cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complications in Free Vibration Analysis of Tanks

A simple and computationally effective method for computing the dynamic characteristics of ground-supported, cylindrical liquid storage tanks has been developed. A generalization of this method is presented herein to include some complicating factors which affect these characteristics. It has been shown that the initial hoop stress due to the hydrostatic pressure and the in-plane rigidity of the roof system may affect considerably the cosnΘ-type modes of the tank wall. In addition, the flexibility of the foundation soil can reduce measurably the fundamental natural frequency of the cosΘ-type modes due to the rocking motion. It is also concluded that the coupling between liquid sloshing modes and shell vibrational modes is weak; and consequently, the convective pressure can be evaluated with reasonable accuracy by considering the tank wall to be rigid, and the impulsive pressure can be determined by analyzing the liquid-shell system and neglecting the sloshing motion. The validity of the method of analysis has been confirmed by both scale model testing and field measurements of the vibrational characteristics of full-scale tanks.
Prestressed Concrete Flexural Members: Design

An alternate method for the design of prestressed concrete flexural members using the service load criteria is presented. The method differs from other available methods, in the sense that no preliminary estimation of the prestressing force or sectional dimensions is necessary, and the range of prestress is determined prior to determining the cross-sectional dimensions or section modulus. However, the use of the design equations requires a preliminary assumption of eccentricity ratio. The method can be adopted for design of both fully stressed and non-fully stressed sections, and is applicable for pretensioned as well as post-tensioned sections. The method of construction of interaction diagrams is shown which can be used to determine the range of eccentricity in non-fully stressed sections. Different equations are derived for different types of cross sections for estimation of their thickness or section modulus.
KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF WOMEN TOWARDS CONTRACEPTIVE MOTHODS

ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE: TO FIND OUT THE FREQUENCY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATITUDE AND PRACTICES OF WOMEN REGARDING THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS: METHODOLOGY:STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional analytical studyDURATION AND SETTING: The out patient department of obstetrics and Gynaecology Moulvi Ameer Shah Memorial Hospital Peshawar from January 2014 to December 2014. Sample size 1000 women.RESULTS: Out of 1000 women 74.4% were not using any family planning method and 26.6% were using contraception. Mean age was 25-35 years. Most of patients were poor (73.8%) illiterate (74.4%), coitus interrupts was more common method (35.51%). 60.9% women were using family planning. Due to husband's advise. There was lack of proper knowledge regarding contraceptive methods.CONCLUSION: Majority of women under study were not suing any family planning method. Those who were using It without proper knowledge and awareness.KEY WORDS: Contraception, KAP, Birth control, family planning.
Abstract 2661: C11 Acetate and 18F FDG PET/CT imaging of MDR2-/- mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Our previous research reveals a link between the enzyme autotaxin (ATX) and its product lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have shown a shift in ATX levels and LPA variant biosynthesis associated with HCC in patients that was corrected by liver transplantation. Moreover we have demonstrated a reduction in hepatic tumor burden in the MDR2-/- mouse model of HCC by treatment with commercial ATX inhibitors. The purpose of this study was to establish the relevance of FDG PET versus 11C acetate imaging to monitor response to ATX inhibition in the in-vivo MDR2 /- mouse model of HCC whereby we would be able to test the impact of novel inhibitors on both the initiation and progression of HCC. Methods: Dynamic high-resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images of 12 month MDR-/- mice and FVB controls were acquired using 18F-FDG or 11C-Acetate (N=3 per group). At the end of the PET imaging session whole body CT images were acquired. Image segmentation for discrete volumes of interests (VOI) was manually constructed from parametric images for the liver for 18F-FDG images while for 11C-Acetate VOIs were submitted to kinetic modeling, using a 3-compartment, 4-parameter model. Results. MDR2-/- mice had significant hepatic tumors at 12 month (7.9±1.8mm) whereas no tumors were observed in FVB controls. MDR2-/- mice had significantly higher hepatic 11C-Acetate uptake and metabolic rates when compared to FVB controls (0.6±0.04 vs 0.49±0.02ml/g/min P=0.038). In contrast there was no significant difference in 18F-FDG metabolism or uptake in the livers of MDR2-/- mice when compared to wild type FVB controls (1.1±0.23 v 1.32±0.2 and 3.61±0.97 vs. 4.3±0.6SUV respectively p=ns). Conclusion: The biology of HCC formation in MDR2-/- is better suited to 11C acetate PET/CT imaging than 18F FDG. 11C acetate is the most effective imaging method available to test response to treatment in an in-vivo model of HCC. Citation Format: Nicholas J. Skill, Paul R. Territo, Amanda A. Riley, Brian P. McCarthy, Mary A. Maluccio. C11 Acetate and 18F FDG PET/CT imaging of MDR2-/- mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2661. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2661 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
The Impact of Police Deployment on Racial Disparities in Discretionary Searches

A large and growing body of research finds racial disparities in discretionary searches of drivers during traffic stops with Black drivers disproportionately involved in these investigations. Among...
Right Heart Pressure Transients and Pulmonary Venous Pressure

tricular (RV) ejection phase indices were limited in part because the complex shape and geometry of the right ventricle limited any reasonable calculation of volume and wall stress. Likewise, methods to assess the RV ejection fraction were in their infancy. By contrast, RV and pulmonary artery (PA) pressure measurements were relatively easy to obtain and it was thought that RV pressure transients and the isovolumic indices of contractility might be applied to the assessment of RV and perhaps even global cardiac contractility. This idea matured during deliberations about the independent function of the right ventricle and the fact that RV failure occurring secondary to LV failure was not easily explained on the basis of the relatively small pressure load imposed by elevated pulmonary venous pressures. Recognizing the distinct architectural and anatomic differences between the right and left ventricles, further discussions led to considerations of ventricular interaction and the possibility that the normal left ventricle directly assists the right ventricle in its pumping function while the dysfunctional left ventricle was limited in this regard. In the early 1970s, cardiologists exhibited a considerable interest in the relative merits of the isovolumic and ejection phase indices of left ventricular (LV) contractility. The isovolumic indices were derived from high-fidelity measurements of LV pressure prior to aortic valve opening; thus, LV pressure and the time derivative of pressure (dP/dt) were used to calculate ‘contractile element’ velocity during the early systole when ventricular volume was nearly constant. Because the pressure transients occurred prior to aortic valve opening, the isovolumic indices were considered to be independent of changes in aortic pressure and LV afterload. The ejection phase indices were derived from measurements of LV dimensions or volume during ejection; thus, dimension or volume strain (ejection fraction) and strain rates were determined. With the incorporation of pressure data, wall stresses were calculated, myocardial length-force-shortening relations were plotted, and afterload-ejection fraction assessed [1–4] . During this period, interest in the right ventricle was limited, mainly due to technical reasons. The right venReceived: April 28, 2016 Accepted after revision: May 9, 2016 Published online: June 10, 2016
Clinical Outcomes of 200 Multiple Sclerosis Patients Switching from Natalizumab to Alemtuzumab in a Single United States MS Center (P3.117)

Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of 200 post-natalizumab, alemtuzumab-treated multiple sclerosis(MS) patients from a certified MS center in the United States(US). Background: Natalizumab is a highly efficacious treatment for patients with relapsing MS. Reactivation of clinical/radiographic disease 3-6 months after stopping natalizumab is common. Alemtuzumab has demonstrated great efficacy in treating relapsing MS. No real world data exists describing the impact of alemtuzumab in attenuating post-natalizumab disease reactivation. Methods: Baseline characteristics and duration of washout post-natalizumab will be collected. Baseline and at least 4 month post-alemtuzumab Expanded Disability Status Scores(EDSS) assessments and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) evaluations, when available, will be provided. Relapses after natalizumab cessation will be collected. Acute and subacute adverse events will be captured. Results: Data on 200 commercially treated patients transitioned to alemtuzumab and at least 6 months from last natalizumab treatment will be described. EDSS change with those having baseline EDSS between 0.5 and 5.5 will be provided. New or enlarging T2W lesions and gadolinium enhancing lesions will be tabulated. Relapses will be described. Acute and subacute adverse events will be tabulated or described. Conclusions: The clinical outcomes in the volatile 6 month post-natalizumab period will be described for those who transitioned from natalizumab to alemtuzumab. This observational study represents the largest cohort of post-natalizumab, alemtuzumab-treated patients from a single MS center in the world. The results and consistency of evaluations should provide valuable clinical information to MS-treating clinicians. Disclosure: Dr. LaGanke has received research support from Biogen Idec, Genzyme/Sanofi, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Vaccinex. Dr. Adcock has nothing to disclose.
Appalachian Reckoning: The Environmental Costs of Coal

With the arousal in the 1960’s and 1970’s of widespread ecological concern, belief in the thoroughgoing “connectedness” of things has become commonplace. The assumption of universal connectedness often leads to a vague notion of one big nationwide (or even global) ecosystem in which “everything affects everything else.” This grand system is then described as polluted if any localized waste build-ups occur.
Egypt: Successive Holding Structures

The focus of the development strategy of the Egyptian government since the 1952 revolution was growth through self-reliance and socialism. From 1961, the nationalization of private enterprise began and by 1965, all large establishments in agriculture, industry, trade and infrastructure were state-owned. To look after the 438 public enterprises which existed at this time, thirty nine General Organizations were created, under the aegis of sectoral ministries. The rationale for the General Organizations at this point was improved sectoral coordination and planning of industrial development. During the 1970s, there were some attempts at liberalization under an Open Door Policy and new laws were introduced to encourage private investment.1 Although most industry remained in the hands of the state, the government attempted to ease the strict and bureaucratic controls on public enterprises by abolishing the General Organizations in 1975 (Law 111) and placing the enterprises directly under the relevant ministries. A performance evaluation system was introduced at the same time to give greater autonomy to public enterprises.2
Last Word on Viewpont: On the rigorous study of exercise adaptations: why mRNA might not be enough?

to the editor: We appreciate the additional insight (see Ref. [2][1]) in the responses to our Viewpoint ([2][1]). In general we felt that there is support for our position that it is no longer appropriate to use mRNA as the primary outcome for exercise studies, especially those that are examining
Through the Lens of Gurdjieff: Glimpses of Contemporary Sufism in Turkey

G. I. Gurdjieff (c.1866–1949) was born in Gyumri, Armenia and raised in the Caucasus and eastern Asia Minor. He also traveled extensively throughout Turkey to places of pilgrimage and in search of Sufi teachers. Through the lens of Gurdjieff’s notion of legominism, or the means by which spiritual teachings are transmitted from successive generations, this article explores the continuing significance of spiritual practice and tradition and the ways that these forms remain relevant in shaping contemporary trends in spirituality. Beginning with Gurdjieff’s use of legominism, the article provides reflection on some early findings done in field research in Turkey— through site visits, interviews and participant-observation—conducted in the summers of 2014 and 2015. The aim of the project is both to meet individuals and groups, particularly connected to Sufism, that may have some contact with the influences that Gurdjieff would have been familiar with, and to visit some of the sites that were part of Gurdjieff’s early background and which served to inform his work. Considerations of contemporary practices include the view of spiritual transmission, and practices of pilgrimage, prayer and sohbet, or spiritual conversation, in an ongoing discourse about spiritual transformation.
Reconstruction of Indian summer monsoon winds and precipitation over the past 10,000 years using equatorial pacific SST proxy records

Using a multiproxy reduced dimension methodology, we reconstruct fields of Arabian Sea summer wind stress curl and Indian monsoon rainfall anomalies since early Holocene using sea surface temperature (SST) proxies (Mg/Ca and alkenones) from 27 locations scattered across the equatorial Pacific. Reconstructions of summer wind stress curl reveal positive anomalies of ∼30% greater than present day off the coastlines of Oman and Yemen at 10 ka, suggesting enhanced ocean upwelling and an enhanced monsoon jet during this time. Positive wind stress curl anomalies in these regions continued but weakened to ∼12% greater than present day at 6 ka. Wind stress curl anomalies increased by about 8% from 6 to 4 ka but declined again until 2 ka. Positive anomalies in wind stress curl during the early to middle Holocene are consistent with greater early Holocene abundances of the upwelling indicator Globigerina bulloides in the western Arabian Sea, which accumulates most rapidly in present climates during periods of marked upwelling. Spatial rainfall reconstructions reveal the greatest difference in precipitation at 10 ka over the core monsoon region (∼20–60% greater than present day) and concurrently the greatest deficit in rainfall in North East India and on the eastern side of the Western Ghats (∼10–30% less than present day). Specifically, reconstructions for 10 ka reveal 40–60% greater rainfall than present day over northwest India. These findings advance the hypothesis that teleconnections from the equatorial Pacific contributed to, if not accounted for, greater early to middle Holocene wetness over India as recorded by various (e.g., cave, lacustrine, and discharge) paleoclimate proxies throughout the monsoon region.
Regional and temporal trends in blood mercury concentrations and fish consumption in women of child bearing Age in the united states using NHANES data from 1999-2010.

The primary route of exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), a known developmental neurotoxicant, is from ingestion of seafood. Since 2004, women of reproductive age in the U.S. have been urged to eat fish and shellfish as part of a healthy diet while selecting species that contain lower levels MeHg. Yet few studies have examined trends in MeHg exposure and fish consumption over time in this group of women with respect to their geographical location in the U.S. Data from six consecutive cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2010 (n = 9597) were used to determine trends in blood mercury for women aged 16–49 residing in different regions in the US, and according to age, race/ethnicity, income level, and fish consumption using geographic variables. Overall, mean blood mercury concentrations differed across survey cycles and mercury concentrations were lower in 2009–2010 compared to 1999–2000. There were regional patterns in fish consumption and blood Hg concentrations with women living in coastal regions having the highest fish consumption in the past 30 days and the highest blood Hg levels compared to women residing inland. On average, U.S. women of reproductive age were consuming more fish and blood mercury levels were lower in 2009–2010 compared to 1999–2000. However, efforts to encourage healthy fish consumption may need to be tailored to different regions in the U.S. given the observed spatial variability in blood mercury levels.
Process Models for Interfacial Matter

Abstract Materials transformation models are essential in the development of artificial intelligence for real-time control of materials processing. The quality of the machine-based decision making process depends critically on the degree to which such models capture the essential attributes of the physico-chemical transformation. In developing process models, the current state-of-the-art is to incorporate relevant source terms (e.g., chemical kinetic or thermal) into a diffusion-like equation while taking into account additional terms representing material or radiation transport. In this paper, it is shown that the above approach is inadequate in the processing of material systems which are not at the thermodynamic limit. A systematic approach to refinement of the models for small systems is presented. Such “small” systems include important applications such as superconducting thin films and materials processing in space-based microgravity environments. The latter will be of particular importance in that exploitation of the unique advantages of microgravity will require remote intelligent process controllers.
Weakly nonlinear convection induced by the sequestration of CO2 in a perfectly impervious geological formation

Linear and weakly nonlinear stability analyses are performed to investigate the dissolution-driven convection induced by the sequestration of carbon dioxide in a perfectly impervious geological formation. We prescribe Neumann concentration boundary conditions at the rigid upper and lower walls that bound a fluid saturated porous layer of infinite horizontal extent. We envisage the physical situation wherein the top boundary is shut after a certain amount of positively buoyant super-critical carbon-dioxide has been injected. We model this situation by considering a Rayleigh-Taylor like base state consisting of carbon-rich heavy brine overlying a carbon-free layer and seek the critical thickness at which the top layer has acquired enough potential energy for fluid overturning to occur. We quantify the influence of carbon diffusion anisotropy, permeability dependence on depth and the presence of a first order chemical reaction between the carbon-rich brine and host mineralogy on the threshold instability con...
Mechanistic Considerations of Cyclocopolymerization and Some Properties of ‘Pyran’ Copolymer

The regularly alternating 1:2 cyclocopolymer of divinyl ether and maleic anhydride, often referred to as ‘Pyran’ copolymer, has been found to possess interesting anti-tumor properties and to be an interferon inducer. A variety of copolymers of this and similar types have been evaluated by the Drug Research and Development Branch of the National Institutes of Health. The most significant results of this evaluation study will be reported. It is the purpose of this paper to review some of the mechanistic aspects of cyclocopolymerization in general and to relate these theories to the structure of pyran copolymer, which was the first cyclocopolymer discovered. Those 1,4-dienes which readily undergo cyclocopolymerization with suitable alkenes also form charge-transfer complexes with the same alkenes. These results are consistent with participation of the 1:1 charge-transfer complex of divinyl ether and maleic anhydride in this system in a copolymerization process with a second molecule of maleic anhydride to form the cyclocopolymer. Previous studies have indicated the copolymer to have a rather broad molecular weight distribution. In view of the extensive interest in the physiological properties of this material, further studies on the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, including use of gel permeation chromatographic methods of fractionation have been undertaken and reported. Attempts have been made to fractionate pyran cyclocopolymer as the polyanion by GPC on Deactivated Porasil columns without success. Sucessful fractionation was attained on the dimethyl ester of the cyclocopolymer on Styragel columns, and comparisons were made between the copolymer prepared in this manner and the copolymer prepared by cyclocopolymerization of divinyl ether and dimethylfumarate. This paper reviews some of the results of these studies.
A pilot study of minocycline for the treatment of bipolar depression: Effects on cortical glutathione and oxidative stress in vivo.

Abstract Background The antibiotic minocycline appears to promote neuroprotection through antioxidant and other mechanisms that may be relevant to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. The present study assessed the efficacy of minocycline in bipolar depression and examined the association between minocycline treatment and brain glutathione (GSH), an essential regulator of oxidative stress. Method Twenty patients with bipolar disorder experiencing acute depressive symptoms enrolled in an 8-week, open-label trial of adjuvant minocycline. Depression was assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) measures of cortical GSH within a voxel prescribed in the precuneus and aspects of the occipital cortex were obtained from a subset of patients (n=12) before and after treatment. Results The daily dose of minocycline at study end was 256 mg (SD: 71 mg). Treatment was associated with improvements in depression severity [MADRS score change: –14.6 (95% CI: –7.8 to –21.3)]. Ten patients (50%) were classified as responders based on a ≥50% reduction in MADRS score and 8 patients (40%) were classified as remitters (MADRS score ≤ 9). Higher baseline GSH levels were associated with greater improvement in MADRS score following treatment (ρ=0.51, p=0.05). Increases in GSH levels at study end were higher in non-responders than in responders (p=0.04). Limitations Small sample size, lack of a placebo group. Conclusion Minocycline may be an effective adjuvant treatment for bipolar depression, particularly in patients with high baseline GSH levels. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential of minocycline in this population.
The Acutely Limping Preschool and School-Age Child: An Imaging Perspective.

Acute limp in a child presents a diagnostic conundrum and can result from a variety of causes. The underlying etiology is often referable to the hip, but the spine, abdomen, pelvis, or knee can be alternatively implicated. An adequate clinical history and satisfactory physical examination are often difficult in younger children. Consequently, there is disproportionate reliance on imaging to arrive at the correct diagnosis. The potential for rapid clinical deterioration and long-term sequelae is a risk with some of the conditions presenting with acute hip (septic hip, osteomyelitis). This review article describes the imaging appearance of common etiologies for acute limp in the ambulatory preschool (1–5 years) and school-age child (5–12 years). The ultimate goal is to familiarize the interpreting radiologist with the imaging appearance of specific clinical entities that lead to acute limp while providing a readily accessible resource on how to image the patient most appropriately and judiciously.
BLEEDING PEPTIC ULCER: SURGICAL THERAPY

The management of bleeding peptic ulcer disease varies with multiple clinical and endoscopic variables. For the patient with rapid hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability refractory to endoscopic control, operation clearly is indicated. For patients with a low probability of recurrent ulcer hemorrhage because of the absence of endoscopic stigmata or clinical predictors of further ulcer bleeding, nonoperative management with selective use of endoscopic hemostasis is appropriate. For the remaining patients with a moderate risk of recurrent ulcer hemorrhage, the clinician must use what is known of the clinical and endoscopic predictors of recurrent hemorrhage and arrive at a judgment regarding the selective use of endoscopic hemostasis and subsequent early operation. For elderly patients with a large duodenal or gastric ulcer who have experienced significant blood loss precipitating an episode of hypovolemic shock and who have endoscopic stigmata of ulcer hemorrhage, early elective operation after endoscopic hemostasis is the most judicious course. Surgery also is the wise choice for those patients in whom an initially successful attempt at endoscopic hemostasis fails and who rebleed while hospitalized. Recommendations for the surgical management of bleeding peptic ulcer disease include Immediate operation for (1) patients with rapidly exsanguinating ulcer hemorrhage and (2) patients with active bleeding and failure of endoscopic hemostasis to control the bleeding. Early elective operation after initial endoscopic hemostasis for (1) elderly patients with comorbid disease and/or hemodynamic instability who have active arterial ulcer hemorrhage (Forrest Ia) controlled with endoscopic hemostasis; (2) elderly patients with comorbid disease and/or hemodynamic instability who have a visible vessel in an ulcer crater (Forrest IIa) treated with endoscopic hemostasis: surgery is particularly advised in this circumstance for those with a positive arterial Doppler signal in the ulcer crater or a large posterior duodenal ulcer or a large lesser-curvature gastric ulcer; and (3) elderly patients with comorbid disease and/or hemodynamic instability who develop recurrent ulcer bleeding while hospitalized or with a total blood transfusion requirement exceeding 5 U.
Tumors of the Third Ventricle

The third ventricle may be invaded from below by a pituitary tumor or a craniopharyngioma; if such is the case the operative technique is as described in Chapters IV and V. A large aneurysm situated at the bifurcation of the basilar artery may bulge into the third ventricle, cause obstructive hydrocephalus and be mistaken for a third ventricular tumor. If properly diagnosed the aneurysm will be handled subtemporally and is discussed in a later chapter. For true third ventricular tumors (colloid cyst, pinealoma, etc.) and for the occasionally superiorly placed craniopharyngioma, the operative approach is from above. There are two such approaches to the third ventricle. One is from above anteriorly through the lateral ventricle and the foramen of Monro (Fig. 206) and the other approach is from above and posteriorly through the splenium of the corpus callosum (Fig. 216).
Functional recovery from spinal cord trauma following normothermic irrigation in dogs.

The spinal cords of 16 normal dogs were exposed via dorsal laminectomies and damaged with a known impact force. In eight dogs the injured portions of the spinal cords were irrigated, without durotomy, for 2 h with normothermic saline. The remaining eight dogs were used as controls and were not irrigated. The results showed that normothermic irrigation of damaged spinal cords, immediately after impact trauma, had a significant beneficial effect on the functional recovery of the spinal cords.
Scattering of Rayleigh Surface Waves from Partly-Closed Surface-Breaking Cracks

A method, involving the expansion in localized functions (ELF) of the crack-opening-displacement in a boundary integral representation of the elastic displacement in a flawed half-space, is applied to the calculation of elastic wave scattering from surface cracks in a two-dimensional geometry. The positions of the localized functions can be controlled in order to simulate cracks with various numbers of islands of closure. The Rayleigh backscattering from a surface-breaking crack changes dramatically at some frequencies as the crack is partially closed from the tip, consistent with recent observations. For the open surface-breaking crack, the calculations reproduce the positions of the known peaks in the reflection coefficient at kL = 1, π, 3 π. The amplitude of the kL = 1 peak is sensitive to certain parameters of the model. The potential usefulness of this method lies in its flexibility and in the fact that it can be straightforwardly applied in 3d.
A New Argument for the Lexical Underspecification of Causers

This article shows how a systematic impersonalization alternation in Russian provides additional evidence for underspecification in argument structure. In the case of a large class of lexically cau...
High-resolution environmental magnetic study of a Holocene sedimentary record from Zaca Lake, California:

Mineral magnetic studies of Holocene lake sediments recovered from Zaca Lake, in coastal southern California have yielded a 3000-year high-resolution record of terrestrial hydrologic variability an...
System of Stereovision Based on Fuzzy-Logical Method of Constructing Depth Map

This article considers the distance measurement to objects using video processing to construct a depth map using the modified algorithm of sum of absolute differences (SAD). According to the measured distance to the objects, the required rotation angle of the mobile robot is given to travel around the obstacle. The SAD algorithm is implemented using a fuzzy-logical system with soft arithmetic operations in the structure of fuzzy inference. In the experimental part, a depth map is constructed to measure the distance to the object.
Learning to teach through mathematical problem posing: Theoretical considerations, methodology, and directions for future research

Abstract Teachers are at the heart of implementing any educational innovation or improvement. One critical need is to investigate how teachers learn to use problem posing to teach mathematics in the classroom. This article conceptualizes issues about mathematical problem posing (MPP) and about learning to teach through problem posing. It highlights significant recent findings on using problem posing for teachers’ learning. It discusses methodological issues about problem-posing research, as well as the future directions of research on learning to teach through problem posing. The international perspective provides a broad view of ways to integrate MPP in classrooms in general and the use of problem posing for teacher professional development in particular.
Occurrence of never events after total joint arthroplasty in the United States

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a major orthopedic procedure associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Never events (NEs) are harmful hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) that are preventable. Information on hospital admissions with TJA was collected from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003 to 2012. NIS was queried to identify NE applicable to TJA patients based on the HAC definition listed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). NEs were further compared before and after 2008 to evaluate the effect of the new CMS non-reimbursement policy on their incidence. A total of 8,176,774 patients were admitted with TJA from 2003 to 2012. 108,668 patients of these (1.33%) had ≥ 1 NE. The most prevalent NE was fall and trauma (0.7%). Significant multivariable predictors with higher odds of developing at least one NE included weekend admission [odds ratio (99.9% CI), 4.3 (3.1, 5.8), p < 0.001] and weight loss [odds ratio (99.9% CI), 2.8 (2.2, 3.5), p < 0.001]. A temporal comparison of NE before and after 2008 revealed a decrease in total NE occurrence after 2008 when the CMS announced discontinuing payment for NE (1.39% vs. 1.25%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding risk factors, NE after TJA was significantly associated with an increased mortality (p < 0.001), a longer hospital stay (p < 0.001), and higher total hospitalization charges (p < 0.001). These data demonstrated that NE in TJA patients was predictive of an increased mortality, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs. This study established baseline NE rates in the TJA patient population to use as benchmarks and identified target areas for quality improvement in US.
Self-Awareness, Hypo-Egoicism, and Psychological Well-Being

This chapter examines the two-sided nature of self-awareness and speculates why a cognitive ability that presumably evolved because it conveyed adaptive advantages is a primary cause of unhappiness and maladjustment. It draws upon theory and research in social, personality, evolutionary and clinical psychology. The chapter explores source of this self-reflection paradox and considers ways in which people may enhance their well-being by reducing the maladaptive aspects of self-awareness and cultivating beneficial ways of thinking about themselves. It discusses most of the behavioral problems that compromise human well-being, undermine the quality of life, and foster conflict among people would not arise if people did not have the ability to self-reflect. Indeed, many of the characteristics that are associated with hypo-egoicism—such as present-focused attention, experiential processing, and equanimity—are linked to psychological well-being and the quality of people's relationships. Thus, the first step in promoting a hypo-egoic orientation involves leading people to realize the myriad downsides of being excessively egoic.
Wildfire, national park visitation, and changes in regional economic activity

Abstract The visibility, safety, and health effects of seasonal wildfires may affect recreational visits to national parks (NPs), even if fires occur outside of park boundaries. This study statistically quantifies the effect of nearby wildfire on tourist flows to each of Utah's five NPs (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion). Using monthly data from May 1993 to December 2015, we empirically link wildfire activities (measured as monthly area burned within 80 km, 160 km, and 320 km radii) to monthly visits to each national park. Results show that wildfire has negative and statistically significant effects on visitation in four of the five NPs. Aggregate annual visitation losses at each park are between 0.5% and 1.5% during a typical (mean) fire year. The negative regional economic impacts of seasonal wildfire at all national parks in Utah are estimated to be between $2.7 and $4.5 million, with an associated loss of between 31 and 53 jobs depending on the extent of area burned. Economic impacts of reduced visitor expenditures are distributed unequally, with proportionately greater negative effects occurring in tourism-dependent rural economies.
Averaging and spectral properties for the 2D advection–diffusion equation in the semi-classical limit for vanishing diffusivity

Abstract We consider the two-dimensional advection–diffusion equation (ADE) on a bounded domain subject to Dirichlet or von Neumann boundary conditions involving a Liouville integrable Hamiltonian. Transformation to action–angle coordinates permits averaging in time and angle, resulting in an equation that allows for separation of variables. The Fourier transform in the angle coordinate transforms the equation into an effective diffusive equation and a countable family of non-self-adjoint Schrodinger equations. For the corresponding Liouville–Sturm problem, we apply complex-plane WKB methods to study the spectrum in the semi-classical limit for vanishing diffusivity. The spectral limit graph is found to consist of analytic curves (branches) related to Stokes graphs forming a tree-structure. Eigenvalues in the neighborhood of branches emanating from the imaginary axis are subject to various sublinear power laws with respect to diffusivity, leading to convection-enhanced rates of dissipation of the corresponding modes. The solution of the ADE converges in the limit of vanishing diffusivity to the solution of the effective diffusion equation on convective time scales that are sublinear with respect to the diffusive time scales.
Dielectrophoretic corral trap device for single bioparticle immobilization

We present a lab-on-a-chip dielectrophoretic single particle trapping system that is able to immobilize single particles suspended in solution. Proof-of-concept experiments and numerical simulations with an array of dielectrophoretic particle traps demonstrate that individual micro- and nano-particles can be successfully captured. The developed trap provides the ability to examine the properties of multiple particles by parallel analysis through the micro-array electrode system.
Failure mode and effects analysis to reduce risk of heparin use.

Purpose Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was used to identify safety risks of unfractionated heparin (UFH) use and to develop and implement countermeasures to improve safety. Methods FMEA was used to analyze the transportation, preparation, dispensation, administration, therapeutic monitoring, and disposal of UFH in a tertiary care, freestanding pediatric hospital. The FMEA was conducted in a stepwise fashion. First, frontline staff mapped the different steps within the UFH use process. Next, key stakeholders identified potential failures of each process step. Finally, using calibrated scales, the stakeholders ranked the likelihood of occurrence, severity, and detectability for each potential failure's cause. The rankings were used to prioritize high-risk areas on which to focus efforts for improvement countermeasures. Results The analysis revealed 233 potential failures and 737 unique potential causes. After ranking all identified potential causes, 45 were deemed high scoring. Those 45 causes were further refined into 13 underlying contributing causes. To address the contributing causes, selected team members developed 22 countermeasures. The FMEA showed that implementation of the countermeasures reduced the level of mathematical risk. Conclusion FMEA was helpful in identifying, ranking, and prioritizing medication risks in the UFH use process. Twenty-two countermeasures were developed to reduce potential for error in the riskiest steps of the process.
Management of Patient with Craniosynostosis

The patient is a 7-month-old male, 8.4 kg, coming to the operating room after he was diagnosed with scaphocephaly secondary to sagittal synostosis. His mother noticed his head looked “different” with a “prominent forehead” and took him to see his pediatrician who recognized his head as dysmorphic at his 6-month visit. He was referred to a plastic surgeon who ordered a CT scan and confirmed the diagnosis of isolated sagittal synostosis. He was a full-term baby, born vaginally without any complications. No prior hospitalizations. No significant past medical history; developmentally he is meeting his milestones and is not taking any other medications other than vitamin D. He has not had any prior anesthetic history, and his family denies any issues with anesthesia.
Ransomware 2.0: to sell, or not to sell a game-theoretical model of data-selling Ransomware

Cybercrime such as ransomware denies access to valuable data until a ransom is paid. Recent ransomware attacks on organizations such as hospitals, schools, government agencies and private businesses raise public awareness of the severe impact on the society. In this paper, we propose a hypothetical new revenue model for the ransomware, i.e., selling the stolen data. Through a game-theoretical analysis between attackers and victims, we contribute a novel model to understand the critical decision variables between the traditional ransomware (ransomware 1.0) - demanding ransom only and the new type of ransomware (ransomware 2.0) - selling the data as well as demanding ransom. Both theoretical modeling and simulation studies suggest that in general ransomware 2.0 is more profitable than ransomware 1.0. Common defensive measures that may work to eliminate the financial incentives of ransomware 1.0 may not work on ransomware 2.0, in particular the data backup practice and the never-pay-ransom strategy. Nevertheless, the uncertainties created by this new revenue model may affect attackers' reputation and users' willingness-to-pay. In turn, ransomware 2.0 may not always increase the profitability of attackers. Another finding of the study suggests that reputation maximization is critical in ransomware 1.0 but not in ransomware 2.0, where attackers should seek imperfect reputation for profit maximization.
Predictive Vector Quantization

The coverage of VQ has focused thus far on the coding of a single vector extracted from a signal, that is, on memoryless VQ where each input vector is coded in a manner that does not depend on past (or future) actions of the encoder or decoder. This vector is typically a set of parameters extracted from a finite segment of a signal or a set of adjacent samples of a signal. The segments are themselves usually blocks of consecutive samples of speech or two-dimensional blocks of pixels in an image. Usually we need to quantize a sequence of vectors where each vector can be assumed to have the same pdf, but the successive vectors may be statistically dependent. Separate use of VQ for each vector does not take this dependence into consideration. Vector coders possessing memory may be more efficient in the sense of providing better performance at given bit rates and complexity by taking advantage of the inter-vector or inter-block dependence or correlation.
Self-Reported Health Concerns and Healthcare Experiences among Diverse Bisexual Men: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

Bisexual individuals have disproportionately higher rates of physical and mental health concerns compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Few studies have examined diverse bisexua...
Does routine uniportal thoracoscopy during rib fixation identify more injuries and impact outcomes

Background Flail chest and severely displaced rib fractures due to blunt trauma can be associated with intrathoracic injuries. At our institution, two thoracic surgeons perform all surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF): one performs routine uniportal thoracoscopy (R-VATS) at the time of SSRF and the other for only select cases (S-VATS). In this pilot study, we hypothesized that R-VATS at the time of SSRF identifies and addresses intrathoracic injuries not seen on imaging and may impact patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent SSRF from 2013-2019 at our institution was performed for severely displaced rib fractures or flail chest. Data collected included demographics, imaging results, treatment strategy, and operative findings. Results Ninety-nine patients underwent SSRF. Uniportal thoracoscopy was performed on 69% of these patients. When thoracoscopy was performed, 31 additional injuries were identified. R-VATS identified 23 additional intrathoracic findings at time of thoracoscopy not seen on CT scan compared to 8 findings in the S-VATS group (P=0.367). At 3 months follow-up, one empyema and one diaphragmatic hernia required reoperation-neither of which underwent thoracoscopy at time of SSRF. There were no differences in LOS, operative times, and overall mortality between the SSRF/thoracoscopy and SSRF only groups. Conclusions R-VATS at the time of SSRF did not identify a statistically significant greater number of occult intrathoracic injuries compared to S-VATS. R-VATS was not associated with increased operative time, LOS, and mortality. Further study is needed to determine if there is benefit to R-VATS in patients meeting requirements for rib fracture repair.
MULTIPLICITY AMONGST WIDE BROWN DWARF COMPANIONS TO NEARBY STARS: GLIESE 337CD

We present Lick Natural Guide Star Adaptive Optics observations of the L8 brown dwarf Gliese 337C, which is resolved for the first time into two closely separated (0. 53±0. ′′ 03), nearly equal magnitude components with a Ks flux ratio of 0.93±0.10. Companionship is inferred from the absence of a 3. 6 offset source in 2MASS or photographic plate images, implying that the observed secondary component is a co-moving late-type dwarf. With a projected separation of 11 AU and nearly equalmagnitude components, Gliese 337CD has properties similar to other known companion and field substellar binaries. Its long orbital period (estimated to be �140-180 yr) inhibits short-term astrometric mass measurements, but the Gliese 337CD system is ideal for studying the L/T transition at a fixed age and metallicity. From a compilation of all known widely separated (&100 AU) stellar/brown dwarf multiple systems, we find evidence that the binary fraction of brown dwarfs in these systems is notably higher than that of field brown dwarfs, 45 +1513 % versus 18 +74 % for analogous samples. We speculate on possible reasons for this difference, including the possibility that dynamic (ejection) interactions which may form such wide pairs preferentially retain binary secondaries due to their greater combined mass and/or ability to absorb angular momentum. Subject headings: binaries: visual — stars: individual (Gliese 337CD) — stars: low mass, brown dwarfs
Low-Dose Dual KVP Switching Using A Static Coded Aperture

This paper introduces a single-scan dual-energy coded aperture computed tomography system that enables material characterization at a reduced exposure level. Rapid kVp switching with a single-static block/unblock coded aperture relies on coded illumination with a plurality of X-ray spectra created by the kVp switching. Based on the tensor representation of the projection data, an algorithm to estimate the missing measurements in the tensor is proposed. This results in a full set of synthesized measurements that can be used with filtered back-projection or iterative reconstruction algorithms to accurately reconstruct the object in each energy channel. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed cost-effective solution to attain material characterization in low-dose dual-energy CT.
Global patterns of ranavirus detections

Ranaviruses are emerging pathogens of poikilothermic vertebrates. In 2015 the Global Ranavirus Reporting System (GRRS) was established as a centralized, open access, online database for reports of ...
Neutronics analysis for the stellarator power plant study SPPS

The neutronics activities for SPPS included the determination of the blanket dimensions that provide tritium self-sufficiency, radiation damage to the structural materials, lifetime of the in-vessel components, radiation level at the superconducting magnets, and shielding requirements for magnet protection. The neutron wall loading varies in both poloidal and toroidal directions. For an average wall loading of 1.3 MW/m/sup 2/, the distribution peaks at 2 MW/m/sup 2/. The 35 cm thick blanket will breed sufficient tritium to ensure the self-sustaining operation of the DT fueled stellarator. The blanket utilizes the liquid lithium as a coolant and breeder and the low activation vanadium alloy VSCr5Ti as a structural material. The first wall and blanket will be replaced every 11 years due to radiation to the vanadium structure. The shield follows the blanket and is primarily used to protect the magnets against radiation. Since the dimensions of the shield directly affect the size and cost of the machine, an extensive analysis was performed for the shield including evaluation of candidate materials, variation of composition, and computation of radiation effects on magnets. The shield is 80 cm thick and is made of berated steel filler supported by V structure. A successful attempt was made to lower the cost of the shield while keeping the attractive safety features of the design.