cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Future Prospects for Public Housing in the United States: Lessons From the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program

This article provides an overview of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program in the United States and examines its early implementation from its start in 2013 through April 6, 2016. RAD was devised to address the physical deterioration of public housing and secure a more stable funding stream. It requires public housing authorities to shift properties out of the public housing program into a different subsidy program (project-based Section 8) which enables them to obtain mortgages on more favorable terms and to secure tax-credit investment. The program is currently limited to 185,000 housing units. As of April 6th, the program was fully subscribed, and had generated more than $2 billion in new investment. Extrapolating from the early results, RAD has the potential to yield more than $15 billion for fund the redevelopment and renovation of public housing.
Integration of ultrafast laser-inscribed optical waveguides and renewable ring lasers

We demonstrated the monolithic integration of renewable and wavelength reconfigurable ring lasers and waveguides of arbitrary shapes. This work enables reconfigurable optical devices for on-chip lasers, flexible optical processing, and the investigation of new optical phenomena.
Not all breaks are equal: Variable hydrologic and geomorphic responses to intentional levee breaches along the lower Cosumnes River, California

The transport of water and sediment from rivers to adjacent floodplains helps generate complex floodplain, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. However, riverside levees restrict lateral connectivity of water and sediment during flood pulses, making the re-introduction of floodplain hydrogeomorphic processes through intentional levee breaching and removal an emerging floodplain restoration practice. Repeated topographic observations from levee breach sites along the lower Cosumnes River (USA) indicated that breach architecture influences floodplain and channel hydrogeomorphic processes. Where narrow breaches ( 250 m) enabled multiple modes of water and sediment transport onto graded floodplains. Advective sediment transport along multiple flow paths generated overlapping crevasse splays, while turbulent diffusion promoted the formation of lateral levees through large wood and sediment accumulation in near-bank areas. Channel incision (>2 m) upstream from a wide levee breach suggests that large flow diversions through such breaches can generate water surface drawdown during flooding, resulting in localized flow acceleration and upstream channel incision. Understanding variable hydrogeomorphic responses to levee breach architecture will help restoration managers design breaches that maximize desired floodplain topographic change while also minimizing potential undesirable consequences such as levee breach closure or channel incision.
Abstract TP2: Heparin Use Across Major Endovascular Trials

Introduction: At present date, 14 randomized endovascular trials for acute ischemic stroke have been published with more recent trials demonstrating a benefit of endovascular therapy. Heparin use during the endovascular procedure is a potential confounder of patient outcome. We sought to describe and highlight differences in the heparin protocols of the major endovascular trials. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that heparin protocols would differ among endovascular stroke trials. Methods: We reviewed the heparin protocol from the methods section of 14 endovascular trials for acute ischemic stroke. In studies where the protocol was not included in the methods section or the appendix of a manuscript, the principal investigator of the trial was contacted to provide insight into the use of heparin during the study. Results: No two of the major endovascular stroke trials used the same heparin protocol. Table 1 details the variability in the protocols. In cases where heparin dosing was not discussed, we left the study “N/A” in the table. Conclusion: Although numerous endovascular ischemic stroke trials have been conducted, heparin use and its documentation during the procedure have varied greatly over the past 20 years. Heparin, an anticoagulant, could contribute to either increased bleeding or improved clot removal and maintenance of recanalization. Future studies of the role of adjunctive antithrombotic therapy during endovascular therapy are needed, and heparin use in these protocols should be specifically detailed and ideally standardized.
An Exploratory Analysis of Consumer Opinions, Ethics, and Sentiment of Neuromarketing: An Abstract

Neuromarketing can be defined as both an innovative research methodology that makes use of neuroscience techniques and as field of study that merges marketing principles and neuroscience theory. As a research methodology, neuromarketing has the potential to detect unconscious processes and activities that are difficult to access through traditional advertising research methods. As a field of study, neuromarketing refers to a link between neuroscience theory (and methods) and marketing techniques. The emergence of neuromarketing as a new field of study has created ethical concerns about the use and misuse of neuroscience technologies, under the premise of advancing the understanding of consumer behavior.
Successful Outcomes at Midterm Follow-up of Periacetabular Osteotomy Done for Mild Hip Dysplasia

Young hip surgeons are often faced with the decision to either perform arthroscopic surgery or a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) in patients with symptomatic mild hip dysplasia (MHD). There is, however, a paucity of data on the results of PAO in this group. The aim of this paper is to report the results of PAOs in patients with MHD and compare those to hips with more severe forms of hip dysplasia (SHD). This data can then be used to compare emerging data reporting the results of hip arthroscopy for MHD. From January, 1996 to May, 2009, 299 hips in 268 patients were identified that underwent PAO at one institution. After removing those with
Conductor of public feelings: An affective-emotional rhetorical analysis of Obama’s national eulogy in Tucson

We argue that one important role of the contemporary president is to be a conductor of public feelings. To demonstrate, we analyze U.S. President Barack Obama’s national eulogy speech delivered on ...
Effects of temperature, relative humidity, and protective netting on Tyrophagus putrescentiae (schrank) (sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) infestation, fungal growth, and product quality of cave-aged Cheddar cheese

Abstract Since methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance, there is a need to find effective alternative methods to control mite infestations on dry cured hams. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the most effective relative humidity and/or temperature combination to minimize mite reproduction and mold growth on dry cured hams in untreated and food-grade ingredient infused nets. Food grade coating formulations of 1) xanthan gum and propylene glycol, and 2) carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, and propylene glycol nets were infused into nets. Dry cured ham cubes and slices were wrapped with untreated and treated nets, inoculated with 20 large mixed-sex mites per cube or 50 large mixed-sex mites per slice, and then stored for 14 d at each temperature (24, 28, and 32 °C) and RH (55, 65, 75, and 85%) combination in an environmental chamber. Tyrophagus putrescentiae on ham slices in untreated nets were reduced from the initial inoculum level of 50 mites per ham slice when exposed to 85% r.h. at 24, 28, and 32 °C. Nets infused with xanthan gum and propylene glycol or carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, and propylene glycol, completely inhibited mite reproduction at 85% r.h. In addition, the nets infused with carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, and propylene glycol, controlled mite reproduction below the initial inoculum level on ham cubes and ham slices at all temperatures and relative humidities that were evaluated. Six to eight trained panelists rated the amount of mold on the ham slice surfaces on a 0–100% scale and both treated nets evaluated were effective at preventing mold growth on the ham slices.
Galactolipids and Thylakoid Intramembrane Particles

Many models for the organization of the reaction centers in the membrane have centered on the importance of the pigments and their apoproteins (1, 2, 3) in the energy-transfer process, while the function of lipids in the maintenance of the membrane architecture has been ascribed a largely passive role. We have used a galactolipid-specific lipase first described by Anderson et al (4) to probe the role of galactolipids in thylakoid membrane organization. The enzymatic characteristics of this galactolipase have described, and its actions on energy-transfer activities have been thoroughly investigated (4,5).
Corpus Callosotomy in the Treatment of Neuronal Migration Disorders

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the role of corpus callosotomy in the treatment of neuronal migration disorders. It is recognized that callosal section may disrupt not only seizure propagation to the contralateral hemisphere, but potentially seizure inhibition as well. A study that reported a relevant experience with a series of patients with the congenital bilateral perisylvian syndrome is presented in the chapter. This syndrome, characterized by pseudobulbar palsy, cognitive impairment, and bilateral perisylvian abnormalities on imaging studies, was associated with epilepsy in 27 of 31 patients. A reasonable strategy that can be adopted for the management of patients with medically intractable epilepsy and the diagnosis of neuronal migration disorder would involve determination of the extent of the structural neuronal migration disorder as well as of the extent of the epileptogenicity. It is shown that roughly twice as many patients achieve a greater than 80% seizure reduction outcome if a complete section is performed with partial section. A study suggested more aggressive initial section and completion of section if a satisfactory response has not been achieved is particularly relevant in discussion of the epileptic patient with neuronal migrational disorders, given the variable and often diffuse extent of the pathologic substrate.
Energy-Efficient Silicon Photonic Crystal Nanocavity Modulator Driven by Indium Oxide Gate

We report an ultra-energy-efficient silicon photonic crystal nanocavity modulator driven by a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor consisting of In 2 O 3 /HfO 2 /p-Si stacked film, which yields an ultra-high tuning efficiency of 250pm/V, a strong modulation strength of 4dB/V by a $\mathbf{0.35}\mu\mathbf{m}$ electrode, and a low energy consumption of 3fJ/bit.
Characterization of the role of several COPI complex isoforms during the early acceptance of compatible pollen grains in Arabidopsis thaliana

COPI is a seven subunit coatomer complex, consisting of , {beta}, {beta}', {gamma}, {delta}, {varepsilon}, and {zeta}; in A. thaliana, COPI is necessary for retrograde transport from the Golgi to the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi maintenance, and cell-plate formation in plant cells. Vesicle recruitment to the pollen contact point is required for pollen hydration and pollen tube penetration. To determine what other aspects of trafficking may be involved in the stigmatic papillae acceptance of compatible pollen, knock-out lines of several isoforms of the COPI complex were characterized in their roles during compatible pollination. Isoforms that were studied included 1-COPI, {beta}-COPI, {beta}'-COPI, {gamma}-COPI and {varepsilon}-COPI. Each mutant line was characterized in regards to pollen grain adherence, pollen tube penetration, and seed set. Of the mutant lines examined, 1-copi had the strongest phenotype with issues with compatible pollen grain adherence, tube germination and reduction in seed set while other lines had milder but visible retardation in compatible pollen acceptance. The data presented here are the first study of the role of the COPI complex in compatible pollinations and that certain subunit isoforms are required for compatible pollen acceptance.
Exploratory analysis of mediators of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and suicidal behavior

Abstract Introduction Suicide is a major public health concern. One consistently cited risk factor for suicide is childhood maltreatment, which also may play a role in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior. Method The current study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and suicide attempts during adolescence (N = 4834; 52.1% female; 67.5% Caucasian). Data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were utilized. Forty-six theoretically-relevant risk factors were explored as potential mediators of this relationship using an exploratory mediation data analytic method. Results Results demonstrated a significant childhood maltreatment - suicide attempt relationship only among females. After considering demographics and suicidal ideation, having received counseling in the previous 12 months was the most influential mediator, followed by having a friend attempt suicide in the previous 12 months. Conclusions These findings highlight potential gender differences in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and later suicide attempts, and, moreover, the importance of assessing for recent exposure to peer suicidal behavior in suicide risk assessments.
CATHETER ABLATION FOR SUSTAINED MONOMORPHIC VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA FROM AN UNCOMMON ORIGIN

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MVT) from ventricular outflow tract (VOT) and fascicles account for almost 90% of all idiopathic VT. Medical therapies of adenosine, amiodarone, beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker (CCB) are well established. A 73-year old male with history of hypertension
A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications

This article reports a study of the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications. Our methods included hand searches of sources (e.g., journals, reference lists), search terms (i.e., early, applied, behavioral, research, literature), inclusion criteria (e.g., the field's applied dimension), and (d) challenges to their face and content validity. Our results were 36 articles published between 1959 and 1967 that we organized into 4 groups: 12 in 3 programs of research and 24 others. Our discussion addresses (a) limitations in our method (e.g., the completeness of our search), (b) challenges to the validity of our methods and results (e.g., convergent validity), and (c) priority claims about the field's founding. We conclude that the claims are irresolvable because identification of the founding publications depends significantly on methods and because the field's founding was an evolutionary process. We close with suggestions for future research.
Homelessness and Sexual Assault

Each year, millions of women and men in the United States experience sexual violence though women tend to experience higher rates and more serious outcomes compared to men. Although prevalence rates for sexual violence among the general population are high, rates among homeless individuals often exceed general population numbers. In this chapter, we review research studies that focus on outcomes of sexual violence among homeless adult women and men, youth and adolescents. Outcomes include substance use and abuse, poor mental and physical health, HIV risk behaviors, and revictimization. Overall, the results from studies included in this review are generally consistent in finding that those who experience sexual abuse as a child are at greater risk for being revictimized and that sexual assault is associated with numerous negative health outcomes, regardless of respondent age, geographic location, and sample size. Though fewer studies examined sexual victimization among men, results from these studies show that men also have this experience, though their prevalence of sexual victimization is lower than the rate for women. Future research priorities and policy implications are also discussed.
Milliwatt-threshold visible-telecom optical parametric oscillation using silicon nanophotonics.

The on-chip creation of coherent light at visible wavelengths is crucial to field-level deployment of spectroscopy and metrology systems. Although on-chip lasers have been implemented in specific cases, a general solution that is not restricted by limitations of specific gain media has not been reported, to the best of our knowledge. Here, we propose creating visible light from an infrared pump by widely separated optical parametric oscillation (OPO) using silicon nanophotonics. The OPO creates signal and idler light in the 700 nm and 1300 nm bands, respectively, with a 900 nm pump. It operates at a threshold power of $ (0.9 \pm 0.1)\,\,{\rm mW} $(0.9±0.1)mW, over $ 50 \times $50× smaller than other widely separated microcavity OPO works, which have been reported only in the infrared. This low threshold enables direct pumping without need of an intermediate optical amplifier. We further show how the device design can be modified to generate 780 nm and 1500 nm light with a similar power efficiency. Our nanophotonic OPO shows distinct advantages in power efficiency, operation stability, and device scalability, and is a major advance towards flexible on-chip generation of coherent visible light.
An Integrative Review of Clinical Characteristics of Infants With Diaper Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND Diaper dermatitis (DD) severity is demonstrated by the degree of erythema and skin breakdown. Many studies describe diaper dermatitis, but lack a full description of clinical characteristic (CC) involvement. PURPOSE The purpose of this literature review is to explore the descriptions of CC of infants with DD provided within infant DD literature. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed and Web of Science were searched using the keywords: diaper dermatitis, diaper rash, infant, and neonate. The inclusion criteria for this project are as follows: published after 1990, English language, include skin assessment or evaluation, and infant/children < two years of age. Review and opinion articles were excluded. RESULTS A total of 454 studies were retrieved, 27 remained after review for duplicates and relevance. The CC described most often were: type of feeds, stool frequency, history of DD, use of antibiotics, and delivery mode. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE The studies reported inconsistent CC and a lack of correlation between these characteristics and the condition of diapered skin. Many studies focused solely on the efficacy of interventions lacking description of possible relationships between DD and CC. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Skin condition outcome variables can be improved with the acknowledgment of the impact CC have on the development of DD. The combination of assessment measures and CC may ultimately demonstrate more merit or rigor for describing DD severity and skin condition. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Future research should expand this exploration to include environmental or contributing factors to continue to identify additional risk factors for DD.
Case-based repeatability of machine learning classification performance on breast MRI

Computer-aided diagnosis and radiomics have shown potential in diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate repeatability of classifier output and its relationship to classification performance of breast lesions imaged with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Images of 1,169 breast lesions (267 benign, 902 cancers) were retrospectively collected under HIPAA/IRB compliance. The lesions were segmented automatically using a fuzzy c-means method and thirty-eight radiomic features were extracted. Three classification tasks were investigated, with different proportions of cases in each class: (i) benign (23%) vs. malignant (77%), (ii) “pure” ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (25%) vs. DCIS with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (75%), and (iii) invasive cancers of molecular subtype luminal A or luminal B (66%) vs. other molecular subtypes (34%). For each task, support vector machine classifiers were trained and tested within 0.632+ bootstrap analyses (1000 iterations) and the 0.632+ bias-corrected area under the ROC curve (AUC) served as the classification performance metric. Repeatability of classifier output was evaluated at three levels: a) repeatability by case (performance metric: width of the 95% confidence interval of classifier-estimated posterior probabilities for each case), b) repeatability within the dataset (performance metric: median and 95% confidence interval of the by-case 95% confidence interval widths), and c) potential relationship between classification performance and repeatability. In classification performance assessment, median AUCs [95% confidence interval] for the three tasks were 0.85 [0.83, 0.87], 0.84 [0.80, 0.87], and 0.65 [0.60, 0.69], respectively. In repeatability assessment within the dataset, the median confidence interval widths [95% confidence interval] for the posterior probabilities were 0.25 [0.08, 0.72], 0.34 [0.14, 0.84], and 0.23 [0.14, 0.68]. In conclusion, the classifiers in the first two tasks demonstrated strong classification performance while in all three they showed similar repeatability in posterior probabilities.
The Impact of a Less Restrictive Poststernotomy Activity Protocol Compared With Standard Sternal Precautions in Patients Following Cardiac Surgery.

Objective Guidelines following median sternotomy typically include strict sternal precautions (SP). Recently, alternative approaches propose less functional restrictions while avoiding excessive stress to the sternum. The study aimed to determine the effect of a less restrictive (LR) approach versus a standard SP protocol after median sternotomy. Methods The study was a cross-sectional design (n = 364; SP: n = 172, 66.3 [SD = 11.2] years; LR: n = 196, 65.2 [SD = 11.2] years). This study ran in 2 consecutive phases and compared 2 groups after median sternotomy at a community-based hospital. The LR group received instructions on the Keep Your Move in the Tube approach. At 2 to 3 weeks after discharge, sternal instability was assessed using the Sternal Instability Scale, and patients completed a self-reported survey (perceived pain rating/frequency, sternal instability, and functional mobility). The 2 groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test (P Results There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for all the outcomes, Sternal Instability Scale, pain rating, pain frequency, perceived sternal instability, difficulty with functional mobility, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Conclusions In our study, the implementation of the LR approach, Keep Your Move in the Tube, had no adverse effect on outcomes 2 to 3 weeks following median sternotomy. Although no statistically significant differences were noted for all outcomes, patients with the LR approach reported less difficulty with functional mobility. Impact statement These data are useful in clinical decision-making regarding alternative approaches for mobility following sternotomy.
Covalently Linked, Two-Dimensional Quantum Dot Assemblies

Using nanoscale building blocks to construct hierarchical materials is a radical new branch point in materials discovery that promises new structures and emergent functionality. Understanding the design principles that govern nanoparticle assembly is critical to moving this field forward. By exploiting mixed ligand environments to target patchy nanoparticle surfaces, we have demonstrated a novel method of colloidal quantum dot (QD) assembly that gives rise to 2D structures. The equilibration of solutions of spherical and quasispherical QDs, including CdS, CdSe, and InP, with 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-diacrylic acid resulted in the preferential formation of 2D assemblies over the course of days as determined by transmission electron microscopy analysis. Small-angle X-ray scattering confirms the existence of the QD assemblies in solution. The dependence of the assembly on linker properties (length and rigidity), linker concentration, and total concentration was investigated, together with the data point to a mechanism involving ligand redistribution to create a patchy surface that maximizes the steric repulsion of neighboring QDs. By operating in an underexchanged regime, the arising patchiness results in enthalpically preferred directions of cross-linking that can be accessed by thermal equilibration.
A modern Q-meter system to measure the polarization of solid polarized targets

Abstract Solid polarized targets are widely used in nuclear and particle physics experiments. Polarization measurements for these targets are normally performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The Liverpool Q-meter was developed in the late 1970s and became the de facto standard for these NMR-based measurements. However, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain the required number of Q-meter channels, as the components have become obsolete. The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) high energy nuclear physics (HENP) group has developed a new NMR-based Q-meter system, building upon the basic Liverpool design. The new Q-meter introduces several improvements, such as remote tuning and compact design, while being less costly to produce. These improvements have the potential to increase the accuracy of the polarization measurements, thereby reducing the experimental systematic uncertainties. This modern Q-meter has been successfully tested with both polarized proton and deuteron targets.
African Political Theology and Post-Nationalist Nationalism: The Case of the Cameroon Anglophone Conflict

This article is a Christian theological interrogation of the war in the Anglophone region of Cameroon between Cameroon’s army and Anglophone separatists who seek separation from Francophone Cameroo...
Activation of Cph1 causes ß(1,3)-glucan unmasking in Candida albicans and attenuates virulence in mice in a neutrophil-dependent manner.

Masking the immunogenic cell wall epitope s(1,3)-glucan under an outer layer of mannosylated glycoproteins is an important virulence factor deployed by Candida albicans during infection. Consequently, increased s(1,3)-glucan exposure (unmasking) reveals C. albicans to the host’s immune system and attenuates its virulence. We have previously shown that activation of the Cek1 MAPK pathway via expression of a hyperactive allele of an upstream kinase (STE11ΔN467) induced unmasking. It also increased survival of mice in a murine disseminated candidiasis model and attenuated kidney fungal burden by ≥33 fold. In this communication, we utilized cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression to test if the clearance of the unmasked STE11ΔN467 mutant was dependent on the host immune system. Suppression of the immune response by cyclophosphamide reduced the attenuation in fungal burden caused by the STE11ΔN467 allele. Moreover, specific depletion of neutrophils via 1A8 antibody treatment also reduced STE11ΔN467-dependent fungal burden attenuation, but to a lesser extent than cyclophosphamide, demonstrating an important role for neutrophils in mediating fungal clearance of unmasked STE11ΔN467 cells. In an effort to understand the mechanism by which Ste11ΔN467 causes unmasking, transcriptomics were used to reveal that several components in the Cek1 MAPK pathway were upregulated, including the transcription factor CPH1 and the cell wall sensor DFI1. In this report we show that a cph1ΔΔ mutation restored s(1,3)-glucan exposure to wild-type levels in the STE11ΔN467 strain, confirming that Cph1 is the transcription factor mediating Ste11ΔN467-induced unmasking. Furthermore, Cph1 is shown to induce a positive feedback loop that increases Cek1 activation. In addition, full unmasking by STE11ΔN467 is dependent on the upstream cell wall sensor DFI1. However, while deletion of DFI1 significantly reduced Ste11ΔN467-induced unmasking, it did not impact activation of the downstream kinase Cek1. Thus, it appears that once stimulated by Ste11ΔN467, Dfi1 activates a parallel signaling pathway that is involved in Ste11ΔN467-induced unmasking.
Elucidating measures of systemic racism to mitigate racial disparities in kidney transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Given recent national attention to the role of racism in perpetuating racial inequities in society and health, this review provides a timely and relevant summary of key measures of systemic racism in kidney transplantation. More specifically, the review identifies current and promising interventions, whereas highlighting the need for more sustainable and impactful interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Racial disparities persist in kidney transplantation. Black and Hispanic individuals are less likely to receive a kidney transplant than non-Hispanic Whites despite disproportionately higher rates of kidney failure. Studies demonstrate that socioeconomic factors do not fully explain existing racial disparities in transplantation. Systemic racism at all levels, individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural, is at the core of racial disparities, and current interventions are insufficient in mitigating their effects. Thus, targeted and sustainable interventions must be implemented to mitigate systemic racism in kidney transplantation. SUMMARY Systemic racism in all its forms continues to influence disparities at all stages of kidney transplantation. This paper highlights recent findings that shed light on how racism contributes to racial disparities in kidney transplantation. Using these findings to identify targets and strategies for mitigation, relevant interventions and policies that show promise are detailed.
Impact of operator volumes and experience on outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting and Tracking (CART) program

Abstract Background Recent analyses of the volume-outcome relationship for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have suggested a less robust association than previously reported. It is unknown if novel factors such as lifetime operator experience influence this relationship. Objectives To assess the relationship between annual volumes and outcomes for PCI and determine whether lifetime operator experience modulates the association. Methods Annual PCI volumes for facilities and operators within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and their relationship with 30-day mortality following PCI were described. The influence of operator lifetime experience on the volume-outcome relationship was assessed. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to adjust for patient and procedural factors. Results 57,608 PCIs performed from 2013 to 2018 by 382 operators and 63 institutions were analyzed. Operator annualized PCI volume averaged 47.6 (standard deviation [SD] 49.1) and site annualized volume averaged 189.2 (SD 105.2). Median operator experience was 9.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0–15.0). There was no independent relationship between operator annual volume, institutional volume, or operator lifetime experience with 30-day mortality (p > 0.10). However, the interaction between operator volume and lifetime experience was associated with a marginal decrease in mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.9998, 95% CI 0.9996–0.9999). Conclusions There were no significant associations between facility or operator-level procedural volume and 30-day mortality following PCI in a nationally integrated healthcare system. There was a marginal association between the interaction of operator lifetime experience, operator annual volume, and 30-day mortality that is unlikely to be clinically relevant, though does suggest an opportunity to explore novel factors that may influence the volume-outcome relationship.
Synthesis of large-aperture optics by successive exposure of a single photographic plate through successively placed small-aperture optics: Part II. Experimental verification

Abstract The theoretical principles described in part I (preceding paper) have been fully born out by the experimental verification described here, as a model.
Land Surface Modeling

Land surface modeling consists of developing and applying computational models that integrate complicated hydrologic and physical processes that occur at the land surface, between the land surface and the atmosphere, and within the soil column. A land surface model or macroscale hydrologic model, as these types of models are called, has two important characteristics: (a) it considers processes related to both the energy and water budgets and their interactions, and (b) it operates over relatively large spatial domains with short temporal scales. Depending on their complexity, these models generally include representations for some or all of the following major physical processes: Snow and snowmelt Frozen soil Infiltration Surface runoff Subsurface runoff (e.g., flows from unsaturated and/or saturated zones) Evaporation and transpiration Vegetation dynamics Processes related to the energy budget (e.g., radiation, sensible heat flux, ground heat flux, etc.) The above processes are interconnected and constrained by the available water and energy. Evapotranspiration links the energy and water aspects of a land surface model together. Soil moisture and surface temperature relate various different physical, hydrological, and biogeochemical processes to one another. Keywords: land surface model; hydrologic model; water budgets
Stimulation of proliferation in stationary primary cultures of monkey and rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells. I. Effects of lipoprotein fractions of hyperlipemic serum and lymph.

Abstract Medial explants of thoracic aorta from rhesus monkey or rabbit show outgrowth within 5–10 days when cultured in 90% basal Eagle's medium and 10% normal serum. After 5–6 weeks of rapid growth, cell colonies around the explant reach a stationary phase with low mitotic activity. Homologous hypercholesterolemic serum and lymph stimulate these stationary cultures into another proliferative phase, when 5% of the normal serum is replaced in the culture medium. Measurement of increase in colony size and evaluation of [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation by autoradiography serve to indicate increased proliferation. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) from hyperlipemic serum and lymph have the greatest stimulatory effect, while high density lipoproteins (HDL) and the lipid-free bottom fraction, as well as LDL from normal serum and lymph, have no effect. These stationary cultures are valuable for the study of agents suspected of having a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation of aortic lesions in vivo .
Listening Beyond the Echoes: Media, Ethics, and Agency in an Uncertain World

Nick Couldry's Listening Beyond the Echoes builds on his earlier work through an extensive empirical investigation of the true nature of political practice in a media age where boundaries between p...
Synergies of PCCI-Type Combustion and Lean NOx Trap Catalysis for Diesel Engines

It is widely recognized that future NOx and PM emission targets for diesel engines cannot be met solely via advanced combustion over the full engine drive cycle. Therefore some combination of advanced combustion methodology with an aftertreatment technology will be required. In this study, NOx reduction, fuel efficiency, and regeneration performance of lean NOx trap (LNT) were evaluated for four operating conditions. The combustion approaches included baseline engine operation with and without EGR, two exhaust enrichment methods (post injection and delayed injection), and one advanced combustion mode to enable high efficiency clean combustion (HECC). A 1.7 liter 4-cylinder diesel engine was operated under five conditions, which represent key interest points for light-duty diesel operation. At the low load setting the exhaust temperature was too low to enable LNT regeneration and oxidation; however, HECC (low NOx) was achievable. HECC was also reached under more moderate loads and the exhaust temperatures were high enough to enable even further NOx reductions by the LNT. At high loads HECC becomes difficult but the LNT performance improves and acceptable regeneration can be met with enrichment methodologies.
Detecting and Predicting Balance Decline in Parkinson Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

13 Abstract. 14 Background: The natural progression of balance decline in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) is not well understood. 15 Objectives: We aimed to: 1) compare the utility of three standardized clinical measures for detecting balance decline over 1-year, 2) identify components of balance susceptible to decline, and 3) identify factors useful for predicting future balance decline. 16 17 Methods: Eighty people with PD (59% male; mean age 68.2 ± 9.3; Hoehn & Yahr range I-IV) completed Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Mini-BESTest, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) assessments. Baseline predictor variables included the MDS-UPDRS III sub-score, presence of freezing, 6-month fall history, age, gender, and physical activity. Balance and MDS-UPDRS III assessments were repeated at 6 (n = 51) and 12 months (n = 44). 18 19 20 21 Results: BESTest and Mini-BESTest score declined over 6 and 12 months (P 0.01). MDS-UPDRS III score was unchanged over 6 months (P > 0.01), but declined over 12 months (P < 0.01). Change in BESTest score over 6 months was related to baseline MDS-UPDRS III, H&Y, freezing, and fall history (P < 0.05). Change in BESTest score over 12 months was related to baseline MDS-UPDRS III and freezing (P < 0.05). Change in Mini-BESTest over 12 months was related to baseline MDS-UPDRS III and age (P < 0.05). 22 23 24 25 26 27 Conclusions: The BESTest and Mini-BESTest were responsive to balance decline in individuals with PD and helped to identify decline in underlying balance components. Disease severity and freezing most consistently predicted balance decline in persons with PD. 28 29 30
Poisons of Plant Origin

Almost all of us are in frequent contact with plants that share the places where we live and work as cultivated house and garden plants, weeds and other vegetation. We also routinely ingest plants as food, food contaminants or herbal medicines. Since many plant species produce potentially toxic compounds, it is not surprising that plant poisoning is a frequently encountered, and in some instances, serious health hazard. Wide variation in the toxic dose of plant material, due to differences in toxic-compound potency and concentrations in plant tissues, makes the outcome of exposures to toxic plants highly variable. Most exposures do not lead to poisoning, but under certain conditions severe disease or death can occur. It is a significant challenge for healthcare workers to differentiate between exposures that require immediate and aggressive treatment from those that are benign. Although a vast number of plant species are potentially toxic, plant poisoning can be classified into groups based on toxic compounds shared between plant species and common toxicity syndromes. Using this approach, some of the most common and important plant poisonings are discussed in terms of the plants that are typically involved, the toxic agents and their mechanisms of action, risk factors, toxicity syndrome descriptions and suggested management strategies. Keywords: toxic plant; poisonous plant; plant poisoning; phytotoxin; phytochemical; herbal
Computerized detection and characterization of mass lesions in digital mammography

Computer-aided diagnosis schemes for the detection of breast lesions in digital mammograms are being developed. The detection scheme employs a bilateral-subtraction technique that is based on the normal symmetry between the left and right breast images. The presence of asymmetries indicates a possible lesion. Feature-analysis techniques are then used to reduce the number of false-positive detections. In addition, characterization methods are being developed to aid in the benign/malignant decision. The authors plan to incorporate the schemes into a dedicated intelligent workstation for use as a second opinion in a mammographic screening program. Output from the computer would be displayed as an aid, leaving the final diagnostic decision to the radiologist. >
Information Systems and Computer Science and Engineering

Information systems, computer science, and engineering are distinct but related disciplines, each with a focus of its own (the term engineering is used here to refer to computer engineering and software engineering). This focus has been changing with technological trends of the times, and as a result, the boundaries of these discipline always have been fuzzy and in a state of constant evolution. This article discusses the current state of the disciplines in the context of their technological and historical evolution. Links among available technologies, accepted definitions of the discipline, professional practices, and paradigm changes are sketched out with the aid of examples. Models, methodologies, and areas of primary concern for each of the disciplines are presented from the academic and the practitioner perspectives. Ideological controversies and areas of ambiguity are sketched out in mapping the terrain of each field. It is posited that foundational questions as well as claims and counterclaims that concern domain boundaries have been endemic to each of the disciplines. It is argued that although to some extent, virtually all disciplines evolve over time, one must take explicit cognizance of the fluid nature of the disciplinary boundaries and foundational questions when it comes to information systems (IS), computer science (CS), or computer/software engineering. Although this state of flux continues to plague all of these disciplines, it also offers enormous opportunities for growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. Potential future directions and challenges are presented. Keywords: information systems; computer science; computer engineering; software engineering
AN EVALUATION OF THE VARIABLES AND TERMINOLOGIES EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTS OF SCM PRACTICES

The main aim of this study was to conduct a meticulous analysis of which words or terms are used in the variables that best represent the concepts of SCM practices. The research conducted can be classified as being of a descriptive, exploratory and qualitative character. The search of the articles was made in the Scopus and Web of Science. The final sample was composed of 51 articles, drawn from 18 periodicals. For analysis, the definition of a construct was taken as the base, its relation with manifested variables and words or terms most used and coherent with the definition of the concepts and the contexts in which these terms were applied. A total of 639 variables that defined constructs, were transcribed. Similarity is noted in the employment of their variables and common use of words in the definition of the concepts. However, the constructs possess different nomenclatures. Therefore, confusion is present in the studies analyzed. The study sought to contribute to greater discernment of the concepts, making a critical reflective understanding of the practices in the area. It was raised in the subsections of the discussions that the authors used the same terms in different contexts. It was pointed out the future prospects for formation of the concepts, showing how such constructs are being modified and perfected by means of the introduction of theories, such as the theory of Transaction Cost Economics, the Resource-Based View, Agency Theory, and Knowledge-Based Theory
Southern Ocean carbon trends: Sensitivity to methods

The Southern Ocean is highly under-sampled with respect to variables needed to assess trends in air-sea carbon dioxide fluxes. Multiple investigators have made use of sparse measurements of surface ocean partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), but there remains a lack of consensus as to recent trends in the carbon sink here. We analyze impacts of specific methodological choices on pCO2 trends, with a focus on regional binning, time series length, and spatial biases. We find the most robust approach to include binning based on geographic areas, the removal of spatial gradients in climatological pCO2, the use of annual-average data, and the consideration of trends across multiple combinations of start and end years. Applying this approach, we find that Southern Ocean carbon uptake slowed from about 1990 to 2006 and subsequently strengthened from 2007 to 2010. More data are needed to reduce uncertainties and increase our ability to diagnose change in the carbon sink.
Covered interest arbitrage in the 1970's

Abstract This paper provides an empirical overview on covered interest arbitrage during the flexible exchange rate regime of the 1970's. It estimates the cost of transactions in foreign exchange and security markets and shows that these costs account for most of the deviations from parity.
A flexible framework for the solution to surface scattering problems using integral equations

Most method of moment solutions to integral equations in electromagnetics use the Rao Wilton Glisson (RWG) basis functions. These functions, which are constructed on a triangulation of the geometry are limited by their inherent need to satisfy continuity conditions. Recent developments by the authors have resulted in a new basis function scheme for integral equations called the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). This scheme permits a wide variety of basis functions and their arbitrary mixtures. These functions are described on a locally smooth representation of the underlying surface. However, it is not possible to provide such a locally smooth representation in the presence of geometric singularities such as edges and corners. In this work, we address this problem by hybridizing the GMM patch construction and basis function definitions with RWG basis functions and piecewise flat triangulations. We will describe a scheme to automatically choose and mix GMM and RWG patch definitions, and basis functions. This hybridization can also be extended to other basis function types (and corresponding geometry descriptions). Preliminary results are presented that validate the method.
A study of the playback process of a magnetic ring head

The playback process of a magnetic ring head with finite permeability of head and tape are studied, using the theorem of reciprocity. In order to obtain an accurate result for the playback process, the field around a magnetic gap is studied by a Fourier method. The shift of the gap null for infinite permeability of the head as calculated by Westmijze is confirmed, and the new shift is found when the tape permeability is greater than one. A simplified gap-loss function is given for the case of finite parameters for tape and head.
Neural adaptation and perceptual learning using a portable real-time cochlear implant simulator in natural environments

A portable real-time speech processor that implements an acoustic simulation model of a cochlear implant (CI) has been developed on the Apple iPhone / iPod Touch to permit testing and experimentation under extended exposure in real-world environments. This simulator allows for both a variable number of noise band channels and electrode insertion depth. Utilizing this portable CI simulator, we tested perceptual learning in normal hearing listeners by measuring word and sentence comprehension behaviorally before and after 2 weeks of exposure. To evaluate changes in neural activation related to adaptation to transformed speech, fMRI was also conducted. Differences in brain activation after training occurred in the inferior frontal gyrus and areas related to language processing. A 15–20% improvement in word and sentence comprehension of cochlear implant simulated speech was also observed. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of a portable CI simulator as a research tool and provide new information about the physiological changes that accompany perceptual learning of degraded auditory input.