cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonmalignant Tumors of the Orbit

Most orbital tumors are nonmalignant. Nonmalignant orbital tumors can arise from any of the structures within the orbit, including blood vessels, fat, nerves, lacrimal gland, and connective tissue. Nonmalignant orbital tumors can be grouped into cystic lesions, vascular tumors, lymphoproliferative lesions, inflamma- tory lesions, mesenchymal tumors, neurogenic tumors, and lacrimal gland tumors. Although most orbital tumors are benign, their location may compromise ocular health and function and necessitate treatment with surgery, radiation, or chemother- apy. Patient characteristics, signs, and findings on ophthalmic examination and imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, guide the clinician in formulating a differential diagnosis.
What Counts as Neutrality? The Religion and Race Cases Compared

This Article explores the impact of neutral principles in constitutional adjudication involving race and religion. It questions the various justifications used to decide Establishment Clause cases by treating the decision in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris as a focal point. The policy question that it poses is this: Given the intersection of the history of race and religion and the Court's jurisprudence, is it problematic in terms of the First Amendment that those of us who are less economically, socially, and educationally free might also be less religiously free due to the disparate effects of neutrality at the intersection between religion and race?
Young adult smokers' neural response to graphic cigarette warning labels

Abstract Introduction The study examined young adult smokers' neural response to graphic warning labels (GWLs) on cigarette packs using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods Nineteen young adult smokers ( M age 22.9, 52.6% male, 68.4% non-white, M 4.3 cigarettes/day) completed pre-scan, self-report measures of demographics, cigarette smoking behavior, and nicotine dependence, and an fMRI scanning session. During the scanning session participants viewed cigarette pack images (total 64 stimuli, viewed 4 s each) that varied based on the warning label (graphic or visually occluded control) and pack branding (branded or plain packaging) in an event-related experimental design. Participants reported motivation to quit (MTQ) in response to each image using a push-button control. Whole-brain blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional images were acquired during the task. Results GWLs produced significantly greater self-reported MTQ than control warnings ( p p Conclusions In this sample of young adult smokers, GWLs promoted neural activation in brain regions involved in cognitive and affective decision-making and memory formation and the effects of GWLs did not differ on branded or plain cigarette packaging. These findings complement other recent neuroimaging GWL studies conducted with older adult smokers and with adolescents by demonstrating similar patterns of neural activation in response to GWLs among young adult smokers.
A Resealable Hermetic Packaging Technique for Silicon Microfluidic Devices

Recent efforts have lead to the development of a silicon microfluidic cooling device known as the micro-Columnated Loop Heat Pipe (μCLHP) [1] [2] [3] . The μCLHP, like a traditional heat pipe, utilizes phase change of a liquid to rapidly draw heat away from a concentrated hot spot. Proper hermetic packaging of this device is critical for the reliable testing of the recirculating fluid. This work presents a novel approach to filling and hermetically sealing the μCLHP. A miniature valve (Beswick M3SV-N) is bonded to the silicon fill ports of the μCLHP. The use of a resealable valve, as opposed to a permanent sealing method, allows the device to be filled, sealed, and then evacuated for testing with different fluids and at multiple pressures. Building on work by Murphy [4], the fill ports on the μCLHP were metalized with a 10nm Cr - 200 nm Ni - 10 nm Au stack. Then a lead based solder was used to bond the stainless steel adapter to the metalized layers. Hermeticity testing of devices sealed using these minia...
RELATING MUCUS, CALCIUM, AND SWEAT IN A NEW CONCEPT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Six experiments are described. A mucus-containing secretion from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is shown to be hyperpermeable in vitro. Hyperpermeability is demonstrated in vivo after either mucus removal or the addition of CF serum. Calcitim is shown to elevate sweat chloride, and to cause hvperpermeability both in vitro and in vivo. The implications of these experiments are discussed. The investigations of other workers are reviewed, and a unified theory concerning CF is presented. In this theory it is suggested that mucus has a biological function of inhibiting the passive flow of water and small ions, that CF is a disease in which mucus is hyperpermeable and fails to perform this function adequately, and that this failure is caused by an excess secretion of calcium from exocrine glands.
Alternative Size Hypotheses: Political Costs Vs. Performance

This paper tests the relative importance of two competing explanations for why large firms use income-decreasing accounting methods: political costs and prior firm performance. We find that key empirical results in contracting-based theories of voluntary accounting choice vary with time period sample selection and the accounting method studied. Further all regressions are misspecified although less so when all variables are differenced from corresponding industry means. When considered jointly with Christie and Zimmerman (1994) these findings lead us to question prior interpretations of evidence about factors affecting accounting choices.
Larry Wrightsman: A Pioneer in Injecting Social-Psychological Knowledge Into the Legal System

For over five decades, Larry Wrightsman has exemplified a remarkably productive social problems orientation in applying social-psychological knowledge, theory, and research findings to important areas of American society. His contributions to psychology as a writer, a teacher, a mentor, and a researcher, are vast. In all, he has authored almost 50 books. He was a pioneer in the emergence of “psychology and law” and has written numerous books that cover a wide spectrum of psychology-law issues, including the psychology of evidence and trial procedure, courtroom and jury issues, child witnesses, the rights of children, rape, confessions, trial consulting, forensic psychology, judicial decision making, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Larry Wrightsman’s prodigious output of books, book chapters, and research articles has made a most valuable contribution to psychology, particularly to the area of psychology and law. His fresh, lively, and unpretentious writing style, and his ability to search out interesting bits of information that highlight important concepts, are exceptional and valuable talents. Through his plethora of books, he is perhaps unique in the degree to which he has made both theoretical concepts and research findings in social psychology, and in psychology and law, come alive for several generations of students, colleagues, and interested laypersons.
When Exercise Goes Awry: Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

Exertional rhabdomyolysis occurs when exercise, often of the eccentric type, damages myofibrils and sarcolemma, with release of the enzyme creatine kinase and pigmented myoglobin into the serum. Severe muscle soreness and dark urine are the hallmark symptoms, and renal failure may develop. Formerly a disease of military recruits, it is now seen more often in exercisers. Although a genetic trait may predispose, the illness probably can be avoided by common sense behavior such as a gradual increase in exercise intensity, proper hydration before, during, and after exercise, and avoiding exercise in extremely hot or humid environments.
A Video-Modeling Program to Increase Functional Home Skills of a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Date Presented 4/16/2015This single subject multiple baseline research describes the impact of a video-modeling intervention for a child with autism spectrum disorder and his occupational performance of daily home tasks. The portability of technology devices presents practitioners with new applicati
Regulating the architectures of hydrogen-bonded frameworks through topological enforcement.

The role of conformational flexibility in topological enforcement of several crystalline materials based on hydrogen-bonded two-dimensional guanidinium-sulfonate (GS) networks is demonstrated by using a series of organopolysulfonates that prompt the formation of either lamellar or cylindrical architectures. Whereas flexible organopolysulfonate linkers decorated with flexible arms self-assemble into lamellar architectures, rigid organopolysulfonates linkers enforce the formation of hydrogen-bonded cylinders with intercylinder spacing governed by the size of the linker. Specifically, hexagonal cylindrical structures generated from trisulfonates with three-fold molecular symmetry are the topological equivalent of the cylindrical hexagonal phases reported previously for guanidinium organomonosulfonate inclusion compounds, but neighboring cylinders are now connected through covalent nodes provided by the trisulfonates rather than dispersive interactions between the arene rings of the organomonosulfonates. Orga...
Single-Stage Feminization Genitoplasty

AbstractWe present a modified technique for feminization genitoplasty, which combines the main features of the Hendren and Crawford pull-through operation and the Kogan reduction clitoroplasty. The unique features of the operation are the use of a flap of preputial skin to construct the vestibule and the anterior vaginal wall, and the universal use of the urogenital sinus to form the distal urethra, which avoids creation of female hypospadias. The new introitus is ample and, because there is no cut-back of the urogenital sinus, we avoid accidental incision of the urethral sphincter and the potential for urinary incontinence. There is no pull-through of the vagina because the introitus is created by mobilization of anterior and posterior skin flaps. The clitoris and the neourethra are exteriorized through the folded preputial skin, which simulates the normal female anatomy. The cosmetic and functional results in 9 children who have undergone this procedure have been excellent. (J. Urol., 143: 776–778, 1990)
Summer Camp and Positive Youth Development: Program With Romanian Youth

A variety of activities are used in camps to help promote positive youth development, improving social skills and self-esteem in campers. I expanded on previous camp research in this study to address the influence camps have on trust, belief in the honesty of others, empowerment, and care for others in youth in Eastern Europe. Since 1999, New Horizons Foundation has been conducting a summer camp with a focus on experiential education with Romanian youth to encourage positive development in youth and help them contribute to their communities. I evaluated change in self-reported trust, belief in the honesty of others, empowerment, and care for those less fortunate of 490 campers (M age = 14.8 years, 52.8% female). Participants showed an increase in reported trust in others, belief in the honesty of others, and empowerment. No increase was found in caring for others. Individuals who work with youth as well as those who support camps should be encouraged by these findings as they indicate that camp has even more positive effects on a wider population of youth than previously studied.
Abstract A1-52: Identification of drug-sensitive Notch receptor alterations in human breast cancer

While the Notch pathway is reportedly activated in breast cancer, the molecular mechanisms leading to its aberrant activation remain elusive, hampering the optimal development of Notch inhibitors in the clinics. In an effort to identify predictive biomarkers of response to Notch targeted therapies in breast cancer, we used several computational approaches, including novel algorithms for detecting complex structural rearrangements, to analyze next generation sequencing and related omic datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer cohort. We identified simple mutations and complex rearrangements in NOTCH1, NOTCH2 and NOTCH3 that compromised the function of the PEST domain, a negative regulatory domain controlling the duration of active Notch signaling. Focal amplifications of NOTCH2 and NOTCH3 were also observed, as were heterodimerization or extracellular domain alterations, at lower incidence. Mutations and amplifications often activated the Notch pathway as evidenced by increased expression of canonical Notch target genes, and functional mutations were significantly enriched in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. We also sequenced a panel of breast cancer xenograft models and identified models that harbor functionally equivalent PEST domain alterations. These models were significantly more sensitive to a gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) compared to models without Notch alterations. Gene expression and functional analyses were performed to study the mechanism of activation through mutation and inhibition by GSI. In summary, we demonstrated that Notch pathway is activated via multiple mutational mechanisms primarily involving the PEST domains of NOTCH1, NOTCH2 and NOTCH3. Collectively, approximately 13% of TNBC exhibits a genetic alteration coupled with pathway up-regulation and these alterations may serve as biomarkers to identify patients most likely to respond to Notch inhibitors. Citation Format: Kai Wang, Qin Zhang, Danan Li, Keith Ching, Cathy Zhang, Xianxian Zheng, Mark Ozeck, Stephanie Shi, Xiaorong Li, Hui Wang, Paul Rejto, James Christensen, Peter Olson. Identification of drug-sensitive Notch receptor alterations in human breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translation of the Cancer Genome; Feb 7-9, 2015; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(22 Suppl 1):Abstract nr A1-52.
Abstract 4532: Deregulation of retinoic acid (RA) epigenetic control of sphingolipid signaling

All-trans retinoic acid (RA), the bioactive derivative of vitamin A, can paradoxically exert both anti-cancer and cancer-promoting actions. According to our studies, RA promotes breast cancer cell growth and invasion whenever it fails to exert its genome-wide epigenetic control of transcription via the RA receptor alpha (RARA). Factors that negatively affect RARA genomic function lead to genome-wide deregulation of the transcriptome epigenetically regulated by RA, including RARA-target genes controlling critical sphingolipid functions. We show here that functional inhibition of genomic RARA concomitantly leads to epigenetic repression of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2/SMDP3), a critical enzyme involved in the synthesis of pro-apoptotic ceramide, and upregulation of S1PR1, a key receptor of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a sphingolipid with pro-proliferative and pro-invasive activity. Selective activation of S1PR1 recapitulates RA pro-proliferative/pro-invasive action, while selective inhibition of S1PR1 counteracts it. Apparently, activation of the S1P-S1PR1 axis, combined with lack of RARA-mediated epigenetic control of SMPD3-ceramide axis, contributes to determine RA tumorigenic action. This study was supported by the NCI R01 CA127614 grant (NS). Citation Format: Stefano Rossetti, Vincenzo Gagliostro, Nicoletta Sacchi. Deregulation of retinoic acid (RA) epigenetic control of sphingolipid signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4532.
Oral complications from cancer therapy: Part 2--Nursing implications for assessment and treatment.

Purpose/objectives To review nursing assessment and implications of oral complications from cancer therapy. Data sources Published articles, books, and monographs. Data synthesis Cancer and cancer therapy disturb the normal integrity and function of the oral cavity, leading to alterations in structure and function. Secondary complications can be acute or chronic and often interfere in the prescribed course of therapy. An ongoing oral assessment must be performed to promote the early identification of oral complications. The application of effective, long-lasting interventions can help to minimize the risk of developing secondary complications. Conclusions Coordination of efforts between nursing, medicine, and dentistry is critical to the prevention, management, and resolution of oral complications. Continued research on this subject is needed. Implications for nursing practice Nurses need to perform ongoing oral assessments on all patients to identify complications early. By teaching patients and significant others how to perform oral assessments correctly, they can report oral changes. Interventions such as pretherapy dental evaluation, mouth-care products and regimens, antibiotic therapy, and analgesic therapy can decrease oral discomfort and resolve and prevent oral complications.
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of red blood cell product age on occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications in dogs: 210 cases (2010-2012).

Objective To determine whether red blood cell (RBC) product age influences the occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications and mortality in dogs. The hypothesis was that acute transfusion-related complications and mortality would increase with age of product. Design Retrospective study (2010–2012). Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Two hundred and ten clinical canine patients. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Medical records were reviewed for dogs receiving RBC-containing products. Patient signalment; reason for transfusion; product type, dose, age, and source; pretransfusion compatibility; rate, route, and method of administration; administration of multiple transfusions; underlying disease; occurrence of transfusion-related complications (eg, fever, hemolysis, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular, neurologic, and respiratory complications); various hematologic parameters; and survival were recorded. Data were analyzed for association between potential risk factors and occurrence of transfusion-related complications as well as between transfusion-related complications and survival. Of 333 transfusion events in 210 patients, 84 transfusion-related complications occurred. Fever was most common (41/333), followed by hemolysis (21/333). For every additional day of product age, the odds of hemolysis increased significantly (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.16; P < 0.0001). Transfusion-related complications when considered as a whole were associated with higher dose of product, longer duration of administration per transfusion event, and immune-mediated disease, but not with source of product or general category of anemia. Administration rate was significantly slower in patients with febrile transfusion-related complications (P < 0.0001). Product age was not associated with increased mortality. Conclusions Age of stored RBC products is associated with increased risk of transfusion-related hemolysis, but not with fever. Prospective clinical studies evaluating the influence of storage duration on development of in vitro versus in vivo hemolysis are warranted.
Gene Expression Profiling Differentiates Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Down Syndrome Versus Non-Down Syndrome Patients.

Children with Down syndrome (DS) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) form a unique biological subset. These patients have generally inferior outcomes in many studies, and an increased incidence of treatment-related toxicities. Cases of DS ALL have a much lower frequency of recurrent prognostically significant chromosomal abnormalities than cases of ALL in the general pediatric population. Global gene expression profiling provides an opportunity to gain insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets in DS ALL. We performed microarray analysis of RNA from bone marrow samples obtained at diagnosis in 30 DS ALL and 24 non-DS ALL cases using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 array. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering separated cases into two main groups, one of which included 21 of 30 DS samples (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.013), suggesting inherent biologic similarities. Non-DS samples clustered according to known cytogenetic features. Consistent with recently published data, a subset (13%) of our DS ALL cases were found to have JAK2 mutations. Cases of DS ALL bearing JAK2 mutations did not form a distinct subcluster, suggesting that the JAK2 pathway may be dysregulated via other events in cases of DS ALL with wild-type JAK2 . Two-sample comparison of DS versus non-DS ALL cases demonstrated differential expression of 513 genes with p values −9 ), including several cytochrome c oxidase and ubiquinone subunits. Our data indicate that DS ALL blasts may utilize oxidative phosphorylation to a lesser extent than non-DS ALL, a feature which could be exploited therapeutically. The top 513 genes differentially expressed in DS versus non-DS ALL (Benjamini-Hochberg corrected p values JAK2 mutation at arginine 683 are indicated by black stars.
Response by Rollins and Dowling to Letter Regarding Article, "Dynamic Arterial Compression in Pediatric Vertebral Arterial Dissection".

We thank Drs Yu and Liu for their interest in our article.1 With respect to their query about the use of systemic anticoagulation, we have several points. In the International Stroke Trial in adults, patients given heparin were shown to have significantly fewer recurrent ischemic strokes within 2 weeks. However, this benefit was completely offset by a similar-sized increase in hemorrhagic stroke, and thus, heparin is not recommended for the treatment of ischemic stroke in adults.2 However, the risk factors for hemorrhagic conversion, including advanced …
Designing cyber insurance policies in the presence of security interdependence

Cyber insurance is a method for risk transfer but may or may not improve the state of network security. In this work, we consider a profit-maximizing insurer with voluntarily participating insureds. We are particularly interested in two features of cybersecurity and their impact on the contract design problem. The first is the interdependent nature of cybersecurity, whereby one entity's state of security depends on its own effort and others' effort. The second is our ability to perform accurate quantitative assessment of security posture at a firm level by combining recent advances in Internet measurement and machine learning techniques. We observe that security interdependency leads to a "profit opportunity" for the insurer, created by the inefficient effort levels exerted by agents who do not account for risk externalities when insurance is not available; this is in addition to risk transfer that an insurer profits from. Security pre-screening allows the insurer to take advantage of this opportunity by designing appropriate contracts which incentivize agents to increase their effort levels, allowing the insurer to effectively "sell commitment" to interdependent agents, in addition to risk transfer. We identify conditions under which this type of contracts lead to an improved state of network security.
Maternal cytomegalovirus sero-positivity and autism symptoms in children.

Problem Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in the United States. While ASD can be significantly influenced by genetics, prenatal exposure to maternal infections has also been implicated in conferring risk. Despite this, the effects of several important maternal pathogens, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), remain unknown. Method of study We tested whether maternal CMV and/or HSV2 sero-positivity was associated with ASD symptoms in children. ELISA was used to assay for CMV IgG and HSV2 IgG in serum from the mothers of 82 children whose ASD symptoms were assessed at 3-6 years of age using the Social Responsiveness Scale version 2 (SRS-2). Results Associations between maternal viral serostatus and SRS-2 scores were estimated using linear regression with covariate adjustments. The children of mothers sero-positive for CMV, but not for HSV2, had SRS-2 scores 3.6-4.2 points higher, depending on the adjustment model, than sero-negative women, a significant finding, robust to several statistical adjustments. Conclusion Our results suggest that maternal CMV infections may influence ASD symptoms. These findings are being further evaluated in ongoing prospective studies with larger population samples.
A Power Frequency Converter

This paper describes a new approach to the realization of a power frequency converter. The system is designed to accept either a three phase or single phase input with an unregulated frequency and to produce a single phase output with a precise 60 hz frequency. The system uses only one high speed power transistor switch and two SCR's featuring zero crossover switching. With a three phase input, the only power filter required in the system is designed to filter out a 25 Khz chopper frequency.
Ultrasound-guided Microbubble in the Treatment of Cancer: A Mini Narrative Review

Microbubble is an emerging modality in the field of Medicine for treatment and imaging. Ultrasound-guided microbubble is an effective diagnosing and treatment technique as it can reduce the systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. It is also used in targeted gene delivery in gene therapy. The objective of the review article is to formulate a narrative review on the emerging importance of microbubbles in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and its future in cancer management. The article focuses on the effectiveness of ultrasound-targeted microbubble in the treatment of malignancy.
Patient-Directed Active Surgical Incisions Surveillance May Lead to Further Surgical Site Infection Reduction.

Abstract Background: Surgical site infections have been a concern for many years, and decades-old articles demonstrate the benefit of surveillance and reporting of these infections with resulting d...
Using Telemedicine in a Private Allergy Practice

As technology improves and telehealth companies continue to innovate, the ways in which physicians can provide care for their patients are constantly expanding. Providing quality health care is no longer constrained by local commutes and a brick-and-mortar footprint, but instead can be provided at a local, regional, and national level in ways that were not feasible in the past. The possibilities are endless as we enter a brave new world where medicine and technology meet. But what exactly is telemedicine and how can it be incorporated into a busy clinical allergy practice? What are the barriers to entry and how can telemedicine be used to enhance patient care by providing more options and driving revenue all at the same time? At its core, telemedicine is simply the remote treatment of patients using telecommunication tools such as telephones, smartphones, and computers. Of course, the implementation of this basic concept is much more nuanced and complex, with virtual visits acting as the sounding board for a host of additional synergistic health applications including wearable devices and mobile apps. This new model of health care delivery has the potential to uproot but at the same time enhance the conventional doctor-patient relationship, and if used correctly address many of the challenges that have historically plagued health care. Telemedicine and telehealth technologies can be used to strengthen medical services and overcome many of the barriers that have previously existed by providing safe, accessible, cost-effective, and convenient health care at the touch of a button.
Improving Academic Literacy in the Management Classroom: Are Your Students Lost in Translation?:

Theoretical and empirical literature is often assigned in undergraduate and graduate management education. Even though the ability to read, interpret, and evaluate scholarly articles is an importan...
Role for Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B in Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Secretion in the Fetal Sheep

Evidence suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is active during the critical period for sexual differentiation of the ovine sexually dimorphic nucleus, which occurs between gestational day (GD) 60 and 90. Two possible neuropeptides that could activate the fetal HPG axis are kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB). We used GD85 fetal lambs to determine whether intravenous administration of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) or senktide (NKB agonist) could elicit luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to localize these peptides in brains of GD60 and GD85 lamb fetuses. In anesthetized fetuses, KP-10 elicited robust release of LH that was accompanied by a delayed rise in serum testosterone in males. Pretreatment with the GnRH receptor antagonist (acyline) abolished the LH response to KP-10, confirming a hypothalamic site of action. In unanesthetized fetuses, senktide, as well as KP-10, elicited LH release. The senktide response of females was greater than that of males, indicating a difference in NKB sensitivity between sexes. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone also induced a greater LH discharge in females than in males, indicating that testosterone negative feedback is mediated through pituitary gonadotrophs. Kisspeptin and NKB immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus were more abundant in females than in males. Greater than 85% of arcuate kisspeptin cells costained for NKB. FISH revealed that the majority of these were kisspeptin/NKB/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons. These results support the hypothesis that kisspeptin-GnRH signaling regulates the reproductive axis of the ovine fetus during the prenatal critical period acting to maintain a stable androgen milieu necessary for brain masculinization.
An Experimental Investigation of the Flow Structure of Supersonic Impinging Jets

An experimental investigation into the jet structure associated with sound production by a supersonic impinging jet is presented. Large plate impinging tones are investigated for a nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) of 4 and nozzle-to-plate spacings between 1 and 5 nozzle exit diameters, where NPR is equal to the ratio of the stagnation pressure to the pressure at the nozzle lip. Results from phase-locked shadowgraph and phase-averaged digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) studies indicate that, during the oscillation cycle, the Mach disk oscillates axially, a well defined recirculation zone is created in the subsonic impingement region and moves toward the plate, and the compression and expansion regions in the outer supersonic flow move downstream, Sound appears to be generated in the wall jet at approximately 2.6R from the jet axis, where R is the nozzle exit radius. The oscillatory motion in the wall jet is the result of the periodic fluid motion in the near wall region.
Retailer perspectives on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in the California Bay Area.

The sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) industry has claimed that food and beverage retailers are opposed to SSB taxes. In 2018 and 2019, we formally evaluated retailers' perceptions of SSB taxes using semi-structured interviews (including open- and closed-ended questions) with 103 randomly selected retailers (50 corner and liquor stores; 28 chain convenience, drug, and mass-merchandise stores; 18 chain supermarkets and discount supermarkets; and 7 independent supermarkets) across 3 cities with SSB taxes (Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco); interviews occurred in 2018 and 2019 (approximately 3 years, 1 year and 6 months post tax-implementation, respectively). A majority of both small and large retailers reported the tax had only a minimal effect on their business (70%). About half of retailers believed that other cities should adopt SSB taxes (53%), and were supportive of a statewide SSB tax (53%), noting it would level the playing field and better support health in their communities. Retailers' responses did not differ based on neighborhood income, and only 2 responses differed significantly between large and small retailers. Only 2 of 103 retailers reported raising the price of a non-beverage product in response to the tax, specifically raising the price of snack foods of low nutritional quality and alcoholic beverages. A majority of retailers in 3 California cities with SSB taxes have no concerns regarding the tax, endorse the health goals of SSB taxes and support statewide expansion of SSB tax policies.
Metal-ion-controlled growth and nanoindentation response of 3D, bicontinuous Cu–Fe thin films

Bicontinuous, nanocomposite thin film morphologies depend largely on the deposition conditions applied during physical vapor deposition. With the introduction of high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), the range of potential morphologies achieved during deposition has been increased. In this work, we compare the deposition outcomes between traditional direct-current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) and HiPIMS for a thin film co-deposit of Cu and Fe. Modular control of the columnarity, porosity, and roughness was achieved by varying the Cu and Fe metal ion currents during deposition. The directionality of the nanostructured phase-separated morphology was also controlled as the ion current increased. At zero ion current for both Cu and Fe sputtered species during DCMS, the film exhibited lateral concentration modulations of Cu and Fe. The directionality of the Cu- and Fe-rich phases shifted to vertical concentration modulations at low ion currents of I F e = 1 A and I C u = 0.1 A and to lateral concentration modulations at relatively moderate ion currents of I F e = 5 A and I C u = 2 A . At high ion currents of I F e = 18 A and I C u = 2 A , a more randomized phase domain structure was observed on the nanoscale. This structural shift is rationalized using an interdiffusion model. The role of different kinds of phase-separated morphologies, achieved during DCMS deposition, on the mechanical properties has also been studied. Results indicated an increase in hardness, indentation modulus, and flow strength values with the increase in indentation strain rates. Bicontinuous Cu–Fe nanocomposites are found to be stronger than multilayer Cu–Fe samples.
What is important about the No Free Lunch theorems

The No Free Lunch theorems prove that under a uniform distribution over induction problems (search problems or learning problems), all induction algorithms perform equally. As I discuss in this chapter, the importance of the theorems arises by using them to analyze scenarios involving nonuniform distributions, and to compare different algorithms, without any assumption about the distribution over problems at all. In particular, the theorems prove that anti-cross-validation (choosing among a set of candidate algorithms based on which has worst out-of-sample behavior) performs as well as cross-validation, unless one makes an assumption—which has never been formalized—about how the distribution over induction problems, on the one hand, is related to the set of algorithms one is choosing among using (anti-)cross validation, on the other. In addition, they establish strong caveats concerning the significance of the many results in the literature that establish the strength of a particular algorithm without assuming a particular distribution. They also motivate a “dictionary” between supervised learning and improving blackbox optimization, which allows one to “translate” techniques from supervised learning into the domain of blackbox optimization, thereby strengthening blackbox optimization algorithms. In addition to these topics, I also briefly discuss their implications for philosophy of science.
Enhanced Interfacial Stability of Si Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries via Surface SiO2 Coating

Silicon is a promising alloying anode for lithium-ion batteries because of its high capacity and low cost. However, its use has been hampered by mechanical failure arising from the large volume cha...
Black and Latinx conservatives upshift competence relative to liberals in mostly white settings.

Racial minorities vary in their sociopolitical views, as figures such as Barack Obama and Ted Cruz often demonstrate. Here, I examine the implications for interracial behaviour, proposing that Black and Latinx conservatives—specifically, those who are more supportive of hierarchy—upshift competence relative to liberals in mostly white settings, distancing themselves from stereotypes. Analysing 250,000 Congressional remarks and 1 million tweets revealed that Black and Latinx conservatives (determined by voting behaviour) referenced high power and ability more than liberals. No such pattern emerged for white politicians. A meta-analysis of four experiments further revealed that Black conservatives (determined by social dominance orientation) referenced high status more than liberals when responding to a white (but not Black) partner. This was robust to controls and unique to hierarchy-based conservatism. Finally, analysing 18,000 editorials suggested the following implications: the more minority conservatives referenced power in Congress, the more journalists referenced power in editorials about them. The findings highlight the diverse ideology of racial minorities, as well as the behavioural implications. The political views of racial minorities vary. By analysing political speech, tweets and written introductions, Dupree finds that, in mostly white settings, Black and Latinx conservatives referenced high competence more than liberals, reversing stereotypes.
Just-AIed: An Essay on Just Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Education

This Essay addresses the intersections between AI and justice in the context of K-12 education. Part II provides some foundational context, defining the scope of AI and some aspects of justice that especially apply to educational access and opportunity. The next part sketches an answer to the question: What should we do to promote AI for justice? Part IV considers the potential pitfalls of augmenting AI in K-12 education. The final part makes a bold call to action.
Adaptive Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imaging for Optimal Cross-Range Resolution and Image Quality in NDE Applications

An adaptive scanning algorithm is proposed for reducing scanning time associated with generating synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications, while preserving optimal cross-range resolution and image quality. The proposed method is based on the fact that optimum SAR cross-range resolution is target depth, synthetic aperture dimension, and scanning step size dependent. Hence, in the proposed method, the target properties, such as position and depth, are first estimated using an initial coarse scan of the scene of interest. Then, a localized dense scan is performed for obtaining optimal spatial resolution and image quality. During this procedure, the synthetic aperture dimension of the localized dense scan is adaptively increased (optimized) by reducing pixel-by-pixel image root-mean-square (rms) intensity difference between the images produced before and after each increment increase in the synthetic aperture dimension of the localized dense scan. At the same time, scanning step size is determined in a manner, which is related to the target depth in order to reduce scanning time and to insure obtaining (close to) optimal spatial sampling. Results of several illustrative measurements are provided by which the efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated. The proposed algorithm, which mainly applies for imaging a localized flaw or a strong-scattering target in a relatively homogenous environment, is common in NDE applications and can be implemented using an automated and adaptive process.
Clinical implications of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction among patients undergoing liver transplant evaluation

Abstract Introduction Patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) have a hyperdynamic state due to decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Preoperative evaluation with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is used to risk-stratify patients prior to liver transplant. We sought to identify the impact of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) on DSE on post-operative liver transplant outcomes. Methods Patients with ESLD who underwent liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic between January 2007 and August 2016 were identified. Pre-operative DSE data, and post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) data were extracted. Patients with inducible LVOTO were compared to those without LVOTO. Results Of the 515 patients identified who underwent DSE prior to liver transplant, 165 (30%) were female, and 95 (18%) had LVOTO. There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the LVOTO group, rest gradients were 10.8 ± 3 mm Hg while peak gradients were 90 ± 48.2 mm Hg. No significant differences in ICU length of stay or duration of mechanical ventilation between both groups were noted. There were 21 deaths at 30 days. There were 2 (2.1%) deaths in the LVOTO group, versus 19 (4.5%) deaths in the non LVOTO group (p = 0.28). Higher Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores predicted longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Conclusion Inducible LVOTO on DSE does not adversely affect the short-term outcomes post liver transplant. Presence of inducible LVOTO should not be the mere reason to deny liver transplant among patients with ESLD.
Crafting Institutions for Localized Aid

Today, most development practitioners agree that “going local” should be the way to deliver foreign aid. However, while this idea is widely embraced in principle, turning it into action is the hard problem. After all, aid professionals are steeped in the framework of universal best practices. In order for localized aid to work, we must begin by changing incentives, recruitment, and organizational structures within aid agencies.
The Effects of Remanent Magnetization on Magnetic Flux Leakage Signals

The Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)Technique is the most commonly used technique to inspect large diameter transmission pipelines [1–5]. A typical MFL inspection system uses permanent magnets to apply an axially oriented magnetic field to the ferromagnetic pipe material. The magnetic field is perturbed by a metal-loss region (usually caused by corrosion) to produce flux leakage outside the pipe, which can be measured by field sensors. The magnetization system in an MFL inspection system should ideally produce a magnetic field that is strong enough to cause a measurable amount of magnetic flux to leak from the pipe material at metal-loss regions, uniform from inside to the outside surface of the wall thickness so that the measured signal is more linearly related to metal-loss depth, and consistent in magnitude along the length of a pipe so that flux leakage measurements can be compared at different locations during an inspection run.
Potentially inappropriate prescribing in elderly veterans : Are we using the wrong drug, wrong dose, or wrong duration?

Objectives: To identify the extent of inappropriate prescribing using criteria for proper use developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and dose-limitation criteria defined by Beers, as well as to describe duration of use and patient characteristics associated with inappropriate prescribing for older people. Design: Retrospective national Veterans Health Administration (VA) administrative database analysis. Setting: VA outpatient facilities during fiscal year 2000 (FY00). Participants: Veterans aged 65 and older having at least one VA outpatient visit in FY00 (N=1,265,434). Measurements: Operational definitions of appropriate use were developed based on recommendations of an expert panel convened by the AHRQ (Zhan criteria). Inappropriate use was identified based on these criteria and inappropriate use of drugs per Beers criteria for dose-limitations in older people. Furthermore, duration of use and patient characteristics associated with inappropriate use were described. Results: After adjusting for diagnoses, dose, and duration, inappropriate prescribing decreased from 33% to 23%. Exposure to inappropriate drugs was prolonged. Pain relievers, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and musculoskeletal agents constituted 61% of inappropriate prescribing. Whites, patients with psychiatric comorbidities, and patients receiving more medications were most likely to receive inappropriate drugs. Women were more likely to receive Zhan criteria drugs; men were more likely to receive dose-limited drugs Conclusion: For the most part, the Zhan criteria did not explain inappropriate prescribing, which includes problems related to dose and duration of prescriptions. Interventions targeted at prescriptions for pain relievers, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and musculoskeletal agents may dramatically decrease inappropriate prescribing and improve patient outcomes.
A connection approach to the Einstein-Maxwell field equations.

Scalar densities which are concomitants of the metric tensor, a symmetric affine connection and its first derivative, and the derivative of a vector field are examined. Rather simple demands are imposed on the corresponding Euler-Lagrange expressions. It is found that the associated field equations reduce essentially to the Einstein-Maxwell field equations.
How much can the vertical distribution of black carbon affect its global direct radiative forcing

[1] Black carbon (BC) has an increased forcing per unit mass when it is located above reflective clouds. To explore sensitivity of forcing to aerosol vertical location, we used a column radiative transfer model to produce globally-averaged values of normalized direct radiative forcing (NDRF) for BC over and under different types of clouds. We developed a simple column-weighting scheme based on the mass fractions of BC that are over and under clouds in measured vertical profiles. The resulting NDRF is in good agreement with global 3-D model estimates, supporting the column-weighted model as a tool for exploring uncertainties due to diversity in vertical distribution. BC above low clouds accounts for about 20% of the global burden but 50% of the forcing. We estimate maximum-minimum spread in NDRF due to modeled profiles as about 40% and uncertainty as about 25%. Because models overestimate BC in the upper troposphere compared with measurements, modeled NDRF might need to be reduced by about 15%. Redistributing BC within the lowest 4 km of the atmosphere affects modeled NDRF by only about 5% and cannot account for very high forcing estimates.
The Relative Roles of the Ocean and Atmosphere as Revealed by Buoy Air–Sea Observations in Hurricanes

AbstractResults from this multihurricane study suggest that the criticality of the oft-cited 26°C hurricane threshold linked to hurricane maintenance may be more closely associated with atmospheric thermodynamic conditions within the inner core than previously believed. In all cases, a positive sea–air contrast was observed within the storm inner core (i.e., surface ocean temperature greater than surface air temperature), despite the fact that 6% of the hurricanes exhibited sea surface temperatures (SSTs) less than the 26°C. For the storms sampled in this study, inner-core surface dewpoint temperatures never exceeded 26.5°C. This finding may provide an alternate explanation as to the criticality of the 26°C threshold since SSTs above 26°C would, in almost all instances, be associated with a positive enthalpy flux condition. Analyses from this study also illustrate that high wind SSTs fluctuate as a function of storm latitude, while inner-core near-surface dewpoint temperatures are much less sensitive to t...