cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Highly Charged, Monodisperse Polystyrene Colloidal Particles for the Fabrication of Photonic Crystals

We have developed a series of emulsion polymerization recipes for the synthesis of highly charged, monodisperse polystyrene colloids of diameters between 100-400 nm. These spherical colloidal particles were crosslinked with divinyl benzene and functionalized with 1-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropane sulfonate. These highly charged, monodisperse colloidal particles readily self-assemble into robust three-dimensionally ordered crystalline colloidal arrays (CCAs). These CCAs operate as photonic crystals that Bragg diffract light in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions of the spectrum. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
Occupational exposure to estrogenic chemicals and the occurrence of breast cancer: An exploratory analysis

Background We conducted a population-based case-control study to describe the relationship between occupational exposure to estrogenic chemicals and the occurrence of breast cancer in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Methods Incident cases of breast cancer (n=261) diagnosed from 1983 through 1986 and controls (n=753) were interviewed to gather information on breast cancer risk factors and all full-time jobs held since age 18. Blinded exposure assessments were employed using the data from the NIOSH National Occupational Exposure Survey, chemical production and usage information, and the expert judgment of a certified industrial hygienist. Results Overall, 29.5% of cases and 32.5% of controls had probable occupational exposure to one or more xenoestrogens. Probable exposure to nonylphenol (21.5% of cases, 21.4% of controls), butyl benzyl phthalate (10.0% of cases, 13.2% of controls), BHA (7.3% of cases, 9.6% of controls), bisphenol A (9.6% of cases, 11.6% of controls), and 4-tert-butylphenol (2.7% of cases and 5.3% of controls) were relatively common, while probable exposure to the other xenestrogens was rare. Only PCBs and 4-octylphenol were associated with moderate increases in the odds of breast cancer (PCBs: 5 exposed cases and 6 exposed controls, adjusted odds ratio: 3.2, 95%CI = 0.8–12.2, and 4-octylphenol: 6 exposed cases and 5 exposed controls, adjusted odds ratio: 2.9, 95%CI = 0.8–10.8). Conclusions Additional research is needed to corroborate these findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:6–14, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preliminary evaluation of calcium hydroxylapatite as a transurethral bulking agent for stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate the potential of calcium hydroxylapatite particles as a bulking material for the treatment of stress incontinence. Methods. Ten women (mean age 68 years, range 60 to 82) with stress incontinence associated with intrinsic sphincter deficiency and limited hypermobility were treated with one (3 patients) or two (7 patients) injections of calcium hydroxylapatite particles and were followed up for 1 year subsequent to the last injection. Results. The mean total volume injected was 3.9 mL. No significant safety issues were identified with regard to local pain, infection, induration, or obstruction. Seven women reported substantial improvement using many fewer pads or none at all (3 patients) at 1 year, 2 women reported fewer pads, and 1 patient reported no change. The daily mean pad use declined from 2.59 to 1.64 and the mean 24-hour pad weight declined by more than 90% (104.9 versus 1.5 g). The mean Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) increased from 39 to 46 cm H 2 O at 12 months, with 2 patients dry on testing. Conclusions. The results of this small initial study suggest that calcium hydroxylapatite particles have potential as a bulking agent for the treatment of stress incontinence.
Asian Race/Ethnicity as a Risk Factor for Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy

Iatrogenic bile duct injury (BDI) is an uncommon but serious complication of cholecystectomy, with identified risk factors of acute cholecystitis, male sex, older age, and aberrant biliary anatomy. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998-2006) was queried for cholecystectomy performed on hospital day 0 or 1. Bile duct injury repair procedure codes were used as a surrogate for BDI. We identified 377 424 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, with 1124 BDIs (0.3%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, Asian race/ethnicity was a significant risk factor for BDI (odds ratio [OR], 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-3.23; P P = .009) and open (2.21; 1.59-3.07; P
Coordinate up-regulation of TMEM97 and cholesterol biosynthesis genes in normal ovarian surface epithelial cells treated with progesterone: implications for pathogenesis of ovarian cancer

Background Ovarian cancer (OvCa) most often derives from ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells. Several lines of evidence strongly suggest that increased exposure to progesterone (P4) protects women against developing OvCa. However, the underlying mechanisms of this protection are incompletely understood.
NEW MULTICELLULAR ALGAL FOSSILS AND ACRITARCHS IN DOUSHANTUO CHERT NODULES (NEOPROTEROZOIC; YANGTZE GORGES, SOUTH CHINA)

The late Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation in South China contains several exceptionally preserved biotas in its cherts, phosphorites, and black shales (Xiao et al., 1998b, 2002; Zhang et al., 1998). The three taphonomic windows—silicification, phosphatization, and carbonaceous compression—responsible for most of the preservation of nonbiomineralizing organisms in geologic history are all open in the Doushantuo Formation. In combination, these three taphonomic windows have the potential to give us a clearer and more complete picture of late Neoproterozoic biodiversity. Comparison across the three also allows us to evaluate possible taphonomic biases and paleoecological heterogeneity. To accomplish these, however, a more thorough paleontological investigation of each taphonomic facies is necessary. Monographic studies on Doushantuo shales, cherts, and phosphorites (Steiner, 1994; Zhang et al., 1998; Xiao et al., 2002) demonstrate that macroscopic (millimeter to decimeter) fossils are typically preserved as carbonaceous compressions, while microscopic (micrometer to submillimeter) fossils are preserved as permineralized (silicified and phosphatized) forms. Published reports also indicate that, although both the silicification and phosphatization windows preserve microscopic organisms, taxonomic compositions of the silicified and phosphatized biotas appear significantly different. Doushantuo phosphorites contain a plethora of multicellular eukaryotes (algae and animals), a moderate diversity of acritarchs, and relatively few cyanobacteria filaments. In contrast, coccoidal and filamentous cyanobacteria and acritarchs are abundant and diverse in Doushantuo cherts; multicellular eukaryotes are comparatively rare in Doushantuo cherts (Table 1). View this table: Table 1 —List of prokaryotes, acritarchs, multicellular algae, and animal fossils from upper Doushantuo chert nodules in the Yangtze Gorges area and upper Doushantuo phosphorites at Weng’an and elsewhere in South China (updated from Zhang et al., 1998). Synonyms are not listed Since the monographic study of permineralized microfossils in Doushantuo cherts and phosphorites (Zhang et al., 1998), several reports of new microfossils and new localities have appeared in the literature …
Linear coefficients of equation of motion of a drift electron

A simple method of calculating the friction coefficient and the restraining coefficient of a linear equation of motion of a drift electron in an isotropic medium is presented. This new method is applied for an electron in the high-field domain in a magnetically biased Gunn diode as an example.
Infant Pain Assessment: A Quality Improvement Project in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Northeast Florida

Pain assessment is the cornerstone of pain management. This article discusses the quality improvement project of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) interdisciplinary Evidence-Based Practice Committee of a level III NICU in Northeast Florida whose goal was to determine best practice for pain assessment. The problem addressed in this project was to determine if the current pain assessment tool used in the NICU was the most appropriate choice for the patient population. Six Sigma methodologies were used as the framework to guide the project. The project included a comparison study regarding the clinical utility of two infant pain assessment tools: the Premature Infant Pain Profile and the Neonatal, Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale. The results showed no statistically significant difference. The recommendation of the Neonatal, Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale as best practice infant pain assessment tool was based on its comprehensiveness in infant assessment and not on clinical utility.
Punitive Damages, Explanatory Verdicts, and the Hard Look

Juries in most American jurisdictions can inflict punitive damages awards against tortfeasors who have committed especially blameworthy torts. Sometimes their awards are startlingly large - multi-billion dollar awards have become increasingly frequent. Nonetheless, juries are generally under no obligation to explain their use of this vast power - a punitive damages verdict typically takes the form of an unexplained number. Courts can and should change this practice. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 49(b) and analogous state rules, courts could require juries to return explanatory verdicts that set forth the bases for their punitive damages awards. Several advantages would flow from adopting this simple reform. First, taking a cue from the hard look doctrine of administrative law, courts could review such verdicts to ensure that juries exercise their punitive discretion reasonably and legally. In some cases, where an explanatory verdict revealed error, a court could correct it efficiently by asking the jury to reconsider in light of supplemental instructions. Second, punitive damages awards are supposed to send messages; these messages would be clearer if juries used words as well as numbers to express them. Third, the power of civil juries to inflict punitive damages is controversial. Finding out how real juries in real cases justify their verdicts would shed light on whether they should possess this power.
Predictive Biomarkers for Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Therapy: Beyond KRAS Testing

In an era of personalized medicine, an increased effort is being made to identify patients likely to benefit from targeted therapy. By limiting treatment to selected patients, both unnecessary cost and toxicity may be avoided. Restricting the use of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR)-targeted agents in metastatic colorectal cancer to only patients with KRAS exon 2 wild-type tumors has become well-established in clinical practice. However, lack of KRAS exon 2 mutations does not necessarily predict response, and a significant proportion of patients with KRAS wild-type tumors do not benefit from therapy with cetuximab or panitumumab. Further characterization is needed of the subset of patients with KRAS exon 2 wild-type tumors who are likely to benefit from anti-EGFR therapy. Recent data suggest that patients with KRAS mutations at loci other than exon 2, and those with other RAS mutations, might not benefit from EGFR-directed therapy. This article briefly reviews established work on KRAS exon 2 mutations, but focuses primarily on emerging data on non-exon 2 KRAS mutations and additional RAS and BRAF mutations and how this information may impact clinical decision-making.
Minimalinvasive Eingriffe in der Chirurgie des Alltäglichen – Hernien – Appendix – Galle – Schilddrüse

Die Vorteile der minimalinvasiven Eingriffe liegen auf der Hand. Kleinere Schnitte mit minimiertem Zugangstrauma fuhren neben der besseren Kosmetik zu weniger Schmerzen und zu einer geringeren Anzahl an moglichen Wundkomplikationen. Allerdings werden diese offensichtlichen Vorteile oft nicht evident durch klinische Studien belegt. Trotzdem werden Routineeingriffe bei Hernien, bei akuter Appendizitis, an der Galle, sowie bei entsprechenden Erkrankungen der Schilddruse zunehmend minimalinvasiv durchgefuhrt. Im Rahmen dieser Indikationen werden in Deutschland geschatzt stationar pro Jahr ca. 800 000 Eingriffe durchgefuhrt, was zusammen ungefahr ein Viertel des Arbeitsaufkommens der Allgemeinchirurgen ausmachen durfte. Schon alleine diese hohe Zahl zeigt die Bedeutung fur unser Gesundheitssystem. Besonders unter soziookonomischen Gesichtspunkten mussen diese vermeintlich „kleineren“ Eingriffe hocheffektiv mit minimaler Komplikationsrate unter Gewahrleistung einer schnellen Rekonvaleszenz durchgefuhrt werden. Diese Ubersicht zeigt den Stand und die Weiterentwicklungen der minimalinvasiven Operationsverfahren mit modernster Technik, mit neuem, immer feineren Instrumentarium und Single-Inzisions-Zugangsports. Aber auch die zunehmende Expertise der minimalinvasiv tatigen Chirurgen bringen hier auch auf dem Gebiet des „Alltaglichen“ weitere Fortschritte mit einem offensichtlichen Vorteil fur die Patienten.
Use of Sputter-Deposited 316L Stainless Steel Ultrathin Films for Microbial Influenced Corrosion Studies

Ultra thin films (12nm) were sputter deposited onto cylindrical germanium internal reflection elements pre-coated with a thin (2 nm) layer of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Two crystals were inserted into Circle cell flow-through chambers and mounted on the optical bench of an Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. One chamber was maintained as a sterile control while the other was sequentially inoculated with four bacterial species: Psudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtillis, Hafnia alvei, and Desulfovibrio gigas, in that order. The water absorption band (1640cm{sup -4}) was monitored and used to follow that deterioration of the ultra thin films. In this respect, the sterile control and inoculated films exhibited only slight differences during the 1000h course of the experiment. Assay of the visible biofilm that has accumulated on the surface of the inoculated crystal after 1000h revealed that the film incorporated viable cells from all four strains.
A Post-Racial Society in Which Ethnic-Racial Discrimination Still Exists and Has Significant Consequences for Youths’ Adjustment

Ethnic and racial minority youths in the United States are at risk for experiencing unfair treatment and other forms of marginalization based on their ethnic-racial background. The current article discusses the prevalence of perceived ethnic-racial discrimination among ethnic-racial minority children and adolescents in the United States, provides an overview of the potentially negative consequences of such experiences for youth, and explains how youths’ ethnic-racial identity may protect against the negative effects of ethnic-racial discrimination.
Reproductive Status of Some Overwintering Domestic Flies (Diptera: Muscidae and Calliphoridae) with Forensic Implications

Sex ratios and reproductive status of overwintering Pollenia vagabunda ( Meigen ) and Pollenia pediculata Macquart collected in central New York state are presented. Examination of Muscina assimilis (Fallen) taken concurrently suggest that females of all 3 species normally over-winter in the nulliparous condition. This, and the inability of the Pollenia species to breed in carrion, would minimize the forensic use of these flies when found wintering indoors at a murder scene. Pollenia labialis Robineau-Desvoidy was taken in Indiana and is the first record of this fly in the United States. P. vagabunda (Meigen), another Palearctic species, was taken in New York and Indiana; it was previously recorded from the Canadian Maritime provinces and Maine. A key to the North American species of Pollenia is provided.
Using a prenatal electronic medical record to improve documentation within an inner-city healthcare network.

Objective To study the impact of a prenatal electronic medical record (EMR) on the adequacy of documentation. Study Design The authors reviewed paper prenatal records (historical control arm and contemporaneous control arm), and prenatal EMRs (study arm). A prenatal quality index (PQI) was developed to assess adequacy of documentation; the prenatal record was assigned a score (range, −1 to 2 for each element, maximum score = 30). A PQI raw score and PQI ratio—that controlled for which elements of care were indicated for a patient—were calculated and compared between the study arm versus historical control arm and then the study arm versus contemporaneous control arm. Results The median PQI raw score was significantly lower in the study arm compared with historical control arm; however, the PQI ratios were similar between these groups. The PQI raw score was similar in both the study arm and contemporaneous control arm; however the PQI ratio was significantly higher in the study arm when compared with the contemporaneous control arm. Conclusion Implementation of this prenatal EMR did not have a significant impact on completeness of documentation when compared with a standardized paper prenatal record. Adequacy of documentation seems to be related to the type of practice.
Directed Evolution, History of

For over 200 years biologists have investigated the question of whether or not evolution is directed or proceeds along definite trajectories. While early theories upheld the idea that evolution is inherently progressive, recent work shows the extent to which the genetic regulation of organismal development limits the possible morphologies that evolve over time.
Cervical polyps: Is histologic evaluation necessary?

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to examine a series of clinically identified cervical polyps and determine the incidence of significant histologic and concurrent cytologic findings. Methods Consecutive cervical polyps from January 2000 through September 2012 were retrieved from the hospital laboratory information system. Histologic evaluation of these polyps was performed, followed by a chart review of clinical findings and correlation with the immediately prior or concurrently collected cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) test results, when available. Results A total of 369 cervical polyps were identified and reviewed. The patient ages ranged from 18 to 87 years (mean 46.5 years). Eight polyps demonstrated squamous dysplasia (6 Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia/CIN I, and 2 CIN II/III), while 6 had malignant or atypical/potentially malignant features (2 adenosarcoma, 2 atypical polyps concerning for Mullerian adenosarcoma, 1 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma and 1 adenocarcinoma in-situ). An increased incidence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and atypical glandular cells not otherwise specified (AGC NOS) Pap diagnoses (12.7% and 6.1%, respectively) was found in women with benign polyps on biopsy. Discussion We demonstrated a higher rate of clinically significant histologic findings in cervical polyps (14 of 369 cases, 3.7%) compared to previously reported studies. The increase in ASCUS and AGC Pap results was most likely related to reactive and inflammatory changes present in benign polyps. Our results suggest that removal of all cervical polyps with subsequent histologic review is warranted.
What to say and how to say it: effective communication for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Purpose of review Current guidelines for cholesterol treatment emphasize the importance of engaging patients in a risk-benefit discussion prior to initiating statin therapy. Recent findings Although current risk prediction algorithms are well defined, there is less data on how to communicate with patients about cardiovascular disease risk, benefits of treatment, and possible adverse effects. Summary We propose a four-part model for effective shared decision-making: 1) Assessing patient priorities, perceived risk, and prior experience with cardiovascular risk reduction; 2) Arriving at a recommendation for therapy based on the patient's risk of disease, guideline recommendations, new clinical trial data, and patient preferences; 3) Communicating this recommendation along with risks, benefits, and alternatives to therapy following best practices for discussing numeric risk; and 4) Arriving at a shared decision with the patient with ongoing reassessment as risk factors and patient priorities change.
Expectancies as Cues for Predicting the Reaction to Failure

It was hypothesized that information about others’ expectancies of success (a) is used for predicting their anger or aggression if thwarted and (b) affects the likelihood of thwarting another when retaliation is possible. The Ss controlled a good for which two others had competed and had to choose a single recipient under threat of being shocked by the one not chosen. Differential information about the competitors concerned their need for and/or expectancy of receiving the award. The prediction of shock was a positive function of expectancy level and was far more affected by expectancy than need. The relationship between expectancy level and yielding was obscured by the finding that others’ expectancy levels also affected sentiment toward them.
Mechanism-Based Strategies for Structural Characterization of Radical SAM Reaction Intermediates

X-ray crystallographic characterization of enzymes at different stages in their reaction cycles can provide unique insight into the reaction pathway, the number and type of intermediates formed, and their structural context. The known mechanistic diversity in the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes makes it an appealing target for such studies as more than 100,000 sequences have been identified to date with wide-ranging reactivities that share a pattern of complex radical-mediated chemistry. Here, we review selected examples of radical SAM enzyme crystal structures representative of reactant, product, and intermediate state complexes with a particular emphasis on the strategies employed to capture these states. Broader application of structural characterization techniques to analyze mechanism and substrate specificity is certain to play an important role as more members of this family become tractable for biochemical study.
Difficulty and independence in shopping among older Americans: more than just leaving the house.

AbstractBackground: The built, social and economic environments are associated with disability, but knowledge of how these environmental characteristics simultaneously influence older adults’ ability to shop independently is limited.Objective: We investigated cross-sectional associations between the outdoor home, local neighborhood and macrosocioeconomic levels of the environment and shopping difficulty and interactions between environmental factors and shopping difficulty.Methods: Using nationally representative data from a study of Medicare-eligible adults, we conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis to examine associations between the environment and difficulty shopping (N = 5504).Results: Sidewalk conditions, broken steps, neighborhood social cohesion and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage were associated with more difficulty shopping, although health factors partially accounted for associations between broken steps and disadvantage and shopping difficulty. The association between soci...
Modeling Success and Engagement for the App Economy

While apps on the whole increasingly drive and shape present-day Web usage, they individually thrive and fall based on rich patterns of user adoption and long-term engagement. In studying these patterns at the population level, researchers remain curtailed by practical difficulties in accessing consistently detailed data covering large, representative cross-sections of apps. We address this challenge by proposing an empirical framework for analyzing an app»s patterns of adoption and engagement. Importantly, our approach requires obtaining only an app»s daily, weekly, and monthly usership time-series data, which are popular metrics tracked and made available for many apps. Modeling how the nuanced co-dynamics of an app»s daily, weekly, and monthly usership measures (DAU, WAU, and MAU) reliably reveal user adoption and repeat engagement, we extend and demonstrably improve on the predictive performance of prior install- or DAU-based methods. To further study the mechanisms by which successful apps cultivate their userbases, we position apps along the dual axes of viral adoption and retentive engagement as mechanisms to potentially explain success. Applying our approach to data on Facebook apps, we show that these apps over time became less viral and more engaging. Interestingly, despite their diminished virality, their improved user retention subtly and counter-intuitively boosted these apps' rates of new user adoptions through user-activity-based word of mouth, because an engaged user contributes to word of mouth over a longer period of time. In a final case application, we introduce evidence that developers of apps that learn to successfully retain their users carry this valuable experience over into their new apps.
Desirable and disposable: Educative practices and the making of (non) citizens

we are drowning herestill in the difficultyas if the faces in the images hold all the consequencesand the fiction of the facts assumes randomness and indeterminacyHe said, I don't know what the wat...
Countering Boko Haram’s Violence: A Deterrence–Backlash Perspective:

This article examines efforts to counter Boko Haram’s campaign of terrorism in Northern Nigeria from a deterrence–backlash perspective. Drawing from previous research, the authors develop hypotheti...
Suppression of radiated electromagnetic emissions using absorbing frequency selective surfaces

In this paper, a Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) is designed to act as an absorber of electromagnetic emissions at 8GHz. The designed FSS covers the top inside wall of the case box of a digital system and reduces the leaked radiations through the airflow slots. Resistive thin layers are used to create a low profile FSS with a 2-D array of square patches in two layers. An equivalent circuit is presented to provide closed-from relations for designing the FSS layout at the desired frequency. It is shown that the surface input impedance of FSS is matched to the intrinsic impedance of a plane wave in free space. Absorption versus incidence angle of incoming plane waves is evaluated through full-wave simulations showing a maximum value of 32dB. Simulations of radiated emissions from the enclosure box with and without absorbing FSS demonstrate 9dB improvement when the custom-designed FSS is used.
Sedatives and Hypnotics

Insomnia is a subjective complaint of poor sleep that may lead to problems with daytime functioning. Sedatives and hypnotics have been the treatments of choice for decades. Benzodiazepines have shown the most evidence for effective treatment. However, they have serious side effects which include falls, confusion, rebound insomnia, tolerance, and potential for abuse. There have been newer medications that have sought to be just as effective without the inherent side effects. Thoughts of treatment length, acute versus chronic, continue to be discussed. Diagnosis and management can be complex especially when patients have multiple comorbid conditions. This chapter will discuss the uses of hypnotics and sedatives for the treatment of insomnia. As well as outline appropriate management strategies for effective treatment outcomes.
Black Panther, Vibranium, and the Periodic Table

In this activity, we describe how the movie Black Panther provides a unique opportunity for students to think critically about the arrangement of the periodic table. The fictional African nation, Wakanda, led by King T’Challa, has a thriving STEM economy based on the production and use of vibranium, which has amazing chemical and physical properties. In addition, the movie Black Panther also provides an important platform to address the roles of women and people of color in the STEM disciplines.
Epicardial and Microvascular Ischemia: Implications, Diagnosis, and Management

Angina is a common symptom in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and occurs in approximately 20% of patients. More than 50–75% of patients with HCM have myocardial ischemia on noninvasive testing. Of those patients with angina, approximately 25% have significant epicardial coronary artery disease. It is important to diagnose concomitant epicardial CAD in these patients as it is a predictor of increased mortality in HCM. The majority of HCM patients with myocardial ischemia do not have epicardial CAD, however. The proposed mechanisms of ischemia in the absence of epicardial CAD include increased oxygen demand, microvascular medial hypertrophy and dysfunction, and perturbations of cardiac-coronary coupling with reduction in systolic myocardial blood flow due to microvascular compression from a hypertrophic and hyperdynamic left ventricle and reduced diastolic myocardial blood flow due to blunting of diastolic suction secondary to impaired diastolic relaxation. Repetitive ischemic insults leads to myocardial injury and subsequent myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial ischemia in HCM patients is associated with increased mortality, ventricular tachycardia, left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. It is unknown whether the treatment of myocardial ischemia in HCM will influence outcomes.
Identifying Users' Concerns in Lodging Sharing Economy Using Unsupervised Machine Learning Approach

Lodging sharing economy services have exponentially grown in the last decade. The users of this new economic model are also facing many challenges and difficulties which are less commonly known to the research community. In this research, we have used unique data collection and an unsupervised machine learning method to uncover the needs and concerns of the users of this new economic model. We focused on the lodging company, Airbnb, to use as our test case. Similar approaches can also be applied on other sharing economies companies. The results reported current lodging sharing services lacks regulations for disputes. Findings also revealed safety concerns of the users. Overall, this research contributes with practical managerial implications and guidelines for future research while implementing a new data collection methodology.
ARAMIS: Augmented Reality Assistance for Minimally Invasive Surgery Using a Head-Mounted Display

We propose ARAMIS, a solution to provide real-time “x-ray see-through vision” of a patient’s internal structure to the surgeon, via an optical see-through head-mounted display (OST-HMD), in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. ARAMIS takes input imaging from a binocular endoscope, reconstructs a dense point cloud with a GPU-accelerated semi-global matching algorithm on a per-frame basis, and then wirelessly streams the point cloud to an untethered OST-HMD (currently, Microsoft HoloLens) for visualization. The OST-HMD localizes the endoscope distal tip by fusing fiducial-based tracking and self-localization. The point cloud is rendered on the OST-HMD with a custom shader supporting our data-efficient point cloud representation. ARAMIS is able to visualize the reconstructed point cloud (184k points) at 41.27 Hz with an end-to-end latency of 178.3 ms. A user study with 25 subjects, including 2 experienced users, compared ARAMIS to conventional laparoscopy during a peg transfer task on a deformable phantom. Results showed no significant difference in task completion time, but users generally preferred ARAMIS and reported improved intuitiveness, hand-eye coordination and depth perception. Inexperienced users showed a stronger preference for ARAMIS and achieved higher task success rates with the system, whereas the two experienced users indicated a slight preference for ARAMIS and succeeded in all tasks with and without assistance.
Habitat suitability of an at-risk, monolectic, ground-nesting bee Hesperapis oraria and its floral host Balduina angustifolia at two spatial scales along the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Hesperapis oraria, Snelling and Stage (Hymenoptera: Melittidae) is endemic to northern coastal habitats of the Gulf of Mexico and is a pollen specialist of floral host Balduina angustifolia Pursh. (Asteraceae). Specialization and restricted geographic distribution along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico warrants further investigation into habitat requirements of the bee. This study quantifies the habitat use of H. oraria in association with B. angustifolia distribution at regional and landscape spatial scales using a classification tree species distribution modeling approach. Hesperapis oraria density was lower on barrier island sites compared with coastal mainland sites; no H. oraria were found on non-coastal mainland sites. The regional distribution of H. oraria was driven by the number of B. angustifolia patches, while at the landscape scale H. oraria presence was predicted most strongly by B. angustifolia patch area, plant density, as well as distance from ephemeral wetlands. The regional distribution of B. angustifolia was influenced by the proximity to the bay and within a landscape B. angustifolia distribution was strongly influenced by the stability of the landscape feature in which it was found.
Financial Contracting for Innovation: Property Rights in Action

In property rights theory, financial contracting structures can align property rights to promote entrepreneurial firm innovation. I first provide novel estimates that strategic alliances have 6% to 11% higher overall innovative success rates compared to corporate VC and independent VC, respectively. Then, using a matched quasi-experiment in clinical trials to decompose selection (endogenous matching) and treatment effects, I find that strategic alliances promote 5% higher overall innovative success rates than both CVC and IVC (33% change in relative terms). I map the underpinnings of alliance success to the mechanisms of knowledge sharing and willingness to support costly experimentation.
Papillary Lesions of the Breast With and Without Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia

Evaluation of papillary lesions of the breast can be difficult, and in core needle biopsy specimens, accurate diagnosis is challenging. Initial studies suggested that all papillary lesions revealed by core biopsy required surgical excision. Recent data suggest that only papillary lesions with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) revealed by core biopsy need surgical excision. We evaluated our experience at the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, with papillary lesions with and without ADH on core biopsy to determine whether diagnostic accuracy can be achieved. In 51 core biopsy specimens, we evaluated the presence or absence of ADH: 25 were benign papillomas; 26 were papillomas with ADH. Surgical follow-up was available for 36 cases (11 papillomas and 25 papillomas with ADH). Clinical (radiologic) follow-up was available in 5 papilloma cases (average follow-up, 35.6 months). Follow-up revealed that all papillomas on core biopsy were benign. Excisional biopsy revealed ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma in 12 (48%) of 25 papillary lesions with ADH. Benign papillomas can be adequately diagnosed with core biopsy. All papillary lesions with ADH require surgical excision owing to the high rate of associated neoplasia.
Role of food aid and assistance in addressing the double burden of malnutrition in Ghana: a qualitative policy analysis

Background and aims In many low-income and middle-income countries, the double burden of malnutrition threatens public health and economic progress, urging a re-evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of nutrition actors, both traditional and non-traditional. This study examines the food aid and assistance activities of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)—one non-traditional actor in the double burden conversation—and the potential for these activities to reach beyond their traditional mandate on undernutrition to also address overweight and obesity in Ghana. Methods Information on WFP activities in Ghana from 2012 up through its planning into 2023 was extracted from 11 WFP planning, operations and evaluation documents. WFP activities were then judged against the WHO’s framework on the determinants of the double burden of malnutrition to determine their potential to address the double burden. Semistructured interviews were also conducted with 17 key informants in the global nutrition landscape to identify challenges that may complicate the role of WFP and other actors in addressing the double burden. Results The analysis demonstrates that WFP activities in Ghana can serve as a platform on which to address the double burden, particularly by targeting the food access, food systems and socioeconomic disadvantage determinants of the double burden. Actors’ uncertainty with what role WFP should play in addressing the double burden, insufficient government attention to malnutrition and poor data on overweight and obesity were identified as potential challenges that complicate addressing the double burden. Conclusion The findings suggest that integrating WFP as a partner in the effort to address the double burden in Ghana might help amplify progress. To better address the double burden, WFP might prioritise retrofitting existing activities rather than implementing new interventions.
Protocol To Prevent 30 Day Readmission In Patients Who Receive A Heartmate LVAD with Pre Op Intermacs Profile 1 - 3

Background Current average 30 day readmission rate following Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation is 25.1% as per intermacs database. At our single center we aimed to reduce the number of readmissions by instituting a protocol. The protocol has three phases. Phase 1 consists of 5 parts which begin around time of implant. The steps are: 1. LVAD coordinator led multidisciplinary rounds, utilizing rounding time to ensure completeness of care to reduce length of stay. 2. Utilization of mannequin abdomen and driveline for education on sterile techniques. 3. Speed Optimization study prior to discharge. 4. Day prior to discharge, medications with indications, dosing and side effects are reviewed with patient and family. Patient's pharmacy is also called to ensure that medications are received and available for pick up. 5. LVAD coordinator leads verbal and hand's on test prior to discharge for specific education completeness. Phase two is immediate post-discharge phase. It consists of: 1. Early non face to face assessment via phone call the day after discharge to follow up compliance with medications and LVAD driveline dressing. 2. LVAD coordinator provides LVAD emergency management education to EMS agencies and coordinates patient management with rehabs and home care agencies. 3. There are weekly labs and phone calls to evaluate patient volume status, bleeding risk, INR dosing, and any other signs of early decompensation while also evaluating LVAD equipment to ensure safe operating function. Phase three is for more long term following. The LVAD coordinator and heart failure attending see the patient weekly for four weeks, then weekly for one month, then monthly for three months, then every three months. We report on the results of our protocol and outcomes following our policy change. Methods Clinical and LVAD related characteristics (Table 1) of patients who underwent LVAD Implantation in our single center from 2017-2018 (Pre-Protocol / Period 1) and in 2019 (Post Protocol / Period 2) were retrospectively reviewed and cases of readmission were identified. Results During period one, 29.6% of patients (8/27) were re-admitted within 30 days. There were 2 deaths. Reasons for readmission were mainly related to the LVAD; a combination of infection, GI bleed, stroke, and medication confusion. During period two, 16 patients were implanted with Heartmate 3 LVAD and after implementation of the protocol, there were no observed readmissions or deaths within 30 days. Conclusion In the era of cost-efficient medicine, adherence to a strict protocol immediately following LVAD implantation can result in zero 30 day readmissions.
Enhanced Infrared Emission by Thermally Switchingthe Excitation of Magnetic Polariton with Scalable MicrostructuredVO 2 Metasurfaces

Dynamic radiative cooling attracts fast-increasing interest due to its adaptability to changing environment and promises for more energy-savings than the static counterpart. Here we demonstrate enh...
Improvements in electric vehicle battery technology influence vehicle lightweighting and material substitution decisions

Abstract Demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has grown over the past decade as a result of climate action targets and energy policies globally. To improve driving range and minimize battery costs, BEV manufacturers have adopted lightweight materials with the objective of reducing energy requirements and enabling the use of smaller, less expensive batteries. However, improvements in battery energy density and electric motor technologies have enhanced vehicle performance and lowered costs independently. Thus, the need for expensive lightweight materials for mass savings could diminish as these technologies rapidly advance. This study evaluates lightweight material substitution cost tradeoffs and their changes over time for an advanced high strength steel and aluminum BEV design. Process-based cost modeling methods assess cost tradeoffs for body and closures and mass scaling estimations inform costs in the battery and motor, chassis, and other vehicle systems. Under current conditions, a steel design costs $595 less per vehicle than aluminum, where steel’s cost advantage is in body and closures manufacturing and aluminum’s advantage is in battery, motor, and chassis manufacturing cost. As lightweighting advantages of battery and motor costs decline over time, the cost gap grows wider, with a $743 per vehicle cost advantage for steel. These results underscore the importance of accounting for technological advancements and learning when projecting BEV costs. This material substitution decision ultimately has implications for energy systems and long-term profitability of BEV business models. As BEV performance and costs improve, there will be an increase in demand for BEVs, electricity, and charging infrastructure.
Assessing Knowledge and Promoting Awareness of Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Purpose Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is underdiagnosed and underreported because of a lack of awareness among providers. While patients with undiagnosed CRMO often present to oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) with a chief complaint of mandibular pain, to our knowledge, there is no literature regarding how well informed these providers are about this disease. Survey studies and educational efforts have been carried out among other specialists with the aim of raising awareness. The purpose of this study was to document current levels of understanding and determine knowledge gaps among OMSs regarding the diagnostic process for CRMO. Materials and Methods For this cross-sectional cohort study, the investigators sent an anonymous and electronic survey to OMSs practicing in the United States. Using a clinical vignette, the survey captured respondents' ability to evaluate, diagnosis, and take appropriate next steps for a hypothetical patient with CRMO. Results A total of 429 respondents completed the entire survey. The following proportion of respondents correctly answered questions pertaining to information gathering (10.3%), differential diagnosis (9.8%), overall diagnostic workup (76.7%), diagnostic imaging (78.8%), diagnostic laboratory tests (36.8%), biopsy and specimen (0.5%), and final diagnosis and next steps (9.6%). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate incomplete understanding of this disorder among OMSs and uncover knowledge deficiencies that can lead to misdiagnosis and/or delay in appropriate treatment. To improve patient outcomes, it is paramount to augment educational initiatives among practitioners regarding this disease.
Synthesis and styrene copolymerization of novel trisubstituted ethylenes: 7. Fluoro, methyl and methoxy ring-disubstituted octyl phenylcyanoacrylates

Novel trisubstituted ethylenes, fluoro, methyl and methoxy ring-disubstituted octyl phenylcyanoacrylates, RPhCH=C(CN)CO2CH2(CH2)6CH3 (where R is 2-fluoro-3-methoxy, 2-fluoro-4-methoxy, 2-fluoro-5-methoxy, 2-fluoro-6-methoxy, 3-fluoro-4-methoxy, 4-fluoro-3-methoxy, 2-fluoro-5-methyl, 2-fluoro-6-methyl, 3-fluoro-4-methyl, 4-fluoro-2-methyl, 4-fluoro-3-methyl) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene. The ethylenes were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and octyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR. All the ethylenes were copolymerized with styrene in solution with radical initiation (ABCN) at 70C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis.
Finite element simulations of sliding contact of the head-disk interface in magnetic storage with lubricant effects

Abstract Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer lubricant performs an important role in protecting both the writing/reading elements in the recording head and the disk of magnetic storage devices from mechanical wear or damage, induced by direct contact. Under high-speed sliding, the nanometer thick lubricant shows complex behavior, such as shear thinning, slippage and bonding ratio, making it difficult to directly test or simulate its performance. Based on a numerical model, the present study obtains the mechanical response of the lubricant under normal and sliding contacts. The mechanical response is then entered into a finite element model (FEM) through definition of material behavior of the lubricant using a hyper-elastic constitutive model. By comparing the sliding contact simulations with lubricant and without lubricant, it is found that the presence of lubricant helps to reduce the contact stresses, mainly because the contact area is increased.
"A Trial of Strength in Scenes of Violence:" Building a Case for the Prenatal Rights of Willing Fathers Towards Custody

In the 1920s, family law jurisprudence saw the development of a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of children by parents. However, in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court began a trajectory that culminated in what would amount to a total deprivation of a father's prenatal rights despite an absence of judicial review of these matters. This paper advocates for a reform that requires empowering states to create procedural safeguards for a willing father to obtain custody of his unborn child. These safeguards would be based on three components and work in harmony with the existing abortion jurisprudence. The three components encompass: (1) the concept of the judicial bypass provision for minors seeking an abortion to circumvent parental notification statutes; (2) the decision in Stanley v. Illinois; and, (3) the labor investment theory developed in the 70s and 80s involving the requisite paternal involvement throughout the pregnancy.
Design optimization of IPM machines for efficient operation in extended speed range

Practical considerations in the design of Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) machines are examined to identify the key objectives for large-scale design optimization of such machines over an extended speed range. The goal of the optimization is to ensure efficient operation over the entire operating range under various performance and operational constraints. First, this paper illustrates that when the non-linear and lossy nature of the machine is considered from the efficiency standpoint, congruity of the characteristic versus the rated current cannot be the ideal criterion for constant power operation. Second, a new design optimization algorithm for constant power operation is developed which pursues efficient and reliable performance in the extended speed range under the rated current and maximum voltage constraints. To include the full non-linear nature of the machine and to address the effects of copper and iron losses on the motor behavior, this study is centered on finite element (FE) method for analysis and consequently optimization of a 50 hp, 48-slot, 8-pole IPM with single-layer v-type magnets which is used in the 2004 Toyota Prius. The results can be generalized to other PM motor configurations with sinusoidal back-emf waveforms.