cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elimination Disorders in Children

This chapter will discuss enuresis and encopresis, the two most commonly occurring elimination disorders in children. Although the primary clinical features of both disorders are medical/organic, a fusion of medical, psychological, and behavioral literature supports biobehavioral methods of assessment and treatment as state of the art. For many years, the interpretation and treatment of both problems was governed primarily by a psychological perspective. This perspective shifted with respect to imputation of personal responsibility. Elimination disorders were initially perceived as volitional acts occurring as a function of character defect; thus, treatment tended to be highly punitive (Glicklich, 1951; Levine, 1982). Although a cultural residue of this early characterological perspective remains (i.e., children are still frequently punished for urinary and fecal accidents), toward the middle of this century the characterological position was superseded by a psychopathological perspective. This position lifted the emphasis on volition and personal responsibility and instead emphasized variables such as aberrant family dynamics and toilet training practices and their potentially maladaptive influence on subsequent psychic development (Sperling, 1982; Warson, Caldwell, Warinner, & Kirk, 1954). In the past two decades, the strictly psychopathological perspective has shifted to the aforementioned biobehavioral perspective (Friman, 1986, 1995; Friman & Chrisophersen, 1986; Houts, 1991; Levine, 1982; Mellon & Houts, 1995; Warzak & Friman, 1994). Our approach to assessment and treatment will be guided by that perspective.
The Chinese Attempt to Miniaturize the World in Gardens

What was the intent of the world-renowned landscape gardens in Suzhou, China, such as the garden of “The Master of the Fishing Net” (Wang Shi Yuan) from which the small courtyard of the “Jade Spring Abode” was reproduced in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Astor Court) in New York City, or the garden of the “Unsuccessful Politician” (Zhou Zhen Yuam) that painter Weng, Zhen-Ming and poet Yuan Mei frequented, or the garden of “The Lingerer-On” (Liu Yuan), once owned by the family of I. M. Pei, or the “Blue Water Pavilion” (Can Lang Ting)?
Strength and permeability of an ultra-large specimen of granitic rock

Laboratory tests were conducted to measure the mechanical and transport properties of a 1-m-diameter by 2-m-high specimen of jointed granitic rock. Uniaxial loading was applied and radial permeability tests were made at various stress levels. Ultimate strength of the specimen was estimated prior to loading by testing small 52 mm diameter cores with similar fracture patterns. It was found that deformabilities of the large and small specimens were similar; however, the uniaxial strength of the large core was about 10% of that predicted. Although the large core contained a complex joint system, its overall permeability was dominated by a single open fracture normal to the axis. Using a simple parallel-plate analog, changes in the equivalent single-fracture aperture under load were significantly less than closures measured by means of linear variable differential transformers situated across the main fracture. 11 references.
Heat Transfer in a Shear-Free Turbulent Boundary Layer

Heat transfer in a shear-free turbulent boundary layer has been studied by including passive scalar transport in a direct numerical simulation of the flow. In addition to the mean heat transfer results, budgets of the terms in the temperature variance and heat flux transport equations are presented. Modelling aspects considered include a gradient diffusion model for the heat flux, appropriate near-wall modifications for the dissipation terms in second moment closures, and the behavior of time scales based on the modified dissipation rates.
NUMERICAL MODELS | Mesoscale Atmospheric Modeling

Mesoscale systems in the atmosphere are those in which the instantaneous pressure field can be determined accurately by the temperature field, but the winds, even in the absence of surface frictional effects, are out of balance with the horizontal pressure gradient force. The framework of mesoscale models is overviewed and shows that the models include a physics base core comprising the pressure gradient force, advection, and gravity, and all other physical processes that are parameterized using tuned modular representations of turbulence, longwave and shortwave radiation, cumulus, and stable cloud processes. Computational methods, lateral and initial boundary conditions, and model validation are some of the topics discussed.
Targeting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in traumatic central nervous system injury

The mitochondrion serves many functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and other organs beyond the well-recognized role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. This includes calcium-dependent cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, synthesis and release of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, and the release of cytochrome c and other apoptotic cell death factors. Traumatic injury to the CNS results in a rapid and, in some cases, sustained loss of mitochondrial function. One consequence of compromised mitochondrial function is induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) state due to formation of the cyclosporine A sensitive permeability transition pore (mPTP). In this mini-review, we summarize evidence supporting the involvement of the mPTP as a mediator of mitochondrial and cellular demise following CNS traumatic injury and discuss the beneficial effects and limitations of the current ex-perimental strategies targeting the mPTP.
Different onsite energies for the two atom problem – 2D hexagonal materials

Abstract With the advent of the metal–insulator transition (MIT) as a tool for adjusting the properties of lower dimensions materials, with nanoscale dimensions in one or more of the coordinate directions, it is worthwhile to derive analytical formulas for the electronic energy in k-space, for a generic two-dimensional hexagonal lattice as a prelude for their use in nanoscopic transport devices (using the MIT) or other solid state devices. This is done in the tight binding (TB) approximation, since it allows a tractable analytical development, with some refinements possible. This lattice structure is applicable to many 2D materials like graphene, BN, MoS2, and many others. This chapter treats the governing equation when the onsite sublattice energies differ (Section 10.1 ), examines the Hamiltonian for the two atom system (Section 10.2 ), evaluates the normalized BB self-energy matrix element (Section 10.3 ), finds Hamiltonian and governing equation with pivoting element unity (Section 10.4 ), solves the governing equation for eigenvectors and eigenenergies (Section 10.5 ), determines the eigenenergy when extracted from its governing equation form (Section 10.6 ).
Direct and indirect effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation on development and survival of young of a tropical passerine

The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a global phenomenon that influences climate variation and, in turn, the ecological processes affecting the abundance and distribution of populations across taxa. For example, the ENSO can profoundly influence the development and survival of pelagic species, but the extent to which the ENSO affects offspring of terrestrial species is less well known. We used piecewise structural equation modeling to investigate the direct and indirect relationship between the ENSO and offspring development and survival in a terrestrial tropical passerine, the lance-tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata). The Oceanic Nino Index (ONI), a measure of the ENSO, was negatively related to individual growth rate, maximum number of lesion developed by nestlings, and hatching day-of-year; which in turn mediated indirect effects on fledging success and recruitment. Further the ONI was a better predictor of nestling development compared to local temperature and rainfall. Our study establishes a link between the ENSO and the development and survival of young of a terrestrial species and underscores the need to better understand how offspring cope with global climate variation.
Evaluative implications of intersecting body weight and other social categories: The role of typicality

Abstract Body weight is a critical dimension by which we evaluate others, with heavier individuals facing higher levels of stigma and discrimination compared to thinner individuals. Yet, the perception of body weight can be ambiguous, suggesting that stereotypic associations and heuristics influence which bodies are deemed as “typical” for a particular group or social category. Here, we investigate whether interdependent associations between body weight and social category dimensions (ethnicity, gender, age, and sex) affect the typicality ratings of a heavier body. Specifically, we hypothesize that heavier bodies labelled as Asian, feminine, younger, or female, compared to Black, White, masculine, older, or male, will be rated less typical and these typicality judgments will mediate social evaluations. Participants made typicality and social evaluative judgments about a wireframe body with a set BMI of 38, accompanied by one of sixteen category labels (e.g., Asian man). Our results show that typicality judgments broadly align with our hypotheses and mediate social evaluations of the heavier body. Overall, we showcase the interdependent nature of weight and other social categories, highlighting the role of typicality for social evaluations of heavier targets.
Using Cash Subsidies to Enhance Student Loan Outcomes for Low-income Students

Every year, governments allocate considerable amounts of resources to support students’ access and performance in higher education. Grants and loans are directed to those students for whom college would seem unaffordable otherwise. These programs are justified on the grounds of how they help students access, persist and graduate from higher education. However, considering the time it takes to observe academic or labor market performance, the literature evaluating student loans and its additional embedded programs is scarce. This article wants to contribute filling this gap. Using a Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD), I evaluate a cash subsidy program embedded into the main governmental student loan program in Colombia. I exploit the allocation rule of these additional cash subsidies, to evaluate the effect of these transfers over dropout and graduation rates, and also over early default rates. My initial results indicate that the cash subsidies have substantial and significant effects on dropout rates at the cutoff point. Over graduation rates the effects are substantial, but barely significant. With respect to the default rates, cash subsidy beneficiaries tend to have lower rates at the cutoff, but this result is not statistically significant. However, the measure of the subsidy effect on the latter two outcomes is affected by the statistical power loss at the proximity of the cutoff scores, a limitation of the RDD.
Microgravity testing a surgical isolation containment system for Space Station use

Anticipated hazards for crewmembers in future long term space flights may result in a variety of injuries including trauma and burns. Management of these injuries will require special techniques because of the lack of gravity, limitations of space and environmental restrictions. A small surgical isolation containment system was developed and tested in microgravity. The chamber provided both protection of the injury and of the cabin environment and is felt to be the most effective means of trauma and burn care in future Health Maintenance Facilities planned for prolonged space exposure.
The incidence of arrhythmias during exercise stress tests among children with Kawasaki disease: A single‐center case series

OBJECTIVE Based on 2017 guidelines, participation in competitive sports with prior history of Kawasaki Disease (KD) requires those with coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) z score ≥ 5 to undergo evaluation for evidence of inducible ischemia or arrhythmias. The use of exercise stress testing (EST) to evaluate arrhythmias among KD patients has never been reported. This retrospective single-center case series study sought to describe the presence of inducible arrhythmias during EST in KD patients with or without CAA. METHODS Single-center retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed with KD between 1989-2015 at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas who underwent EST were included. RESULTS Among 1007 patients diagnosed with KD, 95 (9%) underwent 165 ESTs at a median time of 9.6 years (IQR 5.8-11.3 years) from diagnosis. Of these 95 patients, 37 had normal coronaries, 21 dilated (z score 2 to z ≥2.5), 12 medium (10>z ≥ 5 absolute dimension <8 mm), 10 large (z ≥10 or absolute dimension ≥8 mm), 5 severe (myocardial infarct or bypass graft). Supraventricular tachycardia was not seen. Ventricular arrhythmias during EST were uncommon and seen only among patients with CAA z ≥5. Ventricular tachycardia occurred in a single patient with a large CAA, known VT and ICD. High-grade ventricular ectopy was seen in one patient who had severe CAA and underwent bypass grafting. CONCLUSIONS Arrhythmias on EST were noted only among patients with CAA z ≥5. The current guidelines are a reasonable approach to increasing healthy activity among KD patients. Clarification regarding which inducible arrhythmias meet criteria for activity restriction may be helpful to guide sport participation.
An Early Adaptation of Identity Trajectory to Understand the Identities of Undergraduate Engineering Students

This research category work-in-progress paper describes a beginning examination of how to adapt the identity trajectory theory from its original use with graduate students and early career faculty to understand how early career undergraduate students develop identities as engineers over time. This study focuses on students who have diverse attitudes, beliefs, and mindsets, i.e., latent diversity, to understand how engineering education and culture may support or hinder students’ identity development in and out of the classroom. In this paper, we use the identity trajectory theory to explore students’ stories about their background, pathway into engineering, and first-year engineering experiences. We are adapting the three strands of this framework (institutional, intellectual, and networking) in addition to identifying additional or supplementary strands to make meaning of the students’ identity trajectories in engineering. We probed the aforementioned strands through narrative interviews with 26 engineering students. This preliminary work describes the challenges and affordances of translating this framework into narrative research with undergraduates and provides new ways of understanding identity development.
Scattering of electron from a disk in 2D electron gas: Full cross section, transport cross section, and the interaction correction

Abstract It is known that the presence of the Fermi sea modifies the scattering of an electron from a point-like impurity. This is due to the Friedel oscillations of the electron density around the impurity. These oscillations create an additional scattering potential for incident electrons. The closer the energy of the incident electron to the Fermi level, the stronger the additional scattering. We study this effect for the case when the impurity is not point-like but rather a hard disk, with a radius much bigger than the de Broglie wavelength. We start with a careful examination of the full and transport cross sections from an extended target. Both cross sections approach their limiting values upon increasing the wave vector of the incident electron. We establish that the transport cross section saturates much faster than the full cross section. With regard to the interaction correction, we establish that it vanishes for the full cross section, while for the transport cross section, it is enhanced compared to the case of a point-like scatterer.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Non-ICU Hospitalization for COVID-19 in a Nonepicenter, Centrally Monitored Healthcare System.

Background The clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) hospitalizations for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outside disease epicenters remain poorly characterized. Methods Systematic analysis of all non-ICU patient hospitalizations for COVID-19 completing discharge between March 13 and May 1, 2020, in a large US health care system utilizing off-site central monitoring. Variables of interest were examined in relation to a composite event rate of death, ICU transfer, or increased oxygen requirement to high-flow nasal cannula, noninvasive ventilation, or mechanical ventilation. Results Among 350 patients (age, 64 ± 16 years; 55% male), most (73%) required 3 L/min or less of supplemental oxygen during admission. Telemetry was widely utilized (79%) yet arrhythmias were uncommon (14%) and were predominantly (90%) among patients with abnormal troponin levels or known cardiovascular disease. Ventricular tachycardia was rare (5%), nonsustained, and not associated with hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin treatment. Adverse events occurred in 62 patients (18%), including 22 deaths (6%), 48 ICU transfers (14%), and 49 patients with increased oxygen requirement (14%) and were independently associated with elevated C-reactive protein (odds ratio, 1.09 per 1 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.01-1.18; P = .04) and lactate dehydrogenase (OR, 1.006 per 1U/L; 95% CI, 1.001-1.012; P = .03) in multivariable analysis. Conclusion Among non-critically ill patients hospitalized within a nonepicenter health care system, overall survival was 94% with the development of more severe illness or death independently associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase on admission. Clinical decompensation was largely respiratory-related, while serious cardiac arrhythmias were rare, which suggests that telemetry can be prioritized for high-risk patients.
Prenatal and postnatal mercury exposure and blood pressure in childhood.

Abstract Elevated blood pressure in childhood is an important risk factor for hypertension in adulthood. Environmental exposures have been associated with elevated blood pressure over the life course and exposure to mercury (Hg) has been linked to cardiovascular effects in adults. As subclinical vascular changes begin early in life, Hg may play a role in altered blood pressure in children. However, the evidence linking early life Hg exposure to altered blood pressure in childhood has been largely inconsistent. In the ongoing New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, we investigated prenatal and childhood Hg exposure at multiple time points and associations with blood pressure measurements in 395 young children (mean age 5.5 years, SD 0.4). Hg exposure was measured in children’s toenail clippings at age 3 and in urine at age 5–6 years, as well as in maternal toenail samples collected at ∼28 weeks gestation and 6 weeks postpartum, the latter two samples reflecting early prenatal and mid-gestation exposures, respectively. Five measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were averaged for each child using a standardized technique. In covariate-adjusted linear regression analyses, we observed that a 0.1 μg/g increase in child toenail Hg at age 3 or a 0.1 μg/L urine Hg at age 5–6 were individually associated with greater DBP (toenail β: 0.53 mmHg; 95% CI: −0.02, 1.07; urine β: 0.48 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.86) and MAP (toenail β: 0.67 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.002, 1.33; urine β: 0.55 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.10, 1.01). Neither early prenatal nor mid-gestation Hg exposure, as measured by maternal toenails, were related to any changes to child BP. Simultaneous inclusion of both child urine Hg and child toenail Hg in models suggested a potentially stronger relationship of urine Hg at age 5–6 with DBP and MAP, as compared to toenail Hg at age 3. Our findings suggest that Hg exposure during childhood is associated with alterations in BP. Childhood may be an important window of opportunity to reduce the impacts of Hg exposure on children’s blood pressure, and in turn, long-term health.
A Multi-Resolution GLRT Test for the Detection of Persistent Scatterers in SAR Tomography

Interferometric and tomographic processing at full resolution of data acquired by very high resolution SAR systems allow providing accurate 3-D reconstruction of built environments, as well as deformation monitoring. In this framework, the detection of Persistent Scatterers (PSs) is a fundamental aspect. The exploitation of multiple observation looks (multilook), is an effective strategy which allows improving the coverage of monitored pixels in natural scenarios. In the framework of SAR tomographic processing, the Multilook Generalized Ratio Test (MGLRT) detection scheme has been proposed in literature. In this work we address the potentialities and main issues related to the exploitation of a multiresolution approach for MGLRT detection based on the identification of statistical homogeneous looks.
New technologies, grid resiliency and sustainable power: it is also a matter of electrical apparatus reliability

New technologies for generation and T&D may have deep impact in the power quality, resiliency and sustainability of electrical networks. The progressive, and rapid in some Countries, introduction of massive renewable resources, DC and hybrid DC/AC transmission, power-electronic controlled loads, and the increase of voltage rating of power electronic devices is going to break the axiom that power supply in electrical assets is sinusoidal AC. Emphasis is, therefore, in understanding the major problems caused by the massive introduction of new conversion technologies on grid component reliability, then to adequate the design of electrial apparatus to the quality and type of power supply. This paper focuses on life and reliability of electrical insulation, being insulation, in general, the weakest part of an electrical apparatus or device. Models to account for electrical and thermal overstresses caused by deviation from AC siuusoidal waveforms are presented in the paper, accounting for repetitive or random voltage transients, DC voltage plus ripple, harmonic voltages and currents. Application examples are discussed, to leverage the potentially dramatic effect on insulation reliability of a new, non AC-sinusoidal, paradigm of electrical grid and asset.
Efficacy and nursing care of neonates receiving automated exchange transfusion of peripheral vein surgery

Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss the safety and efficacy of the peripheral arteriovenous synchronous exchange transfusion. Methods:This study included 43 neonates who underwent exchange transfusion nursing,observe the incidence of complications and collect biochemical values during and after the shake-Evaluation. Results:Biochemical indicators had a significant changes after children treated by blood transfusion, free bilirubin and infected toxins were removed effectively and no complications. Conclusion: Automatic synchronization via peripheral venous blood transfusion technique is safe and effective, easy to operate, less care complications, which is worthy of promotion.
Household Activity Pattern Problem with Autonomous Vehicles

The pace of changes in automating cars has sped up in the last few decades. Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) will dramatically change the future of transportation, and household-level decisions will play a large role in the AV market. However, no data is readily available on household travel behavior using AVs. This study introduces a framework to assess households’ adaptation to AV operations. We developed a mixed integer program, Household Activity Pattern Problem with AV (HAPPAV), to model traveler behavior under realistic conditions while using AVs. The model generates feasible activity patterns for household members under spatial and temporal constraints. The model is able to consider complete driverless operations, such as AV pick-up and drop-off, parking availability, empty trips, and carpooling. A decomposition method is developed to solve the NP-hard problem HAPPAV. The method includes two major stages; the first stage is to generate all feasible travel patterns for household members and the second stage finds the best AV route along with detailed travel patterns. We also use novel pruning rules to enhance the performance of the decomposition method. The model is applied on the California Statewide Travel Survey. The results indicate that 62% of households can perform their daily activities with only one AV in place of two or three regular vehicles. However, AV empty trips increase total VMT by 15%. The new method improves the average runtime and solution quality by 86% and 23%, respectively.
The Future of Globalization and the Liberal Global Order

Chapter 11 synthesizes the issues previously discussed. It suggests a cautious degree of optimism about the future of globalization, which will be a reaction to its retreat in recent years. It reveals the trends in the three dimensions of globalization described earlier and uses poll data to show that globalization is still popular among public around the world. The chapter is less optimistic about the future of the global liberal order. The spread of nationalist-populism among politicians globally will create a poor context for reviving the political order. However, as the chapter notes, the election of Joe Biden as U.S. president and the second impeachment of his predecessor bode well for democracy, human rights, and multilateral cooperation.
Training Pilots to Avoid, React to Stalls: The Modeling and Simulation Technical Committee Focuses on Simulation of Atmospheric and Spaceflight Conditions to Train Crews and Support Design and Development of Aerospace Systems

Modeling and simulation's contribution to solving aerospace problems continues to grow as expected. This article discusses several major simulation studies, a review of problems that need additional effort, and trends for the future.
Effect of background clutter on neural discrimination in the bat auditory midbrain.

The discrimination of complex sounds is a fundamental function of the auditory system. This operation must be robust in the presence of noise and acoustic clutter. Echolocating bats are auditory sp...
Solid Thyroid Follicular Nodules With Longitudinal Nuclear Grooves: Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Genetic Study of 18 Cases.

CONTEXT.— Follicular thyroid nodules can be a source of diagnostic difficulties, particularly when they display atypical features commonly associated with malignancy, such as nuclear grooves. OBJECTIVE.— To differentiate lesions with atypical features from similar-appearing benign and malignant lesions. DESIGN.— Eighteen cases of atypical follicular thyroid nodules characterized by a solid growth pattern and prominent longitudinal nuclear grooves were studied and examined for clinicopathologic characteristics. RESULTS.— The lesions occurred in 16 women and 2 men aged 36 to 88 years and measured from 0.2 to 1.5 cm. The tumors were well circumscribed and noninvasive, and histologically characterized by a predominantly solid growth pattern with rare scattered follicles or a combination of solid growth pattern with minor follicular areas. A striking feature seen in all cases was the occurrence of longitudinal nuclear grooves. Immunohistochemical stains showed negativity for cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and HBME-1 in 8 cases; in the other 10, there was focal positivity for HBME-1 in 4 cases and diffuse positivity in 6. All cases were negative for galectin-3 and for CK19, with the exception of 1 case, which was CK19+/HBME-1-. Next-generation sequencing of 16 cases with a 161-gene panel detected 14 single nucleotide variants in 12 cases, predominantly NRAS and HRAS mutations. Clinical follow-up ranging from 18 to 72 months (median, 43.7 months) did not disclose any evidence of recurrence or metastases. CONCLUSIONS.— We interpret these lesions as low-grade, indolent follicular proliferations that need to be distinguished from papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular adenoma, and noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features.
War and the Destruction of Human Capital

The identification of the effect of wars on human capital tends to focus on the population of school age children at the time of the conflict. Our paper introduces a methodology to estimate the effect of war on the stock of human capital by examining the changes in the presence of educated people after the Rwanda genocide. We find that the genocide reduced the stock of human capital in Rwanda severely. The before-and-after results show that highly educated individuals (i.e., those with primary education or more) are “missing” at a rate that is 19.4% higher than the less educated. Moreover, Rwanda's average years of schooling is lower by 0.37 years. When comparisons with Uganda are made, these estimates more than double suggesting that, if anything, the previous finding were biased downwards. Interestingly, when the cross-sectional variation within Rwanda variation in intensity of genocide is exploited there is no evidence of statistically significant differences. This suggests that the losses in the stock of human capital due to the Rwandan genocide were aggregate in nature.
The Equilibrium Studies in the Adsorption of Hazardous Substances Using Clay Minerals

The most important information to understand the adsorption process is the adsorption equilibria . The adsorption equilibria relate the amount of a solute in the surface of adsorbent at equilibrium condition and the equilibrium concentration of the solute in the liquid phase. The adsorption equilibria of a system are described by adsorption isotherm. A number of adsorption equations which originally developed for the gas phase adsorption can be used to represent the liquid phase adsorption equilibria. The theoretical approaches of several adsorption equations are discussed in this chapter. The most widely used isotherm equations for the correlation of adsorption experimental data of hazardous substance—clay mineral systems are the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Other two and three parameters isotherms such as Dubinin-Radushkevich, Temkin, Toth, Sips, BET, and Redlich-Patterson also have been used to correlate the liquid phase adsorption of various solutes onto clay minerals. The temperature dependent forms of several models and its applicability to describe the adsorption experimental data also given in this chapter. The extension of single component models to multicomponent adsorption system is also discussed. The thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption process also given in this chapter.
A new electrothermal dynamic macromodel of the power Darlington transistor for SPICE

In the paper the electrothermal dynamic macromodel of the power Darlington transistor for SPICE is presented. This macromodel is formulated as the connection of the electrical and thermal lumped models of the component devices. The selfheating in each component devices and mutual thermal interactions between these components are included in the model. To illustrate the theoretical considerations some simulations and measurement results are given as well.
Brazil's new defense paradigm

In 2015, Brazil has taken steps toward re-consolidating its domestic defense industry. In the 1980s, Brazil built a dynamic and diversified defense industry. The state-driven effort resulted in a tripod strategy, where the state, state-run companies, and their private sector became the pillars of Brazil's defense industry. Brazil developed an export-driven defense industry; where close to 80–90% of its output was exported to Latin American, African, Arab, and Asian nations. In the 1980s, Brazil became the world's fifth largest exporter of defense products and services, exporting to over 40 countries. In the 1990s and 2000s, Brazil's defense industry suffered a dramatic reduction in size, diversification, and momentum. Successions of domestic political and economic policies have relegated Brazil's once emerging defense industry to a marginal position in the global defense industry. This article analyzes future prospects, challenges, and growth strategies for Brazil's defense industry.
Anginöse Schmerzen und ihre Differentialdiagnose

Einer Besprechung der „Angina pectoris“ mussen einige Bemerkungen uber die Nomenklatur vorausgehen, da diese ziemlich verworren ist und einer Vereinheitlichung bedarf. Die Nomenklatur von Krankheiten ist mit unserer Kenntnis ihrer Ursache oder Entstehungsweise eng verbunden. In der Vergangenheit wurde mit Erklarungsversuchen der Angina pectoris viel Verwirrung gestiftet und Huchard zahlte 80 Theorien auf, welche ihre Ursache verstandlich machen sollten. Nur wenige andere Gebiete haben jedoch in der Medizin in den letzten Jahren gleich grose Fortschritte erfahren. Wir haben den Eindruck, das die Entwicklung der Nomenklatur mit diesem Fortschritt nicht ganz Schritt gehalten hat.
Confronting competition - investment response and constraints in Uganda

Investment rates in Uganda are similar to others in Africa, - averaging slightly more than ten percent annually, with a median value of just under one percent. But the country's profit rates are considerably lower. These results are consistent with the view that Ugandan firms display more confidence in the economy than their counterparts in other African countries. Thus, for given profit rates, Ugandan firms invest more. At the same time, increased competition (because of economic liberalization) has exerted pressure on firms to cut costs. Many of those costs are not under the firms' control, however, so their profits have suffered. Using firm-level data, the authors identify and quantify a number of cost factors, including those associated with transport, corruption, and utility services. Several factors - including crime, erratic infrastructure services, and arbitrary tax administration - not only increase firms' operating costs, but affect their perceptions of the risks of investing in (partly) irreversible capital. The empirical analysis suggests that firms - especially small firms - are liquidity-constrained in the sense that they invest only when sufficient internal funds are available. But given the firms' profit-capital ratio, it is hard to argue that the liquidity constraint is binding in most cases, even though the cost of capital is perceived as a problem.
Heat transfer from an internal combustion (Otto-cycle) engine on the surface of Mars

The cooling requirements for an average car sized engine (spark-ignition, V-6, four-stroke, naturally aspirated, about 200 kg, about 100 kW) were looked at for Mars. Several modes of cooling were considered, including forced convection, exhaust, radiation and closed loop systems. The primary goal was to determine the effect of the thinner Martian atmosphere on the cooling system. The results show that there was only a 6-percent difference in the cooling requirements. This difference was due mostly to the thinner atmosphere during forced convection and the heat capacity of the exhaust. A method using a single pass counter-flow heat exchanger is suggested to offset this difference in cooling requirements.
Progressive Increases in de Novo Methylation of CpG Islands in Bladder Cancer

We conducted a quantitative analysis of the extent of de novo methylation of four CpG islands in human urinary transitional cell carcinomas of different stages and grades to determine how frequently these CpG islands became methylated in transition cell carcinomas during progression. The CpG islands included exon 5 of PAX6, exon 2 of p16, the 5' end of the deleted in bladder cancer gene, and the 5' end of transmembrane protein containing epidermal growth factor and follistatin domains. These sequences were not methylated in normal urothelial tissues; however, 48 of the 54 tumors examined (89%) showed methylation levels in excess of 20% for at least one of the markers. The number of markers concurrently methylated in individual tumors increased with the stage of the tumor, with several of the more aggressive invasive cancers showing hypermethylation of all four markers compared with the less aggressive invasive cancers. However, considerable methylation defects were present in superficial, preinvasive, papillary tumors. These data demonstrate that 89% of bladder cancers have increased methylation of CpG islands relative to their normal counterparts and suggest the occurrence of a hypermethylator phenotype in which multiple independent CpG islands become concurrently methylated in individual tumors in a process associated with tumor progression.
Constructive derivation of analog specification test criteria

We discuss the design of a neural system that learns to separate nominal from faulty instances of an analog circuit in a low dimensional measurement space. The key novelty of the proposed system is that it successively establishes a separation hypersurface of order that adapts to the intrinsic complexity of the problem. Thus, it performs excellent classification even in the presence of complex distributions. The test criterion for classifying a circuit is simply the location of its measurement pattern with respect to the separation hypersurface. Despite its simplicity, this criterion is, by construction, strongly correlated to the performance parameters of the circuit and does not rely on fault models.
Underutilization of Meta-analysis in Diagnostic Pathology

Context.— No studies to our knowledge have investigated citations and utilization of meta-analysis in diagnostic pathology (DP). Objective.— To characterize meta-analyses in DP compared with meta-a...
Hypnotic Use in the Elderly

Sleep disturbances are a common complaint in the geriatric population. Studies have shown that older people have a different sleep architecture as compared with that of younger people. Older patients with sleep complaints should be evaluated for underlying causes of sleep disturbances such as medication use, medical or psychiatric illnesses. Common sleep disorders in the elderly include sleep apnea, nocturnal myoclonus, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia. To treat insomnia, initial therapy should be nonpharmacological measures such as good sleep hygiene. If pharmacological treatment is necessary, a short course with a low dose of a short or intermediate-acting benzodiazepine or Zolpidem can be attempted. Because of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations, elderly patients are particularly susceptible to the central nervous systemic side effects of hypnotic agents and should be closely monitored.
Treatment of radial artery occlusions using balloon angioplasty and localized intra-arterial abciximab.

Objectives To study an alternative strategy for the treatment of radial artery occlusion (RAO) using balloon angioplasty and intrathrombus administration of abciximab. Background RAO is a well-described complication of transradial procedures. The optimal method to restore the patency of the radial artery following its occlusion remains unclear. Spontaneous recanalization can occur in some patients and systemic anticoagulation can be recommended but is often unsuccessful. Methods A retrospective review of all patients in our database from 2009 to 2013 with RAO who underwent treatment with balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial abciximab administered directly at the site of occlusion. Results Four patients with symptomatic RAO following transradial catheterization were treated with balloon angioplasty and a 90-second intrathrombus infusion of abciximab. All procedures were successful and patency was documented the following day with duplex sonography and again at follow-up (mean 189 days). The patients also remained free of symptoms at follow-up. The fifth patient was treated with balloon angioplasty alone. This patient suffered symptomatic reocclusion of the radial artery. Conclusions Balloon angioplasty and intrathrombus administration of abciximab via a catheter appears to be a safe, effective, and durable technique for reestablishing the patency of an occluded radial artery following transradial catheterization. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings and establish the role for this technique in an algorithm for treatment of RAO. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:217–222)
Bioeconomic forecasting of invasive species by ecological syndrome

Invasive non-native species cause enormous economic damage. Although there is both regulative and legislative precedent for policies restricting introduction of potentially invasive species, lack of a unified theory of invasions—particularly with respect to plants—has impeded efforts to implement screening despite empirical patterns suggesting the existence of “invasion syndromes”. Motivated by recent advances in the comparative biology of invasive species, we sought to develop a cost-sensitive model that would associate groups of species according to biological traits and assign them to risk categories based on their invasion potential. Focusing on invasive plants in the US, which are estimated to generate costs of $US 34.7 billion/year, we then combined this scheme with estimates of the per species expected economic losses associated with forgoing trade and with benchmark values for the economic costs associated with plant pests to obtain a decision tool that would maximize economic benefits. If used fo...
Teaching Students How to Meditate Can Improve Level of Consciousness and Problem Solving Ability

Abstract The purpose of these studies was to analyze the effectiveness of meditation as a method of increasing level of consciousness in students and to investigate whether meditation and level of consciousness contribute to an individual's problem solving ability in a variety of domains. In the first study, participants ( N = 450) were recruited via online and asked to complete a detailed demographics questionnaire, the Situational Self-Awareness Scale, the Mindful Awareness Scale, and the Troyer Level of Consciousness Inventory. Study two was administered in person to 45 university educational psychology students in which they were asked to complete the demographics questionnaire, the Troyer Level of Consciousness Inventory, and a set of problem solving questions. Results from both studies indicated that individuals who meditate/pray performed better on problem solving tasks and had a significantly higher level of consciousness than individuals who did not prayer or meditate.
Todos Somos Blancos/We Are All White: Constructing Racial Identities Through Texts

Research has revealed an underlying link between identity construction and academic success for adolescents (Nasir & Saxe, 2003); however, research has not addressed how students' identities are formed and negotiated in the cultural practices of elementary school. This article examines how early elementary Mexican-origin bilinguals' racial, ethnic, and linguistic identities are constructed and negotiated during a literacy event on Martin Luther King, Jr. Using critical race theory (Ladson-Billings, 1999) and critical discourse analysis (Gee, 1999), a racial and power dichotomy in the text is uncovered. The moment-to-moment interactions around a text expose the students' understandings of race and the racial assumptions of the literacy practices. A critical discourse analysis of the moment-to-moment interactions shows the students' self-identify as “White.” The teacher and researcher collaboratively examine how racial dichotomies in early elementary literacy texts and institutional practices affect the ide...
Intraoperative conversion from video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy to open thoracotomy: A study of causes and implications

Objective To study causes and implications of intraoperative conversion to thoracotomy during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. Methods We performed an institutional review of patients undergoing lobectomy for known or suspected lung cancer with root cause analysis of every conversion from VATS to open thoracotomy. Results Between 2004 and 2012, 1227 patients underwent lobectomy. Of these, 517 procedures (42%) were completed via VATS, 87 procedures (7%) were converted to open procedures, and 623 procedures (51%) were performed via planned thoracotomy. Patients undergoing thoracotomy were younger and had a higher incidence of prior lung cancers. Planned thoracotomy and conversion group patients had higher clinical T stage than patients in the VATS group, whereas the planned thoracotomy group had higher pathologic stage than patients in the other groups. Postoperative complications were more frequent in patients in the conversion group (46%) than in the VATS group (23%; P P = .56). Validating a previous classification of causes for conversion, 22 out of 87 conversions (25%) were due to vascular causes, 56 conversions (64%) were for anatomy (eg, adhesions or tumor size), and 8 conversions (9%) were the result of lymph nodes. No specific imaging variables predicted conversion. Within the conversion groups, emergent (20 out of 87; 23%) and planned (67 out of 87; 77%) conversion groups were similar in patient and tumor characteristics and incidence of perioperative morbidity. The conversion rate for VATS lobectomy dropped from 21 out of 74 (28%), to 29 out of 194 (15%), to 37 out of 336 (11%) ( P Conclusions With increasing experience, a higher proportion of lobectomy operations can be completed thoracoscopically. VATS should be strongly considered as the initial approach for the majority of patients undergoing lobectomy.
BisGMA/TEGDMA dental nanocomposites containing glyoxylic acid-modified high-aspect ratio hydroxyapatite nanofibers with enhanced dispersion

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of the glyoxylic acid (GA) modification of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanofibers on their dispersion in bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) dental composites and also to investigate the mechanical properties, water absorption and water solubility of the resulting dental resins and composites. Scanning/transmission electron microscopy images showed that microsized HAP nanofiber bundles could be effectively broken down into individual HAP nanofibers with an average length of ∼15 µm after the surface modification process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis characterization confirmed that GA was chemically grafted on the HAP nanofiber surface, hypothetically by reacting with the amine group on the HAP nanofiber surface. The enhanced dispersion of HAP nanofibers in the dental matrix led to increased biaxial flexural strength (BFS) compared with the corresponding dental resins and composites filled with untreated HAP nanofibers. In addition, impregnation of small mass fractions of the GA-modified HAP nanofibers into the BisGMA/TEGDMA dental resins (5 wt%, 10 wt%) or composites (2 wt%, 3 wt%) could also substantially improve the BFS in comparison with the controls (pure resins or dental composites filled with silica particles alone). Larger mass fractions could not increase the mechanical property further or even degraded the BFS values. Water behavior testing results indicated that the addition of the GA-modified HAP nanofibers resulted in higher water absorption and water solubility values, which are not preferred for clinical application. In summary, well-dispersed HAP nanofibers and their dental composites with enhanced mechanical properties have been successfully fabricated, but the water absorption and water solubility of such dental composites need to be further improved.
Improved synthesis of endo -brevicomin for the control of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

endo-Brevicomin for testing as pheromone for the control of bark beetles was synthesized in experimental quantities fromtrans-3-hexen-1-ol. Methods used were adapted from procedures for synthesizing ew-brevicomin.