cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of an evaporating meniseus

This work is concerned with evaporation from a meniscus (an air-liquid interface) on the end of a small bore, vertically oriented capillary tube. The equations governing the dynamics of the meniscus are derived by considering an evaporation-driven fluid flow. They lead to a nonlinear differential-integral equation which is linearized for small meniscus motions about steady state equilibrium. The linearized equation is shown to contain a single dimensionless parameterK. The motion resulting from a step increase in evaporation rate is shown to be monotone forK<K 0∼47, while forK>K 0a damped oscillatory motion results. A closed form approximate solution is presented, valid for smallK. This work was motivated by the study of transpiration in plants.
Kindreds and paternity as depicted by aboriginal rock art

Rock art from the Pilbara region of north-west Australia does not have the stiffness and crudity of drawings found in south-eastern Australia. Instead, figures display movement and excitation as they hunt, dance, make love and fight. Some appear to represent family groups, with linkage lines not unlike a geneticist’s kindred. The female is distinguished by genitalia and smaller overall size. Often a line joins the genitalia of male and female figures representing semen transference, or family groups. Isolated female figures with a genital discharge line or dots, linking to smaller asexual figures between her legs is suggestive of umbilical cords and children. A recently identified example of rock art has features differentiating it from previously known examples. There are 2 figures. The central figure is presumably a fully initiated male as it is the larger, has a head-dress and tribal markings. It is joined by a broad line to the penis of the smaller male. This rock art suggests that knowledge of paternity may have been known to the Aborigines, contrary to knowledge of other hunter-gatherer peoples. Further understanding of the Aborigine’s concept of family linkage must help to integrate him as a respected member of Australian society yet enable him to maintain his ethnic respect.
Densitometric Analysis of Normal and Emphysematous Lung Tissue

As emphysema is a disease entity which is characterized by overinflated alveoli and thin fragmented alveolar walls undergoing destructive change, it was decided to test She postulate that emphysematous lung tissue prepared by normal histological techniques is less optically dense than normal lung tissue. Slides of thin sections of lung tissue were placed on the stage of a photoelectric densitometer. This stage was driven at a constant rate so that the entire width of lung tissue was scanned and the optical density and integrated optical density recorded. Average optical density for normal piglet lung sections was found to be 3.87, while average optical density for emphysematous piglet lung sections was found to be 2.94. This difference is statistically significant. Hence photoelectric densitometry of lung sections will distinguish between normal and emphysematous lung sections.
PTSD symptom course during the first year of college.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we examined patterns of transition in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over the 1st year of college. We also examined 2 factors that might predict these transitions: trauma exposure and alcohol involvement. METHOD: Matriculating students (N = 944; 65% female) completed assessments of PTSD, trauma exposure, and alcohol use and consequences multiple times in their freshman year. Three symptom classes (no symptoms, moderate symptoms, and severe symptoms) were identified. Examination of transitions from 1 status to another was conducted with latent transition analysis. RESULTS: These models revealed considerable variability in the course of PTSD symptoms. The most common pattern was resolution, yet a significant portion of students showed other patterns. Symptom worsening was more commonly observed in the 2nd semester. Trauma exposure had a deleterious effect on PTSD symptom change trajectories, as did alcohol involvement, though less consistently so. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that focus on the timing and correlates of symptom progression may benefit college students with posttraumatic distress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) Language: en
Repeat operation for failure of antireflux procedures.

The majority of patients who undergo modern antireflux operations obtain substantial long-term relief of their' symptoms.However, about 10% to 15% will have persistent or recurrent problems, some severe enough to warrant reoperation. With careful symptom review, barium study, endoscopy, and manometry, the mechanism of failure becomes evident, and remedial surgery may proceed. The results at reoperation are not as good as those of the primary procedure, which underlines the need for proper diagnosis, procedure choice, and technique during the first operation.
Anesthesia and Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring

Publisher Summary This chapter explores anesthesia and motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. Anesthesia used to conduct surgery where MEP monitoring is used has marked effects on the ability to record responses. This chapter focuses on both, the theory and the practical aspects of the effects of anesthetic agents. In theory, the type of interaction should be predictable, based on the mechanism of action of the drugs involved. Halogenated inhalational agents and ketamine appear to hinder axonal conduction. As a result, the major anesthetic impact on neurological pathways used for monitoring appears to be at the synaptic connections, with an additional minor component based on the length of the pathway. Varying locations of action as well as differences related to drug dosage make marked differences between agents when related to motor-evoked responses. Further, neurological disease appears to make the responses more difficult to record under anesthesia, increasing the challenge of monitoring in the very patients where it may be most important. Anesthesia for the monitoring of peripheral muscle responses to spinal cord nerve root stimulation should also be unaffected by anesthetic choice, with the sole exception of neuromuscular blockade.
Metasurface perfect absorber based on guided resonance of hypercrystal

We report a perfect absorber utilizing the guided resonance of a hypercrystal. Because a hypercrystal confines light to a deeply subwavelength thickness, it operates as a metasurface, providing the required surface conductivity for unity absorption.
Antecedents of Brand Hate

I discuss major brand hate antecedents in twofold in the chapter: company-related antecedents and consumer-related antecedents. I discuss company-related antecedents as “product and service failures” and “corporate social irresponsibility” with data. Furthermore, I discuss the potential interactions among company-related antecedents as some companies can both serve dysfunctional products and services failures and can be socially irresponsible. These potential antecedents are discussed in light of the consumer complaint and corporate social responsibility literature studies. In consumer-related antecedents, I generally focused on consumer personality disorders and traits that might function as major antecedent such as narcissistic individuals. Narcissism and entitlement are interchangeable as major consumer brand hate indicators in this chapter. Big Five and Agency v. Communion personality traits and their potential interactions with consumer brand hate are also discussed.
Examining regional groundwater–surface water dynamics using an integrated hydrologic model of the San Joaquin River basin

Abstract. Widespread irrigated agriculture and a growing population depend on the complex hydrology of the San Joaquin River basin in California. The challenge of managing this complex hydrology hinges, in part, on understanding and quantifying how processes interact to support the groundwater and surface water systems. Here, we use the integrated hydrologic platform ParFlow-CLM to simulate hourly 1 km gridded hydrology over 1 year to study un-impacted groundwater–surface water dynamics in the basin. Comparisons of simulated results to observations show the model accurately captures important regional-scale partitioning of water among streamflow, evapotranspiration (ET), snow, and subsurface storage. Analysis of this simulated Central Valley groundwater system reveals the seasonal cycle of recharge and discharge as well as the role of the small but temporally constant portion of groundwater recharge that comes from the mountain block. Considering uncertainty in mountain block hydraulic conductivity, model results suggest this component accounts for 7–23 % of total Central Valley recharge. A simulated surface water budget guides a hydrograph decomposition that quantifies the temporally variable contribution of local runoff, valley rim inflows, storage, and groundwater to streamflow across the Central Valley. Power spectra of hydrograph components suggest interactions with groundwater across the valley act to increase longer-term correlation in San Joaquin River outflows. Finally, model results reveal hysteresis in the relationship between basin streamflow and groundwater contributions to flow. Using hourly model results, we interpret the hysteretic cycle to be a result of daily-scale fluctuations from precipitation and ET superimposed on seasonal and basin-scale recharge and discharge.
Measuring intrinsic hand strength in healthy adults: The accuracy intrarater and inter-rater reliability of the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer

Abstract Study Design Clinical measurement study. Introduction Measuring the isometric strength generated during isolated hand joint motions is a challenging feat. The Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer (RIHM; med.engineers, Rotterdam, Netherlands) permits measurement of isolated movements of the hand. To date, there is limited evidence on the inter-rater reliability and limited adult normative data of RIHM. Given that multiple raters, often with varying degrees of experience, are needed to collect normative data, inter-rater reliability testing and a comparison of novice and experienced raters are needed. Purposes of the Study The purposes of this study were to test the accuracy, intrarater reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the RIHM in healthy-handed adults. Methods RIHM accuracy was tested through use of precision class F weights. Adults 18 years or older without upper limb dysfunction were recruited. Each participant was tested by 4 raters, 3 occupational therapy graduate students, and an experienced certified hand therapist, through use of a calibrated RIHM. Five strength measures were tested bilaterally (ie, thumb carpometacarpal palmar abduction, index finger metacarpophalangeal [MP] abduction, index finger MP flexion, thumb MP flexion, and small finger MP abduction) 3 times per a standardized protocol. Statistical methods were used to test accuracy, inter-rater reliability, and intrarater/response stability. Results The accuracy of RIHM device error was 5% or less. Reliability testing included the participation of 19 women and 10 men ( n = 29). All raters were in excellent agreement across all muscles (intraclass correlation coefficient, ≥0.81). Low standard error of measurement values of ≤8.3 N (1.9 lb) across raters were found. The response stability and/or intrarater reliability of the novice and certified hand therapist raters were not statistically different. Discussion The RIHM has an acceptable instrument error; the RIHM and its standardized procedure have excellent inter-rater reliability and response stability when testing those without hand limitations; and the response stability and/or intrarater reliability of expert and novice raters were consistent. Conclusions The use of the RIHM is justified when multiple raters of varying expertise collect normative data or conduct cohort studies on persons with healthy hands. Future research is warranted. Level of Evidence Not applicable.
Photoinduced structural distortions and singlet-triplet intersystem crossing in Cu(i) MLCT excited states monitored by optically gated fluorescence spectroscopy

Copper(i) phenanthroline complexes represent viable earth-abundant alternatives to the ubiquitous Ru(ii) tris-bipyridine photosensitizers owing to their similar metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) properties. A well-established complication of Cu(i) phenanthroline complexes is that they can undergo significant photo-induced structural rearrangements, leading to excited states that are highly susceptible to exciplex formation and short-lived. In this work, a comprehensive analysis of the photo-induced structural distortions and singlet-triplet intersystem crossing dynamics of a series of four sterically encumbered Cu(i) phenanthroline chromophores has been conducted, namely, [Cu(dsbp)2]+ (dsbp = 2,9-di-sec-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline), [Cu(dsbtmp)2]+ (dsbtmp = 2,9-di-sec-butyl-3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), [Cu(dipp)2]+ (dipp = 2,9-di-isopropyl-1,10-phenanthroline), and [Cu(diptmp)2]+ (diptmp = 2,9-di-isopropyl-3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). Upconverted fluorescence decay kinetics were measured at wavelengths along the blue side of the photoluminescence spectrum. The experimental results displayed strong wavelength dependence of the singlet emission, with rapid sub-picosecond decay dominating at higher energies. At lower emission energies, increasing contribution of a longer decay component was revealed. This wavelength dependence is a signature of the excited state structural rearrangement of the phenanthroline ligands which concomitantly lower the excited state energy. The obtained time constants were in excellent agreement with those measured in the complementary ultrafast transient absorption experiments. The sub-picosecond component (prompt fluorescence) is associated with the photo-induced structural rearrangement that lowers the energy of the singlet excited state. The longer decay component represents the lifetime of the S1 excited state, and thus the time-scale of singlet-triplet intersystem crossing. Lastly, the observed dual emission was further characterized by constructing picosecond time-resolved emission spectra from the measured kinetic data. These qualitative luminescence spectra capture the resulting emission from both the S1 initial state and the S1 flattened state, providing further insight into the energy-lowering excited state distortion across the series.
Most Muslims are Moderates (in Dutch)

Data show that most Muslims reject violence in general and terrorism in particular, however they do not support liberal democracy. Indeed they seek a greater role for religion in public life. One may think about them as illiberal moderates.
A novel endpoint for the assessment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in rodents: biomechanical properties of peripheral nerve.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CiPN) is a frequent adverse effect in patients and a leading safety consideration in oncology drug development. Although behavioral assessment and microscopic examination of the nerves and dorsal root ganglia can be incorporated into toxicity studies to assess CiPN risk, more sensitive and less labor-intensive endpoints are often lacking. In this study, rats and mice administered vincristine (75 μg kg−1 day−1, i.p., for 10 days in rats and 100 μg kg−1 day−1, i.p., for 11 days in mice, respectively) were employed as the CiPN models. Behavioral changes were assessed during the dosing phase. At necropsy, the sural or sciatic nerve was harvested from the rats and mice, respectively, and assessed for mechanical and histopathological endpoints. It was found that the maximal load and the load/extension ratio were significantly decreased in the nerves collected from the animals dosed with vincristine compared with the vehicle-treated animals (P < 0.05). Additionally, the gait analysis revealed that the paw print areas were significantly increased in mice (P < 0.01), but not in rats following vincristine administration. Light microscopic histopathology of the nerves and dorsal root ganglia were unaffected by vincristine administration. We concluded that ex vivo mechanical properties of the nerves is a sensitive endpoint, providing a new method to predict CiPN in rodent. Gait analysis may also be a useful tool in these pre-clinical animal models.
Case 14—To Treat…or Not to Treat?

This case involves an unfunded patient with advanced head and neck cancer, complex medical care needs, and no safe plan for discharge. To what extent physicians have an obligation to present all possible treatment options is discussed, along with hospitals’ responsibilities to insure a safe discharge plan for indigent patients.
A Replication of Xu & Burleson (2001) “Effects of Sex, Culture, and Support Type on Perceptions of Spousal Social Support: An Assessment of the ‘Support Gap’ Hypothesis in Early Marriage”

In response to recent calls regarding the social sciences’ “replication crisis,” we have endeavored to replicate Xu and Burleson’s (2001) research study, “Effects of Sex, Culture, and Support Type ...
Avoiding deleterious effects of exoskeletal assistance in people with Stiff-Knee Gait after stroke

Assistive technology for the lower extremities has shown great promise towards improving gait function in people after stroke. However, the effectiveness of assistive technologies depends on the specific neuromuscular impairments and is not well understood. This case study analyzes the gait in an individual with post-stroke Stiff-Knee Gait using a knee flexion torque assistance device. The assistance is provided during each step and can result in a spastic quadriceps response. The analysis quantifies the torque threshold where the spastic response occurs. Quantification of the deleterious effects of such abnormal neuromuscular response can help improve development of new gait assistance strategies.
Assessment of Infraorbital Hypesthesia Following Orbital Floor and Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures Using a Novel Sensory Grading System.

PURPOSE Introduction of a novel sensory grading system to assess the incidence and long-term recovery of infraorbital hypesthesia following orbital floor and inferior orbital rim fractures. METHODS Patients who presented for evaluation of orbital floor and/or zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures between January 2015 and April 2016 were analyzed. Two-point subjective infraorbital sensory grading in 5 discrete anatomic areas was performed. Fractures were repaired based on traditional criteria; hypesthesia was not an indication for surgery. The sensory grading system was repeated a mean 21.7 months (range 18-28) after initial fracture. RESULTS Sixty-two patients (mean 41.8 years) participated in the initial symptom grading, and 42 patients (67.7%) completed the 2-year follow-up. Overall, 20 of 42 patients (47.6%) had some infraorbital hypesthesia. There were fewer with isolated orbital floor fractures versus ZMC fractures (31.8% vs. 68.4%; p = 0.019). Two years postinjury, 9.1% and 40.0% with isolated floor and ZMC fractures, respectively, had persistent sensory disturbance (p = 0.0188). Of patients with sensory disturbance on presentation, 71.4% with isolated floor fractures and 38.5% with ZMC fractures experienced complete sensory recovery (p = 0.1596). Patients with isolated floor fractures had improved recovery after surgery (100% vs. 33.3% recovery; p = 0.0410). Patients with ZMC fractures showed no difference in sensory prognosis between those repaired and observed. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, isolated orbital floor fractures carried a good infraorbital sensory prognosis, further improved by surgical repair. Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures portended a worse long-term sensory outcome, unaffected by management strategy. This study validates the novel sensory grading system in post-fracture analysis.
The Problem of Mother’s Brother in “Oedipus”

In this essay I wish to draw attention to the structure and conflicts in Sophocles’s Theban plays.2While each of the three plays can be considered independently and were probably written at different times, it is worthwhile examining them together. They form a continuity and a broader and more connected context, which when supplemented with relevant information about Greek history and law, reveal their structural bases in ritual and mythical tricksters. The rituals and tricksters provided the dramatist with the means for illustrating political conflicts and reversals, as well as laws of the ancient family that resulted in insolvable and unnatural dilemmas. For example the famous case of mistaken identity in the play “Oedipus Rex” resulted in patricide and incest. Furthermore, by punishing his mythical personages, Sophocles was also able to confirm traditional values.
Assays for Cyclic Nucleotides Including Clinical Applications

Biological regulation by cyclic nucleotides occurs in various forms in most, if not all, living cells. The effects of nearly all hormones and many drugs are mediated in part by changes in cellular levels of cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic 3′,5′-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) (Sutherland and Robison, 1969; Robison et al., 1971; N. D. Goldberg et al., 1973a,b). Alterations of normal or resting as well as hormone-stimulated levels of both nucleotides have been discovered in human tissues, plasma, and urine in association with an impressive number of disease states. In clinical and experimental investigation, therefore, it is of the utmost importance that reliable and sensitive techniques for measurement of the cyclic nucleotides be employed.
Phase I/II study of the PI3Kβ inhibitor GSK2636771 in combination with pembrolizumab (P) in patients (pts) with PD-1 refractory metastatic melanoma (MM) and PTEN loss.

TPS9596Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) improves overall survival and provides long-term disease control in 35-40% of pts with MM. However, more than a third of pts experience no clinic...
Lost in Translation: Ribosome-Associated mRNA and Protein Quality Controls.

Aberrant, misfolded and mislocalized proteins are often toxic to cells and result in many human diseases. All proteins and their mRNA templates are subject to quality control. There are several distinct mechanisms that control the quality of mRNAs and proteins during translation at the ribosome. mRNA quality control systems, nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), non-stop decay (NSD), and no-go decay (NGD) detect premature stop codons, the absence of a natural stop codon, and stalled ribosomes in translation, respectively, and degrade their mRNAs. Defective truncated polypeptide nascent chains generated from faulty mRNAs are degraded by ribosome-associated protein quality control pathways. Regulation of aberrant protein production (RAPP), a novel pathway, senses aberrant proteins by monitoring the status of nascent chain interactions during translation and triggers degradation of their mRNA. Here we review the current progress in understanding of the molecular mechanisms of mRNA and protein quality controls at the ribosome during translation.
Aggregate interference from white space devices into digital terrestrial television receivers

The cognitive radio devices operating in the digital terrestrial television (DTT) frequency band, known as white space devices (WSDs), use the free DTT channels under the condition that they do not cause interference above the limit set by the regulator. In 2015, the UK regulatory authority, Office of Communications (Ofcom), published the first European regulation allowing WSD systems to operate in the DTT band. It defines a methodology to calculate the maximum WSD transmission power based on single-entry interference. It does not guarantee, however, that the co-channel aggregate interference produced by the WSDs operating in the same region satisfies the intersystem interference limit. In addition, to define the maximum intersystem interference, the Ofcom methodology does not use the same criterion as that used in DTT system planning for the intrasystem interference. This work develops a new methodology for calculating the WSD transmission powers that solve the problems identified in the Ofcom regulation. Based on this methodology, a new WSD admission procedure that guarantees the protection of the DTT receivers from the WSD aggregate interference is proposed. It is compared to two other admission procedures based on the Ofcom regulation and Electronic Communications Committee report 186, respectively.
Starting Small: Transformation Zones and Initial Implementation

The period of initial implementation is a sensitive time for a new program. Its success depends upon close attention to installation stage activities and implementation drivers. To enhance efficiency and success, initial implementation should begin in a small portion of the organization, a transformation zone, where many of the common concerns discussed in this chapter can be experienced, learned from, and addressed before scaling up the new practice to include all staff. Practical challenges during initial implementation are common. In this chapter, we review several strategies to overcome such challenges including staff confidence and competence, low or inappropriate referrals, low service delivery rates, perceived clinical barriers, and other organizational challenges.
Foot-Voting Nation

Democracy and ballot box voting have often been held up as central elements of the American political tradition. Less emphasis has been placed on the centrality of “voting with your feet.” Yet in many ways, it is an even more fundamental and distinctive feature of American politics than electoral democracy. Many nations have had democratic governments, and the idea of democracy long predates the founding of the United States. In modern times, a good many political systems have been more democratic than the US, in the sense of giving greater power to political majorities. By contrast, few if any other nations have been so heavily influenced by “foot voting,” through both internal and international migration. Both immigration and internal migration between states are, in most cases, forms of foot voting: the use of mobility to choose which government policies one wishes to live under. Part I of this chapter provides a brief overview of the role of immigration in the American political tradition, which has deep roots going back to the Founding. Part II focuses on internal foot voting. Unlike immigration, the importance of the latter was not well understood by the Founding Fathers. They nonetheless designed a political system that facilitated it in crucial ways, and it has had a profound impact since. Finally, Part III considers the continuing importance of foot voting in modern times, and emerging threats to its effectiveness, in the form of nationalist movements hostile to immigration and regulatory barriers that impede internal foot voting.
Comparing Augustine's Version of Adam Smith's 'the Poor Man's Son' Analysis with Adam Smith's Version: Wealth Can't Make You Happy, but the Pursuit of Virtue Will

Augustine’s argument about the failure of wealth to insure one’s happiness is very similar to Adam Smith’s position except that Augustine compares a lower income or middle income class citizen with a rich citizen while Smith compares a lower income class citizen,or poor citizen, with a rich citizen. The conclusions of Augustine and Smith are very similar. Wealth and riches can’t make you happy. This conclusion is directly opposite to the conclusion reached by Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian ethics that the more material goods you own, the more happy you will be.
Security and Scientific Communication.

Administration officials argue that the free flow of scientific information allows adversaries of the United States to grow stronger at our expense. The imposition of controls, however, may undermine U.S. vitality and progress.
Axial Donor Effects on Oxidatively Induced Ethane Formation from Nickel–Dimethyl Complexes

Tetradentate pyridinophane ligands have been shown to stabilize uncommon high-valent palladium and nickel organometallic complexes. Described herein are the synthesis and detailed characterization ...
Minimal unimodal decomposition on trees

The decomposition of a density function on a domain into a minimal sum of unimodal components is a fundamental problem in statistics, leading to the topological invariant of unimodal category of a density. This paper gives an efficient algorithm for the construction of a minimal unimodal decomposition of a tame density function on a finite metric tree.
TCF-1 regulates the stem-like memory potential of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in elite controllers

Although many HIV cure strategies seek to expand HIV-specific CD8+ T cells to control the virus, all are likely to fail if cellular exhaustion is not prevented. A loss in stem-like memory properties (i.e., the ability to proliferate and generate secondary effector cells) is a key feature of exhaustion; little is known, however, about how these properties are regulated in human virus-specific CD8+ T cells. We found that virus-specific CD8+ T cells from humans and non-human primates naturally controlling HIV/SIV infection express more of the transcription factor, TCF-1, than non-controllers. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell TCF-1 expression correlated with memory marker expression and proliferative capacity and declined with antigenic stimulation. CRISPR-Cas9 editing of TCF-1 in human primary T cells demonstrated a direct role in regulating expansion capacity. Collectively, these data suggest that TCF-1 controls the stem-like memory properties of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells and provides a rationale for enhancing this pathway in T cell-based therapeutic strategies for HIV.
Investigation of the discontinuous precipitation of U-Nb alloys via thermodynamic analysis and phase-field modeling

Abstract U-Nb’s discontinuous precipitation, γ matrix bcc → α cellular orth + γ cellular ′ bcc , is intriguing in the sense that it allows formation and growth of the metastable γ ′ phase during the course of its occurrence. Previous attempts to explain the thermodynamic origin of U-Nb’s discontinuous precipitation hypothesized that the energy of α forms an intermediate common tangent with the first potential of the double-well energy of γ at the γ ′ composition. In this work, we examine different possible mechanisms by which the discontinuous precipitation product in the U-Nb system can be stabilized. We put forward a mechanism by which the bulk free energy of the γ can develop a non-monotonic dependency with composition. Additionally we posit that local contributions due to lattice mismatch between the α and γ phases may be responsible for the generation of metastable states that may stabilized by thermodyna mics as well as by kinetics. Our work suggests that local misfit strain tends to play a crucial role in the growth of the discontinuous precipitation product. Depending on the magnitude of strain developed at the α / γ ′ interfaces, either an increasing γ ′ composition or a random distribution of γ ′ compositions around the equiatomic value with respect to increasing temperature could be expected. Moreover, we show how it is possible to stabilize the discontinuous precipitation front through highly anisotropic and fast interface diffusion.
Fine-Scale Population Structure but Limited Genetic Differentiation in a Cooperatively Breeding Paper Wasp.

Relatively little is known about the processes shaping population structure in cooperatively breeding insect species, despite the long-hypothesized importance of population structure in shaping patterns of cooperative breeding. Polistes paper wasps are primitively eusocial insects, with a cooperative breeding system in which females often found nests in cooperative associations. Prior mark-recapture studies of Polistes have documented extreme female philopatry, although genetic studies frequently fail to detect the strong population structure expected for highly philopatric species. Together these findings have led to lack of consensus on the degree of dispersal and population structure in these species. This study assessed population structure of female Polistes fuscatus wasps at three scales: within a single site, throughout Central New York, and across the Northeastern United States. Patterns of spatial genetic clustering and isolation by distance were observed in nuclear and mitochondrial genomes at the continental scale. Remarkably, population structure was evident even at fine spatial scales within a single collection site. However, P. fuscatus had low levels of genetic differentiation across long distances. These results suggest that P. fuscatus wasps may employ multiple dispersal strategies, including extreme natal philopatry as well as longer-distance dispersal. We observed greater genetic differentiation in mitochondrial genes than in the nuclear genome, indicative of increased dispersal distances in males. Our findings support the hypothesis that limited female dispersal contributes toward population structure in paper wasps.
Distinct iron homeostasis in C57BL/6 and Balb/c mouse strains

C57BL/6 (BL6) and Balb/c mice exhibit prototypical Th1- and Th2-dominant immune predispositions, respectively. Iron is a proinflammatory metal ion; however, limited information is documented on the differences in iron homeostasis between BL6 and Balb/c strains. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which strain-level differences in these mice dictates the regulation of iron homeostasis during physiologic and inflammatory conditions. At basal levels, Balb/c mice displayed significantly higher levels of iron in systemic circulation and tissue compared to BL6 mice. Moreover, Balb/c mice had greater iron absorption as indicated by higher gene expressions of duodenal DcytB, DMT1, Fpn, SFT, and Heph. Similarly, hepatic Tf, TfR1, TfR2, and DMT1 expressions were augmented in Balb/c mice. Interestingly, there was no change in hepatic Hamp expression between the two strains, suggesting that the disparity in their maintenance of iron is independent of hepcidin. Additionally, the basal levels of intracellular labile iron pool in Balb/c intestinal epithelial cells, and bone marrow-derived macrophages and neutrophils, were higher compared to BL6 mice. When mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide, the acute inflammatory response in BL6 mice was more pronounced than in Balb/c mice, as indicated by the more rapid development of hypoferremia and upregulation of serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels in BL6 mice. In conclusion, this study underscores that iron homeostasis is distinct between BL6 and Balb/c strains under both physiologic and inflammatory conditions.
Temporal trends in inpatient outcomes and resource utilization in patients with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) with solid and hematologic cancers: A nationwide analysis.

e19102Background: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a well-recognized complication in cancer patients with high tumor burden receiving chemotherapy and is associated with increased morbidity and mortal...
Underutilization of Lynch Syndrome Screening at Two Large Veterans Affairs Medical Centers

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, yet is grossly under-recognized. Multiple professional societies recommend screening all CRCs for LS by performing tumor testing. The veterans affairs system has not adopted universal tumor testing as a national performance metric and leaves screening for LS to clinical care at individual sites. Describe adherence to LS screening in the VA system. Dual-center, retrospective review of all CRCs diagnosed between 2010 and 2016. Rates of tumor testing, personal and family history of cancer were extracted from the medical record. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of tumor-based screening for LS. A total of 421 cancers were reviewed. 15.1% of all cancers underwent either MSI and/or IHC for LS screening over the study period. There was improvement in LS screening from 3% of all CRCs in 2010 to 45% of all CRCs in 2016. 34% and 70% of patients did not have documentation of CRC in first- and second-degree relatives, respectively. Of the 73 patients who met one of the Revised Bethesda Criteria or had a PREMM1,2,6 score of ≥ 5, 34% and 56% underwent tumor testing, respectively. Younger age, non-Caucasian race, meeting Bethesda or PREMM1,2,6 criteria and right-sided tumor location were predictors of undergoing tumor testing. CRC tumor screening for LS is grossly inadequate when left to routine clinical care. Our results lend support to implementation of reflexive universal tumor testing within the VA system.
Defining Disc Biopsy Timing in Relation to Blood Culture Results for Inpatients with Suspected Discitis-Osteomyelitis

Abstract Purpose To determine optimal timing of biopsy for suspected discitis-osteomyelitis (DOM) with respect to preliminary blood culture results and the effect of biopsy timing on hospital length of stay (LOS). Materials and Methods This retrospective study reviewed disc/vertebral biopsies for suspected DOM performed between 2010 and 2018. A total of 107 disc/vertebral biopsies were performed on 96 inpatients (mean ± SD age 57.9 ± 14.5 years, 68 men/28 women) for suspected DOM, and 100 cases of DOM were clinically confirmed and treated. Descriptive and regression statistics were performed with LOS as the primary outcome. Results Of disc biopsies in clinically confirmed cases, 68% were positive; 20% of all biopsies had preliminary positive blood cultures after 2 hospital days. There was no difference in LOS between cases with biopsy performed ≤ 2 days after blood culture and cases with biopsy performed > 2 days after blood culture (P = .40). Regression analysis showed no association between positive biopsy results and sepsis, white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or C-reactive protein (CRP). Biopsy yield was not significantly decreased in patients previously taking antibiotics (P = .09). Conclusions Waiting 2 days for preliminary blood culture results could avoid disc/vertebral biopsy in 20% of patients and does not significantly impact hospital LOS. Additionally, clinical factors (sepsis, WBC count, CRP, and ESR) do not have predictive value for positive disc biopsy results.
Integrated porosity methods for estimation of gas-in-place in the Muerto Formation of Northwestern Peru

Abstract The Albian-age Muerto formation in the Talara and Lancones basins of Northwestern Peru is a world-class source rock with high organic carbon (up to 4%, kerogen type III) and thermal maturity for the generation of both oil and gas as constrained by geochemical data presented here. We used wireline logs from one well in the Lancones basin in conjunction with geochemical data to model a multi-porosity model for the Muerto shaly carbonates. Our porosity model suggests total porosity 10.8% (from neutron and density logs), matrix porosity 10.3% (from the sonic log) of which inorganic porosity is 7.96% and kerogen (organic) porosity is 2.02%. Fracture porosity was found to be negligible (0.5%). The study thus incorporates porosities storing both free and adsorbed gas in this self-sourced reservoir. Moreover, the paper offers an integrated volumetric and reservoir modeling for estimation of gas-in-place (GIP) in the studied interval of the Muerto formation. The calculated GIP, including adsorbed gas is 660.2 MSCF/(acre-ft). This is the first application of a multi-porosity model for an unconventional gas reservoir in Peru, thus offering a methodology for porosity modeling of other unconventional tight reservoirs in Peru where petroleum plays have been relatively underdeveloped. Our study mainly aims to quantify different porosities that control the estimation of total GIP in tight rock formations.
An Equity Analysis of Pre-primary Education in the Developing World

Abstract Existing research has acknowledged the importance of pre-primary education and pointed out numerous dimensions where we find significant gaps in access. But how large are these gaps relative to each other and which ones demand highest priorities in education policy? To answer this, we use survey data from 83 countries between 2010 and 2016 and estimate and compare the extent to which pre-primary education access is determined by gender, urban-rural status, socio-economic status, and subnational unit. The results suggest that traditional focus on gender and urban-rural residence is not sufficient for equity in pre-primary education access, as we find the gaps between subnational units to be the largest. There is also a substantial regional and cross-sectional variation for each dimension.
The Impact of the Lightning Surge on SiC-based Medium-voltage Three-phase Four-wire Grid-connected Converters

The surge voltage induced by lightning will generate an inrush current in a grid-connected converter. It may not be large in Si-based converters because of the large grid side inductive filter. However, for SiC-based multi-level converters, the inrush current could be very large due to the small filter inductance, which is selected based on the current harmonic consideration. Most previous work focuses on system-level lightning protection while the converter-level impact, especially the internal components of the converter, is rarely discussed. This paper presents the analysis of the impact of the lightning surge on a 10 kV SiC MOSFET-based 13.8 kV three-phase four-wire grid-connected converter. The IEEE arrester model and the combined wave generator model in IEC 61000-4-5 standard are used to evaluate the inrush current, DC-link overvoltage, and component-to-ground potential of the converter. Analysis and simulation results have been provided to demonstrate the impact of lightning on the grid-connected converter. It is found that large inrush current occurs due to the small filter inductance, and the neutral-to-ground impedance impacts both the inrush current and the neutral point-to-ground potential.
Literature Review of Sex Differences in mTBI

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant source of morbidity worldwide and is of particular concern for the military. Scientific literature examining sex differences in TBI is highly contradictory with some reporting better outcomes in men, others reporting better outcomes in women, and others reporting mixed results or no difference. While the exact cause is currently debated, the existence of such differences has important implications for surveillance techniques, treatment options, and management of long-term consequences. As the number of women within the U.S. military ranks increases and with the opening of combat roles to women in 2013, increased awareness of probable sex differences regarding TBI responses will enable better standard of care. Materials and methods Using the PubMed database, a keyword search using gender, "sex factors", "sex dependent", "gender disparity", TBI, "traumatic brain injury", mTBI (mild TBI), and "cranial trauma" was used to identify articles of interest. Results were filtered for written in the last 5 years, English, and free full text. References of relevant articles were cross-checked for additional publications. Articles familiar to the authors were also included. Results We review literature that includes analysis of age as an interaction in TBI, hypothesized mechanisms to explain variations in outcomes between men and women, and the need for inclusion of sex as a criterion in future studies. Conclusions Emerging studies underscore the complexity of interpreting sex differences in TBI. The long-held belief that women have a neuroprotective advantage compared to men based on higher levels of sex hormones is being re-evaluated. Past conclusions have relied extensively on clinical studies that include a disproportionate number of men or do not stratify results based on sex. While sex hormones may be neuroprotective, underlying mechanisms are far from clarified. Future TBI studies must include women and gonadal hormone levels should be measured to address potential variables. Given the significant number of TBIs within the military, an improved understanding of TBI pathophysiology and outcomes is important considerations for mission success and servicemember longevity.
Seasonality of Conceptions in Captive Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca mulatta )

Environmental variables have an effect on patterns of seasonality in conceptions across many animal species. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are well documented as seasonal breeders, and it has been proposed that rhesus macaques are “relaxed income breeders.” This means they should respond to changes in photoperiod but that endogenous cues can allow deviations from photoperiod-timed seasonality. Despite this, little is known about what factors cause seasonal reproduction in rhesus macaques. We present the results of a natural experiment on the influence of different housing conditions (featuring different levels of environmental exposure) on the seasonal pattern of reproduction in rhesus macaques. The data come from a captive colony of rhesus macaques, housed in a variety of conditions between 1970 and 1990: indoors with regulated temperature and photoperiod, in enclosures with an open window allowing for photoperiod and temperature variation, or in outdoor enclosures with even more available natural environmental exposure. Conceptions (measured by day-of-year) occurred throughout the year and in a seasonal pattern in all treatment conditions, but the seasonal pattern differed for each treatment. The variability in conception dates was highest for the outdoor groups. These results are consistent with rhesus macaques as “relaxed income breeders.” However, comparison with other macaque species for which similar data are available casts doubt on previous applications of the income and capital breeder model to the macaques.
The success trap: Japan's policy alternatives at home and abroad

Abstract Strong outside pressure pushes the Japanese to embrace courses of action that could undermine the foundations of postwar success. Moreover, US, European, and Asian preferences about Japanese policy differ significantly. Additional complexity results when exhortations from the same geographic source involve internal contradictions. The authors outline three basic strategies that Japan can pursue—subordination to the demands of outside powers, conformity to the traditional policy instincts of major states, and the evolution of a national enhancement path that bears little overall resemblance to the policy patterns of any previous great power. They conclude that some variant of the third course is the most desirable choice for Japan and also the most likely development.
Sodickson, Daniel K.: The Many Guises of Tomography – A Personal History of Parallel Imaging

This article has no abstract. Keywords: parallel imaging; parallel MRI; radiofrequency coils
Capacitor coupled transformer-less DC-DC boost converter with large conversion ratios

Voltage multiplier circuits are often used to achieve conversion ratios higher than can be possible with magnetic transformers. The series structure of the most common type of voltage multipliers limit the dynamic performance and line regulation. This paper proposes a novel capacitor coupled DC-DC boost converter operating at high switching frequency that can achieve similar high conversion ratios with better dynamic performance. The topology and operating characteristics of the converter are discussed and the equations that describe the current and voltage relationships are provided, along with experimental and simulation results from a low power prototype converter.