cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of P-doped Na4Si4

Abstract Na4Si4 is a Zintl salt composed of Na+ cations and Si 4 4 − tetrahedral anions and is a unique solid-state precursor to clathrate structures and nanomaterials. In order to provide opportunities for the synthesis of complex materials, phosphorus was explored as a possible substituent for silicon. Phosphorus doped sodium silicides Na4Si4−xPx (x≤0.04) were prepared by reaction of Na with the mechanically alloyed Si4−x:Px (x=0.04, 0.08, 0.12) mixture in a sealed Nb tube at 650 °C for 3 days. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirms the presence of P in all products. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns are consistent with the retention of the Na4Si4 crystal structure. As the amount of P increases, a new peak in the diffraction pattern that can be assigned to black phosphorus is apparent above the background. Raman and solid-state NMR provide information on phosphorus substitution in the Na4Si4 structure. Raman spectroscopy shows a shift of the most intense band assigned to the Si 4 4 − ν1 (A1) mode from 486.4 to 484.0 cm−1 with increasing P, consistent with P replacement of Si. Differential nuclear spin-lattice relaxation for the Si sites determined via 29Si solid-state NMR provides direct evidence for Si–P bonding in the (Si1−xPx)4− tetrahedron. The 23Na NMR shows additional Na…P interactions and the 31P NMR shows two P sites, consistent with P presence in both of the crystallographic sites in the (Si4)4− tetrahedron.
Risk Factors for Wound Leakage After Ozurdex Injection

Ozurdex is a preloaded, injectable intravitreal dexamethasone delivery system with a 22-gauge needle.1,2 We describe risk factors in 2 patients who developed a transient decrease in intraocular pre...
Border Crossing: Active and Deep Learning in a Large Global Consumption Class:

This article describes how a class on global consumers was transformed into an interactive class using both active and deep learning techniques. Good teachers understand that to achieve a level of ...
Markov modeling of 802.11 channels

Wireless fading channels are commonly characterized by Markov models. Almost all models assume the underlying channel has flat fading characteristics and that fairly simply modulation schemes are used. These assumptions are not necessarily valid for wireless channels like the ones used by IEEE 802.11 technologies. Although Markov models of wireless channels have been widely used to study the performance of communications protocols at the link and transport layers, no validation of their accuracy has been performed against experimental data. We use experimental traces that represent the frame error process in 802.11a and 802.11b networks under different conditions to test the accuracy of the traditional models. We finish by suggesting an approach, based on experimental results, for the parameterization of a two-state Markov model.
Reactivation and Recombination of Multiple Cytomegalovirus Strains from Individual Organ Donors

Close examination of restriction enzyme digest profiles of cytomegalovirus (CMV) isolates from corecipients of organs from a common donor revealed instances of intermittent or prolonged shedding of two strains transmitted from the same donor organ. In two corecipients, two distinct donor strains were isolated by end-point dilutions of urine specimens or of cell-free virus stock and were shown by monoclonal antibody staining to differ in their major immediate-early antigen. The separated strains retained stable restriction profiles through greater than 20 passages in cell culture. However, similar passage of the original mixed-strain clinical isolates gave rise to new, recombinant strains of CMV. These findings indicate that more than one strain of CMV can establish latency in normal hosts and suggest that new viral strains arise readily through recombination of existing strains.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT INDUCES DOUBLE‐STRAND BREAKS IN DNA OF CULTURED HUMAN P3 CELLS AS MEASURED BY NEUTRAL FILTER ELUTION

Neutral filter elution at pH 7.2 and 9.6 was used to measure the induction of DNA lesions in human P3 teratocarcinoma cells by monochromatic 254-, 270-, 313-, 334-, 365-, and 405-nm radiation and by 60 gamma rays. In this assay DNA double-strand breaks (dsb) increase the rate of elution of DNA from cell lysates on a filter. Yields of dsb as measured by this procedure were determined by using a calibration of the assay that correlates elution parameters with number of dsb caused by disintegration of 125I incorporated into the DNA. Analysis of fluence responses obtained by using the calibrated assay indicated that the number of dsb induced per dalton of DNA as measured by this assay is proportional to the square of the fluence at all the energies of radiation studied, implying that the induction of these lesions may be a two-hit event. Analysis of the relative efficiencies for the induction of dsb by ultraviolet radiation, corrected for quantum efficiency, revealed a spectrum that coincided closely with that for the induction of single-strand breaks (ssb) in the same cells, having a close fit with the spectrum of nucleic acid in the UVC and UVB region below 313 nm, and a shoulder in the UVA region. It was calculated, however, that there may be too few ssb for dsb to result from randomly distributed closely opposed ssb.
Optimal admission pricing and service rate control of an M[x]/M/s queue with reneging

In this article we consider the optimal control of an M[X]/M/s queue, s ≧ 1. In addition to Poisson bulk arrivals we incorporate a reneging function. Subject to control are an admission price p and the service rate μ. Thus, through p, balking response is induced. When i customers are present a cost h(i,μ,p) per unit time is incurred, discounted continuously. Formulated as a continuous time Markov decision process, conditions are given under which the optimal admission price and optimal service rate are each nondecreasing functions of i. In Section 4 we indicate how the infinite state space may be truncated to a finite state space for computational purposes.
Tracer determinations of human red cell membrane permeability to small nonelectrolytes.

A flow system has been used to determine the permeability of human red cell membranes to four small nonelectrolytes labeled with 14C. The permeability coefficients, ω, in units of mol dyne-1 sec-1 x 1015, are: ethylene glycol, 6; urea, 13; formamide, 22; and methanol, 131. The values for urea and formamide are in good agreement with values obtained by Sha'afi, Gary-Bobo, and Solomon by the minimum method. The unusually high value for ω for methanol is ascribed to its solubility in the red cell membrane since its ether: water partition coefficient is 0.14, higher by more than an order of magnitude than the ether: water partition coefficient for water. The other three solutes are hydrophilic and are characterized by values of ω which behave consistently with those of other hydrophilic amides and ureas. The values of ω for the three hydrophilic solutes measured are also consistent with an equivalent pore radius of about 3.5 A in agreement with previous estimates made on the basis of other types of studies.
Aspiring and practicing leaders addressing issues of diversity and social justice

For the most part, faculty preparing teachers and leaders for tomorrow's schools would agree that educators, regardless of their role, need to be sensitive to the diverse cultures represented in ou...
6-O-Benzyl- and 6-O-Silyl-N-acetyl-2-amino-2-N,3-O-carbonyl-2-deoxyglucosides: Effective Glycosyl Acceptors in the Glucosamine 4-OH Series. Effect of Anomeric Stereochemistry on the Removal of the Oxazolidinone Group

The 4-OH groups of both α- and β-methyl glycosides of N-acetylglucosamine, protected with an oxazolidinone spanning the nitrogen and O-3, and bearing benzyl or silyl protection on O-6, show excellent reactivity as acceptors in couplings to a range of glycosyl donors. The enhanced reactivity of these acceptors is attributed in part to the tied back nature of the oxazolidinone, which reduces hindrance around the nucleophilic oxygen. The N-acetyloxazolidinone function also reduces the tendency seen in simple N-acetylglucosamines toward amide glycosylation, and removes the possibility of problematic hydrogen bonding networks. In the β-, but not the α-, series selective hydrolysis of the N-acetyloxazolidinone directly to the N-acetylglucosamine was possible with barium hydroxide, a feature attributed to chelate formation between the acetamide carbonyl group and the glycosidic oxygen in the β-series.
Physiological limitation of phytoplankton photosynthesis in the eastern equatorial Pacific determined from variability in the quantum yield of fluorescence

On a transect study in the eastern equatorial Pacific, from the high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll tropical waters to the oligotrophic subtropical waters, we determined the variability in the maximum change in the quantum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence (A&,) by means of a fast repetition rate fluorometer. A& is a quantitative measure of photochemical energy conversion efficiency in photosystem 2, the variability of which is determined by the functional organization of the photosynthetic apparatus. The results revealed that A&,, was relatively low throughout the nutrient-rich equatorial waters, providing unequivocal evidence for physiological limitation of photochemical energy conversion efficiency in the natural phytoplankton populations. Shipboard enrichment studies showed that A&, increased following addition of nanomolar concentrations of inorganic iron as well as aerosol dust added at similar iron concentrations. This response reflects an iron-induced repair of photosystem 2 function in the enclosed bottle community. Low A&, at the top of the Equatorial Undercurrent indicated that the amount of iron upwelled to the surface was insufficient .t,o repair photosystem 2 function. Our results strongly suggest that iron availability limits photochemrcal energy conversion efficiency and is the principal mechanism controlling rates of photosynthesis and growth in the nutrient-rich equatorial Pacific.
TOWARD A THEORY OF WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

THE FUNCTION OF ANY BUSINESS is to supply goods or services as required by the community. This can be restated as follows: raw materials are processed or services are channeled resulting in a product or service that is more valuable as measured by our price system than the original materials or the unchanneled services. In this productive process, labor is applied to raw materials which then become the finished inventory of the business. As sold, this is translated into receivables and ultimately into cash. The cash in turn is used to pay for raw materials, taxes, labor, plant, and equipment as well as to provide a return to the investors. Many individuals contribute to this repetitive and continuing process. In this paper I will discuss the role and function of that individual who is directly concerned with the management of the cash that has been generated by this productive process. This individual is the money manager of the firm. All of us remember our first economic texts that described money as the lubricant that "oiled the wheels of industry." As an "oiler" it is the task of the money manager to insure that his firm has sufficient funds to operate. In addition, he must provide adequate safeguards for those assets intrusted to his care and invest temporarily surplus funds as profitably as possible in view of his particular requirements of safety and liquidity. The money manager ordinarily functions in many areas of a company. His operations affect all of the working capital accounts. However, in such areas as the determination of inventory levels other persons within the finance function and in production operations are more directly concerned. The subject of the control of inventories, receivables, and payables is worthy of a separate paper and I will only touch briefly on them here. The net working capital of any corporation is the net current asset position or the excess of current assets over current liabilities. All cash, short-term investments,1 receivables, and inventories are
Gravity-Balancing Leg Orthosis and Its Performance Evaluation

In this paper, we propose a device to assist persons with hemiparesis to walk by reducing or eliminating the effects of gravity. The design of the device includes the following features: 1) it is passive, i.e., it does not include motors or actuators, but is only composed of links and springs; 2) it is safe and has a simple patient-machine interface to accommodate variability in geometry and inertia of the subjects. A number of methods have been proposed in the literature to gravity-balance a machine. Here, we use a hybrid method to achieve gravity balancing of a human leg over its range of motion. In the hybrid method, a mechanism is used to first locate the center of mass of the human limb and the orthosis. Springs are then added so that the system is gravity-balanced in every configuration. For a quantitative evaluation of the performance of the device, electromyographic (EMG) data of the key muscles, involved in the motion of the leg, were collected and analyzed. Further experiments involving leg-raising and walking tasks were performed, where data from encoders and force-torque sensors were used to compute joint torques. These experiments were performed on five healthy subjects and a stroke patient. The results showed that the EMG activity from the rectus femoris and hamstring muscles with the device was reduced by 75%, during static hip and knee flexion, respectively. For leg-raising tasks, the average torque for static positioning was reduced by 66.8% at the hip joint and 47.3% at the knee joint; however, if we include the transient portion of the leg-raising task, the average torque at the hip was reduced by 61.3%, and at the knee was increased by 2.7% at the knee joints. In the walking experiment, there was a positive impact on the range of movement at the hip and knee joints, especially for the stroke patient: the range of movement increased by 45% at the hip joint and by 85% at the knee joint. We believe that this orthosis can be potentially used to design rehabilitation protocols for patients with stroke
Factors in iron‐stress response mechanism enhanced by Zn‐deficiency stress in Sanilac, but not Saginaw navy bean

Abstract Zinc‐inefficient Sanilac and Zn‐efficient Saginaw navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) differ in their susceptibility to Zn‐deficiency stress. Sanilac accumulates Fe under Zn‐deficiency stress and Saginaw does not. These two navy bean cultivars were grown at 0, 0.006 and 0.12 mg/L Zn in modified Hoagland nutrient solution. Various Fe‐stress response mechanisms were quantified periodically over a 12‐day experimental period to determine if known factors in the Fe‐stress response mechanism were enhanced by Zn‐deficiency stress. Visual Zn‐deficiency symptoms were more severe in Sanilac than Saginaw navy bean under equivalent Zn treatments. Sanilac contained lower leaf Zn than Saginaw when Zn was present in solution (0.006 and 0.12 mg/L Zn), but the two cultivars were similar in leaf Zn in the absence of Zn (0 mg/L Zn). Sanilac accumulated more leaf Fe than Saginaw when under Zn stress (0 and 0.006 mg/L Zn). The higher levels of leaf Fe in Sanilac than Saginaw were closely associated with enhanced releas...
On the Longshelf Structure and Dynamics of Subtidal Currents on the Eastern United States Continental Shelf

Abstract Strong correlations were observed among subtidal longshelf currents from the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) to the Georges Bank region, a distance spanning 615 km. The longshelf current consisted predominantly of wind-forced motions and freely propagating events, which together accounted for 75%–90% of the longshelf current energy. Much stronger longshelf currents were observed in the MAB than on Georges Bank. The MAB/Georges Bank energy ratio for wind-forced currents on the 60 m isobath was 20. The ratio for freely propagating events was 3. The magnitudes of many of the terms in the vertically integrated wind-driven momentum equations were estimated from observations of current, pressure and surface stress, and from calculations of bottom stress. The cross-shelf momentum balance was geostrophic. Surface and bottom stress, the longshelf pressure gradient, and the Coriolis force on the cross-shelf flow were important terms in the longshelf momentum balance. An analytic model of wind-forced current, w...
Safety profile of dalfampridine extended release in multiple sclerosis: 5-year postmarketing experience in the United States

Background Dalfampridine extended release tablets (dalfampridine-ER; prolonged-, modified, or sustained-release fampridine outside the US), 10 mg twice daily, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2010 to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis, as determined by an increase in walking speed. Objective To provide a descriptive analysis of reported adverse events (AEs) for commercially available dalfampridine-ER from March 2010 through March 31, 2015. Methods Five-year postmarketing data for dalfampridine-ER were available from the exposure of approximately 107,000 patients in the US (103,700 patient-years). Commonly reported AEs (≥2% of all reported AEs) and serious AEs were determined. The incidence of reported seizures was determined and the events were further investigated. Results Among the 107,000 patients exposed to dalfampridine-ER (70% female; mean age 52.1), the most common AEs were dizziness (3.7%), insomnia (3.2%), balance disorder (3%), fall (2.4%), headache (2.4%), nausea (2.1%), and urinary tract infection (2%). Other common AEs were drug ineffectiveness (5.8%), gait disturbance (4.6%), and inappropriate dosing (3.1%). Serious AEs included rare anaphylactic reactions (five cases) and drug hypersensitivity reactions (eight cases). A total of 657 seizure cases were reported (6.3/1,000 patient-years); of these, 324 were medically confirmed (3.1/1,000 patient-years). Incidence of reported seizures was stable over time. Duration of treatment prior to a seizure ranged from a single dose to >4 years; 12% of the seizures occurred within a week of starting treatment. Conclusion The 5-year US postmarketing safety data of dalfampridine-ER is consistent with the safety profile observed in clinical trials. Incidence of reported seizures remained stable over time. Since commercial availability in March 2010, a warning regarding the risk of anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions was added to the US prescribing information.
Mg self-diffusion in pyrope garnet

Mg self-diffusion coefficients were experimentally determined for natural pyrope-almandine garnet in a I atm CO-C02 gas-mixing furnace at temperatures of 800-1000 DC. Diffusion couples consist of polished garnet crystals covered with a thin film of enriched stable-isotope oxide produced by high-vacuum thermal evaporation of 25MgO. Experiments conducted at quartz + fayalite + magnetite f02 provide 25Mg diffusion coefficients as a function of temperature. The short diffusion penetration profiles « 2000 A) in the garnet were analyzed by secondary ion mass spectrometry and ion microprobe using a depth profiling technique. The resulting self-diffusion coefficients are lower than the lowtemperature data of other experimental studies. The activation energy and preexponential term derived from the experimental diffusion coefficients obtained at 800, 900, and 1000 DC are given by Ea = 294 :t 51 kJ/mol and log Do = -8.0 :t 2.3 m2/s. The activation energy is similar to that obtained from other cation diffusion studies of garnet at low temperature. Additional experiments conducted at 1000 DCto determine 25Mg diffusion as a functionof f02 and composition are inconclusive. However, comparison of the results ?f the present study with previous data indicates that f02 and mineral composition are Important factors for the diffusion of cations in garnet.
PCAOB Form 2 Disclosure: A Firm-Level Signal of Audit Quality?

In response to Section 102(d) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, PCAOB Rule 2200 required annual reporting from all registered accounting firms via PCAOB Form 2. Filed for the first time during the second quarter of 2010, PCAOB Form 2 provides information about (1) each accounting firm’s available human resources and (2) where firms deploy their human resources (e.g., public auditing engagements vs. other firm-provided services). We use Form 2 information to construct firm-specific audit workload measures and measures of non-audit work. We provide evidence that Form 2 information captures audit inputs incrementally better than common fee-based proxies. Specifically, our Form 2-based workload measure is associated with common audit quality proxies (restatements, discretionary accruals, and going concern opinions) during the available testing period (2009-2015); however, fee-based audit input proxies show minimal association with audit quality measures during the same time period. Given that various stakeholders desire publicly available audit quality indicators (e.g., Bedard, Johnstone, and Smith 2010; Martin 2013), our results suggest that PCAOB Form 2 has partially fulfilled the intended purpose of providing valuable information to the public (PCAOB 2008).
In-Depth Analysis of Global Leadership Challenges

Human nature really has not changed since the beginning of time. One of the global leadership challenges is managing the complexity of political and economic change. It is important to understand that basic human issues of management and leadership remain the same in a complex and uncertain environment. The global environment is characterized by regional instability, failed states, increased weapons proliferation, and global terrorism and requires greater global leadership. An argument can be made that leadership scholars and researchers have constructed theoretical frameworks to improve the understanding of management and leadership best practices. Therefore, this paper argues for a global theoretical leadership construct that addresses differing ideological management, intercultural competences, ethnocentric frameworks, and conflict resolution of cultural tension. This paper aims to address the need of a common lexicon for global leadership; the author also looks at the global leadership challenges and the comparison of global leadership traits and its competences; and the author expresses a need for further research to enhance the leadership domain. The author believes, as global leaders come to shift their thinking and understanding ideological differences, that there is a commonality of human interests in economic security, political freedom, and protection of human rights, all of which transcends across boundaries as transnational corporations seek a competitive advantage.
Cultural Relevance of Physical Activity Intervention Research with Underrepresented Populations

This article describes cultural relevance in physical activity intervention research with underrepresented populations. Seventy-one extant studies which tested interventions to increase physical ac...
Feminist Bibliotherapy: Report on a Survey of Feminist Therapists

In this article we report on the results of a survey of 249 members of the Association for Women in Psychology who were identified in the membership directory as clinicians. Given the popularity of self-help and clinical books for lay readers, it seemed reasonable to ask feminist psychotherapists whether any of these popular books are good enough to be recommended to clients. The majority of the respondents (93%) indicated that they regularly recommend books to their clients, and they sent us their favorite recommendations. Here we provide the list of their most frequently recommended books and discuss some other interesting results of the survey.
Optimal Modality Selection for Cooperative Human–Robot Task Completion

Human–robot cooperation in complex environments must be fast, accurate, and resilient. This requires efficient communication channels where robots need to assimilate information using a plethora of verbal and nonverbal modalities such as hand gestures, speech, and gaze. However, even though hybrid human–robot communication frameworks and multimodal communication have been studied, a systematic methodology for designing multimodal interfaces does not exist. This paper addresses the gap by proposing a novel methodology to generate multimodal lexicons which maximizes multiple performance metrics over a wide range of communication modalities (i.e., lexicons). The metrics are obtained through a mixture of simulation and real-world experiments. The methodology is tested in a surgical setting where a robot cooperates with a surgeon to complete a mock abdominal incision and closure task by delivering surgical instruments. Experimental results show that predicted optimal lexicons significantly outperform predicted suboptimal lexicons ( $ {p ) in all metrics validating the predictability of the methodology. The methodology is validated in two scenarios (with and without modeling the risk of a human–robot collision) and the differences in the lexicons are analyzed.
Method of grey related analysis to multiple attribute decision making problem with interval numbers

Firstly, decision making matrix of interval numbers multiple attribute decision making problem by norm of interval number vector is standardized. Then, it transformed an interval number multiple attribute decision making problem into multiple attribute decision making problem with intervalalued indeses by the multiplication operation of interval number. On the basis of this, the method of grey related analysis to interval number multiple attribute decision making problem is given, and a practical problem is analyzed by this method. This method is simple, practical and demand less information. It analysed a concrete problem with this method.
2,8-Dihydroxyadenine Crystals on Urine Sediment in a Child With Hematuria: Case Report

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency (APRTD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene encoding adenine phosphoribosyltransferase on chromosome 16q24. APRTD can lead to accumulation of the insoluble purine 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (DHA) in the kidneys, which results in crystalluria and the formation of urinary stones, ultimately causing renal damage and failure. The examination of urinary sediment for …
Feedback Control of Uncertain Systems

In this chapter we bring together the separate threads of synthesis of feedback controllers in the absence of uncertainty, and analysis of uncertain systems, into a common problem involving both uncertainty and control. This problem is represented by the diagram shown in Figure 9.1, where G is the generalized plant as in earlier chapters, but now also describes dependence on system uncertainty. The perturbation Δ belongs to a structured ball, and K represents the controller.
Embodied Dispositions, Meredithian Slips

If George Eliot’s The Lifted Veil articulates mid-century anxiety about the mind’s tendency toward repetition and the effects of habit on both individual and communal consciousness, George Meredith’s 1879 novel The Egoist offers a palliative in the drawing-room of high comedy. Eliot’s self-conscious first-person narrator brings about the melancholic paralysis that he purports to describe; he lays bare habit’s power to naturalize and authorize the repetition of the past. The Egoist satirizes this operation, creating ironic distance by portraying the man of habit through the viewpoints of other characters, most notably the novel’s witty, clear-sighted women. Renovating the long tradition of English comedy for a new age, Meredith shows habitual personality to be not only a kind of inheritance, a lineage, a re-presentation . in this case, the replication of a ‘pattern’ character under primogeniture more volatile than the transfer of the estate - but also a productive source of laughter and social vision. It is the customary ground against which the bright comic spirit can, indeed must, emerge.
Surface Morphology and Surface Stability against Oxygen Loss of the Lithium-Excess Li2MnO3 Cathode Material as a Function of Lithium Concentration.

There is a growing appreciation for the role of surface reactivity and subsequent reconstruction affecting the performance of high-voltage, high-capacity Li-ion cathode materials. In particular, the promising Li-excess materials are known to exhibit significant vulnerability toward oxygen release, which can cause surface densification and impede Li intercalation. Here we focus on the end member, Li2MnO3, as a Li-excess, Mn-rich representative of this class of materials and systematically elucidate all possible stoichiometric low Miller index surfaces with various cation ordering on each surface. We apply surface cation reconstruction rules that depend on the local environment, including target Mn–Li site exchanges, and optimize the resulting surface Li configurations using metadynamics. The equilibrium Wulff shape shows dominant (001), (010) surface facets, and almost all facets exhibit favorable Mn reconstruction. Most importantly, we find that while all equilibrium LixMnO3 surfaces become unstable towar...
Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus

Background The safety, efficacy, and prognostic implications of resection of adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus are poorly described. Methods A retrospective review was performed during a 30-year period on patients who underwent resection of locally advanced, nonmetastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. We compared patients with and without inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, examining perioperative characteristics, completeness of resection, mortality, and survival. Results We identified 65 patients who underwent resection of locally advanced (T4N0 and T4N1) adrenocortical carcinoma (28 patients with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, 37 noninferior vena cava tumor thrombus). Rate of complete resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and short-term postoperative morbidity was similar between groups. Overall survival was similar at 12-months. At 24 months overall survival was less in the inferior vena cava tumor thrombus group (59% vs 30%, P = .04). Differential survival through 60-month follow-up favored the noninferior vena cava tumor thrombus group (36% vs 0%, P = .001). Subgroup analysis including only patients with complete resection demonstrates similar survival at 24-months but at 36-months survival favored the noninferior vena cava tumor thrombus patients (65% vs 29%, P = .047) and this continued through 60 months (40% vs 0%, P = .049). Conclusion Attempt at complete resection of adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus seems justified particularly as short-term safety and survival are similar to patients without inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. However, survival beyond 36-months is limited in patients with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. Patients being evaluated for resection in the setting of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus should be selected carefully.
Thread communication and synchronization on massively parallel GPUs

Thread communication and synchronization play an important role in parallel computing. On graphics processing units (GPUs) where thousands of threads run simultaneously, the performance of the processor largely depends on the efficiency of thread communication and synchronization. Understanding which mechanisms are supported on modern GPUs and their implication for algorithm design is also very important in order for GPU programmers to write efficient code. Since most conventional general-purpose computing on GPU workloads are massively parallel with little cooperation among threads, early GPUs supported only coarse-grained thread communication and synchronization. However, the current trend is to accelerate more diverse workloads, and coarse-grained mechanisms have become a major limiting factor in exploiting parallelism. The latest industry standard programming framework, OpenCL 2.0, introduces fine-grained thread communication and synchronization support to address this issue. In this chapter, we present both coarse-grained and fine-grained thread synchronization and communication mechanisms available on modern GPUs along with the impact of their performance.
Nitric Oxide and the Liver

The pathological response to nitric oxide (NO) will vary in relation to the context in which NO is produced, duration, level of radical oxygen species generated and the amount of antioxidants present within the environment. The effect of NO on the primary liver cell type, hepatocytes, is controlled by the NO downstream activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, protein complex assembly, overexpression of stress-induced proteins or protein modification of the active site of caspase(s) by the S-nitrosative modification of cysteine. The pathophysiological roles of NO in liver will be presented with special attention of the use of experimental data generated through the use of pharmacological NO donors, inhibitors to NO generation, modulation of inflammatory cytokines, cofactor, or substrate within genetically altered knockout animals or patients when applicable.
A discrete-time flocking algorithm for agents with sampled-data double-integrator dynamics

We present a multi-agent control method that addresses flocking in discrete time. The method is decentralized, that is, each agent's controller relies on local sensing to determine the relative positions and velocities of nearby agents. Each agent has the discrete-time double-integrator dynamics obtained by sampling the continuous-time double integrator and applying a zero-order hold on the control input. We demonstrate with analysis and simulations that agents using the discrete-time flocking method converge to a set of flocking formations.
Knowledge and Behavioral Intention Related to HPV Vaccination Among Male College Students

ABSTRACTBackground: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is commonly associated with women and cervical cancer, male HPV infection is also a public health concern. In addition to transmission risk to women, HPV is associated with anal, penile, and oral cancers in men and genital warts. Purpose: The study’s purpose was to examine male college students’ HPV knowledge and intention to be HPV vaccinated. Methods: Two hundred and eight college males completed an in-class questionnaire that assessed knowledge and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs of behavioral intention, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms regarding HPV and HPV vaccination. Results: The results of this study suggest that males are open to being HPV vaccinated; however, they lack necessary information on HPV transmission, risks of HPV infection, and the need to be HPV vaccinated. Both subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were found to be significant predictors of male college students...
Stuart Cunningham, Terry Flew, and Adam Swift, Media economics

There once was a division between something called ‘political economy’ and something called ‘cultural studies’. For cultural studies, political economists reduced everything to a vulgar Marxism. Fo...
The Relationship of Selected Variables to Academic Achievement in Economics

(1973). The Relationship of Selected Variables to Academic Achievement in Economics. Measurement and Evaluation in Guidance: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 122-123.
Experimental Gait Analysis to Study Stress Distribution of the Human Foot

Researchers and clinicians are increasingly using plantar pressure and force measurement system to evaluate foot functions. This research evaluates the quality and reliability of a Tekscan HR mat to study the plantar pressures and forces acting during walking, running, jumping, and standing of healthy subjects. The following regions of the foot were investigated: heel, mid foot, metatarsophalangeal joint, hallux, and the toes. The arches of both feet of the three healthy subjects in the gait analysis were presented which addresses the balancing issues of the body during locomotion. The results indicated that the peaks at the big toe (79.4 ± 8.5 N/cm2, p = 0.0001) were the maximum compared to forefoot (40.3 ± 3.3 N/cm2, p = 0.001), to midfoot (7.5 ± 1.3 N/cm2, p = 0.001), and to heel (27.8 ± 3.9 N/cm2, p = 0.0002) for jump activity. The running activity demonstrated similar results as jump where the maximum peak pressures were absorbed at the big toe region. The heel region during running (86.3 ± 12.6 N/cm2, p = 0.001) showed three times the pressure peak compared to the jump land (27.8 ± 3.9 N/cm2, p = 0.0002) activity. The measurement system proved to be highly capable of detecting heel strike and toe-off moments.
The Importance of Splat Events to the Spatiotemporal Structure of Near-Bed Fluid Velocity and Bed Load Motion Over Bed Forms: Laboratory Experiments Downstream of a Backward Facing Step

Flow separation/reattachment on the lee side of alluvial bedforms is known to produce a complex turbulence field, but the spatiotemporal details of the associated patterns of bedload sediment transported remain largely unknown. Here we report turbulence-resolving, simultaneous measurements of bedload motion and near-bed fluid velocity downstream of a backward-facing step in a laboratory flume. Two synchronized high-speed video cameras simultaneously observed bedload motion and the motion of neutrally buoyant particles in a laser light sheet 6 mm above the bed at 250 frames/s downstream of a 3.8 cm backward-facing step. Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) and Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) were used to characterize fluid turbulent patterns while manual particle tracking techniques were used to characterize bedload transport. Octant analysis, conducted using ADV data, coupled with Markovian sequence probability analysis highlights differences in the flow near reattachment versus farther downstream. Near reattachment, three distinct flow patterns are apparent. Farther downstream we see the development of a dominant flow sequence. Localized, intermittent, high-magnitude transport events are more apparent near flow reattachment. These events are composed of streamwise and cross-stream fluxes of comparable magnitudes. Transport pattern and fluid velocity data are consistent with the existence of permeable "splat events", wherein a volume of fluid moves toward and impinges on the bed (sweep) causing a radial movement of fluid in all directions around the point of impingement (outward interaction). This is congruent with flow patterns, identified with octant analysis, proximal to flow-reattachment.
Endocannabinoid Signaling at Hypothalamic Steroidogenic Factor-1/Proopiomelanocortin Synapses Is Sex- and Diet-Sensitive.

We tested the hypotheses that steroidogenic factor (SF)-1 neurons in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMN) provide sexually disparate, endocannabinoid (EC)- and diet-sensitive glutamatergic input onto proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Electrophysiological recordings were performed in hypothalamic slices from intact and castrated guinea pigs, along with in vitro optogenetic experiments in intact male as well as cycling and ovariectomized female NR5A1-Cre mice. In slices from castrated male and female guinea pigs, depolarized-induced suppression of excitation (DSE) time-dependently reduced the amplitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) in POMC neurons generated by electrically stimulating the dorsomedial VMN. Androgen stimulation rapidly enhanced this DSE, which was also found in insulin-resistant, high-fat diet (HFD)-fed males. By contrast, retrograde signaling at VMN/ARC POMC synapses was markedly attenuated in periovulatory females. HFD potentiated central cannabinoid-induced hyperphagia in both males and females, but exerted differential influences on cannabinoid-induced increases in energy expenditure. In NR5A1-Cre mice, the reduction in light-evoked EPSC amplitude caused by postsynaptic depolarization in cycling females was modest in comparison to that seen in intact males. Estradiol attenuated the DSE in light-evoked EPSC amplitude in slices from ovariectomized females. Moreover, the retrograde inhibition of transmission was further accentuated in HFD-fed males. Chemogenetic activation of SF-1 neurons suppressed appetite and increased energy expenditure in males, effects which were attenuated by HFD. Conversely, energy expenditure was increased in estradiol- but not vehicle-treated ovariectomized females. Together with our previous studies indicating that DSE in POMC neurons is EC-mediated, these findings indicate that VMN SF-1/ ARC POMC synapses represent a sexually differentiated, EC- and diet-sensitive anorexigenic component within the hypothalamic energy balance circuitry.
The Genetic Basis of Body Shape: Lessons from Mirror Twins and High-Definition Digital Photography

Though body size can be altered with environmental or behavioral changes, anatomic shape, which appears to be genetically determined, cannot be changed except by surgery, trauma, or illness. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
The metabolic cost of lower extremity amputation

Amputation surgery should be approached as the first step in the rehabilitation of a patient with a non-functioning, salvageable limb. Before performing amputation surgery, the rehabilitation team should have an understanding of outcome expectations for the individual patient. Biologic joints are energy couples. When performing amputation surgery, more proximal amputations, accompanied by the removal of more joints, decreases the ability of patients to walk and live independently. Functional outcome appears to increase with the length of the residual limb.
Contraceptive use and attitudes among female college students

Unintended pregnancy is a social issue that severely jeopardizes the quality of life for parents and their children. College age women between the ages of 20-24 have one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancies due to lack of contraceptive use and unsafe sexual practices. Since 80% of college females are sexually active and not seeking to become pregnant, it is important to provide these women with effective contraceptive options. Among this population, Black and Hispanic woman have a disproportionate rate of unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to examine contraceptive attitudes and demographic characteristics among female college students. Participants were grouped into those who use contraceptives consistently, intermittently, or not at all. The sample consisted of 120 racially diverse female college students who were sexually active within the past 3 months. Participants completed the Contraceptive Attitude Scale, contraceptive use tool, and demographic tool. The results showed that there was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and contraceptive attitudes for race, age, marital status, years of college education and income between the contraceptive groups. A majority of participants had a positive attitude regarding contraceptives. Women with higher contraceptive attitude scores were significantly more likely to be consistent contraceptive users. Uninterrupted contraceptive users had significantly higher mean contraceptive attitude scores than intermittent users and nonusers. The results of this study may enable healthcare providers to develop more effective methods of increasing contraceptive use and simultaneously decrease unintended pregnancy rates. Nurses play an integral role by providing women with contraceptive counseling that will assist these women in making an informed decision about contraception use.
National Survey of Patterns Employing Targeted MRI/US Guided Prostate Biopsy in the Diagnosis and Staging of Prostate Cancer.

Background/aims Targeted magnetic resonance imaging/ ultrasound (MRI/US) guided biopsy is an emerging technology that has the potential to change standard of care for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. This technology is rapidly proliferating, however quantitative analysis of these trends are unavailable. The objective of this study was to assess urologist opinions regarding implementing MRI/ US imaging into their practices. Methods A questionnaire was distributed using research electronic data capture and completed by 291 practicing urologists within the United States registered through the American Urological Association. The survey gathered information regarding demographics, changes in MRI use, opinions on targeted MRI/US guided biopsy, and barriers to implementation. The survey results were analyzed using ANOVA. Results Practice setting and geographic region were signifIcantly associated with implementation of MRI/US guided biopsy. Total 72% of urologists in academic centers report using MRI/US targeted biopsy, compared to 38% in solo private practice. In the northeast 68% of urologists report using MRI/US biopsy, compared to 44% in the western United States. Conclusion While there are some reservations about employing MRI/US guided biopsy as standard of care in all prostate biopsies, the data suggests urologists support its use, and are making efforts to introduce targeted MRI/US guided biopsy into their practice. Regional and practice setting variations exist in implementation.
Chat Ref Analysis—Exploring and Analyzing Chat Reference Transcripts Specifically Relating to Acquisitions and Discovery

The Chat Reference Analysis project is an effort to understand and analyze the topics of concern for users with particular focus on issues that can be addressed by the Acquisitions and Discovery (A...
A Motherly Society: Scandinavian Feminism and a Culture of Sexual Equality in the Works of Ellen Key, Elin Wägner, and Alva Myrdal

As a key polemic figure in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ellen Key (1849-1926) established the concept of "collective motherliness" ("samhallsmoderlighet") and extended the meaning of motherhood from a biological category defined by the birthing of a child to a female societal force, thus bringing forth (or giving birth to) a new and better society.1 A few decades later, Swedish author and activist Elin Wagner (1882-1949) developed a theory of matriarchy in her pivotal work Alarm Clock (1941), and that same year, Swedish sociologist and politician Alva Myrdal (1902-1986) proposed government policies that would promote the welfare of mothers and their children in her book Nation and Family: The Swedish Experiment in Democratic Family and Population Policy (1941). These three Swedish feminists—Ellen Key, Elin Wagner, and Alva Myrdal— influenced the cultural landscape of Sweden in the late-nineteenth and early-tomid- twentieth century, and helped create a foundation for the Swedish welfare state. My aim is to show how their works contributed to the Scandinavian culture of sexual equality and respect for motherhood (and by extension parenthood). I also aim to elucidate the lasting relevance of their work. This article is part of my ongoing book project on Scandinavian feminism. It is, therefore, open to constant revision, rethinking, and rediscovery of the impact of Key, Wagner, and Myrdal.