cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paradoxic Splitting of the Second Heart Sound in Systemic Hypertension: The Role of Myocardial Competence

SUMMARY Three cases of paradoxic splitting of the second heart sound in elderly hypertensive patients are presented. It would appear that in arterial hypertension this phenomenon is not so unusual as has been previously supposed. Its mechanism of development is obscure, but independent factors or the long-term myocardial consequences of the hypertensive state seem to be more frequently operative than an elevated aortic pressure per se in the production of this abnormality.
Modular Capacitated Maximal Covering Location Problem for the Optimal Siting of Emergency Vehicles

To improve the application of the maximal covering location problem (MCLP), several capacitated MCLP models were proposed to consider the capacity limits of facilities. However, most of these models assume only one fixed capacity level for the facility at each potential site. This assumption may limit the application of the capacitated MCLP. In this article, a modular capacitated maximal covering location problem (MCMCLP) is proposed and formulated to allow several possible capacity levels for the facility at each potential site. To optimally site emergency vehicles, this new model also considers allocations of the demands beyond the service covering standard. Two situations of the model are discussed: the MCMCLP-facility-constraint (FC), which fixes the total number of facilities to be located, and the MCMCLP-non-facility-constraint (NFC), which does not. In addition to the model formulations, one important aspect of location modeling—spatial demand representation—is included in the analysis and discussion. As an example, the MCMCLP is applied with Geographic Information System (GIS) and optimization software packages to optimally site ambulances for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Region 10 in the State of Georgia. The limitations of the model are also discussed.
Chloro(2‐dicyclohexylphosphino‐2′,4′,6′‐triisopropyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl)[2‐(2‐aminoethyl)phenyl]palladium(II)

[1028206-56-5] C41H59ClNPPd (MW 738.76) InChI = 1S/C33H49P.C8H10N.ClH.Pd/c1-23(2)26-21-30(24(3)4)33(31(22-26)25(5)6)29-19-13-14-20-32(29)34(27-15-9-7-10-16-27)28-17-11-8-12-18-28;9-7-6-8-4-2-1-3-5-8;;/h13-14,19-25,27-28H,7-12,15-18H2,1-6H3;1-4H,6-7,9H2;1H;/q;;;+1/p-1 InChIKey = HTAJCNQBAFZEJO-UHFFFAOYSA-M (Palladium-based XPhos precatalyst used in cross-coupling reactions) Physical Data: not reported. Solubility: sol ethereal solvents (e.g., THF, dioxane, Bu2O, CPME), dichloromethane, toluene, and t-BuOH. Insol MTBE and hexanes. Form Supplied in: white powder. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR.1 Preparative Methods: it is commercially available. Alternatively, it can be prepared in two or three steps starting from (CH3CN)2PdCl2 (eq 1).1 (1) Purification: the product is not soluble in MTBE and is collected by suction filtration as a 1:1 complex of MTBE and chloro(2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-1,1′-biphenyl)[2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl]palladium(II) 1. Although MTBE has no effect on the reactivity of precatalyst 1, it can be removed by dissolving the powder in CH2Cl2 and reprecipitating with hexanes. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: this complex is air and moisture stable and can be stored on the benchtop.
Redescription of Petalophtkalmus oculatus (Crustacea: Mysidacea) based on an adult female collected from near the type locality

A detailed fully illustrated description of P. oculatus Ulig, based on an adult female captured by R.V. ‘Argo’ in the north-west Arabian Sea, very near the type locality is given. In the light of the previous descriptions a discussion of the diagnostic characters of P. oculatus is also included.
Seasonal or ecological differences in diet and molar microwear in Cebus nigrivittatus.

Dental microwear analyses have raised new hopes and questions for functional morphologists. One hope is that analyses will allow insights into subtle dietary differences of extinct species. One major question is whether seasonal and/or habitat differences in dental microwear are reliably detectable. The extensive collections of Cebus nigrivittatus obtained by the Smithsonian Venezuelan Project allowed us to examine seasonal and habitat differences in dental microwear. Specimens were collected from three distinct ecological life zones that are distinguished by both the amount of rainfall and its seasonability. Environmental variation is generally correlated with variation in resource availability which, in C. nigrivittatus, affects diet. Published field studies indicate that these animals depend more on dry hard fruit and chitinous invertebrates during drier times and succulent fruits and caterpillars during wetter times of the year. As in previous microwear analyses, epoxy replicas were prepared from dental impressions, and the replicas were examined under a scanning electron microscope. Two micrographs were taken of facet 9 on M2 of each specimen. Mean values for the proportion of pits (vs. scratches), pit wdith, and scratch width were computed for each of 62 individuals and compared between ecological zones and collecting dates by using a multiple comparison test. Results indicate that, while seasonal differences in molar microwear in C. nigrivittatus are perhaps reliably detectable, 1) they are small in magnitude, 2) they are only detectable in certain ecological life zones, and 3) they are not of the order of magnitude that will obscure major interspecific differences in molar microwear such as those between C. apella and C. nigrivittatus.
The Formation of Lymphatic Vessels and Its Importance in the Setting of Malignancy

The lymphatic vascular system plays important roles in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, in the mediation of the afferent immune response, and in the metastatic spread of malignant tumors to regional lymph nodes. It consists of a dense network of blind ending, thin-walled lymphatic capillaries and collecting lymphatics that drain extravasated protein-rich fluid from most organs and transport the lymph via the thoracic duct to the venous circulation (1). Originally discovered as “milky veins” by Gasparo Aselli in the 17th century (2), the mechanisms controlling the normal development of lymphatic vessels and the molecular regulation of their biological function have remained poorly understood in contrast to the rapid progress made in elucidating the formation and molecular control of the blood vascular system (3, 4).
Using temporal abstractions and cancellations for efficiency in automated meeting scheduling

Techniques are presented to improve the time taken by autonomous scheduling agents to schedule meetings and to accommodate as much as possible high priority meetings in an overconstrained situation. The first of these objectives is attained by building a temporal abstraction hierarchy of the calendar and negotiating at successively lower levels of the hierarchy, thereby pruning away unpromising parts of the search space. The second objective is attained by developing an estimated utility measure of scheduling a new meeting by bumping an already scheduled meeting, which has to be subsequently rescheduled (if possible). Within this framework, priorities associated with meetings, and estimates of the work required to reschedule bumped meetings are taken into account. >
Infrared Ray Emission (IREM) Based Post-Silicon Power Debug Flows Developed for Chip Power Performance

Pre-silicon power modeling, post-silicon power validation, and power debugs design efforts have significantly increased to meet speed performance, reliability deliverables and design robustness for manufacturing. IREM based power debug flow has been developed to isolate marginal circuits with excessive static and dynamic power consumption. Three root cause analysis cases are presented to demonstrate the success of this novel post-silicon debug flow.
Influence of Acaricide Resistance on Cattle-Fever Tick (Boophilus Spp.) Infestations in Semi-Arid Thornshrublands: a Simulation Approach

Cattle-fever tick (Boophilus microplus and B. annulatus) populations that develop acaricide resistance become more difficult to control or eradicate. We used a simulation model to assess the direct and indirect effects of interactions among season, habitat type, grazing strategy, and acaricide resistance on the ability to eradicate Boophilus infestations in semi-arid thornshrublands of Texas, USA. Season of infestation appeared to have the strongest effect, with infestations begun on 27 September (autumn) tending to die out sooner than those begun on 1 March (spring) and to remain undetected. Habitat type had the next strongest effect, with infestations surviving much longer as canopy cover increased from uncanopied buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) habitats to mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)-canopied grass habitats. Acaricide resistance had a moderate effect; as expected, highly resistant tick populations survived longer than those with no acaricide resistance. The importance of grazing strategy varied with changes in habitat type: as canopy cover increased, infestation duration increased faster under continuous grazing than under rotational grazing strategies. Importance of grazing strategy also varied with acaricide resistance: detected tick populations with no and slight acaricide resistance subjected to acaricide treatments tended to survive longer under rotational grazing than continuous grazing, due to reduced contact with a treated host. Populations with moderate and high resistance behaved more like untreated populations, tending to survive longer under continuous, rather than rotational, grazing, because they experienced less mortality on a treated host. Assuming acaricide treatments at 2-week intervals and maintenance of cattle in infested pastures, results indicate that, for each habitat type, infesting ticks have a threshold of acaricide resistance below which one can eradicate them faster with continuous grazing than with rotational grazing. As canopy cover increases, this threshold appears to shift from high resistance (in grass) to slight resistance (in mesquite).
Evaluation of a Restriction Fragment Length Enzyme Assay for Differentiation of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium Across a Standard Region of the Mitochondrial Genome

Abstract: Avian hemosporidian parasites are a genetically diverse group of parasites with a near cosmopolitan distribution. Over the past 2 decades, several PCR protocols have been designed to detect these parasites. The majority of these protocols amplify part of or the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. However, many of these protocols co-amplify 2 genera (Haemoproteus and Plasmodium), making it impossible to determine which genus is amplified without post-PCR analysis. A uniform database (MalAvi), containing sequences amplified with the primers HAEMF and HAEMR2, has been developed to increase comparability across studies. We analyzed sequences from the MalAvi database and new sequences and found that digestion with EcoRV could be used to distinguish Haemoproteus from the majority of Plasmodium sequences. In addition, we tested 220 wild birds from Costa Rica and the United States for avian hemosporidians and assessed the ability of EcoRV to distinguish these 2 genera. Thirty-six positive samples we...
Lanternfish (Teleostei, Myctophiformes, Myctophidae) body fossils from the Modelo Formation (upper Miocene) of Los Angeles County, California

ABSTRACT Representative fossils of three extant lanternfish (Myctophidae) genera (Bolinichthys, Lampanyctus, and Myctophum) from the collections of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County were identified, based on a combination of osteological and photophore characters. These specimens come from the upper Miocene Modelo Formation (Mohnian-Delmontian) of California, and represent the first skeletal records of Bolinichthys (otherwise identified as otoliths from the Late Miocene of Italy) and Myctophum body fossils in North America, and confirm that both modern myctophid subfamilies exhibited a cosmopolitan distribution by the late Miocene.
The utilization of Computer Mediated Communication for case study collaboration

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) can be used as an effective tool for student communication and collaboration. First-year, first-semester dental hygiene students self-selected groups to develop dental hygiene process of care treatment plans, written reports, and oral case presentations based on assigned clinical cases. In consultation with the University of Michigan (UM) Digital Media Commons Collaborative Technologies Teams, CMC options were identified. Two chat rooms were established within the UM's Course Management System (CTools) to provide opportunities for synchronous (simultaneous, real-time) communication. One course blog site and 8 case blog sites were developed to provide students and instructors with electronic asynchronous (nonsimultaneous) communication formats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies during group case study projects. CMC has the potential to provide an effective means of collaboration and communication when the technologies align with the purpose of the project and compliment the dynamics of student groups.
ACT: an adaptive CORBA template to support unanticipated adaptation

We propose an Adaptive CORBA Template (ACT), which enables run-time improvements to CORBA applications in response to unanticipated changes in either their functional requirements or their execution environments. ACT enhances CORBA applications by transparently weaving adaptive code into their object request brokers (ORBs) at run time. The woven code intercepts and adapts the requests, replies, and exceptions that pass through the ORBs. Specifically, ACT can be used to develop an object-oriented framework in any language that supports dynamic loading of code and can be applied to any CORBA ORB that supports portable interceptors. Moreover, ACT can be used to support interoperation among otherwise incompatible adaptive CORBA frameworks. To evaluate the performance and functionality of ACT, we implemented a prototype in Java. Our experimental results show that the overhead introduced by the ACT infrastructure is negligible, while the adaptations offered are highly flexible.
Learner mobility between engineering education and a twenty first century workplace

Engineering education today is undergoing unprecedented array of challenges, especially in the teaching and learning process. Among other challenges in this area students now require multiple stimuli, they have very low tolerance for monotonous static content, and they are highly mobile. To address some of these challenges, the authors have conducted a pilot study with Learner Agent Objects (LAO) individual portfolios. LAO portfolios are collections of artifacts (students' best work) representing a learner's academic experience. LAO affords a foundation for creating a more comprehensive and seamless movement of learners between jurisdictions in engineering education and the workplace. A more seamless movement of individuals between formal education, informal education and the workplace has significant implications for the learning environments and ecosystems of engineers as lifelong learners.
Best practices in data warehousing to support business initiatives and needs

The paper presents the data warehousing architecture and practices used at a major U. S. retailing company. Many considerations were assessed when deciding which data warehousing architecture to adopt. The paper discusses the two pre-dominant styles in data warehousing, namely the "Bill Inmon Style" or the top-down approach and the "Ralph Kimball Style "or the bottom-up approach. The company chose the Inmon style due to a unique combination of circumstances in their business and technical environments, which are being discussed in detail. Much of the information presented in this paper is based upon the direct experiences of the lead data architect assigned to the projects under which this U. S. retailing company's customer data warehouse evolved. The architecture has evolved over time and currently has been accepted at the company as a best practice. It is interesting to mention that both the hardware platform (CPU and disk drives) and relational database management system (RDBMS) software employed today at this company for data warehousing is not the same as was selected for the first instantiation. The implication was that the best plan or practice was a flexible one. There were many challenges, like organizational, technical, data sourcing and data naming, needed to be solved during the pre-project, initial stages, and throughout the project and beyond. The initial data warehouse, implemented in 1996, was termed an overall success and approved for expansion. The current data warehouse data are being used by over six hundred registered users to fine-tune customer marketing and leverage and share data in an enterprise manner. The data warehouse has allowed the company to strengthen customer relationship management (CRM) core capabilities and business partnerships. Today, there are many departments benefiting from queries and requests for data warehouse data, many anticipated, some not. Although not planned, the data warehouse has been a valuable source of purchase and customer data in case of a manufacturer recall of merchandise. Above all, the company has been able to leverage and share enterprise customer data to the benefit of the entire company.
Complex pattern of interaction between in utero hypoxia-ischemia and intra-amniotic inflammation disrupts brain development and motor function

Background: Infants born preterm commonly suffer from a combination of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and infectious perinatal inflammatory insults that lead to cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, behavioral issues and epilepsy. Using a novel rat model of combined late gestation HI and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, we tested our hypothesis that inflammation from HI and LPS differentially affects gliosis, white matter development and motor impairment during the first postnatal month. Methods: Pregnant rats underwent laparotomy on embryonic day 18 and transient systemic HI (TSHI) and/ or intra-amniotic LPS injection. Shams received laparotomy and anesthesia only. Pups were born at term. Immunohistochemistry with stereological estimates was performed to assess regional glial loads, and western blots were performed for protein expression. Erythropoietin ligand and receptor levels were quantified using quantitative PCR. Digigait analysis detected gait deficits. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Bonferonni correction. Results: Microglial and astroglial immunolabeling are elevated in TSHI + LPS fimbria at postnatal day 2 compared to sham (both P < 0.03). At postnatal day 15, myelin basic protein expression is reduced by 31% in TSHI + LPS pups compared to shams (P < 0.05). By postnatal day 28, white matter injury shifts from the acute injury pattern to a chronic injury pattern in TSHI pups only. Both myelin basic protein expression (P < 0.01) and the phosphoneurofilament/ neurofilament ratio, a marker of axonal dysfunction, are reduced in postnatal day 28 TSHI pups (P < 0.001). Erythropoietin ligand to receptor ratios differ between brains exposed to TSHI and LPS. Gait analyses reveal that all groups (TSHI, LPS and TSHI + LPS) are ataxic with deficits in stride, paw placement, gait consistency and coordination (all P < 0.001). Conclusions: Prenatal TSHI and TSHI + LPS lead to different patterns of injury with respect to myelination, axon integrity and gait deficits. Dual injury leads to acute alterations in glial response and cellular inflammation, while TSHI alone causes more prominent chronic white matter and axonal injury. Both injuries cause significant gait deficits. Further study will contribute to stratification of injury mechanisms in preterm infants, and guide the use of promising therapeutic interventions.
Underinvestment: the energy technology and R&D policy challenge

This Viewpoint examines data on international trends in energy research and development (RD (ii) U.S. RD and (iii) the R&D intensity of the U.S. energy sector is extremely low. It is argued that recent cutbacks in energy R&D are likely to reduce the capacity of the energy sector to innovate. The trends are particularly troubling given the need for increased international capacity to respond to emerging risks such as global climate change.
Drawing 4-Pfaffian graphs on the torus

We say that a graph G is k-Pfaffian if the generating function of its perfect matchings can be expressed as a linear combination of Pfaffians of k matrices corresponding to orientations of G. We prove that 3-Pfaffian graphs are 1-Pfaffian, 5-Pfaffian graphs are 4-Pfaffian and that a graph is 4-Pfaffian if and only if it can be drawn on the torus (possibly with crossings) so that every perfect matching intersects itself an even number of times. We state conjectures and prove partial results for k>5.
Synergism of hematopoietic cytokines for infarct repair.

See related article, pages 1098–1105 Over the past few years, the field of stem cell biology and its therapeutic application in cardiovascular diseases has expanded remarkably and moved to the forefront of cardiovascular science. Promising results from experimental studies with bone marrow (BM)-derived stem or progenitor cells1–3 prompted initiation of clinical trials in ischemic heart diseases (IHD). Pilot clinical trials4,5 demonstrated that cell therapy using various BM-derived cells are safe and effective for treating IHD. The discovery that BM includes various stem cells spawned the strategy of directly mobilizing and homing BM cells into the heart to regenerate injured tissue.6 This concept is appealing because invasive procedures related to harvesting and delivering BM cells into the heart can be avoided. The strategy of mobilizing stem cells from BM was initially contrived by hematologists to accelerate recovery after cancer chemotherapy.7 A number of hematopoietic cytokines, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), stem cell factor (SCF), flt3 ligand (FL), and erythropoietin have been tested for mobilization and repopulation of the hematopoietic system. G-CSF is the most widely investigated hematopoietic growth factor in animals and patients. In addition to mobilizing BM cells, G-CSF induces proliferation, differentiation, and survival of hematopoietic cells. Recently, G-CSF was reported to have a direct action on nonhematopoietic cells expressing G-CSF receptors such as cardiomyocytes,8 endothelial cells,8 and neuronal cells. SCF was cloned as a ligand for c-kit .9 SCF exerts its activity at the early stages of hematopoiesis in BM and acts synergistically with CSFs. Flt3 is a receptor expressed predominantly on HSCs and progenitors and has many overlapping activities with c-kit . FL belongs to a family of hematopoietic cytokines, including SCF and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), that …
Estimating walleye (Sander vitreus) movement and fishing mortality using state-space models: implications for management of spatially structured populations

Fish often exhibit complex movement patterns, and quantification of these patterns is critical for understanding many facets of fisheries ecology and management. In this study, we estimated movement and fishing mortality rates for exploited walleye (Sander vitreus) populations in a lake-chain system in northern Michigan. We developed a state-space model to estimate lake-specific movement and fishery parameters and fit models to observed angler tag return data using Bayesian estimation and inference procedures. Informative prior distributions for lake-specific spawning-site fidelity, fishing mortality, and system-wide tag reporting rates were developed using auxiliary data to aid model-fitting. Our results indicated that postspawn movement among lakes was asymmetrical and ranged from approximately 1% to 42% per year, with the largest outmigration occurring from the Black River, which was primarily used by adult fish during the spawning season. Instantaneous fishing mortality rates differed among lakes and ...
Incorporating café design principles into End-of-Life discussions: an innovative method for continuing education.

Cafe design provides an innovative method for conducting continuing education activities. This method was chosen to elicit meaningful conversation based on issues related to End-of-Life care. Cafe design principles incorporate the following: setting the context, creating hospitable space, exploring questions that matter, encouraging everyone's contributions, connecting diverse perspectives, listening together for insights, and sharing collective discoveries. Key discussion questions were identified from the End-of Life Nursing Education Consortium Core Curriculum. Questions were revised to incorporate the principles of appreciative inquiry, which encourage a shift from traditional methods of problem identification to creation of a positive vision. Participants rated the cafe design method as an effective way to share their ideas and to stimulate conversation.
Temporal and Spatial Correlations in Electron-Induced Arcs of Adjacent Dielectric Islands

This paper investigates very short duration (<1 ms) flashes caused by rapid discharge arcs from isolated, charged, insulating epoxy “glue dots” to an underlying grounded substrate while under electron bombardment. The possibility that a given arc might stimulate arcs in adjacent “glue dots” was investigated through coincidence correlation analysis, as was the dependence of such correlations with “glue dot” separation. Most arcs were found to be random localized events, which occurred only when accumulated charge produced an electric field large enough for electrostatic breakdown to occur. However, for 40-keV incident beams, significant temporal and spatial correlation were observed. It is hypothesised that at higher energies more samples are charged close to the breakdown field at any given time and that a discharge in one “glue dot” might cause a sudden electric field spike in neighboring “glue dots,” which could trigger premature arcing. Such stimulated arc rates might reasonably be expected to scale with electric field intensity. A power law fit to the arc data found a power of −1.06 ± 0.09, consistent with a field falling off inversely with separation distance for charges spreading out across a 2-D conducting surface.
POST-TRANSLATIONAL PROCESSING OF PRO-ACTH/ENDORPHIN IN RAT PITUITARY

To learn more about the subcellular localization and nature of the enzymes involved in the post-translational processing of pro-ACTH/endorphin, separated rat anterior and intermediate pituitary tissue was homogenized and fractionated into subcellular organelles. Use of Percoll as a centrifugation material resulted in an excellent purification of secretory granules from pituitary tissue in a short period of time with very little handling. The purity of the granule and rough endoplasmic reticulum fractions was assessed by electron microscopy and by assays of marker enzymes for mitochondria (fumarase), rough endoplasmic reticulum (NADPH-cytochrome C reductase), Golgi (galactosyl transferase), and cytoplasm (lactate dehydrogenase). The amount of each form of ACTH and β-endorphin in the granule fraction, the rough endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi fraction and homogenate was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and radioimmunoassay. In both lobes of the pituitary the granule fractions were relatively enriched in the smaller peptide products derived from pro-ACTH/endorphin, while the rough endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi fractions were enriched in common precursor.
In Support of the Medical Apology: The Nonlegal Arguments

Abstract Background More than 30 million people are affected annually by medical errors. Apologies can heal patients, families, and providers and, if deployed and structured appropriately, can enrich clinical encounters—yet they rarely occur. Objectives This article will address the nonlegal arguments in favor of the medical apology and discuss a structure for delivering a meaningful apology. In addition, we will review reasons why some providers feel compelled to apologize while others faced with similar circumstances do not. Discussion Medical apologies bring value to both patients and providers. Apologies can preserve therapeutic relationships and save careers for professionals by restoring their self-respect and dignity. The four R's of the ideal apology—recognition, responsibility, regret, and remedy—provide a framework to help providers apologize for unintended outcomes. When deployed and structured appropriately, apologies can heal patients, families, and providers and can enrich clinical encounters. Conclusion For providers, forgiving one's self is key to professional wellbeing and continued effective practice. For patients, apologies are desirable and also serve as a conduit for often wanted emotional support from their physician.
Black–Scholes Model and Option-Implied Volatility

When traveling across the agricultural American Midwest, one can hear AM radio stations broadcast the futures prices of corn, soybeans, wheat, and other commodities every weekday at various times of the day. Iowa and Illinois lead the nation in corn production. Kansas leads the nation in wheat production. Listening to these farm reports is entertaining. Included in the broadcasts are very detailed weather reports. Weather is critical to many producers’ livelihoods. After a few weeks of listening to these broadcasts, we learn that nobody truly knows for sure whether the agricultural market prices will go up or down on a trading day. Hedging the production chain price risk, especially for the farmers, who seasonally grow the crops, is achieved with futures and option securities. Producers very often want to lock in a price for delivering corn at the end of the season, or want to be compensated for a significant reduction in the agricultural price in order to guarantee recovering their fixed costs over the upcoming days and months. From Chapter 14, we have gained more familiarity with the random walk processes assumed by the option models. We continue the option theme from the prior chapter and examine a very popular model for pricing European options. The most famous and widely accepted model of option valuation model is known as the Black–Scholes model of 1973 (Black and Myron, 1973). It revolutionized the pricing and trading of options which, prior to this, were priced in rather arbitrary ways. Black and Scholes relied upon the stochastic calculus. Stochastic calculus was invented by Ito in 1951 to address the need for a calculus for random variables as functions over time, like our stock market prices (Ito, 1951). Together with Merton, Black and Scholes were awarded the 1997 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for this invention. We discuss the Black–Scholes model here in order to complete our tour of financial analytics. We will try to make minimal use of stochastic calculus. We saved this more mathematical material for the end of the book because it involves the more complex type of security: options. As mentioned in Chapter 14, options are derivative securities.
A dynamic programming approach to optimal load shedding control of cascading failure in DC power networks

We postulate the problem of optimal load shedding over multiple rounds to prevent cascading failure in power networks as a dynamic programming problem over a state space consisting of discrete and continuous variables, corresponding to link active status and demand-supply at the nodes respectively. We propose a generic branch and bound algorithm for this problem, and present tools to reduce the associated computational complexity. In particular, we adapt results on rank one perturbations of pseudo-inverse of Laplacian matrices to compute flow redistribution under link failure, and introduce monotonicity properties under which the set of control policies requiring consideration reduces to a considerably small set. These tools are illustrated in the context of proportional load shedding control and simple network topologies. Simulation results to compare the residual load under an optimal control policy and under an optimal proportional control policy, on a benchmark IEEE network, are also included.
Investigating the Doping Mechanism of Pyrene Based Methacrylate Functional Conductive Binder in Silicon Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Author(s): Ling, M; Liu, M; Zheng, T; Zhang, T; Liu, G | Abstract: The doping mechanism of poly (1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate) (PPy) is investigated through electrochemical analytical and spectroscopic method. The performance of PPy as a Si materials binder is studied and compared with that of a commercial available lithium polyacrylate (PAALi) binder. The pyrene moiety consumes lithium ions according to the cyclic voltammogram (CV) measurement, as a doping to the PPy binder. Based on the lithium consumption, PPy based Si/graphite electrode doping is quantified at 1.1 electron/pyrene moiety. The PPy binder based electrodes surface are uniform and crack free during lithiation/delithiation, which is revealed through Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging.
Cervical Carotid Pseudo-Occlusions and False Dissections: Intracranial Occlusions Masquerading as Extracranial Occlusions.

Background and Purpose—Pseudo-occlusion (PO) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) refers to an isolated occlusion of the intracranial ICA that appears as an extracranial ICA occlusion on c...
Closed reduction of a traumatic hip dislocation in children: case report

Traumatic dislocation of the hip in children is a rare disease. It only represents 5% of hip dislocations in all age groups. Before 10 years, the mechanism is often a minimal domestic accident; after 10 years, the dislocation occurs with the waning of an accident of the public highway. It is different from that of the adult by its rarity, its ease of reduction and better prognosis. This is an emergency trauma: risk necrosis of the femoral head (If delayed reduction). We report a rare case of a 3 year old boy, who suffered from bipolar trauma after a fall near his height of his house causing him a detachment of the right humerus and post-traumatic dislocation of the left hip. The diagnosis was clinically confirmed by the results of standard radiographs and CT scans of the pelvis. The consultation period to emergencies was 5 hours after the trauma. We performed an hour after a closed reduction under general anesthesia for hip dislocation with establishment of a splint pelvic-pedal for analgesic keep for three weeks. The radiological outcome was satisfactory. Peeling Salter I humerus was reduced by orthopedic manner and immobilized by thoracoabdominal plaster to keep for a month. The child was discharged the next day. Reviewed in consultation after a month, the clinical examination showed a steady left hip. Traumatic dislocation of the hip in children is a rare diagnosis, the management should as urgent as possible to overcome the different possible subsequent complications dominated by coxa magna.
CRISPR-Cas9 vectors for genome editing and host engineering in the baculovirus–insect cell system

The baculovirus–insect cell system (BICS) has been widely used to produce many different recombinant proteins for basic research and is being used to produce several biologics approved for use in human or veterinary medicine. Early BICS were technically complex and constrained by the relatively primordial nature of insect cell protein glycosylation pathways. Since then, recombination has been used to modify baculovirus vectors—which has simplified the system—and transform insect cells, which has enhanced its protein glycosylation capabilities. Now, CRISPR-Cas9 tools for site-specific genome editing are needed to facilitate further improvements in the BICS. Thus, in this study, we used various insect U6 promoters to construct CRISPR-Cas9 vectors and assessed their utility for site-specific genome editing in two insect cell lines commonly used as hosts in the BICS. We demonstrate the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to edit an endogenous insect cell gene and alter protein glycosylation in the BICS.
Contextualizing Complexity: When Are Systems Science Methods Constructive?

An editorial is presented which addresses complexity in relation to systems science methods, population health, and the core determinants of human health as of 2017. Interacting disease causes and individual-based simulation modeling are addressed, along with positive and negative feedback loops. Health outcomes and the concept of a public health of consequence are examined, as well as formative inquiry, public health crises in the U.S., and public health researchers.
Early intervention in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension: clinical and economic outcomes

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has a high morbidity rate and is fatal if left untreated. Increasing evidence supports early intervention, possibly with initial combination therapy. PAH-specific pharmaceuticals, however, are expensive and may have serious adverse effects, particularly when used in combination. The currently dynamic health care economy reinforces the need for a review of early intervention from both outcomes and economic perspectives. We aimed to review the clinical and economic impact of PAH therapy, particularly examining drug cost, hospitalization burden, and health care economics impact, and the effect of early intervention on clinical outcomes. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and MEDLINE databases from 2005 to 2017 for studies comparing drug cost, clinical outcomes, and hospitalization burden associated with therapy for PAH. Emerging data indicate that early therapy is effective, but drug therapy is expensive, particularly with combination therapy. Efficacy studies also generally show benefit of combination therapy for patients in World Health Organization functional class II, with a consistent decrease in hospitalization. Pharmacoeconomic studies are limited but indicate that increased pharmacy costs are at least partially offset by decreased health care utilization, particularly inpatient care. Modeling also shows a cost benefit with combination therapy at 2 years. Nonetheless, more rigorously collected health care economic data should be incorporated into future drug efficacy trials to provide a clearer understanding of the impact and the associated cost benefit of early PAH therapy. Increasing evidence in support of early intervention and combination therapy for PAH is associated with rising medication costs that are largely offset by reduced hospitalization, on the basis of the currently available literature. Nonetheless, the studies performed to date have methodologic limitations that highlight the need for prospective studies using more robust economic modeling.
Disagreement about the Team's Status Hierarchy: An Insidious Obstacle to Coordination and Performance

Hierarchies are pervasive in groups, generally providing clear guidelines for the dominance and deference behaviors that members are expected to show based on their relative ranks. But what happens when team members disagree about where each member ranks on the status hierarchy? While some research has examined overt status rivalries (Sutton & Hargadon, 1996), typically focusing on battles for the top positions (Groysberg, Polzer & Elfenbein, 2009; Overbeck, Correll, & Park, 2005), our study contributes novel findings on the effects of disagreement amongst all members’ perceptions of their team’s status hierarchy. This paper develops and tests a theory to explain how even small differences in members’ status perceptions - differences that may not be apparent to the members themselves - can diminish coordination, generate task conflict, and weaken performance.We identify two conditions - time pressure and intragroup familiarity - under which team members’ disagreements on the status hierarchy are more likely to lead to poor coordination and increased conflict. Survey data from a longitudinal field study of 89 consulting and accounting teams from a Big Four firm allow us to examine how teams experience status disagreement over time. Independent, third-party performance data for each team demonstrates how coordination and conflict ultimately affect performance with clients. These findings contribute both to the micro-status literature (especially to the growing body of research on the role of status in shaping team dynamics and outcomes) and more broadly to the team effectiveness literature.
Social Support, Well-being, and Quality of Life Among Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Diverse theoretical perspectives1–3 and empirical findings4,5 reveal development as a complex interaction between nature and nurture, yet the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is used to classify neurodevelopmental disability mainly on the basis of individual-level social dysfunction. Self-advocates have organized the neurodiversity movement to reclaim autism as a part of identity (eg, using identity-first language such as “autistic person,” as in the case of the author, rather than person-first language such as “person with autism”6,7) and support civil rights. We argue that social environments contribute substantially to disability and seek quality of life, defined in terms of “objective” factors of adaptive functioning, such as independent living and employment, as well as in terms of subjective well-being, which requires self-determination to play as active a role as possible in making decisions to have the experiences one wants. Yet we argue against normalization and “cure,” in part because many autistic traits can function in neutral or positive ways, although other people may misunderstand or stigmatize atypical behaviors.8–10 Indeed, the following narrative review developed from empirical evidence replicated by independent research teams argues against a linear relationship between autism symptoms and impaired functioning, across developmental periods and in multiple domains of both "objective" quality of life and in subjective well-being. In the following syntheses, I suggest that effective social support and subjective well-being mediate whether autistic people achieve a high quality of life. ### Parental Support #### Language Acquisition Actively responsive rather than directive or less involved parenting helps to promote positive social engagement, especially in infants susceptible to autism.11–13 Responsive parenting (eg, parenting that follows children’s focus of attention and labels objects of interest while allowing the child to take the lead) contributes to young autistic children’s language development,14–17 particularly … Address correspondence to Steven K. Kapp, PhD, University of Exeter, Egenis, Byrne House, St German’s Road, Exeter EX4 4PJ, United Kingdom. E-mail: s.k.kapp{at}exeter.ac.uk
Seafood Intake, Sexual Activity, and Time to Pregnancy

Context Marine long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have been positively related to markers of fecundity in both men and women. However, seafood, their primary food source, can also be a source of toxicants, which could counteract the reproductive benefits. Objective To examine the relationship of male and female seafood intake with time to pregnancy (TTP). Design Our prospective cohort study included 501 couples planning pregnancy, who participated in the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment study (2005 to 2009) and were followed up for ≤1 year or until pregnancy was detected. Seafood intake was collected daily during follow-up in journals. Setting Couples residing in Michigan and Texas were recruited using population-based sampling frameworks. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the TTP, determined using an in-home pregnancy test. A secondary outcome was sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) as recorded in the daily journals. Results Couples with male and female partners who consumed eight or more seafood servings per cycle had 47% (95% CI, 7% to 103%) and 60% (95% CI, 15% to 122%) greater fecundity (shorter TTP) than couples with male and female partners who consumed one or fewer seafood servings per cycle. Couples with both partners consuming eight or more seafood servings per cycle had 61% (95% CI, 17% to 122%) greater fecundity than couples consuming less. Male and female partners with the highest seafood intake (eight or more servings per cycle) also had 22% greater SIF. Conclusions Greater male and female seafood intake was associated with a higher SIF and fecundity among a large prospective cohort of couples attempting pregnancy.
Aeroquake: Drone Augmented Dance

As drone-based entertainment becomes more popular, researchers have explored different forms of expression and systems to support drone performances. However, most of these systems are pre-programmed and do not interact with the body movement of dancers in real-time. In response, some have presented drone performances using bulky camera systems to track the performer's body movement. We introduce Aeroquake, an augmented dance system that uses simple wearable microphones to enhance a dancer's body movement with sound and control the movement of drones in real-time. Dancers experience a simulation of "quaking" the space around them: upon stomping, the movement is translated into sound and vertical motion across multiple drones. Aeroquake allows dancers to improvise choreography and explore their creativity in the space in which they choose to dance. We worked with a dancer to validate our system by performing before a live audience.
Empirical Dynamics and Functional Data Analysis

We review some recent developments on modeling and estimation of dynamic phenomena within the framework of Functional Data Analysis (FDA). The focus is on longitudinal data which correspond to sparsely and irregularly sampled repeated measurements that are contaminated with noise and are available for a sample of subjects. A main modeling assumption is that the data are generated by underlying but unobservable smooth trajectories that are realizations of a Gaussian process. In this setting, with only a few measurements available per subject, classical methods of Functional Data Analysis that are based on presmoothing individual trajectories will not work. We review the estimation of derivatives for sparse data, the PACE package to implement these procedures, and an empirically derived stochastic differential equation that the processes satisfy and that consists of a linear deterministic component and a drift process.