cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A wind and Solar-Powered Autonomous Surface Vehicle for sea surface measurements

This paper outlines the development of the Wind and Solar Powered Autonomous Surface Vehicle (WASP), an unmanned autonomous long-range surface vehicle. We aim to develop mission specific systems to forecast environmental events and to trace the distribution of meteorological and ocean conditions over a long-term period (about 6 months at a time). The WASP consists of a 2.4 Meter Class Sailboat hull, a composite wing, a 2000 Watt-hour battery reservoir, a system of control actuators, a control system running from a LPC 2138 Development Board, a suite of oceanographic sensors, and potential power regeneration from both solar and wind energy. This paper briefly discusses the motivation for such system development, adresses key aspects of the design, comments on modeling, and concludes with recommendations of future work.
Oxidative Stress Mediates the Stimulation of Sympathetic Nerve Activity in the Phenol Renal Injury Model of Hypertension

Renal injury caused by the injection of phenol in the lower pole of one kidney increases blood pressure (BP), norepinephrine secretion from the posterior hypothalamic nuclei (PH), and renal sympathetic nerve activity in the rat. Renal denervation prevents these effects of phenol. We have also demonstrated that noradrenergic traffic in the brain is modulated by NO and interleukin-1beta. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the increase in sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in the phenol renal injury model is because of activation of reactive oxygen species. To this end, first we examined the abundance of several components of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (identified as the major source of reactive oxygen species), including gp91phox/Nox2, p22phox, p47phox, and Nox3 using real-time PCR. Second, we evaluated the effects of 2 superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinoxyl), and superoxide dismutase-polyethylene glycol on central and peripheral SNS activation caused by intrarenal phenol injection. Intrarenal injection of phenol raised BP, NE secretion from the PH, renal sympathetic nerve activity, and the abundance of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate and reduced the abundance of interleukin-1beta and neural-NO synthase mRNA in the PH, paraventricular nuclei, and locus coeruleus compared with control rats. When tempol or superoxide dismutase-polyethylene glycol were infused in the lateral ventricle before phenol, the effects of phenol on BP and SNS activity were abolished. The studies suggest that central activation of the SNS in the phenol-renal injury model is mediated by increased reactive oxygen species in brain nuclei involved in the noradrenergic control of BP.
High frequency of bronchogenic carcinoma after single-lung transplantation.

Background Lung transplantation is a commonly employed therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced lung diseases related to tobacco use. Little is known about the long-term incidence or risk factors for primary lung cancer after lung transplantation. To determine the frequency, clinical features and risk factors for primary bronchogenic malignancy after lung transplantation, we designed a matched cohort study of single and bilateral lung transplant recipients with extended follow-up. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 262 lung transplant recipients who survived ≥90 days post-transplant and assessed for the development of primary lung cancer. One hundred thirty-one consecutive single-lung transplant (SLTx) recipients were matched to 131 consecutive bilateral lung transplant (BLTx) recipients by native disease. Risk factors for lung cancer development were derived using univariate and multivariate proportional hazards models. Results Of the SLTx recipients, 6.9% developed primary lung cancer after transplantation as compared with 0% of the BLTx recipients (p = 0.002), after a mean of 52 months. Histologically, non–small-cell cancers were present in the native lung, which led to death in 67% (6 of 9) of the patients despite treatment. Significant risk factors for the development of primary lung cancer were increasing age (p = 0.004), >60-pack-year smoking history (p = 0.03), and SLTx as compared with BLTx (p Conclusions Single-lung transplant confers a significantly elevated risk of developing primary post-transplant lung cancer as compared with BLTx in patients with comparable native disease, age and tobacco history.
Predicting Future Brain Tissue Loss From White Matter Connectivity Disruption in Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— The Network Modification (NeMo) Tool uses a library of brain connectivity maps from normal subjects to quantify the amount of structural connectivity loss caused by focal brain lesions. We hypothesized that the Network Modification Tool could predict remote brain tissue loss caused by poststroke loss of connectivity. Methods— Baseline and follow-up MRIs (10.7±7.5 months apart) from 26 patients with acute ischemic stroke (age, 74.6±14.1 years, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 3.1±3.1) were collected. Lesion masks derived from diffusion-weighted images were superimposed on the Network Modification Tool’s connectivity maps, and regional structural connectivity losses were estimated via the Change in Connectivity (ChaCo) score (ie, the percentage of tracks connecting to a given region that pass through the lesion mask). ChaCo scores were correlated with subsequent atrophy. Results— Stroke lesions’ size and location varied, but they were more frequent in the left hemisphere. ChaCo scores, generally higher in regions near stroke lesions, reflected this lateralization and heterogeneity. ChaCo scores were highest in the postcentral and precentral gyri, insula, middle cingulate, thalami, putamen, caudate nuclei, and pallidum. Moderate, significant partial correlations were found between baseline ChaCo scores and measures of subsequent tissue loss ( r =0.43, P =4.6×10 –9 ; r =0.61, P =1.4×10 –18 ), correcting for the time between scans. Conclusions— ChaCo scores varied, but the most affected regions included those with sensorimotor, perception, learning, and memory functions. Correlations between baseline ChaCo and subsequent tissue loss suggest that the Network Modification Tool could be used to identify regions most susceptible to remote degeneration from acute infarcts.
The Association of Hospital Cost-Inefficiency With Certificate-of-Need Regulation:

Certificate-of-need (CON) regulations can promote hospital efficiency by reducing duplication of services; however, there are practical and theoretical reasons why they might be ineffective, and the empirical evidence generated has been mixed. This study compares the cost-inefficiency of urban, acute care hospitals in states with CON regulations against those in states without CON requirements. Stochastic frontier analysis was performed on pooled time-series, cross-sectional data from 1,552 hospitals in 37 states for the period 2005 to 2009 with controls for variations in hospital product mix, quality, and patient burden of illness. Average estimated cost-inefficiency was less in CON states (8.10%) than in non-CON states (12.46%). Results suggest that CON regulation may be an effective policy instrument in an era of a new medical arms race. However, broader analysis of the effects of CON regulation on efficiency, quality, access, prices, and innovation is needed before a policy recommendation can be made.
Hypoxia increases glucose transport at blood-brain barrier in rats

Prolonged hypoxia causes several adaptive changes in systemic physiology and tissue metabolism. We studied the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on glucose transport at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the rat. We found that hypoxia increased the density of brain microvessels seen on immunocytochemical stains using an antibody to the glucose transporting protein GLUT. In addition, we found that hypoxia increased the density of GLUT in isolated cerebral microvessels as determined by specific cytochalasin B binding. The higher GLUT density in isolated cerebral microvessels was evident after 1 wk of hypoxia and was associated with decreased activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase. Consistent with these findings, we also demonstrated that 3 wk of hypobaric hypoxia caused increased unidirectional transport of glucose at the BBB in several brain regions in vivo, as determined by the doubly labeled single-pass indicator-fractionation atrial bolus injection method in anesthetized rats. We conclude that chronic hypobaric hypoxia is associated with increased glucose transport at the BBB.
A gene-expression screen identifies a non-toxic sumoylation inhibitor that mimics SUMO-less human LRH-1 in liver

SUMO-modification of nuclear proteins has profound effects on gene expression. However, non-toxic chemical tools that modulate sumoylation in cells are lacking. Here, to identify small molecule sumoylation inhibitors we developed a cell-based screen that focused on the well-sumoylated substrate, human Liver Receptor Homolog-1 (hLRH-1, NR5A2). Our primary gene-expression screen assayed two SUMO-sensitive transcripts, APOC3 and MUC1, that are upregulated by SUMO-less hLRH-1 or by siUBC9 knockdown, respectively. A polyphenol, tannic acid (TA) emerged as a potent sumoylation inhibitor in vitro (IC50 = 12.8 µM) and in cells. TA also increased hLRH-1 occupancy on SUMO-sensitive transcripts. Most significantly, when tested in humanized mouse primary hepatocytes, TA inhibits hLRH-1 sumoylation and induces SUMO-sensitive genes, thereby recapitulating the effects of expressing SUMO-less hLRH-1 in mouse liver. Our findings underscore the benefits of phenotypic screening for targeting post-translational modifications, and illustrate the potential utility of TA for probing the cellular consequences of sumoylation.
Electronic Wave Functions for Atoms. I. Ground State of Be

A strategy is proposed to determine atomic wave functions by the configuration-interaction method (CI). A large nonoptimized set of Slater-type orbitals (STO's) is contracted into an orthogonal set of smaller dimension whose elements are natural orbitals (NO's) of a CI wave function which includes the Hartree-Fock (HF) configuration and, out of all possible double excitations, only those such that the HF orbitals are also NO's. Conceptual and practical arguments which justify such a procedure are given. A nonrelativistic calculation of the ground state of Be is made with an STO basis used earlier by Watson, but including $s$, $p$, and $d$ orbitals only. The final 180-term CI expansion (1492 Slater determinants) gives an energy $E=\ensuremath{-}14.664193$ atomic units (a.u.) (Be), which is about 0.00221 a.u. higher than a nonrelativistic estimate for this state, and the pair energies $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(1s, 1s)=\ensuremath{-}0.040869$ a.u., $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(2s, 2s)=\ensuremath{-}0.045104$ a.u., and $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(1s, 2s)=\ensuremath{-}0.005240$ a.u., are in excellent agreement with those found by Kelly by means of a many-body perturbation calculation, and also by Byron and Joachain, who used a variation-perturabtion method. Quantitative comparisons with all previous work on Be are made. Single excitations occur with large eigenvector components, but they become vanishingly small when NO's of the final wave function are used as the basis. The eigenvector components of quadruply excited configurations are closely related to those arising from a separated-electron-pair wave function without the strong orthogonality condition. The $\mathrm{spd}$ energy limit is estimated to be ${E}_{\mathrm{spd}}=\ensuremath{-}14.66453$ a.u. From considerations not involving relativistic corrections, the "exact" nonrelativistic energy is estimated to be lower than $E=\ensuremath{-}14.66639$ a.u. by no more than 0.0003 a.u. The "exact" pair energies are estimated to be $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(1s, 1s)=\ensuremath{-}0.04261$ a.u., $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(2s, 2s)=\ensuremath{-}0.04550$ a.u., and $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(1s, 2s)=\ensuremath{-}0.00530$ a.u. Details on all aspects of the calculation are given. Further work on several states of the first-row atoms is in progress.
Taming the Floor: Vote Skipping and Omnibus Spending Bills in the U.S. Congress

In this paper, I explore how parties exercise power in Congress. I analyze the legislative history of the annual appropriations bills over a 33-year time period to show how party leaders routinely use their agenda-setting powers to work around pivotal voters and advance their party’s interests. A primary job of party leaders is to assess whether or not the chamber floor is a friendly or unfriendly place for meeting the party’s goals. When it is friendly, leaders are likely to allow the floor to determine legislative outcomes. When it is not, they are likely to find ways to bypass the floor and find alternative means of meeting party goals. I demonstrate this point by analyzing the decisions of leaders to pass spending bills in omnibus packages rather than individually. I first present some theoretical expectations in a series of simple spatial models that illustrate how the incentives of majority parties to pass omnibus spending bills change depending on the location of pivotal voters in the chamber. I then show how the location of pivotal voters has varied over time as partisan polarization has grown, introducing two new variables to illustrate this concept: the majority-to-median distance and the majority- to-filibuster distance. I use DW-Nominate scores to identify the majority party’s median ideological position, and the distance of that position on the -1 to 1 scale used by Poole and Rosenthal to the chamber’s median voter and the filibuster pivot in the Senate. I hypothesize that leaders are more likely to adopt an omnibus strategy when this distance is larger rather than smaller. Taken as a whole, the evidence I present tells a compelling story. It suggests that party leaders create omnibus packages when the majority party’s median voter is distant from other pivotal voters. My analysis points toward the Senate as the main driver in the creation of omnibus spending bills. The combination of loose rules and a significant ideological distance between the majority party median and other pivotal voters in the chamber gives Senate leaders a particular incentive to use omnibus bills to impose discipline on the unruly Senate floor. Leaders appear to seek control over the floor by avoiding votes on contentious appropriations bills and instead wrapping those bills into omnibus packages that are hard to amend and difficult to oppose. Consistent with theories of party power, my findings suggest that party leaders can use their control over the agenda to work around the references of pivotal voters to meet party goals.
A Simple Technique for Determining Basic Collimator Characteristics

A simple technique for determining some of the geometric characteristics of focusing collimators is described. Data obtained with this technique on 25 different collimators were compared with those given by the manufacturer and in the literature, and many deviations from published parameters were observed. These differences demonstrate the need to evaluate collimators before clinical use, which can be accomplished easily by what we call the contact picture technique.
First-Row Transition Metal and Lithium Pyridine-ene-amide Complexes Exhibiting N- and C-Isomers and Ligand-Based Activation of Benzylic C–H Bonds

Ene-amines Z-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-aza(2,6-iPr2-Ph)propene, (pynac)H, and 2-(2-pyridyl)-1-aza(2,6-R,R′-Ph)propene, (pyEA-ArRR′)H, were synthesized by condensation procedures; corresponding lithium or potassium ene-amides were prepared via standard deprotonation protocols. Addition of 2 equiv of (pynac)H to {(Me3Si)2N}2Fe(THF) or 2 Li(pynac) to FeBr2(THF)2 afforded (pynac)2Fe (1), while treatment of CrCl2(THF)2, MnCl2, FeBr2(THF)2, and CoCl2py4 with 2 equiv of (pyEA-AriPr2)K afforded pseudotetrahedral (pyEA-AriPr2)2M (2-M, M = Cr, Mn, Fe) and (pyEA-AriPr2)2Co-py (2-Co-py). Diamagnetic (κ-C,N-pyEA-AriPr2)3Co (3) was prepared in low yield (∼7%) from CoCl2, and its Co–C(sp3) linkages are unusually low in field strength. Reactivity studies yielded little clean reactivity, but thermolysis of 2-Co-py afforded the bis-indolamide derivative {κ-N,N-N(C6H3(2-iPr)CMe2C(Me)(2-py)}2Co (5-Co), and related thermolyses of 2-M (M = Cr, Mn, Fe), conducted on NMR tube scales, generated related 5-M (M = Cr, Mn, Fe) at roughly the s...
Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) analysis of polynomials

Abstract 2DCOS analysis of dynamic spectra, which can be approximated in the form of a polynomial function by the least squares curve fitting method, is carried out. Curve fitting provides a practical way of condensing a large spectral dataset in terms of a small number of fitting parameters and filtering out noise and superfluous spectral intensity variations from the raw spectra. Pertinent features of the findings are illustrated by using a simple simulated spectral data subjected to curve fitting with polynomials. Closed-form analytical expressions for 2D correlation spectra are obtained from the polynomial functions used for the curve fitting and their Hilbert transform counterpart. Such analytical expressions provide useful insight into the inner working of 2DCOS analysis, especially the role of slope and curvature of spectral intensity variations, in determining the signs of cross peaks used in the interpretation of 2D spectra.
Present and future of the water-energy-food nexus and the role of the community of practice

The paper discusses an integrated approach to the management of three primary resources: water, energy, and food (WEF), as these increasingly represent the greatest global risks because they are expected to be highly impacted by climate change, demographics, aging infrastructure, and other challenges in the twenty-first century. As background, the WEF nexus is defined; significant historical developments of nexus thinking noted; and important connections to systems-science theory presented. An interdisciplinary WEF nexus platform is defined and proposed to support scholarship and to be a bridge between science, policy, and the general community of stakeholders. The interdisciplinary nexus platform is then differentiated from more common discipline-specific approaches. A review of the WEF nexus history, important benchmarks, and the foundation in system-science theory are presented. The paper concludes with a call for a WEF nexus community of practice (NCoP) to promote and enable an integrative approach to develop and employ tools with the purpose of strengthening sustainable food security, increasing energy production, and bridging water supply gaps that have arisen in demands for both food and energy. The transdisciplinary platform created by the NCoP will carry strong societal impact while addressing the scarcity and sustainable management of these primary resources.
Analysis of HIV test results of client in a hospital in Nanchang City

Objective:To get the message of the distribution of the HIV infected persons and the AIDS patients,to effectively control the iatrogenic transmission of HIV.Methods:Collected patients' venous blood 5ml;used ELISA provided by Shenzhen Lizhu Company to do prescreening;retest HIV positive persons with double-hole,then collected the samples of the persons who are still detected positive in double-hole test again and send those samples to the AIDS laboratory of the JiangXi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention for further confirmation.Results: In 29325 serum samples,24 were confirmed positive,the positive rate was 0.08%.According to epidemiological surveys,75% were sexually transmitted,8.33%were transmitted through intravenous drug,and 16.67% were unidentified.Conclusion: Reinforcing the screening of medical institutions is one of the effective approaches of testing and controlling AIDS,and is a necessary method of restraining the iatrogenic transmission of AIDS.
Summating potential/action potential ratio in perilymph fistula

A prospective study of electrocochleography in patients with clinically suspected perilymph fistula was undertaken to determine its predictive value in that disorder. One hundred forty-four patients suspected of having perilymph fistula had electrocochleography performed--34 of these (39 ears) had exploratory tympanotomy. Of the 19 ears with normal preoperative summating potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio, ten had perilymph fistula identified at the time of surgery. Of the 20 ears with abnormal SP/AP ratio, 16 had perilymph fistula confirmed at exploration, 18 had resolution of symptoms after oval window and round membrane grafting, and only one ear had postoperative persistence of the abnormal SP/AP ratio. This study suggests that an abnormal SP/AP ratio is not only predictive of endolymphatic hydrops, but also of perilymph fistula (both problems of inner ear fluid imbalance). This study also suggests that, while abnormal SP/AP ratio is fairly specific for inner ear fluid imbalance, it is not sensitive.
Effect of Severe Hypoalbuminemia on Myelosuppression and Other Toxicities of High Dose Melphalan and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in AL Amyloidosis Patients

Background: High-dose melphalan with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) has been shown to extend survival as well as to induce hematologic and clinical responses in selected patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. The most frequent toxicities of HDM are profound myelosuppression and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Studies have shown that 80% of melphalan is bound to plasma proteins (60% albumin bound) with ~20% free. We hypothesized that AL amyloidosis patients with severe nephrotic syndrome and profound hypoalbuminemia might have greater free melphalan fraction and more treatment-related toxicity. Methods: Patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT between 2011 and 2014 with severe hypoalbuminemia (SH), defined as a pre-transplant serum albumin of ≤2g/dL, were studied retrospectively. The stem cell transplant database was queried for patient demographic information, pre-transplant albumin level, HDM dose, renal function, pre-transplant 24-hour urine protein level, time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment, and treatment-related complications. Patients with AL amyloidosis treated between 2011 and 2012 without severe hypoalbuminemia, defined as serum albumin level of > 2g/dL (WSH), served as a control group. Results: Of the 84 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT in this 4 year period, 16 (19%) with SH were identified. 41 patients were identified in the control group (WSH). There was no difference in the proportion of patients with all non-hematologic grade 3 or 4 adverse events between the groups. All patients suffered from expected grade 4 myelosuppression. The only statistically different non-hematologic grade 4 toxicity in SH was acute renal failure requiring temporary hemodialysis (n=4/16, 25% SH vs n=2/41, 5% WSH; p=0.05), with 1 subject eventually needing long term dialysis. There were no grade 4 mucositis or GI toxicities in either groups. The only statistically different grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity was lightheadedness (n=3/16, 19% SH vs n=0/41, 0% WSH; p=0.02). Conclusion: These data suggest that patients with severe hypoalbuminemia do not have more prolonged myelosuppression or GI toxicities when treated with HDM/SCT compared to those with higher serum albumin levels in AL amyloidosis. Grade 4 renal toxicity with acute renal failure requiring temporary hemodialysis (p=0.05) and grade 3 lightheadedness (p=0.02) occurred more commonly in SH than WSH group. In this retrospective study, we did not measure free melphalan concentrations in the blood. However, these data suggest that patients with severe hypoalbuminemia do not require adjustment of melphalan dosing. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Spatially modulated metamaterial array for transmit (SMMArT)

Borrowing from slow-light optics, a metamaterial-based transmit array is conceived that employs a low-group-velocity serial feed line. This feed configuration facilitates a new manner of physical implementation for fast-time spatial modulation of a radar waveform based on the development of a serial-fed slotted Clarricoats-Waldron waveguide, thus realizing a physical MIMO radar implementation that avoids the need for phase-shifters and requires only a single waveform generator. The theory and principles of operation for SMMArT are presented, as well as the electromagnetic design principles for the low-group-velocity waveguide structure. High-power and planar array manifestations are also discussed.
The pellicle and the membrane of the flagellum, flagellar adhesion zone, and flagellar pocket: functionally discrete surface domains of the bloodstream form of African trypanosomes.

This review develops the idea that host plasma proteins only interact with invariant membrane proteins in one of two structurally and functionally discrete domains on the BF surface
Measured and estimated water use and crop coefficients of grapevines trained to overhead trellis systems in California’s San Joaquin Valley

The use of overhead trellis systems for the production of dry-on-vine (DOV) raisins and table grapes in California is expanding. Studies were conducted from 2006 to 2009 using Thompson Seedless grapevines grown in a weighing lysimeter trained to an overhead arbor trellis and farmed as DOV raisins for the first two years and for use as table grapes thereafter. Maximum canopy coverage for the two lysimeter vines across years was in excess of 80 %. Seasonal (15 March–31 October) evapotranspiration for the lysimeter vines (ETLys) was 952 mm in 2007 (farmed as DOV raisins) and 943 and 952 mm (when farmed as table grapes). The maximum crop coefficient (K cLys) across all 4 years ranged from 1.3 to 1.4. These maximum values were similar to those estimated using the relationship where K c is a function of the amount of shaded area measured beneath the canopy at solar noon (K c = 0.017 × percent shaded area). Covering the lysimeter’s soil surface with plastic (and then removing it) numerous times during the 2009 growing season (1 June–14 September) reduced ETLys from an average of 6.4 to 5.6 mm day−1 and the K c from 1.07 to 0.93. A seasonal basal K c (K cb) was calculated for grapevines using an overhead trellis system with a 13 % reduction in the K cLys across the growing season.
Real Numbers, Sequences, and Limits

In this chapter we discuss the convergence of sequences, the completeness of real numbers in terms of the convergence of Cauchy sequences and the existence of the least upper bound of a set that is bounded above. We also discuss infinite limits.
Comparative performance of double-digest RAD sequencing across divergent arachnid lineages

Next-generation sequencing technologies now allow researchers of non-model systems to perform genome-based studies without the requirement of a (often unavailable) closely related genomic reference. We evaluated the role of restriction endonuclease (RE) selection in double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) by generating reduced representation genome-wide data using four different RE combinations. Our expectation was that RE selections targeting longer, more complex restriction sites would recover fewer loci than RE with shorter, less complex sites. We sequenced a diverse sample of non-model arachnids, including five congeneric pairs of harvestmen (Opiliones) and four pairs of spiders (Araneae). Sample pairs consisted of either conspecifics or closely related congeneric taxa, and in total 26 sample pair analyses were tested. Sequence demultiplexing, read clustering and variant calling were performed in the pyRAD program. The 6-base pair cutter EcoRI combined with methylated site-specific 4-base pair cutter MspI produced, on average, the greatest numbers of intra-individual loci and shared loci per sample pair. As expected, the number of shared loci recovered for a sample pair covaried with the degree of genetic divergence, estimated with cytochrome oxidase I sequences, although this relationship was non-linear. Our comparative results will prove useful in guiding protocol selection for ddRADseq experiments on many arachnid taxa where reference genomes, even from closely related species, are unavailable.
Donors: Give—OK; Get—Not

The current state of campaign finance laws is undermining the democratic system, yet various limits on the amounts that can be donated were considered by the Supreme Court to violate the First Amendment. This article proposes that instead of focusing on limiting what people can give to politicians seeking office — limiting what they can get in return for their contributions. Cases of mutually-beneficial exchange should be treated as bribery, so long as the benefit applies to the contributor in a discriminatory manner. For this approach to be successful, the current interpretation of quid pro quo corruption needs to be modified.
Minimally invasive surgery to improve time to chemotherapy in colon cancer: Compliance to the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer quality metrics.

712Background: One of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACS CoC) quality measures in colon cancer is receipt of chemotherapy (CT) in Stage III disease within 120 days of diagnosis. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been associated with faster recovery times. The aim of this study is to assess whether MIS improves compliance to this metric. Methods: Stage III colon cancer patients 80 years old and younger from 2010 to 2012 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Demographic, tumor and treatment characteristics were evaluated including receipt of CT and surgical approach. Uni- and multi-variate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with CT compliance. Results: Of the 19,963 patients identified, 14,901(74.6%) were compliant while 5,062 (25.3%) were not. Of the patients who were non-compliant, 956 (4.8%) received CT after 120 days. Surgical approach was significantly different between CT compliant and non-compliant groups (MIS 28% vs 32%,p < 0.000). Uni- an...
Monitoring of carbon monoxide in residences with bulk wood pellet storage in the Northeast United States.

ABSTRACTThe interest in biomass fuel is continuing to expand globally and in the northeastern United States as wood pellets are becoming a primary source of fuel for residential and small commercial systems. Wood pellets for boilers are often stored in basement storage rooms or large bag-type containers. Due to the enclosed nature of these storage areas, the atmosphere may exhibit increased levels of carbon monoxide. Serious accidents in Europe have been reported over the last decade in which high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) have been found in or near bulk pellet storage containers. The aim of this study was to characterize the CO concentrations in areas with indoor storage of bulk wood pellets. Data was obtained over approximately 7 months (December 2013 to June 2014) at 25 sites in New Hampshire and Massachusetts: 16 homes using wood pellet boilers with indoor pellet storage containers greater than or equal to 3 ton capacity; 4 homes with wood pellet heating systems with outdoor pellet storag...
Hemodynamic studies of platelet thrombosis using microfluidics

Platelets contribute to thrombus formation in a variety of ways. Platelet adhesion, activation, and thrombus growth depend greatly on the type of hemodynamic environment surrounding an inciting event. Microfluidic systems may be used to explore these relationships. In this review, we describe some important considerations required in the design of a microfluidic system and identify some limitations that may require use of a macroscale system.
Defining Terms in Lists of Nomenclature

A hierarchical organization of terms with definitions for pediatric and congenital heart disease (PCHD) comprises a language or system of communication that can be used to accurately describe the diagnoses and procedures associated with developmental cardiac malformations as well as acquired cardiac diseases that affect children and may persist into adulthood. However, some of the existing terminology is regional, disorganized, redundant, ambiguous and imprecise. As such, an internationally accepted, cohesive and comprehensive set of terms with definitions for PCHD is required to unify the subspecialty. To achieve this goal, the mission of the Definitions Working Group (DWG) of the International Society for the Nomenclature of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease (ISNPCHD) is to create scientifically accurate, precise and concise definitions for all of the diagnostic and procedural terms encompassed by the International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code (IPCCC). A hierarchy and definitions for many of the parent terms of the IPCCC will also be used to populate the PCHD terms for the upcoming International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) published by the World Health Organization (WHO). The ongoing work of the DWG ultimately has the potential to create a universally accepted, cohesive and comprehensive set of terms for PCHD with scientifically accurate and clear definitions. The ultimate realization of this goal would greatly facilitate and improve international PCHD outcomes analyses and quality improvement strategies.
Systematic review of provider involvement in heart failure self‐care interventions

Background and purpose Heart failure is a global concern impacting patient outcomes. Self-care interventions improve self-care behaviors in heart failure patients. The impact of direct provider involvement on patient self-care outcomes is unknown in research. The purpose is to review self-care interventions for adults with heart failure and describe direct provider involvement versus no direct provider involvement on patient self-care behaviors. Methods Review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were independently selected, grounded in the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question, and predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria, including self-care interventions, adult heart failure patients, self-care behavior measurement, and 10-year publication. Quality assessment of studies was conducted. Conclusion There was a lack of data and quality studies to answer the PICO question. Comparison of variables that impact self-care behaviors is problematic because the interventions are heterogeneous, which limits interpretation of results. There were minimal studies with direct provider involvement. None of the studies conceptually addressed direct provider involvement. Implications for practice The involvement of providers, health systems, and patients in pragmatic research can impact the integration of research, policy, and practice. Strategies to decrease threats to internal validity need to be addressed as research is translated into practice.
Interactive Whiteboards in Mathematics Spaces: An Examination of Technology Integration in An Urban Middle School

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of integrating Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) technology on middle school mathematics achievement in an urban school. Propensity score matching was used to create a comparable control group in order to isolate the effects of IWB technology on mathematics achievement. An initial experimental group (n = 716) of ethnically diverse urban students receiving IWB instruction was matched to a control population (n = 856) based on propensity scores generated from demographic and ability data. Student achievement data were analyzed with 2 × 4 ANOVA to access treatment main effects and the effects of demographic variables such as gender, ethnicity, and ability. Ethnicity was a significant moderator of the effects. Specifically, a positive effect size was observed for White students, and the achievement gap was also reduced for Hispanic students. Implications for mathematics pedagogy with an IWB are provided based on these conclusions.
The Age of the Gharīb: Strangers in the Medieval Mediterranean

This chapter examines the migrations of a single loanword and loan-concept—the gharib, or stranger—across Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Armenian speaking communities. In particular, by analyzing the sermons and literary production of seminal figures such as Judah Halevi, al-Ghazzāli, Jalāl al-Din Rūmi, Yūnus Emre, and Mkrtich‘ Naghash, it argues that the gharib had utility as a referent across a dizzying array of religious and linguistic contexts. Therefore, because of the gharib’s unique ability to be simultaneously “native” and “foreign” at the same time, it serves as a valuable heuristic for considering the highly migratory nature of cultural production within the medieval Mediterranean world.
Zika virus vaccines

The recent epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas has revealed the devastating consequences of ZIKV infection, particularly in pregnant women. Congenital Zika syndrome, characterized by malformations and microcephaly in neonates as well as developmental challenges in children, highlights the need for the development of a safe and effective vaccine. Multiple vaccine candidates have been developed and have shown promising results in both animal models and phase I clinical trials. However, important challenges remain for the clinical development of these vaccines. In this Progress article, we discuss recent preclinical studies and lessons learned from first-in-human clinical trials with ZIKV vaccines.
Multimodal Evaluation in the Training of Psychiatrists

The young physician experiences a maturational process during residency training that involves fundamental changes in attitudes, identities, and abilities as a physician, a psychiatrist, and a person. A comprehensive multimodal evaluation methodology is proposed that provides information to the resident and faculty regarding the resident’s progress in each area. A detailed description of the implementation of a multimodal evaluation process in one residency training program is offered. A discussion of the advantages and limitations of this approach is also offered.
Gram scale synthesis of Fe/FexOy core–shell nanoparticles and their incorporation into matrix-free superparamagnetic nanocomposites

Significant reductions recently seen in the size of wide-bandgap power electronics have not been accompanied by a relative decrease in the size of the corresponding magnetic components. To achieve this, a new generation of materials with high magnetic saturation and permeability are needed. Here, we develop gram-scale syntheses of superparamagnetic Fe/FexOy core–shell nanoparticles and incorporate them as the magnetic component in a strongly magnetic nanocomposite. Nanocomposites are typically formed by the organization of nanoparticles within a polymeric matrix. However, this approach can lead to high organic fractions and phase separation; reducing the performance of the resulting material. Here, we form aminated nanoparticles that are then cross-linked using epoxy chemistry. The result is a magnetic nanoparticle component that is covalently linked and well separated. By using this ‘matrix-free’ approach, we can substantially increase the magnetic nanoparticle fraction, while still maintaining good separation, leading to a superparamagnetic nanocomposite with strong magnetic properties.
The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibody in different age groups in Central Texas.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of exposure to the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in Central Texas is unknown. It has been shown that elderly individuals have a higher rate of infection than younger individuals. Exposure is even higher in the elderly living in long term care facilities. Evidence of exposure can be demonstrated by the presence of antibody to H. pylori. Plasma samples collected from several age groups are tested for the antibody to determine the exposure rate for different age groups. DESIGN: An exemption was granted by the Texas State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) as the plasma samples had been previously collected for other types of laboratory assessments. Samples were tested with the Status H. pylori ® Immunoassay that identifies anti-H. pylori IgG antibody in plasma samples. SETTING: The research study took place in the Texas State University Clinical Laboratory Science Department. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Blinded in-patient plasma samples were used that had been previously collected for other assays. MAIN SOURCE MEASURE(S): The percentage of positive antibody tests is determined by age group. RESULTS: The chi-squared (X2) results for each age group expressed a p-value of 0.000. The age group, 41-60, had the highest rate of positive antibody tests at 24%. The second highest age group was the 61 and over age group at 17%. Third highest age group was the 21-40 age group at 16% positive tests. The lowest percentage testing positive was the 0-20 age group at 6% . CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of antibody in patients older than 40 years old than in younger patients. Curiously, the oldest age group (61 years or older) did not have the highest rates of exposure. Exposure rates were much lower than rates seen in other areas. ABBREVIATION: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid = EDTA, Statistical Package for Social Sciences® = SPSS®, Chi-Squared = X2
A New Measure for Continuity of Care: The Alpha Index

Continuity of care, and in particular provider continuity, is increasingly becoming a central aim of health care policy in a majority of clinical settings. Over the past three decades, a number of statistics have been introduced to provide a quantitative measure of continuity, but generally speaking, all existing continuity measures each reflect either the concentration of providers or the sequential continuity in a series of patient visits-none reflect both. Since concentration is often considered as important as consecutiveness, an improved index, termed the alpha index, is introduced here. In simple terms, the alpha index is a weighted average of the concentration of providers and the sequential continuity. By combining these two aspects of continuity with a user-specified weight, alpha, this new index can be more satisfactory in evaluating overall levels of continuity of care. In this article, the underlying concepts of this new measure, as well as its statistical properties such as bias and consistency, are discussed analytically. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
Statistical Detection Model for Eddy-Current Systems

In comparing different eddy-current systems (or probes), it is convenient to base the comparison on the magnitude of the signal produced by a certain flaw size and type. However, as in any detection problem, the real effectiveness of such a system in detecting a given flaw is determined by the statistical variations in the flaw signal and the characteristics of the noise added by the system. Hence, the objective of this task has been to develop a statistical model for determining the probability of detecting a given flaw using an eddy-current system. Such a model would be useful not only for comparing different systems, but also for optimizing the detection process. This optimization would consist of using the model to select the probe and operating frequency(ies) that maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
A Note on the Stability of a Solidifying Material in an Under-Cooled Melt in the Presence of Convection

A calculation shows that convection provides slight stability to the morphology of a pure substance growing in an under-cooled melt provided that the surface tension is not very small or if the under-cooling is very small. A surprise of sorts turns up when gravity is reversed and the liquid melt acts like it is heated from above for here the perturbed convective fields destabilize the interface further moving the critical wavelengths to smaller values.
Model-assisted validation of a strain-based dense sensor network

Recent advances in sensing are empowering the deployment of inexpensive dense sensor networks (DSNs) to conduct structural health monitoring (SHM) on large-scale structural and mechanical systems. There is a need to develop methodologies to facilitate the validation of these DSNs. Such methodologies could yield better designs of DSNs, enabling faster and more accurate monitoring of states for enhancing SHM. This paper investigates a model-assisted approach to validate a DSN of strain gauges under uncertainty. First, an approximate physical representation of the system, termed the physics-driven surrogate, is created based on the sensor network configuration. The representation consists of a state-space model, coupled with an adaptive mechanism based on sliding mode theory, to update the stiffness matrix to best match the measured responses, assuming knowledge of the mass matrix and damping parameters. Second, the physics-driven surrogate model is used to conduct a series of numerical simulations to map damages of interest to relevant features extracted from the synthetic signals that integrate uncertainties propagating through the physical representation. The capacity of the algorithm at detecting and localizing damages is quantified through probability of detection (POD) maps. It follows that such POD maps provide a direct quantification of the DSNs’ capability at conducting its SHM task. The proposed approach is demonstrated using numerical simulations on a cantilevered plate elastically restrained at the root equipped with strain gauges, where the damage of interest is a change in the root’s bending rigidity.
Analytical Modeling of Micromechanical Stress Variations in Continuos Fiber-Reinforced Composites

The micromechanical stresses that arise within each phase (i.e., fiber, matrix, interphase) of a fiber-reinforced composite material under three-dimensional mechanical and hygrothermal loading are investigated analytically. An elasticity solution is developed for the case in which the fibers are arranged in a regular, periodic array. The model accounts for fiber-fiber interactions, multiple interphases, cylindrically-orthotropic and temperature- and moisture-dependent material properties. In addition to modeling micromechanical stress states, the model is used to calculate composite properties using knowledge of the stress variation in the individual phases present in the material system. The elasticity solutions developed herein are more accurate, more computationally efficient, and less numerically sensitive (in the modeling of thin interphases) than an equivalent finite element model. Results presented in this paper include the effect of interphase stiffness on the stress distribution in a composite lamina subjcted to tranverse loading. The study suggests that there is an “optimum” interphase stiffness which minimizes the stress concentration in the matrix region. Comparisons performed with a concentric cylinder model suggest that an appropriate interphase region can reduce the extreme stress variations caused by fiber-fiber interaction.