cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanolaser spectroscopy for studying novel biomaterials

Recent semiconductor technology has reduced the size of a laser to the size of a biological cell or even a virus particle. By integrating these ultra small lasers with biological systems, it is possible to create micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) devices that are rapidly finding new applications for chemical analysis, molecular detection, and health care.1-5 One is a nanolaser device that confines intense light into an extremely small interaction volume.6-10 The nanolaser has been integrated with a microfluidic chip and applied to assess novel biomaterials, cells, and organelles. Importantly, these biomaterials can be analyzed without time delays or difficulties associated with chemical fixing or fluorescent markers. With these advantages, nanolaser spectroscopy represents a powerful tool for the rapid analysis of bioparticles such as cells, organelles, vesicles, virions, and other bioparticles.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The limits of determinacy in second-order arithmetic

We establish the precise bounds for the amount of determinacy provable in second order arithmetic. We show that for every natural number n, second order arithmetic can prove that determinacy holds for Boolean combinations of n many 0 classes, but it cannot prove that all nite Boolean combinations of 0 classes are determined. More specically, we prove that 1+2-CA 0' n- 0-DET, but that 1+2-CA 0 n- 0-DET, where n- 0 is the nth level in the dierence hierarchy of 0 classes. We also show some conservativity results that imply that reversals for the theorems above are not possible. We prove that for every true 1 sentence T (as for instance n- 0 -DET ) and every n 2, 1 -CA0 +T + 1 -TI 0 1 -CA0 and 1 1 -CA0 + T + 1 -TI 0 1 -CA0.
When cache blocking of sparse matrix vector multiply works and why

We present new performance models and more compact data structures for cache blocking when applied to sparse matrix-vector multiply (SpM × V). We extend our prior models by relaxing the assumption that the vectors fit in cache and find that the new models are accurate enough to predict optimum block sizes. In addition, we determine criteria that predict when cache blocking improves performance. We conclude with architectural suggestions that would make memory systems execute SpM × V faster.
A monolithic three-axis micro-g micromachined silicon capacitive accelerometer

A monolithic three-axis micro-g resolution silicon capacitive accelerometer system utilizing a combined surface and bulk micromachining technology is demonstrated. The accelerometer system consists of three individual single-axis accelerometers fabricated in a single substrate using a common fabrication process. All three devices have 475-/spl mu/m-thick silicon proof-mass, large area polysilicon sense/drive electrodes, and small sensing gap ( /spl sim/5 pF/g measured sensitivity and calculated sub-/spl mu/g//spl radic/Hz mechanical noise floor for all three axes. The total measured noise floor of the hybrid accelerometer assembled with a CMOS interface circuit is 1.60 /spl mu/g//spl radic/Hz (>1.5 kHz) and 1.08 /spl mu/g//spl radic/Hz (>600 Hz) for in-plane and out-of-plane devices, respectively.
Change Management: An Information Flow Approach

Industries use information in common ways to facilitate change initiatives. A review of change management models by John Kotter, Einar Iveroth, Michael Beer, Russel Eisenstat, Bert Spector, Wanda Orlikowski, and J. Hofman were completed. These were then synthesized into a new Information Flow Model. The Information Flow Model focuses on information flow and commonality being the drivers of successful change. This model was validated using three individual interviews with director level or above personnel from differing industries. The interviews did validate the new Information Flow Model and its focus. Additional recommendations for future analyses were provided.
The Mantle of the Prophet: Churchill’s Embodiment of the Prophetic Ethos

Seen everywhere from posters to coffee mugs, Winston Churchill’s words remain a source of public fascination over fifty years after his death. Through a study of the evolution of Churchill’s ethos construction in the speeches he gave before and during World War II, this article examines the link between Churchill’s continued cultural relevance and his persuasive power. Using the theory of prophetic ethos as a conceptual framework, this essay analyzes the changes in Churchill’s tone, style, and word choice between speeches given before and after he became prime minister, concluding that he adopted a prophetic rhetoric. By embodying a prophetic persona, Churchill persuaded the British public to share his vision of Britain’s eventual victory over Nazi Germany.
Sex influences endothelial function in sleep-disordered breathing.

Background: The bases for the association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and cardiovascular disease are poorly understood. Endothelial dysfunction, assessed with brachial artery ultrasonography, may predict cardiovascular risk and represent preclinical vascular disease. We determined whether flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and peak blood flow (PBF) increase after cuff occlusion is altered with SDB. Methods: 193 participants (58% women) in a cohort study were studied with overnight polysomnography and subsequent brachial artery ultrasonography. SDB was quantified using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and indexes of overnight desaturation and arousal frequency. Two-dimensional and Doppler-velocity measurements of the brachial artery were obtained at baseline and after 5 minutes of upper-arm cuff occlusion. FMD and PBF were defined as the percentage changes from baseline in brachial artery diameter and flow, respectively. Results: In the entire sample, the AHI was inversely associated with both FMD (r = -0.30, P <.001) and PBF (r = -0.20, P <.001). However, sexstratified univariate analyses showed that these relationships were exclusive to women. Specifically, FMD was significantly lower in women with an AHI ≥ 15 than in women with lower AHI scores (P <.005), with no relationship between AHI and FMD in men. Additionally, PBF decreased significantly with increasing AHI (r = -0.29, P =.010) in women alone. Statistical modeling, adjusting for body mass index, age, and other covariates, similarly showed that SDB severity significantly influenced FMD and PBF, with significant interactions between sex and AHI, reinforcing that the associations between SDB severity and endothelial function were stronger in women than in men. Conclusions: Moderate levels of SBD are associated with impaired conduit and resistance endothelial function in women. Women with SDB may be more vulnerable to early SDB-related cardiovascular disease than are men.
Modeling discrete stock price changes using a mixture of Poisson distributions

Abstract We study discrete price changes due to the size of a trade in the market microstructure model. We use a mixture of Poisson distributions to model the discrete changes in stock price. The parameters are estimated using the Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm with mixing probabilities which depend on order size. Consistency and asymptotic normality of a sequence of estimators are proved, and asymptotic confidence intervals for functions of the parameters are derived. We test the method with simulated and real data.
Gain Measurements in Dy3+ -doped LaCl3: A potential 1.3 μm optical amplifier for telecommunications

A number of Dy3+-doped crystals have been studied and spectroscopic and theoretical data suggests that Dy3+:chlorides are promising candidates for amplification of the 1.3 µm signal used by the telecommunications network. In particular, LaCl3:Dy3+ has an emission band centered around 1.3 µm with a radiative lifetime greater than one millisecond which is consistent with a quantum yield above 70% (compared to 3% for Pr:ZBLAN). Gain data from pump-probe experiments at 1.3 19 µm and 1338 µm resulted in a net gain of 13% and ~14%, respectively.
Microsatellite mutation rates in cancer cell lines deficient or proficient in mismatch repair

Microsatellite mutation rates in cancer cell lines deficient or proficient in mismatch repair
Dynamics of Crystalline and Amorphous Polytetrafluoroethylene Studied by Multiple Quantum NMR

We report a new technique for probing polymer dynamics through the refocussing of multiple quantum (MQ) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) coherences. The MQ-NMR experiment follows the correlated behavior of multiple spin-1/2 nuclei interacting through dipolar couplings. Motion which modulates the dipolar coupling strengths on the same time scale as the experiment (∼1 to 20 kHz) alters the intensity of the observed coherences. Temperature dependent 19F data are presented on polytetrafluoroethylene samples of varying crystallinity. For the as-polymerized 98% crystalline PTFE sample, a sharp increase in MQ coherence refocussing occurs, centered at -298 K. The 64% crystalline melt-quenched sample shows a increase at the same temperature but which has a lower intensity. Thus, the ∼298 K peak is most associated with motion in the crystalline phase. This temperature is intermediate between the two first order transition at 293 and 303 K. Oscillations in the refocussed fractions are observed from 208 to 230 K for the 98% crystalline sample, while this ratio is constant over the same temperature range for the 64% crystalline sample. These oscillations may be associated with paracrystalline defects found only in the first sample. Thus, the MQ refocussing experiment is able to clearly differentiate between polymer samples which have different thermal histories. The sharpness of the MQ refocussing features and their variations in magnitude, shape, and sign with temperature are signatures of the molecular level details of the underlying dynamics which produce them.
Experimental Hypertrophy Without and With Digitalization on Creatine Content of Rabbit Hearts.

In the type of cardiac hypertrophy resulting from nutritional anemia,1 or following thyroid administration,2 produced in rats, the percentage of creatine in the heart muscle has been found to drop; the total amount of creatine in the whole heart seemed to remain the same, the percentage decreasing as the heart muscle increased in weight. In a preliminary note,3 we have recorded the creatine values in hearts in which hypertrophy has been produced by a different method. Using rabbits, the aortic leaflets were torn or punctured, thus producing experimental aortic regurgitation. The degree of hypertrophy has been determined by comparing the Heart-weight/Body-weight ratio with our previously established normal value.4 The animals were of nearly the same age, and weighed around 3,000 gm. at the completion of the experiment. Creatine determinations were made following the technique of Seecof, Linegar and Myers.5 In Table I summarized are the creatine values for the completed series of these animals. Some of them...
Inhibition of Breast Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) by Novel STAT3 Inhibitors.

Background: Many patients with breast cancer relapse over time despite an initial response to systemic therapy. One explanation is that a rare sub-population of CSCs with tumorigenic potential is intrinsically resistant to therapy. Previously, we showed that residual tumors after chemotherapy are 1) enriched for the tumorigenic CD44 + /CD24 -/low population, 2) show enhanced mammosphere-forming efficiency (MSFE), and 3) display an increase in outgrowth potential in xenograft transplants in immunocompromised SCID/Beige mice. Gene expression profiling of CD44 + /CD24 -/low and mammosphere-forming cells derived from human breast cancer biopsies revealed that the top canonical pathways in CSC self-renewal included STAT3 signaling. We hypothesized that inhibition of STAT3 would lead to a decrease in the number of breast CSCs either alone, or in combination with systemic therapies. Methods: We established primary xenografts in immunocompromised SCID/Beige mice from biopsies of primary human breast cancers; that faithfully recapitulate biology similar to the primary breast cancers in patients. We tested two classes of drugs that target Stat3--G-quartet oligodeoxynucleotide (GQ-ODN, T40214) and small molecules (Cpd188 and its derivatives)--for their ability to inhibit human breast cancer xenograft MSFE.The GQ-ODN T40214 was previously shown to target the Stat3 Src homology (SH) 2 domain destabilizing Stat3 dimers while Cpd188 was identified using virtual ligand screening and was shown to competitively and selectively inhibit binding of the Stat3 SH2 domain to its phosphotyrosine (pY) peptide ligand. Cpd188 derivatives were identified by 2-D similarity screening using the scaffold of Cpd188 and 3-D pharmacophore analysis and their activity confirmed by pY peptide binding inhibition. A triple negative (ER-negative, PgR-negative, and HER-2) tumor line (n=3 mice/group) was treated with Cpd188 (125mcg or 250mcg), T40214 (125mcg or 250mcg), a control non-specific (NS) ODN (125 or 250 mcg) or vehicle alone. The animals were sacrificed after two days of treatment and MSFE determined. In addition, we tested the 39 Cpd188 derivatives for the ability to decrease MSFE in vitro. Results: In these short term experiments, a statistically significant reduction (p≤0.05) was observed in the MFSE with Cpd188 (250mcg) and T40214 (125 and 250 mcg) vs. control. Of the 39 Cpd188 derivatives, 11 derivatives significantly decreased MSFE in two triple negative cell lines (SUM159PT and HS578T). Conclusions: STAT3 inhibition using 2 classes of molecules that target its SH2 domain significantly reduced CSC in both in vivo and in vitro assays raising the possibility that breast cancer therapeutic regimens that contain agents that target Stat3 may reduce relapse rates. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1155.
Evaluation of pulmonary symptoms following military deployment

Evaluating and defining the presence of pulmonary disease in relationship to military deployment to Southwest Asia can be challenging. There are defined environmental exposures such as geologic dusts, burn pit smoke, and urban pollution for which establishing symptom causality may be difficult. With lack of information on the indigenous population in this region, it is yet undetermined whether repeated deployments could potentially be a contributing factor. While there is a generalized increase in reported respiratory symptoms, most symptoms tend to resolve post-deployment. Published studies have established diagnoses such as asthma, inducible laryngeal obstruction, and acute eosinophilic pneumonia in this population. Some controversial studies suggest an increase in parenchymal lung diseases such as constrictive bronchiolitis. In any given individual with persistent respiratory symptoms, what should be the approach taken for further evaluation? Symptoms are typically only related to exercise, while baseline spirometry and chest imaging are frequently normal. As the primary center in the Department of Defense for evaluation of post-deployment respiratory symptoms, we have adopted a comprehensive approach to these patients referred for evaluation.
The Transvaluationist Conception of Vagueness

Etude de la conception transvaluationniste du vague affirmant l'incoherence logique et l'insatisfaisabilite du vague, et revendiquant sa viabilite et sa legitimite. Montrant que l'incoherence du vague resulte de son caractere sans-limite, et tirant les consequences metaphysique, ontologique et semantique du vague au regard des objets vagues, du discours vague et de la verite, l'A. montre qu'une approche populaire du vague, appelee surevaluationnisme repete, apparait comme une autre version du transvaluationnisme, et le compare a la these epistemique fondee sur l'ignorance de la determination des limites, d'autre part
Thin film wavelength converters for photonic integrated circuits

Quasi-phase-matched (QPM) wavelength converters are highly desirable for emerging nonlinear optics applications in photonic integrated circuits, but available waveguide and quasi-phase-matching technologies have so far constrained their realization. In this work, we present a periodically poled lithium niobate (LN) waveguide on a silicon nitride–thin film LN platform. It contains a submicrometer waveguide core for enhancing nonlinear interactions that is more than one order of magnitude smaller than those of previous QPM waveguides. Periodic poling was applied directly to the thin film LN for quasi-phase-matching by a new surface poling technology. We demonstrated 160% W−1·cm−2 normalized efficiency for second harmonic generation at 1530 nm with ultralow propagation loss (0.3 dB/cm) in the telecom band. This highly efficient and compact wavelength converter has the potential for straightforward integration with various photonic platforms, e.g., on-chip microsystems such as optical communication networks, quantum storage, and optical frequency referencing.
Documenting the emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems as a disruptive technology in nicotine and tobacco science.

Abstract Background The emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, or “e-cigarettes”) has resulted in nicotine and tobacco scientists committing increased resources to studying these products. Despite this surge of research on various topics related to e-cigarettes, it is important to characterize the evolving e-cigarette research landscape as a way to identify important future research directions. The purpose of this review was to broadly categorize published scholarly work on e-cigarettes using a structured, multi-level coding scheme. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to collect articles on e-cigarettes that were published in peer-reviewed journals from 2006 through 2014. Studies were classified through 3 coding waves. Articles were first divided into research reports, literature reviews and opinions/editorials. Research reports were further categorized to determine the proportion of these studies using human participants. Finally, human studies were classified based on their methodologies: descriptive, predictive, explanatory, and intervention. Results Research reports ( n = 224) and opinions/editorials ( n = 248) were published at similar rates during this time period. All types of articles showed exponential rates of increase in more recent years. 76.4% of human research studies were descriptive in nature, with very little research employing experimental (6.8%) or intervention-based methodologies (5.4%). Conclusions This review reinforces the idea that e-cigarettes are a disruptive technology exerting substantial influence on nicotine and tobacco science. This review also suggests that opinions on e-cigarettes may be outpacing our scientific understanding of these devices. Our findings highlight the need for more e-cigarette research involving experimental, intervention, and longitudinal designs.
Computational provenance: DataONE and implications for cultural heritage institutions

Provenance data is a type of metadata that computer scientists argue can support trustworthy and reliable replication of scientific results. From its origins in scientific workflow systems and database theory, and with concurrent interest from the ecological informatics community, a standard data model (PROV) and extensions for DataONE (ProvONE) have led to initial implementations in several tools commonly used by scientists (R, MATLAB) and in a global federation of scientific data repositories (DataONE). DataONE's support for ingest, storage, indexing and retrieval of provenance data is presented. Implications for libraries are identified. A research agenda for exploring the applicability of the PROV model to cultural heritage institutions — archives and museums — and their digital asset management systems is presented.
Progress on high-power 808nm VCSELs and applications

High power 808nm semiconductor lasers are widely used for pumping neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) crystal to produce high-brightness lasing at 1064nm. In addition, there are growing interest to use such high power 808nm lasers in the field of automotive infra-red (IR) illumination and medical aesthetic treatment. Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have emerged as a promising candidate and attracted increased interests for those applications, due to their combined advantages of high efficiency, low diverging circular beam, narrow emission spectrum with reduced temperature sensitivity, low-cost manufacturability, simpler coupling optics, and increased reliability, especially at high temperatures. They can emit very high power with very high power density as they can be conveniently configured into large two-dimensional arrays and modules of arrays. We report recent development on such high-power, high-efficiency 808nm VCSELs with industrial leading ~55% power conversion efficiency (PCE). Top emitting VCSELs were grown by MOCVD and processed into single devices and 2D arrays using selective wet oxidation process and substrate removal technique for efficient current confinement and heat removal. Peak PCE of 51% and peak power of 800W were achieved from 5x5mm array, corresponding to peak power density of ~4kW/cm2. Pumped with new generation of 2.3kW VCSEL module, Q-switched laser pulse energy at 1064nm reached 46.9mJ, more than doubled from previously reported results.
APOL1: a case in point for replacing race with genetics

Ethnicity-specific differences in apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) polymorphisms are associated with racial disparities in kidney transplantation outcomes. APOL1 genotyping may better help define graft outcome risk pre-transplantation; however, more research is needed.
Tests for “cold fusion” in the Pd-D2 and Ti-D2 systems at 40–380 MPa and −196-27°C

Experiments have been conducted on the Pd-D2 and Ti-D2 systems at 40–380 MPa and −196-27°C to investigate the possibility that “cold fusion” occurs in palladium and titanium deuterides generated by reaction with high-pressure D2 gas. The experiments were performed using a 4.8 mm i.d. stainless steel pressure vessel that can be operated routinely at pressures as high as 400 MPa. In experiments completed to date, reactions between high-purity Pd or Ti and D2 were monitored with: (1) an array of three BF3 neutron detectors, (2) an internal, type-K sample thermocouple, and (3) an internal, type-K reference thermocouple located approximately 10 cm above the sample thermocouple. Using a252Cf source, the efficiency of the BF3 detector array was determined to be approximately 6%. During experimentation, the three neutron detectors were immersed in a water bath thermostated at 27°C. The neutron count rate, D2 pressure, sample and reference thermocouple readings, and bath temperature were recorded continuously at time intervals ranging from 6 seconds to 10 minutes. Experimental results obtained so far range from negative to potentially significant. No sustained heat production has been observed in any experiment. Thermal pulses that persist briefly after pressurizing Pd with D2 gas are attributable to small amounts of chemical heat released when Pd and D2 react to form palladium deuteride. No sustained neutron flux above background was observed in any Pd-D2 experiment. On the other hand, in a Ti-D2 experiment just completed, potentially significant results were obtained. During this experiment, there was a period of 5 consecutive hours when count rates rose to approximately 60 counts/hour above the average background rate. This detector count rate corresponds nominally to 1000 neutrons/hour emitted from the Ti-D2 sample. However, due to several deficiencies in our neutron detection methods and equipment, we cannot demonstrate conclusively that our experimental data are valid. Consequently, we are upgrading our neutron detection equipment in preparation for a second, improved Ti-D2 experiment.
Open Surgical Access for Transfemoral TAVR Should Not Be a Contraindication for Conscious Sedation.

Objectives The use of monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is gaining favor in the United States, although general anesthesia (GA) continues to be common for these procedures. Open surgical cutdown for transfemoral TAVR has been a relative contraindication for TAVR with MAC at most centers. The objective of this study was to review the authors’ results of transfemoral TAVR performed in patients with open surgical cutdown with the use of MAC. Design Retrospective study design from a prospectively recorded database. Setting Tertiary academic (teaching) hospital. Participants Two hundred eighty-two patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR with open surgical cutdown under MAC from 2015 to 2017. Interventions Transfemoral TAVR under MAC with surgical cutdown for femoral vascular access. Measurements and Main Results The study cohort consisted of 282 patients with severe aortic stenosis (mean area 0.65 [± 0.16] cm2, mean gradient of 48.9 [±13.3] mmHg, and mean age of 82.7 [± 7.31] years). Eleven (3.9%) patients required conversion to GA. First postoperative pain score (0-10) was 2.9 and highest postoperative pain score was 4.6. Major and minor vascular complications occurred in 2 (0.7%) and 6 (2.1%) patients, respectively. Twenty-nine (10.3%) patients were readmitted within 30 days, and 6 (2.1%) patients had in-hospital mortality. Conclusions Open surgical cutdown for transfemoral TAVR can be performed safely using MAC and ilioinguinal block with low rates of conversion to general anesthesia and acceptable postoperative outcomes and pain scores.
The Intertidal Zone

The intertidal zone is a narrow fringe of land between the ocean and land, which is alternately exposed to air and covered by water. It is not homogeneous in structure or in physical, chemical, or biotic characteristics. Many schemes of classification have been proposed for the intertidal zone, but probably the most universally accepted and most logical system is based on the nature of the substratum. Because intertidal zone organisms are intimately associated with the substratum, they are often identified as being attached to, or burrowed into, a particular bottom type. In general three major types of habitats are recognized: rocky shores, sandy beaches, and mud-flats. These habitats are found on the edge of the open ocean and bordering protected regions such as harbors and estuaries. All major types may be found close to one another and show varying degrees of intermixing. For example, a rocky shore may be adjacent to a sandy beach, and the transition area between may consist of rocks ranging from large boulders to small stones to various-sized large sand grains. Because microhabitats occur within each microenvironment, a complex terminology and system of classification of intertidal subunits has evolved. This subject, however, is not central to the physiological theme of this book, and the reader is referred to the following references for a review of the subject: rocky intertidal zone, Stephenson and Stephenson (1949); Doty (1957); Southward (1958); and Lewis (1964); sandy beaches, Hedgpeth (1957); Swedmark (1964); and Jansson (1967 a, b); and mud-flats, Carriker (1967); and Postma (1967).
Radiology of the Biliary Tree

Owing to the number of radiographic procedures available for the diagnosis of biliary tract disease and the changes resulting from new imaging techniques, it is important that the clinician have an understanding of the indications, complications, and expected information obtained from the various procedures. Therapeutic radiologic procedures that have been developed in recent years include percutaneous extraction of calculi from the bile ducts and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in obstructive jaundice.
Special Education in General Education Classrooms: Cooperative Teaching Using Supportive Learning Activities.

Abstract Disputes about where to best educate students with disabilities remain unresolved, and concerns about mainstreaming, inclusive schools, and full inclusion are continuously resurfacing. Cooperative leaching has emerged as an alternative for service delivery in an era motivated by a need to reform current practices. With a supportive learning approach to cooperative teaching, the general education teacher is responsible for teaching content, and the special education teacher is responsible for developing and implementing student activities. In this research, supportive learning activities were implemented in a multiple-baseline time series design across four, 5th-grade classrooms. To ensure continuity of core curriculum between special and general education teachers, necessary interventions for student success were designed and implemented collaboratively by both teachers. The purpose was to evaluate the effects of a cooperative teaching alternative (supportive learning) on teaching behavior, the b...
Islam intensified: snapshot historiography and the making of Muslim identities

The celebrated, and oft-criticised, 1001 Inventions exhibition offered a particular vision of Islam and Muslims in the West that is imbedded in the postcolonial reality of the post-9/11 world. Buil...
Comparing Transit Agency Peer Groups using Cluster Analysis

Transit ridership has decreased steadily each year from 2014 to 2017 despite increasing urban populations and transit investment. Several analyses have examined trends in national transit ridership...
Local VS. other forms of anesthesia for open inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background There is variation in the anesthetic technique for open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) worldwide. Factors determining the anesthetic technique remains equivocal. We hypothesize that outcomes and operative room times are superior with local anesthesia (LA) compared to AO [all others (general and spinal anesthesia)]. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines and set inclusion and exclusion criteria, various databases were reviewed and 18 RCT's were isolated. Using ReviewManager 5.3, multiple parameters were used to test for overall effect between the included studies. Results Overall complication rate was similar in LA vs. AO (p = 0.06). Wound infection and hematomas were similar between LA vs. OA, but urinary retention was significantly decreased in LA (p = 0.0002). Patient satisfaction was not inferior with LA (p = 0.10). Surgical time was similar in LA vs. AO (p = 0.86), but operating room time was significantly decreased with LA (p Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that LA is a well-tolerated for OIHR with OR times and urinary retention being significantly decreased.
Auto-Generating Visual Exercises for Learning Program Semantics

Understanding program execution is a challenging task for novice programmers. The semantic rules which determine how execution affects the program state are numerous and complex, and students frequently hold fundamental misconceptions about these rules. If students do not build a correct mental model of program execution early on, they will face substantial hurdles as they try to develop and debug their code. This paper presents VizQuiz, a tool for auto-generating multiple choice quizzes designed to help students gain insight into the semantic rules which govern program execution. VizQuiz provides students with an initial state and a piece of code, and tasks them with mentally tracing the execution of that code and selecting the correct final state. Reference diagrams are used to depict the initial and final states, and as feedback to help students visualize the correct behavior if they select a wrong answer. Feedback is auto-generated, so students can immediately correct their misconceptions and re-attempt.
The Camel Family

The second group of animals of the order Artiodactyla studied is the family Camelidae, which originated in North America in the early Eocene Age (40–50 mya). About 2 mya, groups migrated over land bridges to Eurasia and South America. Just 5000 years ago, at the end of the glacial period, Camelidae became extinct in North America. The group in Eurasia developed into suborder Camelus and those in South America into suborder Lama. There are several species. Camelus dromedarius is an entirely domesticated species of large, one-humped animals bred for riding or carrying loads and traveling long distances in desert areas without food or water. They are taller than horses and have long, slender legs with padded, flexible hooves that keep them from sinking in the sand. They walk like a boat on waves, swaying from side to side. Their bushy eyebrows, long eyelashes, and nostrils that can be closed keep out the desert sands. The hump stores fat that when metabolized produces water and CO2; this metabolic water can replace water from external sources to maintain life. For centuries, the one-humped dromedary was used to transport materials across arid areas, particularly in Africa. The two-humped Bactrian camel has long hair and lives in the colder regions of Asia. Camels are said to be “unpleasant, smelly, dull, and stubborn.” Even so, the females provide milk, the animals provide skins for tents and covers, and, in emergencies, their meat can sustain human life.
Weak solution of a stochastic 3D Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes model driven by jump noise

Abstract We investigate a stochastic 2D and 3D Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes system with a multiplicative noise of Levy type. The model consists of the Navier-Stokes equations for the velocity, coupled with a Cahn-Hilliard system for the order (phase) parameter. We prove that the system the existence of weak martingale solution for both 2D and 3D cases. The proof of the existence is based on a classical Galerkin approximation as well as some compactness methods. In the 2D case, we prove the pathwise uniqueness of the weak solution.
Family Strain Predicts Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in Middle-aged Adults: Hope Mediates and Self-compassion Moderates the Relation

Introduction Interpersonal strain is linked with depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. One possible mechanism accounting for this relation is a reduction in hope, defined as the belief in one's capacity both to reach and to generate a variety of ways to obtain goals. The strength of the strain-depressive symptoms relation is not uniform across individuals, however, pointing to the likelihood that individual differences in the ability to successfully navigate relationship strain play a role in mitigating its negative effects. One potential moderator of the strain - depressive symptoms relation is self-compassion, which encompasses the capacity to respond to one's own negative thoughts and experiences in a kind and nonjudgmental way. Although theory and empirical evidence suggest that self-compassion is protective against the impact of stress on mental health outcomes, little research has investigated how self-compassion operates in the context of relationship strain. In addition, few studies have examined psychological mechanisms by which self-compassion protects against mental health outcomes, depression in particular. Thus, this study examined 1) the extent to which hope mediates the relation between family strain and depressive symptoms, and 2) whether these indirect effects are conditional on self-compassion in a community sample of middle-aged adults. Methods Self-reported family strain, self-compassion, hope, and depressive symptoms were assessed in a community sample of 762 middle-aged adults aged 40-65. Follow-up measures of depressive symptoms were assessed approximately 20 months later. Results Results from structural equation models indicated that hope mediated the relation between family strain and depressive symptoms and the indirect effect was conditional on levels of self-compassion. For individuals high versus low in self-compassion, strain-related declines in hope predicted smaller increases in depressive symptoms. Discussion Taken together, the findings suggest that family strain may lead individuals to experience less hope and subsequent increases in depressive symptoms. However, a self-compassionate attitude may serve as a resilience resource, weakening the hope - depressive symptoms relation, a finding that holds promise for future research on the development and refinement of self-compassion interventions.
Data for "Elephant Genomes Reveal Insights into Differences in Disease Defense Mechanisms between Species".

Abstract Disease susceptibility and defense are important factors in conservation, particularly for elephants. We report that in addition to endotheliotropic herpesvirus and tuberculosis, Asian elephants are also more susceptible to cancer than African elephants. To determine mechanisms underlying elephant traits including disease resistance, we analyzed genomic datasets from multiple individuals and species. We report a draft genome assembly for the Asian elephant and an improved African elephant assembly. We found 862 and 1,017 potential regulatory elements in Asian and African elephants, respectively, that are enriched near 5,034 differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells between the two species. These genes are enriched in immunity pathways, including tumor-necrosis factor which plays a role in the elephant response to endotheliotropic herpesvirus. Some elephant TP53 retrogenes are being maintained by purifying selection and may contribute to cancer resistance in elephants. Positive selection scans revealed genes that may control tusk development, memory, and somatic maintenance. Our study provides an example of how genomics can inform functional immunological studies, which may improve conservation and medical care for elephants and translate into human therapies.
Membrane Properties of Isolated Horizontal Cells in the Teleost Retina

Neurons in the intact vertebrate retina are interconnected through a complex network of electrical and chemical synaptic connections which make if difficult if not impossible to study the intrinsic biophysical and biochemical properties of individual cells. During the past decade, enzymatic methods have been developed to dissociate adult retinas into single, viable and readily identifiable cells (Lam, 1972, 1976: Drujan and Svaetichin, 1972). This approach has been used for a number of biochemical (Lam, 1972, 1975, 1976: Drujan and Svaetichin, 1972: Sarthy and Lam, 1978, 1979a, b; Van Buskirk and Dowling, 1981, 1982), histochemical (Sarthy et al., 1981) and physiological (Drujan and Svaetichin, 1972: Kaneko et al., 1976: Bader et al., 1978: Johnston and Lam, 1981: Tachibana, 1981: Lasater and Dowling, 1982) studies. For the past eight years, we have studied the biochemical and biophysical properties of one type of isolated neuron in the vertebrate retina: the horizontal cell.
End-to-End Framework for Imputation and State Discovery in Longitudinal Energy Data

High-resolution signals from micro-phasor measurement units (μPMU) contain crucial information about the health and status of electric equipment in power grids. In this work, we provide an end-to-end framework for fault state discovery in μPMU data. Our proposed method uses a data-driven deep learning method called Latent Ordinary Differential Equations (LatentODE) for data imputation, followed by a Bayesian non-parametric method called distance-dependent Chinese Restaurant Franchise (dd-CRF) for unsupervised discovery of latent states of the energy grid. We applied our framework to analyze one month of μPMU data and were able to correctly binned 60% of the faults within our predicted faulty time segments. We applied our framework to the task of identifying time segments when faults occur. faulty state of the time series. Our experiments show that our method produces comparably better results than traditional interpolation methods and interpretable regions for fault states in power electric systems.
Impact of Legislation on Opioid Prescribing following Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy in Arizona and Florida.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) prescribed and refill rates following hysterectomy and hysteroscopy in the setting of opioid prescribing practice changes in 2 states. DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort analysis consisting of 2,916 patients undergoing hysterectomy or hysteroscopy between July 2016 and September 2019 at 2 affiliated academic hospitals in states that underwent legislative changes in opioid prescribing in 2018. METHODS Participants were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes in Arizona and Florida. Hysterectomy was chosen as the most invasive gynecologic procedure, while hysteroscopy was chosen as the least invasive. Medical records were abstracted to find opioid prescriptions from 90 days before surgery to 30 days after discharge. Patients with opioid use between 90 and 7 days before surgery were excluded. Prescriptions were converted to OMEs and were calculated per quarter year. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank sum t tests for OMEs and χ2 t tests for refill rates. Interrupted time-series analysis was used to determine significant change in OMEs before and after legislative change. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). RESULTS In Arizona, 1,067 hysterectomies were performed; 459 (43%) vaginal, 561 (52.6%) laparoscopic/robotic, and 47 (4.4%) abdominal. There were 530 hysteroscopies. Overall median OMEs decreased from 225 prior to July 2018 to 75 after July 2018 (p < 0.0001). The opioid refill rate remained unchanged at 7.4% (p = 0.966). In Florida, there were 769 hysterectomies; 241 (31.3%) vaginal, 476 (61.9%) laparoscopic/robotic, and 52 (6.8%) abdominal. There were 549 hysteroscopies. Overall median OMEs decreased from 150 prior to July 2018 to 0 after July 2018 (p < 0.0001). The opioid refill rate was similar (7.8% before July 2018 and 7.3% after July 2018; p = 0.739). LIMITATIONS Limitations include involvement of a single hospital institution with a total of 10 fellowship-trained surgeons and biases inherent to retrospective study design. CONCLUSIONS Legislative and provider-led changes coincided with decreases in opioid prescribing after 2018 in both states without increasing rates of refills and showed actual data reflected in the medical record. Gynecologists must actively participate in safe prescribing practices to decrease opioid dependence and misuse.
Abstract 904: Lifetime genistein alters mammary tumors’ response to anti-estrogen tamoxifen treatment by affecting immune function in rats

Consistent with the human data showing that soy intake reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence, we have previously reported that childhood and lifelong genistein (GEN) intake enhanced response of mammary tumors to tamoxifen (TAM) treatment and prevented recurrence in rats. Mammary tumor recurrence was also inhibited by starting GEN consumption in adulthood. Since GEN is shown to alter immune functions, and tumor immune responses can determine cancer outcome, we examined several immune markers in the tumor prior to TAM treatment. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed control AIN93G diet or AIN93G diet supplemented with 500 ppm GEN either during childhood (between postnatal days 15 and 30), adulthood (from 55 days to end of the study), or both. Mammary tumors were induced by DMBA at the age of 48 days, and when a tumor reached a size of 1.4 cm in diameter (criteria for starting TAM treatment in the previous study), rats were euthanized (n = 15 per group), and blood and mammary tumors were collected. We determined the expression of CD8-alpha (present in cytotoxic T lymphocytes) and Foxp3, TGFβ1 and TGF2 (present in regulatory T-cells, Treg) in mammary tumors from rats with varying lifetime exposures to GEN. Compared with the control rats, expression of CD8-alpha mRNA was significantly increased by GEN intake at any time during the life cycle, suggesting an elevation in cytotoxic T-cells density infiltrating the tumor. Foxp3 and TGF-β1 mRNA were significantly reduced by GEN consumption. Increased Treg levels in tumors result in the suppression of immune responses; therefore, a reduction in Foxp3 and TGF-β1 may indicate a decrease in immune suppression. TGF-2 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the tumors of rats that consumed GEN only as adults. In the serum, interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in rats that consumed GEN only during childhood, whilst IL-6 was reduced in rats consuming GEN during lifetime or only as adults. IL-12 that is reported to stimulate cellular immunity, was increased in the rats that consumed GEN during lifetime or as adults. Our findings suggest that the ability of GEN intake to prevent mammary cancer recurrence is associated with improved immune responses in the tumor. Citation Format: Xiyuan Zhang, Katherine Cook, Leena Hilakivi-Clarke. Lifetime genistein alters mammary tumors’ response to anti-estrogen tamoxifen treatment by affecting immune function in rats. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 904. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-904
Spatial and seasonal atmospheric PAH deposition patterns and sources in Rhode Island

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) enter the environment through various combustion processes and can travel long distances via atmospheric transport. Here, atmospheric PAH deposition was measured in six locations throughout Rhode Island using passive atmospheric bulk-deposition samplers for three years. The measurements were evaluated using two source-specific PAH isomer signatures, a multivariate receptor model, and an innovative contamination index that is weighted based on PAH contamination, number of detected compounds, and toxicity. Urban areas had significantly higher deposition rates (up to 2261 μg m −2 yr −1 ∑PAH) compared to peri-urban, coastal, and rural areas (as low as 73.6 μg m −2 yr −1 ∑PAH). In fall and winter, PAH deposition was up to 10 times higher compared to summer/spring. On an annual basis a total of 3.64 t yr −1 ∑PAH (2256.9 μg yr −1 m −2 ∑PAH) are estimated to be deposited atmospherically onto Rhode Island. Both, the analysis using isomer ratios and the statistical analysis using positive matrix factorization agreed on source identification. Overall gasoline, petrodiesel, and oil combustion sources were identified in all samples year-round while wood combustion associated PAH deposition was only detected during the cold season.
Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions from Operation on Crude and Minimally-Processed Shale Oils

Three crude shale oils were chosen from six candidates to investigate their possible use as substitutes for No. 2 diesel fuel. Satisfactory hot engine operation was achieved on the crudes using a fuel heating system, allowing emissions characterization during transient and steady-state operation. Regulated gaseous emissions changed little with the crudes compared to diesel fuel; but total particulate and soluble organics increased, and larger injector tip deposits and piston crown erosion were observed. After engine rebuild, two minimally-processed shale oils were run without the fuel heating system, causing no engine problems. Most emissions were higher than for No. 2 fuel using and 80 percent distillate of crude shale oil, but lower using a hydrotreated form of the distillate.
Effect of Restrictive Clothing on Balance and Gait using Motion Capture and Stability Analysis

The effect of restrictive clothing on functional reach and on balance and gait during obstacle crossing of five normal subjects is presented in this work using motion capture and stability analyses. The study has shown that restrictive clothing has considerably reduced participants' functional reach. It also forced the participants to change their motion strategy when they cross-higher obstacles. When crossing higher obstacles, the participants averted their stance foot, abducted their arms, flexed their torso, used longer stance time, and increased their hip angle in the medial-lateral (Rolling) and vertical (Yawing) directions. The stability analysis of a virtual human skeletal model with 18 links and 25 degrees of freedom has shown that participants' stability has become critical when they wear restrictive clothing and when they cross higher obstacles.