cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Grain Boundary Character and Annealing Time on Segregation in Commercially Pure Nickel

Commercially pure nickel (Ni) was thermomechanically processed to promote an increase in Σ3 special grain boundaries. Engineering the character and chemistry of Σ3 grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials can help in improving physical, chemical, and mechanical properties leading to improved performance. Type-specific grain boundaries (special and random) were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction and the segregation behavior of elements such as Si, Al, C, O, P, Cr, Mg, Mn, B, and Fe, at the atomic level, was studied as a function of grain boundary character using atom probe tomography. These results showed that the random grain boundaries were enriched with impurities to include metal oxides, while Σ3 special grain boundaries showed little to no impurities at the grain boundaries. In addition, the influence of annealing time on the concentration of segregants on random grain boundaries was analyzed and showed clear evidence of increased concentration of segregants as annealing time was increased.
The Complementary Uses of Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound in the Kidney

Abstract Together, sonography and renal isotope techniques can provide greater information than either technique alone. These studies can replace excretory urography in the diagnosis of hydronephrosis and renal infarction. Arteriography is no longer necessary for the diagnosis of a pseudotumor, which has a specific isotope and a helpful sonographic appearance. The diagnosis of a renal abscess opposed to pyelonephritis can be made in a more definite fashion than is possible with other imaging techniques. We believe that the sonogram and isotope studies are particularly helpful in trauma because there is a more realistic assessment of the absence of renal function with isotopes than with the excretory urogram. One may detect hematoma within and around the kidney by ultrasonography.
Emotional Diathesis, Emotional Stress, and Childhood Stuttering

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine (a) whether emotional reactivity and emotional stress of children who stutter (CWS) are associated with their stuttering frequency, (b) when the r...
Congenital sick sinus syndrome with atrial inexcitability and coronary sinus flutter.

Congenital sick sinus syndrome has been described sporadically. The syndrome may comprise various components of sinus bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, and right atrial inexcitability.1–7 In the current case, detailed electrophysiological evaluation was undertaken with electroanatomic mapping of the right atrium and coronary sinus (CS) and of associated supraventricular arrhythmias. ### Case A 37-year-old asymptomatic male physician from Mexico without any previous medical problems was referred after routine physical examination for evaluation of atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular rate. Arrhythmia duration was unknown. He stated that bradycardia had been consistently noted on previous clinical examinations and had been attributed to competitive long-distance running since childhood. Heart rates in the “40s” had been noted since age 10 to 11 years when he had been informed of a “heart murmur.” Subsequent echocardiographic examination had been normal. The patient denied any family history of sudden death or arrhythmias. He had no siblings and no children. His prior records (and those of his parents) were unavailable. Physical examination was normal except for a regular bradycardia of 45 beats/min. Twelve-lead ECG showed fixed R-R intervals. No clear P-wave activity was identified. However, there was small-amplitude baseline electric activity of debatable origin, interpreted variously by experienced electrocardiographers as standstill, artifact, or atrial fibrillation waves (Figure 1A). A transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal ventricular volume and function (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, 52 mm; left ventricle end-systolic diameter, 34 mm) and mild tricuspid regurgitation with estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 40 mm Hg. Both atria were severely enlarged (left atrial volume index, 58 mL; right atrial area, 41 cm2). Doppler echocardiographic examination of both tricuspid and mitral atrioventricular (AV) inflow showed complete absence of A waves, indicating lack of left and right atrial contractile activity (Figure 2). A transesophageal echocardiogram did not reveal any evidence of …
Histopathologic review of granulomatous inflammation

Granulomatous inflammation is a histologic pattern of tissue reaction which appears following cell injury. Granulomatous inflammation is caused by a variety of conditions including infection, autoimmune, toxic, allergic, drug, and neoplastic conditions. The tissue reaction pattern narrows the pathologic and clinical differential diagnosis and subsequent clinical management. Common reaction patterns include necrotizing granulomas, non necrotizing granulomas, suppurative granulomas, diffuse granulomatous inflammation, and foreign body giant cell reaction. Prototypical examples of necrotizing granulomas are seen with mycobacterial infections and non-necrotizing granulomas with sarcoidosis. However, broad differential diagnoses exist within each category. Using a pattern based algorithmic approach, identification of the etiology becomes apparent when taken with clinical context. The pulmonary system is one of the most commonly affected sites to encounter granulomatous inflammation. Infectious causes of granuloma are most prevalent with mycobacteria and dimorphic fungi leading the differential diagnoses. Unlike the lung, skin can be affected by several routes, including direct inoculation, endogenous sources, and hematogenous spread. This broad basis of involvement introduces a variety of infectious agents, which can present as necrotizing or non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Non-infectious etiologies require a thorough clinicopathologic review to narrow the scope of the pathogenesis which include: foreign body reaction, autoimmune, neoplastic, and drug related etiologies. Granulomatous inflammation of the kidney, often referred to as granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN) is unlike organ systems such as the skin or lungs. The differential diagnosis of GIN is more frequently due to drugs and sarcoidosis as compared to infections (fungal and mycobacterial). Herein we discuss the pathogenesis and histologic patterns seen in a variety of organ systems and clinical conditions.
Beyond Privatization: Rethinking Fisheries Stewardship and Conservation in the North Pacific

Abstract In this chapter, we challenge the underlying assumptions driving fishery privatization processes, paying particular attention to the validity of the ownership-promotes-stewardship thesis. We argue that conservation solutions that create social inequities and alienate local resource users from the resource base are unsustainable and run counter to fisheries management goals of ecological, social, and economic sustainability. We draw on contemporary case studies from the North Pacific to highlight complex environmental and equity concerns in fisheries managed under various forms of individual transferable quota (ITQ) programs. We argue that the outflow of fishing rights from fishery-dependent communities, now a predictable outcome of ITQ management, is antithetical to the goals of resource governance and fishery conservation today. We suggest that rather than fully alienable private property rights that serve to sever relationships between people, places, and resources, we must consider the human–environment connections fundamental to the sustainability of healthy social–ecological systems. Central here is the need for alternative constructions of stewardship to better inform fisheries management.
A Study on Degradation Behavior of 3D Printed Gellan Gum Scaffolds

Abstract Gellan gum (GG) is one of the natural hydrogels showing potential for tissue engineering. In this study, we investigate GG for wound dressing and cartilage applications through 3D printing which allows for the creation of complex structures and scaffolds with different porosities. Degradation of two different GG scaffold designs and one solid sample were performed using both simulated body fluid and phosphate buffered saline. It was found that the scaffolds with a higher surface area to mass ratio have a higher degradation rate, and that the compressive modulus and strength increase after degradation in simulated body fluid.
Venturing into the Microcosm

Everybody seems to love quantum mechanics these days. Whether it’s the uncertainty principle, quantum teleportation, tunneling, parallel universes, entanglement, Schrodinger’s cat (poor thing)—buzz words from quantum physics abound in the popular imagination, in the works of science fiction, and in new-age inspired magazines and movies. For whatever reason, quantum physics appears to have struck a collective nerve. Within the physics community, in turn, this rare stardom enjoyed by one of its jewels has elicited the full gamut of emotions, ranging from opportunistic embrace to outright disgust. I myself confess to rather mixed emotions upon watching a movie like “What the Bleep do we Know.”
Other Forms of Esophagitis: It Is Not Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, So Now What Do I Do?

Esophagitis results from diverse causes, including gastroesophageal reflux, immune-mediated or allergic reactions, therapeutic complications, and infections. The appropriate clinical management differs in each of these situations and is often guided by pathologic interpretation of endoscopic mucosal biopsy specimens. This review summarizes the diagnostic features of unusual forms of esophagitis, including eosinophilic esophagitis, lymphocytic esophagitis, esophagitis dissecans superficialis, drug-induced esophageal injury, and bullous disorders. Differential diagnoses and distinguishing features are emphasized.
More Scenes from Village Life

Memories of village events that coincided with that key baptism can be arranged into a number of categories beyond what we saw in Chap. 4. Men talked with pride of having sons (and a few other kinsmen) becoming priests. Some jurors told of having held “public office” at various levels: sometimes in the royal bureaucracy, sometimes at the local level or for the gentry and aristocracy. And, because the jurors were men of good middling standing, there were many memories of their business dealings: buying and selling land, buying and selling animals (sometimes in impressive numbers). Many of these transactions rested upon further references to literacy and written documents: charters, indentures, leases, and the like. The overall picture is one of much activity, mostly being locally focused.
Quantitative assessment of scleroderma using ultrasound surface wave elastography

Skin stiffening is an early biomarker of many systemic fibrotic disorders. The Modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS) is considered the gold standard measurement in clinical studies of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the MRSS is a palpation method. We have developed a noninvasive ultrasound surface wave elastography (USWE) technique for measuring skin elastic properties. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the clinical use of USWE for assessing patients with SSc. In USWE, a low intensity 0.1 second harmonic vibration is generated on the skin of a subject using a handheld vibrator. An ultrasound probe is aligned with the indenter of the vibrator to measure the generated surface wave propagation on the skin. In a prospective clinical study, we measure both skin and lung on patients with SSc and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Significant differences in wave speed between SSc patients and healthy subjects were found. For example, the surface wave speed of the skin is 1.83 ± 0.04 m/s at 100 Hz, 2.33 ± 0.25 m/s at 150 Hz, and 3.04 ± 0.37 m/s at 200 Hz for a healthy subject, and the surface wave speed of the skin is 2.82 ± 0.31 m/s at 100 Hz, 3.60 ± 0.38 m/s at 150 Hz, and 5.36 ± 0.55 m/s at 200 Hz for an age matched SSc patient in the same location. USWE is a noninvasive technique for generating and measuring surface wave propagation on the skin. USWE can provide objective measurement of skin elastic properties in various regions of the body, which may be useful for assessing the status and potentially the progression of SSc.
The Selective Alkylation of Aniline with Methanol over ZSM-5 Zeolite

Vapor phase aniline alkylation with methanol over ZSM-5 zeolites and modified ZSM-5 zeolites was extensively studied. Main products of the reactions could be grouped into C-alkylate (N,N-dimethylltoluidine, toluidine) and N-alkylate (N-methy Ianiline, N,N-dinethy Ianilline). It was found both acidity and basicity were responsible for the catalytic activity. Impregnating with different metal oxide could partially inhibit the C-alkylation and produce different N-/ N, N- ratio. However, those catalysts ion exchanged with different metal yielded essentially the same ratio. The results indicated that proper amount of basicity would enhance catalyst activity and N-alkylation selectivity, and the external acid sites of zeolite were responsible for the C- alkylation.
Elevated cholesterol among African American adults: the role of fatalistic attitudes about health.

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects 47% of African-American adults (AAs) in the United States. Elevated cholesterol, the greatest risk factor for CVD, is highly prevalent among AAs, po...
Electrophysiological Characterization of Rod and Cone Responses in the Baboon Nonhuman Primate Model

Many monogenic retinal diseases target the human macula, and evaluating genetic treatments for these diseases in rodent models which lack a macula can be limiting. To better test the likelihood that novel treatments will be relevant to patients, assessing expression and distribution may be undertaken in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline functional characteristics in the baboon (Papio anubis) eye to establish a control dataset for future experiments testing novel genetic therapies. Electroretinography (ERG) was conducted on 12 young (~ 3 years of age) dark-adapted baboons. Scotopic responses were measured in response to a series of light intensities followed by a 10-min period of light adaptation after which photopic responses were measured following the same series of light intensities. At the highest flash intensity, scotopic amplitudes were 334 ± 10 µV and 458 ± 15 µV for a- and b-waves, respectively. At the highest flash intensity, photopic amplitudes were 82 ± 5 µV and 81 ± 4 µV for a- and b-waves, respectively. Waveforms for scotopic responses were similar in shape to rodent scotopic responses. In contrast, photopic baboon waveforms were quite different in shape from those of rodents and were more similar to waveforms recorded from humans or other NHPs. These results are consistent with the differences in the photopic visual system in rodents versus primates (presence of a macula) and provide an excellent baseline for future studies testing novel therapies in the baboon model.
Microstructural Characteristics of Mixed III–V Layers

We have shown that atomic species in mixed III-V layers, differing in their covalent tetrahedral radii, are not distributed at random on their respective sublattices. Two types of deviations from randomness are observed: (1) phase separation, and (2) atomic ordering. We have highlighted the microstructural characteristics of phase separated and phase separated/ordered layers and have discussed their origins. We have also briefly considered the influence of these features on electronic properties and device performance.
Semantic Redundancies in Image-Classification Datasets: The 10% You Don't Need.

Large datasets have been crucial to the success of deep learning models in the recent years, which keep performing better as they are trained with more labelled data. While there have been sustained efforts to make these models more data-efficient, the potential benefit of understanding the data itself, is largely untapped. Specifically, focusing on object recognition tasks, we wonder if for common benchmark datasets we can do better than random subsets of the data and find a subset that can generalize on par with the full dataset when trained on. To our knowledge, this is the first result that can find notable redundancies in CIFAR-10 and ImageNet datasets (at least 10%). Interestingly, we observe semantic correlations between required and redundant images. We hope that our findings can motivate further research into identifying additional redundancies and exploiting them for more efficient training or data-collection.
Extrafollicular responses in humans and SLE

Chronic autoimmune diseases, and in particular Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), are endowed with a long-standing autoreactive B-cell compartment that is presumed to reactivate periodically leading to the generation of new bursts of pathogenic antibody-secreting cells (ASC). Moreover, pathogenic autoantibodies are typically characterized by a high load of somatic hypermutation and in some cases are highly stable even in the context of prolonged B-cell depletion. Long-lived, highly mutated antibodies are typically generated through T-cell-dependent germinal center (GC) reactions. Accordingly, an important role for GC reactions in the generation of pathogenic autoreactivity has been postulated in SLE. Nevertheless, pathogenic autoantibodies and autoimmune disease can be generated through B-cell extrafollicular (EF) reactions in multiple mouse models and human SLE flares are characterized by the expansion of naive-derived activated effector B cells of extrafollicular phenotype. In this review, we will discuss the properties of the EF B-cell pathway, its relationship to other effector B-cell populations, its role in autoimmune diseases, and its contribution to human SLE. Furthermore, we discuss the relationship of EF B cells with Age-Associated B cells (ABCs), a TLR-7-driven B-cell population that mediates murine autoimmune and antiviral responses.
Preoperative fasting: Assessment of the practices of Lebanese Anesthesiologists.

Background: Although new guidelines developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommend a liberalized preoperative nutrition, authorized clinical practice guidelines or recommendations have not yet been proposed by the Lebanese Society of Anesthesia (LSA). Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine Lebanese anesthesiologists' preoperative fasting routines and determine their knowledge and acceptance of the ASA recommendations, their attitude toward liberalized fasting, and the factors favoring their nonadherence to the new recommendations. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in university hospitals, affiliated hospitals, and nonuniversity hospitals located in different regions of Lebanon. The survey was approved by the local ethics committee. A written questionnaire was emailed to all anesthesiologist members of the LSA which was completed anonymously. Results: Out of the 294 anesthesiologists registered in the LSA and who read the email, 118 (40.1%) completed the questionnaire. Of respondents, 90% are aware of the latest ASA practice guidelines for preoperative fasting, and 78.7% claim to apply them in their practices; however, 75% of respondents still require adult patients to stop eating after midnight, and only 45% allow them to drink clear fluids up to 2 h preoperatively. One of the main reasons for not complying with the ASA guidelines was “to allow flexibility for changes in the operating schedule.” Conclusion: A long preoperative fasting period is still the common practice for Lebanese anesthesiologists. National guideline for preoperative fasting as liberal as that recommended by the ASA should be considered.
U.S. Opioid Epidemic: Impact on Public Health and Review of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs).

Objectives: In recent years, the devastating effects of U.S. opioid epidemic has been making news headlines. This report explores background information and trends on opioid misuse, overdose fatalities and its impact on public health. In addition, various efforts to improve surveillance, timeliness of data and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) integration and interoperability are reviewed.Method: PubMed and internet searches were performed to find information on the U.S. opioid epidemic. In addition, searches were performed to retrieve information about PDMPs and state-specific mandates along with presentation slides and learnings from the 2018 National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit in Atlanta, GA.Results: It is clear that the U.S. opioid epidemic has a tremendous impact on public health including the next generation of children. Various data, surveillance & technology-driven efforts including CDC-Funded Enhanced State Opioid Overdose Surveillance Program (ESOOS) and use of telemedicine for opioid use disorder treatment aim to improve prevention, treatment and targeted interventions. In addition, PDMP integration and interoperability efforts are advancing to provide prescribers meaningful decision support tools.Discussion: The opioid epidemic has a complex impact on public health intertwined with variable factors such as mental health and social determinants of health. Given the statistics and studies that suggest many of the illicit opioid users start with prescription opioids, continued advancement in the area of PDMP integration and interoperability is necessary. The PDMP integrated clinical decision support systems need to supply to healthcare providers access to complete, timely and evidence-based information that can meaningfully inform prescribing decisions and communication with patients that affect measurable outcomes. Conclusion: While Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are valuable tools for providers in making informed prescribing decisions, the variable state mandates and varying degrees of integration and interoperability across states may limit their potential as meaningful decision support tools. Sharing best practices, challenges and lessons learned among states and organizations may inform strategic and systematic use of PDMPs to improve public health outcomes.Key Words: opioid epidemic, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), prescription monitoring programs (PMPs)
Ultra-high strength and plasticity mediated by partial dislocations and defect networks: Part I: Texture effect

Abstract Deformation mechanisms governing the strength of nanostructured metallic multilayers have been studied extensively for various applications. In general, size effect is the most effective way to tailor the mechanical strength of multilayers. Here we report that three Cu/Co multilayer systems with identical layer thickness but different types of layer interfaces exhibit drastically different mechanical behavior. In situ micropillar compression tests inside a scanning electron microscope show that coherent FCC (100) and (110) Cu/Co multilayer systems have low yield strength of about 600 MPa, and prominent shear instability. In contrast, the incoherent Cu/ HCP Co multilayers show much greater yield strength, exceeding 2.4 GPa, and significant plasticity manifested by a cap on the deformed pillar. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal an unexpected interplay between pre-existing twin boundaries in Cu, stacking faults in HCP Co, and incoherent layer interfaces, which leads to partial dislocation dominated high strength, and outstanding plasticity. This study provides fresh insights for the design of strong, deformable nanocomposites by using a defect network consisting of twin boundaries, stacking faults and layer interfaces.
Abstract CN05-02: Next generation strategies to overcome adaptive resistance to MAPK-directed therapies

Adaptive resistance remains a major challenge limiting the clinical effectiveness of inhibitors of oncogenic MAPK signaling (RAF and MEK inhibitors), there is thus a pressing need for compounds and combinatorial strategies that would potently and durably suppress MAPK signaling in the tumor, while retaining a broad therapeutic window. A common mechanism of adaptive resistance is mediated by feedback-induced RTKs and RAS activation by inhibitor that results in incomplete MAPK inhibition in the tumor. SHP2 (PTPN11) is a non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase and scaffold protein that mediates signal transduction downstream of multiple RTKs promoting RAS activation. Targeting SHP2 provides the opportunity to overcome adaptive resistance by co-targeting MAPK signaling and feedback-induced RTK-mediated RAS activation. Targeting SHP2 using a selective allosteric SHP2 inhibitor, in combination with inhibitors of components of MAPK signaling, prevents adaptive resistance and is broadly effective in Triple Negative Breast Cancer models and tumors with RAS mutations at G12, whereas tumors with RAS(G13D) or RAS(Q61X) mutations were resistant. This indicates that different RAS mutant proteins vary considerably in the dependence of their activity on upstream RTK/SHP2 signaling, suggesting hitherto unappreciated differences in their biochemical properties in cells. In each tumor that was sensitive to combined treatment, p(Y542)SHP2 induction was observed in response to MAPK signaling inhibition. In addition, a subset of BRAF(V600E) tumors was identified that were resistant to the combined treatment. In such tumors, FGFR signaling was found to drive feedback-induced RAS activation independently of SHP2, indicating additional combinatorial pharmacologic approaches for this subset of tumors. Thus, understanding mechanisms of adaptive resistance and response to pharmacologic perturbations of oncogenic signaling enables the rational design of more effective combinatorial strategies for the treatment of MAPK-driven cancers. Citation Format: Poulikos Poulikakos. Next generation strategies to overcome adaptive resistance to MAPK-directed therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr CN05-02. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-CN05-02
Optimal gravitational-wave follow-up tiling strategies using a genetic algorithm

The identification of electromagnetic emission from gravitational-wave sources typically requires multiple follow-up observations due to the limited fields of view of follow-up observatories compared to the poorly localized direction of gravitational waves. Gravitational-wave localization regions are typically covered with multiple telescope pointings using a ``honeycomb'' structure, which is optimal only on an infinite, flat surface. Here we present a machine-learning algorithm which uses genetic algorithms along with Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno optimization to find an optimal configuration of tiles to cover the gravitational-wave sky localization area on a spherical surface.
Potential benefits of genotype-based adaptation strategies for grain sorghum production in the Texas High Plains under climate change

Abstract Adaptation measures are required to enhance climate change resilience of agricultural systems and reduce risks associated with climate change at both regional and global scales. The Texas High Plains is a semi-arid region that faces major challenges from climate change risks and dwindling groundwater supply from the exhaustible Ogallala Aquifer for sustaining irrigated agriculture. The overall goal of this study was to assess the impacts of climate change on yield and water use of grain sorghum and identify optimum climate change adaptation strategies for three study sites in the Texas High Plains. Future climate data projected by nine Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) of greenhouse gas emissions (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) were used as input for the DSSAT CSM-CERES-Sorghum model. The climate change adaptation strategies were designed by modifying crop genotype parameters to incorporate drought tolerance, heat tolerance, high yield potential, and long maturity traits. Irrigated and dryland grain sorghum yield and irrigation water use were projected to decrease at varying percentages at the study sites in the future. On an average (of 9 GCMs), irrigated grain sorghum yield is expected to decrease by 5–13 % and 16–27 % by mid-century (2036–2065) and late-century (2066–2095), respectively under RCP 8.5 compared to the baseline (1976–2005). The irrigation water use is expected to decrease by 7–9% and 14–16 % by the mid-century and late-century, respectively. Among the adaptation strategies, an ideotype with high yield potential trait (10 % higher partitioning to the panicle, radiation use efficiency, and relative leaf size than the reference cultivar) resulted in maximum grain sorghum yield gains in the future under both irrigated (6.9 %–17.1 %) and dryland (7.5 %–17.1 %) conditions, when compared to the reference cultivar. Enhancing drought tolerance by increasing root density at different soil depths also resulted in a significantly higher irrigated grain sorghum yield than the reference cultivar. A longer maturity cultivar will likely increase irrigation water use and, therefore, is not recommended for water limited conditions.
Validation and preliminary data from a health-related quality of life questionnaire for owners of dogs with cardiac disease.

BACKGROUND Cardiac disease in dogs impacts the quality of life (QoL) of their owners, but owners' QoL has not been comprehensively assessed in this population. OBJECTIVES To develop, validate, and provide preliminary data from a health-related QoL (hrQoL) questionnaire for owners of dogs with cardiac disease. SUBJECTS A total of 141 owners of dogs with cardiac disease were studied. METHODS An owner hrQoL (O-hrQoL) questionnaire containing 20 items related to areas of a person's life that could be impacted by caring for a dog with cardiac disease was developed and administered to owners of dogs with cardiac disease. The highest possible total score was 100, with higher scores indicating a worse hrQoL. Readability, internal consistency, face and construct validity, and item-total correlations were assessed. RESULTS Median O-hrQoL score was 35 (range, 0-87). The questionnaire had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.933), construct validity (Spearman's r = 0.38-0.53; Kendall's τ = 0.30-0.43; P < .001), and item-total correlation (Spearman's r = 0.44-0.79; Kendall's τ = 0.34-0.66; all P < .001). Fifty percent of owners indicated a negative effect of dogs' cardiac disease on their own QoL, but all owners responded that caring for their dogs either had strengthened (n = 76; 53.9%) or had no effect on their relationship with their dog (n = 65; 46.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The O-hrQoL questionnaire had good validity, and results suggest that owners' QoL is significantly impacted by caring for dogs with cardiac disease. Additional research on effective approaches to minimizing the negative effects of a dog's cardiac disease on the owner is warranted.
Scoring a Home Run: How to Publish Your Entrepreneurial Research

Getting your work published is analogous to playing the American game of baseball. In baseball, when you step up to the plate, you want to do your best to avoid a strike out by hitting the ball as far as possible and scoring a run. In writing, submitting your work is a bit like stepping up to the plate. You work hard to prepare your manuscript to avoid being rejected upon submission. In baseball, you want to get to first base (revise and resubmit) so you have a chance of scoring (getting accepted for publication). The entrepreneurship area is generally defined by creation activities, innovation and processes followed by nascent entrepreneurs associated with opportunity recognition and evaluation (Aldrich 1999; Shane and Venkataraman 2000). For this reason, qualitative methods such as case studies, in-depth interviews, direct observations and analyses of new venture documents are particularly appropriate (Gartner and Birley 2002). However, getting qualitative work published presents a challenge as explained in the preceding chapter. Indeed, Hindle (2004:577) finds that There has been an explosion in the use of qualitative methods in almost every domain of the social sciences except entrepreneurship [emphasis added]. Drawing on the baseball analogy, this chapter considers the steps that need to be taken in order to avoid rejection as you step up the plate. With a particular focus on qualitative research, this chapter draws from various well-known scholars to identify steps you can take to avoid costly mistakes, better target and position your work, increase chances of satisfying reviewers and editors.
Cost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Interventions in the Lung Cancer Screening Setting: A Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend offering cessation interventions to smokers eligible for lung cancer screening, but there is little data comparing specific cessation approaches in this setting. We compared the benefits and costs of different smoking cessation interventions to help screening programs select specific cessation approaches. METHODS We conducted a societal-perspective cost-effectiveness analysis using a Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network model simulating individuals born in 1960 over their lifetimes. Model inputs were derived from Medicare, national cancer registries, published studies, and micro-costing of cessation interventions. We modeled annual lung cancer screening following 2014 US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines plus cessation interventions offered to current smokers at first screen, including pharmacotherapy only or pharmacotherapy with electronic and/or web-based, telephone, individual, or group counseling. Outcomes included lung cancer cases and deaths, life-years saved, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) saved, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS Compared with screening alone, all cessation interventions decreased cases of and deaths from lung cancer. Compared incrementally, efficient cessation strategies included pharmacotherapy with either web-based cessation ($555 per QALY), telephone counseling ($7562 per QALY), or individual counseling ($35 531 per QALY). Cessation interventions continued to have costs per QALY well below accepted willingness to pay thresholds even with the lowest intervention effects and was more cost-effective in cohorts with higher smoking prevalence. CONCLUSION All smoking cessation interventions delivered with lung cancer screening are likely to provide benefits at reasonable costs. Because the differences between approaches were small, the choice of intervention should be guided by practical concerns such as staff training and availability.
Occupational and Environmental Impacts of Granite Quarry Activities in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Granite industry, considered as a rapidly growing, and potentially sustainable industry. Nevertheless, quarrying activities induces detrimental impacts on quarry workers, local community, livestock and wild animals. This paper was aimed to elucidate quarry activities which causes detrimental effects to human life and environment. The noise levels in different sites of quarry areas and the distribution of quarry workers according to occupational health hazards due to noise pollution such as distance from the quarry site, Quarry area, crushing area, drilling area, blasting area, transportation area, roadside area and in village vary respectively. The study revealed that the quarry workers have been significantly (p<0.0001) affected within the specified area of study due to their occupational work. The study indicates that 88% of the quarry workers have been affected with respiratory problems due to their occupational work (68% and 20%), while 12% unaffected respectively. The results of the study evidenced that the quarry workers who are engaged in mechanized and semi mechanized quarries are exposed to high source of noise levels and facing more health problems. Governments need to initiate scientific strategic plan to protect the environment in the study area and practical solutions for quarry industry development to create an ideal prospect for Andhra Pradesh.
Design of a Model Predictive Control for a Boost Type Matrix Converter

This document describes the Model Predictive Control MPC for a three-phase to three-phase direct matrix converter with an L filter at the input and a C filter at the output for networks connection applications and wind turbines. This AC/AC converter allows the generation of sinusoidal output voltages with variable frequency, input currents with low harmonic distortion and a unit power factor at the source. The work begins by developing the equations of the system, designing the predictive control of the system in the DQ rotating frame. The proposed MPC control uses a cost function J to select the switching state to be applied to the next switching. This gives a sinusoidal output voltage and input currents in phase with the input voltage. Simulations using Matlab/Simulink are presented to validate the proposed control scheme.
Amsaa: a multistep anticipatory algorithm for online stochastic combinatorial optimization

The one-step anticipatory algorithm (1s-AA) is an online algorithm making decisions under uncertainty by ignoring future non-anticipativity constraints. It makes near-optimal decisions on a variety of online stochastic combinatorial problems in dynamic fleet management, reservation systems, and more. Here we consider applications in which 1s-AA is not as close to the optimum and propose Amsaa, an anytime multi-step anticipatory algorithm. Amsaa combines techniques from three different fields to make decisions online. It uses the sampling average approximation method from stochastic programming to approximate the problem; solves the resulting problem using a search algorithm for Markov decision processes from artificial intelligence; and uses a discrete optimization algorithm for guiding the search. Amsaa was evaluated on a stochastic project scheduling application from the pharmaceutical industry featuring endogenous observations of the uncertainty. The experimental results show that Amsaa significantly outperforms state-of-theart algorithms on this application under various time constraints.
Fossil floral and fruit evidence for the evolution of unusual developmental characters in Fagales

Flowers of many living Fagales exhibit unusual developmental characteristics. At anthesis, ovulate flowers have carpels bearing immature orthotropous ovules. After pollination, the ovules increase in size and become anatropous and the ovary enlarges. Simultaneously, the pollen tubes extend from the stigma to the ovules with several phases of growth and quiescence. Finally, after the first fertilization, the remaining ovules abort, resulting in a single-seeded fruit. Three-dimensionally preserved potentially fagaceous mesofossil flowers from the Campanian of Massachusetts, USA, provide evidence on the evolution of these characters. The fossils share putative synapomorphies with the Fagales (six tepals, mostly inferior, three-carpellate ovary with each locule initially containing two pendant ovules, punctate-rugulate, tricolporate pollen and fruit with a single seed). However, the fossil is bisexual and has nectaries, characters shared with the sister order Cucurbitales, and both lack the fagalean immature orthotropous developmental stage. The fossil shares synapomorphies of an inferior ovary and a single-seeded indehiscent fruit with both living orders and appears to be transitional. Comparison of ontogenetic changes between the fossil and related fagalean taxa suggests independent stepwise changes in development in which some characters of the modern clades were in place at ∼ 75 Myr and others evolved more recently. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 168, 353–376.
Reducing subspaces of weighted shift operators

A complete description of the reducing subspaces of weighted unilateral shift operators of finite multiplicity is obtained.
Anisotropy of the resistivity and critical current density of porous vicinal YBa2Cu3O7−δ films

The anisotropy of electrical transport properties of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) films containing high density nanopores grown on 5°, 10° and 20° vicinal substrates was investigated. For porous films in the normal state, the resistivity in the longitudinal direction is comparable to that of reference YBCO films without nanopores. In addition, the ρc/ρab ratios derived from the resistivities in longitudinal and transverse directions of the porous samples fall in the same range as that of twinned single crystal YBCO. For the superconducting state, the pore surfaces provide strong magnetic pins to magnetic vortices, which leads to significantly increased critical current density Jc along the longitudinal direction as compared to that of the reference YBCO films. This strong isotropic pore surface pinning also increased the Jc along the transverse direction as compared to that of nonporous vicinal YBCO films. This result suggests that the effect of nanopores on the electronic structure of YBCO is minimal and the strong pore surface pinning may provide an effective way to enhance Jc after optimization.
Product Scope and Bilateral Entry Deterrence in Converging Technology Industries

We model the bilateral threat of entry between firms in two industries, which is characteristic of a number of IT industries. An endogenous choice of product scope by firms in each industry affects both the extent of product differentiation for incumbent oligopolists as well as the fixed costs of a potential entrant. Our analysis establishes unique symmetric equilibrium choices of scope and price, both in the absence and the presence of an entry threat. When entry is threatened bilaterally, in equilibrium, firms may symmetrically either deter entry into their core industry, or accomodate it while entering the neighboring industry. Even in the absence of technological shocks, we show how steady progress in technology can result in switching between these equilibria, leading to the periodic and sudden shifts in industry concentration and firm profitability; such shifts have been observed during the "competitive crash" in the computer industry, and more recently, on account of digital convergence.
Stress-intensity Factors for Circumferential Surface Cracks in Pipes and Rods under Tension and Bending Loads

The purpose of this paper is to present stress-intensity factors for a wide range of nearly semi-elliptical surface cracks in pipes and rods. The configurations were subjected to either remote tension or bending loads. For pipes, the ratio of crack depth to crack length (a/c) ranged from 0.6 to 1; the ratio of crack depth to wall thickness (a/t) ranged from 0.2 to 0.8; and the ratio of internal radius to wall thickness (R/t) ranged from 1 to 10. For rods, the ratio of crack depth to crack length also ranged from 0.6 to 1; and the ratio of crack depth to rod diameter (a/D) ranged from 0.05 to 0.35. These particular crack configurations were chosen to cover the range of crack shapes (a/c) that have been observed in experiments conducted on pipes and rods under tension and bending fatigue loads. The stress-intensity factors were calculated by a three-dimensional finite-element method. The finite-element models employed singularity elements along the crack front and linear-strain elements elsewhere. The models had about 6500 degrees of freedom. The stress-intensity factors were evaluated using a nodal-force method.
Improved Lateral Coupling Cell for a Standard Logic Process eNVM Application

In this paper, we describe a new single poly MTP (multiple time programmable) cell using contact plate and select gate coupling manufactured by 90 nm standard CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) process. Proposed MTP cell size is smaller than conventional well coupled MTP cell and only select gate lateral coupling MTP cell in order to have the similar coupling ratio (CR) as the 1.98~3.26 μm2. The program erase operation use channel hot electron injection (CHEI) and band to band hot hole injection (BTBT-HHI). The cell performances are compared with splits group by coupling ratio (CR). Through the results represented by the experiments, we were able to achieve cell endurance of 100 cycle and 10 year retention lifetime at 150 oC, and realize operation margin with ease if coupling ratio is increased by adding plate contact. The describing cell using coupling of select gate and plate contact is thought to have more useful application due to technology shrink.
Epidemiologic research on interpersonal violence and common psychiatric disorders: where do we go from here?

BACKGROUND Interpersonal violence is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide.[1] For every death, many more people are exposed to nonfatal violence: for example, in national, population-based surveys, estimates of violence exposure before age 18 range from 14.0% for family violence,[2,3] 49.6–53.1% for physical assault, 6.7–8% for sexual victimization, and 24.8–29.7% for community violence.[4] Several major studies and reviews have identified interpersonal violence as a leading contributor to common forms of psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.[5–7] In the past 20 years, longitudinal studies on violence and psychopathology have proliferated.However, important methodological issues remain that may affect the validity of inferences that may be drawn from the existing data, including confounding by previolence psychiatric disorders, selection bias, limitations to causal inference inherent to observational studies, and a need to consider the evolution of violence exposures and violence across key life stages. As we consolidate current evidence and consider how to move forward in research on the mental health implications of violence, it is worthwhile to examine how these methodological issues affect interpretations of the current literature. In this review, we examine current research on the relationship between interpersonal violence and three of the most common psychiatric disorders: depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. We focus on these disorders due to the important public health burden they place on the population: according
Chromosome Replication and the Division Cycle of Escherichia coli B/r

The average amount of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) per cell was measured in steady-state cultures of Escherichia coli B/r grown at 37 C in glucose-limited chemostats or in batch cultures in the exponential growth phase as maintained with one of several carbon sources. Within experimental errors, DNA content was dependent only on growth rate and independent of the type of culture, the carbon source, or the addition of growth factors. The amount of DNA per cell increased continuously with growth rate over the range of 0.02 to 3 divisions per hour. The data over the entire range of growth rates are in agreement with a constant time for a single replication point to traverse the entire genome, 47 min, and with cell division following 25 min after termination of replication. The measured amount of DNA per genome was 4.2 x 10(-15) g (or 2.5 x 10(9) daltons).