cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Note on the Numerical Representation of Surface Dynamics in Quasigeostrophic Turbulence: Application to the Nonlinear Eady Model

Abstract The quasigeostrophic equations consist of the advection of linearized potential vorticity coupled with advection of temperature at the bounding upper and lower surfaces. Numerical models of quasigeostrophic flow often employ greater (scaled) resolution in the horizontal than in the vertical (the two-layer model is an extreme example). In the interior, this has the effect of suppressing interactions between layers at horizontal scales that are small compared to Nδz/f (where δz is the vertical resolution, N the buoyancy frequency, and f the Coriolis parameter). The nature of the turbulent cascade in the interior is, however, not fundamentally altered because the downscale cascade of potential enstrophy in quasigeostrophic turbulence and the downscale cascade of enstrophy in two-dimensional turbulence (occurring layerwise) both yield energy spectra with slopes of −3. It is shown here that a similar restriction on the vertical resolution applies to the representation of horizontal motions at the surf...
Substrate mapping for unstable ventricular tachycardia

The primary goal of catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the interruption of critical areas of slow conduction responsible for the development and maintenance of the reentrant VT circuit. Most patients with scar-related VT present with unstable arrhythmias that are not amenable to interrogation from multiple sites to define the VT circuit based on the intracardiac activation sequence and the response to entrainment mapping. In order to effectively target unstable VTs, a number of ablation approaches have been described with the aim of targeting the abnormal substrate defined with mapping in sinus or paced rhythm. Some of these strategies (eg, late potential and local abnormal ventricular activity ablation or scar homogenization) target the entire abnormal substrate harboring abnormal electrograms, defined with a variety of different criteria. Scar dechanneling, linear ablation through sites matching VT with pacing, and the core isolation approach focus on more discrete regions within the abnormal substrate that have been proven relevant to the clinical and/or inducible arrhythmias by means of physiologic maneuvers, although this does not necessarily translate to fewer radiofrequency lesions to achieve the procedural end-point. Observational studies evaluating different substrate-based ablation techniques have reported fairly uniform arrhythmia-free survivals at short- and mid-term follow-up, although direct comparisons between different techniques are lacking. In this article, we summarize the different state-of-the-art substrate mapping and ablation approaches for targeting unstable VT, with a particular focus on the relative merits and limitations of the described techniques.
Endohelminths of the Socorro Island Tree Lizard, Urosaurus auriculatus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae), from Colima, Mexico

Abstract Endohelminths of the endangered Socorro Island tree lizard, Urosaurus auriculatus, from Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Colima, Mexico, were identified from 12 museum specimens. Nine of 12 lizards (75%) were infected with 1 species of Cestoda, Oochoristica whitfieldi; 3 species of Nematoda, Parapharyngodon alvarengai, Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis, Strongyluris similis; and 1 species of Acanthocephala (larval cystacanth). Seven lizards harbored 1 helminth species; 2 lizards harbored 2 helminth species. On average, there were 5.1 ± 3.9 SD (range 1–11) helminth individuals per infected host and 1.2 ± 0.4 SD (range 1–2) helminth species per infected host. Five new host records were recorded.
Quantitative Assessment of Combination Antimicrobial Therapy against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in a Murine Pneumonia Model

Background Combination antimicrobial therapy is clinically used as a last-resort strategy to control multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, selection of antibiotics is often empirical, and conventional assessment of combined drug effect has not been correlated to clinical outcomes. Here, we report a quantitative method to assess combined killing of antimicrobial agents against 2 multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methods Combined time-kill studies were performed using clinically achievable concentrations for each 2-agent combination against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial burden observed at 24 h was mathematically modeled using a 3-dimensional response surface. Subsequently, a neutropenic murine pneumonia model with simulated clinical dosing exposures was used to validate our quantitative assessment of combined killing. Results Different antimicrobial combinations were found to have varying efficacy against the multidrug-resistant bacteria. As predicted by our quantitative method, cefepime plus amikacin was found to be the most superior combination, which was evidenced by a reduction in tissue bacterial burden and prolonged survival of infected animals. Conclusions The consistency between the predictions of the mathematical model and in vivo observations substantiated the robustness of our quantitative method. These data highlighted a novel and promising method to guide rational selection of antimicrobial combination in the clinical setting.
Fear of falling and fall-related efficacy in relationship to functioning among community-living elders

BACKGROUND: The relationships of fear of falling and fall-related efficacy with measures of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL-IADL) and physical and social functioning were evaluated in a cohort of community-living elderly persons. METHODS: Sociodemographic, medical, psychological, and physical performance (e.g., gait speed, timed hand function) measures were administered, during an in-home assessment, to a probability sample of 1,103 residents of New Haven, Connecticut, who were > or = 72 years of age. Falls and injuries in the past year, fear of falling, and responses to the Falls Efficacy Scale were also ascertained. The three dependent variables included a 10-item ADL-IADL scale, an 8-item social activity scale, and a scale of relative physical activity level. RESULTS: Among cohort members, 57% denied fear of falling whereas 24% acknowledged fear but denied effect on activity; 19% acknowledged avoiding activities because of fear of falling. Twenty-four percent of recent fallers vs 15% of nonfallers acknowledged this activity restriction (chi 2 = 13.1; p < .001). Mean fall-related efficacy score among the cohort was 84.9 (SD 20.5), 79.8 (SD 23.4), and 88.1 (SD 17.9) among fallers and nonfallers, respectively (p < or = .0001). Fall-related efficacy proved a potent independent correlate of ADL-IADL (partial correlation = .265, p < .001); physical (partial correlation = .234, p < .001); and social (partial correlation = .088, p < .01), functioning in multiple regression models after adjusting for sociodemographic, medical, psychological, and physical performance covariates as well as history of recent falls and injuries. Fear of falling was only marginally related (p = .05) with ADL-IADL functioning and was not associated with higher level physical or social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The strong independent association between self-efficacy and function found in this study suggests that clinical programs in areas such as prevention, geriatric evaluation and management, and rehabilitation should attempt simultaneously to improve physical skills and confidence. Available knowledge of the factors influencing efficacy should guide the development of these efficacy-building programs.
Mental Health Carve-Outs: Effects and Implications

To control the rise in expenditures and to increase access to mental health and substance abuse (MH/SA) services, a growing number of employers and states are implementing a "carve-out." Under this arrangement, the sponsor separates insurance benefits by disease or condition, service category, or population and contracts separately for the management of care and/or associated risks. A carve-out allows a unique set of managed care techniques to be applied to a subset of particularly costly or complex benefits. This article describes various carve-out models, discusses the potential advantages and disadvantages of a full carve-out, and summarizes recent public and private sector research regarding the strategy's effects on access and use, cost savings and shifting, and quality of care. It concludes by discussing approaches to the assessment and monitoring of the processes and outcomes associated with a MH/SA carve-out.
Robust mosaicking of stereo digital elevation models from the ames stereo pipeline

Robust estimation method is proposed to combine multiple observations and create consistent, accurate, dense Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from lunar orbital imagery. The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) aims to produce higher-quality terrain reconstructions of the Moon from Apollo Metric Camera (AMC) data than is currently possible. In particular, IRG makes use of a stereo vision process, the Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP), to automatically generate DEMs from consecutive AMC image pairs. However, the DEMs currently produced by the ASP often contain errors and inconsistencies due to image noise, shadows, etc. The proposed method addresses this problem by making use of multiple observations and by considering their goodness of fit to improve both the accuracy and robustness of the estimate. The stepwise regression method is applied to estimate the relaxed weight of each observation.
An Evaluation of Specification Methodologies for Use with Continuous Compaction Control Equipment

A variety of specification methodologies have been proposed for integrating Continuous Compaction Control (CCC) measurements into existing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols. This paper explores the use of alternative compaction specification approaches for performing QA/QC of compacted soils for embankment construction, using data collected during a field study where CCC equipment was used to construct a small embankment.
The Hancock external valved conduit: A dichotomy between late clinical results and late cardiac catheterization findings

The Hancock external valved conduit was inserted in 18 children between 1974 and 1977. Seventeen patients survived operation and 15 are long-term survivors of 6 to 9 years. All patients have been closely followed up by the same pediatric cardiologist and each has undergone serial cardiac catheterization studies, generally performed at 1 and 6 years after operation. All long-term surviving patients have been in either New York Heart Association Class I or II. A few continue to take digoxin or diuretics. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated a gradient of 50 mm Hg or greater across the conduit in two of 16 patients 1 year after operation and in seven of 15 patients 6 years after operation. Five patients (30% of all long-term survivors) have had this conduit replaced and each has survived reoperation. The finding of a severe conduit gradient in one third of all long-term surviving patients is particularly bothersome since these patients were essentially asymptomatic. This study emphasizes the need for serial follow-up cardiac catheterization studies in all patients who receive the Hancock conduit.
Phlorins Bearing Different Substituents at the sp3-Hybridized Meso-Position

Phlorins bearing different substituents at the sp3-hybridized meso-position were investigated. The extent to which different substituents at this unique position can influence phlorin spectroscopic properties, structure, and stability is of interest given that such substituents are not in direct conjugation with the phlorin macrocycle. While the effect of various substituents at the sp2-hybridized positions has been the subject of prior investigations, the impact of different substituents at the saturated carbon atom has not been systematically examined. In this study, phlorins with different combinations of geminal methyl and phenyl substituents were prepared in yields of 24–49% via dipyrromethane + dipyrromethanedicarbinol routes, and their NMR spectra, UV–vis spectra, X-ray crystal structures, and stability toward light and air were compared. The nature of the substituents at the sp3-hybridized position was found to impact spectroscopic properties, structure, and stability to varying degrees. Thus, the...
Precopulatory Pairing and Mating of Psoroptes Mites (Acari: Psoroptidae)

Adult males of 2 species of Psoroptes formed attachment pairs with both nymphal stages of the female. However, more female nymphs of both species were paired while in the tritonymph stage than as protonymphs. This attachment behavior is compared to the “guarding” behavior of male Tetranychus mites on female deutonymphs. It is argued that the probability of successful mating by adult males of both species is increased by the long attachment period. Copulation between the sexes occurred after the tritonymph female molted to the adult stage. Microscopic examination of nymphal and adult females showed that only adults possessed the bursa copulatrix, which was on the anal plate of both species. When females of either species were separated from males as nymphs, they developed to the adult stage but produced no eggs or offspring. Female nymphs paired with adult males mated and produced eggs after developing to the adult stage. The mating process between adult males and females is described.
Isolating and quantifying cross-beam energy transfer in direct-drive implosions on OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility

The angularly resolved mass ablation rates and ablation-front trajectories for Si-coated CH targets were measured in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments to quantify cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) while constraining the hydrodynamic coupling. A polar-direct-drive laser configuration, where the equatorial laser beams were dropped and the polar beams were repointed from a symmetric direct-drive configuration, was used to limit CBET at the pole while allowing it to persist at the equator. The combination of low- and high-CBET conditions observed in the same implosion allowed for the effects of CBET on the ablation rate and ablation pressure to be determined. Hydrodynamic simulations performed without CBET agreed with the measured ablation rate and ablation-front trajectory at the pole of the target, confirming that the CBET effects on the pole are small. The simulated mass ablation rates and ablation-front trajectories were in excellent agreement with the measurements at all angles when a ...
Study on Yield Effect of Growth-stages of Rice under Drought Stress

The rice cultivar Jijing 14 was used in this experiment.The yield effect of growth period was analyzed under five water stress conditions.The results showed that under the condition of water stress,the yield effects of different growth period were significantly different, the yield effects increase in accordance with the sequence of stages as unproductive-tiller,filling and ripening,productive-tiller,jointing and earing,anthesis and filling.
Injury severity variables as predictors of WeeFIM scores in pediatric TBI: Time to follow commands is best

After pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), early prognosis of expected function is important for optimizing care. The power of several common brain injury severity measures for predicting functional outcome in children with TBI was investigated; the severity variables studied were Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, time to follow commands (TFC), duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), and total duration of impaired consciousness (TFC+PTA). Outcome was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (n = 120) and, in a subset of children, at 3 months following discharge. Correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using GCS, TFC, PTA, and TFC+PTA to predict age-corrected WeeFIM scores. Models in which TFC and PTA duration were entered as separate variables and as a combined variable (TFC+PTA) were all significantly predictive of WeeFIM scores at discharge; however, TFC accounted for the greatest portion of variance in WeeFIM scores. Among children with moderate to severe TBI who received inpatient rehabilitation, TFC was the best predictor of general functional outcome at discharge and follow-up. Our findings highlight the need for careful and consistent assessment of TFC to assist in predicting functional outcomes as early and accurately as possible.
Intensity of functional connection between bilateral hemispheres of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder by functional magnetic resonance imaging

Objective To explore the neural mechanisms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) through analyzing the intensity of functional connection between bilateral hemispheres of children with ADHD by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods The approach of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) was employed to analyze 31 school-age and 31 ADHD children by rs-fMRI scans. Results Positively activated brain regions were visualized when comparing ADHD and normal children, suggesting that ADHD children's VMHC scores were higher in bilateral frontal lobe (t=5.81), bilateral occipital lobe (t=5.82) and bilateral cerebellar posterior lobe (t=6.17). Statistically significant differences existed between two groups (FDR correction, Q<0.01). Conclusions The increased intensity of functional connection between bilateral prefrontal lobes in children with ADHD reflects attention disorder and leads to a decline of working memory .The strengthening of bilateral occipital lobes slows down memory process. And the increased intensity of cerebellar connections may damage neural circuits and aggravate ADHD symptoms. Key words: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging; Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity; Children; Intensity of functional connection
Representation of Risk Scenarios via Euler Diagrams

A risk analysis begins with the identification and classification of initiating events. We address the application of Euler Diagrams to guide database queries and to determine when an evolving set of initiating events effectively spans the systems and situation of interest.
Rejection of Carboniferous Quasidentalium Shimansky, 1974, from the phylum Mollusca

Upon restudy, Quasidentalium Shimansky, 1974, is transferred to the Coleolidae, a group of “Vermes” that form a calcareous tube.
Neighborhood Context and Preterm Delivery among African American Women: the Mediating Role of Psychosocial Factors

Preterm delivery (PTD), or birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a serious public health issue, and racial disparities persist. In a recently published study, perceptions of the residential environment (or neighborhood context) were associated with PTD rates among urban African American women with low educational attainment (≤12 years); however, the mechanisms of these associations are unknown. Given this gap in the literature, we used data from the Life Influences on Fetal Environments Study of postpartum African American women from Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan (2009–2011; n = 399), to examine whether psychosocial factors (depressive symptomology, psychological distress, and perceived stress) mediate associations between perceptions of the neighborhood context and PTD. Validated scales were used to measure women’s perceptions of their neighborhood safety, walkability, healthy food availability (higher=better), and social disorder (higher=more disorder). The psychosocial indicators were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (K6), and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. Statistical mediation was assessed using an unadjusted logistic regression-based path analysis for estimating direct and indirect effects. The associations between perceived walkability, food availability, and social disorder were not mediated by psychosocial factors. However, perceptions of neighborhood safety were inversely associated with depressive symptoms which were positively associated with PTD rates. Also, higher perceived neighborhood social disorder was associated with higher PTD rates, net of the indirect paths through psychosocial factors. Future research should identify other mechanisms of the perceived neighborhood context-PTD associations, which would inform PTD prevention efforts among high-risk groups.
How molecules defy the demon

It was in 1867, in a letter to his friend and colleague Peter Tait, that James Clerk Maxwell first stated his renowned "demon paradox". He imagined a vessel with two compartments, separated by a controllable door, with a demon that allowed hot molecules to accumulate on one side, and cold molecules on the other. The resulting temperature difference could then be used to drive a thermal engine. Thus, the demon could convert the thermal energy of molecules at equilibrium into useful work and violate the second law of thermodynamics. It is remarkable testimony to Maxwell's insight that this question – raised at a time when molecules were still a conceptual crutch and poorly characterized – took us over a century to resolve. Only within recent years have we been able to show that it is impossible to sort molecules without expending more energy than the work that can be extracted from the sorted molecules. The second law of thermodynamics does indeed hold true.
A model of self-directed learning in internal medicine residency: a qualitative study using grounded theory

Existing theories of self-directed learning (SDL) have emphasized the importance of process, personal, and contextual factors. Previous medical education research has largely focused on the process of SDL. We explored the experience with and perception of SDL among internal medicine residents to gain understanding of the personal and contextual factors of SDL in graduate medical education. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we conducted 7 focus group interviews with 46 internal medicine residents at an academic medical center. We processed the data by using open coding and writing analytic memos. Team members organized open codes to create axial codes, which were applied to all transcripts. Guided by a previous model of SDL, we developed a theoretical model that was revised through constant comparison with new data as they were collected, and we refined the theory until it had adequate explanatory power and was appropriately grounded in the experiences of residents. We developed a theoretical model of SDL to explain the process, personal, and contextual factors affecting SDL during residency training. The process of SDL began with a trigger that uncovered a knowledge gap. Residents progressed to formulating learning objectives, using resources, applying knowledge, and evaluating learning. Personal factors included motivations, individual characteristics, and the change in approach to SDL over time. Contextual factors included the need for external guidance, the influence of residency program structure and culture, and the presence of contextual barriers. We developed a theoretical model of SDL in medical education that can be used to promote and assess resident SDL through understanding the process, person, and context of SDL.
Differences Between Quantum-Mechanical Capacitance-Voltage Simulators

We present an extensive benchmarking comparison of an ensemble of the most advanced quantum-mechanical (QM) capacitance-voltage (CV) simulators available. Quantitative differences in the accumulation capacitance of p-channel and n-channel devices as large as 20% are found in a systematic comparison. Some of the underlying physics and models that lead to the observed differences are described.
Fictive Kinship Relations in black extended families

Demographic correlates of whether an extended family has incorporated a fictive kin relative was examined among a national sample of black adults. Fictive kin are defined as persons who are treated...
Monetary Policy Implementation in China: Past, Present, and Prospects

While much has already been achieved, monetary policy implementation in China is still in transition. The effectiveness of the current framework, which still relies intensively on rules-based measures, is likely to diminish over time as the sophistication of the economy increases. The authorities are faced with the following challenges: (i) the choice of a nominal anchor; (ii) the choice of an operating target; (iii) the choice of operating instruments; and (iv) the right timing to introduce greater flexibility of the exchange rate. This chapter reviews the framework for monetary policy implementation in China by summarizing the practice of monetary policy over the past 30 years and by discussing the way forward.
Three Tensor Norms for Operator Spaces

The purpose of these notes is to give a survey of some of the results, questions, and applications surrounding three tensor norms which occur in the non-self adjoint theory of operator algebras. The first norm we will focus on is the Haagerup norm on tensor products of subspaces of C* -algebras (which we call operator spaces). This portion of our talk includes some joint work with R.R. Smith [18]. The other tensor norms are the min and max norms on tensor products of non-selfadjoint operator algebras, which includes some joint work with S.C. Power ([16] and [17]).
STUDIES ON THE A, B, O(H) BLOOD GROUPS ON HUMAN CELLS IN CULTURE.

HeLa cells were used in the mixed agglutination reaction to determine optimal conditions for demonstrating blood group H activity by this method. The following parameters were studied in the mixed agglutination reaction: (1) derivation of cell line, (2) cell viability, (3) effects of antibody titer, (4) source and type of antibody. Studies with primary human amnion cells indicated that over a 30-day period of cultivation in vitro there were losses in specific ABO blood group activity. Addition of blood group precursors to establish human amnion cell lines FL-J and F-D indicated that blood group B antigen could be synthesized and maintained in vitro.
The Present Status of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Its Value in the Elderly

This article will review current literature describing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of various diseases, and its potential role in elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years). Research on FMT has blossomed in the last decade and its pivotal role in the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been recognized by the American College of Gastroenterology in the latest guidelines. There is also emerging evidence that FMT may be beneficial in the treatment of severe and/or complicated CDI refractory to medical therapy, resulting in decreased rates of colectomy and mortality. In the elderly, CDI is associated with markedly higher rates of mortality and colectomy; outcomes are even worse when patients have underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While the majority of patients who receive FMT for CDI are older, only a handful of studies focused specifically on FMT treatment outcomes and safety in this age group. Current data corroborate the efficacy and safety profile of FMT, while also supporting its use for recurrent, severe, and/or complicated CDI in the elderly population. FMT is recommended for the treatment of recurrent, severe, and/or complicated CDI in patients older than 65 years of age. It may be prudent to offer FMT earlier in the disease course, possibly after just the second recurrence and for the first episode of severe CDI to avert complications including colectomy and end-organ failure that elderly patients are more prone to developing.
Concentrations of MUC16 and MUC5AC using three tear collection methods.

PURPOSE To determine the optimal tear collection method for analysis of ocular surface mucins MUC5AC and MUC16. METHODS Fifteen subjects without ocular surface disease were recruited. Subjects presented for tear collection on three separate days for three different tear collection methods with the order of method randomized. Methods used to collect tears from right and left eyes included Schirmer's strip, basal tear collection, and flush tear collection. All samples from the right eyes were individually analyzed for MUC5AC whereas the left eye samples were individually analyzed for MUC16. For each individual sample, 10 μg of protein were loaded per lane into a 1% (w/v) agarose gel and run in electrophoresis buffer for 2 h. After overnight capillary transfer, membranes were incubated with either MUC5AC antibody CLH2 or MUC16 antibody OC125 for western blot analysis. Blots were developed with enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) and signals captured with the Odyssey Fc (LI-COR). The relative amounts of MUC5AC and MUC16 were quantified with densitometry using software and compared for statistically significant differences between tear collection methods using the Kruskal-Wallis test in SPSS 22 and GraphPad Prism 7.02. Dunn's multiple comparisons test was used for pairwise post-hoc comparisons. RESULTS Samples containing less than 10 μg of total protein were not used for analysis which left eight samples (out of 45) unusable. The calculated MUC5AC median signal intensities from Schirmer's strip, basal tears, and flush tears were 2.86 (n = 15, the interquartile range [IQR] = 2.54-3.21), 1.65 (n = 14, IQR = 1.34-3.1), and 1.67 (n = 9, IQR = 1.42-1.72), respectively (H = 9.5, p = 0.009). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons showed a statistically significant difference between Schirmer's strip and flush tears (p = 0.01). The calculated MUC16 median signal intensities from Schirmer's strip, basal tears, and flush tears were 1.88 (n = 14, IQR = 1.43-2.61), 5.24 (n = 15, IQR = 4.16-6.21), and 2.45 (n = 7, IQR = 1.85-2.48), respectively (H = 18.1, p = 0.001). Post-hoc pairwise comparison showed statistically significant differences between basal tears and Schirmer's strip (p = 0.0003) and between basal tears and flush tears (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS MUC5AC and MUC16 are present in human tear fluid and can be captured using various tear collection methods. Although basal tear collection yielded the highest relative concentration of MUC16, Schirmer's strip tear collection yielded the highest MUC5AC concentration. Therefore, the tear collection method chosen depends on the mucin of interest.
How clean energy and efficiency can replace coal for a reliable, modern electricity grid

Abstract Aging coal-fired power plants are retiring all over the country, presenting the U.S. with an exciting opportunity to lead a global transition to a clean energy economy. The move away from coal begs the question: What will replace it? Energy efficiency, renewable energy and electric grid modernization should play an important part in replacing retiring coal capacity, and thereby mitigate the rush to build new natural gas plants.
Gastroduodenal Stent-Related Complications and Management

Placement of a gastroduodenal self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is a safe and well-established procedure for the palliative care of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. There have been reported complications related to the SEMS procedure such as stent occlusion, migration of the stent, biliary obstruction, bleeding, and bowel perforation. Early detection and proper management of the complications are crucial to maintain the quality of life and prolong the life expectancy of the patients. In this article, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of SEMS-related complications.
Sustainability of Local Plans and Urban Sectors. Proposal for an Operating Procedure

The city is the human structure with the largest consumption of energy. To achieve more sustainable levels of resource’s usage and to reduce its environmental impact, the city needs to transform its way of working. For this purpose, it is necessary to act on the urban structure by ensuring that the essential resources become more and more efficient. To achieve this fundamental goal we can act by improving the functioning of both the existing urban structures, and of the new planning actions. For the latter, it is desirable to build a plan containing elements of sustainability that, once implemented, will enable the direct achievement of our objectives. It is appropriate to identify the right planning level to which we can apply these innovative procedures. Despite the fact that the extension of the planned area may vary from case to case, we can assume the scale of the neighbourhood/urban sector scale is the best thanks to its two basic features: the limited extension, and the immediate possibility to transform the indications of plan in physical and functional elements. The goal of the paper is to specify the characteristics of these plans and the size of their effects on the creation of urban areas that seeks to become neutral in the consumptions (Zero Impact Neighborhoods).
Structure and Functions of NGF Receptors

Classic studies on nerve growth factor (NGF) revealed its essential role as a survival and differentiation factor in both the peripheral and central nervous systems (Levi-Montalcini, 1987; Thoenen et al., 1987). The biological actions of NGF include survival of embryonic and adult neurons and induction of neurite outgrowth and neurotransmitter enzymes. The primary targets in the peripheral nervous system are sympathetic and populations of sensory neurons derived from the neural crest. In the central nervous system, NGF is capable of influencing cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain by the induction of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity (Mobley et al., 1985; Martinez et al., 1985), and by reducing, or even preventing degeneration of basal forebrain neurons. A number of differentiative properties are induced by NGF, including increased tyrosine hydroxylase, acetylcholinesterase, and choline acetyltransferase activities, as well as many neuron specific proteins such as synapsin, tau, microtubule associated proteins, neurofilaments, and sodium channels (Chao, 1990).
OP073: Correlation of differences in elevation and protrusion to speech and swallowing function in hemiglossectomy defects reconstructed with a rectangle tongue template

Purpose There are few studies that have measured reconstructive metrics after tongue reconstruction and examined their relationship to speaking and swallowing. The purpose of this study is to correlate the reconstructive metrics of tongue elevation and protrusion with speech and swallowing function in patients with hemiglossectomy defects reconstructed with a rectangle tongue template. Material and methods 32 patients (m:f; 18:13 mean age) underwent resection and free-tissue reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects using a rectangle tongue template between 2000 and 2009. The Head and Neck Speech and Swallowing Assessment (administered functional outcomes instrument) and measurements of elevation and protrusion were recorded greater than 12 months postoperatively. Results The mean tongue tip elevation was 2.4 cm (range 0.5–5.0 cm) and the mean protrusion was 1.4 cm (0–3.6 cm). Elevation of the tongue >1.5 cm correlated with improved scores in nutritional mode (5.8 vs 4.8; p = 0.011), range of liquids (5.9 vs 5.0; p = 0.009), range of solids (5.2 vs 3.6; p = 0.01), eating in public (4.5 vs 3.6; p = 0.039), and understandability (4.6 vs 3.8; p = 0.012). Protrusion of the tongue greater ⩾0.8 cm correlated with improved scores in nutritional mode (5.8 vs 5.0; p = 0.01), range of solids (5.4 vs 3.6; p = 0.0001), eating in public (4.7 vs 3.4; p = 0.0001), understandability (4.6 vs 4.0; p = 0.02) and speaking in public (5.0 vs 4.4; p = 0.004). Conclusions The rectangle tongue template for hemiglossectomy reconstruction provides effective restoration of speech and swallowing function. Tongue elevation and protrusion scores greater than 1.5 and 0.8 cm, respectively, are ideal surgical goals for functional speech and swallowing results.
ISO Standards for Condition Monitoring

This paper introduces delegates to the content and requirements of the new, and under development, range of ISO standards relating to condition monitoring. The paper describes the outlined processes for condition monitoring system design and implementation as well as new concepts in the fields of diagnostics and prognostics. The processes outlined also have direct FMEA links to RCM programs and can be used to implement CM programs directly linked to RCM analyses.
Trace Element Indicators of Climate Variability in Reef-Building Corals

Abstract An active couple exists between the atmosphere and surface ocean to produce regional-to-global changes in earth's climate. While numerous terrestrial recording systems have revealed meteorological perturbations over the continents, however, historical changes in the surface ocean are largely unknown. This contribution describes recent efforts to develop new paleochemical indicators trapped in the aragonite lattice of reef-building corals. The methodology requires chance combinations of circumstances (crystal lattice compatibility and mechanisms that promote variable surface ocean composition) and great analytical care, yet several applications have surfaced in relation to El Nino. Cadmium and manganese comprise paleo-upwelling indicators that display great sensitivity in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Barium levels in Caribbean corals reflect seasonal river discharge from South America that may in turn be modulated by the El Nino -Southern Oscillation. Manganese and barium may also track lateral movement of water masses as in continental shelf water advection or river plume migration. Finally, coralline cadmium is seen to respond to ENSO-driven rainfall anomalies in the western equatorial Pacific, though the mechanism behind this response is not clear.
Abstract A61: BRCA1-associated R-loop accumulation at noncoding putative ERα enhancer area blocks luminal epithelial differentiation

Most BRCA1 -associated breast tumors are basal-like, yet originate from luminal progenitor cells. BRCA1 is best known for its functions in double-strand break (DSB) repair and resolution of DNA replication stress. However, it is unclear whether loss of these ubiquitously important functions of BRCA1 fully explains the cell lineage-specific increase in breast tumor development. By sorting and profiling lineage-specific cells from precancerous human breast tissue, we found that BRCA1 mutation carriers tend to have a luminal cell-specific accumulation of R-loop, a transcriptional byproduct of DNA-RNA hybrid structure important for transcriptional regulation and genomic instability. R-loops accumulate preferentially at enhancers and transcription start sites (TSS) of luminal fate-related genes. Using CRISPR-Cas9 system, we have deleted an ER α enhancer area with BRCA1 -associated R-loops accumulation in MCF7 cells. The deletion of this noncoding putative ER α enhancer area reduced the gene expression level of the neighboring genes of the deleted region, including ER α, RMND1 , and CCDC170 . In addition, compare to the reduced expression level of ER α, RMND1 , and CCDC170 in BRCA1 knockdown of the parental MCF7, knocking down BRCA1 in these deletion clones showed less reduction of these genes. On the other hand, overexpression of RNASEH1 , an enzyme that specifically removes R-loop, had little effect in these genes after BRCA1 knockdown. These results indicate BRCA1 -associated R-loop accumulation at least partially affects luminal gene transcription. To investigate whether BRCA1 -assocaited R-loop accumulation directly contributes to luminal differentiation blockage, we overexpressed RNASEH1 in breast epithelial cells freshly isolated from BRCA1 mutation carriers; flow cytometry comparing different breast lineage revealed a luminal population shift toward more mature luminal. All in all, the results imply that BRCA1 promotes luminal epithelial differentiation by alleviating R-loop accumulation at enhancer of ER α. Aberration in luminal transcription could contribute to lineage-specific BRCA1 -associated tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Huai-Chin Chiang, Xiaowen Zhang, Yanfen Hu, Rong Li. BRCA1-associated R-loop accumulation at noncoding putative ERα enhancer area blocks luminal epithelial differentiation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2017 Oct 7-10; Hollywood, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2018;16(8_Suppl):Abstract nr A61.
Task-Specific Manipulator Design and Trajectory Synthesis

This letter addresses the challenge of determining the optimal design of a customizable robot for a given task. We present a motion planner that not only prescribes a path, but also synthesizes the robot design to follow that path. Our approach treats design variables as part of an inverse kinematics problem to jointly optimize manipulator design parameters and trajectory. We apply our method to two distinct problems where rapid prototyping and customization are desirable: an arm prototyped for a future Mars mission, and a wearable backpack-mounted arm. We then propose a novel method to minimize the number of joints in the mechanism while maintaining its ability to reach workspace task poses. We combine these methods into a framework in which we iteratively optimize and simplify task-specialized manipulator designs.
Returns to the operating room after breast surgery at a tertiary care medical center

Abstract Background Evaluation of returns to the operating room (RORs) may spur practice modifications to improve patient outcomes and hospital practices. We determined the frequency and indications for RORs after breast operations. Methods We identified patients ≥18 years who underwent a breast operation at our institution 1/1/14-1/13/17 and assessed ROR within 45-days. RORs were categorized as unplanned/planned, staged/unstaged, or unrelated procedures. Univariate and multivariable analyses compared variables between patients who did and did not have an ROR. Results 2,914 patients underwent a breast operation of whom 117 (4.0%) had 121 RORs. Planned staged procedures accounted for 48 RORs (39.7%), while unplanned complications accounted for 65 (53.7%). On multivariable analysis, ROR was more common among patients undergoing total, skin-sparing, or nipple-sparing mastectomy (versus lumpectomy) all p Conclusions RORs following breast operations occurred in 4% of patients, with approximately one-third for a staged oncologic procedure. Implementation of ROR documentation tools should be encouraged, as these data provide benchmarks for clinical practice improvement initiatives to improve the quality of patient care.
Considering Hawaii’s Future

I very much appreciate this extraordinary, indeed unique, and, I suspect, ground breaking, opportunity to address this joint session of the Legislature of the State of Hawaii. Not only has your invitation to me been a great source of personal satisfaction, but it further reinforces my frequently-voiced contention that the leaders and citizens of this State are eager and able to show to the world how better to live humanly in a multiplistic society. This State, through its leaders, is, I believe, bravely opening the doors to a new faith-affirming era, that faith being that you can and must rise above the petty jealousies and fears of his near and distant past, and daringly face the necessity of creating a profoundly new, more human, and freer world.
An inter-organisational decision support system for global supply chain management

The success of global supply chain management often rests on the information sharing capabilities of trading partners in the global business network. As such, inter-organisational collaboration, which can facilitate cross-organisational information sharing, is essential for global supply chain management. To enhance inter-organisation collaboration, multinational firms (MNFs) should nurture corporate culture that encourages the real-time exchanges of business intelligence about foreign markets and customer behaviours through a series of information and communication technology (ICT). One of the useful tools for creating such culture is an inter-organisational decision support system (IODSS) that can coordinate and synchronise the flow of information across the global supply chain, while increasing business intelligence capabilities. As such, today's DSS should undergo dramatic metamorphoses on a global scale. This paper synthesises the evolution of IODSS over the last few decades, develops a basic architecture of IODSS, and then suggests practical guidelines for its successful implementation in global business environments.
Technical Delivery Parameters of 2000 Proton Treatment Courses.

Abstract Purpose: To summarize the technical delivery parameters of proton plans delivered at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Materials and Methods: The database of treated patient proton ...
Socio-demographic characteristics and the level of importance that consumers attach to services offered in the passenger airline industry

As international competition in the airline industry intensifies, how airline companies structure the design of their service offerings to meet the real needs of their customers becomes crucial to survival. This paper examines the level of importance attributed by consumers to different elementary services customarily provided by companies in the passenger airline industry. It determines if and to what extent, this is influenced by consumer's socio-demographic characteristics of education, occupation, income, age, gender, marital status and nationality. A total of 20 elementary services often offered by companies in the international passenger airline industry were examined. Findings of the empirical research carried out revealed that, while education, and marital status had no apparent influence; age, gender, income, occupation, and nationality tend to exert significant influence on the level of importance that consumers attach to services offered in the passenger airline industry. Managerial implications of this result are discussed, and directions for future research are given.
Spatial and Temporal Optical Field Reconstruction Using Phase-Space Tomography

Phase-space tomography has recently been developed for the experimental determination of the amplitude and phase structure of a multimode optical field in either the space or time domain. The methods can be applied to the precise characterization of optical fields, in the cases of fully or partially coherent sources.
Psychometric Properties of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Student-Report Form among a Predominantly Latinx Elementary School Sample:

School-based universal screening for behavioral/emotional risk is a necessary first step in the identification of students who might need services within a behavioral response to intervention model...
Potential Direct Single-Star Mass Measurement

We analyze the lightcurve of the microlensing event OGLE-2003-BLG-175/MOA-2003-BLG-45 and show that it has two properties that, when combined with future high resolution astrometry, could lead to a direct, accurate measurement of the lens mass. First, the lightcurve shows clear signs of distortion due to the Earth's accelerated motion, which yields a measurement of the projected Einstein radius \tilde r_E. Second, from precise astrometric measurements, we show that the blended light in the event is coincident with the microlensed source to within about 15 mas. This argues strongly that this blended light is the lens and hence opens the possibility of directly measuring the lens-source relative proper motion \vec\mu_\rel and so the mass M=(c^2/4G)\mu_\rel t_E \tilde r_E, where t_E is the measured Einstein timescale. While the lightcurve-based measurement of \tilde r_E is, by itself, severely degenerate, we show that this degeneracy can be completely resolved by measuring the direction of proper motion \vec\mu_\rel.