cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metathesis and Polyolefin Growth on Cadmium Selenide Surfaces Using Ruthenium-Based Catalysts

The development of highly active and well-defined catalyst systems has driven metathesis chemistry to its current status as a versatile technique for the synthesis of both small organic molecules and polymeric materials.1 As a part of this progress, metathesis polymerization has become a major technique for the preparation of tailored polymers with desired properties. Through advances in ruthenium-based catalyst systems introduced by Grubbs and coworkers, a high level of synthetic control over polymer architecture can be achieved.2 This includes the preparation of block copolymers, alternating copolymers, control over functional pendant groups and chain- ends, and tolerance toward functional groups and various reaction media. The robust nature of this class of catalysts has allowed numerous types of monomers to be polymerized, thus providing access to a large range of polymeric materials. Metathesis reactions in heterogeneous media such as emulsions3 and on various organic or inorganic surfaces have been achieved.4 The ability to polymerize designer monomers from various material surfaces is an attractive technique for surface modification and preparation of new composite materials.
Nanostructured Mn2Ga Alloys with High Magnetization and Coercivity

Nanostructured Mn2Ga alloys with the majority D022 phase have been prepared by subjecting ball-milled powders with micron size grains to the supercritical conditions of fluids at high pressure of 8...
Corn Area Response to Local Ethanol Markets in the United States: A Grid Cell Level Analysis

We measure corn and total agricultural area response to the biofuels boom in the United States from 2006 to 2010. Specifically, we use newly available micro-scale grid cell data to test whether a location's corn and total agricultural cultivation rose in response to the capacity of ethanol refineries in their vicinity. Based on these data, acreage in corn and overall agriculture not only grew in already-cultivated areas but also expanded into previously uncultivated areas. Acreage in corn and total agriculture also correlated with proximity to ethanol plants, though the relationship dampened over the time period. A formal estimation of the link between acreage and ethanol refineries, however, must account for the endogenous location decisions of ethanol plants and areas of corn supply. We present historical evidence to support the use of the US railroad network as a valid instrument for ethanol plant locations. Our estimates show that a location's neighborhood refining capacity exerts strong and significant effects on acreage planted in corn and total agricultural acreage. The largest impacts of ethanol plants were felt in locations where cultivation area was relatively low. This high-resolution evidence of ethanol impacts on local agricultural outcomes can inform researchers and policy-makers concerned with crop diversity, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development.
Native American Death Taboo: Implications for Health Care Providers:

This study was conducted to highlight Native American (NA) perspectives on death taboo in order to examine the cultural appropriateness of hospice services for NA patients, if any. Searching literature that addressed taboo and death from historical, psychological, sociological, and anthropological aspects, a comparison of death perspectives was made between NAs and European Americans. A culturally sensitive transition from palliative care to hospice care was suggested for NA patients and their family.
Postoperative transitional care needs in the elderly: an outcome of recovery associated with worse long-term survival.

OBJECTIVE To characterize transitional care needs (TCNs) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and examine their association with age and impact on overall survival (OS). BACKGROUND TCNs after cancer surgery represent additional burden for patients and are associated with higher short-term mortality. They are not well-characterized in CRC patients, particularly in the context of a growing elderly population, and their effect on long-term survival is unknown. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of CRC patients (N = 486) having curative surgery at a tertiary referral center (2002-2011) was conducted. Outcomes included TCNs (home health or nonhome destination at discharge) and OS. Patients were compared on the basis of age: young (<65 years), old (65-74 years), and oldest (≥75 years). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association of age with TCNs, and OS was compared on the basis of TCNs and stage, using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS TCNs were required by 130 patients (27%). The oldest patients had highest TCNs (49%) compared with the other age groups (P < 0.01), with rehabilitation services as their primary TCNs (80%). After multivariate analysis, patients 75 years or older had significantly increased TCN risk (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-8.5). TCN was associated with worse OS for patients with early- and advanced stage CRC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TCNs after CRC surgery are common and significantly increased in patients 75 years or older, represent an outcome of postoperative recovery, and are associated with worse long-term survival. Preoperative identification of higher risk populations should be used for patient counseling, advanced preoperative planning, and to implement strategies targeted at minimizing TCNs.
Study on the resistance of culex pipiens pollens in Huairou district of Beijing,2012-2013

Objective To survey the resistance of Culex pipiens pollens to widely used insecticides in Huairou district,and to provide the scientific basis for using insecticides reasonably. Methods The larva dipping method was adopted to detect lethal concentration of 50%( LC50) for the fourth instar larva of C. pipiens pollens. Results The resistance of culex pipiens pollens( field strain) to dichlorvos,temephos,beta-cypermethrin and deltamethrin were 15. 36-fold,10. 33-fold,9. 06-fold and10. 57-fold in 2012 in Huairou District,and were 15. 74-fold,10. 96-fold,9. 40-fold,10. 75-fold in 2013. Conclusion The Culex pipiens pollens in Huairou District had developed different resistance to the four tested insecticides,of which the resistance levels to dichlorvos and deltamethrin were higher.
Practice Theory and Relationalism as the New Constructivism

In this theory note, I address two new approaches in international relations theory gaining adherents and producing insightful applications: practice theory and relationalism. Practice theory draws attention to everyday logics in world politics. It stresses how international actors are driven less by abstract notions of the national interest, identities, or preferences than by context-dependent practical imperatives. Relationalism rejects the idea that entities—like states and international organizations—are the basic units of world politics. It replaces them with a focus on ongoing processes. Noting similarities in their arguments to those advanced by early constructivists, I argue that, taken together, practice theory and relationalism represent the New Constructivism in International Relations (IR). A practice–relational turn became necessary because the meaning of constructivism narrowed over time, becoming tied to a specific scientific ontology focusing on the role of identity, norms, and culture in world politics. This ontology unduly narrowed constructivism’s theoretical lenses, which practice theory and relationalism productively reopen.
Effect of Zn, Mg, Cu, Zr on Microstructure and Properties of Laser Welding Aluminium Alloy

A series of Al-6.3Zn-2.3Mg-2.3Cu-0.15Zr alloys with different reduce of Zn, Mg, Cu and Zr were prepared by ingot-metallurgy processing. The metallurgical structure and mechanical properties were investigated by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and other equipment. The results indicated that the ingot’s microstructures of the four alloys contain the phrases of η (MgZn2) and θ (Al2Cu), which mostly distribute at the grain boundaries in a shape of continuous network. After extrusion processing, the grain of laser welding aluminium alloy was elongated along the extrusion direction, therefore forming fibrous structures, and meanwhile the second phase particles with different degrees of fragmentation were arranged along the extrusion direction since the microstructure of extruded bars was inherited by the as-cast structure. Zr could significantly inhibit recrystallization of alloy; the recrystallization of the alloy with lower Zr was more obvious. As the content of Zr reduced, the tensile strength of alloy decreased, but the electrical conductivity and hardness increased. When the content of Cu was lower, the hardness were decreased.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of broad-area semiconductor lasers

We study experimentally the spatio-temporal dynamics of broad-area semiconductor lasers. Fast random and periodic oscillations of the laser emission are observed. Their dependence on the pump strength and cavity size are investigated.
Feedback Control of a Thermal Fluid Based on a Reduced Order Observer

Abstract: We discuss the problem of designing a feedback control law based on a reduced order observer, which locally stabilizes a two dimensional thermal fluid modeled by the Boussinesq approximation. We consider mixed boundary control for the Boussinesq equations in an open bounded and connected domain. In particular, the controllers are finite dimensional and act on a portion of the boundary through Neumann/Robin boundary conditions. A linear Luenberger observer is constructed based on point observations of the linearized Boussinesq equations. The current setting of the system leads to a problem with unbounded control inputs and outputs. Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) balanced truncation is employed to obtain the reduced order model for the linearized system. The feedback law can be obtained by solving an extended Kalman filter problem. The numerical results show that the nonlinear system coupled with the reduced order observer through the feedback law is locally exponentially stable.
Foreword: Intelligent Chips for a Smart World

Welcome to the 64th International Solid-State Circuits Conference! The Conference continues its tradition of showcasing the most advanced and innovative work from industry and academe around the world, in integrated circuits and systems. The geographical distribution of the accepted technical papers reflects the truly international character of the Conference: 48% of the accepted papers are from North America, 33% are from the Far East, and 19% are from Europe. Of these papers, 63% are from academe, 34% are from industry, and 3% are from research institutions/labs. For the first time this year, the ISSCC paper selection followed a double-blind review process with anonymized manuscripts, which has emerged as the best-known practice within the broader technical community.
A General Efficient Hyperparameter-Free Algorithm for Convolutional Sparse Learning

Structured sparse learning has become a popular and mature research field. Among all structured sparse models, we found an interesting fact that most structured sparse properties could be captured by convolution operators, most famous ones being total variation and wavelet sparsity. This finding has naturally brought us to a generalization termed as Convolutional Sparsity. While this generalization bridges the convolution and sparse learning theory, we are able to propose a general, efficient, hyperparameter-free optimization algorithm framework for convolutional sparse models, thanks to the analysis theory of convolution operators. The convergence of the general, hyperparameter-free algorithm has been comprehensively analyzed, with a non-ergodic rate of O(1/ϵ 2 ) and ergodic rate of O(1/ϵ), where ϵ is the desired accuracy. Extensive experiments confirm the superior performance of our general algorithm in various convolutional sparse models, even better than some application-specialistic algorithms.
Neuropsychological analysis of auditory verbal hallucinations.

Recent neuropsychological studies have distinguished deficits in verbal working memory, verbal memory, and confrontation naming from other neuropsychological domains as specifically related to the severity of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia (Gisselgard et al., 2014; Siddi et al., 2017). To extend this research, it was hypothesized that AVH severity would be related only to measures within the language domain and the test battery was augmented with the [CTOPP2 and COWAT…define?] to more comprehensively define the language processing functions most predictive of AVH. A neuropsychological test battery was administered to a group of adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder (N = 30), who continued to experience AVH despite clinical treatment. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that poorer performance on measures of verbal working memory and verbal immediate memory significantly predicted greater AVH severity. Going beyond the prior studies, it was also shown that greater impairment of semantic fluency and lesser impairment in delayed general memory were also significant predictors of AVH. Intellectual ability and executive functioning, considered as covariates, were not significant predictors and their inclusion in regression analyses did not affect the pattern of results. Lastly, when cognitive predictors were accounted for, a trend toward an effect of medication (assessed as olanzapine equivalents) emerged such that higher dose predicted less severe AVH. Taken together, better performance on measures of linguistic processes associated with verbal working memory, semantic fluency and verbal learning predicts less severe AVH, perhaps most consistent with limited capacity language processing models. The finding that better delayed memory predicted more severe AVH is consistent with AVH memory models suggesting that AVH are dependent upon information recalled from memory storage.
Towards Multilingual Automated Classification Systems

In this paper we propose and evaluate three approaches for automated classification of texts in over 60 languages without the need for a manually annotated dataset in those languages. All approaches are based on the randomized Explicit Semantic Analysis method using multilingual Wikipedia articles as their knowledge repository. We evaluate the proposed approaches by classifying a Twitter dataset in English and Portuguese into relevant and irrelevant items with respect to landslide as a natural disaster, where the highest achieved F1-score is 0.93. These approaches can be used in various applications where multilingual classification is needed, including multilingual disaster reporting using Social Media to improve coverage and increase confidence. As illustration, we present a demonstration that combines data from physical sensors and social networks to detect landslide events reported in English and Portuguese.
Ecological Networks and Urban Crime: The Structure of Shared Routine Activity Locations and Neighborhood-Level Informal Control Capacity.

By drawing on the work of Jacobs (1961), we hypothesize that public contact among neighborhood residents while engaged in day-to-day routines, captured by the aggregate network structure of shared local exposure, is consequential for crime. Neighborhoods in which residents come into contact more extensively in the course of conventional routines will exhibit higher levels of public familiarity, trust, and collective efficacy with implications for the informal social control of crime. We employ the concept of ecological (“eco-”) networks—networks linking households within neighborhoods through shared activity locations—to formalize the notion of overlapping routines. By using microsimulations of household travel patterns to construct census tract-level eco-networks for Columbus, OH, we examine the hypothesis that eco-network intensity (the probability that households tied through one location in a neighborhood eco-network will also be tied through another visited location) is negatively associated with tract-level crime rates (N = 192). Fitted spatial autoregressive models offer evidence that neighborhoods with higher intensity eco-networks exhibit lower levels of violent and property crime. In contrast, a higher prevalence of nonresident visitors to a given tract is positively associated with property crime. The results of these analyses hold the potential to enrich insight into the ecological processes that shape variation in neighborhood crime.
Feeding Activity of Carabid Beetles and Spiders on Gypsy Moth Larvae (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) at High-density Prey Populations

Pitfall traps and tree bands were used to collect arthropods at two sites in southeastern New Hampshire during the 1982–83 outbreak of gypsy moth. Pitfall traps caught more individuals (74% of tota...
The Prison and the Border: An Ethnography of Shifting Border Security Logics

This study examines the ways in which border controls have taken on aspects of crime control. To understand this transformation, I draw on the methods of historical anthropologists who blend ethnographic and historical tools of analysis. The historical research shows that the shift occurred in 1990s, when New Democrats adopted crime politics of the New Right and supported bipartisan policies that restructured detention, deportation, and criminal prosecution. The ethnography documents the ways in which border controls have taken on aspects of internal security and domestic policing, shifts seldom captured in contemporary border security debates.
The Hadlock Method Is Superior to Newer Methods for the Prediction of the Birth Weight Percentile.

OBJECTIVES To compare a traditional ultrasound (US) method for estimated fetal weight (EFW) calculation and fetal growth restriction diagnosis with 2 newer methods for the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) at birth. METHODS We reviewed deliveries at our institution from January 1, 2013, to March 31, 2017. Singleton, nonanomalous, well-dated fetuses with a US examination within 2 weeks of delivery were included. Estimated fetal weights and percentiles were calculated by a traditional method (Hadlock et al; Radiology 1991; 181:129-133) and 2 newer methods: Intergrowth-21st (INTG; Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 49:478-486) and Salomon et al (Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2007; 29:550-555). We calculated each method's test characteristics to predict SGA (birth weight < 10th percentile) using both traditional (EFW < 10th percentile) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-derived fetal growth restriction cutoffs. Mean percentile discrepancies between EFW and birth weight measurements were calculated to compare method accuracy. We hypothesized that the INTG and Salomon methods would have superior SGA prediction compared with the Hadlock method. RESULTS Of 831 pregnancies with a US examination within 2 weeks of delivery, 138 (16.7%) were SGA at birth. Hadlock had the smallest US-birth weight percentile discrepancy (P < .001 versus both INTG and Salomon). When comparing ROC curves, the Hadlock and INTG methods performed comparably, with areas under the curve of 0.91 and 0.90 (P = .08) and optimal EFW cutoffs of the 15th and 22nd percentiles, respectively. The Salomon method performed less well, with an area under the curve of 0.82 (P < .001 versus both Hadlock and INTG methods). CONCLUSIONS In our study cohort, the Hadlock method predicted the birth weight percentile more accurately than the INTG or Salomon methods and performed comparably with INTG to predict SGA when ROC-derived cutoffs were used.
Assessment of Gender Differences in Perceptions of Work-Life Integration Among Head and Neck Surgeons.

Importance The factors that contribute to gender discrepancies among attending head and neck surgeons have yet to be fully characterized. Objective To evaluate the association of gender difference with the perceived quality of life of head and neck oncological surgeons. Design, Setting, and Participants Following approval from the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) review board, a web-based survey study of 37 questions, mainly assessing daily lifestyle and quality of life, was sent to the entire membership. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome assessed was perceived quality of life among female and male surgeons. Results A total of 261 members (13.0%) responded, 71 women (27.2%) and 190 men (72.8%). In all, 66 female (92.5%) and 152 male (80%) surgeons worked at an academic institution. A greater percentage of women were at the associate professor level than men (20/64 [31%] vs 37/152 [24%]; difference, 6.9%; 95% CI, −5.6% to 20.5%) and a greater percentage of men were at the professor level than women (72/152 [47%] vs 18/64 [28%]; difference, 19%; 95% CI, 4.9% to 31.6%). This discrepancy was evident in administrative roles as well, with 4 female (6.2%) vs 23 male (17.6%) department chairs (difference, 11.3%; 95% CI, 0.9%-19.6%). Of the 71 women, 18 (25%) were not in a long-term relationship or were divorced, as opposed to 6 (3.2%) men (difference, 22%; 95% CI, 12.8%-33.5%). Women had a mean (median) 1.18 (1) children, whereas men had 2.29 (2) children. Mean age that participating women had their first child was 35.1 years, whereas the man age for men was 31.9 years. Overall, 117 men (61.9%) and 45 women (67.2%) found their family time limited compared with other otolaryngological subspecialties. Despite these results, 101 men (53.4%) vs 37 women (55.2%) stated that they had a good work-life balance. Six women vs 8 men indicated they would choose a different subspecialty if they could. Conclusions and Relevance Despite improvements in work hours and gender balance in residency programs, discrepancy in the number of female surgeons with senior academic rankings continues. However, female and male head and neck surgeons appear equally content with their subspecialty choice.
Comments on "A gravitational shielding based upon ZnS:Ag phosphor" and "The gravitational mass at the superconducting state"

This is a discussion of two recent papers by De Aquino [physics/0112081 (2001) and physics/0201058 (2002)] that put forward an explanation of observations of gravity shielding originally reported by Podkletnov and Nieminen [Physica C 203 441 (1992)].
Structures of anti,Z-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, syn,E,Z-2,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide and syn,E-1-cyclopentano-3-thiosemicarbazone

The structures of three alkyl derivatives of thiosemicarbazide are described: anti,Z-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (1), syn,E,Z-2,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (2), and syn,E-1-cyclopentano-3-thiosemicarbazone (3). Crystal data: for 1: triclinic, P-1 (#2), a = 5.802(1)A, b = 6.935(1)A, c = 8.104(2)A, α = 78.35(1)°, β = 82.13(1)°, γ = 70.71(1)°, and Z = 2; for 2: orthorhombic, Pbca (#61), a = 9.417(3)A, b = 8.624(2)A, c = 15.169(3)A, and Z = 8; for 3: triclinic, P-1 (#2), a = 6.068(3)A, b = 8.145(4)A, c = 8.666(5)A, α = 83.75(4)°, β = 86.16(5)°, γ = 74.07(4)°, and Z = 2. In general, molecules are linked by N–H···S hydrogen bonds with sulfurs accepting two or three hydrogen bonds. Structures 2 and 3, which adopt the syn conformation, form N–H···N intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The solid-state structures are consistent with their infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.
Poorly Controlled Diabetes

A 17-year-old male with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was referred because of difficulties with diabetic control. Since his diagnosis at age 10, he has been hospitalized more than 60 times for diabetes or its complications, mostly ketoacidosis. He also has short stature, pubertal delay, and hepatomegaly, and on exam was uncooperative and hostile. The long-standing practice of binging and purging followed by vomiting was revealed. His condition was consistent with Mauriac syndrome. Addressing an associated eating disorder may improve diabetes control, but this combination significantly increases the risk of diabetic complications.
Prehabilitation: enhancing the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery pathway.

The introduction of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathway in gynecologic surgery has revolutionized perioperative care, leading to accelerated recovery as demonstrated by improvements in pain control, mobilization, opioid use, morbidity, patient experience, and hospital length of stay
Motor unit number of the first dorsal interosseous muscle estimated from CMAP scan with different pulse widths and steps

OBJECTIVE A compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan has different settings such as stimulus frequency, duration (or pulse width), and the number of stimuli (or steps). This study aims to evaluate the influence of different stimulation protocols on MScanFit, a recently developed approach to motor unit number estimation (MUNE) from CMAP scan. APPROACH CMAP scans of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle were performed using four protocols with different pulse widths (0.1 ms, 0.2 ms) and steps (500, 1000) in twelve neurologically intact subjects. For each CMAP scan, the MUNE was derived using MScanFit. MAIN RESULTS Across all subjects, a significantly higher MUNE was obtained using stimulus pulse width of 0.1 ms (500 steps: 107. 7 ± 21.3; 1000 steps: 94.9 ± 22.07) than that using pulse width of 0.2 ms (500 steps: 81.8 ± 9.9; 1000 steps: 77.8 ± 16.1) (p 0.1). No cross effect of pulse width and steps was found between four different protocols (p > 0.1). SIGNIFICANCE Given these results, a stimulation protocol of 0.1 ms pulse width and 500 steps is recommended for CMAP scan recording of the FDI muscle toward estimating motor unit number using MScanFit.
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy of a 7400 g Uterus.

Abstract Study Objective To demonstrate improved techniques and safety measures for total laparoscopic hysterectomy for the severely enlarged uterus. Design Technical video of the surgery which demonstrates various techniques for improved visualization, hemostasis and manipulation for total laparoscopic hysterectomy for 7.4kg uterus. Setting Academic tertiary care hospital, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky Intervention A 44yo G0 presented with severely enlarged fibroid uterus, class III obesity with a body mass index of 40.4 kg/m2 and hypertension seeking minimally invasive hysterectomy. MRI demonstrated a uterus measuring 26 × 26 × 17cm with multiple fibroids. The patient was counseled in detail regarding minimally invasive surgery. She underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, right oophorectomy and cystoscopy. Total operative time was 4 hours 12 minutes and estimated blood loss was 700cc. Pre and post-operative hemoglobin was 13.3 g/dL and 11.3 g/dL, respectively. A 4cm mini laparotomy incision was created as an extension of the umbilical port and the specimen was extracted via scalpel morcellation using ExCITE technique. The patient was discharged home on post-operative day one and recovered without any complications. Conclusion There is an increasing trend in performance of laparoscopic hysterectomy for large uteri which has a lower incidence of overall complications compared to laparotomy [ 1 , 2 ]. Additionally, cost analysis has demonstrated superiority of laparoscopic hysterectomy for myomatous uterus accounting for the rare incidence of leiomyosarcoma [3] . Our video demonstrates improved hemostasis and visualization techniques through the use of high cephalad camera and assistant ports, generous traditional bipolar desiccation, blunt retraction with suction irrigator in midline umbilical port and surgical bed rotation. We also describe in detail scalpel morcellation technique. To date we believe this is the largest uterine size removed laparoscopically reported in the literature. In the hands of an experienced surgeon and with the demonstrated techniques, laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy of very enlarged uterus is safe and feasible.
Low serum trypsinogen levels in chronic pancreatitis: Correlation with parenchymal loss, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and diabetes but not CT-based cambridge severity scores for fibrosis

Abstract Background Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex inflammatory disorder of the pancreas affecting acinar cells, duct cells, islet cells and inflammatory cells including fibrosis-producing stellate cells. Serum trypsinogen is a biomarkers of acinar cell function. Aim To define the degree of correlation between low trypsinogen levels as a marker of acinar cell function and variable features of CP. Methods Serum samples from previously ascertained and well phenotyped case and control subjects from the North American Pancreatitis Study II (NAPS2) were used to measure serum trypsinogen levels in a commercial laboratory. Control samples were used to define normal ranges and compared with levels in CP patients with defined features. Results A final cohort of 279 CP patients and 262 controls from the NAPS2 studies were evaluated. In controls trypsinogen had a mean of 34.96 ng/ml and SD = 11.99. Cut-off values for low trypsinogen ranged from Conclusions Very low serum trypsinogen levels correlate with measures of acinar cell loss including surgical resection, atrophic-calcific CP, diabetes and functional symptoms EPI but not duct morphology criteria. Serum trypsinogen levels correlate with decreased acinar cell function and therefore have biomarker utility clinical management.
The “Docking” Theory following Closed Reduction for DDH: Does it Really Occur?

Purpose: It has been suggested that the femoral head can “dock” deeper into the acetabulum after initial (imperfect) closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this study was to quantify the interval change in femoral head position between immediate postoperative MRI and follow-up imaging at approximately three-weeks. Methods: A retrospective review of 29 patients (30 hips) that underwent CR for DDH was conducted. Immediate post-operative and average 3-week follow …
Infection versus cardiovascular disease as leading causes of hospitalisations and associated mortality in vasculitis in the U.S.: a national study.

Objectives To assess the top 5 causes of non-vasculitis hospitalisations in people with vasculitis over time. Methods In a national U.S. sample of people with vasculitis hospitalised for reasons other than vasculitis, the rank (and percent) of top 5 causes of hospitalisations and in-hospital mortality were compared in 1998-99 versus 2013-2014. Results The top 5 ranked disease categories responsible for non-vasculitis hospitalisations in people with vasculitis in 1998-99 versus 2013-14 were as follows, respectively: (#1) circulatory system disease versus the same; (#2) heart disease versus infections/parasitic diseases; (#3) digestive system disease versus bacterial infection; (#4) respiratory disease versus septicaemia; and (#5) musculoskeletal disease versus unspecified septicaemia. The respective top 5 CCS category ranks for in-hospital mortality in people with vasculitis in 1998-1999 versus 2013-2014 were: (#1) respiratory disease versus infections/parasitic diseases; (#2) circulatory system disease versus bacterial infection; (#3) heart disease versus septicaemia; (#4) respiratory infection versus unspecified septicaemia; and (#5) pneumonia versus circulatory system disease. Conclusions Infections replaced cardio-pulmonary disease among the top 5 causes for non-primary vasculitis hospitalisations and associated in-hospital mortality in people with vasculitis over time. Studies should examine modifiable factors associated with infection in vasculitis and design interventions to reduce this burden.
Granger causality, exogeneity, cointegration, and economic policy analysis

Abstract Policy analysis had long been a main interest of Clive Granger’s. Here, we present a framework for economic policy analysis that provides a novel integration of several fundamental concepts at the heart of Granger’s contributions to time-series analysis. We work with a dynamic structural system analyzed by White and Lu (2010) with well defined causal meaning; under suitable conditional exogeneity restrictions, Granger causality coincides with this structural notion. The system contains target and control subsystems, with possibly integrated or cointegrated behavior. We ensure the invariance of the target subsystem to policy interventions using an explicitly causal partial equilibrium recursivity condition. Policy effectiveness is ensured by another explicit causality condition. These properties only involve the data generating process; models play a subsidiary role. Our framework thus complements that of Ericsson et al. (1998) (EHM) by providing conditions for policy analysis alternative to weak, strong, and superexogeneity. This makes possible policy analysis for systems that may fail EHM’s conditions. It also facilitates analysis of the cointegrating properties of systems subject to policymaker control. We discuss a variety of practical procedures useful for analyzing such systems and illustrate with an application to a simple model of the US macroeconomy.
Mobile Advertising to Hispanic Digital Natives

Besides being the second largest ethnic group in the United States, Hispanics are the youngest major ethnic group. As a result, Hispanic consumers are emerging as a robust market segment. Young His...
Election Integrity Audits to Ensure Election Outcome Accuracy

This chapter concerns post-election manual audits designed to limit the risk of certifying an incorrect election outcome to any desired low probability, say α = 0.05. The contributions of this article are to: 1. provide upper margin error bounds for single or multi-ballot audit unit election audit sampling; 2. describe Stenger’s numerical method for precisely calculating uniform probability sample sizes; 3. revise Aslam et al.’s weighted by error bound sampling method; 4. provide a threshold for the amount of net margin error to trigger an expanded audit; and, 5. explain why the maximum level of undetectability by observation assumption for multi-ballot audit units requires the runner-up be allowed to select one or more additional precincts to be audited.
Proton irradiation effects on InGaAs/InAsSb mid-wave barrier infrared detectors

Semiconductor-based mid-wave infrared photon detectors that functionalize space-based imaging systems are susceptible to both cumulative ionization and displacement damage, especially due to proton irradiation. Here, the dark current density and quantum efficiency of a mid-wave infrared detector utilizing a strain-balanced InGaAs/InAsSb superlattice active region are examined as a function of a 63 MeV proton radiation dose. Proton-irradiation is performed in an incremental stepwise dose up to a total ionizing dose of 100 krad(Si) or an equivalent proton fluence of 6.1 × 1011 protons/cm2. All characterization work is conducted with the detectors held at an operating temperature of 130 K throughout the experiment to limit thermal annealing effects. Prior to irradiation, the quantum efficiency of the top-side illuminated device without anti-reflection coating is 59.5%. The quantum efficiency is largely independent of temperature below 150 K, indicative of an electron minority carrier. As irradiation progressed the typical linear increase in inverse quantum efficiency with increasing proton fluence was observed, which led to a quantum efficiency damage factor of 1.12 × 1013 e cm2/ph. This value is shown to be an order of magnitude lower than typically observed in III-V nBn devices and is likely due to the higher mobility of minority electrons in the active region of this device. A full analysis of the characterization results suggests that displacement damage creates a significant population of donor states that modify the doping profile, in addition to Shockley–Read–Hall recombination centers that generally form as a result of proton irradiation.
C3PO: Large-Scale Study Of Covert Monitoring of C&C Servers via Over-Permissioned Protocol Infiltration

Current techniques to monitor botnets towards disruption or takedown are likely to result in inaccurate data gathered about the botnet or be detected by C&C orchestrators. Seeking a covert and scalable solution, we look to an evolving pattern in modern malware that integrates standardized over-permissioned protocols, exposing privileged access to C&C servers. We implement techniques to detect and exploit these protocols from over-permissioned bots toward covert C&C server monitoring. Our empirical study of 200k malware captured since 2006 revealed 62,202 over-permissioned bots (nearly 1 in 3) and 443,905 C&C monitoring capabilities, with a steady increase of over-permissioned protocol use over the last 15 years. Due to their ubiquity, we conclude that even though over-permissioned protocols allow for C&C server infiltration, the efficiency and ease of use they provide continue to make them prevalent in the malware operational landscape. This paper presents C3PO, a pipeline that enables our study and empowers incident responders to automatically identify over-permissioned protocols, infiltration vectors to spoof bot-to-C&C communication, and C&C monitoring capabilities that guide covert monitoring post infiltration. Our findings suggest the over-permissioned protocol weakness provides a scalable approach to covertly monitor C&C servers, which is a fundamental enabler of botnet disruptions and takedowns.
Environmental significance of lungfish burrows (Gnathorhiza) within Lower Permian (Wolfcampian) paleosols of the US midcontinent

Abstract Burrows of the lungfish Gnathorhiza occur in the fine-grained strata of the Lower Permian (Wolfcampian) Blue Spring Shale Member, of the Matfield Formation near Manhattan, Kansas. Thousands of lungfish burrows occur in three beds of a compound paleosol profile, with the vast majority confined to a single bed several meters below the Florence Limestone Member of the Barneston Limestone (Chase Group). The burrows, a high percentage of which contain lungfish bones, occur in a 145 m long lens-shaped unit comprised of clayey siltstone that exhibits platy to subangular-blocky peds, and downward and laterally branching thin rhizoliths. The uppermost paleosol horizon in each level is gleyed, indicating that there was standing water for part of the year. The paleoecosystem represented by these units formed in a low-lying terrestrial coastal paleolandscape with subtle topography and imperfectly drained paleosols equivalent to present-day aquents. These paleosols are part of a pedogenic sequence recording an upward climatic trend from semi-arid to monsoonal.
Hero Crafting in Sporting Life, an Early Baseball Journal

Abstract By the turn of the twentieth century, organized baseball had emerged as America's national pastime with larger-than-life heroes enshrined in mythic lore. Early sports writers engaged in a symbiotic relationship with professional baseball, promoting the sport, its leaders, and players, yet all the while profiting from the game's success. This article examines how Sporting Life, one of the earliest sports journals, played a role in manufacturing heroes out of early American baseball players. This study identifies mechanisms that Sporting Life used to craft heroes in the decade preceding the 1920s, which scholars have long identified as the Golden Age of sports writing. Many scholars have examined legendary Jazz-Age sports writers such as Grantland Rice and Paul Gallico, who mythologized sports stars in the 1920s, but this study reveals that only a decade prior to the Golden Age, Sporting Life writers were crafting heroes of the Dead Ball Era. One question served to guide the narrative: what techniq...
Vibrational spectra and structure of small ring compounds . XVII. Far infrared and matrix spectra of vinylene carbonate

Abstract The far infrared spectra of solid and gaseous vinylene carbonate have been investigated and the interesting ring puckering fundamental ( v 18 ) of symmetry species B 2 was observed at 233 cm —1 for the molecule in the vapor state. This fundamental shifted to 255 cm —1 with liquefaction and to 268 cm —1 in the solid phase. The frequency of the overtone (2 v 18 ) shows that this normal mode is nearly harmonic. The other out-of-plane ring fundamental, v 9 ( A 2 ), is assigned to a Raman line at 564 cm —1 . These two out-of-plane ring modes can be considered as independent fundamentals which are governed by nearly harmonic “single minimum” potential functions. The infrared spectrum of the matrix isolated material has also been investigated and a complete vibrational assignment is given for the molecule. A very high frequency for the out-of-plane CO bending mode ( v 16 ) is proposed and discussed in relation to the frequency for the corresponding motion in similar molecules. Thermodynamic properties have been calculated on the basis of the rigid rotator, harmonic oscillator model. The far infrared and Raman spectra of solid ethylene carbonate have also been recorded and compared to the spectra in the same frequency region for solid vinylene carbonate. The far infrared bands were assigned to intermolecular librations for both molecules. Possible assignments are given for the intermolecular modes observed in the Raman effect.
Fatal case of acute idiopathic pericarditis; discussion of the character and origin of thoracic pain in acute pericarditis.

Abstract A 54-year-old man died with apparent acute idiopathic pericarditis. The clinical course of the disease was accompanied by agonizing substernal pain and terminated in congestive heart failure. The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was entertained. It is suggested that the substernal or peristernal pain from acute serofibrinous pericarditis, myocardial ischemia and infarction, diaphragmatic hernia, or other thoracic visceral disease may arise by similar mechanisms. It is further suggested that critical injury of the pericardial tissue may, in common with cardiac injury or injury to other organs, incite somatomotor reflexes resulting in sustained contraction of muscles of the anterior thoracic wall, accounting for the sternal pain or “oppression.”
Experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits fed cholesterol-free diets: Part 10. Cocoa butter and palm oil

Abstract Rabbits were fed a semipurified, cholesterol-free atherogenic diet containing 40% sucrose, 25% casein, 14% fat, 15% fiber, 5% salt mix and 1% vitamin mix. The fats were corn oil (CO), palm kernel oil (PO), cocoa butter (CB), and coconut oil (CNO). The rabbits were bled at 3, 6, and 9 months and killed at 9 months. Serum lipids of rabbits fed CO were unaffected. Serum cholesterol levels (mg/dl) at 9 months were: CO — 64; PO — 436; CB — 220; and CNO — 474. HDL-cholesterol (%) was: CO — 37; PO — 8.6; CB — 25.1; and CNO — 7.0. Average atherosclerosis (arch + thoracic/2) was: CO — 0.15; PO — 1.28; CB — 0.53; and CNO — 1.60. Cocoa butter (iodine value 33) is significantly less cholesterolemic and atherogenic than palm oil (iodine value 17) or coconut oil (iodine value 6). The difference between the atherogenic effects of cocoa butter and palm oil may lie in the fact that about half of the fatty acids of palm oil are C 16 or shorter, whereas 76% of the fatty acids of cocoa butter are C 18 or longer.
3D virtual learning in counselor education: Using Second Life in counselor skill development

This article will present the process and the curricular and pedagogical lessons learned from adding a 3D virtual learning environment to an online course in a distance and hybrid education master’s degree program. Based on student surveys, course evaluations, and faculty interviews, the author will summarize attitudes and expectations from the varied stakeholders and offer practical recommendations on the design and delivery of an effective virtual world learning environment in an online course. The author is involved in developing 3D virtual learning environments and integrating their use in graduate level counseling courses in traditional, blended, and online master’s programs. In the fall of 2007, the author began the process of incorporating the virtual world Second Life into an online counseling skills and techniques course in the Human Services Counseling Program at Regent University. The course objectives consisted of teaching graduate level students expertise such as clinical counseling skills and techniques. One of the critical competencies, the student’s ability to demonstrate the basic counseling skills needed to be an effective counselor including attending, listening, empathy, warmth, and respect, was very difficult to teach and evaluate from a distance. In the past, program instructors have taught online and blended courses with the asynchronous learning environment Blackboard and the synchronous technologies, Skype and Instant Messenger. With the use of new learning environments, such as 3D virtual learning environments, the author hoped to provide the instructors and students with an environment more conducive to developing effective counseling skills. The author implemented the virtual learning environment – a simulated counseling facility and tested the virtual counseling facility’s use as an innovative learning environment for simulation of student counseling sessions. This article will discuss the author’s personal experiences as well as the empirical research collected during this case study. Given the potential for significant growth in the use of virtual learning objects, this article should provide useful information for instructors and administrators considering virtual environments as a means of teaching practical skills at a distance in online programs.
Workload characterization and prediction: A pathway to reliable multi-core systems

As a result of technology scaling, power density of multi-core chips increases and leads to temperature hot-spots which accelerate device aging and chip failure. Moreover, intense efforts to reduce power consumption by employing low-power techniques decrease the reliability of new design generations. Traditionally, reactive thermal/power management techniques have been used to take appropriate action when the temperature reaches a threshold. However, these approaches do not always balance temperature and, as a result, may degrade system reliability. Therefore, to distribute temperature evenly across all cores, a proactive mechanism is needed to forecast future workload characteristics and the corresponding temperature, in order to make decisions before hot spots occur. Such proactive methods rely on an engine to precisely predict future workload characteristics. In this work, we first discuss the state-of-the-art methods for predicting workload dynamics and we compare their performance. We, then, introduce a prediction method based on Support Vector Regression (SVR), which accurately predicts the workload behavior several steps ahead. To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we use several programs from the PARSEC benchmark suite on an UltraSPARC T1 processor running the Sun Solaris operating system and we extract architectural traces. Then, the extracted traces are used to generate power and thermal profiles for each core using the McPAT and Hot-Spot simulators. Our results show that the proposed method forecasts workload dynamics and power very accurately and outperforms previous prediction techniques.