cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Object-oriented stream programming using aspects

High-performance parallel programs that efficiently utilize heterogeneous CPU+GPU accelerator systems require tuned coordination among multiple program units. However, using current programming frameworks such as CUDA leads to tangled source code that combines code for the core computation with that for device and computational kernel management, data transfers between memory spaces, and various optimizations. In this paper, we propose a programming system based on the principles of Aspect-Oriented Programming, to un-clutter the code and to improve programmability of these heterogeneous parallel systems. Specifically, we use standard C++ to describe the core computations and aspects to encapsulate all other support parts. An aspect-weaving compiler is then used to combine these two pieces of code to generate a final program. The system modularizes concerns that are hard to manage using conventional programming frameworks such as CUDA, has a small impact on existing program structure as well as performance, and as a result, simplifies the programming of accelerator-based heterogeneous parallel systems. We also present an options pricing and an n-body simulation example program to demonstrate that programs written using this system can be successfully translated to CUDA programs for NVIDIA GPU hardware and to OpenCL programs for multicore CPUs with comparable performance. For both examples, the performance of the translated code achieved ∼80% of the hand-coded CUDA programs.
Coefficient Kappa: Some Uses, Misuses, and Alternatives:

This paper considers some appropriate and inappropriate uses of coefficient kappa and alternative kappa-like statistics. Discussion is restricted to the descriptive characteristics of these statist...
Broadened gain characteristics of single-pumped parametric amplifier using highly-nonlinear fibers for transparent optical demultiplexer

Due to the ultrafast response time of the nonlinear effects in glass fibers, the fiber-optical parametric amplifier (FOPA) exploiting four-wave mixing (FWM) in glass fibers has been regarded as a potential device for the ultrafast optical signal processors such as an ultrafast optical signal demultiplexer, a phase conjugator, and a wide band wavelength converter. However, cause of the complexity of the fiber configuration and the pump scheme, FOPA has been less realistic optical amplifier compared to other commercial optical fiber amplifiers such as an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and a Raman amplifier (RA). Therefore, to achieve large and flattened parametric gain characteristics of FOPA, we propose a simple and practical design scheme for FOPA using single pump laser and quasi-cascaded highly non-linear fibers (HNLFs). With this design scheme, single pump laser diode and quasi-cascaded two silica-based HNLFs with different zero dispersion wavelengths were used. As results of this study, apparent improvement of the parametric gain characteristics was observed in the wavelength region near the pump wavelength and over 23 dB parametric gain was successfully achieved in the 50 nm bandwidth including the telecom C-band wavelength region. In addition, the results of 160 Gb/s - 10 Gb/s DEMUX experiments with designed single-pump FOPA are also shown.
Relationships can drive some to drink Relationship-contingent self-esteem and drinking problems

How much and why individuals in romantic relationships drink alcohol may be a function of both personal and relational influences. The current research examined factors that predict vulnerability to health-related risky behavior (i.e., drinking to cope and drinking problems) in response to relationship difficulties. We consider the possibility that for individuals whose self-worth is contingently tied to the fluctuations of their relationship, feeling less satisfied may predict increased drinking problems; moreover, this may be mediated by drinking to cope. This study evaluated relationship-contingent self-esteem (RCSE) as a moderator of the association between relationship satisfaction and coping motives, which was expected to predict alcohol problems in couples. Both members in committed relationships (N = 78 dyads) reported relationship satisfaction, RCSE, drinking to cope motives, and alcohol problems in a cross-sectional survey. Actor–Partner Interdependence Model analyses revealed significant mediat...
Branched endograft repair of an aortic stump aneurysm.

We present a patient with an aortic stump aneurysm that was repaired with a custom-made, four-branched thoracoabdominal endograft. The repair was performed in two stages using a special delivery system designed to be introduced in an antegrade manner through a median sternotomy due to a lack of iliofemoral access. At 1 year, the patient remains in good health, with his aneurysm completely excluded and decreased in size, without migration, and all branch vessels patent. This report represents a unique endovascular repair of a complex aortic pathology in a patient without other surgical options.
PREY-HANDLING BEHAVIOR OF HATCHLING ELAPHE HELENA (COLUBRIDAE)

The effects of prey size on prey-handling behavior for 60 ingestively naive hatchling Elaphe helena were studied in the laboratory. Hatchlings were randomly assigned to one of three diet categories in which prey (Mus musculus) varied by relative mass differences of 20-35%, 40-46%, or 50-59% of an individual snake's own body mass. The effects of prey size on capture position, direction of ingestion, condition of prey at ingestion (dead/alive), feeding duration, and prey-handling tactic were observed and recorded for each feeding episode. Results indicated that prey size significantly affected the prey-handling behavior of hatchling E. helena. In the largest relative mass category, hatchlings captured prey by the anterior end more often than in the smaller two relative mass categories. Prey from the smallest relative mass category were simply seized whereas, in the medium and large categories, pinion and constriction behaviors were observed. Time to subdue and ingest the prey item increased with prey size categories.
FPGA Acceleration of Gene Rearrangement Analysis

In this paper we present our work toward FPGA acceleration of phylogenetic reconstruction, a type of analysis that is commonly performed in the fields of systematic biology and comparative genomics. In our initial study, we have targeted a specific application that reconstructs maximum-parsimony (MP) phylogenies for gene-rearrangement data. Like other prevalent applications in computational biology, this application relies on a control-dependent, memory-intensive, and non-arithmetic combinatorial optimization algorithm. To achieve hardware acceleration, we developed an FPGA core design that implements the application's primary bottleneck computation. Because our core is lightweight, we are able to synthesize multiple cores on a single FPGA. By using several cores in parallel, we have achieved a 25X end-to-end application speedup using simulated input data.
Questionnaires for outcome expectancy, self-regulation, and behavioral expectation for resistance training among young-old adults: development and preliminary validity.

The purpose of the present research was to develop questionnaires to assess outcome expectancy for resistance training (RT), behavioral expectation in the context of perceived barriers to RT, and self-regulation strategies for RT among young-old adults (50-69 years). Measurement development included (a) item generation through elicitation interviews (N = 14) and open-ended questionnaires (N = 56), (b) expert feedback on a preliminary draft of the questionnaires (N = 4), and (c) a quantitative longitudinal study for item-reduction and psychometric analyses (N = 94). Elicitation procedures, expert feedback, and item reduction yielded four questionnaires with a total of 33 items. Positive outcome expectancy (α = .809), negative outcome expectancy (α = .729), behavioral expectation (α = .925), and self-regulation (α = .761) had—with one exception—moderate bivariate associations with two different indicators of self-reported RT behavior at one-month follow-up (r = .298 to .506). The present research provides p...
Weight distribution when standing: The influence of a single point cane in patients with stroke

The purpose of this study of stroke patients was to assess, during comfortable stance, the effect of changing cane conditions on the weight-bearing ratio (WBR), the effect of changing cane length (elbow angle) on the force through the cane, and the relationship between the force through the cane and the WBR. All patients were hemiparetic (11 right, 9 left) and ambulatory with a unilateral assistive device. Subjects were measured under four different cane conditions (no cane, and cane with the elbow at 20, 30 and 40 degrees). Readings were taken using digital bathroom scales (one under the cane and each lower extremity). The WBR was calculated as the weight through the non-paretic lower extremity/weight through the paretic lower extremity. An analysis of variance was used to compare both the WBR and the force through the cane between the cane conditions. A Pearson correlation (r) was used to determine the relationship between the cane force and the WBR. The WBR did not differ between the four cane conditio...
Differential Incorporation of Ara-C, Gemcitabine, and Fludarabine Into Replicating and Repairing DNA in Proliferating Human Leukemia Cells

The major actions of nucleoside analogs such as arabinosylcytosine (ara-C) and fludarabine occurs after their incorporation into DNA, during either replication or repair synthesis. The metabolic salvage and DNA incorporation of the normal nucleoside, deoxycytidine, is functionally compartmentalized toward repair synthesis in a process regulated by ribonucleotide reductase. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic pathways by which nucleoside analogs that do (fludarabine, gemcitabine) or do not (ara-C) affect ribonucleotide reductase are incorporated into DNA in proliferating human leukemia cells. Using alkaline density-gradient centrifugation to separate repaired DNA from replicating DNA and unreplicated parental DNA strands, approximately 60% of ara-C nucleotide in DNA was incorporated by repair synthesis in CCRF-CEM cells; the remainder was incorporated by replication. In contrast, fludarabine and gemcitabine, nucleosides that inhibit ribonucleotide reductase and decreased deoxynucleotide pools, were incorporated mainly within replicating DNA. Hydroxyurea also depleted deoxynucleotide pools and increased the incorporation of ara-C into DNA by replicative synthesis. Stimulation of DNA repair activity by UV irradiation selectively enhanced the incorporation of all nucleosides tested through repair synthesis. These findings suggest that the pathways by which therapeutically useful nucleoside analogs are incorporated into DNA are affected by cellular dNTP pools from de novo synthesis and by the relative activities of DNA repair and replication. The antitumor activity of these drugs may be enhanced by combination with either ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors to increase their incorporation into replicating DNA or with agents that induce DNA damage and evoke the DNA repair process.
Antithrombin III: Comparison of Functional and Immunologic Assays

A comparison of functional and immunologic assays of antithrombin III was carried out in several groups of patients. The control group consisted of 120 male and female patients on medical and obstetrics–gynecology wards, ages 14 to 70 years. They were not receiving estrogen therapy or anticoagulant drugs and had no known disturbance of coagulation or thrombotic episode. The experimental groups consisted of 42 female patients, ages 14 to 32 years, who were receiving oral contraceptive therapy; ten postpartum patients; one patient who had disseminated intravascular coagulation; and seven patients with thromboembolic diseases. Additional coagulation studies were performed on all patients throughout the study. With the exception of those for women taking contraceptives, results of the functional and immunologic assays were generally consistent. The contraceptive group showed a difference between the two assays. The functional assay was low in approximately 55% of the cases, whereas the corresponding immunologic test disclosed normal concentrations of antithrombin III in all but 12% of those tested. The discrepancy between the two tests found in individuals taking contraceptive medication implies the presence of a substance that interferes with the functional assay but not the immunologic assay. Thus, even though the amount of protein, as detected immunologically, appears to be normal in patients taking contraceptives, there is, nonetheless, evidence of dysfunction in some of the patients, possibly related to blocking factors.
Seeing like an oil company’s CHM programme: Exxon and archaeology on the Chad Export Project

James Ferguson’s 2005 article ‘Seeing Like an Oil Company’ powerfully described the development of resource-extraction enclaves in African states, and the complex landscape of globally integrated a...
RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF TALONAVICULAR JOINT AFTER TALAR SCREW PLACEMENT: A CADAVER STUDY

Twelve cadaver feet were used for a radiographic assessment of the talonavicular joint. A 4.0- or a 6.5-mm screw was inserted through the posterior tubercle of the talus, directed anteriorly into four quadrants of the talar head. Lateral, dorsoplantar, lateral oblique, and medial oblique radiographic views were obtained for each specimen, to assess the position of the screw tip in relation to the talonavicular joint. The lateral view consistently demonstrated the screw tip violation when the screw was directed through the center of the talar head, but it failed when screws were passed into the medial or lateral quadrants of the talar head. The dorsoplantar view consistently demonstrated a screw tip violation of the superior two quadrants of the talar head when other views failed. Each screw tip violation of the inferior quadrants (medial and lateral) required a different view. A screw tip violation of the inferior medial quadrant required the lateral oblique view, whereas the inferior lateral quadrant required the medial oblique view for full appreciation. Here again, other views failed to demonstrate minor screw tip violations consistently. Using these views to assess screw placement could decrease the risk of developing posttraumatic arthritis caused by screw tip violation of the talonavicular joint.
Optimization Design of Supplementary Excitation Damping Controller Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

The supplementary excitation damping controller(SEDC)of the turbine-generator has been proven to be one of the most economical and convenient methods for damping of subsynchronous resonance(SSR)in the power system with the fixed series compensation.A novel SEDC model is presented based on independent modal space control theory.By this means,gain and phase compensator can be designed separately without interaction.An improved particle swarm optimization(PSO)algorithm for SEDC parameters design is proposed.To improve this algorithm,the mutation mechanism is involved to improve the global convergence capability and to escape from the locally optimal solutions.A case study with practical background is employed to validate the proposed algorithm.The eigenvalue analysis and time domain simulation methods are used.The results show that the SEDC designed by improved PSO algorithm can damp multi-mode SSR oscillations effectively and robustly.
Changes in northeast African hydrology and vegetation associated with Pliocene-Pleistocene sapropel cycles.

East African climate change since the Late Miocene consisted of persistent shorter-term, orbital-scale wet–dry cycles superimposed upon a long-term trend towards more open, grassy landscapes. Either or both of these modes of palaeoclimate variability may have influenced East African mammalian evolution, yet the interrelationship between these secular and orbital palaeoclimate signals remains poorly understood. Here, we explore whether the long-term secular climate change was also accompanied by significant changes at the orbital-scale. We develop northeast African hydroclimate and vegetation proxy data for two 100 kyr-duration windows near 3.05 and 1.75 Ma at ODP Site 967 in the eastern Mediterranean basin, where sedimentation is dominated by eastern Sahara dust input and Nile River run-off. These two windows were selected because they have comparable orbital configurations and bracket an important increase in East African C 4 grasslands. We conducted high-resolution (2.5 kyr sampling) multiproxy biomarker, H- and C-isotopic analyses of plant waxes and lignin phenols to document orbital-scale changes in hydrology, vegetation and woody cover for these two intervals. Both intervals are dominated by large-amplitude, precession-scale (approx. 20 kyr) changes in northeast African vegetation and rainfall/run-off. The δ 13 C wax values and lignin phenol composition record a variable but consistently C 4 grass-dominated ecosystem for both intervals (50–80% C 4 ). Precessional δD wax cycles were approximately 20–30‰ in peak-to-peak amplitude, comparable with other δD wax records of the Early Holocene African Humid Period. There were no significant differences in the means or variances of the δD wax or δ 13 C wax data for the 3.05 and 1.75 Ma intervals studied, suggesting that the palaeohydrology and palaeovegetation responses to precessional forcing were similar for these two periods. Data for these two windows suggest that the eastern Sahara did not experience the significant increase in C 4 vegetation that has been observed in East Africa over this time period. This observation would be consistent with a proposed mechanism whereby East African precipitation is reduced, and drier conditions established, in response to the emergence of modern zonal sea surface temperature gradients in the tropical oceans between 3 and 2 Ma. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Major transitions in human evolution’.
Science Communication Through Art: Objectives, Challenges, and Outcomes

The arts are becoming a favored medium for conveying science to the public. Tracking trending approaches, such as community-engaged learning, alongside challenges and goals can help establish metrics to achieve more impactful outcomes, and to determine the effectiveness of arts-based science communication for raising awareness or shaping public policy.
The Relationship Between Anxiety and Overactive Bladder or Urinary Incontinence Symptoms in the Clinical Population.

Objective To investigate the relationship between anxiety and overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary incontinence symptoms among clinical population. Materials and Methods Patients who were diagnosed with OAB and age-matched control subjects without OAB were enrolled. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A). OAB or incontinence symptoms were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI), ICIQ-OAB, Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7), and OAB-q. Other psychosocial factors were also assessed. Results About half of the OAB subjects (48%) had anxiety symptoms, and one quarter of OAB subjects (24%) had moderate to severe anxiety. OAB subjects reported significantly higher anxiety symptoms compared to age-matched controls (HADS-A: 7.5 ± 4.5 vs 3.3 ± 3.6, P P values all P P = .014, .025 respectively). Conclusion OAB patients reported higher anxiety symptoms compared to controls. OAB patients with anxiety reported more severe OAB or incontinence symptoms, worse quality of life, and more psychosocial difficulties compared to OAB patients without anxiety. There are positive correlations between the severity of anxiety symptoms and OAB or incontinence symptoms.
Oxygen Deficient TiO2 Photoanode for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely used as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, the typically high density of bandgap trap states results in fast charge carrier recombination and poor electrical conductivity, and thereby weak PEC performance. Rational creation of oxygen vacancy (Vo) in TiO2 has been demonstrated as an effective method to modify the electronic and optical properties, as well as improved PEC performance. Different strategies have been developed to fabricate oxygen deficient TiO2 photoanodes, such as hydrogen treatment, thermal annealing, electrochemical reduction, flame reduction, and chemical reduction. In conjunction with oxygen vacancy creation, doping of TiO2 with elements further enhances the PEC activity by introducing other bandgap states. Various techniques, including ultrafast laser spectroscopy, have been employed to probe the chemical nature and associated charge carrier dynamics of the bandgap states.
Expression Patterns of the Beta Chain of the T Cell Receptor for Antigen

With the isolation of recombinant clones encoding the beta chain of the T cell receptor1–3, the similarity of expression patterns in functionally and developmentally distinct T cell subsets can be determined. In this report, we present the transcriptional patterns of the beta chain in thymocytes and peripheral T cells, and the expression of the beta chain in functionally defined T cells. Special interest is directed at the abundance and size of transcripts in immature vs. mature T cells, and at the structure of transcripts found in different tissues, i.e., message transcribed from aberrant or productively rearranged genes. Further attention is paid to the expression of the beta chain in helper, cytotoxic, and suppressor T cells as a reflection of the nature of the antigen-specific receptor in these cell types.
‘The Master is the Mistress’: women and fox hunting as sports coaching in Britain

This paper explores the relationship between equestrianism and sport coaching at the turn of the twentieth century. Women were avid and admired participants in fox hunting and other mounted field s...
Health Status and Lifestyle Habits of US Medical Students: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Evidence shows that physicians and medical students who engage in healthy lifestyle habits are more likely to counsel patients about such behaviors. Yet medical school is a challenging time that may bring about undesired changes to health and lifestyle habits. Aims: This study assessed changes in students’ health and lifestyle behaviors during medical school. Subjects and Methods: In a longitudinal study, students were assessed at both the beginning and end of medical school. Anthropometric, metabolic, and lifestyle variables were measured at a clinical research center. Data were collected from 2006 to 2011, and analyzed in 2013–2014 with SAS version 9.3. Pearson’s correlations were used to assess associations between variables and a generalized linear model was used to measure change over time. Results: SeventyâÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂeight percent (97/125) of participants completed both visits. At baseline, mean anthropometric and clinical measures were at or near healthy values and did not change over time, with the exception of increased diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), highâÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂdensity lipoproteinâÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcholesterol (P < 0.001), and insulin (P < 0.001). SelfâÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂreported diet and physical activity habits were congruent with national goals, except for Vitamin D and sodium. Dietary intake did not change over time, with the exceptions of decreased carbohydrate (percent of total energy) (P < 0.001) and sodium (P = 0.04) and increased fat (percent of total energy) and Vitamin D (both P < 0.01). Cardiovascular fitness showed a trend toward declining, while selfâÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂreported physical activity increased (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Students’ clinical measures and lifestyle behaviors remain generally healthy throughout medical school; yet some students exhibit cardiometabolic risk and diet and activity habits not aligned with national recommendations. Curricula that include personal health and lifestyle assessment may motivate students to adopt healthier practices and serve as role models for patients.
On a canonical construction of tessellated surfaces from finite groups

Abstract In this paper we study an elementary functorial construction from the category of finite non-abelian groups to the category of singular compact, oriented 2-manifolds. After a desingularization process this construction results in a finite collection of compact, connected, oriented smooth surfaces equipped with a closed-cell structure which is face and edge transitive. These tessellated surfaces are best viewed as regular or dual quasi-regular maps, i.e., cellular graph embeddings into the surface with a high degree of symmetry. This construction in fact exhibits the noncommutative part of the group's multiplication table as equivalent to a collection of such maps. It generally results in a large collection of maps per group, for example when the construction is applied to Σ 6 it yields 4477 maps of 27 distinct genus. We study the distribution of these maps in various groups. We also show that extensions of groups result in branched coverings between the component surfaces in their decompositions. Finally we exploit functoriality to obtain interesting faithful, orientation preserving actions of subquotients of these groups and their automorphism groups on these surfaces and maps.
Fluid filling of a membrane tube with self-weight

Abstract The filling of a membrane tube with self-weight by a fluid is studied theoretically for the first time. The fundamental problem depends on two non-dimensional parameters, β and γ which represent the importance of internal pressure and membrane self-weight respectively. The nonlinear equations are solved by an efficient numerical integration method. It is found that membrane self-weight has considerable effect on the tube geometry and the tension of the membrane at low filling pressures.
Rubber toughening of polyamides with functionalized block copolymers: 1. Nylon-6

Abstract The toughening of nylon-6 using triblock copolymers of the type styrene-(ethylene- co -butylene)-styrene (SEBS) and a maleic anhydride (MA) functionalized version (SEBS- g -MA) is examined and compared with a conventional maleated ethylene/propylene elastomer. The changes in rheology, adhesion, crystallinity, morphology and mechanical behaviour associated with the reaction of the anhydride with the nylon-6 are documented. Combinations of the SEBS and SEBS- g -MA elastomer blends with nylon-6 give higher levels of toughening than is achieved with the functionalized elastomer alone. The particles of pure SEBS were about 5 μm in diameter (too large for toughening nylon-6), whereas SEBS- g -MA alone yielded particles of about 0.05 μm (apparently too small for optimal toughening). Combinations of the two types of elastomers gave a continuously varying particle size between these extreme limits. This suggests that the two rubbers form essentially a single population of mixed rubber particles. The order of mixing did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of these ternary blends. The evidence for maximum and minimum rubber particle sizes that can be effective for toughening nylon-6 is discussed.
A Reliable Method for Quantification of Tendon Structure Using B-Mode Ultrasound.

Structure is an important clinical marker of tendon health; however, current standards use qualitative scores that are not strongly reliable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the reliability of an image-processing technique that quantifies tendon collagen structure using B-mode ultrasound images. Longitudinal images of the Achilles tendon were collected in 12 healthy young adults, and intra- and inter-rater reliability was assessed over multiple image selections and multiple days. Intraclass correlation coefficients were strong (r ≥ 0.71) for all comparisons. These findings demonstrate that quantitative assessments of tendon structure using B-mode ultrasound are reliable.
Loss of Dnmt3a Immortalizes Hematopoietic Stem Cells In Vivo

Summary Somatic mutations in DNMT3A are recurrent events across a range of blood cancers. Dnmt3a loss of function in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) skews divisions toward self-renewal at the expense of differentiation. Moreover, DNMT3A mutations can be detected in the blood of aging individuals, indicating that mutant cells outcompete normal HSCs over time. It is important to understand how these mutations provide a competitive advantage to HSCs. Here we show that Dnmt3a -null HSCs can regenerate over at least 12 transplant generations in mice, far exceeding the lifespan of normal HSCs. Molecular characterization reveals that this in vivo immortalization is associated with gradual and focal losses of DNA methylation at key regulatory regions associated with self-renewal genes, producing a highly stereotypical HSC phenotype in which epigenetic features are further buttressed. These findings lend insight into the preponderance of DNMT3A mutations in clonal hematopoiesis and the persistence of mutant clones after chemotherapy.
Connecting Seminearrings to Probability Generating Functions

Are seminearrings important to other areas of mathematics? The purpose of this paper is to show an example of an application in the theory of probability.
Steady-State and Time-Resolved Emission Anisotropy

Reversible associations of macromolecules, by definition, create fragile complexes whose shape and stoichiometry are important to their function; further, any real system is likely to contain multiple species. Although true structural techniques like X-ray crystallography and solution NMR spectroscopy can give atomiclevel detail of the consensus forms of tight and rigid complexes, we also desire techniques applicable to dilute solution, dynamic equilibria, and flexible macromolecules. Fluorescence emission anisotropy has proven to be valuable in these areas. Fluorescence emission anisotropy allows us to directly measure Brownian rotations, and the hydrodynamics of those rotations depends on size, shape, and flexibility of the complex.
Low computational cost semi-analytical magnetostatic model for magnetocaloric refrigeration systems

The analysis of the active magnetic refrigeration (AMR) cycle for different waveforms of both the magnetic field and the velocity of the heat transfer fluid is an essential challenge in designing and implementing heating and cooling systems based on the magnetocaloric effect. One of the most important issue is the correct modelling of the magnetic and thermal behavior of the active magnetocaloric materials (MCM) in order to estimate precisely cooling capacity of the magnetocaloric system. As the multiphysics coupling implies successive calls for both the thermal and the magnetic modelling subroutines, the execution time of these subroutines has to be as short as possible. For this purpose, a new magnetostatic model based on reluctance network has been performed to calculate the internal magnetic field and the internal magnetic flux density of the active magnetocaloric material (gadolinium, Gd) inside the air gap of the magnetic circuit. Compared to a 3D Finite Element Model (FEM), our magnetostatic semi-analytical model leads to a sharp drop of the computation time, while offering a similar precision for all magnetic quantities in the whole magnetocaloric system.The analysis of the active magnetic refrigeration (AMR) cycle for different waveforms of both the magnetic field and the velocity of the heat transfer fluid is an essential challenge in designing and implementing heating and cooling systems based on the magnetocaloric effect. One of the most important issue is the correct modelling of the magnetic and thermal behavior of the active magnetocaloric materials (MCM) in order to estimate precisely cooling capacity of the magnetocaloric system. As the multiphysics coupling implies successive calls for both the thermal and the magnetic modelling subroutines, the execution time of these subroutines has to be as short as possible. For this purpose, a new magnetostatic model based on reluctance network has been performed to calculate the internal magnetic field and the internal magnetic flux density of the active magnetocaloric material (gadolinium, Gd) inside the air gap of the magnetic circuit. Compared to a 3D Finite Element Model (FEM), our magnetostatic semi-a...
Band mixing in 154 Gd

I have applied a simple two-state mixing model to members of the first two rotational bands in 154Gd. Resulting mixing amplitudes are similar for $0^{+}$ , $2^{+}$ , $4^{+}$ , and $6^{+}$ , with mixing decreasing slightly with increasing J. The analysis indicates that 154Gd is very similar to 152Sm for these first two bands. Results suggest that the larger of the two experimental strengths that are available for the $2_{2}\rightarrow 0_{2}$ transition in 154Gd is the correct one.
Flexible MRI Compatible Brain Probes

The exact localization of signal recording probes or deep stimulation probes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significant importance in studying and understanding how the brain functions. But the magnetic susceptibility of the probes itself distorts the MRI image and creates error in position measurement. In this paper we propose an MRI compatible flexible probe with magnetic susceptibility that is well matched with the brain tissue. The well-matched magnetic susceptibility of the probe enables high resolution structural and functional MRI even at ultra-high Bfield strengths. The MRI images shows almost zero artifacts around the implanted probe in the phantom tissue.
Acupuncture and Cancer Pain

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment in the world and is commonly used to treat pain. There is some evidence to suggest that acupuncture is more efficacious than sham acupuncture and placebo in the treatment of pain. Despite the lack of definitive evidence, acupuncture is often used to treat cancer-related pain. Common uses of acupuncture include treatment of aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and cancer-induced bone pain. Complications of acupuncture are rare and usually minor, making it a safe method for the treatment of pain in cancer patients.
(151) Psychosocial Mechanisms of Treatment Outcome after Telehealth Self-Management and Education in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Self-management (SM) interventions improve pain, fatigue, and depression in individuals with chronic health conditions. However, little is known about the psychological mechanisms underlying symptom improvement. The current study sought to identify potential mechanisms that mediate the effect of participation in a cognitive-behavioral SM intervention on symptom improvement in multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants were 163 adults with MS reporting chronic pain, fatigue, and/or moderate depression who participated in one of two 8-week, 1:1 telephone-delivered interventions [SM, education]. Measures of affect, cognitive appraisal (e.g., pain catastrophizing, self-efficacy), behavior (e.g., behavioral activation, distraction), and outcome (pain interference, fatigue impact, depression) were administered at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Path analysis was used to test the indirect effects of each mediator with each outcome. Significant and marginally significant (p
The Virtue of Diversity and Inclusion

As I have in the past and as I do now, I find myself thanking you, Rick, for this opportunity to offer my perspectives on diversity and inclusion. I am both honored and humbled to be part of this festschrift. Rick is a person with a hearty laugh, but don’t let that fool you: he is a person who
The Continued Use of Mobile Health Apps: Insights From a Longitudinal Study.

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps that support individuals pursuing health and wellness goals, such as weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, and self-management of chronic conditions have been on the rise. Despite their potential benefits, the use of these tools has been limited, as most users stop using them just after a few times of use. Under this circumstance, achieving the positive outcomes of mHealth apps is less likely. Objective The objective of this study was to understand continued use of mHealth apps and individuals' decisions related to this behavior. Methods We conducted a qualitative longitudinal study on continued use of mHealth apps. We collected data through 34 pre- and postuse interviews and 193 diaries from 17 participants over two weeks. Results We identified 2 dimensions that help explain continued use decisions of users of mHealth apps: users' assessment of mHealth app and its capabilities (user experience) and their persistence at their health goals (intent). We present the key factors that influence users' assessment of an mHealth app (interface design, navigation, notifications, data collection methods and tools, goal management, depth of knowledge, system rules, actionable recommendations, and user system fit) and relate these factors to previous literature on behavior change technology design. Using these 2 dimensions, we developed a framework that illustrated 4 decisions users might make after initial interaction with mHealth apps (to abandon use, limit use, switch app, and continue use). We put forth propositions to be explored in future research on mHealth app use. Conclusions This study provides insight into the factors that shape users' decisions to continue using mHealth apps, as well as other likely decision scenarios after the initial use experience. The findings contribute to extant knowledge of mHealth use and provide important implications for design of mHealth apps to increase long-term engagement of the users.
Asymmetric propagation of low-frequency acoustic waves in a granular chain using asymmetric intruders

This paper investigates the asymmetric propagation of acoustic waves in a one-dimensional chain of spherical particles coupled with asymmetric intruders. The chain passes acoustic waves along one direction (forward configuration) whereas partially blocks the acoustic energy propagating along the opposite direction (reverse configuration). A numerical analysis is conducted to investigate this asymmetric propagation by simulating a statically compressed chain of particles interacting via Hertzian contact and subjected to small amplitude periodic displacements at one end. The amount of acoustic energy transmitted through the chain in both configurations is studied and quantified in terms of the acoustic energy transfer ratio, defined as the ratio of the acoustic power at the last particle to the acoustic power at the first particle. The effect of the applied frequency and number of particles in the chain on the transfer ratio is investigated. In addition, a parametric study is performed to evaluate the effects of geometric and material properties on the efficiency of asymmetric acoustic wave propagation in the proposed system. The results show that the proposed design supports asymmetric propagation of low frequency acoustic waves.
Common Misperceptions Among Health-Care Professionals

Misperceptions regarding the causes, presentation, and diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) can lead to a delay in its diagnosis and treatment that negatively impact patient outcomes. Open fractures do not have a lower risk of ACS compared to closed fractures. Acute compartment syndrome frequently presents without a fracture, and when it does, a delay in its diagnosis is more likely. Pain, not pallor, pulselessness, paresthesias, or paralysis, is the only reliable early clinical finding in an awake and alert patient. A single examination or intracompartmental pressure measurement cannot reliably diagnose or exclude ACS in at-risk patients. The misperceptions, low incidence, and numerous causes of ACS result in a low level of awareness among health-care professionals. Continued education, institutional protocols, and additional research may be necessary to raise awareness and improve the early detection of ACS.
Hybrid Procedures: A Surgeon’s Viewpoint on the Next 10 Years

Many forces are once again bringing the congenital heart surgeon and interventional cardiologist, and the teams that support them, ever closer together in what has been deemed Hybrid Approaches to congenital heart disease. The goal of these hybrid approaches is to improve the quantity and quality of life for the patients we serve.
The Hazards of Sets.

THE use of the set concept promises clarification, simplification, and unifica tion in our teaching of mathematics.1 Many points in our presentation of math ematics can be brought into better focus through the use of sets, i.e., fundamental laws of algebra, arithmetic operations, definitions such as solutions of equations and inequalities, variables, functions and inverse functions, congruence, line seg ments and curves, and the notion of classi fication. By means of sets we can more effectively distinguish between angle (a set of points) and measure of an angle (a number) and among various geometric configurations. Simplification in teaching many mathematical ideas is achieved by building on the youngsters1 intuitive no tion of set, which has been or can be de veloped through physical and visual expo sure to sets.2
Zero-Overlap Fluorophores for Fluorescent Studies at Any Concentration.

Fluorophores are powerful tools for the study of chemistry, biology, and physics. However, fluorescence is severely impaired when concentrations climb above 5 μM as a result of effects like self-ab...
Identifying Priority Student Leadership and Professionalism Attributes Among Faculty, Preceptors, and Students via Modified Delphi

Objective. To identify and build consensus on priority leadership and professionalism attributes for pharmacy student development among faculty, preceptors, and students.Methods. One hundred individuals (27 faculty members, 30 preceptors, 43 students) were invited to participate in a three-round, modified Delphi. Published literature on leadership and professionalism informed the initial attribute list. In the first round, participants reviewed and provided feedback on this list. In the second round, participants prioritized attributes as highly important, important, or less important for pharmacy student development. Leadership and professionalism attributes that achieved an overall consensus (a priori set to ≥80.0%) of being highly important or important for pharmacy student development were retained. In the third round, participants rank ordered priorities for leadership and professionalism attributes.Results. Fifteen leadership and 20 professionalism attributes were included in round one while 21 leadership and 21 professionalism attributes were included in round two. Eleven leadership and 13 professionalism attributes advanced to round three. Consensus was reached on the top four leadership attributes (adaptability, collaboration, communication, integrity) and five professionalism attributes (accountability, communication, honor and integrity, respect for others, trust). Differences were observed for certain attributes between faculty members, preceptors, and/or students.Conclusion. The modified Delphi technique effectively identified and prioritized leadership and professionalism attributes for pharmacy student development. This process facilitated consensus building and identified gaps among stakeholders (ie, faculty, preceptors, students). Identified gaps may represent varying priorities among stakeholders and/or different opportunities for emphasis and development across classroom, experiential, and/or cocurricular settings.
Characterizing plurality using the majoritarian condition: a new proof and implications for other scoring rules

Plurality rule selects whichever alternative is most preferred by the greatest number of voters. The majoritarian principle states that if a simple majority of voters agree on the most preferred alternative, then it must be selected uniquely. Lepelley (RAIRO-Recherche Operationnelle 26: 361–365, 1992) adopts a proof by contradiction approach to show that plurality is the only scoring rule satisfying the majoritarian principle. We make use of the relationship that majoritarianism implies faithfulness to present a new proof allowing us to derive limits on the size of the group for which a particular scoring rule will satisfy majoritarianism without restricting voter preferences. We then determine the limits for three specific faithful scoring rules where voters rank the alternatives: positive/negative voting, wherein one point is awarded to a voter’s top preference and one point is subtracted from a voter’s bottom preference; Borda, in which an equal increase in points is awarded to each successively higher rank; and Dowdall, for which rank points entail an harmonic sequence. Comparing these rules by the sizes of group and alternative set combinations for which they are majoritarian we find that Borda is dominated by positive/negative voting, and both are dominated by Dowdall. We also derive the relative point gaps between certain pairs of rankings beyond which a scoring rule will not be majoritarian for any group of more than two voters.
Will blockchain shift Online Travel Agencies toward growth or to an end

The hospitality industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. With the emergence of different distribution platforms, customers can obtain real-time price changes, availability, and prom...
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Articular Cartilage Structure and Biology

Articular cartilage is a complex avascular and aneural tissue. Once its surface is disrupted, it is difficult to repair. Cartilage consists of an anisotropic extracellular collagen matrix containing water, proteoglycans, and chondrocytes. State-of-the-art quantitative morphologic and compositional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize and measure changes to cartilage structure in injury or disease earlier and with more specificity than is achievable with radiography. Morphologic MRI permits assessment of cartilage surface disruption, subsurface lesions, and cartilage thickness loss. Compositional MRI techniques such as T2 and UTE-T2* mapping, dGEMRIC, and T1ρ relaxometry can probe subsurface changes to cartilage biochemical integrity including disruption of the collagen matrix and loss of proteoglycans. These techniques show potential to assist with monitoring subclinical signs of cartilage degeneration, as well as the efficacy of cartilage repair procedures and therapeutic interventions.