cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology transfer—A growing problem

A joint National Academy of Sciences (NAS)-Department of Defense (DOD) panel on the subject of technology transfer, which usually means giving away valuable industrial and perhaps unclassified military designs and information, set national guidelines in its recent report (Eos, October 5, p. 801). The results could affect the freedom of publication and public presentation of geophysical research. An aspect of the problem surfaced in mid-August of this year, when, at the 26th annual technical symposium of the Society of Photooptical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) DOD suddenly censored from presentation at the meeting something close to 100 papers, many of which were on applications of infrared technology and its transmission in the atmosphere. A number of the papers had apparent potential to the military, but none of the research was classified. Generally, research contracts with university professors contain nothing about obtaining clearance before presenting the results at professional meetings, but there are rules that apply, to wit the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Also, the Department of Commerce has export control regulations that could be invoked. The censorship at the San Diego meeting has caused considerable clamor within the scientific community, starting with a report about the SPIE events that was published in Science News (Sept. 4, 1982) as ‘Remote Censoring: DOD Blocks Symposium Papers.’
Providing Social Support May Be More Beneficial Than Receiving It Results From a Prospective Study of Mortality

This study examines the relative contributions of giving ver- sus receiving support to longevity in a sample of older married adults. Baseline indicators of giving and receiving support were used to predict mortality status over a 5-year period in the Changing Lives of Older Couples sample. Results from logistic regression analyses indicated that mortality was significantly reduced for individuals who reported provid- ing instrumental support to friends, relatives, and neighbors, and indi- viduals who reported providing emotional support to their spouse. Receiving support had no effect on mortality once giving support was taken into consideration. This pattern of findings was obtained after controlling for demographic, personality, health, mental health, and marital-relationship variables. These results have implications for un- derstanding how social contact influences health and longevity.
Modeling hybrid domains using process description language

In previous work, action languages have predominantly been concerned with domains in which values are static unless changed by an action. Real domains, however, often contain values that are in constant change. In this paper we introduce an action language for modeling such hybrid domains called the process description language. We discuss the syntax and semantics of the language, model an example using this language, and give a provenly correct translation into answer set programming.
Latin@ advocacy in the hyphen: Faculty identity and commitment in a hispanic-serving institution

This study examines our experiences as female junior scholars with multicultural backgrounds teaching at the same Hispanic‐serving institution. As education scholars with mixed‐heritage families, we identify with the commitment to serving Latinos and the number of mixed‐heritage people in the USA. The election of Barack Obama, whose racial background is both black and white, to the US presidency signifies the emergence of mixed‐heritage people as a demographic presence in this country. Our research suggests that more understanding is needed about the experiences of mixed‐heritage faculty in academia, as well as the ways in which faculty from any background may develop multiple affiliations with cultural communities and pursue professional agendas related to communities that they do not neatly fit into. Despite this variation in backgrounds and research agendas, we share our efforts in advancing Latin@ educational attainment.
Ducational Choice and Vouchers—Where do You Stand?

the advocates and opponents of the voucher/choice concept are adamant about their views on the subject. Where do you stand? the authors offer a questionnaire that allows readers to examine their own views about vouchers and choice.
Open-Source Real-Time Robot Operation and Control System for Highly Dynamic, Modular Machines

The control system of a highly dynamic robot requires the ability to respond quickly to changes in the robot’s state. This type of system is needed in varying fields such as dynamic locomotion, multicopter control, and human-robot interaction. Robots in these fields require software and hardware capable of hard real-time, high frequency control. In addition, the application outlined in this paper requires modular components, remote guidance, and mobile control. The described system integrates a computer on the robot for running a control algorithm, a bus for communicating with microcontrollers connected to sensors and actuators, and a remote user interface for interacting with the robot. Current commercial solutions can be expensive, and open source solutions are often time consuming. The key innovation described in this paper is the building of a control system from existing - mostly open source - components that can provide realtime, high frequency control of the robot. This paper covers the development of such a control system based on ROS, OROCOS, and EtherCAT, its implementation on a dynamic bipedal robot, and system performance test results.
Power flow studies using principal component analysis

This paper employs principal component analysis (PCA), a data mining technique, to study power flow. A simulation-based process is established to perform the study, which consists of steps such as system linearization, training data construction, PCA analysis and results interpretation. The PCA results are presented in a straightforward manner, and interpreted from power system perspective. The conclusions not only are consistent with the well-known facts such as PQ decoupling, but also discover hidden facts such as correlation pattern among input variables and state variables. The proposed power flow study method is not only a helpful tool for power system operators in practice, but also beneficial for engineering students in study.
A Comparison of Inert Trace Constituent Transport between the University of Wisconsin Isentropic–Sigma Model and the NCAR Community Climate Model

Abstract Five- and 10-day inert trace constituent distributions prognostically simulated with the University of Wisconsin (UW) hybrid isentropic–sigma (θ–σ) model, the nominally identical UW sigma (σ) model, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model 2 (CCM2) are analyzed and compared in this study. The UW θ–σ and σ gridpoint models utilize the flux form of the primitive equations, while CCM2 is based on the spectral representation and uses semi-Lagrangian transport (SLT) for trace constituents. Results are also compared against a version of the CCM that uses spectral transport for the trace constituent. These comparisons 1) contrast the spatial and temporal evolution of the filamentary transport of inert trace constituents simulated with the UW θ–σ and σ models against a “state of the art” GCM under both isentropic and nonisentropic conditions and 2) examine the ability of the models to conserve the initial trace constituent maximum value during 10-day integrations. Results ...
News Content, Investor Misreaction, and Stock Return Predictability

Using a large dataset of news releases, we study instances of investors’ mistaken reaction, or misreaction, to news. We define misreaction as stock prices moving in the direction opposite to the news when it is released. We find that news tone predicts returns in the cross-section only upon the occurrence of misreaction. Stocks that are larger, more liquid, more visible, and more covered, by analysts or by the media, are less likely to exhibit misreaction. On the other hand, the ambiguity and complexity of news content, and variables that proxy for investor distraction, are all associated with more misreaction and greater predictability.
Ofatumumab and Lenalidomide for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Correlation between Responses and Immune Characteristics

Purpose: We evaluated efficacy and tolerability of the combination of ofatumumab and lenalidomide in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and explored whether immune system characteristics could influence the response to treatment. Experimental Design: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this phase II study. Ofatumumab was administered at a dose of 300 mg on day 1, 1,000 mg on days 8, 15, and 22 during course 1, 1,000 mg on day 1 during courses 3–6, and once every other course during courses 7–24 (28-day courses). Oral lenalidomide (10 mg daily) was started on day 9 and continued for as long as a clinical benefit was observed. Results: The overall response rate was 71%. Eight patients (24%) achieved a complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete recovery of blood counts, including 9% with minimal residual disease-negative CR. The median progression-free survival was 16 months, and the estimated 5-year survival was 53%. The most common treatment-related toxicity was neutropenia (grade >2 in 18% of the 574 patient courses). The most frequent infectious complications were pneumonia and neutropenic fever (24% and 9% of patients, respectively). We observed that patients who achieved a CR had at baseline higher numbers and a better preserved function of T cells and natural killer cells compared with non-responders. Conclusions: The combination of ofatumumab and lenalidomide is a well-tolerated regimen that induces durable responses in the majority of patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. Our correlative data suggest a role of competent immune system in supporting the efficacy of this treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2359–67. ©2016 AACR .
Razor clam-inspired burrowing in dry soil

Abstract RoboClam is a biomimetic burrowing robot that imitates the valve expansion/contraction digging pattern of the Atlantic razor clam, Ensis directus , to dig into submerged soil using an order of magnitude less energy than would be required to push into the soil with brute force. This paper examines whether it would theoretically be possible to use the same method to dig into dry soil. The stress state of the soil around the contracting robot was analyzed, and a target zero-stress state for dry soil digging was found. Then, the two possible modes of soil collapse were investigated and used to determine how quickly the robot would have to contract to achieve the target zero-stress state. It was found that for most dry soils, a RoboClam-like device would have to contract in 0.02 s, a speed slightly faster than the current robot is capable of, but still within the realm of possibility for a similar machine. These results suggest that the biomimetic approach successfully used by RoboClam to dig into submerged soil could feasibly be used to dig into dry soil as well.
Effect of Compression Ratio on Stratified-Charge Direct- Injection Gasoline Combustion

Charge cooling due to fuel evaporation in a direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engine typically allows for an increased compression ratio relative to port fuel injection (PFI) engines. It is clear that this results in a thermal efficiency improvement at part load for homogenous-charge DISI engines. However, very little is known regarding the effect of compression ratio on stratified charge operation. In this investigation, DISI combustion data have been collected on a single cylinder engine equipped with a variable compression ratio feature. The results of experiments performed in stratified-charge direct injection (SCDI) mode show that despite its over-advanced phasing, thermal conversion efficiency improves with higher compression ratios. This benefit is quantified and dissected through an efficiency analysis. Furthermore, since the engine was equipped with both wall-guided Dl and PFI systems, direct comparisons are made at part load for fuel consumption and emissions. Interestingly, combustion efficiency deteriorates in SCDI mode as compression ratio increases, albeit not due to crevice loading as is the case in PFI operation. Mechanisms for the observed hydrocarbon emissions behavior are suggested for change in load and compression ratio. The conclusions reached in this investigation provide an experimental basis for adequately selecting a compression ratio in SCDI engines.
The Impact of Hotel Website Quality on Customer Reservation

This study focuses on the discussion of the relationship between the website design and customer reservations in Las Vegas, specifically, how important the website quality is to hotels and how the features affect the Internet bookings. Since the online market is growing and becoming more and more competitive, hotels are investigating an effective way to keep customers making reservation directly through the hotel’s own website, such as providing lowest guarantee rates, promoting loyalty points and cooperating with online travel agents. Consumers expect websites that are informative, attractive and engaging. Usability, security, personalization, usefulness, responsiveness and information content are the dimensions of web quality as classified. In addition, customer’s perception of website quality influences the customer’s satisfaction and the purchase intentions for online reservations. Therefore, hoteliers should learn to improve the website quality in order to drive business developments, improve clients’ online booking experiences and deliver results.
Morally Good and Morally Right

Let us understand at the outset that by "morally good" we mean the state of possessing what is generally regarded as good character, rooted in virtue, in the broad sense of this term that embraces a variety of particular virtues such as courage, justice, temperance and the like. It is the meaning behind such popular expressions as 'he is a man of upright character', 'a solid citizen', or, simply, 'he is a good man'. Let us understand by 'morally right' the individually right or good actions a man performs, as in such expressions as 'he acted bravely', 'he made the right decision', or, simply, 'he did the right thing'. How closely are the two related? Presumably, being morally good and doing what is morally right cannot be identified, though one is ever tempted to wonder why not. Yet we know from the experience of others, if not of ourselves, that a morally good man is quite capable of not doing what is morally right, and often enough does not. On the other hand, there clearly seems to be some connection between being morally good and doing the morally right thing, even allowing for the fact that an admittedly bad man, in the moral sense, can do the right thing at times. This question of the relationship between morally good and morally right is, of course, an old one; indeed, it is one faced often enough by Plato and Aristotle in ancient times, not to mention many subsequent thinkers. Various themes have been pursued in investigating the matter resulting in quite different resolutions. The very persistence of the problem shows both the difficulty posed by the question as well as the central importance for human con duct the question has, and this is reason enough for raising the problem again. Moreover, there are at least two current points of view which provoke further consideration of the matter. The first point of view is found principally in the existentialist approach to the moral order. Although there is always some in herent risk in generalizing a point of view among a variety of writers, nevertheless it can be fairly said that an existentialist ap proach to the question of the relation of being morally good and
Providing Environmental Support Through the Use of a Visual Channel

Many studies have shown that individuals experience more communication difficulties as they age, and that older adults rely on the visual modality to compensate for these difficulties. Therefore, the addition of a visual channel to a pre-existing audio channel could mitigate some of the communication difficulties experienced by older adults. Currently, the use of this video-mediated communication can be found in telemedicine settings. This research was designed to investigate the potential benefits of visual information for younger and older adults when performing an instruction following task in a telemedicine setting. The task was to load a medication organizer. The dependent variables were the time to complete the task, the accuracy of performance, memory for the medication regimen, and subjective mental workload. Results revealed benefits for the video channel in both age groups. However, the benefits were evident only for memory and workload measures, not for task performance. This study is an import...
Application of the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) to Space System Safety and Reliability Assessment

This paper describes how safety and reliability for space systems can be modeled and assessed using the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) and its Error Model Annex. AADL can graphically represent systems at multiple levels of abstraction. Therefore, analyses can be performed early and often throughout the development process. Thus, changes necessary to achieve system dependability requirements or objectives can be identified when the cost and schedule impacts are minimal. We discuss how the AADL and its Error Model Annex are used for automated generation of a reliability/dependability model and failure modes and effects analyses (FMEA). We then describe a tool set to graphically create AADL system architecture and error behavior files that are then transformed into Stochastic Petri Nets (SPN) and Stochastic Activity Network (SAN) Extensible Markup Language (XML) representations. We conclude by demonstrating the tool set using a generic satellite as an example.
Gender and racial/ethnic differences in binge eating symptoms in a nationally representative sample of adolescents in the United States.

Abstract Objective Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder in the U.S. adolescent population. Both BED and subthreshold binge eating disorder (SBED) are associated with physical and mental health problems. Gender and racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of binge eating in a nationally representative sample of adolescents have been reported but have not yet been assessed in relation to individual symptoms of binge eating. We examined gender and racial/ethnic differences in endorsement of eight binge eating symptoms in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents. Methods We used data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A; 2001–2004), a nationally representative cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (n = 9336). We compared binge eating symptoms across gender and racial/ethnic groups using multivariable regression models. Results Females endorsed more binge eating symptoms than males associated with loss of control (‘eat when not hungry’) (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.37, p = 0.024) and distress (e.g., ‘afraid of weight gain while binge eating’ [aPR] = 3.29, CI = 2.43, 4.47, p Discussion Our findings suggest significant gender and racial/ethnic differences in binge eating symptom presentation. Future work should explore reasons for these gender and racial/ethnic differences and consider these differences when determining how best to prevent and treat binge eating in adolescents.
Promoting Family-centered Visitation Makes a Difference

Promoting parental and sibling visitation of the critically ill child can positively influence the resolution of a crisis when a child is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. There are many benefits as well as barriers to incorporating family-centered visitation into the plan of care. Understanding the needs, stressors, and coping styles of the entire family will help the nurse provide a positive experience when parents or siblings visit the critically ill child.
MEASUREMENTS OF THERMALLY INDUCED STRESS WAVES IN A THIN ROD USING BIREFRINGENT COATINGS

When an elastic body is heated rapidly, significant inertial stresses are developed if the imposed heating rates cause a substantial temperature change in times which are short relative to the mechanical response time of the body. This work describes a method for inducing and measuring the thermally induced elastic stress waves in an unrestrained thin rod. Rapid heating was accomplished electrically by discharging a low-inductance capacitor bank (0.1 μH, 2800 J) through the rod. Utilizing the frozen-stress technique, an initial fringe pattern was introduced into thin strips of a birefringent material securely bonded to each side of the rod. The longitudinal strain oscillations were measured by direct observation of the movement of the fringe patterns with a high-speed framing camera. Interpretation of these measurements required a dynamic calibration and application of a dynamic correction factor for the reinforcing effect of the coating. Oscillations with periods from 35 to 250 μsec and stress amplitudes up to 900 psi were measured and compared with the uncoupled thermoelastic theory. Good agreement was obtained, and it was concluded that this technique is suitable for transient measurements in the presence of large magnetic fields which normally restrict the use of electronic methods.
Introduction to special section on client-therapy interaction research.

The gap between intuition and research concerning the differential effectiveness of therapies is addressed in the current set of articles. Conceptual and methodological problems common to interactional research are discussed, and alternative research strategies are offered.
Distinct Membrane Disruption Pathways Are Induced by 40-Residue β-Amyloid Peptides

Cellular membrane disruption induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides has been considered one of the major pathological mechanisms for Alzheimer disease. Mechanistic studies of the membrane disruption process at a high-resolution level, on the other hand, are hindered by the co-existence of multiple possible pathways, even in simplified model systems such as the phospholipid liposome. Therefore, separation of these pathways is crucial to achieve an in-depth understanding of the Aβ-induced membrane disruption process. This study, which utilized a combination of multiple biophysical techniques, shows that the peptide-to-lipid (P:L) molar ratio is an important factor that regulates the selection of dominant membrane disruption pathways in the presence of 40-residue Aβ peptides in liposomes. Three distinct pathways (fibrillation with membrane content leakage, vesicle fusion, and lipid uptake through a temporarily stable ionic channel) become dominant in model liposome systems under specific conditions. These individual systems are characterized by both the initial states of Aβ peptides and the P:L molar ratio. Our results demonstrated the possibility to generate simplified Aβ-membrane model systems with a homogeneous membrane disruption pathway, which will benefit high-resolution mechanistic studies in the future. Fundamentally, the possibility of pathway selection controlled by P:L suggests that the driving forces for Aβ aggregation and Aβ-membrane interactions may be similar at the molecular level.
Mesangial glomerulonephropathy with deposition of IgG, IgM, and C3 induced by mercuric chloride. A new model

A mesangial glomerulonephropathy, characterized by the deposition of rat IgG, IgM, and C3 in the glomerular mesangium, was produced in Wistar rats by a prolonged administration of mercuric chloride (HgCl2). The HgCl2 was dissolved in sterile distilled water (0.2 mg. per ml.), and a group of 15 male Wistar rats was given injections subcutaneously three times a week on alternate days at a dosage of 0.15 mg. per 100 gm. of body weight for 27 weeks. A control group of nine rats was given injections of distilled water only. Mesangial glomerulonephropathy developed in 12 of 15 rats injected with HgCl2 and was characterized by the following: (1) coarse granular and nodular deposition of rat IgG, IgM, and C3 in the mesangium of all glomeruli, (2) absence of staining for rat albumin, IgA, and fibrin, (3) presence of electron-dense deposits in the mesangium, (4) focal and segmental proliferation of the mesangial matrix, (5) interstitial inflammation, (6) tubular atrophy, and (7) deposition of periodic acid-Schiff-positive material in the medulla adjacent to the thin limbs of the loops of Henle. Glycosuria and a slight increase in proteinuria were observed transiently in some rats. The blood urea nitrogen levels were normal in all rats. Eluates from the kidneys with heavy mesangial deposits contained rat IgG. However, the eluted antibody failed to react with normal rat kidney tissue components. None of the above findings were present in the control rats. The study provides a model of a mesangial nephropathy that seems to be immunologically induced; however, the mechanism for the formation and deposition of the immune deposits containing rat IgG, IgM, and C3, and the nature of the antigen(s) have not been elucidated.
Visibly-Transparent Organic Solar Cells on Flexible Substrates with All-Graphene Electrodes

Portable electronic devices have become increasingly widespread. Because these devices cannot always be tethered to a central grid, powering them will require low-cost energy harvesting technologies. As a response to this anticipated demand, this study demonstrates transparent organic solar cells fabricated on flexible substrates, including plastic and paper, using graphene as both the anode and cathode. Optical transmittance of up to 69% at 550 nm is achieved by combining the highly transparent graphene electrodes with organic polymers that primarily absorb in the near-IR and near-UV regimes. To address the challenge of transferring graphene onto organic layers as the top electrode, this study develops a room temperature dry-transfer technique using ethylene-vinyl-acetate as an adhesion-promoting interlayer. The power conversion efficiency achieved for flexible devices with graphene anode and cathode devices is 2.8%–3.8% at for optical transmittance of 54%–61% across the visible regime. These results demonstrate the versatility of graphene in optoelectronic applications and it is important step toward developing a practical power source for distributed wireless electrical systems.
Climate shocks and rural-urban migration in Mexico: exploring nonlinearities and thresholds

Adverse climatic conditions may differentially drive human migration patterns between rural and urban areas, with implications for changes in population composition and density, access to infrastructure and resources, and the delivery of essential goods and services. However, there is little empirical evidence to support this notion. In this study, we investigate the relationship between climate shocks and migration between rural and urban areas within Mexico. We combine individual records from the 2000 and 2010 Mexican censuses (n = 683,518) with high-resolution climate data from Terra Populus that are linked to census data at the municipality level (n = 2321). We measure climate shocks as monthly deviation from a 30-year (1961–1990) long-term climate normal period, and uncover important nonlinearities using quadratic and cubic specifications. Satellite-based measures of urban extents allow us to classify migrant-sending and migrant-receiving municipalities as rural or urban to examine four internal migration patterns: rural-urban, rural-rural, urban-urban, and urban-rural. Among our key findings, results from multilevel models reveal that each additional drought month increases the odds of rural-urban migration by 3.6%. In contrast, the relationship between heat months and rural-urban migration is nonlinear. After a threshold of ~34 heat months is surpassed, the relationship between heat months and rural-urban migration becomes positive and progressively increases in strength. Policy and programmatic interventions may therefore reduce climate induced rural-urban migration in Mexico through rural climate change adaptation initiatives, while also assisting rural migrants in finding employment and housing in urban areas to offset population impacts.
Keeping the Dream Through the CARE Model: Examining Strategies to Bridge the Gaps in Education Among Urban Youth

Ensuring the academic success for students of color in urban school districts in the United States has been the subject of numerous policies, reports, books, and articles. Despite the increased attention in urban schools highlighting the educational disparities including academic achievement, opportunity, and discipline gaps for students of color, school districts are improving. Yet, student outcomes such as graduation rates in these districts are not reflective of an improvement. In the scholarly literature, researchers have pointed to a plethora of academic and environmental reasons for the achievement gap and have proposed solutions to improve outcomes for students of color. However, not often discussed is the development of a comprehensive framework that addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and teachers to reduce the aforementioned gaps. To address this need, the chapter authors propose the use of a CARE model to address the gaps impacting students of color in urban school districts. The CARE model explores the role that (C) culturally relevant pedagogy, (A) attachment to school, (R) regulating emotions (mental health), and (E) expectations of teachers, play in narrowing or closing the gaps. Recommendation for research, policy, and practice conclude the chapter.
Influence of Technology Trends on Future Aircraft Architecture

In the last 30 years, aircraft performance has experienced diminishing returns in terms of efficiency, on the order of 1% reduction in fuel consumption annually since 2010. Meanwhile, according to ...
Social well-being is associated with less pro-inflammatory and pro-metastatic leukocyte gene expression in women after surgery for breast cancer.

Purpose Satisfaction with social resources, or “social well-being,” relates to better adaptation and longer survival after breast cancer diagnosis. Biobehavioral mechanisms linking social well-being (SWB) to mental and physical health may involve inflammatory signaling. We tested whether reports of greater SWB were associated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-metastatic leukocyte gene expression after surgery for non-metastatic breast cancer.
Embracing Wikipedia as a teaching and learning tool benefits health professional schools and the populations they serve

To paraphrase Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia co-founder, “Imagine a world where all people have access to high quality health information clearly written in their own language.” I believe that most health professional students endorse that goal, as do individuals who volunteer to contribute to Wikipedia’s health-related content. Bringing these two communities together inspired my team’s efforts: a course for medical students to earn academic credit for improving Wikipedia. Here I describe the evolution of that course between 2013 – 2017, and highlight ongoing partnerships with Wikiproject Medicine, Translators Without Borders, and Wikipedia Zero. These collaborations align with health professional schools’ local service missions. If more faculty and schools embrace Wikipedia as a teaching and learning tool for tomorrow’s health professionals, those local service missions suddenly expand into a truly global network—accelerating fulfillment of Wikipedia’s audacious goal. In this manuscript, I reflect on my experiences embracing Wikipedia as a medical educator, and speculate about potential implications for the future of health professional education globally.
Functional Movement Screening and Injury Rates in High School and Collegiate Runners: A Retrospective Analysis of 3 Prospective Observational Studies.

Objective:Determine if the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) can be used to predict injury in high school and collegiate cross-country and track runners.Design:Prospective Observational, Cohort Study, Level of Evidence, 2.Setting:High schools and colleges in the Central Ohio area.Patients:Inclusio
Female Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Mating Success Under Synthetic Sesiid Sex Pheromone Treatment

Field observations of virgin female grape root borers (Vitacea polistiformis Harris) were made throughout daylight periods under different pheromone treatments and doses. The pheromone compounds us...
Exact scattering by an elliptical ribbon inside a dihedral reflector

The scattering of an arbitrarily oriented and polarized electromagnetic wave by a metallic structure consisting of a semi-elliptical ribbon located inside a dihedral corner reflector is determined exactly, in the phasor domain.
Modular auditory decision-making behavioral task designed for intraoperative use in humans.

Abstract Background Neurosurgical interventions that require active patient feedback, such as deep brain stimulation surgery, create an opportunity to conduct cognitive or behavioral experiments during the acquisition of invasive neurophysiology. Optimal design and implementation of intraoperative behavioral experiments require consideration of stimulus presentation, time and surgical constraints. We describe the use of a modular, inexpensive system that implements a decision-making paradigm, designed to overcome challenges associated with the operative environment. New method We have created an auditory, two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) task for intraoperative use. Behavioral responses were acquired using an Arduino based single-hand held joystick controller equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer, and two button presses, capable of sampling at 2 kHz. We include designs for all task relevant code, 3D printed components, and Arduino pin-out diagram. Results We demonstrate feasibility both in and out of the operating room with behavioral results represented by three healthy control subjects and two Parkinson's disease subjects undergoing deep brain stimulator implantation. Psychometric assessment of performance indicated that the subjects could detect, interpret and respond accurately to the task stimuli using the joystick controller. We also demonstrate, using intraoperative neurophysiology recorded during the task, that the behavioral system described here allows us to examine neural correlates of human behavior. Comparison with existing methods For low cost and minimal effort, any clinical neural recording system can be adapted for intraoperative behavioral testing with our experimental setup. Conclusion Our system will enable clinicians and basic scientists to conduct intraoperative awake and behaving electrophysiologic studies in humans.
On the design of treatment schedules that avoid chemotherapeutic resistance

We introduce a method of designing treatment schedules for a model three-component replicator dynamical system that avoids chemotherapeutic resistance by controlling and managing the competitive release of resistant cells in the tumor. We use an evolutionary game theory model with prisoner9s dilemma payoff matrix that governs the competition among healthy cells, chemo-sensitive cells, and chemo-resistant cells and the goal is to control the evolution of chemo-resistance via the competitive release mechanism. The method is based on nonlinear trajectory design and energy transfer methods first introduced in the orbital mechanics literature for Hamiltonian systems. By using the structure of the trajectories defined by solutions of the replicator system for different constant chemotherapeutic concentrations (which produces a curvilinear coordinate system spanning the full region), we construct periodic (closed) orbits by switching the chemo-dose at carefully chosen times and appropriate levels to design schedules that are superior to both maximum tolerated dose (MTD) schedules and low-dose metronomic (LDM) schedules, both of which ultimately lead to fixation of either sensitive cells or resistant cells. By keeping the three sub-populations of cells in competition with each other, neither the sensitive cell population nor the resitant cell population are able to dominate as we balance the populations indefinitely (closed periodic orbits), thereby avoiding fixation of the cancer cell population and re-growth of a resistant tumor. The schedules we design have the feature that they maintain a higher average population fitness than either the MTD or the LDM schedules.
The washout curve in tracer kinetics

Abstract It is shown that the washout function for a stationary, open, compartmental system is strictly convex on any closed subinterval of t ⩾ 0. This results from the fact that the quantity of tracer in each compartment is monotone decreasing under the washout conditions. This property of the washout curve is shown to be a special instance of a more general theorem covering, among others, the class of matrices such that -A is an M-matrix.
Fitting Useful Planar Four-Bar and Six-Bar Linkages to Over-Specified Tasks

In this paper, we introduce a method to design useful four-bar and six-bar linkages that reach more than the five specified task positions used in Burmester synthesis of RR cranks. Similar to existing methods, we minimize the crank-length error in each task position, however our approach does not introduce penalty functions to eliminate defective linkage. Instead, we search user defined tolerance zones around the task positions to find defect-free, or usable, linkage designs. Finally, candidate linkages are ranked by average link length. A numerical example is provided for seven task positions for a four and six-bar linkage.
Effect of xylitol chewing gum on salivary Streptococcus mutans in preschool children

Dental caries remains a significant problem for poor children in the United States. One strategy for treating dental caries is to suppress streptococcus mutans, the chief pathogen responsible for the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of xylitol gum in salivary S. mutans levels in preschool children. Sixty-one children were randomly assigned into the xylitol group and the control group. The xylitol group chewed gum sweetened only with xylitol (XyliFresh100%, Hershey Food Corporation, U.S.A.) three times a day for three weeks. S. mutans counts were tested using the Dentocult-SM Strip Mutans-test (Orion Diagnostica, Finland) at baseline and after three weeks. The shift from higher S. mutans scores to lower was greater in the xylitol group than in the control group (p;lt0.05). This study supports the suggestion that chewing xylitol gum may reduce salivary S. mutans levels. Xylitol chewing gum may provide a feasible caries prevention method for preschool children.
Chromodacryorrhea in laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus): Etiologic considerations

Chromodacryorrhea was produced in 5, 7, and 16 week old intact and adrenalectomized rats following intravenous injection of acetylcholine or acute stress induced by limb restraint. Atropine blocked the lacrimal response to both stimuli, and epinephrine and corticosterone had no dacryogenic effects. The latent period between the onset of limb restraint and red tear release averaged 16 minutes.
Acceptability of high‐resolution anoscopy for anal cancer screening in HIV‐infected patients

Objectives HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk of anal cancer. Screening for anal cancer precursors using high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) may be clinically beneficial. In this study, we examined patient tolerability of this procedure. Methods The acceptability of HRA was evaluated among HIV-infected patients who completed a first-time HRA between July 2008 and December 2013 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We reviewed electronic medical records to identify lack of HRA acceptability, which was defined as receipt of HRA with sedation, dispensation of opioid analgaesia, and/or an urgent care visit following HRA, and to evaluate factors associated with patients not returning for a recommended repeat HRA (proxy for HRA acceptability). HRA acceptability was also assessed via a survey mailed to patients who completed HRA between January 2014 and August 2014. Logistic regression was used to model lack of acceptability of initial HRA and likelihood of not returning for a repeat HRA. Results Of 1857 HIV-infected patients, 94 were prescribed opioids and one had an urgent care visit. Lack of HRA acceptability was more likely in patients with pre-existing anal conditions [e.g. warts or fissure; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-6.7], those who had ever smoked (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0-2.5) and women (aOR 5.3; 95% CI 1.6-17.5). Fifty per cent of patients returned for a repeat HRA, with younger patients less likely to return (per 10-year age interval, aOR 0.8; 95% CI 0.7-0.9). Of 48 survey respondents, 91.7% reported acceptable pain levels and all reported willingness to return for a repeat HRA. Conclusions HRA was generally well tolerated and may be an acceptable screening approach for patients at high risk of anal cancer.
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama XLII: Taxonomic Notes and New Species for Ixora in Western South America (Ixoreae)

Ixora L. is a pantropical genus of 500 or more woody species. A review of Neotropical Ixora found two species described in other genera that belong to this genus, clarified the identity of another name, and discovered some plants new to science. Faramea mattogrossensis Standl. is here reclassified as I. mattogrossensis (Standl.) C. M. Taylor, and the replacement name I. standleyana C. M. Taylor is published for Psychotria decora Standl. The identity and circumscription of I. rufa Mull. Arg. are clarified and this name is epitypified. Newly described here are I. andina C.M. Taylor, I. froelichiana C. M. Taylor, I. guillenii C. M. Taylor, I. moskovitsiana C. M. Taylor, I. rudasiana C. M. Taylor, I. rudgeoides C. M. Taylor, I. schunkeana C. M. Taylor, I. smithiana C. M. Taylor, and I. vasquezii C. M. Taylor. The types of I. spruceana Mull. Arg. and I. francavillana Mull. Arg. are not separable taxonomically, and this first name is synonymized under the second.
Segment Orders

We study two kinds of segment orders, using definitions first proposed by Farhad Shahrokhi. Although the two kinds of segment orders appear to be quite different, we prove several results suggesting that the are very much the same. For example, we show that the following classes belong to both kinds of segment orders: (1) all posets having dimension at most 3; (2) interval orders; and for n≥3, the standard example S n of an n-dimensional poset, all 1-element and (n−1)-element subsets of {1,2,…,n}, partially ordered by inclusion. Moreover, we also show that, for each d≥4, almost all posets having dimension d belong to neither kind of segment orders. Motivated by these observations, it is natural to ask whether the two kinds of segment orders are distinct. This problem is apparently very difficult, and we have not been able to resolve it completely. The principal thrust of this paper is the development of techniques and results concerning the properties that must hold, should the two kinds of segment orders prove to be the same. We also derive equivalent statements, one version of which is a stretchability question involving certain sets of pseudoline arrangements. We conclude by proving several facts about continuous universal functions that would transfer segment orders of the first kind into segments orders of the second kind.
Diagnostic and therapeutic splenectomy for splenic lymphomas: analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.

Objectives: To examine the use of splenectomy, chemotherapy, and subsequent overall survival (OS) in contemporary patients with splenic lymphomas.Methods: We analyzed records of 6450 patients with ...
Venom composition of adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) maintained under controlled diet and environmental conditions shows only minor changes

Many species of snakes produce venom as a chemical means of procuring potentially fractious prey. Studies have increasingly focused on venom compositional variation between and within individual snakes of the same species/subspecies, with significant differences often being observed. This variation in composition has been attributed to differences in age, season, diet, and environment, suggesting that these factors could help explain the inter- and intra-specific variation found in some snake venoms, perhaps via some type of feedback mechanism(s). To address several of these possible sources of variation, this study utilized wild-caught Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) from Cochise Co., AZ. Sixteen adult C. atrox were maintained in the lab on a diet of NSA mice for eight months to determine whether venom composition changed in captivity under a static diet in a stable environment. Reducing 1-D SDS-PAGE, fibrinogen degradation assays, reversed-phase HPLC, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed only minor differences over time within individuals. Venom L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) and phosphodiesterase activities significantly increased over the course of captivity, with no changes occurring in azocasein metalloproteinase, kallikrein-like serine proteinase (KLSP), or thrombin-like serine proteinase (TLSP) activities. Snake total length was positively correlated with TLSP activity and negatively correlated with LAAO and KLSP activity. There was typically a much higher degree of variation between individuals than within individuals for all analyses performed and measurements collected. Because the overall "fingerprint" of each snake's venom remained more/less constant, it is concluded that biologically significant changes in venom composition did not occur within individual C. atrox as a function of captivity/diet. However, this study does indicate that differences in activity levels do occur in minor venom enzyme components, but the differences observed are likely to be of minimal significance to the production of antivenom or to subsequent treatment of human envenomations.
Einstein four-manifolds of pinched sectional curvature

Abstract In this paper, we obtain classification of four-dimensional Einstein manifolds with positive Ricci curvature and pinched sectional curvature. In particular, the first result deals with an upper bound on the sectional curvature, improving a theorem of E. Costa. The second is a generalization of D. Yang's result assuming an upper bound on the difference between sectional curvatures.