, a WD-repeat protein, is a putative activator for APC in fission yeast. With another WD- repeat protein, Ste9/Srw1, it is thought to promote the proteolysis in a substrate-specific manner. We report here characterization of a temperature-sensitive (ts) slp1 mutant and its high-dosage suppressor, grt1(+). In cells arrested in metaphase, wild-type Slp1 was preferentially found in a complex with hyperphosphorylated Cut9 (subunit of APC), whereas the ts Slp1 protein, lacking the last 113 amino acids, failed to interact with Cut9. The temperature sensitivity was suppressed by high dosage expression of a zinc finger protein, Grt1. The ts slp1 mutant was unable to maintain the normal level of Grt1 protein. The reduction in the Grt1 level may be a primary defect since high dosage expression of grt1(+) rescues the slp1 mutant. The grt1-suppression had an additive effect to ste9 and wee1-50, both of which partially suppress the ts slp1 mutant. Therefore, grt1(+) would define an independent pathway that facilitates the function of Slp1.
Diagnosis and Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can result from failure of the gastric acid barrier, failure of small intestinal motility, anatomic alterations, or impairment of systemic and local immunity. The current accepted criteria for the diagnosis of SIBO is the presence of coliform bacteria isolated from the proximal jejunum with >10(5) colony-forming units/mL. A major concern with luminal aspiration is that it is only one random sampling of the small intestine and may not always be representative of the underlying microbiota. A new approach to examine the underlying microbiota uses rapid molecular sequencing, but its clinical utilization is still under active investigation. Clinical manifestations of SIBO are variable and include bloating, flatulence, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may present with nutrition deficiencies due to malabsorption of micro- and macronutrients. The current management strategies for SIBO center on identifying and correcting underlying causes, addressing nutrition deficiencies, and judicious utilization of antibiotics to treat symptomatic SIBO.
Antitumor effector B cells directly kill tumor cells involving the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway and their therapeutic efficacy is enhanced by IL-2

Meeting abstracts In cancer immunotherapy, effector B cells can inhibit spontaneous tumor metastases as well as local tumor growth in animal models. We have previously reported that anti-tumor effector B cells generated from tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) could directly kill tumor cells via the
From OBOC combinatorial chemistry to glioblastoma targeting

C121 There is a need to develop cell surface targeting ligands for glioblastoma. The one-bead one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial library method is an enabling technology that allows one to probe tens of thousands to millions of different synthetic compounds against various molecular targets, which include soluble proteins or intact cells. The OBOC chemical library consists of large number of 90 micron polystyrene beads, each displaying a unique peptide, peptidomimetic or small molecule. When the compound-bead library is mixed with intact cancer cells, beads that coated with cancer cells can be physically isolated and chemically decoded (1). Using these methods, we have identified high-affinity peptidic and peptidomimetic ligands against lymphoid cancer (2) and ovarian cancer (3). We have further demonstrated their excellent in vivo targeting potential in xenograft model and canine model. Recently, we applied the same approach to screen OBOC combinatorial cyclic peptide libraries, and through several cycles of discovery and optimization, we succeeded in identifying cyclic peptides (LXY1 and LXY3) that target U-87 human glioblastoma cell line with high affinity and specificity. In vivo optical imaging studies demonstrated that these ligands were able to target both orthotopic and subcutaneous U-87 implant with high specificity. Work is currently underway in our laboratory to develop LXY1 and LXY3 into therapeutic targeting agents, using these cyclic peptides as vehicles to deliver radionuclides and cytotoxic agents to orthotopic and subcutaneous glioblastoma implants. In conclusion, OBOC combinatorial chemistry is a powerful and proven method for the development of cancer targeting agents. References 1. Aina OH, Liu R, Sutcliffe-Goulden JL, Marik J, Pan C, and Lam KS. From Combinatorial Chemistry to Cancer Targeting Peptides. Molecular Pharmaceutics, in press, 2007. 2. Peng L, Liu R, Marik J, Wang X, Takada Y, Lam KS. Combinatorial Chemistry Identifies High-Affinity Peptidomimetics against α4β1 Integrin. Nature Chemical Biology, 2(7). 381-389, 2006. 3. Aina OH, Marik J, Liu R, Lau DH, and Lam KS: Identification of novel targeting peptides for human ovarian cancer cells using OBOC combinatorial libraries. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 4:806-813, 2005.
Medicare expenditures for elderly patients undergoing surgical clipping or endovascular intervention for unruptured cerebral aneurysms

Background The cost difference between the two treatment options (surgical clipping and endovascular therapy) for unruptured cerebral aneurysms remains an issue of debate. We investigated the association between treatment method for unruptured cerebral aneurysms and Medicare expenditures in elderly patients. Methods We performed a cohort study of 100% Medicare fee-for-service claims data for elderly patients who underwent treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms from 2007 to 2012. In order to control for measured confounding we used multivariable regression analysis with mixed effects to account for clustering at the Hospital Referral Region (HRR) level. An instrumental variable (regional rates of endovascular treatment) analysis was used to control for unmeasured confounding by creating pseudo-randomization on the treatment method. Results During the study period 8705 patients underwent treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 2585 (29.7%) had surgical clipping and 6120 (70.3%) had endovascular treatment. The median total Medicare expenditures in the first year after the admission for the procedure were $46 800 (IQR $31 000–$74 400) for surgical clipping and $48 100 (IQR $34 500–$73 900) for endovascular therapy. When we adjusted for unmeasured confounders, using an instrumental variable analysis, clipping was associated with increased 7-day Medicare expenditures by $3527 (95% CI $972 to $5736) and increased 1-year Medicare expenditures by $15 984 (95% CI $9017 to $22 951). Conclusions In a cohort of Medicare patients, after controlling for unmeasured confounding, we demonstrated that surgical clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms was associated with increased 1-year expenditures compared with endovascular treatment.
Notes on Quartic Curves

(1949). Notes on Quartic Curves. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 56, No. 3, pp. 165-170.
The Effects of Turbulence Length Scale on the Performance of Piezoelectric Harvesters

Turbulent flows carry mechanical energy distributed over a range of temporal and spatial scales and their interaction with a thin immersed piezoelectric beam results in a strain field which generates electrical charge. This energy harvesting method can be used for developing self-powered electronic devices such as flow sensors. In the present experimental work, various energy harvesters were placed in a turbulent boundary layer or inside a decaying flow field of homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. The role of large instantaneous turbulent structures in this rather complex fluid-structure interaction is discussed in interpreting the electrical output results. The forces acting on the vibrating beams have been measured dynamically and a theory has been developed which incorporates the effects of mean local velocity, turbulence intensity, the relative size of the beam’s length to the integral length scale of turbulence, the structural properties of the beam and the electrical properties of the active piezoelectric layer to provide reasonable estimates of the mean electrical power output. Experiments have been carried out in which these fluidic harvesters are immersed first in inhomogeneous turbulence like that encountered in boundary layers developing over solid walls and homogeneous and isotopic turbulence for which a simplified analytical description exists. It was found that there is a non-linear effect of turbulence length scales on the power output of the fluidic harvesters.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Electromagnetic Transient Analysis on Static Phase Shifter Applied in UHV Power Grid

As one of effective measure to control power flow during power transmission,phase shift transformers(PST),which is also known as phase angle regulators(PAR),are widely applied in UHV power transmission grid abroad.Up to now the static phase shifter(SPS) technique has not been adopted in China and the result of the research on electromagnetic transient of SPS is seldom reported.A design scheme of UHV SPS,in which the thyristor-controlled step-by-step switching is adopted,is proposed.Using electro-magnetic transient simulator(EMTP) and taking typical power grid as example,the impacts of SPS on steady state operating voltage,power frequency overvoltage and switching overvoltage of UHV transmission line are analyzed.Analysis results show that after the installation of SPS the steady state operating voltage at the end of UHV transmission line rises slightly than without installation of SPS.The switching overvoltages caused by switching in/off UHV SPS as well as that caused by single-phase reclosure of transmission line,in which the UHV SPS is installed,are all within the allowed range specified by the standard.
Cross-layer geodiverse protocol stack for resilient multipath transport and routing using OpenFlow

This work describes a cross-layer resilient protocol stack for survivable network communications during regional challenges. The GeoDivRP routing protocol collects network statistics and calculates multiple geodiverse paths; it provides these geodiverse paths upstack to the resilient transport protocol, ResTP, for resilient multipath communications. ResTP provides multiple resilience modes to cope with different network failure conditions. A profile-based challenge model is used to better represent different challenge scenarios. Furthermore, the resilient protocol stack is implemented in network simulator ns-3 and compared to Multipath TCP. Software-defined networking controller is proposed to implement the link failure detection module to increase the cross-layer protocol stack performance. By providing multiple d-distance separated paths, the protocol stack provides better path protection against regional challenges than MPTCP.
The wicked challenge of the business environment

Today's business environment has seen the emergence of ubiquitous and increasingly significant forces. Three such 'mega-forces' are the inevitability of globalisation, the imperative of innovation, and the importance of shared value. These forces are significant individually, but when they interact they generate powerful phenomena, namely, disruptive technologies, conflicted stakeholders and unknowable futures. The confluence of these phenomena gives rise to wicked problems. The mega-forces and the resulting wicked problems make traditional techniques of strategic analysis ineffective and require new approaches to strategy making. Recognising how the phenomena generated by the mega-forces give rise to wicked problems provides firms with guidelines for dealing with the distinctive and daunting challenge posed by these wicked problems.
Prognostic Models in Melanoma

Multiple regression analyses have found widespread use in melanoma research. Such methods are natural candidates for prognostic factor studies, where it is desired to examine the joint influence of various clinical, pathologic, and demographic variables on indicators of disease. For example, in a recent article, Schuchter et al. (1996) consider a four-variable logistic regression model to study association with a binary indicator of survival at 10 years. A more complicated analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model with smooth (nonparametric) functions of prognostic risk factors was considered by Helfenstein et al. (1996) to study survival times over a 5-year period. The regression framework is also attractive because predicted disease probabilities for specific risk profiles can be obtained using simple arithmetic calculations (Harrell et al., 1985). Further, computer programs to fit these models are commercially available
Soft error stability of p-well versus n-well CMOS latches derived from 2-D transient simulations

Numerical simulations for the response of inverters to high-energy ion strikes are used to compare the single-event-upset (SEU) hardness of p- versus n-well technologies. A constant-geometry, mirror-image technique is used to generate the technology designs, with the objective of presenting features inherent to the well type. The p-well exhibits better SEU tolerance at low ion energies, but in the high-energy regime the two technologies become essentially equivalent. This results from saturation effects known to occur in modern SRAMs (static random access memories). >
Frege's Cardinals Do Not Always Obey Hume's Principle

Hume's Principle, dear to neo-Logicists, maintains that equinumerosity is both necessary and sufficient for sameness of cardinal number. All the same, Whitehead demonstrated in Principia Mathematica's logic of relations (where non-homogeneous relations are allowed) that Cantor's power-class theorem entails that Hume's Principle admits of exceptions. Of course, Hume's Principle concerns cardinals and in Principia's ‘no-classes’ theory cardinals are not objects in Frege's sense. But this paper shows that the result applies as well to the theory of cardinal numbers as objects set out in Frege's Grundgesetze. Though Frege did not realize it, Cantor's power-theorem entails that Frege's cardinals as objects do not always obey Hume's Principle.
Prognostics for the Power Industry

The combination of aging electrical infrastructure and increasing reliance on electricity places a strong emphasis on reliability maintenance efforts for electric utilities. New “smart” technologies offer significant opportunities to increase the reliability of the grid as a whole. In this chapter we review aspects of traditional reliability theory as they pertain to the power grid, and we discuss how new technologies enable a transition in maintenance strategy paradigms. Advances in sensor and communication technology enable a shift from traditional reactive reliability techniques to proactive, predictive maintenance strategies known as prognostics. Specific examples of how these principles can be applied to individual pieces of equipment, and to the grid as a whole are discussed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how smart grid metering technologies enable prognostics for the smart home.
Aging, Work, and Youth: New Words for a New Age of Old Age

We are currently in a period of transition from an understanding and experience of late adulthood and old age that was valid for thousands of years to a new age of old age. In the United States, for example, the number of people over the age of 60 will increase by 16 million in the next 30 years, an increase of 50% over the current 32 million. These older people will be better educated, healthier, and better organized politically. They will expect a higher level of educational and recreational opportunities, health benefits, and other social services than what is now provided. There will likely be profound changes in how older people perceive themselves and how society in general regards older people.
Do Illuminated Foot Pedals Improve the Speed and Accuracy of Pedal Activation During Endoscopic Procedures

Abstract Purpose: Endourologic procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) employ the use of foot pedals in low-light operating room (OR) settings. These pedals can be especially difficu...
Drafting in Self-Timed Circuits

Intervals between data items propagating in self-timed circuits are controlled by handshake signals rather than by a clock. In many self-timed designs, a trailing data item will catch up with a leading item or token, even when it trails by thousands of gate delays. This effect, called “drafting,” can be seen in many of the self-timed designs, e.g., GasP, Mousetrap, Click, and Micropipeline. Drafting occurs because the delay of a trailing token through a self-timed stage depends on how much earlier the leading token departed. Contrary to earlier work, we find the cause of drafting to be charge stored on an isolated node between two series transistors. This mechanism occurs in many decision gates that implement a logical AND. The charge on the floating internal node can drift between actions and thereby change the delay of the gate. Drafting behavior may be modulated by controlling the internal node of the GasP NOR gate. This offers possibilities for using self-timed circuits in applications where the interval between data items carries information, for instance, spiking neural networks, security, or real-time signal processing.
Restrictions on Quasi-Statically Moving Surfaces of Strong Discontinuity in Elastic-Plastic Solids

Abstract This paper educes the restrictions on a hypothesized quasi-statically propagating planar surface of strong discontinuity in an elastic-plastic solid. The derivation treats a solid under general three-dimensional conditions, employing a “small strain” formulation; the principal constitutive assumptions are that the elastic part of total strain be linearly related (although with arbitrary anisotropy) to the stress state, that the material possess a positive definite elastic strain energy function, and that inelastic deformation occur in accordance with the principle of maximum plastic resistance. It is proved that under these conditions all components of stress must be continuous across such a propagating surface. Further, the only components of strain which may suffer discontinuities across such a surface are shown to be the plastic components which do not deform elements in the plane of the surface, and these may be discontinuous only if the stress state at the moving surface meets certain specific conditions.
Complementary Packing of Phosphoglyceride and Cholesterol Molecules in the Bilayer

It is well established for phospholipids that the molecular structure and packing properties of the hydrophobic region of the molecule are intimately coupled to the associated structural properties of the polar head group of the phospholipid. For example, phosphatidylethanolamine molecules extracted from biological sources such as hen egg yolk form both lamellar (or bilayer) and hexagonal type II phases when exposed to excess water at physiological temperatures (Reiss-Husson, 1967; Junger and Reinauser, 1969). In contrast, phosphatidylcholine molecules form only the bilayer structure under the same conditions (Luzzati and Husson, 1962; Luzzati, 1968). The large shift in the main endothermic transition temperature, T m, of the lipid hydrocarbon chains from the crystalline gel to the liquid-crystalline state serves as another example. The value of T m for synthetic [C16 : 0–C16 : 0] dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine is 41.4°C (Mabrey and Sturtevant, 1976), whereas phosphatidylethanolamine with the same saturated hydrocarbon chains has a T m of about 63.8°C (Mabrey and Sturtevant, 1977). Even within the same phospholipid such as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, an alteration in polar-head-group conformations or properties can be shown to affect the structural and packing properties of the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayers. For example, upon the addition of about 4 molecules of water per molecule of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, the conformation and the mobility of the lipid polar head group in bilayers are found to be distinctly different from those in anhydrous solids (Griffin, 1976; Bush et al., 1980a). Any marked change in the structural motional properties of the polar head group of phospholipids upon hydration is not unexpected, for it is well known that the water molecules can associate with the polar head group of phospholipid molecules.
Short-Term Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis Bioassays of Mobile-Source Emissions

The combustion emissions from mobile sources, including both gases and particles, are very complex and may have thousands of separate components. Qualitative and quantitative identification of all of these individual components is a tremendous task. The analytical challenge is facilitated if the number of compounds requiring identification can be reduced.
Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy in Adults with Transposition of the Great Vessels

An increasing number of children with congenital heart disease are surviving into adulthood and subsequently developing end-stage heart failure. Two example populations are adults who have been previously operated on for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Implantation of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) in these patients can present unusual anatomical and physiologic challenges. In this report, we describe outcomes of CF-LVAD implantation in three such patients. These cases demonstrate the feasibility of implanting a CF-LVAD in patients who have undergone surgery for CCTGA and/or TGA.
The Potential of Young Learners Making Games: An Exploratory Study

This paper presents the preliminary results of a Summer Game Development Camp to improve perceptions and persistence of under-represented minorities in computer science (CS). The focus of the camp was to measure changes in the perceptions of and persistence with CS in girls aged between 9 and 11 years old. The game development camp consisted of four days of practical lessons on programming and game development. The camp concluded with a game jam on the final day. The participants used a tile-based free game development platform from Microsoft (Kodu Game Lab) to learn some programming concepts through making computer games. The preliminary results indicate that the children's perceptions of and persistence in CS are influenced by practical programming lessons and making games. The authors observed that a camp exclusively for girls could foster their confidence and capability in learning to program.
Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Properties and Applications

An overview of the physical, structural, electronic, optical, and electrical properties of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and their applications are presented in this chapter. In particular, the sulfides and selenides of molybdenum and tungsten, i.e., MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, and WSe2, are considered. The temperature dependence of the energy gap and simulation of the optical properties of these materials on a variety of substrates are emphasized.
Associations between seasonal temperature and dementia-associated hospitalizations in New England.

Abstract Human-induced climate change has accelerated in recent decades, causing adverse health effects. However, the impact of the changing climate on neurological disorders in the older population is not well understood. We applied time-varying Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the associations between hospital admissions for dementia and the mean and variability of summer and winter temperatures in New England. We estimated seasonal temperatures for each New England zip code using a satellite-based prediction model. By characterizing spatial differences and temporal fluctuations in seasonal temperatures, we observed a lower risk of dementia-associated hospital admissions in years when local temperatures in either summer (hazard ration [HR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96, 1.00) or winter (HR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99) were higher than average, and a greater risk of dementia-associated admissions for older adults living in zip codes with higher temperature variations. Effect modifications by sex, race, age, and dual eligibility were considered to examine vulnerability of population subgroups. Our results suggest that cooler-than-average temperatures and higher temperature variability increase the risk of dementia-associated hospital admissions. Thus, climate change may affect progression of dementia and associated hospitalization costs.
The “Undeserving Poor,” Racial Bias, and Medicaid Coverage of African Americans:

The Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion increased coverage especially for the “undeserving poor”—nondisabled, nonelderly adults, who disproportionately are African American. However, African A...
Training Curriculum for Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Gain of experience by learning only in the operating room is no longer relevant. Like surgery itself, training had to evolve and adapt to new challenges. Acquisition of knowledge and the preparation of the trainee is an active phase. Virtual reality, box trainers, animal and cadaveric models are means to reach an adequate skill level and be able to manage situations in patient with sufficient safety. Surgical technique must finally be fully acquired with during the interventions with an expert surgeon who will be able to make the necessary corrections and feedbacks. A clear training curriculum must be implemented in each colorectal surgery program. It should be used to validate the transition to a higher step and standardize the surgical practice.
Sexual Offense Legislation Across the Pond: A Review of Community Sentiment Toward the United Kingdom’s Implementation of Sarah’s Law:

Within both the United States and the United Kingdom, laws have been implemented that govern the behavior of individuals convicted of certain sexually based offenses. Thus, research has naturally gravitated toward examining the public perceptions of these laws. Although both the United States and United Kingdom have laws regarding convicted sex offenders, and although these laws vary, research into the perceptions of these laws has largely been concentrated within the United States. The current study seeks to fill this gap through a survey of U.K. residents that assesses their perceptions of the implementation of Sarah's Law. Respondents were gathered through convenience sampling methods in both Bristol and London, England (n = 140). Overall, respondents were fairly supportive of Sarah's Law and its current implementation. However, as opposed to respondents in the United States, U.K. respondents were also open to the idea of providing a degree of privacy to convicted sex offenders and were more tolerant of sexual offenders living near them. Finally, age, race, and parental status of the respondents were found to be statistically significant predictors among four identified dependent variables testing support of the law. Implications from these results are discussed, and a direction for future comparative research is highlighted.
Reduced Influence of Affective Disorders on 6-Week and 3-Month Narcotic Refills After Primary Complex Spinal Fusions for Adult Deformity Correction: A Single-Institutional Study.

Objective Previous studies have identified the impact of affective disorders on preoperative and postoperative perception of pain. However, there is a scarcity of data identifying the impact of affective disorders on postdischarge narcotic refills. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with affective disorders have more narcotic refills after complex spinal fusion for deformity correction. Methods The medical records of 121 adult (≥18 years old) spine deformity patients undergoing elective, primary complex spinal fusion (≥5 level) for deformity correction at a major academic institution from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, baseline and postoperative patient-reported pain scores, ambulatory status, and narcotic refills were collected for each patient. The primary outcome was the rate of 6-week and 3-month narcotic refills. Results Of the 121 patients, 43 (35.5%) had a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression (affective disorder) (AD n = 43; No-AD n = 78). Preoperative narcotic use was significantly higher in the AD cohort (AD 65.9% vs. No-AD 37.7%, P = 0.0035). The AD cohort had significantly higher pain scores at baseline (AD 6.5 ± 2.9 vs. No-AD 4.7 ± 3.1, P = 0.004) and at the first postoperative pain score reported (AD 6.7 ± 2.6 vs. No-AD 5.6 ± 2.9, P = 0.049). However, there were no significant differences in narcotic refills at 6 weeks (AD 34.9% vs. No-AD 25.6%, P = 0.283) and 3 months (AD 23.8% vs. No-AD 17.4%, P = 0.411) after discharge between the cohorts. Conclusions Our study suggests that whereas spinal deformity patients with affective disorders may have a higher baseline perception of pain and narcotic use, the impact of affective disorders on narcotic refills at 6 weeks and 3 months may be minimal after complex spinal fusion.
Demo: Transactive Energy Application with RIAPS

The modern electric grid is a complex, decentralized cyber-physical system requiring higher-level control techniques to balance the demand and supply of energy to optimize the overall energy usage. The concept of Transactive Energy utilizes distributed system principle to address this challenge. In this demonstration we show the usage of the distributed application management platform RIAPS in the implementation of one such Transactive Energy approach to control elements of a power system, which runs as a a simulation using the Gridlab-d simulation solver.
A Phase 2 Study of Pembrolizumab Combined with Chemoradiotherapy as Initial Treatment for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has poor prognosis with median overall survival (OS) of ∼6 months. We previously reported high PD-1/PDL-1 staining in ATC, raising the possibility of the...
Progress toward finding the perfect match: hydrogels for treatment of central nervous system injury

Abstract Injury to the central nervous system remains a significant therapeutic challenge from a tissue engineering perspective because of the soft tissue properties, anatomical and spatial complexities, and highly divergent injury mechanisms that must be addressed. Emerging strategies to approach the difficulties of central nervous system regeneration include the use of hydrogel formulations as scaffolds for cellular and biomolecular delivery. Hydrogels have been used extensively in tissue engineering because they are adaptable to match a number of design considerations to recapitulate native tissues, including their mechanical and biochemical properties. Hydrogel scaffolds are specifically suited for achieving the soft tissue properties of the brain and spinal cord and have much demonstrated evidence for functionalization toward improved neural repair in the central nervous system. This review focuses on developments made in the last five years for advanced hydrogel strategies used in central nervous system repair and regeneration. Specific emphasis is placed on the exploitation of hydrogel properties for enhanced structural, biochemical, and cellular cues for both brain and spinal cord regeneration. Although translational challenges still remain, evidence demonstrates the forward progress in material design and use to validate hydrogels as tissue engineering surrogates for brain and spinal cord injuries.