cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher-Genus Chen–Gackstatter Surfaces and The Weierstrass Representation for Surfaces of Infinite Genus

Chen and Gackstatter (1982) constructed two complete minimal surfacesof finite total curvature, each having one Ennepertype end and all the symmetries of Enneper's surface. Karcher [1989] generalized the genus-one surface by increasing the winding order of the end. We prove that a similar generalization of the Chen-Gackstatter genus-two surface also exists. We describe a collection of immersed minimal surfaces that generalize both Chen-Gackstatter's and Karcher's surfaces by increasing the genus and the winding order of the end. The period problem associated with each of these surfaces is explained geometrically, and we present numerical evidence of its solvability for surfacesof genus as high as 35. We also make conjectures concerning these surfaces, and explain their motivation. Our numerical resultsled us to the Weierstrass data for several infinite-genus, one-ended, periodic minimal surfaces.
Reaction and thermal analysis for SMC (sheet molding compound) molding in complicated geometries

A finite element technique has been developed for coupled reaction and heat transfer analysis in which mass diffusion is negligible. The temperature unknowns are located at nodal points, while the reaction variables (species concentrations, reaction rates) are at the Gauss points in each element. With a mechanistic kinetic model, the SMC (sheet molding compound) cure in 2-D and 3-D geometries was analyzed. The results for plate-and-rib configurations show the progression of cure and heat transfer and the influence of geometry on the progression. The analysis for a flat sheet of SMC in a mold with localized heating using bubblers indicates the thermal interaction between the mold and the curing SMC. Temperature and reaction profiles are given for each case.
Adapting Team-Based Learning for Application in the Basic Electric Circuit Theory Sequence

Team-based learning (TBL) is a form of student-centered active learning in which students independently study new conceptual material before it is treated in the classroom, and then subsequently spend considerable classroom time working in groups on increasingly challenging problems and applications based on that new material. TBL provides students with opportunities to not only learn course content better than in the traditional lecture-based setting, but also to develop various transferable professional skills, such as self-directed independent learning, problem solving, and interpersonal team skills. Because of these potential benefits, TBL was adapted as the principal teaching and learning strategy in a two-course sophomore-level electric circuit theory sequence, where it has been used since 2010. This paper describes beneficial changes that have evolved in the implementation of TBL in the circuit theory sequence. Those changes have been based, in part, on student evaluations of the strategy, which are described. Finally, instruments used to assess student learning in the TBL-taught courses are also described. They provide evaluation information that suggests the described revised version of TBL is an effective way to facilitate learning of both technical content and several professional skills in the sophomore-level electric circuit theory sequence.
The chemical defenses of a stylocellid (Arachnida, Opiliones, Stylocellidae) from Sulawesi with comparisons to other Cyphophthalmi

Abstract Two female specimens of an undescribed species of stylocellid harvestman (Opiliones, Stylocellidae) from Sulawesi were extracted in methanol, and compounds in the product were identified by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nineteen significant peaks were found, 12 of which were identified, indicating the presence of naphthoquinone, 2-tridecanone, 2-tetradecanone, 2-pentadecanone, 6-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, 6-methyl-1,4-naphthalenediol, and at least four unsaturated ketones. The spectrum differed both qualitatively and quantitatively from previously published data on Siro exilis Hoffman 1963 and Cyphophthalmus duricorius Joseph 1868 (Sironidae).
Graves' disease thyroid tissue transplants in scid mice : persistent selectivity in hTcR Va gene family use

We have analyzed the human T-cell receptor (hTcR) V alpha gene repertoire in thyroid tissue transplants of a patient with hyperthyroid Graves' disease. Blocks of thyroid tissue were transplanted subcutaneously into 10 mice with severe immunodeficiency (scid) and 4 weeks later 5 of the mice were injected intraperitoneally with autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (10(7) cells per mouse). After a further 3 weeks, mice were sacrificed and total cellular RNA and cDNA prepared from each of the explants. We used specific olingonucleotides in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to amplify 18 different human hTcR V alpha gene families and the identity of the PCR fragments was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Different samples of the donor thyroid tissue consistently expressed 9-10 of the 18 hTcR V alpha gene families screened (V alpha 1-7, 11, 12 & 15). A more marked bias in hTcR V gene family use was seen in each of the explants with a mean of only 2.8 V alpha gene families detected. After 7 weeks of transplantation, the thyroid explants largely reflected some of the same genes seen in the hTcR V gene repertoire of the donor tissue with particularly pronounced expression of V alpha 2 and V alpha 3 gene families. The transplantation of PBMC into the scid mice showed evidence for their accumulation within the transplanted thyroid tissues as judged by the appearance of additional hTcR V gene families expressed in these samples although the specificity of such accumulation remains unclear.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Kinetics of dehydration of epitetracycline in solution.

The dehydration kinetics of epitetracycline in solution to form epianhydrotetracycline were studied using UV and visible spectrophotometry. The reaction was found to be first order with respect to epitetracycline and hydronium-ion concentrations. The activation energy for the reaction was 28.3 kcal/mole at pH 2.0 in 0.1 M potassium chloride solutions. Dehydration of epitetracycline at pH 2.0 and 70° was found to be slower than that for tetracycline under similar solution conditions, although the activation energy for both reactants is essentially the same. This result is explicable on the basis of conformational differences in the molecules. This paper represents a portion of studies of the rates of various degradation reactions of tetracycline that lead to the toxic material epianhydrotetracycline.
Real-time video transmission over WCDMA systems

This paper proposes a joint source-channel rate control algorithm for real-time video transmissions over WCDMA systems. The algorithm encompasses a region-based bit allocation strategy and a macro block-based segmentation technique. To enhance the video quality while saving bits, the algorithm effectively allocates more bits to important parts of a video frame, and also adapts to time-varying WCDMA channels. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively improves perceptual quality, reduces frame skipping and, thereby, maintains the motion continuity in wireless video transmissions.
Chilling responses of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings: root hydraulic conductance, abscisic acid, and stomatal conductance

Maize seedling water relations and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were measured over 24 h of root chilling (5.5 8C). At 2.5 h into chilling, leaf ABA levels increased by 403 and stomatal conductance (gs) decreased to 20% compared with prechill levels. Despite a rapid gs response to root chilling, leaf water potential (WL )o f chilled seedlings decreased to 22.2 MPa resulting in a complete loss of turgor potential (wp). Ineffective gs control early in chilling resulted from decreased root hydraulic conductance (Lr) due to increased water viscosity and factor(s) intrinsic to the roots. After 24 h chilling, WL and wp of chilled seedlings recovered to control levels due to stomatal control of transpiration and increased Lr. The impact of the temporal changes in gs and Lr on maize seedling water relations during chilling was analysed using a simple, quantitative hydraulic model. It was determined that gs is critical to stabilizing WL at non-lethal levels in chilled seedlings at 2.5 h and 24 h chilling. However, there was also a significant contribution due to increased Lr at 24 h chilling so that wp increased to control levels. As a first step in determining the factor(s) responsible for the increase in Lr, cDNA microarrays were used to quantify the transcript levels of eight aquaporins obtained from mature root tissue at 24 h chilling. None of these were significantly up-regulated, suggesting that the increase in Lr was not due to regulation of these aquaporins at the transcriptional level.
Free-space fiber hybrid distributed optical cross-connect interconnect module.

We propose implementing a large-scale optical cross-connect network based on a free-space–fiber hybrid interconnect system. The free-space portion of the system is designed to handle shuffle operation of optical beams that need to intersect each other. The fiber portion is used to guide these signals to and from optical transceivers, which can be distributed at different locations. A compact and packaged prototype that handles 256×256 input–output channels is demonstrated.
The DNA repair component Metnase regulates Chk1 stability

Chk1 both arrests replication forks and enhances repair of DNA damage by phosphorylation of downstream effectors. Metnase (also termed SETMAR) is a SET histone methylase and transposase nuclease protein that promotes both DNA double strand break (DSB) repair and re-start of stalled replication forks. We previously found that Chk1 phosphorylation of Metnase on S495 enhanced its DNA DSB repair activity but decreased its ability to re-start stalled replication forks. Here we show that phosphorylated Metnase feeds back to increase the half-life of Chk1. Chk1 half-life is regulated by DDB1 targeting it to Cul4A for ubiquitination and destruction. Metnase decreases Chk1 interaction with DDB1, and decreases Chk1 ubiquitination. These data define a novel pathway for Chk1 regulation, whereby a target of Chk1, Metnase, feeds back to amplify Chk1 stability, and therefore enhance replication fork arrest.
Automatic generation of transitional meshes

Advances in commercial computer-aided design software have made finite element analysis with three-dimensional solid finite elements routinely available. Since these analyses usually confine themselves to those geometrical objects for which particular CAD systems can produce finite element meshes, expanding the capability of analyses becomes an issue of expanding the capability of generating meshes. This paper presents a method for stitching together two three-dimensional meshes with diverse elements that can include tetrahedral, pentahedral and hexahedral solid finite elements. The stitching produces a mesh that coincides with the edges which already exist on the portion of boundaries that will be joined. Moreover, the transitional mesh does not introduce new edges on these boundaries. Since the boundaries of the regions to be stitched together can have a mixture of triangles and quadrilaterals, tetrahedral and pyramidal elements provide the transitional elements required to honor these constraints. On these boundaries a pyramidal element shares its base face with the quadrilateral faces of hexahedra and pentahedra. Tetrahedral elements share a face with the triangles on the boundary. Tetrahedra populate the remaining interior of the transitional region. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint data detection and channel estimation for rapidly fading channels

Two algorithms for joint data detection and channel estimation are proposed. These algorithms can be implemented in communication schemes where typically two-to-four level signaling is used and the channel exhibits very rapid changes in its characteristics. Both algorithms converge to the channel estimate within 100 data symbols for binary pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) with SNR down to 10 dB. One employs blind trellis search; maximum-likelihood sequence estimation is done without the channel impulse response being known initially, but the estimate is gradually updated during the blind trellis search. The other is based on maximization, of the average likelihood function. The solution is obtained by an iterative technique based on the Baum-Welch algorithm. The performance of these algorithms is evaluated for 2-PAM signaling over three typical channel types with various noise levels. >
Quality of external closed-chest compressions in a tertiary pediatric setting: missing the mark

Abstract Introduction Recent adult reports have demonstrated sub-optimal performance of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in advanced training scenarios and real life arrest situations. We studied the adequacy of chest compressions performed by advanced trained pediatric providers in code scenarios. Methods We designed a prospective observational study of pediatric providers performing external closed-chest compressions on a child mannequin that is designed to assess adequacy based on depth and rate of chest compressions. The study was conducted from 2008 to 2009 in which 42 subjects were screened and enrolled for participation. Each subject underwent a basic life support scenario that included two minutes of uninterrupted external closed-chest compressions that were assessed for adequacy based on depth and rate. Results For 42 subjects, 168 total 30-s time segments were available for analysis. Chest compressions were performed at a median rate of 110 (interquartile range (IQR) of 75–145) compressions per minute (cpm). No significant decay in rate of chest compressions was noted over the two-minute evaluation. Chest compression depth was adequate in 9.4% of total delivered chest compressions. No statistical significance was found on the job exposure to CPR and delivery of effective chest compressions. Conclusion Advanced training of pediatric providers does not ensure adequate delivery of chest compressions. Rate standards and adequate depth of chest compressions are infrequently achieved and both may need more emphasis in CPR training and attention during resuscitations.
Valence bond approach for calculating bond energies of diatomic intermetallic compounds with multiple bonds and comparison with experiment

The experimental dissociation energies of 19 diatomic intermetallic molecules with multiple bonds are compared with the corresponding values calculated by a proposed empirical valence bond model. The limitations of the model are discussed. Apparent discrepancies between experimental and calculated values can be qualitatively accounted for by molecular orbital considerations. 31 references.
Reaction of p-Hydroxycinnamyl Alcohols with Transition Metal Salts 3. Preparation and NMR Characterization of Improved DHPs

Abstract Dehydropolymerization of p-hydroxycinnamyl alcohols with manganese(III) acetate in either aqueous acetic acid or pyridine resulted in dehydropolymers (DHPs) that more closely approximate the structure of natural lignins than do DHPs produced by enzymic techniques. The 13C NMR spectrum of a “biomimetic” guaiacyl-DHP (G-DHP) from coniferyl alcohol was very similar to that of a lignin isolated from spruce wood, unlike a corresponding spectrum of a G-DHP prepared by a conventional enzymic technique. A similar comparison between a biomimetic guaiacyl/syringyl DHP (GS-DHP), a conventional GS-DHP, and a natural lignin from elm wood also confirmed a closer resemblance between the biomimetic DHP and the natural lignin. Likewise, a biomimetic S-DHP prepared from sinapyl alcohol was remarkably similar to a high syringyl fraction of lignin isolated from birch wood. The flexibility of the biomimetic approach is illustrated by the preparation of a DHP that is enriched in coniferaldehyde entities and one that i...
Multiple Abdominal Vascular Anomalies in a Patient with Alagille Syndrome

Alagille syndrome affects multiple organ systems. The most common vascular manifestation of Alagille syndrome is peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis. A few cases of abdominal vasculature involvement have been reported, particularly in the pediatric age group. Herein, the authors describe an adult patient with Alagille syndrome who presented with multiple visceral vascular abnormalities, including a high-grade stenosis of the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), aneurysms of the distal common hepatic artery, and distal SMA detected with computed tomographic angiography.
Determining the effectiveness of a family nutrition education teacher training curriculum in building knowledge and self-efficacy of program staff

3 Background 4 Objective 5 Hypothesis 5 Methods 5 Results 9 Discussion 11 Acknowledgements 16 References 17 Appendices 18
Drug-Induced Yawning—A Review

Objective:To review the current literature on drug-induced yawning.Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE/PubMed (1996-July 2011), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1997-July 2011), and EMBASE, using the search terms yawning, drug-induced yawning, and adverse drug reactions.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Relevant clinical trials and case reports were selected and included to present background information. Bibliographies of all relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations.Data Synthesis:Yawning is a common stereotype behavior with unknown physiologic function that occurs in most vertebrates and humans as early as 15 weeks of intrauterine life. Yawning Is under the control of several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, Including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and acetylcholine. Among drugs, antidepressants, opioids, dopaminergic agents, benzodiazepines, and induction agents are the main pharmacologic classes associated with yawning.Conclusions:Yawning is rarely a serio...
Lutein supplementation in retinitis pigmentosa: PC-based vision assessment in a randomized double-masked placebo-controlled clinical trial [NCT00029289]

Background There is no generally accepted medical or surgical treatment to stop the progressive course of retinitis pigmentosa. Previous studies have suggested lutein as a potential treatment with positive effects on macular pigment density. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of lutein supplementation on preservation of visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
Street conflict mediation to prevent youth violence: Conflict characteristics and outcomes

Background Mediation of potentially violent conflicts is a key component of CeaseFire, an effective gun violenceprevention programme. Objective To describe conflicts mediated by outreach workers (OW) in Baltimore’s CeaseFire replication, examine neighbourhood variation, and measure associations between conflict risk factors and successful nonviolent resolution. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using records for 158 conflicts mediated between 2007 and 2009. Involvement of youth, gangs, retaliation, weapons and other risk factors were described. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for data-reduction purposes before the relationship between conflict risk components and mediation success was assessed with multivariate logistic regression. Results Most conflicts involved 2–3 individuals. Youth, persons with a history of violence, gang members and weapons were commonly present. OWs reported immediate, nonviolent resolution for 65% of mediated conflicts; an additional 23% were at least temporarily resolved without violence. PCA identified four dimensions of conflict risk: the risk-level of individuals involved; whether the incident was related to retaliation; the number of people involved; and shooting likelihood. However, these factors were not related to the OW’s ability to resolve the conflict. Neighbourhoods with programme-associated reductions in homicides mediated more gang-related conflicts; neighbourhoods without programme-related homicide reductions encountered more retaliatory conflicts and more weapons.
Have we made any progress? Including students with intellectual disabilities in regular education classrooms.

Abstract To what extent are students with intellectual disabilities included in regular education classrooms in the United States? Although inclusion is an accepted best practice in special education, little progress has been made in including students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Using historical and the most recent available federal data, I explored the percentage of students with intellectual disabilities who are fully included in regular education classrooms, both nationally and in individual states. States are rank ordered by the percentage of students who are included. Nationally, in 2002–2003, less than 11% of students with intellectual disabilities were fully included in regular education classrooms. Research, policy, and advocacy issues are addressed.
Single chip AWG-based Raman spectroscopy for continuous glucose monitoring

In this paper, we introduce an innovative proposal for a low cost micro Raman spectrometer for non-invasive glucose monitoring. In this design, an Array Waveguide Grating (AWG) chip integrated with PIN photodiodes and a prism coupling are proposed to replace fiber micro alignment in packaging and to reduce system cost. Experiments were designed and conducted to evaluate the impact of thickness of the waveguides and the incident angle of the laser beam on the efficiency of the prism coupling. Considerable light coupling was observed when the waveguide core is 2mm thick. An updated fabrication process was designed and test chip was also fabricated to determine the critical feature size to solve the problem of air bubble resulted in trench filling.
Optimal slip control of a torque converter clutch

Slip control of a torque converter clutch (TCC) has been developed for years but most approaches are focused on time-based methods without offering a systematic approach for dealing with the time-varying signals associated with the engine torque pulsation. As one of the major vibration sources of a vehicle, engine torque is periodic in the crankshaft rotational angle but aperiodic in time as the engine speed changes in real-time. This paper first presents a powertrain vibration analysis based on the transient engine torque input and the conventional TCC slip control. Simulation results show that the conventional time-based TCC slip control does not settle the periodic nature of the engine torque vibration with respect to crankshaft angle. However, a time-varying angle-based control method can solve this issue. The paper then proposes an optimal TCC torque trajectory by using dynamic programming for this time-varying angle-based control method. Simulation results demonstrate the energy saving potential of the optimal trajectory over the conventional method.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Vinblastine, ifosfamide, gallium nitrate, and filgrastim in platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer: a phase II study.

Abstract The authors performed a phase II trial of the VIG regimen (vinblastine, ifosfamide, and gallium nitrate) in patients who had advanced ovarian cancer who were refractory to cisplatin and/or carboplatin and whose disease had progressed after paclitaxel-based therapy. This was a heavily pretreated population, with five patients having received two to three prior chemotherapy regimens and six patients having received more than six prior chemotherapy regimens, with an average of 21 therapy cycles per patient. Fourteen patients were treated with vinblastine, 0.08 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 2; ifosfamide, 900 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 through 5 with standard mesna uroprotection; and gallium nitrate administered as a continuous intravenous infusion at 225 mg/m2 per 24 hours x 120 hours. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered subcutaneously at 5 microg/kg/day beginning on day 7 until day 13. Five of 14 patients achieved a partial response for an overall response rate of 36% (95% confidence interval, 14%-68%). The median response duration was 14 weeks. Toxicity was primarily hematologic, with anemia and leukopenia being most significant. There were no treatment-related deaths. Further evaluation of this regimen in a less heavily pretreated population is warranted.
Multiorgan WU polyomavirus infection in bone marrow transplant recipient

WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) was detected in a bone marrow transplant recipient with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome who died in 2001. Crystalline lattices of polyomavirus-like particles were observed in the patient's lung by electron microscopy. WUPyV was detected in the lung and other tissues by real-time quantitative PCR and identified in the lung and trachea by immunohistochemistry. A subset of WUPyV-positive cells in the lung had morphologic features of macrophages. Although the role of WUPyV as a human pathogen remains unclear, these results clearly demonstrate evidence for infection of respiratory tract tissues in this patient.
The production of coherent narrative texts by older language impaired children.

A group of 4 language-impaired children, 9 years old, and a group of 4 control children with no language problems were compared on an aspect of 'communicative competence' - their ability to produce coherent narrative texts (sequences of sentences) which were semantically coherent and appropriate to the situational context. A test was devised by the writer, comprising stories presented to the children through a number of sensory modalities. The narrative texts elicited from the 2 groups were compared on a number of measures of semantic cohesion and measures of general semantic content (or appropriateness to the situational context). The performance of the language-impaired children appeared to be inferior to the control group on all the measures of semantic cohesion and general semantic content , supporting the hypothesis that the language-impaired group would perform inferiorly to the control group on an aspect of 'communicative competence'. The implications of the study's findings for the diagnosis and treatment of expressive language problems in the older child were discussed.
Critical Role of Glucose Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes

Objective Up-regulation of glucose metabolism has been implicated not only in tumor cell growth but also in immune cells upon activation. However, little is known about the metabolite profile in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). This study was undertaken to evaluate whether changes in glucose metabolism in RA FLS could play a role in inflammation and joint damage. Methods Synovium and FLS were obtained from patients with RA and patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The rate of glycolysis after stimulation of FLS with lipopolysaccharide and platelet-derived growth factor BB was measured using glycolysis stress test technology. FLS function was evaluated using a glycolysis inhibitor, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG). After stimulation of the FLS, a migration scratch assay, MTT assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to measure the effect of 2-DG on FLS migration, viability of the FLS, and cytokine secretion, respectively. IRDye 800CW 2-DG was used to assess glucose uptake in the arthritic joints and stromal cells of mice after K/BxN mouse serum transfer. The mice were injected daily, intraperitoneally, with 3-bromopyruvate (BrPa; 5 mg/kg) to assess the effect of inhibition of glycolysis in vivo. Results Compared to human OA FLS, the balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation was shifted toward glycolysis in RA FLS. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression correlated with baseline functions of the RA FLS. Glucose deprivation or incubation of the FLS with glycolytic inhibitors impaired cytokine secretion and decreased the rate of proliferation and migration of the cells. In a mouse model of inflammatory arthritis, GLUT1 mRNA expression in the synovial lining cells was observed, and increased levels of glucose uptake and glycolytic gene expression were detected in the stromal compartment of the arthritic mouse joints. Inhibition of glycolysis by BrPa, administered in vivo, significantly decreased the severity of arthritis in this mouse model. Conclusion Targeting metabolic pathways is a novel approach to understanding the mechanisms of disease. Inhibition of glycolysis may directly modulate synoviocyte-mediated inflammatory functions and could be an effective treatment strategy for arthritis.
Historical Background of Indian Law

The basic underlying premises of federal Indian Law are discussed. The chapter provides a basic understanding necessary for following the logic of the Court and its findings.
Exposure therapy for phobias

Publisher Summary This chapter provides evidence that exposure-based interventions can be used to treat specific phobias successfully, such as fear of spiders, blood-injection-injury () phobia, closed places, flying, and social phobia. These improvements are usually maintained at short-term follow-up evaluation. The literature reveals that there is still a need for exposure outcome studies targeting a broader array of phobic objects and environments. The role of exposure components when combined with other psychological interventions and the relative effectiveness of conventional exposure to combined treatments or other psychological interventions are less clear. The future of exposure programs in the treatment of phobias seems to be heading toward increased use of advanced technology, including virtual reality (VR). The potential of VR is noteworthy, particularly in its ability to tailor exposure experiences to the specific needs of the client and augment the treatment experience with audiovisual displays, tactile cues, and motion simulation.
V. An examination of women's professional visibility in cognitive psychology

Mainstream psychological research has been characterized as androcentric in its construction of males as the norm. Does an androcentric bias also characterize the professional visibility of psychol...
Imputing a variational inequality function or a convex objective function: A robust approach

Abstract To impute the function of a variational inequality and the objective of a convex optimization problem from observations of (nearly) optimal decisions, previous approaches constructed inverse programming methods based on solving a convex optimization problem [17] , [7] . However, we show that, in addition to requiring complete observations, these approaches are not robust to measurement errors, while in many applications, the outputs of decision processes are noisy and only partially observable from, e.g., limitations in the sensing infrastructure. To deal with noisy and missing data, we formulate our inverse problem as the minimization of a weighted sum of two objectives: 1) a duality gap or Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) residual, and 2) a distance from the observations robust to measurement errors. In addition, we show that our method encompasses previous ones by generating a sequence of Pareto optimal points (with respect to the two objectives) converging to an optimal solution of previous formulations. To compare duality gaps and KKT residuals, we also derive new sub-optimality results defined by KKT residuals. Finally, an implementation framework is proposed with applications to delay function inference on the road network of Los Angeles, and consumer utility estimation in oligopolies.
Direct observation of efficient heat dissipation in close-packed nanoheaters using coherent EUV beams

We use coherent EUV beams to probe transport away from nanoheater arrays of varying width, spacing and substrate. We validate new collectively-diffusive transport predictions, where nanowires cool faster when closely spaced than when widely separated.
Feedback Lapsteel: Exploring Tactile Transducers as String Actuators

The Feedback Lap Steel is an actuated instrument which makes use of mechanical vibration of the instruments bridge to excite the strings. A custom bridge mounted directly to a tactile transducer enables the strings to be driven with any audio signal from a standard audio amplifier. The instrument can be played as a traditional lap steel guitar without any changes to playing technique as well as be used to create new sounds which blur the line between acoustic and electronic through a combination of acoustic and computer generated and controlled sounds. This introduces a new approach to string actuation using commonly available parts. This demonstration paper details the construction, uses and lessons learned in the making of the Feedback Lap Steel guitar.
Now That I Am a Hospital Executive

A few years ago, I deviated from my pathway as a research-focused academic cardiologist situated in a traditional medical school organization chart to begin a new career as a senior executive at one of the two academic campuses of the largest hospital in the United States, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. As the chief operating officer of Weill-Cornell Medical Center, I have primary responsibility for the strategic direction and management of a campus with nearly 10 000 employees who treat 1 million outpatients and admit 60 000 patients into 910 registered beds each year, in collaboration with 2600 physician partners from our sister organization, Weill-Cornell Medical College. Now that I am past the point of settling in, I have had a chance to think about what I wish I could tell my former academic self and what challenges and opportunities I see for medical school–hospital partnerships going forward. My list of “shoulda knowns” that would have made me a more productive academic and administrative cardiologist is lengthy. I would have been better prepared to advocate for my faculty members, trainees, and especially the patients we cared for if I had been more comfortable with the nuances of hospital finances, healthcare reimbursements, and the regulatory environment. I wish I had had a better sense of the fully loaded costs …
Outcomes of Endonasal and Lateral Approaches to Petroclival Meningiomas.

Objective Transpetrosal approaches for the treatment of petroclival meningiomas are often associated with substantial morbidity and long recovery. With the goal of early clinical improvement, we have used less invasive surgical approaches for petroclival meningiomas. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients with petroclival meningiomas. Eleven patients (34.4%) were managed with lateral approaches (retrosigmoid or far lateral approach), 17 (53.1%) with anterior midline approaches (endoscopic endonasal approach [EEA]), and 4 (12.5%) with a combination. Results The average Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) at presentation was 73.8. The average postoperative KPS improved to 87.9 ( P P = 0.013), tumors P = 0.039), and tumors without vascular encasement ( P = 0.002) but remained significant regardless of age, tumor size, or vascular encasement. The greatest benefit occurred with primary tumors, in young patients and in those who underwent nontotal resection ( P P = 0.002). Gross ( n = 6) or near total ( n = 9) resection was achieved in 15 of 32 cases (47%). Complications included new cranial nerve palsies affecting mainly the abducens nerve (18.7%). New lower cranial nerve palsies occurred in only 1 case (3.1%). Other complications included postoperative hydrocephalus (15.6%) and cerebrospinal fluid leak (28.1%). One patient died in the perioperative period (3.1%). Conclusions In the short-term, less aggressive cranial base approaches, including retrosigmoid exposures and the recently introduced EEA, are effective alternatives to transpetrosal approaches for debulking petroclival meningiomas with significant early clinical improvement and limited major surgical complications.
Optimizing Communication in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Purpose To describe the types of talking tracheostomy tubes available, present four case studies of critically ill patients who used a specialized tracheostomy tube to improve speech, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, propose patient selection criteria, and provide practical recommendations for medical care providers.
Density Functional Theory Beyond the Generalized Gradient Approximation for Surface Chemistry

Density functional theory with generalized gradient approximations (GGAs) for the exchange-correlation density functional is widely used to model adsorption and reaction of molecules on surfaces. In other areas of computational chemistry, GGAs have largely been replaced by more accurate meta-GGA and hybrid approximations. Meta-GGAs and hybrids can ameliorate GGAs’ systematic over-delocalization of electrons and systematic underestimate of reaction barriers. This chapter discusses extensions of meta-GGAs and screened hybrids to surface chemistry. It reviews evidence that GGAs’ systematic underestimate of gas-phase reaction barriers carries over to reactions on surfaces, and that meta-GGAs and screened hybrids can improve results. It closes with recent applications and new work towards more accurate functionals for surfaces. These promising results motivate further exploration of meta-GGAs and screened hybrids for surface chemistry.
Outcomes After Paravalvular Leak Closure: Transcatheter Versus Surgical Approaches

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of transcatheter intervention (TI) versus surgical intervention (SI) for paravalvular leak (PVL). Background Data comparing the treatment of PVL with TI and SI are limited. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing baseline characteristics, procedural details, and 1-year survival in consecutive patients who underwent TI or SI for moderate or greater PVL from 2007 to 2016. The primary outcome was a composite of death, reintervention for PVL, or readmission for congestive heart failure–related symptoms at 1 year. Results Of 114 patients, 56 underwent TI and 58 underwent SI. PVL locations were mitral, aortic, and pulmonary in 69 (60.5%), 39 (34.2%), and 6 (5.3%) patients, respectively. At baseline, TI patients were older (age 71 vs. 62 years; p = 0.010) and had fewer cases of active endocarditis (0.0% vs. 25.9%, p Conclusions In this study, TI for PVL closure had comparable 1-year clinical outcomes with SI, even after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, with less in-hospital morbidity and 30-day rehospitalization. Although further study is needed, these findings support the increased implementation of TI for PVL closure at experienced institutions.
Benefits and Health Implications of Testosterone Therapy in Men With Testosterone Deficiency.

Abstract Introduction Testosterone (T) deficiency (TD; hypogonadism) has deleterious effects on men’s health; negatively affects glycometabolic and cardiometabolic functions, body composition, and bone mineral density; contributes to anemia and sexual dysfunction; and lowers quality of life. T therapy (TTh) has been used for the past 8 decades to treat TD, with positive effects on signs and symptoms of TD. Aim To summarize the health benefits of TTh in men with TD. Methods A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, articles relevant to TTh were accessed and evaluated, and a comprehensive summary was synthesized. Main Outcome Measures Improvements in signs and symptoms of TD reported in observational studies, registries, clinical trials, and meta-analyses were reviewed and summarized. Results A large body of evidence provides significant valuable information pertaining to the therapeutic value of TTh in men with TD. TTh in men with TD provides real health benefits for bone mineral density, anemia, sexual function, glycometabolic and cardiometabolic function, and improvements in body composition, anthropometric parameters, and quality of life. Conclusion TTh in the physiologic range for men with TD is a safe and effective therapeutic modality and imparts great benefits on men’s health and quality of life. Traish AM. Benefits and Health Implications of Testosterone Therapy in Men With Testosterone Deficiency. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:86–105.
The relationship of categorical and phonological verbal fluency to negative schizotypy and social functioning in a non-clinical sample

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Research suggests that levels of schizotypy are related to cognitive and social functioning, with negative schizotypy being particularly related to deficits in verbal fluency (VF) and distinct social skills. Considering the possibility that different VF tasks may involve both shared and unique underlying processes, this study sought to examine the separate contributions of categorical and phonological forms of VF to social functioning in those with varying levels of negative schizotypy.Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted in which 228 college students completed VF tasks, the SPQ-BR, and a social functioning questionnaire.Results: Both phonological and categorical VF were inversely related to levels of negative schizotypy and inversely related to several social functioning domains. High and low levels of negative schizotypy groups were significantly different on elements of social engagement and interpersonal behaviour. In two instances, phonological VF appeared to moderate...
Ensemble genomic analysis in human lung tissue identifies novel genes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, many genetic variants show suggestive evidence for association but do not meet the strict threshold for genome-wide significance. Integrative analysis of multiple omics datasets has the potential to identify novel genes involved in disease pathogenesis by leveraging these variants in a functional, regulatory context. We performed expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis using genome-wide SNP genotyping and gene expression profiling of lung tissue samples from 86 COPD cases and 31 controls, testing for SNPs associated with gene expression levels. These results were integrated with a prior COPD GWAS using an ensemble statistical and network methods approach to identify relevant genes and observe them in the context of overall genetic control of gene expression to highlight co-regulated genes and disease pathways. We identified 250,312 unique SNPs and 4997 genes in the cis(local)-eQTL analysis (5% false discovery rate). The top gene from the integrative analysis was MAPT, a gene recently identified in an independent GWAS of lung function. The genes HNRNPAB and PCBP2 with RNA binding activity and the gene ACVR1B were identified in network communities with validated disease relevance. The integration of lung tissue gene expression with genome-wide SNP genotyping and subsequent intersection with prior GWAS and omics studies highlighted candidate genes within COPD loci and in communities harboring known COPD genes. This integration also identified novel disease genes in sub-threshold regions that would otherwise have been missed through GWAS.
A Residual-Based Shock Capturing Scheme for the Continuous/Discontinuous Spectral Element Solution of the 2D Shallow Water Equations

Abstract The high-order numerical solution of the non-linear shallow water equations is susceptible to Gibbs oscillations in the proximity of strong gradients. In this paper, we tackle this issue by presenting a shock capturing model based on the numerical residual of the solution. Via numerical tests, we demonstrate that the model removes the spurious oscillations in the proximity of strong wave fronts while preserving their strength. Furthermore, for coarse grids, it prevents energy from building up at small wave-numbers. When applied to the continuity equation to stabilize the water surface, the addition of the shock capturing scheme does not affect mass conservation. We found that our model improves the continuous and discontinuous Galerkin solutions alike in the proximity of sharp fronts propagating on wet surfaces. In the presence of wet/dry interfaces, however, the model needs to be enhanced with the addition of an inundation scheme which, however, we do not address in this paper.
First Record of Selenops submaculosus Bryant (Araneae, Selenopidae; a flattie spider) from Louisiana

Selenops submaculosus, a species of flattie spider distributed in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Florida, was collected in New Orleans, LA. Selenopids are large, but they often go undetected due to their speed and secretive lifestyles. Thus, although not previously found in the area, it is possible selenopids naturally occur in the region. However, because some selenopids can travel long distances on ocean flotsam and other items transported by humans, we compared molecular data from this specimen with sequences of other specimens and closely related species from throughout its range. Results indicate that the specimen represents a distinct population. Future efforts will be aimed at locating more specimens from Louisiana and the area between Louisiana and the northernmost record of the family in Florida.
Correlates of opiate misuse based on aberrant urine drug tests for patients on chronic opiate therapy in a safety-net, academic primary care clinic.

Objective: Determine correlates of opiate misuse based on urine drug test (UDT) among patients on chronic opiate therapy (COT) for chronic noncancer pain. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Urban, academic clinic. Participants: UDT performed in 206 patients on COT for at least 3 months duration within a one-year period. Patients were classified based on UDT results: (1) Appearance of Opiate Adherence: Positive UDT for prescribed opiate and negative for illicit drugs and nonprescribed control substances; (2) Opiate Misuse; Overt nonadherence: (a) Positive UDT for illicit drugs and/or nonprescribed controlled substances AND positive or negative for prescribed opiates (b) Overdose; (3) Possible opiate nonadherence: Negative for prescribed opiates and negative for illicit and nonprescribed controlled substances. Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: UDT results, patient demographics, medical history, healthcare adherence, and utilization measures. Results: Of the 206 records analyzed, 80 (38 percent) had appearance of opiate adherence, 91 (44 percent) had misuse, and 35 (17 percent) had possible opiate nonadherence. Analysis was performed comparing misuse and appearance of opiate adherence groups. In bivariate analyses, history of smoking (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.69-9.03), substance use (OR 7.02, 95% CI 2.56-19.20), missed medical appointments (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.44-5.63), and nonadherence to other medications correlated with misuse group (OR 18.86, 95% CI 8.73-40.74). In logistic regression, only substance use history (OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.27-14.64) and nonadherence with nonopiate medications (OR 13.22, 95% CI 5.81-30.10) correlated with misuse. Conclusions: Medication nonadherence and missed appointments for other chronic conditions were significant correlates of opiate misuse.