cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient analysis of lossy transmission lines with arbitrary initial potential and current distributions

The method of characteristics has been generalized for the transient analysis of lossy transmission lines with arbitrary initial conditions. It is shown that traveling waves generated by the initial potential and current distributions can be simulated by voltage and current generators connecting to the terminals of the lossy transmission-line model consisting of ideal delay-lines and waveshaping networks synthesized by the modified Pade approximation. The discrete-time transient simulation requires neither the FFT nor convolution integral and is as efficient as the iterative waveform relaxation technique. Transient responses of lossy transmission lines with steady-state and transient initial potential and current distributions are simulated for illustration. >
An Efficient Geo-Routing Aware MAC Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Networks

In this paper, we propose an efficient geo-routing aware MAC protocol (GOAL) for underwater acoustic networks. It smoothly integrates self-adaptation based RTS/CTS, geographic cyber carrier sense and implicit ACK to do combined channel reservation and next hop selection. As a result, it possesses the advantages of both geo-routing protocol and reservation based MAC protocol. Specifically, its self-adaptation based RTS/CTS, node can dynamically find out the best next-hop with low route discovery cost. In addition, through geographic cyber carrier sense, node can map its neighbors’ time slots for sending/receiving DATA packets to its own time line, and thus the collision among data packets can be greatly reduced. With these features, GOAL outperforms geo-routing protocols. Plentiful simulation results show that GOAL provides much higher end-to-end reliability with lower energy consumptions than existing VBF routing with broadcast MAC protocol.
The lateral percutaneous approach to discectomy

Percutaneous approaches to lumbar disc disease have evolved as a response to the morbidity generated by the variety of open procedures available. Two basic approaches have been pursued: a posterolateral approach similar to that used for vertebral biopsy or chymopapain injection [3]; and a straight lateral approach. The following text concerns the latter approach and the results of its utilization at the University of Florida [1, 2].
The axiology of moral experience

This paper clarifies the nature of moral experience, examines its evidential role in supporting moral judgments, and argues that moral experiences can be among the things having intrinsic value. Moral experience is compared with aesthetic experience and contrasted with its close relative, non-moral experience combined with moral beliefs. The concluding sections explore the case for the organicity of intrinsic value and the kind of role such value can play in grounding moral obligation.
Application of Laser and Related Materials to Demonstrate Large Nonlinear Optical Effects and Diffraction Efficiency

Long metastable lifetimes in laser and related materials combined with a large index change makes possible large nonlinear optical effects using cw lasers. We describe experiments demonstrating such effects using the solid state laser material Cr:YAlO3, and we show how studies of the spectroscopy and kinetics can be used to understand the results. Since the same optical nonlinearity will affect the propagation of beams, it should be considered in the design of lasers.
Decline in Weight and Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment: Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Importance Unintentional weight loss has been associated with risk of dementia. Because mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal stage for dementia, we sought to evaluate whether changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) may predict incident MCI. Objective To investigate the association of change in weight and BMI with risk of MCI. Design, Setting, and Participants A population-based, prospective study of participants 70 years of age or older from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, which was initiated on October 1, 2004. Maximum weight and height in midlife (40-65 years of age) were retrospectively ascertained from the medical records of participants using a medical records–linkage system. The statistical analyses were performed between January and November 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures Participants were evaluated for cognitive outcomes of normal cognition, MCI, or dementia at baseline and prospectively assessed for incident events at each 15-month evaluation. The association of rate of change in weight and BMI with risk of MCI was investigated using proportional hazards models. Results Over a mean follow-up of 4.4 years, 524 of 1895 cognitively normal participants developed incident MCI (50.3% were men; mean age, 78.5 years). The mean (SD) rate of weight change per decade from midlife to study entry was greater for participants who developed incident MCI vs those who remained cognitively normal (−2.0 [5.1] vs −1.2 [4.9] kg; P = .006). A greater decline in weight per decade was associated with an increased risk of incident MCI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02-1.06]; P APOE ) e4 allele. A weight loss of 5 kg per decade corresponds to a 24% increase in risk of MCI (HR, 1.24). A higher decrease in BMI per decade was also associated with incident MCI (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.13]; P = .003). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that increasing weight loss per decade from midlife to late life is a marker for MCI and may help identify persons at increased risk for MCI.
A Green Leap Forward? Eco-State Restructuring and the Tianjin–Binhai Eco-City Model

Chang I-C. C., Leitner H. and Sheppard E. A green leap forward? Eco-state restructuring and the Tianjin–Binhai eco-city model. Regional Studies. China has experienced a remarkable explosion of designated eco-cities since the year 2000, with Tianjin–Binhai becoming the best-practice model. Embedded in broader political economic changes, shifting multi-scalar regimes of environmental governance have shaped this efflorescence. Applying eco-state restructuring, this paper argues that eco-city construction became a new strategic project after the 2000s, driven by central state-driven model cities and assessment initiatives. This also led to a very different kind of ‘best practice’ eco-city model: Tianjin–Binhai, a China–Singapore collaboration in which greenness is manufactured rather than adapted. Notwithstanding significant implementation problems, Tianjin–Binhai's status as best practice persists, raising questions about what it means to claim eco-city status.
Temporal pattern of rat small intestinal gene expression with refeeding

Studies were carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying small intestinal epithelial growth. Adult rats were fasted for 4 days and then refed a chow diet for up to 48 h. Histological examination confirmed the sequential occurrence of mucosal atrophy and hyperplasia. Northern blot analyses of RNA derived from small intestinal mucosal scrapings revealed a striking pattern of alterations in the expression of two different categories of genes. There were very early increases in the expression of c-fos and c-jun, reflecting the mitogenic response to refeeding that occurs within the crypt compartment. Studies using the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide suggest that c-fos and c-jun are part of the "immediate-early" response of the small intestine. At later time points after the refeeding stimulus, differential changes occurred in the expression of the brush-border enzymes, lactase, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP). Refeeding caused a decrease in lactase gene expression and an increase in the expression of the 3.0-kb IAP mRNA species, reflecting a return of the villus phenotype to the normal fed state. Thus we have demonstrated a complex and temporally related pattern of gene expression within the small intestinal epithelium upon refeeding. The results provide insight into the relationship between the processes of intestinal growth and differentiation.
Restricting Symptoms Before and After Admission to Hospice

Abstract Background Prior work has shown that symptoms leading to restrictions in daily activities are common at the end of life. Hospice is a Medicare benefit designed to alleviate distressing symptoms in the last 6 months of life. The effect of hospice on the burden of such symptoms is uncertain. Methods From an ongoing cohort study of 754 community-dwelling older persons, aged ≥70 years, we evaluated 241 participants who were admitted to hospice from March 1998 to December 2013. A set of 15 physical and psychological symptoms leading to restricted activity (ie, cut down on usual activities or spend at least half the day in bed) were ascertained during monthly telephone interviews in the year before and 3 months after hospice admission. Results The prevalence and mean number of restricting symptoms increased progressively until about 2 months before hospice admission, before increasing precipitously to a peak around the time of hospice admission. After the start of hospice, both the prevalence and the mean number of restricting symptoms dropped markedly. For several symptoms deemed most amenable to hospice treatment, including depression and anxiety, the prevalence dropped to levels comparable to or lower than those observed 12 months before the start of hospice. The trends observed in symptom prevalence and mean number of symptoms before and after hospice did not differ appreciably according to hospice admission diagnosis or sex. The median duration of hospice (before death) was only 15 days. Conclusion The burden of restricting symptoms increases progressively several months before the start of hospice, peaks around the time of hospice admission, and decreases substantially after the start of hospice. These results, coupled with the short duration of hospice, suggest that earlier referral to hospice may help to alleviate the burden of distressing symptoms at the end of life.
Beltsville poultry semen extender. 7. Comparison of commercial diluents for holding turkey semen six hours at 15 C

The ability of three commercial semen diluents (Minnesota, I.M.V.-French and Universal) and the Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE) to maintain the fertilizing capacity of turkey semen held 6 hr at 15 C was examined. Hens were inseminated weekly for 20 wk and hatchability of eggs was determined. Neither candling nor true fertility of semen diluted 1:1 in BPSE, the Minnesota, or I.M.V.-French diluent and held for 6 hr differed significantly from each other. Fertility of semen held 6 hr in BPSE or Universal diluent was lower than their respective unstored controls. No difference in fertility was observed between semen held in Minnesota or I.M.V.-French diluent and their unstored controls. Significantly higher hatch of fertile eggs and of all eggs set was obtained from hens inseminated with semen diluted (0 hr) with BPSE (90 and 86%) than all other diluents. Hatch of fertile eggs was higher from hens inseminated with semen held 6 hr in Universal (90%) and French (86%) extenders and lower for the Minnesota (78%) extender. No difference was observed in hatch of fertile eggs between the BPSE (84%) and French (86%) extender. Hatchability of all eggs set was higher when hens were inseminated with semen held 6 hr in the I.M.V.-French diluent (81%) when compared to hens inseminated with the Minnesota (75%) or Universal diluent (75%). No differences in hatch of all eggs set were noted when BPSE (77%) and the commercial extenders were compared.
Investgation on TB Infection Status of Elementary and Middle School Students in Yanzhou County

OBJECTIVE To learn about the status of tuberculosis infection in elementary and middle school students in Yanzhou County, and provide scientific basis for prevention and control of the diseases.METHODS The tuberculin test is carried on with Purified Protein Derivative(PPD) of students in elementary and middle school .Strongly positive PPD test students carried on the phlegm smear bacillus tuberculosis inspection and chest X-ray examination.RESULTS The infected rate of tuberculosis was 15.7% in 7 898 elementary and middle school students.There was significant difference at sex and region, positive rate and strong positive rate of girls were higher than boys, the infection rate of tuberculosis in city was lower than that of rural, growth rate showed strong positive trend of gradually increasing with age.CONCLUSION PPD test screening should list as new students into the school health check-ups must check the contents of the source of infection found in a timely manner, and took a comprehensive prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of TB at the primary and secondary schools and popular.
Improvement of the directional detection algorithm of fiber-array laser warning receivers

In order to improve the accuracy of directional detection with the same number of optical channels in the fiber-array laser receiving antenna,a new directional detection algorithm was been proposed,in which the two-dimension waveform data of time delay was expanded into three-dimension data,and the angles were calculated based on the matrix of echoed laser intensity,and the suppression of false alarm was also considered.Comparing the angular resolution with this algorithm before and after,its absolute accuracy was improved significantly from 5° to 2°.It is seen that this algorithm can obviously improve the accuracy of directional detection.
Research on Government Health Expenditure in Liaoning Province

Government health expenditure is an important part of China total expenditure on health and is also an effective means to ensure that everyone has equal and fair access to health.The input on health of the government at all layers in Liaoning Province had been ceaselessly strengthening since the new round of health system reform in 2009.The paper analyzes the amount and allocation of the government health expenditure in Liaoning Province,reflects the achievements and problems of the practical input on health by the local government,and discusses approaches to improve the appropriateness and equity of health resources allocation on the basis of steady increase on government health expenditure.
Expression of myelomonocytic antigens on chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells correlates with their ability to produce interleukin 1.

We analyzed the expression of myelomonocytic-associated antigens on lymphocytes from B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) patients. Blood mononuclear cells were depleted of monocytes by one-step Percoll density gradient centrifugation and tested for antigen expression by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The reactivity of patient lymphocytes was as follows: 26 of 31 were positive for CD14 (Myr), 22 of 31 for a monocyte Fc receptor (MFC-1), 22 of 31 for CD11b (C3bi receptor), eight of 31 for CD15 (Leu-M1), five of 18 for CD13 (My 7), seven of 18 for My 9, and five of 30 for Mo 2. The B lymphocytes of B- CLL patients were also tested for the ability to produce interleukin 1 (IL-1) after depletion of monocytes and T lymphocytes. In 13 of 17 cases, B lymphocytes of patients produced IL-1 as detected in a mouse thymocyte proliferation assay and, in selected cases, a radioimmunoassay specific for IL-1 beta. The 13 cases that produced IL- 1 were also positive for the expression of one or more myelomonocytic- associated antigens, whereas the four cases that did not produce IL-1 lacked expression of these antigens. In conclusion, the malignant B cells of B-CLL patients frequently express a variety of antigens generally considered specific for myelomonocytic cells, and expression of these antigens is associated with the ability to produce IL-1.
Current and Future Challenges Faced by Investment Funds

Investment funds, principally open-end mutual funds comprised of shares, fixed-income securities and other assets, have been one of the most successful innovations in the global financial architecture. Properly structured, fund shares are easy to buy and sell at relatively low cost. They open a wide variety of active management styles and asset exposures to ordinary investors, including specific sectors of the economy and a broad range of international markets. They are relatively transparent in terms of their net asset value (NAV) and the composition of their holdings. They are tracked in terms of performance, expenses and risk profiles by various investor information services around the world.
Deflation and Construction: Rendering Social Causes Meaningful

In commenting upon Isaac Ariail Reed’s interesting book, I shall fi rst indicate what seems to me especially valuable in its approach and style of argument. Second, I set out what I take to be the gist of that argument. And third, I shall pose two questions that that argument raises. Reed’s book revisits, in a fresh and insightful way, the old question of the relations between the natural and social, or human, sciences. Reed makes no distinction between the human and the social (thereby embracing psychology as social) and he does not discuss what might be special to particular disciplines. He proceeds throughout by citing, with just suffi cient detail, some telling examples of sociological and anthropological studies, to support both what he criticises and what he advocates. He criticises, at a general level, the kind of ‘scientism’ that presumes that social or human, like natural, science is engaged in ‘reconstructing sense experience and observation in terms of a vast and precise set of theories and laws’. [Reed 2011: 36]. More specifi cally, within the social sciences he criticises what he calls ‘realism’ for presuming that their goal is to ‘reveal underlying layers of social life’, ‘underlying mechanisms or structures’ that are taken to exist ‘in all sorts of times and places’ [ibid.: 40], and that bring together disparate cases under the same general scheme. In particular, he rejects the idea, spelled out by Jack Goldstone, that social scientifi c explanation involves ‘making deductions about how events are linked over time, drawing on general principles of economics, sociology, psychology, and political science regarding human behavior’ [Goldstone 2003: 48]. He also criticises the anti-scientistic, but also anti-explanatory rhetoric of post-modern hermeneutics and the philosophers, notably Richard Rorty, who encourage and endorse it. He advocates seeing both natural and the human sciences as interpretive all the way down, though in signifi cantly different ways, the
Climate Change: Cooperation and Human Security

Does climate change threaten peace and security? The collective decisions of countries in future climate negotiations will go a long way toward answering that question. This article outlines main features of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol with the aim of identifying key choices still facing the world’s nations. It underlines the stakes involved in future negotiations for vulnerable regions. Unmitigated climate change could generate social effects that would undermine human security in low-income countries. The projected impacts could also intensify conditions that make some states more prone to violent conflict.
An evaluation of the clinical application of the DSM-5 for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The changes to the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) were met with much controversy by researchers, clinicians, and families of individuals with ASD. The goal of this paper is to review the literature on the impact of these changes.Areas covered: This paper reviews the major changes to diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5. It emphasizes how these changes are hypothesized to impact prevalence rates, as well as trends in characteristics of individuals who would have met previous criteria for ASD but no longer qualify for a diagnosis under DSM-5. Policy issues such as access to services and research considerations are also briefly reviewed.Expert commentary: Researchers have found that the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD may significantly impact which children receive diagnoses, which in turn affects access to services that address impairments characteristic of this disorder...
Normal carboxyhaemoglobin level in carbon monoxide poisoning treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Throughout the world both intentional and inadvertent exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) remains an important public health issue. While CO poisoning can be lethal, the morbidity is predominantly due to nervous system injury. A previously healthy 22-year-old woman was found unconscious at home by her sister. Her parents were found dead in the house with a recent history of a dysfunctional furnace. She was presumed to have CO poisoning despite an initial carboxyhaemoglobin level of 2.5%. Patient had both clinical and radiological evidence of neurological damage. However, with multiple sessions of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy she recovered to a near normal functional status. There is no consensus that exists among treating physicians about the role of hyperbaric oxygen in management of neurological injury. The case described here has significant neurological damage related to CO exposure but improved after HBO therapy.
Legislative Parties and the Cost of Indiscipline in the Ukrainian Rada

Over the years Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has often been cited as a relatively chaotic legislature. the Scholars researching Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada have examined the causes of party indiscipline (e.g., Herron 2002a; Thames 2005, 2007a, 2016, 2007b; Whitmore 2002). Yet, few scholars have examined whether this indiscipline undermines the ability of parties to achieved their legislative agenda. Using roll-call and bill data from the Rada between 1998 and 2002, I analyze the costs of indiscipline. I find that while discipline for parties was often low, the costs of this indiscipline on floor votes was often low. Parties differed in the amount of costs they bore in predictable ways; however, the overall costs were not high. An analysis of agenda setting suggests that the agenda was controlled by parties to keep unpopular bills off the floor.
Improving Claim Stance Classification with Lexical Knowledge Expansion and Context Utilization

Stance classification is a core component in on-demand argument construction pipelines. Previous work on claim stance classification relied on background knowledge such as manually-composed sentiment lexicons. We show that both accuracy and coverage can be significantly improved through automatic expansion of the initial lexicon. We also developed a set of contextual features that further improves the state-of-the-art for this task.
Effect of silver concentration and chemical transformations on release and antibacterial efficacy in silver-containing textiles

Abstract Silver-enabled fabrics may be transformed during use in ways that may affect their release characteristics and antibacterial efficacy. Here, we assess how chemical transformations of silver in fabrics treated with Ag nanoparticles or AgCl particles, or containing interwoven Ag0 fibers affect silver leaching and their antibacterial efficacy under different use and end-of-life scenarios. Fabrics were exposed to artificial sweat (use phase) or artificial landfill leachate (sodium chloride, sodium sulfide, or acetic acid; end of life phase). Chemical transformations induced by exposure to sodium chloride, sodium sulfide and acetic acid result in variations in Ag release and corresponding changes in bactericidal properties of the Ag-treated textiles. Exposure to solutions containing chloride ions (sodium chloride and artificial sweat) generally increased leaching compared to deionized water. Conversely, exposure to sodium sulfide and acetic acid solutions decreased Ag release. Exposure to artificial sweat did not affect antibacterial efficacy for fabrics with greater than ~10 μg Ag (g fabric)−1. Sulfide solution exposure decreased antibacterial performance for all but the 500 μg Ag (g fabric)−1. The lower efficacy was consistent with chemical transformation of elemental Ag to AgCl/Ag0 or Ag2S, respectively for chloride and sulfide exposure. AgCl-coated fabrics were more resilient to chemical attack than Ag0-enabled fabrics. These results indicate that fabrics with as low as ~10 μg Ag (g fabric)−1 can maintain high antibacterial efficacy under normal use phase conditions, but below this concentration efficacy significantly decreases. Taken together, the data permit a comparison of the benefits (antimicrobial efficacy) in the context of the impacts (silver release) and inform selection and design of materials and loadings that give the best overall lifecycle benefit.
Translation of a Stitch

This coat was created on the theme translation. When brainstorming about the theme many things came to mind. However, the one thing that stuck with me was how fabric structures are like languages and that fashion and textiles are formed using those languages much like a book uses language to communicate ideas, fashion and textiles use fabric structures to communicate design.
The state of complex endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

Abstract Background Endovascular repair of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms has become increasingly common, but reports have mostly been limited to single centers and single devices. Methods We studied all endovascular repairs of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (zone 6 or caudal) from 2014 to 2018 in the Vascular Quality Initiative. This included all commercially available fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), chimney/snorkel repairs, and physician-modified endografts (PMEGs), exclusive of investigational device exemptions and clinical trial devices. We used inverse probability-weighted multilevel logistic regression to compare rates of perioperative outcomes including death, acute kidney injury (AKI), and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; the composite of death/stroke/myocardial infarction) and Cox regression for long-term mortality. Results During the study period, surgeons performed 1396 complex endovascular repairs: 1308 (94%) elective, 63 (4.5%) for symptomatic aneurysms, and 25 (1.8%) for rupture. The number of centers performing complex endovascular repairs expanded steadily from 39 in 2014 to 81 in 2017. There were 880 FEVAR (63%), 256 PMEG (18%), and 260 chimney/snorkel repairs (19%). In elective cases, 3214 visceral vessels were incorporated and revascularized; 120 repairs (9%) involved one vessel, 481 (38%) repairs involved two vessels, 560 (44%) involved three vessels, and 113 (9%) involved four vessels. The mean number of arteries incorporated was 2.5 ± 0.8, with PMEGs involving the most arteries (3.3 ± 0.8 for PMEG vs 2.5 ± 0.6 for FEVAR and 1.9 ± 0.9 for chimney/snorkel; P Conclusions The Vascular Quality Initiative provides a unique opportunity to study the real-world application and outcomes of complex endovascular aneurysm repair. Perioperative morbidity appears to be higher after chimney/snorkel repair, but further study is needed to confirm these findings and to establish the durability of these novel technologies.
FLOW AND HYPNOTIZABILITY IN A COLLEGE STUDENT POPULATION

The concept of "flow" refers to a state of heightened attention and concentration in a current task. Benefits of entering a flow state may include the ability to optimize performance by reducing conscious cognitive processing. Various theories have suggested that flow is a state of consciousness similar to that of hypnosis. The present study addresses the relationship between flow and hypnotizability. In a college sample, a significant correlation was found between flow experience and hypnotizability, suggesting that those high in hypnotizability are more likely to experience flow states during hypnosis. In addition, results suggest that hypnosis may be used to develop higher frequency of flow states, especially in those with low dispositional flow.
Muscle-Tendon Injuries in Young Athletes

The pediatric athlete with open physeal plates is more susceptible to growth plate injuries and avulsion fractures rather than ligament and muscle-tendon injuries that most often occur in adults. In general, the pediatric athlete is able to return to full activity quicker than the adult athlete because of a more rapid healing response. There has been a recent interest in the study of the pathophysiology of muscle-tendon injuries and treatment strategies based on these studies have changed. Laboratory studies have several implications regarding the prevention of muscle-tendon injuries. Clinical studies to confirm their efficacy are needed. Complications of re-injury include more serious injury and conditions such as myositis ossificans. Injury prevention has focused on the use of protective equipment and an emphasis on stretching and strengthening programs.
Evolution of Multipartite Genomes in Prokaryotes

Recent findings have shed light on the interplay and roles of multipartite genome structure in relation to bacterial survival and specialization. The majority of bacteria with two chromosomes are members of the Proteobacteria group and recent evidence suggests that the primary (CI) and the accessory chromosomes (CII) are essential and ancient partners of these complex prokaryotic genomes. However, accessory chromosomes have evolved more rapidly to provide increased metabolic plasticity as the CI encodes more essential proteins necessary for cell survival. The flexibility and the high divergence of CII may allow increased adaptability to specialized environments in which the possession of a single chromosome may not fully permit. Models and hypotheses pertaining to the formation of accessory chromosomes and the roles of different inherent genomic factors integral to the evolution of the accessory chromosomes in bacteria such as evolutionary constraints, horizontal gene transfer, partitioning of genes representing different COGs, gene regulation mechanisms, and replication mechanisms are discussed in this chapter.
Language: Being Concise

Conciseness follows from pursuing two other language goals: being clear and being forthright. When you make your writing clear and forthright, you also tighten it. Ridding sentences of pretentious diction such as “utilize” and “facilitate” leaves the more concise verbs “use” and “make.” Ridding sentences of abstract nouns such as “factor” and “nature” cuts the fat prepositional phrases that accompany those nouns. This chapter discusses four ways to cut fat in scientific writing: eliminating redundancies, eliminating writing zeroes, reducing sentences to simplest form, and cutting bureaucratic waste.
The Source of Final Exams (Internal versus External) and their Impact on Learning in Biochemistry in a PBL Curriculum

The Northwest Center for Medical Education, Indiana University School of Medicine, implemented in 1990 a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum, the “Regional Center Alternative Pathway” (RCAP). The students in the RCAP are evaluated periodically to assess their content acquisition. Since the students’ perception of their educational goal was to pass an exam rather than master a core content of a discipline, in 1993 we started evaluating the student performance by using externally prepared final examinations for the different disciplines. During the first year the RCAP is divided in four “Steps.” Step one is the Molecular Basis of Medicine (Biochemistry). In this study we compared students’ performance in Step 1 between internally prepared final exams during the five years (1985–1989) prior to Implementation of the RCAP, internally prepared final exams during the first three years (1990–1992) of the RCAP and externally obtained shelf National Board exams during the last three years (1993–1995) of the RCAP. We also compared the students– performance in National Board Examinations between 1985–1995 academic years. The results clearly show that when external exams are used the students’ ability to actively learn is not influenced negatively by the source of the (internally versus externally prepared) exams, their knowledge acquisition is enhanced, their performance in NBME and USMLE (United State Medical License Examination) has improved, the faculty role becomes more collegial and less adversarial to the students. Similar results have been obtained in all basic science disciplines.
Technology in the Aviation Meteorology Classroom: A Pilot Study

Over the past few years, advanced technology that provides interactive and current weather data has become available in the aviation meteorology classroom. As part of its Airway Science Program, the Federal Aviation Administration has helped finance the installation of this technology at colleges and universities with aviation programs. The new systems were to be used in a dual role, as both an instructional aid and a flight planning tool. This study explores the efficacy of the technology as an aid to instruction by comparing students who had access to the technology to those who did not. The technology was used to provide relevant background material on a topic before the topic was formally presented in the course (a term frequently used to describe such background material is 'advance organizer'). Next, in order to statistically match study subjects, predictor variables for success in a basic aviation meteorology course were determined. Last, a pilot study was conducted with students who had access to the technology, comparing their success to those who did not. The encouraging results of this pilot study were reported to the FAA in an institutional Airway Science grant report.
Quantifying relationships between watershed characteristics and hydroecological indices of Missouri streams.

Abstract There is an ongoing need for multidisciplinary investigations that will lead to policy changes that target and reduce natural and anthropic alterations to hydroecological indices important for regional environmental flows management. The hydroecological indices assessed in this study were all deemed ecologically relevant due to causal linkages with hydrogeomorphology, physical habitat, water quality, and/or ecological processes. Watershed characteristics (i.e. topography, land use and land cover (LULC), soils, and geomorphic variables) and hydroecological data were assessed for general trends between ecoregions at gauged watersheds (n = 115) in Missouri, USA. Univariate ordinary least squares (OLS) and multivariate least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models were fit to selected hydroecological indices, and models were validated using a split-site approach. Key results included: 1) significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between hydroecological indices of different ecoregions, particularly low flows statistics; 2) urban land use was associated with moderate (0.25 0.75) to strong (R2 adj. ≥ 0.75) influence on more hydroecological indices (31 of 171 indices) compared to other LULC indices and watershed characteristics assessed, especially urban land use - high flow frequency relationships (5 of 11 indices; 0.77 ≤ R2 ≥ 0.85); and 3) univariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models performed better overall relative to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models at validation sites. Given the ecological relevance of the hydroecological indices assessed in this study, results indicated management efforts should focus on mitigating urban land use influence on environmental flows in Missouri, USA. These results hold important implications for other regions globally, where urban land use has altered environmental flows.
Racial/Ethnic differences in prostate cancer xcreening between Caucasians and Hispanics

LB-117 Objectives: Although Hispanics are the largest minority group in the USA, very little has been published on their prostate cancer screening practices. Most of the studies have addressed disparities between African Americans and Caucasians. This study is aimed to redress this lack of knowledge. >Methodology: >Based on an existing UTMDACC dataset, this study included 589 prostate cancer patients who were recruited between 1995 and 2004. Dataset included men aged 40+ and had no history of invasive cancer before prostate cancer. We compared the screening practices of Hispanic and Caucasian patients. >Results: >Compared to Caucasians, Hispanics had significantly less education, lower annual income and fewer annual check-ups. The study found that the screening rate was 66.1% among the Caucasians and 44.2% among the Hispanics. Bivariate analysis shows that Hispanics were 59% less likely (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.29-0.57 and OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.29- 0.57 respectively) to undergo screening test compared to Caucasians. After controlling education, annual income, marital status, annual check-up and family history of prostate cancer, the difference decreased to some extent (40% less) but still remained significant from Caucasians (OR=0.60, 95% OR= 0.41-0.88). >Conclusions: >In this study population, we found that Hispanics patients were significantly less likely to undergo prostate cancer screening tests. Special attention should be given to the Hispanic ethnic group to increase their positive health behaviors.
Ligand-observed NMR techniques to probe RNA-small molecule interactions

A growing understanding of the structure and function of RNA has revealed it as a key regulator of gene expression and disease. A multitude of noncoding functions apart from the central roles of RNA in coding for and facilitating protein biogenesis has stimulated research into RNA as a pharmacological target. Despite many exciting advances, RNA remains an understudied target for small molecules, and techniques to investigate RNA-binding molecules are still emerging. A key stumbling block in this area has been validation of RNA-small molecule interactions. Our laboratory has recently used multiple ligand-observed NMR techniques in this regard, including CPMG and WaterLOGSY. This work describes methods to use these techniques in the context of studying RNA-ligand interactions.
Chapter 20 – Flotation of Gold and Gold-Bearing Ores

Application of flotation on a reasonable scale within the gold-mining industry commenced in the early 1930s following the introduction of water-soluble flotation collectors (specifically xanthates and dithiophosphate collectors) that allowed differential flotation of sulfide minerals, followed by the installation of pyrite flotation plants on numerous gold mines in South Africa. Subsequently, the medium-sized refractory gold deposits in Australasia, Africa, and the Americas were concentrated by flotation, with further treatment of the concentrates by bacterial and pressure leaching. Many copper flotation plants around the world, and particularly those in the Americas, have enough gold in the ore to ensure that special attention is given to maximize the recovery of gold into the copper concentrate. There has been a significant increase in the availability of selective flotation collectors for gold, and these are now widely in use on many large and new copper flotation plants around the world. This chapter covers the range of collectors, frothers, activators, and depressants available for the flotation of gold ores. The influence of ore mineralogy and operating conditions on gold flotation response is discussed. Flotation circuits in commercial gold concentrators are described, along with modern plant practice for various ore types, including refractory gold, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, telluride, and copper–gold ores.
The 142Nd/144Nd variations in mantle-derived rocks provide constraints on the stirring rate of the mantle from the Hadean to the present

Early silicate differentiation events for the terrestrial planets can be traced with the short-lived 146Sm-142Nd system (∼100-My half-life). Resulting early Earth-produced 142Nd/144Nd variations are an excellent tracer of the rate of mantle mixing and thus a potential tracer of plate tectonics through time. Evidence for early silicate differentiation in the Hadean (4.6 to 4.0 Ga) has been provided by 142Nd/144Nd measurements of rocks that show both higher and lower (±20 ppm) values than the present-day mantle, demonstrating major silicate Earth differentiation within the first 100 My of solar system formation. We have obtained an external 2σ uncertainty at 1.7 ppm for 142Nd/144Nd measurements to constrain its homogeneity/heterogeneity in the mantle for the last 2 Ga. We report that most modern-day mid-ocean ridge basalt and ocean island basalt samples as well as continental crustal rocks going back to 2 Ga are within 1.7 ppm of the average Earth 142Nd/144Nd value. Considering mafic and ultramafic compositions, we use a mantle-mixing model to show that this trend is consistent with a mantle stirring time of about 400 My since the early Hadean. Such a fast mantle stirring rate supports the notion that Earth's thermal and chemical evolution is likely to have been largely regulated by plate tectonics for most of its history. Some young rocks have 142Nd/144Nd signatures marginally resolved (∼3 ppm), suggesting that the entire mantle is not equally well homogenized and that some silicate mantle signatures from an early differentiated mantle (>4.1 Ga ago) are preserved in the modern mantle.
Hemorrhagic Complications of Paracentesis: Aberrant Anatomy Versus Aberrant Technique - A Fatal Case of Abdominal Hemoperitoneum.

Large-volume paracentesis carries roughly a 1% risk of overall complications. Hemorrhagic complications are classified as abdominal wall hematomas, pseudoaneurysms, and hemoperitoneum. Severe hemorrhage is rare (<0.2%), with death following this complication seen in <0.02% of cases. We present a fatal case of an ultrasound-guided paracentesis leading to subsequent hemoperitoneum from an aberrant intercostal artery, causing hemorrhagic shock and death. A 47-year-old black male with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 22, and Child-Pugh class C presented with a distended abdomen, international normalized ratio (INR) 1.9, and hemoglobin 9.6 g/dL. An ultrasound-guided therapeutic paracentesis was performed in the right lower quadrant with 50 mL intravenous albumin given after 4 L of uncomplicated ascitic fluid removal. The patient became hypotensive, tachycardic, and placed on pressor support medication within 12 hours after the procedure. After a complex hospital course, the patient passed away on hospital day 10 after multisystem organ failure. The patient was found to have an aberrant intercostal artery bleed secondary to the paracentesis procedure causing an abdominal hemoperitoneum.
The Art of Teaching Physics with Ancient Chinese Science and Technology

Abstract Blending physics with the study of ancient Chinese science, technology, and culture is a unique and highly effective way to present the fundamentals of physics to non-science majors. Based...
Predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19: Results of a nationwide survey.

Author(s): Ruiz, Jeanette B; Bell, Robert A | Abstract: BackgroundPublic polling indicates that vaccine uptake will be suboptimal when COVID-19 vaccines become available. Formative research seeking an understanding of weak vaccination intentions is urgently needed.MethodsNationwide online survey of 804 U.S. English-speaking adults. Compensated participants were recruited from the U.S. through an internet survey panel of 2.5 million residents developed by a commercial survey firm. Recruitment was based on quota sampling to produce a U.S. Census-matched sample representative of the nation with regard to region of residence, sex, and age.ResultsCOVID-19 vaccination intentions were weak, with 14.8% of respondents being unlikely to get vaccinated and another 23.0% unsure. Intent to vaccinate was highest for men, older people, individuals who identified as white and non-Hispanic, the affluent and college-educated, Democrats, those who were married or partnered, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and those vaccinated against influenza during the 2019-2020 flu season. In a multiple linear regression, significant predictors of vaccination intent were general vaccine knowledge (βn=n0.311, pnln.001), rejection of vaccine conspiracies (βn=n-0.117, pn=n.003), perceived severity of COVID-19 (βn=n0.273, pnln.001), influenza vaccine uptake (βn=n0.178, pnln.001), havingn≥n5 pre-existing conditions (βn=n0.098, pn=n.003), being male (βn=n0.119, pnln.001), household income of ≥ $120,000 (βn=n0.110, pn=n.004), identifying as a Democrat (βn=n0.075, pnln.029), and not relying upon social media for virus information (βn=n-0.090, pn〈002). Intent to vaccinate was lower for Fox News (57.3%) than CNN/MSNBC viewers (76.4%) (χ2(1)n=n12.68, pnln.001). Political party differences in threat appraisals and vaccine conspiracy beliefs are described.ConclusionsDemographic characteristics, vaccine knowledge, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, risk factors for COVID-19, and politics likely contribute to vaccination hesitancy.
Image-Guided Intratumoral Delivery of Immunotherapeutics in Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Intratumoral (IT) administration of immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy under clinical development for gastrointestinal malignancies. Due to its targeted nature, IT immunotherapies can generate regional proinflammatory microenvironments that result in the focal recruitment of tumor-specific immune cells. Precision targeting of tumors via IT immunotherapy injection theoretically produces a more robust immune response to the treated tumor itself and to distant metastatic tumors that share tumor-specific antigens with those of the treated tumor, while also minimizing the priming of the adaptive immune system to nonspecific antigens. Diverse arrays of IT immunotherapeutic agents including but not limited to lyophilized bacteria, viral vectors, cellular-based agents, molecules, and peptides, both as monotherapies and in combination with systemic immunotherapies, are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. In this review, we summarize the current state of the art for IT immunotherapy and highlight potential future directions and their relevance to image-guided interventionalists.
Nodal Recurrence is a Primary Driver of Early Relapse for Patients with Sentinel Lymph Node-Positive Melanoma in the Modern Therapeutic Era

Management of patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive melanoma has changed dramatically over the last few years such that completion lymph node dissection (CLND) has become uncommon, and many patients receive adjuvant immunotherapy or targeted therapy. This study seeks to characterize patterns and predictors of early recurrence in this setting. All patients with primary cutaneous melanoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) between 3/2016 and 12/2019 were identified. The subset with a positive SLN who did not undergo CLND were examined for further analysis of outcomes and predictors of recurrence. Overall, 215 patients with SLN-positive melanoma who did not have CLND were identified. Adjuvant systemic therapy was administered to 102 (47%), with 93% of this subset receiving immunotherapy (n = 95). Median follow-up from SLNB was 20 months (IQR 12–28.5 months), and 57 patients (27%) recurred during this time. The SLN basin was the most common site of recurrence (n = 38, 67% of recurrence), with isolated nodal recurrence being the most common first site of recurrent disease (n = 22, 39% of recurrence). On multivariable analysis, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) of the primary tumor, two or more involved nodes, and > 1 mm nodal deposit were independently associated with higher rates of nodal relapse. Nodal recurrence is a primary driver of early disease relapse for patients with SLN-positive melanoma who do not undergo CLND in the era of effective adjuvant systemic therapy. LVI, ≥ 2 nodes, or > 1 mm nodal disease identifies patients at particularly high risk of nodal relapse.
Emerging Consciousness at a Clinical Crossroads.

Growing awareness of shortcomings of standard behavioral approaches to the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) has paved the way for neurotechnological discove...