cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consumers' Nutritional Ratings of Fast‐Food Meals

This study examines the nutritional beliefs about fast-food restaurant meals held by a small sample of consumers. Views on the nutritional quality, caloric content, potential hazards and economic value of such meals were examined with respect to the socioeconomic level and nutritional knowledge of consumers. Findings indicate that consumers perceive these nutritional aspects of fast-food meals to be important but often ignore them in practice. Implications for consumer education and a need for greater social responsibility on the part of the restaurants are noted.
The outer limits of programming

We tend to believe that any programming task, no matter how large or complex, can be completed if we have enough time and resources. There is a growing body of evidence that this belief is mistaken, and some tasks may be beyond our capabilities. We may already be approaching our limits to manage complexity.
Ultrasound Signal Processing for Imaging and Diagnosis

The advantages of ultrasonic imaging in medicine have led to its widespread use as a diagnostic tool as well as numerous efforts to extend its clinical usefulness. Current research employing computer-based techniques exploits the utility of existing and emerging digital technology to analyze the distributions of amplitude in an image, perform frequency analysis of backscatter, determine angular dependence of backscatter, and assess structure dimensions, area and volume. The distribution of amplitudes in an entire image or a selected field may be described by histograms which yield statistics and can also be used for amplitude mapping to enhance features. Amplitude distributions may also be described by two-dimensional Fourier transforms which yield information in terms of spatial frequency amplitudes. Frequency analysis of backscattered signals provides data about the spacing of scatterers and also the attenuation properties of the propagation path. Angular-dependent backscatter has been used to describe volume scattering from tissue and also to characterize surface roughness. Assessment of structure size has been accomplished to assist in the evaluation of cardiac function as well as provide information about fetal development. Research results now available show the feasibility of extracting more information than reflector position and strength from acoustic signals. Opportunities for important contributions by digital processing appear to exist in three-dimensional imaging, analysis of frequency- and angular-dependent scattering, quantification of structure geometry, and multiple parameter analysis or combinations of techniques. Three-dimensional imaging requires new beam steering techniques, data storage, and time gating which may be conveniently accomplished using digital technology. Angular- and frequency-dependent scattering techniques now under development promise to yield detailed information about the mechanical properties such as compressibility and density as they vary throughout tissue. Quantitative analysis of structure geometry should be enhanced by edge-finding algorithms that operate on three-dimensional data and introduce automation into the calculation of parameters. Pattern recognition systems offer the potential of yielding new diagnostic parameters from weighted combinations of image features and tissue characteristics. Significant progress toward the development of an ultimate ultrasonic system for medical imaging can be expected as research continues.
Model subdivisions: The new face of developer lot sales for low-income colonia-type housing in Texas

This paper examines developer practices and self-help housing in serviced subdivisions targeting very low-income Hispanic homesteaders in the Texas border region. Laid out under “Model Subdivision Rules” after federal and state legislative intervention in the early 1990s, this initiative sought to curtail further colonia development and to ensure that any further homesteading followed regulations regarding service and infrastructure provision. Model subdivisions (MSs) proliferated after 1995 and this paper examines developer practices of seller financing, lot sales, and lot repossession for the large number of low-income families who default. Descriptive data are presented about housing costs in a number of different sized model subdivisions, and regression analysis of over 1247 individual lots reveals aggressive rent-seeking developer practices that lead to: (i) high levels of default and repossession; followed by (ii) resale (flips) of lots to other unwary buyers; and (iii) rapid “flipping” (re-sale) of lots by developers soon after repossession. Informal (seller) financing at high interest rates, combined with high private transportation and other consumption costs associated with low-income residence in peri-urban areas leave little cash surplus for self-building and home improvement such that housing conditions are among the worst in the State, and often worse than self-built homes in the colonias that the MSs were designed to replace. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the implications for theory and for a new round of public policy responses.
Compressive and Entrapment Neuropathies of the Upper and Lower Extremities

This condition is produced by the impingement of the suprascapular nen e at the scapular notch or spinoglenoid notch. Proximal entrapment at the scapular notch results in compression of the suprascapular nerve and denervation of both the supraspinatous and infraspinatous muscles. Distal entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch results in compression of the infraspinatous nerve and denervation of the infraspinatous muscle only. Etiologies include paralabral cysts, scapular fractures, hematomas, rotator-cuff tears, overhead activities, soft-tissue and osseous tumors, vascular malformations, thickened transverse scapular or spinoglenoid ligaments, and iatrogenic factors.
Loss Through Betrayal: An Analysis of Social Provision Changes and Psychological Reactions

ABSTRACTResults of two retrospective studies suggested that romantic betrayal led to the loss of key aspects of social support from partners, most notably attachment, guidance, and reliable alliance with the partner. Furthermore, specific social provision losses were found to reliably predict recalled and current negative psychological states associated with romantic betrayal. Perceived attachment losses predicted postbetrayal anger and disgust, as well as trauma reactions following betrayal. In addition, a decline in reassurance of one’s worth following betrayal predicted embarrassment about the event, and the degree to which reliable alliance with the partner was lost predicted anxiety and shame.
Assessing the Impact of a Statewide STEM Investment on K-12, Higher Education, and Business/Community STEM Awareness over Time.

Despite monetary and educational investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) being at record high levels, little attention has been devoted to generating a common understanding of STEM. In addition, working with business, K–12 schools, and/or institutions of higher education to establish a grassroots effort to help community members understand the importance of STEM regarding the future prosperity of the United States in general, and specifically the preparedness of children for careers of now and the future, has been nonexistent. The purpose of our study is to assess the impact of a statewide STEM professional development program implemented for two years on STEM awareness over time among various community stakeholders (i.e., K–12 teachers, higher education faculty, and business members). STEM awareness and beliefs about STEM engagement, resources, student preparation, and careers all improved over time for all groups. However, business members had the greatest growth over time and held significantly higher awareness compared with the other groups in most areas. Our findings suggest that a statewide STEM partnership/network model is a viable option for growing collective impact and sustainability of STEM K–12 education.
Structural behavior of Pb y Bi 1.95-y Sr 1.49 La 0.4 Cu 1.15 O 6+δ for 0<y<0.53

In the Bi cuprates, the presence of a near 1$\times$5 superstructure is well known. Usually, this superstructure is suppressed by the substitution of lead, but there have been reports of a phase separation in so called {\alpha} and {\beta} phases. This paper shows in high detail time how and why the phase separation develops and what happens to the quasi-1$\times$5 superstructure upon lead substitution. For this purpose, the lanthanum- and lead-substituted single-layered superconductor Bi$_{2+z}$Sr$_{2-z}$CuO$_{6+\delta}$ has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. The La content was kept constant at slightly under-doped concentration while the Pb content was changed systematically. Thermodynamic considerations show that a phase mixture of {\alpha} and {\beta} phases is inevitable.
Predicative Frege Arithmetic and ‘Everyday’ Mathematics

HP asserts that the number of As is the same as the number of Bs just in case the As can be correlated one-one with the Bs. Fregean arithmetics are thus theories of cardinal numbers. Since HP quantifies over relations, the logic of a Fregean arithmetic has to be some sort of second-order logic, and how much arithmetic we can interpret will depend upon how strong that logic is. Now, the strength of second-order logic derives from the so-called comprehension axioms,2 each of which states, in effect, that a given formula defines a ‘concept’ or a ‘relation’: something in the domain of the second-order variables. These axioms take the form:
Stereoselective Allyl Enol Carbonates for the Synthesis of Chiral Aldehydes Bearing All Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters via the Decarboxylative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation (DAAA)

A stereoselective synthesis of carbonates derived from 3-hydroxy-2-aryl acrylates was devised that can form the Z- or E-stereoisomer in very high Z/E ratios (50:1 and 1:99, respectively). The stereochemical outcome depends on the choice of base, addition of TMEDA and reaction temperature. The Z- and E-stereoisomers have different reactivities towards the DAAA reaction, with the E-stereoisomer displaying both greater reactivity and enantiodifferentiation with chiral ligands. The DAAA of E-stereoisomer analogues takes place in excellent yields ranging from 96–99% and enantioselectivities ranging from 42–78% ee.
Computational Investigation of the n-Alkane/Water Interface with Many-Body Potentials: The Effect of Chain Length and Ion Distributions

Molecular dynamics simulations with polarizable potentials were carried out to investigate the n-alkane/water interface, including sodium-halide ion distributions. A new polarizable force field was developed for n-alkanes, which gave good agreement with experiment for liquid densities and heats of vaporization for different n-alkanes at different temperatures. Also, good agreement with experiment was found for alkane/water interfacial tensions for a variety of alkanes. Alkane/water interfaces with linear alkanes of different chain lengths had fairly similar properties, except that with longer alkanes, the interfacial width decreased. Water induced dipoles were reduced at the alkane/water interface in comparison with the bulk, but their induced dipoles were greater at the alkane/water interface than at the air/water interface. Furthermore, the water structure expanded at the alkane/water interface in comparison with the bulk, but this expansion was not as significant as at the air/water interface. Sodium-h...
Effect of health education in enterobiasis control

Propaganda and education were administrated on the enterobiasis prevention and treatment knowledge in health education pilot, and they were not taken in control point. The rates of Enterobius infection and awareness of the disease in the children of control point were not in significant difference before and after experimental study, and they were in significant difference in intervention point. Health education is in the significant effect in enterobiasis control.
REVIEW ON CURRENT TRANSDUCER BASED ON OPTIC FIBRE

Two basical concepts in making current transducer based on optic fibre (OCT) are described. The one, using transformer principle, has been adopted by a Chinese domestic made prototype, as well as by an ABB product. Their similarity and difference are discussed. Another concept based on Faraday effect is also expounded.
The importance of accurately characterizing lymphoproliferative disease.

The primary cutaneous CD30-positive (CD30+) T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders are a group of largely indolent diseases that manifest as nodules or tumors of the skin. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has developed a modification of the World Health Organization (WHO) lymphoma classification system that specifically categorizes these entities.
Bilingual language switching costs in auditory comprehension

ABSTRACTPrevious research on bilingual language switching and lexical access has demonstrated a consistent reaction time cost associated with producing a switched token. While some studies have shown these costs to be asymmetrical, with bilinguals evidencing a greater delay when producing switches into their dominant language relative to the non-dominant language, others have shown symmetrical costs, depending on individual (e.g. proficiency) and contextual (e.g. language mode) factors. The current study, employing an eye-tracking paradigm, extends this line of research by examining the potential for switch costs during auditory comprehension. Paralleling previous production-oriented research, results of the current study demonstrate flexible switch costs during auditory comprehension. Switch costs were asymmetrical in monolingual mode, with greater costs incurred when switching into the dominant language, and uniformly absent in bilingual mode. Results are discussed with respect to bilingual language sel...
First-Year College Students’ Time Use: Relations With Self-Regulation and GPA

How students manage their time is critical for academic performance and is an important component of self-regulated learning. The purpose of the present study was to examine relationships among fir...
Untangling the Relationship Between Spatial Skills, Game Features, and Gender in a Video Game

Certain commercial video games, such as Portal 2 and Tetris, have been empirically shown to train spatial reasoning skills, a subset of cognitive skills essential for success in STEM disciplines. However, no research to date has attempted to understand which specific features in these games tap into players' spatial ability or how individual player differences interact with these game features. This knowledge is crucially important as a first step towards understanding what makes these games effective and why, especially for subpopulations with lower spatial ability such as women and girls. We present the first empirical study analyzing the relationship between spatial ability, specific game features, and individual player differences using a custom-built computer game. Twenty children took a pretest of spatial skills and then played our game for 2 hours. We found that spatial ability pretest scores predicted several player behaviors related to in-game tasks involving 3D object construction and first person navigation. However, when analyzed by gender, girls' pretest scores were much less predictive of player behavior.
Overcoming Health Disparities: The Need for Communication and Cultural Competency Training for Healthcare Providers Practicing Virtually in Rural Areas

Abstract For individuals living in rural communities around the globe, health disparities resulting from limited access to medical care have become more prominent in recent decades. Residents of rural communities are more likely to experience greater levels of poverty, higher rates of chronic disease, and greater transportation challenges while living in areas where fewer physicians practice when compared to persons living in urban areas. However, technological advances now enable health professionals to address many of these disparities through healthcare delivered remotely. This viable, and so far proven alternative model for program delivery is known as telemedicine. Facilitating medical encounters through telemedicine for rural populations can increase healthcare efficiency, effectiveness, and reach while maintaining a substantial degree of interpersonal interaction. However, the introduction of telemedicine in any community alters the dynamic of the traditional face-to-face model of care, and providers and patients may find telemedicine to be challenging at first. Incorporating telemedicine into healthcare delivery necessitates that providers be trained, not only technologically, but also communicatively to ensure positive patient outcomes. Training for providers practicing virtually, across town or across the globe, must include an emphasis on cultural competency, shared decision-making, motivational interviewing, and empathetic communication in order to promote patient understanding and satisfaction.
Hemodynamic Assessment Before and After Endovascular Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia and Association With Clinical Outcomes

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine the relationship between change in ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI) and outcomes following revascularization of critical limb ischemia (CLI). Background An increase in ABI of 0.15 after revascularization for peripheral artery disease with claudication is considered significant. However, the utility of using change in ABI or TBI to predict outcomes in patients with CLI is unproven. Methods This was an observational study of 218 patients with Rutherford class V or VI CLI that underwent endovascular therapy. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis determined cutpoints in post-procedure ABI and TBI, as well as change in these values for endpoints of wound healing, major adverse limb events (MALE), and repeat revascularization. Results After multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for age, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate, smoking, Rutherford class, and baseline ABI or TBI, neither static post-procedure ABI nor post-procedure TBI were associated with wound healing (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77 to 1.89; p = 0.40; HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.98 to 2.27; p = 0.065, respectively). However, change in ABI ≥0.23 was independently associated with wound healing (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.12 to 3.15; p = 0.018) and less repeat revascularization (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.84; p = 0.015), but not MALE. Increase in TBI ≥0.21 was independently associated with wound healing (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.59; p = 0.039), and reduced MALE (HR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.77; p = 0.014), but not repeat revascularization. Conclusions A change in ABI and TBI from pre-procedural values provides prognostic value in determining which patients may have wound healing and reduced MALE.
Discovery from hyperspectral ALMA imagery with NeuroScope

We aim to add significant ALMA analysis capabilities for finding source regions with distinct kinematic and compositional properties. The NeuroScope approach is based on clustering with artificial neural maps and advanced knowledge extraction tools. It affords simultaneous use of multiple spectral lines and all velocity channels for discovery of complex structure and discrimination of subtle pattern variations.
Ultra-narrow linewidth quantum dot coherent comb lasers with self-injection feedback locking

We have used an external cavity self-injection feedback locking (SIFL) system to simultaneously reduce the optical linewidth of over 39 individual wavelength channels of an InAs/InP quantum dot (QD) coherent comb laser (CCL). Linewidth reduction from a few MHz to less than 200 kHz is observed. Measured phase noise spectra clearly indicate a significant decrease in phase noise in the frequency range above 2 kHz. The RF beating signal between two adjacent channels also shows a substantial reduction in 3-dB linewidth from 10 kHz to 300 Hz with the SIFL system, and a corresponding drop in baseline level (−27 dB to −50 dB).
Complex dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Correlative pathological anatomy.

The operative findings and pathological anatomy in nine patients with complex metacarpophalangeal dislocations correlated well with dissections in fresh cadaver hands. The single most important element preventing reduction is interposition of the volar plate between the base of the proximal phalanx and the head of the metacarpal. Of importance is an understanding of the three sets of transverse ligaments and their relationship to the volar plate: (1) the natatory ligament, (2) the superficial transverse metacarpal ligament, and (3) the deep transverse metacarpal ligament. Early active motion was encouraged, commencing immediately following open reduction, and resulted in a full range. In one patient, ten days of immobilization caused residual restriction of motion.
Image-based perceptual analysis of lit environments:

Modern lighting systems typically provide a number of control parameters, e.g. colour and intensity, which allows nearly infinite possible configurations in one single room. The growing complexity of control makes it increasingly challenging for the user to configure the system and fully utilize the additional degrees of freedom. In contrast, an intuitive control interface takes into account the perceptual meaning of the lighting configurations. Unfortunately, collecting user ratings to construct perceptual models for lit spaces is cumbersome. To address this problem, we introduce an image-based mapping method that can rapidly evaluate the perceptual impression of lighting scenes using photographs or renderings. We discuss potential applications, guidelines and limitations of this method. In summary, we were able to closely approximate ratings-based mapping (normalized dissimilarity value <0.04). Among three dimensionality reduction methods, principal component analysis achieved the lowest dissimilarity a...
Climate Change and the Inescapable Present

The crisis of climate change is a difficult phenomenon to conceptualize, particularly in light of how we experience time and how our consciousness works. It is an event that spans tense in ways that are difficult to pinpoint, and it provides no past precedent to shape our future anticipations. Furthermore, climate change encounters us at a moment when time also feels compressed. This paper explores climate change and its relationship to time by assessing how theatre, with its own phenomenologically unique qualities of time and experience, has portrayed these tensions. Utilizing phenomenological theories of time from Husserl and Heidegger, and drawing on philosophical and cultural theories of presentism, this paper examines how these ideas manifest in two climate change plays: Moira Buffini, Matt Charman, Penelope Skinner, and Jack Thorne’s Greenland (2011) and Stephen Emmott’s Ten Billion (2012). In conclusion, it is argued that theatre’s own conventions of time and space allows an inescapable present to exist, in which audiences are given a phenomenological experience of climate change that is otherwise unparalleled.
High tear strength polyurea foams with low compression set and shrinkage properties at elevated temperatures

Abstract The mechanical properties of low-density polyurea (PU) foams (150–300 kg/m3) are presented. The hardness, tensile strength, elongation, compression set, resilience, tear strength, and shrinkage were investigated according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test method D3574-08. The polyurea foams were then compared with widely used thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam technologies at similar densities. PU foams displayed similar values of tensile strength (0.4–1.5 MPa) and resiliency (37–41%) as TPU foams across all densities (150–300 kg/m3). However, on average, PU foams exhibited a 3% increase in elongation, 27% increase in tear strength, 130% decrease in compression set values, and 289% decrease in dry heat shrinkage values at a minimal 6% increase in hardness over TPU samples. Thus, PU foams show greater tear resistance, durability, and elasticity over TPU foams, even at prolonged periods of compression and temperature. These properties should allow these materials to have a wide range of cushioning/impact applications, especially in athletic footwear and protective body/headgear systems.
Highly Selective Synthesis of Pillar[n]arene (n = 5, 6)

An efficient and highly selective synthetic method toward the preparation of pillar[n]arenes (n = 5, 6) is reported, based upon a high solvent-dependent selectivity found in the condensation reaction between 1,4-dialkyloxybenzene and paraformaldehyde, involving methanesulfonic acid as catalyst. Pillar[6]arene (P6) is obtained as the major product when using chloroform as solvent, while in dichloromethane pillar[5]arene (P5) is the dominant product. Accordingly, a series of P5 and P6 have been selectively synthesized with excellent yield.
If You Build It, Will They Come?: Research into Students’ Use of an Open Educational Resource in Technical Communication

College students often do not buy their course textbooks. An increasingly common response to this problem is to provide Open Educational Resources (OERs). Research indicates that students like OERs and do as well in classes with OERs as with traditional textbooks. However, there is little to no empirical evidence about students’ actual usage of OERs. This study addresses this gap by examining Google Analytics data from a free, online Technical Communication textbook. Results indicate that many students did not use the OER. A small number of students accessed the OER regularly, and a small number accessed it occasionally. All students who used the OER skimmed the contents.
Observation Point Placement for Improved Logic Diagnosis based on Large Sets of Candidate Faults

Multiple defects are prevalent in early stages of yield improvement for a new technology. When a logic diagnosis procedure is applied to a faulty unit that contains a multiple defect, it sometimes produces a large set of candidate faults. Such a set includes extra candidates that do not match the defect present in the faulty unit. An earlier study indicates that a logic diagnosis procedure may prefer certain faults as candidate faults, causing them to appear as extra candidates in many sets of candidate faults. This points to the possibility of using a small number of observation points to eliminate extra candidates that appear often. This paper takes advantage of this observation to improve the quality of diagnosis by placing observation points. Experimental results for benchmark circuits demonstrate the effectiveness of observation points in reducing large sets of candidate faults.
Islam and Business Ethics

Of the three monotheistic religions, Islam is not only tolerant of but even laudatory toward businesspeople. Muhammad, himself, had experience as a trader, and there are passages in the Qur’an expressing approval of businesspeople and their practices. Islam, though, proved resistant to taking interest upon loans. Islamic leaders sometimes displayed a willingness to employ Jewish and Christians as administrators and business operators; such outsiders possessed two attractive characteristics: a greater prevalence of literacy and a reputation for honesty and probity.
A spatial analysis of borrowers’ mortgage termination decision – A nonparametric approach

Abstract This paper examines borrower’s mortgage loan termination behaviors (default and prepayment) by applying a nonparametric spatial model to a traditional loan hazard model. In this spatial hazard model, all of the parameters are allowed, but not forced, to vary across space. This means that borrowers in different locations are allowed to act differently with respect to changes in the termination incentives (e.g., changes in interest rates). Using a sample of 30-year fixed-rate subprime mortgage loans for home purchase, this study finds spatial variation in a borrower’s responsiveness to interest rate change and housing equity change in their decision to terminate a loan. The results further show that the nonparametric model offers improvements in the estimation of the loan termination probabilities.
Using Signal Detection Theory to Better Understand Cognitive Fatigue.

When we are fatigued, we feel that our performance is worse than when we are fresh. Yet, for over 100 years, researchers have been unable to identify an objective, behavioral measure that covaries with the subjective experience of fatigue. Previous work suggests that the metrics of signal detection theory (SDT) – response bias (Criterion) and perceptual certainty (d’) – may change as a function of fatigue, but no work has yet been done to examine whether these metrics covary with fatigue. Here, we investigated cognitive fatigue using SDT. We induced fatigue through repetitive performance of the N-Back working memory task, while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data was acquired. We also assessed cognitive fatigue at intervals throughout. This enabled us to assess not only whether Criterion and d’ covary with cognitive fatigue, but also whether similar patterns of brain activation underlie cognitive fatigue and SDT measures. Our results show that both Criterion and d’ were correlated with changes in cognitive fatigue: as fatigue increased, subjects became more conservative in their response bias and their perceptual certainty declined. Furthermore, activation in the striatum of the basal ganglia was also related to cognitive fatigue, Criterion and d’. These results suggest that SDT measures represent an objective measure of cognitive fatigue. Additionally, the overlap and difference in the fMRI results between cognitive fatigue and SDT measures indicate that these measures are related while also separate. In sum, we show the relevance of SDT measures in the understanding of fatigue, thus providing researchers with a new set of tools with which to better understand the nature and consequences of cognitive fatigue.
Spider use of caterpillar shelters

Although caterpillars commonly construct shelters on vegetation that other species subsequently occupy, few studies have focused on the spiders that often recruit to them. Fern moth larvae Herpetogramma theseusalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) produce large, roughly circular shelters on ferns that provide them with food and protection. Female jumping spiders Phidippus clarus Keyserling, 1885 (Salticidae) with brood or first-instar young made up over two-thirds of the spiders tallied in a study of abandoned fern moth shelters. The only other species tending young, the sac spider Clubiona bishopi Edwards, 1958 (Clubionidae), made up less than 10% of the total. Only eight species of spiders used these shelters, one-half to one-fourth that of three other studies and differing in the prevalence of jumping spiders, as opposed to a prevalence of sac spiders in the other studies. Although fern moth shelters provide important nest sites for two spiders, these sites did not enhance diversity of the spider community.
Geographic Variation in High-Priority Listing Status Under the New U.S. Heart Allocation Policy

Purpose After the implementation of the new heart allocation policy, U.S. transplant centers used more temporary mechanical circulatory support and listed more candidates at high-priority for transplant (Status 1 and 2) than expected. We hoped to study how this intended effect of the policy varies across the country. Methods We performed an observational cohort study of transplant center listing practices before and after the implementation of the new U.S. heart allocation policy using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We compared the initial listing data from adult candidates listed between December 2018 and February 2020 (post-policy cohort) to seasonally matched candidates listed between December 2016 and Febraury 2018 (pre-policy cohort). We used mixed-effect logistic regression model to estimate 1) each transplant center's expected and observed rate of high-prioirty status listing and 2) the association of organ procurement organization (OPO) characteristics with the effect of the policy. Results U.S. heart transplant centers (N=96) listed 4,472 adult candidates in the pre-policy period, and 4,498 in the post-policy period. Adjusted for changes in candidate characteristics, the odds of listing a candidate at high-prioirty status at the average transplant cetner was 534% higher than expected (OR: 6.34, 95% CI: 5.08 - 7.91). Centers were more likely to justify post-policy high prioirty listings with intra-aortic balloon pumps (40%) or exceptions (35%). Ninety-one out of 96 (94.8%) centers listed significnatly more candidates at high-priority status than expected, but the excess probability varied widely from 4.8% to 50.4% (IQR: 14.0% - 23.3%). Transplant centers in OPOs in the highest quartile for pre-policy Status 1A transplant rate were more likely to utilize high-prioirty statuses post-policy (OR: 9.70, 95% CI: 6.65 - 14.13) than those in OPOs in the lowest quartile for Status 1A transplant rate (OR: 5.52, 95% CI: 3.89 - 7.84). Conclusion Under the new heart allocation policy, almost all U.S. transplant centers listed more candidates at high prioirty status than expected, but there was substantial variability between centers. Centers in OPOs with a high proportion of Status 1A heart recipients in the pre-policy period were more likely to list candidates at high prioirty Status 1 or 2 after the policy update.
An experimental study of the solubility of rare earth chloride salts (La, Nd, Er) in HCl bearing water vapor from 350 to 425 °C

Abstract The solubilities of the rare earth chlorides REECl3, where REE = (La, Nd, Er), were measured in HCl bearing water vapor from 350 to 425 °C with water partial pressures ranging from 8 to 170 bar. Solubility data were fit to the Pitzer-Pabalan quasi-chemical model in order to extract thermodynamic parameters for the formation of the gaseous REE-chloride-water clusters REECl3(H2O)n. The data show that the solubility of the REE chlorides are orders of magnitude higher than salts such as NaCl or CuCl at low water fugacities, despite their sublimation energies being substantially higher. This enhanced solubility is likely due to the high enthalpy associated with binding a single water molecule to form the species REECl3(H2O), with derived enthalpies ranging from −378 to −465 kJ/mol. Addition of further water molecules to form higher order clusters (n > 1) involves enthalpy changes of ~−20 kJ/mol, and are in effect thermodynamically suppressed over the temperature range 350–425 °C. Despite the enhanced solubility of small REECl3 water clusters, simulations of boiling processes demonstrate that the REE show highly conservative behavior, partitioning strongly into the dense aqueous phase. Not surprisingly, the presence of phosphates in the system makes this effect even more pronounced, completely immobilizing the REE. This would reduce transport in both the vapor and aqueous phase to negligible levels. However, we suggest that vapor phase transport of the REE may play a significant role in systems having a relatively low partial pressure of water (below the saturation point), where the relatively high stability of the first hydrated REE chloride clusters (REECl3(H2O) and REECl3(H2O)2) will give a preference for gas transport of the REE relative to other elements. This can likely happen in systems involving a gas/melt exchange in fumarolic exhalations, where water vapor discharges at relatively low (close to atmospheric) pressures.
Economic Diversity and the Propagation of COVID-19: How Vulnerable is Your City?

The heterogeneity of social and economic systems in known to play an important role in the propagation of contagious pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This heterogeneity, usually attached directly to individuals can also be found systemically in age groups, income brackets, and other important population characteristics. In this article, we identify a set of heterogeneous factors, associated not with individuals but with geographic units that include metropolitan and larger conurbations, that correlate with worse outcomes with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. A key predictive factor is a lack economic diversity reflected in narrower occupational and industrial compositions. Although the exact mechanism by which these factors induce worse outcomes regarding the control of COVID-19 is not clear, one candidate explanation emerges in the stubbornness of work mobility, where units with lower economic diversity have populations that continue to go to work more than higher diversity units. The effect we identify is, in practice, as strong as many typically accepted drivers of disease propagation such as population.
Serum Lactate Level as a Predictor for Blood Transfusion in Postpartum Hemorrhage.

Objective Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. At present, there are no reliable clinical or laboratory indicators to identify which patients might require blood transfusions during a PPH. Serum lactate has long been used as an early biomarker of tissue hypoperfusion in trauma settings. The aim of this study is to understand serum lactate's role in the management of obstetric hemorrhage. Study design A retrospective chart review was performed of women who delivered between 2016 and 2019 at our institution and experienced a PPH. The patients were divided into two groups: those with a normal serum lactate level, defined as ≤2 mmol/L, and those with an abnormal serum lactate level, defined as >2 mmol/L. Need for packed red blood cell transfusion, as part of the resuscitation, was assessed for both groups. Results During the study period, 938 women experienced PPH. Of these, 108 (11.5%) had a normal serum lactate, ≤2 mmol/L, and 830 (88.5%) had an abnormal lactate, >2 mmol/L. Women with elevated lactate levels were more likely to receive a blood transfusion versus those with a normal lactate level (57.0 vs. 46.3%, p = 0.035, respectively). Additionally, the average number of blood transfusions administered was significantly higher in the abnormal lactate group versus in the normal lactate group (1.34 vs. 0.97, respectively, p = 0.004). In a multivariable linear regression model, increasing serum lactate levels were found to be predictive of requiring more than 1 unit of blood (p Conclusion Women with elevated serum lactate levels were more likely to require blood transfusions during a PPH versus those with a normal serum lactate level. Thus, serum lactate levels are useful as an early indicator of requirement for blood transfusion in the management of obstetric hemorrhage. Key points · Lactate is a biomarker for blood transfusion in trauma.. · Lactate's role in PPH is unknown.. · Elevated lactate predicts receiving more blood transfusions..
Distributed energy control in electric energy systems

The power interactions of any component in electric energy systems with the rest of the system happen naturally, as governed by the energy conservation principles. However, instabilities may get induced when the dynamics of power produced by local energy conversion and local control do not align with the incoming power dynamics from the rest of the system. To model and control such instabilities, this paper introduces a notion of a common variable shared by components called interaction variable. The same variable captures aggregate system-wide effects and sets reference points for multi-layered distributed output feedback control. It has a physical interpretation of instantaneous power and generalized reactive power. The higher layer design utilizes the interactive energy state-space model to derive intermediate reactive power control, which becomes a control command to the lower layer physical model. This command is implemented using either Feedback Linearizing Control (FBLC) or Sliding Mode Control (SMC), for which sufficient stability conditions are stated. This paper proves that the proposed design is fundamental to aligning dynamic interactions between components for stability and feasibility. Without loss of generality, we utilize a simple RLC circuit with a controllable voltage source for illustrations, which is a simplified representation of any controllable component in microgrids.
Borderlands of Blindness

Borderlands of Blindness is a well-written, well-researched study about the experience of being partially sighted, the metaphorical borderland referring to the state between complete sight and comp...
“Those that Have Most Money Must Have Least Learning”: Undergraduate Education at the University of Oxford in the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries

In the University of Oxford’s history, much of the eighteenth century has marked a low point in the university’s reputation. By reading it as a precursor to widespread changes the university underwent in the nineteenth century, historians have often characterized the eighteenth century as a convenient ‘dark age’ that later reforms dispelled. But patterns emerge from the testimonies of students and ex-students that point toward a very specific problem in this period, namely that the tutorial and lecture systems functioning at Oxford combined with the formal student hierarchy to undermine the quality of undergraduate instruction. Wealthy individuals entered into the top two categories of students who had access to private tutors and the heads of their colleges, but were also excused from most academic requirements needed to complete a degree. Individuals who fell into the lower classes of students had actual examinations and assignments to complete and more incentive to work hard. They had to share a few public tutors with the other students, however, meaning they received less individual attention and had less flexibility to pursue subjects that interested them. Thus, students with the most access to academic resources often had the least incentive to actually study and vice versa. As a result of money determining the quality of education a student received, rather than his desire to learn, instruction and discipline suffered across all ranks of students.
Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Alternating Copolymerization and Terpolymerization of Carbon Monoxide with α-Olefins

The copolymers of olefins with carbon monoxide are of great interest from at least three standpoints.1 First, as a monomer, carbon monoxide is particularly plentiful and inexpensive. Second, the presence of the carbonyl chromophore in the backbone makes them photodegradable.2 A third reason for the interest in olefin-carbon monoxide copolymers is that, because of the ease with which the carbonyl group can be chemically modified, the polyketones serve as excellent starting materials for other classes of functionalized polymers. In fact, about two dozen polymers incorporating a variety of functional groups have been previously synthesized1 from the random ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer (C2H4:CO > 1) made through radical-initiated polymerization. Since carbon monoxide does not homopolymerize, the alternating olefin-carbon monoxide copolymers (olefin:CO = 1) has the highest possible concentration of the reactive carbonyl groups. Additionally, the 1,4-arrangement of the carbonyl groups in the alternating olefin-carbon monoxide copolymers provides additional functionalization pathways3 (Fig. 1). For example, starting with the alternating ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer, we have synthesized novel polymers with interesting electrical properties.3b
Calculation of spatial weighting functions for ex-core neutron detectors

A mathematical model for ex-core detector response in pressurized water reactor (PWR) configurations is presented, based on the use of a spatial weighting function that is independent of core power...
Point-Based registration with known correspondence: closed form optimal solutions and properties

Point-based registration with known correspondence is often used as either a stand-alone method or a part of a more complex algorithm. The goal of this type of registration is to align two sets of points with the same number of corresponding points using a selected transformation type. Presented are closed form solutions for the transformation parameters that optimally align two point sets in the least squares sense for the following transformation types: rigid, similarity, rigid with nonuniform scales, and a linear combination of basis functions. It is shown that those registration methods whose underlying transformations form a group satisfy the identity, symmetry, transitivity, and distortion properties.
Arachidonic acid stimulates a novel cocaine-sensitive cation conductance associated with the human dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) exhibits several ionic currents that are either coupled to or uncoupled from the transport of substrate. Second messenger systems have been shown to modulate dopamine (DA) transport, however, the modulation of DAT-associated currents has not been studied in depth. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp method to record from Xenopus oocytes expressing the human DAT, we examined the effects of arachidonic acid (AA) on membrane currents. AA (10–100 μm) stimulates a novel nonselective cation conductance seen only in oocytes expressing human DA transporter (hDAT). The AA-stimulated conductance is up to 50-fold greater than the current normally elicited by DA, but does not appear to arise from the modulation of previously described hDAT conductances, including the leak current and the current associated with electrogenic transport. In addition, DA dramatically potentiates and cocaine blocks the AA-stimulated DAT current. DA potentiates the AA-induced currents in the absence of sodium and chloride, indicating that these currents arise from processes distinct from those associated with substrate transport. The effects of AA were mimicked by other fatty acids with a rank order of potency correlated with their degree of unsaturation, suggesting that AA directly stimulates the novel cation current. Therefore, AA stimulation of this DAT-associated conductance may provide a novel mechanism for modulation of neuronal signaling.
Pharmacotherapy of Retinal Diseases with Ranibizumab

The development of new, abnormal and leaky blood vessels, termed choroidal neovascularization, causes loss of vision and quality of life as a result of many ocular diseases. A current therapy for a leading cause of irreversible blind- ness in older people in the United States, age-related macular degeneration, is intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. However, ranibizumab has also been used off-label to successfully treat a number of other ocular diseases causing signifi cant ocular morbidity, including retinal vascular occlusion and diabetic macular edema. Despite its effi cacy, the association of detect- able serum levels of ranibizumab and arterial thromboembolic events in major follow-up studies since its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration as well as its high cost relative to the possible existence of cheaper, equally effi cacious alternatives has underscored the importance of understanding the mode of action and clinical utility of this novel pharmacotherapy.
Novel broadband through silicon via interconnect for three dimensional CPW transition

A novel broadband through silicon via (TSV) interconnect is proposed for three dimensional coplanar waveguide (CPW) transition. Simple truncation of CPW ground plane in the transition region to the via size improves return and insertion loss of the three dimensional CPW transition. The characteristic impedance in the TSV interconnect is evaluated and optimum position of GND via hole is found by three dimensional electromagnetic simulations. Performance of the back-to-back novel TSV interconnect is characterized by simulations and measurements. The return loss of the novel TSV interconnect is below 20 dB over 88 % of a 50 GHz bandwidth. The return loss is improved by 10 dB and the insertion loss is well behaved response up to 25 GHz and better than 0.2 dB/mm across the 50 GHz band.