cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are toy guns too dangerous

Toy guns with projectiles may injure young children. A study was undertaken to assess the danger posed by these toys and the regulations governing them. US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data indicate that toy guns with projectiles cause relatively few injuries, mostly to young boys. The magnitude of the problem is smaller than that of nonpowder and powder firearms. Most often, toy gun injuries are to the face and eyes. Of the estimated 818 injuries in 1980 and 1981, 2.9% required hospitalization. More than 400 days were lost from school and work, and there were nearly 3,000 days of restricted activity due to these toy gun injuries. The hazard posed by toy guns with projectiles can be reduced through the legitimate regulatory authority of the Consumer Product Safety Commission with minor impact on retail cost, toy industry sales, and the play value of the toys. The yearly cost to consumers from increased regulation would probably be similar to the annual cost of the injuries. Regulation is warranted to protect young children who use these toys.
Stone v. Powell: The impact on state appellate court judges' perceptions

Abstract This study addresses the question of whether the United States Supreme Court decision of Stone v. Powell, 428 U.S. 465 (1976), has had a significant impact on the highest level state appellate courts. The study centered around a survey sent to every member of the highest appellate court hearing criminal appeals in each of the fifty states. The major finding of the research was that Stone v. Powell can be viewed along two dimensions: a narrow, substantive dimension applying the case as a Fourth Amendment exclusionary rule decision, or a broader, policy dimension of judicial federalism. It appears that, for the most part, state supreme courts have chosen to apply Stone v. Powell along the narrow, substantive dimension. Thus, state supreme courts have not assumed the position of equal partners with the federal courts in assuring adequate and appropriate disposition of federal claims.
Estimatingdendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) daily infestation dynamics

well as indications on improvements to current procedures for estimating the boundary stages. These procedures and improvements are derived from a synthesis of known procedures, and the significant results are twofold. First, daily expectations by life stage in the field can indicate how to maximize sample content. Second, these same expectations can improve experimental designs and compensate for subsequent errors in the field and laboratory. This paper presents no model, but rather, mathematical procedures to estimate life stage totals and daily life stage arrivals, departures, and mortality for D. frontalis in an infested tree. These estimates are based on minimal sample data and are designed to utilize all available information from the field. Initially, totals for eggs, emerged, attacks, and reemerged are estimated, and these totals are then used to obtain boundary vectors. Given the boundary vectors, indirect analysis is used to obtain arrival vectors for those life stages (larvae, pupae, callow adults) that cannot be directly or adequately observed in the field. This type of analysis is applicable because collateral information on temperature dependence in brood development is available (GAGNE, 1980; WAONER et al., 1984). For a given tree, indirect analysis utilizes the boundary vectors to obtain two predictions of an intermediate vector, and these predictions are subsequently pooled
The Unintended Significance of Race: Environmental Racial Inequality in Detroit

This article addresses shortcomings in the literature on environmental inequality by (a) setting forth and testing four models of environmental inequality and (b) explicitly linking environmental inequality research to spatial mismatch theory and to the debate on the declining significance of race. The explanatory models ask whether the distribution of blacks and whites around environmental hazards is the result of black/white income inequality, racist siting practices, or residential segregation. The models are tested using manufacturing facility and census data from the Detroit metropolitan area. It turns out that the distribution of blacks and whites around this region's polluting manufacturing facilities is largely the product of residential segregation which, paradoxically, has reduced black proximity to manufacturing facility pollution.
A model for the transition to baroclinic chaos

Abstract The transition to chaos in a 2-layer baroclinic fluid with a slightly different viscosity in each layer is investigated. A low-order model is constructed by truncating the quasi-geostrophic partial differential equations to include one azimuthal wave in each layer while retaining a general zonal-flow correction. When the viscosities are equal the model reduces to a modified form of the Lorenz equations and displays a cusped return map. For slightly different viscosities the transition to chaos follows the Feigenbaum scenario. The return map in the chaotic regime is nearly parabolic and highly contracted. Multiple attractors are found for the same control parameters. The predicted route to chaos is similar to that observed in laboratory experiments, although significant quantitative differences remain.
High current glow discharge switch with remarkable cathode properties

The authors report on the development of a novel high-power switch with an extremely high (>10 kA/cm/sup 2/ over an area approximately=1 cm/sup 2/) cathode emission current density. The high cathode emission allows the switch to conduct peak currents in excess of 10-20 kA in a diffuse glow discharge without severely damaging the electrodes. The switch is triggered by an unfocused ultraviolet light pulse from a flashlamp or laser incident on the back of the cathode and is referred to as back-lighted thyratron (BLT). Typical operating parameters are >25 kV holdoff voltage, >10 kA peak current, approximately 3*10/sup 11/ A/s dI/dt, and delay and triggering jitter of the order of 100 ns and 1 ns, respectively. The cathode emission is extremely high and results from self-heating caused by a transient ion beam during the switch-closure phase. >
Overview of the 2010 Food and Drug Administration Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting Regarding Ticagrelor

Landmark clinical trials established the benefit of the thienopyridine clopidogrel, an irreversibly binding inhibitor of the platelet P2Y12 receptor, in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).1,–,3 Clopidogrel has thus become a key component of the current standard of care for antiplatelet therapy in the setting of ACS.4,5 Evidence has emerged, however, regarding the inherent limitations of clopidogrel. The concept of “clopidogrel resistance,” or the failure of clopidogrel to inhibit the target of its action,6 is in part due to a wide range of variability in the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. Specifically, clopidogrel is a prodrug that requires metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system to generate an active metabolite7,–,9; as such, common variations in genes encoding enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of clopidogrel may affect the level of platelet inhibition.10 Furthermore, high on-treatment platelet reactivity is an emerging risk factor in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and increased doses of clopidogrel only partially ameliorate this difficulty.11 The newly approved thienopyridine prasugrel achieves more rapid and effective platelet inhibition than clopidogrel as a result of more efficient metabolism12; in addition, the effect of prasugrel is not affected by genetic variations in cytochrome P450.13 Although prasugrel appeared to reduce myocardial infarction (MI) and stent thrombosis when compared directly to clopidogrel, this came at the cost of an increase in major bleeding.14 Ticagrelor is the first of a new class of antiplatelet agents, the cyclopentyl-triazolo-pyrimidines, that also target the P2Y12 receptor. Unlike the thienopyridines, however, it is a reversibly binding inhibitor with a half-life of approximately 12 hours.15,16 Furthermore, it does not require metabolic activation, and it achieves greater and more consistent platelet inhibition …
EFFECTS OF CONIFERS AND ELK BROWSING ON QUAKING ASPEN FORESTS IN THE CENTRAL ROCKY MOUNTAINS, USA

Elk browsing and conifer species mixing with aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) present current challenges to aspen forest management in the western United States. We evaluated the effects of conifers and elk browsing on quaking aspen stands in and near Rocky Mountain National Park using tree rings to reconstruct patterns of aspen establish- ment, growth, and mortality over the past 120 years. High conifer encroachment and elk browse were both associated with decreased aspen recruitment, with mean recruitment dropping over 30% from pure aspen to mixed stands and over 50% from low-browse to high-browse stands. Maximum aspen recruitment was lower in mixed stands than in pure stands with the same tree basal area. High levels of elk browsing were also associated with a 30% decrease in stand-level growth of aspen. Neither high conifer abundance nor elk browse affected the growth of individual trees or aspen mortality. Aspen establishment was negatively influenced by conifers and elk browsing; however, aspen growth and mortality appeared to be resilient to these two external influences. Overall, these results suggest that long-term preservation of aspen forests could be achieved by enhancing aspen recruitment.
Brain Functional and Anatomical Changes in Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Purpose: Research into the pathophysiology of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome has primarily focused on markers of peripheral dysfunction. We present the first neuroimaging investigation to our knowledge to characterize brain function and anatomy in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Materials and Methods: We collected data from 19 male patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and 16 healthy age and gender matched controls. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from 14 patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome as they rated spontaneous pain inside the scanner. Group differences (16 patients per group) in gray matter total volume and regional density were evaluated using voxel-based morphometry, and white matter integrity was studied with diffusion tensor imaging to measure fractional anisotropy. Functional and anatomical imaging outcomes were correlated with the clinical characteristics of chronic prostatitis/chro...
Who Are The Difficult Employees? Psychopathological Attributions Of Their Co-workers

On a given workday, over 700 workers are attacked, 43,800 employees are harassed and 16,400 are threatened (Hynes, 2001). Yet the literature focuses upon environmental causes; none attempt to identify personal characteristics of the uncivil, deviant or maladaptive employee. This study helps fill this void by exploring the personality correlates of uncivil employee behavior. These employees violate mutual norms of respect, negatively affect organizational performance, and are thus the prototypical difficult employee. Utilizing a unique psycho-pathological approach, the DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) was used as the basis for defining and assessing the perceived personality correlates of these employees’ behaviors. Results suggest that narcissistic traits are the modal descriptors for the Difficult Employee, regardless of hierarchical role (boss, peer, subordinate). Implications are discussed with suggestions for future research.
Assessment of provider adherence to obesity treatment guidelines.

Purpose Despite the presence of obesity treatment guidelines, healthcare providers often provide suboptimal weight management. The purpose of the quality improvement project was to systematically assess adherence with adult overweight/obesity guidelines in primary care to reduce patient risk. Data sources Retrospective analysis of 420 encounter notes from overweight and obese adult patients in three primary care clinics. Data were collected before and after a continuing education session for providers on guidelines for optimal management of obesity. Measures of completeness of quality indicators were abstracted from records. Conclusions Significant improvement in the completeness score and documentation of body mass index, height, diagnosis of overweight/obesity, and counseling for diet and physical activity were achieved. Implications for practice The proposed measures for systematically assessing the integration of obesity guidelines in primary care are feasible quality indicators and useful for evidence-based decision making.
ABSORPTION OF INFRARED RADIATION INSIDE AN EXPLOSIVELY BOILING FINE COAL-WATER PARTICLE

Abstract A mechanism of ultrafine coal-water slurry droplet disruption by infrared radiation is studied theoretically. The absorptive properties of the micro-exploding droplet are discussed within the framework of multilayered concentric spheres model of light absorption. The computations provide an estimation of the amount of electromagnetic energy absorbed in the coal core and the three-dimensional patterns of dissipation of this energy inside the coal-water vapor-liquid water layered particles.
In situ gene therapy for prostate cancer: immunomodulatory approaches.

The development of effective treatments for prostate cancer is thwarted by the natural history of the disease. The biological and clinical potential of most individual cancers is uncertain. In many cases the disease will not progress to clinical significance but experimental and clinical studies indicate that prostate cancer can and may metastasise early in the course of the disease from relatively small foci (i.e., not necessarily the largest or index cancer). Localised prostate cancer is potentially curable with localised therapies (radical prostatectomy or irradiation therapy). However, there are no curative therapies for metastatic prostate cancer. Gene therapy, especially those approaches with an immunomodulatory component, may provide additional therapeutic options with the potential to affect both localised and systemic disease. We have pioneered the development and application of in situ gene therapy protocols using adenoviral vectors to transduce specific genes that generate cytotoxic activity an...
Finite element modelling of 10-year-old child pelvis and lower extremities with growth plates for pedestrian protection

For improved protection for pedestrians in the 10 years (YO) old age group, it is imperative to investigate the injury mechanisms using paediatric finite element (FE) model. A 10 YO child FE pelvis and lower extremities (PLEX) model was developed in this study. The model was validated by comparing simulated results against available paediatric experimental data and scaled adult test results. Growth plates were then embedded into this baseline model at the lower extremities. The anatomical features were kept and the mechanical properties were properly estimated based on literature findings. Subsequently, the effect of the growth plates at knee joint regions was studied in a car-to-pedestrian impact scenario. Results showed that the presence and early fracture of growth plates at knee region could alter the injury pattern at the lower extremities. Failure criterion of tension or shearing assumed in this model could also greatly influence the fracture progress.
Illicit Seeds: Epistemic Brokers and the Politics of Property in Genetic Engineering 1

The global political rift around agricultural biotechnology [“GMOs” in political use] hinges on two inter-related dimensions: bio-property and bio-safety. Genetic engineering in agriculture has enabled new claims of intellectual property in seeds, leading to conflicts over what can be owned, by whom, under what conditions. Firms seek strong intellectual property, relying on claims of novelty and utility parallel to patent claims. Claims of novelty, however, reinforce a second dimension of contention: if novel, might products of genetic engineering raise special risks in comparison to other cultivars? Political framing of “GMOs” as risky products created global soft law for special regulation, in response to transnational advocacy politics. Both property claims and bio-safety regulation increase incentives for emergence of underground seed markets, where evasion of both regimes is possible. Contraband, “gray-market,” “brown-bag,” or “creolized” transgenic seeds diffuse widely beneath the radar of both firms and states in a global pattern about which little systematic is known. Stealth transgenics build on rural grass-roots challenges to formal intellectual property claims, and simultaneously constitute continuous challenges to states’ biosafety claims of special regulatory authority and capacity. Illicit seeds render problematic conventional wisdom on the extent of diffusion of transgenic technologies, income-distribution effects of intellectual property claims and the effectiveness of bio-safety regimes. Successful demands for stronger regulation of transgenics on grounds of bio-safety ironically strengthen property-like rights of multi-national firms that find it difficult to enforce their property claims in any other way. Bio-safety regulation is a functional substitute for bio-property; the contradiction in oppositional politics is un-noted. This essay relies mostly on field work in India.
Enhanced Performance of Organic Light Emitting Diodes Using LiF Buffer Layer

Since the invention of organic electroluminescent devices, a great deal of effort has been made to improve their performance. Reducing the barrier and optimizing charge injection is crucial for efficient and bright Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). We report the performance of OLEDs with ITO/TPD/Alq3/Al structure by inserting LiF both at electrode-organic interfaces and organic-organic interface. We elucidate the mechanism of the LiF buffer layer inserted at different interfaces. The device with LiF as a cathode injection layer shows improved luminescence and steeper IV characteristics.
A Wireless, Passive Chemo-Mechanical Glucose Sensor

A wireless, passive chemo-mechanical sensor was developed for glucose monitoring. The sensor consisted of an airtight chamber split into two compartments by a glucose-permeable membrane. The lower compartment was a flow chamber for the test liquid to pass through, and the upper compartment was a circular drum with the glucose-permeable membrane at the bottom and a soft silicone rubber membrane on top. A permanent magnetic strip (biasing element) and a magnetically soft strip (sensing element) were attached to the soft rubber membrane and a polycarbonate block suspended over the rubber membrane, respectively. A magnetic AC field and a DC field were applied to the sensing element to generate higher order harmonic fields that were remotely measured with a detection coil. To measure glucose concentration, the permeable membrane was coated with glucose oxidase (GOD) enzyme. When glucose flowed through the lower chamber, it seeped through the membrane to the the upper compartment and interacted with the GOD enzyme and consumed oxygen. This caused a pressure drop in upper compartment that pulled the soft rubber membrane inward, changing the separation distance between the two magnetic elements and shifting the higher order harmonic fields. The advantages of this sensor platform include its simplistic design, low cost, as well as its wireless and passive nature. Although this technology was only applied for glucose monitoring, it could be used for other chemicals with the proper enzyme or catalyst coating on the permeable membrane.
The ear as an alternative site for a pulse oximeter finger clip sensor

BACKGROUND: Finger clip pulse oximetry sensors are commonly used to obtain functional oxygen saturation readings (S pO 2 ), but these sensors may perform poorly if the digit is poorly perfused or there is excessive hand movement. I have increasingly witnessed clinicians obtaining S pO 2 readings by placing the finger clip sensor on the patient9s ear when an S pO 2 reading cannot be obtained from a finger. OBJECTIVE: Determine if reliable S pO 2 readings can be obtained from a finger clip sensor placed on the ear. METHODS: This was a prospective study with patients undergoing pulmonary function testing. The calculated functional oxygen saturation values from arterial blood gas analysis (S aO 2 ) were compared with S pO 2 readings from a finger clip sensor placed on a finger (finger S pO 2 ) and on the upper portion of an ear (ear S pO 2 ). S pO 2 data were included in the study only if (1) the pulse rate from finger S pO 2 and ear S pO 2 differed by ≤ 5 beats/min and (2) the photoplethysmographic waveform was stable and acceptable. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 30 adult white patients. The number of S pO 2 readings that differed from the S aO 2 values by ≥ 3% were 1 (3.3%) finger S pO 2 reading and 24 (80%, 95% CI 61%–92%) ear S pO 2 readings (p aO 2 and finger S pO 2 (mean ± 2 SD limits of agreement −2.35 to 2.35) than between S aO 2 and ear S pO 2 (limits of agreement −7.24 to −0.08) or finger S pO 2 and ear S pO 2 (limits of agreement −7.56 to −0.23). CONCLUSION: A pulse oximeter finger clip sensor placed on the ear does not provide clinically reliable S pO 2 readings.
Improving on police radar

The use of lasers, cameras, and advanced signal processing to help isolate individual offenders on crowded highways is discussed. The limitations of the predominant radar in use today, namely down-the-road Doppler-radar in which the axis of the antenna is directed along the line of travel of the target vehicle, are described. The potential of video records, across-the-road radar, and both across and down-the-road laser systems is examined. Passive monitoring and the use of surveillance cameras at red lights are also considered. >
An accelerometer interface circuit

This paper presents an interface circuit which converts the femtofarad-level signal from an accelerometer's capacitive sense element to a pulse signal suitable for digital signal processing. Calibration circuitry compensates for the offset and sensitivity variations in the sense element and for packaging variability. The circuit has been fabricated in a 1.6 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Test results show very low sensitivity to variations in temperature or supply voltage.
Modeling urban and regional aerosols - Condensation and evaporation near acid neutrality

Mathematically predicting the size and composition distribution of atmospheric aerosols can help to elucidate the complex link between emissions and particulate air quality. Wexler et al. (1994) identified and analyzed the atmospheric aerosol processes that govern particulate mass concentrations and estimated the relative importance of each term using parameters typical in South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). The result was a general dynamic equation including only the relevant terms. In this paper we describe practical difficulties integrating these equations under the acid-neutral conditions common in the SoCAB. By introducing an acid equilibrium assumption, that is, the aerosol hydrogen ion concentration can be assumed to be in equilibrium with the gas-phase acidity, the mass distribution can be predicted using modest computer resources.
Design overview of the Shiva

An overview of the Shiva multiprocessor architecture currently under development is presented. Shiva is a multiprocessor designed to exploit the input/output and operating system features of existing computers. It is intended to supply its parent system with supercomputer performance over a wide range of applications without the need for any special parallel programming on the part of the user. Unusual features of the Shiva are its ability to reconfigure itself under program control and the use of a hybrid Von Neumann/dataflow software preprocessor to extract parallelism from users' programs. In order to maximize performance in different parts of a program, Shiva can act as a multiple-input-multiple-data (MIMD), pseudo single-input-multiple-data (SIMD) or coarse-grained dataflow machine on a von Neumann hardware platform comprising commercially available microprocessors. >
Genotypic Diversity and Serotype Distribution of Group B Streptococcus Isolated from Women Before and After Delivery

Background. Most studies of the dynamics of maternal group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization have relied on capsular serotyping to define GBS acquisition or loss. Newer molecular methods that distinguish GBS clones may expand our knowledge and influence vaccination strategies. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and GBS capsular gene cluster (cps) genotyping to investigate the dynamics of perinatal GBS colonization. Methods. A total of 338 GBS isolates obtained from 212 colonized women who were enrolled in a prior prospective cohort study were serotyped and genotyped by MLST and cps typing before (visit 1) and 6 weeks after (visit 2) delivery. Results. Of the 212 women, 126 were colonized at both visits, whereas 66 lost and 20 acquired GBS by visit 2. MLST of the 338 strains identified 29 sequence types marking distinct bacterial clones. A change in sequence type or cps and serotype occurred in 23 (18.3%) of the 126 women who were colonized at both visits. Specific sequence types were associated with GBS loss and persistence. Older maternal age and exclusive intrapartum antibiotic use were associated with persistent colonization. Conclusions. Although most GBS-positive pregnant women were stably colonized during the peripartum period, we detected changes in capsule expression and recolonization with antigenically distinct GBS clones over time by applying MLST. Combining the epidemiologic and molecular typing data revealed host factors and clones associated with persistent colonization, as well as a clone that was more readily lost. This knowledge is useful for the development of prevention and intervention strategies to reduce the likelihood of maternal GBS colonization.
Evaluation of a Passive Nature Viewing Program Set to Music.

Background: Research has revealed that passive nature viewing (viewing nature scenes without actually being in nature) has many health benefits but little is known about the best method of offering this complementary modality. Aims: The purpose of this pilot program was to evaluate the impact of a passive nature viewing program set to music on stress reduction in adults living in the community. Description and Evaluation: A pre- and postsurvey design along with weekly recordings of stress and relaxation levels were used to evaluate the effect of this passive nature viewing program on stress reduction. Participants watched one of three preselected nature scenes for 5 minutes a day over 1 month and rated their stress and relaxation levels weekly on a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale before and after viewing the nature DVD. Quantitative analysis were not performed because of the less number of subjects (n = 10) completing the study. Qualitative analysis found five key categories that have an impact on program us...
Responding To Increased Environmental Hostility: A Study Of The Competitive Behavior Of Small Retailers

This article presents the results of a study designed to examine how small retailers responded to the increased environmental hostility created by the recent arrival of Wal-Mart. Data on environmental hostility, competitive tactics, and performance were collected from 238 small independent retailers. Findings suggest that effective pricing tactics were the most effective competitive behavior for small merchants in hostile environments. In benign environments, on the other hand, satisfying selective markets appeared to be the most effective competitive behavior.
Aprendizagem como/na prática

Este artigo considera como o estudo da cultura e da aprendizagem pode ser de particular relevância para o campo da antropologia sociocultural em geral. O termo mais importante na expressao “cultura & aprendizagem” talvez seja o logograma “&” – ou seja, coloca-se a questao sobre o que conecta cultura e aprendizagem, perguntando-se como esses termos estao relacionados. Como devemos compreender cultura e aprendizagem como instâncias produtoras delas proprias, e uma da outra, na pratica? Recalibrando em termos relacionais, podemos dizer que nao e possivel abordar a “aprendizagem” ou “cultura e aprendizagem” sem o seu emaranhamento na vida politico-economica, nas lutas e disputas historicas, em suas coerencias e incoerencias, e na producao relacional e historica da vida cotidiana. Atraves das lentes da teoria da pratica social, os estudos etnograficos sobre aprendizagem na pratica oferecem diferentes entendimentos sobre como certa vida e certas disputas e incoerencias sao produzidas.
Legal Traditionalism, Creative Destruction and the Role of Media Law in the Intergenerational Social Contract

This article is based on a talk given at the Wisconsin Law Review 2010 Symposium on Intergenerational Equity and Intellectual Property held at the the University of Wisconsin Law School on November 12, 2010. In this short piece, I argue that there is an interesting tension between thinking about intergenerational equity and new media through a standard future-oriented lens and thinking about it through the lens of the common law. The tension can be briefly described as between variations of a classic Schmupeterian "creative destruction" on the one hand and the role of courts, law, and precedent in a common-law system on the other, what we might call "creative construction." I use this framework to focus on the ways in which courts rely on First Amendment institutions to further innovations-both legal and technological-whose effects in turn may transcend the present generation.
Alkali D2 line laser optically pumped by two color free-free absorption

A two color pumping scheme has been demonstrated for the Rb D 2 line laser (780 nm). Photoexcitation of ground state Rb-rare gas collision pairs at 760 nm (peak of Rb D 2 blue satellite in Xe) and ~794.5 nm simultaneously improves the slope efficiency of single color pumping by a factor of 1.8. Furthermore, each D 2 laser photon removes 102 cm -1 of thermal energy from the laser gain medium.
Control/structure design optimization using covariance control including saturation limits and stability robustness

The goal of this paper is to examine the benefits of integrated control/structure design optimization using covariance control in the presence of saturation limits and stability robustness. A key element of this approach is the use of a covariance parameterization of the control law, allowing saturation and stability robustness to be easily included. The controller design variables are the elements of the Cholesky decomposition of the closed loop system covariance matrix. Applying the approach to two examples from the literature it was found that the total structural mass and the control effort were reduced while output and sensor RMS constraints were satisfied. In addition, when stability robustness constraints are included, the optimizer was able to reduce the total structural mass while significantly improving the robustness. In the examples examined it was found that in some cases the structure was hardened and in some cases it was softened. This indicates that the overall structure design is sensitive to the specific problem and the initial conditions.
Quantitative Comparison of Raman Activities, SERS Activities, and SERS Enhancement Factors of Organothiols: Implication to Chemical Enhancement

Studying the correlation between the molecular structures of SERS-active analytes and their SERS enhancement factors is important to our fundamental understanding of SERS chemical enhancement. Using a common internal reference method, we quantitatively compared the Raman activities, SERS activities, and SERS enhancement factors for a series of organothiols that differ significantly in their structural characteristics and reported chemical enhancements. We find that while the tested molecules vary tremendously in their normal Raman and SERS activities (by more than 4 orders of magnitude), their SERS enhancement factors are very similar (the largest difference is less than 1 order of magnitude). This result strongly suggests that SERS chemical enhancement factors are not as diverse as initially believed. In addition to shedding critical insight on the SERS phenomena, the common internal reference method developed in this work provides a simple and reliable way for systematic investigation of the correlation between molecular structures and their normal Raman and SERS activities.
Results of Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Review.

Background The decision for a simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation (SLKT) is fraught with controversy. The aim of this study was to compare SLKT with liver transplantation alone (LTA) in patients with pretransplantation renal failure. Study Design A retrospective review comparing patients undergoing SLKT and LTA (with renal failure) between January 2000 and December 2014 was performed. Results Of 1,129 liver transplantations, 132 had renal failure pretransplantation; 52 had SLKT and 80 recipients had LTA. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and BMI were lower in the SLKT group (p = 0.001). Simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation patients had better overall survival rates at 1 and 5 years compared with LTA (92.3% and 81.6% vs 73.3% and 64.3% respectively; p Conclusions Patients with end-stage liver disease on dialysis who undergo liver transplantation have significantly better survival when SLKT is performed. In selected patients, SLKT is an appropriate use of a scarce resource, but better prognostic indicators for selection of patients are still needed.
Crowdnection: Connecting High-level Concepts with Historical Documents via Crowdsourcing

To form and test hypotheses and finally produce conclusions, people use existing schemas to search a pool of data for evidence. The quality of the search largely depends on the quality of connections between the schemas and the data. Making good connections between schemas and unprocessed data is challenging because it is time-consuming and may require expertise. Crowdsourcing provides a potential solution because with appropriate methods, humans are often more effective at synthesizing diverse information than automated techniques. This paper introduces Crowdnection, which leverages crowdsourcing methods to examine the effect of amount of context on performance in making connections between raw texts of historical textual documents and high-level concepts. The results suggest novices are able to help process information to provide meaningful insights, and indicate that there is an ideal amount of context facilitating the sensemaking process.
Thermal lesions produced by CO2 laser beams: new findings to improve the quality of minimally invasive and transmyocardial laser revascularization protocols.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible existence of a set of critical combinations among medical CO2 laser device set-ups and to compare the resigns of diameter and depth of irradiated tissue. These data are useful to the surgeon to identify a general operative protocol that allows both to forecast the beam behavior on a large variety of operative conditions accurately and to identify the related safety margins. Two methods have been addressed: the more traditional free-air beam delivery to the tissue and the more modern requirements of the minimally invasive surgery concepts, which use fiberoptic-based delivery systems for the CO2 laser beam. Background Data: In the past many articles have been written about the interaction between laser beams and biological media. However, the CO2 laser beam at 10.6 μm has always challenged research institutions and manufacturers to find the ideal combinations between a suitable fiberoptic-based delivery system concept and the in...
Theoretical Frameworks Conceptualizing Intergenerational Transmission of Child Maltreatment

Various theories have been used to understand child maltreatment and to guide the interventions and prevention of child maltreatment. This chapter presents different theoretical frameworks that are useful in understanding Intergenerational Transmission of Child Maltreatment (ITCM), including Social Learning Theory, Attachment Theory, ecological models, and strengths and resilience frameworks. The conclusion highlights how risk and protective factors can guide the conceptualization and response to ITCM.
Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen Using Au@TiO2 Plasmonic Film

Novel Au@TiO2 plasmonic films were fabricated by individually placing Au nanoparticles into TiO2 nanocavity arrays through a sputtering and dewetting process. These discrete Au nanoparticles in TiO2 nanocavities showed strong visible-light absorption due to the plasmonic resonance. Photoelectrochemical studies demonstrated that the developed Au@TiO2 plasmonic films exhibited significantly enhanced catalytic activities toward oxygen reduction reactions with an onset potential of 0.92 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), electron transfer number of 3.94, and limiting current density of 5.2 mA cm–2. A superior ORR activity of 310 mA mg–1 is achieved using low Au loading mass. The isolated Au nanoparticle size remarkably affected the catalytic activities of Au@TiO2, and TiO2 coated with 5 nm Au (Au5@TiO2) exhibited the best catalytic function to reduce oxygen. The plasmon-enhanced reductive activity is attributed to the surface plasmonic resonance of isolated Au nanoparticles in TiO2 nanocavities and suppres...
Risk of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract 2559 Background. Patients receiving solid organ transplants experience increased risk of subsequent hematologic malignancies, particularly post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, likely in relation to infection with oncogenic viruses and pharmacologic immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. However, less is known about the risks for myeloid neoplasms such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods. We linked data from the US Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, a national database of solid organ transplantation, with 13 state and regional cancer registries to obtain cancer occurrence among 175,732 solid organ transplants during 1987–2008. The observed number of patients developing AML was compared to that expected in the general population of the 13 registry areas using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Results. AML was identified in 107 solid organ transplant recipients (13.8 cases/100,000 person-years), a rate that was nearly three times higher than expected in the general population [SIR=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4–3.5]. Excess risks were highest among children and young adults but remained significantly elevated among individuals receiving a solid organ transplant prior to age 65 years (SIR, 95%CI: Conclusions. In the largest population-based study of transplant-related malignancies conducted to date, we demonstrate that patients receiving solid organ transplants have substantially elevated risk for subsequent AML. Future investigations should evaluate the possible role of specific immunosuppressive medications in the etiology of post-transplant AML. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Women, Recession, and Austerity: A Comment on “The Challenge of Gender Austerity for Equality: A Consideration of Eight European Countries in the Crisis”

This comment considers Karamessini and Rubery 2015 paper (Chapter 3 of this volume, henceforth KR) and assesses its continued relevance to our understanding of the macroeconomy in 2016. The essay argues that the KR framework is still quite relevant even eight years beyond the beginning of the Great Recession. The author argues that more emphasis should be placed by KR on the connections between the crisis and austerity on the one hand and changing power relations on the other and an exploration of alternative institutions, such as employment in the social and solidarity economy (SSE) and the collaborative economy.
Quasiconformal maps on a 2-step Carnot group

We find all global quasiconformal maps (with respect to the Carnot metric) on a particular 2-step Carnot group. In particular, all the global quasiconformal maps of this Carnot group permute the le...
Zooplankton structure and vertical migration: Using acoustics and biomass to compare stratified and mixed fjord systems

Abstract The patterns of abundance, composition, biomass and vertical migration of zooplankton in short-time scales ( 10 of total dry weight (mg m −3 ) of zooplankton biomass was moderate but significant in both locations. Biomass estimated from biological samples was higher in the mixed station and determined by euphausiids. Copepods were the most abundant group in both stations. Acoustic methods were a useful technique to understand the detailed patterns of migratory strategies of zooplankton and to help estimate zooplankton biomass and abundance in the inner waters of southern Chile.
On vector-valued twisted conjugate invariant functions on a group.

We study the space of vector-valued (twisted) conjugate invariant functions on a connected reductive group.
A CASE OF CORONARY STEAL PHENOMENON DUE TO AN UN-LIGATED BRANCH OF LIMA

The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is the most commonly used graft for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) due to long term graft survival. However, the side branches of LIMA need to be occluded to prevent myocardial ischemia post-CABG to prevent coronary steal phenomenon. Coronary
Burkitt’s lymphoma with placental invasion diagnosed at cesarean delivery: a case report

Burkitt’s lymphoma is a highly aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype. Its occurrence in pregnancy is rare and often results in a delayed diagnosis. The treatment plan and prognosis depend on a number of variables including the stage at diagnosis. A 32 weeks pregnant, 34-year-old white woman presented with weeks of complaints that were similar to typical pregnancy symptoms. Laboratory and ultrasound findings suggested a pathologic process and during the workup non-reassuring fetal surveillance resulted in an emergency cesarean delivery. Biopsies were obtained that confirmed Burkitt’s lymphoma. Placental histology revealed microscopic involvement. The placenta should be inspected for microscopic disease if Burkitt’s lymphoma is suspected, even if a vaginal delivery occurs and the placenta is ordinarily discarded. Repetitive somatic complaints during pregnancy should not be assumed to be secondary to the normal symptoms of pregnancy.
Evaluation of wait times and queue lengths at ferry terminals

Abstract Transportation systems often require travelers to wait for service. Observational data from a wait-time study at ferry terminals demonstrate that the amount of time a vehicle waits to board a ferry is highly dependent on that vehicle's position in line. Queue psychology suggests that unexplained waits, uncertainty, and anxiety make wait times for individuals seem longer. Thus, the vehicle position and wait time relationship can be used to equip ferry service providers with the knowledge to inform and pacify passengers waiting to board a ferry.
Abstract 1631: T cell dysfunction in pediatric cancer patients at diagnosis and after chemotherapy can limit chimeric antigen receptor potential

Cellular therapy using engineered T cells has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Many patients, however, have T cells that result in a poor clinical product that either fails manufacture or does not proliferate in the patient. We have prospectively characterized peripheral blood T cells from 157 pediatric cancer patients and identified key metabolic changes associated with CAR T cell potential. We collected peripheral blood samples from 157 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) , neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms, Hodgkins, chronic myelogenous leukemia and Ewings sarcoma at diagnosis and after each cycle of chemotherapy. We depleted the adherent cells from this collection, quantified the CD3+ population using flow cytometry, and expanded these T cells using CD3/CD28 stimulatory beads as in CAR T cell manufacturing. We noted very poor CAR T cell potential in all tumor types ( Citation Format: Rajat K. Das, Julie Storm, David M. Barrett. T cell dysfunction in pediatric cancer patients at diagnosis and after chemotherapy can limit chimeric antigen receptor potential [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1631.
Predicting Success of Oral Appliance Therapy in Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy.

Study Objectives:Oral appliance therapy (OAT) can be an effective treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. We hypothesize t...
Modeling the transport and retention of polydispersed colloidal suspensions in porous media

Abstract Colloid suspensions commonly exhibit a distribution of sizes, but most transport models only consider a single colloid size. A mathematical model was therefore developed to describe the advective and dispersive transport and first-order retention and release of a stable or aggregating polydispersed colloid suspension in porous media. The colloid size distribution was described using a unimodal or a bimodal lognormal probability density function (PDF), and Brownian aggregation was considered by making lognormal PDF parameters a function of time. Filtration theory was used to predict the retention rate coefficients for the various colloid sizes. The amount of retention for a stable polydispersed suspension was highly dependent on the colloid size distribution parameters, especially for a bimodal lognormal PDF. Increasing the distribution variance produced hyper-exponential retention profiles and an increase or a decrease in colloid retention depending on whether the medium colloid size was close to the optimum size for transport. Aggregation produced a similar decrease in the breakthrough concentrations with injection time as ripening, especially when the sticking efficiency was low. Aggregation effects were much more pronounced at higher input concentration levels, which also produced retention profiles that were increasingly hyper-exponential. Simulation results indicate that the colloid size distribution of stable and aggregating polydispersed suspensions always becomes more uniform and approaches the optimum transport size with increasing distance, suggesting that consideration of polydispersed suspensions is of primary importance near the injection surface.
Isochoric conditions enable high subfreezing temperature pancreatic islet preservation without osmotic cryoprotective agents

While biological systems are typically studied under isobaric (constant pressure) conditions, recent reports on the bio-thermodynamics of isochoric (constant volume) systems point to their potential for subfreezing-temperature preservation of biological matter. This preliminary study, in which we report that pancreatic islets can survive multi-day preservation at high subfreezing temperatures in an isochoric chamber without osmotic cryoprotective agents (CPA), highlights the potential of isochoric cryopreservation in an application of clinical value.