cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COSIMA/sup B2B/ - sales automation for e-procurement

We present a fully automated electronic sales agent for e-procurement portals. The key technologies for this breakthrough are based on preferences modeled as strict partial orders, enabling a deep personalization of the B2B sales process. The interplay of several novel middleware components achieves to automate skills that so far could be executed only by a human vendor. As personalized search engine for XML based e-catalogs, we use Preference XPath; the Preference Presenter implements a sales psychology based presentation of search results, supporting various human sales strategies; the Preference Repository provides the management of situated long-term preferences; the flexible Personalized Price Offer and the multi-objective Preference Bargainer provide a personalized price fixing and the opportunity to bargain about the price of an entire product bundle, applying up/cross and down selling techniques. Our prototype COSIMA/sup B2B/, supported by industrial partners, has been successfully demonstrated at a large computer fair.
Parallel simulation of fluid slip in a microchannel

Summary form only given. We investigate the parallel simulation of fluid slip along microchannel walls using the multicomponent lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with domain decomposition. Because of the high complexity for microscale simulation, even a parallel computation of fluid slip can take days or weeks. Any slowness in the participating nodes in a cluster can drag the entire computation substantially, due to frequent node synchronization involved in each computational phase of the algorithm. We augment the parallel LBM algorithm with filtered dynamic remapping for lattice points. This filtered scheme uses lazy remapping and over-redistribution strategies to balance the computational speed of participating nodes and to minimize the performance impact of slow nodes on synchronized phases. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed technique can greatly speed up fluid slip simulation on a nondedicated cluster over a long period of execution time.
Reservoir characterization based upon the onset of time-lapse amplitude changes

ABSTRACTTime-lapse geophysical monitoring has potential as a tool for reservoir characterization, that is, for determining reservoir properties such as permeability. Onset times, the calendar times at which geophysical observations begin to deviate from their initial or background values, provide a useful basis for such characterization. We found that, in contrast to time-lapse amplitude changes, onset times were not sensitive to the exact method used to related changes in fluid saturation to changes in seismic velocities. As a consequence of this, we found that an inversion for effective permeability based upon onset times was robust with respect to variations in the rock-physics model. In particular, inversions of synthetic onset times calculated using Voigt and Reuss averaging techniques, but inverted using sensitivities from Hill’s averaging method, resulted in almost identical misfit reductions and similar permeability models. All solutions based on onset times recovered the large-scale, resolvable f...
Association between trajectories of buprenorphine treatment and emergency department and in-patient utilization.

Background and aims Uncertainty about optimal treatment duration for buprenorphine opioid agonist therapy may lead to substantial variation in provider and payer decision-making regarding treatment course. We aimed to identify distinct trajectories of buprenorphine use and examine outcomes associated with these trajectories to guide health system interventions regarding treatment length. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting US Pennsylvania Medicaid. Patients A total of 10 945 enrollees aged 18–64 years initiating buprenorphine treatment between 2007 and 2012. Measurements Group-based trajectory models were used to identify trajectories based on monthly proportion of days covered with buprenorphine in the 12 months post-treatment initiation. We used separate multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to examine associations between trajectories and time to first all-cause hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visit within 12 months after the first-year treatment. Findings Six trajectories [Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = −86 246.70] were identified: 24.9% discontinued buprenorphine 8 months, 9.5% refilled intermittently and 21.2% refilled persistently for 12 months. Persistent refill trajectories were associated with an 18% lower risk of all-cause hospitalizations [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70–0.95] and 14% lower risk of ED visits (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78–0.95) in the subsequent year, compared with those discontinuing between 3 and 5 months. Conclusions Six distinct buprenorphine treatment trajectories were identified in this population-based low-income Medicaid cohort in Pennsylvania, USA. There appears to be an association between persistent use of buprenorphine for 12 months and lower risk of all-cause hospitalizations/emergency department visits.
Detection of vulnerable coronary artery plaques: lesion level risk assessment within the coronary arterial tree?

Progressive atherosclerotic disease and its clinical sequelae remain the number one cause of mortality in the U.S. The majority of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) present with unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or sudden cardiac death secondary to sudden luminal thrombosis.
Management of the devastated posterior urethra and bladder neck: refractory incontinence and stenosis

Stricture of the proximal urethra following treatment for prostate cancer occurs in an estimated 1-8% of patients. Following prostatectomy, urethral reconstruction is feasible in many patients. However, in those patients with prior radiation therapy (RT), failed reconstruction, refractory incontinence or multiple comorbidities, reconstruction may not be feasible. The purpose of this article is to review the evaluation and management options for patients who are not candidates for reconstruction of the posterior urethra and require urinary diversion. Patient evaluation should result in the decision whether reconstruction is feasible. In our experience, risk factors for failed reconstruction include prior radiation and multiple failed endoscopic treatments. Pre-operative cystoscopy is an essential part of the evaluations to identify tissue necrosis, dystrophic calcification, or tumor in the urethra, prostate and/or bladder. If urethral reconstruction is not feasible it is imperative to discuss options for urine diversion with the patient. Treatment options include simple catheter diversion, urethral ligation, and both bladder preserving and non-preserving diversion. Surgical management should address both the bladder and the bladder outlet. This can be accomplished from a perineal, abdominal or abdomino-perineal approach. The devastated bladder outlet is a challenging problem to treat. Typically, patients undergo multiple procedures in an attempt to restore urethral continuity and continence. For the small subset who fails reconstruction, urinary diversion provides a definitive, “endstage” treatment resulting in improved quality of life.
Histopathological characterization of corrosion product associated adverse local tissue reaction in hip implants: a study of 285 cases

Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR), characterized by a heterogeneous cellular inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of corrosion products in the periprosthetic soft tissues, has been recognized as a mechanism of failure in total hip replacement (THA). Different histological subtypes may have unique needs for longitudinal clinical follow-up and complication rates after revision arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to describe the histological patterns observed in the periprosthetic tissue of failed THA in three different implant classes due to ALTR and their association with clinical features of implant failure. Consecutive patients presenting with ALTR from three major hip implant classes (N = 285 cases) were identified from our prospective Osteolysis Tissue Database and Repository. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, BMI, length of implantation, and serum metal ion levels were recorded. Retrieved synovial tissue morphology was graded using light microscopy. Clinical characteristics and features of synovial tissue analysis were compared between the three implant classes. Histological patterns of ALTR identified from our observations and the literature were used to classify each case. The association between implant class and histological patterns was compared. Our histological analysis demonstrates that ALTR encompasses three main histological patterns: 1) macrophage predominant, 2) mixed lymphocytic and macrophagic with or without features of associated with hypersensitivity/allergy or response to particle toxicity (eosinophils/mast cells and/or lymphocytic germinal centers), and 3) predominant sarcoid-like granulomas. Implant classification was associated with histological pattern of failure, and the macrophagic predominant pattern was more common in implants with metal-on-metal bearing surfaces (MoM HRA and MoM LHTHA groups). Duration of implantation and composition of periprosthetic cellular infiltrates was significantly different amongst the three implant types examined suggesting that histopathological features of ALTR may explain the variability of clinical implant performance in these cases. ALTR encompasses a diverse range of histological patterns, which are reflective of both the implant configuration independent of manufacturer and clinical features such as duration of implantation. The macrophagic predominant pattern and its mechanism of implant failure represent an important subgroup of ALTR which could become more prominent with increased length of implantation.
Boosting Low-Income Children's Opportunities to Succeed Through Direct Income Support

Direct income supports have long been known to substantially reduce the extent and depth of poverty. Evidence suggests that they can also bolster children's opportunities to succeed and enhance long-term mobility. A growing body of research, for example, links income from 2 related tax credits for working families-the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit-to benefits for children in those families, such as improved birth weight, better school outcomes, and increased rates of employment in adulthood. Similarly, the introduction of food stamps has been found to improve not only the birth weight of infants given access to the program but also their educational achievement, as well as indicators of health, well-being, and self-sufficiency decades later. These are striking research results for income support that is not typically thought of as improving children's health or education. The mechanisms through which these income supports lead to such benefits are likely varied and complex, but emerging research suggests that helping families with children afford basic necessities can reduce the added stress of financial difficulties, preventing downstream neuroendocrine and biochemical changes that affect children's longer-term outcomes. These findings have important implications for policy makers. Research suggests that potential weakening of the safety net would not only substantially increase poverty, but also have damaging long-term effects on children. Policy makers should reject funding cuts and instead strengthen the safety net, which this analysis suggests could reduce poverty further and also enhance children's opportunities to succeed.
The Neoliberal Legitimation Crisis of 2008

This paper will discuss how the Financial Crisis of 2008 has thrown neoliberalism into a deep legitimation crisis. Over the past four decades the neoliberal ethic of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher has permeated American life both public and private. The principles of the laissez faire markets and of individual responsibility have guided most if not all national policy. Central to these principles was deregulation. As the Financial Crisis shifted into high gear, the tenants of neoliberalism, such as deregulation, became the target of considerable criticism. Section I will begin with an explanation of Jurgen Habermas’s theory of the legitimation crisis. In particular, this section will discuss how an economic crisis can lead to a legitimation crisis. Section II will briefly sketch the rise of neoliberalism in America, flag the key tenants of neoliberalism, and highlight the key 'contradictions' of neoliberalism. Sections III will layout a history of the Financial Crisis and the backlash to the neoliberal position. Finally this paper will consider what the consequences of this Crisis will be for the neoliberal establishment.
Phrase Boundary Assignment from Text in Multiple Domains.

Detecting and modeling proper phrasing from an input text string is an important aspect when producing synthesis that sounds intelligible and natural. Knowledge of proper phrase structure influences, e.g., the placement and length of pauses, and the realization of phrase-final boundary contours, both of which can have an effect in a listener’s percepts ranging from naturalness to semantic interpretation. In this work, we look at modeling the occurrence, and types, of phrase breaks from purely textual features, paying close attention to how the performance of the systems generalizes inand out-of-domain for corpora of various types (such as broadcast news, spontaneous speech, and synthesis databases), and as a function of various subsets of syntactical and lexical features investigated.
Encouraging Prosocial Decisions: The Role of Fairness Salience and Uncertainty

Although the decision to engage in prosocial behavior has received research attention, the literature offers a limited understanding of fairness and uncertainty as antecedents. We propose that one can encourage prosocial decision making simply by invoking the notion of fairness because of its effects on the perceived trustworthiness of the invoking party. We also elucidate the complex role of uncertainty in prosocial decisions in that it has a negative effect while also serving to strengthen the positive effect of fairness salience. Our ideas are tested in two prosocial decision contexts, including participative pricing (i.e., “pay what you want”) and charitable giving. Data from an archival study of a naturally occurring event and two controlled experiments offer support for our arguments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Response: Threshold Concepts in Religious Education and Theology

This paper presents a response to other contributions in this volume on the theme of using threshold concepts in religious education. It draws together some common threads that have emerged in this volume and notes the value of using threshold concepts, especially in certain context areas. It also provides a sense of the future of threshold concepts in religious education as well as some of the ongoing and emerging challenges in this area such as ensuring that classroom practice reflects what is proposed in the curriculum both for schools with religious affiliation and public schools. In Quebec, for instance, in very recent times the province has introduced a mandatory course in ethics and religious culture. This is an extremely ambitious programme with a wide range of proposed topics such as the nature of secularity and its impact on religious worldview and, perhaps the most complex, better understanding of indigenous religions.
Networked State Estimation With Delayed and Irregularly Spaced Time-Stamped Observations

We analyze the performance of a networked multisensor continuous-discrete Kalman filter in the presence of random observation delay and irregular sampling. The primary cause for irregular intersample intervals is the occasional loss of information packets. Additional causes include lack of synchrony between sensors, difference in their sampling rates, and the superposition of multiple sampling patterns. We rely on time stamping of all sensor packets to accurately determine, at the estimation hub, both transmission delay and sensor sampling instants. We relate the average (steady-state) error covariance to two moment-generating functions: 1) we provide lower and upper bounds on the average error covariance in the presence of irregular sampling, expressed in terms of the moment-generating function of the sampling intervals; 2) we obtain a stability condition that depends on the region of convergence of this moment-generating function; and 3) we derive an expression for the added error caused by transmission delay, which depends on the moment-generating function of the delay. We also demonstrate that the average error covariance depends primarily on the average sampling interval, with a very minor dependence on the variance and higher order moments of the multisensor intersample interval.
Polyclonal Antibody Production

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses antibodies as critical reagents in a wide variety of research methodologies. The antibodies used are either polyclonal or monoclonal, with each having distinct advantages and disadvantages. Polyclonal antibodies are heterogeneous and bind to several different antigen epitopes. While decreasing the specificity and potentially increasing nonspecific reactions, the polyclonal antibody is also more likely to successfully bind to the specific antigen in a variety of different test conditions. The production of polyclonal antibodies remains a common research procedure involving vertebrate animal use. Rabbits are the most commonly used laboratory animals for the production of polyclonal antibodies. The rabbit offers many advantages over other species. The adequate body size of the rabbit and the ready accessibility of the marginal ear vein and central auricular artery afford a technically easy procedure for the collection of large blood samples. The excellent responsiveness of the rabbit to a wide variety of antigens, the presence of a single primary Immunoglobulin G isotype, the vast amount of information available on the production, and the reavailability of secondary reagents further enhance the reputation of the rabbit in polyclonal antibody production. Polyclonal antibody production is essential in research activity and rabbits continue to serve as one of the primary species used in polyclonal antibody production. The schedules and methodologies used to immunize rabbits and produce polyclonal antibodies continue to vary depending on the immunogen, the adjuvant, and the end purpose of the antibody.
Associations between urinary diphenyl phosphate and thyroid function

Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) is a commonly used organophosphate flame retardant and plasticizer with widespread human exposure. Data on health effects of TPHP are limited. Recent toxicological studies suggest TPHP may alter thyroid function. We used repeated measures to assess the temporal variability in urinary concentrations of the TPHP metabolite, diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), and to examine relationships between DPHP concentrations and thyroid hormones. We sampled 51 adults at months 1, 6, and 12 from 2010 to 2011. Urine samples were analyzed for DPHP. Serum samples were analyzed for free and total thyroxine (fT4, TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). We assessed variability in DPHP using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics. We used linear mixed-effects models to examine associations between DPHP and thyroid hormones. DPHP was detected in 95% of urine samples. Mean DPHP concentrations were 43% higher in women than men. DPHP showed high within-subject variability (ICC range, 0.13-0.39; kappa range, 0.16-0.39). High versus low (≥2.65 vs. <2.65ng/mL) DPHP in all participants was associated with a 0.43μg/dL (95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.72) increase in mean TT4 levels. In sex-stratified analyses, high versus low DPHP was associated with a 0.91μg/dL (95% CI: 0.47, 1.36) increase in mean TT4 in women. The association was attenuated in men (βeta=0.19; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.52). We found no significant associations between DPHP and fT4, TT3, or TSH. We found evidence that TPHP exposure may be associated with increased TT4 levels, especially in women.
Counseling students’ perceived challenges for self and families with members living with HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACTResearch has indicated that families affected by Human Immunodeficieny Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome benefit from family counseling services; however, little is known about the perceptions that future counselors have about Human Immunodeficieny Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and its effect on counselors and the families they serve. A descriptive content analysis of responses by 111 master’s level counseling students revealed challenges perceived to confront families living with Human Immunodeficieny Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: psychological health, interpersonal and systemic changes, healthcare cost, and stigma. Additionally, participants’ indicated that they believed counselors would face challenges associated with knowledge and beliefs, Human Immunodeficieny Virus stigma, grief, empathy, and resources and support. Implications for family counseling and counselor preparation are also discussed.
Multiple Moving Objects

In this chapter as well as the next three, we investigate various extensions of the basic motion planning problem. In the present chapter we begin this investigation with a series of extensions which all involve multiple moving objects.
Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias

In humans, the typical range of the resting sinus heart rate is 50–90 beats per minute (bpm); most average healthy individuals have resting rates in the 60–70 bpm range. Bradycardia (slow heart beat) is a term used to refer to any heart rate 100 bpm. Disturbances of cardiac impulse formation and/or transmission comprise the principal mechanisms causing abnormalities of heart rhythm. In basic terms, these are classified as being either brady- or tachy-arrhythmias. The primary goals for treatment of arrhythmias are: (1) to alleviate symptoms and thus improve an individual’s quality of life; and (2) to prolong patient survival. Pharmacologic treatment has been the mainstay for management of most cardiac arrhythmias, although in recent years, implantable devices and ablations have become increasingly important. Therefore, nonpharmacologic therapies have begun to play an increasingly important role in curing many arrhythmias (catheter ablation), and preventing their life-threatening consequences [implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy for both primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD)].
Equity performance evaluation of two different pricing options: fuel tax per gallon and VMT fee

Currently, there has been extensive discussion on various pricing alternatives to the present tax per fuel gallon that is in effect. There has been great interest to identify additional resources that will increase the federal and state revenues allocated to the maintenance of the existing surface transportation network. The widely suggested policy measure of the vehiclemiles-traveled fee (VMT fee) is an alternative pricing option that has drawn great attention by researchers and policymakers, particularly regarding its equity performance among various social groups. In this context, the objective of this thesis is two-fold. The primary objective is to identify which social sub-groups are mostly affected under the current fuel tax option and the alternative VMT fee option. To achieve this, the author collated information on socioeconomic-, geographic-, and vehicle-specific attributes at the household (HH) level from the original Household and Vehicle Files of the 2009 National Household Travel Survey. The identification of the social sub-groups is realized via a three-stage least squares (3SLS) model development at the national level of analysis, where the dependent variables in the model specification for each pricing option are the average vehicle fuel efficiency and the vehicle-miles traveled for the fuel tax and the VMT fee option respectively. The second research objective of this thesis is to identify if the model specification at the national level may be applicable at a more localized level of analysis, for example for Iowa. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the asymptotic t-test of the individual coefficients are applied to test for differences in the two levels of analysis. The results of the first part of the analysis show that particular social sub-groups, such as HHs located in rural areas, or HHs that are located in states with lower fuel taxation,
Perioperative nutrition assessment in musculoskeletal trauma patients: Dietitian evaluation is superior to serum chemistries or modified screening questionnaire for risk stratification

Summary Introduction Malnutrition is a potentially modifiable risk factor associated with increased hospital charges, major wound complication, and fracture non-union after orthopaedic surgery. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between three nutrition screening tools and postoperative complications in patients undergoing acute fracture fixation. Methods Patients aged 18 or older undergoing acute operative fracture fixation at a Level I academic trauma center were screened upon admission using a malnutrition screening questionnaire (MSQ), and classified as low-, moderate- or high risk. Patients at moderate-to-high risk were assessed for clinical malnutrition by dietitian. Serum albumin, transferrin, total lymphocyte count, and 25(OH) Vitamin D were measured preoperatively. Primary outcome measures included twelve-month postoperative surgical and medical complications obtained by retrospective chart review. Results Of 373 patients, 17% were moderate-to-high risk of malnutrition by MSQ. Clinical malnutrition was diagnosed by dietitian in 4.3% of patients assessed. Nearly half of all subjects had deficiency in one or more serum biomarkers. Cost of biomarker assays was $624 per patient. Medical or surgical complications occurred in 19% of patients. Dietitian diagnosed malnutrition (clinical malnutrition) was the strongest predictor of complication (OR 3.49, p = 0.017). Hypoalbuminemia was also associated with increased complication risk (OR 1.79, p = 0.045). MSQ score was not correlated with postoperative complication. Conclusions Among the examined malnutrition screening tools, clinical malnutrition had the strongest association with postoperative complication. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with increased odds of complication, however there was a large false positive rate with all tested serum chemistries and high associated hospital charges compared to dietitian assessment. MSQ was a poor predictor of malnutrition and clinical outcome. Dietetic assessment is advised for orthopaedic trauma patients.
Neural correlates of cognitive deficits across developmental phases of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive deficits across all stages of the illness (i.e., high risk, first episode, early and chronic phases). Identifying the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of these deficits is an important area of scientific inquiry. Here, we selectively review evidence regarding the pattern of deficits across the developmental trajectory of schizophrenia using the five cognitive domains identified by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative. We also report associated findings from neuroimaging studies. We suggest that most cognitive domains are affected across the developmental trajectory, with corresponding brain structural and/or functional differences. The idea of a common mechanism driving these deficits is discussed, along with implications for cognitive treatment in schizophrenia.
Machine learning algorithms enhance the specificity of cancer biomarker detection using SERS-based immunoassays in microfluidic chips

Specificity is a challenge in liquid biopsy and early diagnosis of various diseases. There are only a few biomarkers that have been approved for use in cancer diagnostics; however, these biomarkers suffer from a lack of high specificity. Moreover, determining the exact type of disorder for patients with positive liquid biopsy tests is difficult, especially when the aberrant expression of one single biomarker can be found in various other disorders. In this study, a SERS-based protein biomarker detection platform in a microfluidic chip and two machine learning algorithms (K-nearest neighbor and classification tree) are used to improve the reproducibility and specificity of the SERS-based liquid biopsy assay. Applying machine learning algorithms to the analysis of the expression level data of 5 protein biomarkers (CA19-9, HE4, MUC4, MMP7, and mesothelin) in pancreatic cancer patients, ovarian cancer patients, pancreatitis patients, and healthy individuals improves the chance of recognition for one specific disorder among the aforementioned diseases with overlapping protein biomarker changes. Our results demonstrate a convenient but highly specific approach for cancer diagnostics using serum samples.
“It's almost like they're trying to hide it”: How User-Provided Image Descriptions Have Failed to Make Twitter Accessible

To make images on Twitter and other social media platforms accessible to screen reader users, image descriptions (alternative text) need to be added that describe the information contained within the image. The lack of alternative text has been an enduring accessibility problem since the “alt” attribute was added in HTML 2.0 over 20 years ago, and the rise of user-generated content has only increased the number of images shared. As of 2016, Twitter provides users the ability to turn on a feature that allows descriptions to be added to images in their tweets, presumably in an effort to combat this accessibility problem. What has remained unknown is whether simply enabling users to provide alternative text has an impact on experienced accessibility. In this paper, we present a study of 1.09 million tweets with images, finding that only 0.1% of those tweets included descriptions. In a separate analysis of the timelines of 94 blind Twitter users, we found that these image tweets included descriptions more often. Even users with the feature turned on only write descriptions for about half of the images they tweet. To better understand why users provide alternative text descriptions (or not), we interviewed 20 Twitter users who have written image descriptions. Users did not remember to add alternative text, did not have time to add it, or did not know what to include when writing the descriptions. Our findings indicate that simply making it possible to provide image descriptions is not enough, and reveal future directions for automated tools that may support users in writing high-quality descriptions.
Heteroscedasticity Diagnostics Based on

Weights are found for weighted least squares estimates such that a selected coefficient (a) changes by one standard deviation or (b) changes in sign. The length of the vector of weight changes is equal to the usual OLS standard error divided by the White-corrected standard errors. Thus the White-corrected standard errors can help decide if it is necessary to adjust the location of the confidence sets to correct for heteroscedasticity. The vector of weight changes is similar to the effect of omitting observations, one at a time. The sensitivity diagnostics of Belsley, Kuh and Welsch are therefore linked with heteroscedasticity issues.
What’s ploidy got to do with it? Understanding the evolutionary ecology of macroalgal invasions necessitates incorporating life cycle complexity

Biological invasions represent grave threats to terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems, but our understanding of the role of evolution during invasions remains rudimentary. In marine environments, macroalgae account for a large percentage of invaders, but their complicated life cycles render it difficult to move methodologies and predictions wholesale from species with a single, free-living ploidy stage, such as plants or animals. In haplodiplontic macroalgae, meiosis and fertilization are spatiotemporally separated by long-lived, multicellular haploid and diploid stages, and gametes are produced by mitosis, not meiosis. As a consequence, there are unique eco-evolutionary constraints that are not typically considered in invasions. First, selfing can occur in both monoicious (i.e., hermaphroditic) and dioicious (i.e., separate sexes) haplodiplontic macroalgae. In the former, fertilization between gametes produced by the same haploid thallus results in instantaneous, genome-wide homozygosity. In the latter, cross-fertilization between separate male and female haploids that share the same diploid parent is analogous to selfing in plants or animals. Separate sexes, therefore, cannot be used as a proxy for outcrossing. Second, selfing likely facilitates invasions (i.e., Baker's law) and the long-lived haploid stage may enable purging of deleterious mutations, further contributing to invasion success. Third, asexual reproduction will result in the dominance of one ploidy and/or sex and the loss of the other(s). Whether or not sexual reproduction can be recovered depends on which stage is maintained. Finally, fourth, haplodiplontic life cycles are predicted to be maintained through niche differentiation in the haploid and diploid stages. Empirical tests are rare, but fundamental to our understanding of macroalgal invasion dynamics. By highlighting these four phenomena, we can build a framework with which to empirically and theoretically address important gaps in the literature on marine evolutionary ecology, of which biological invasions can serve as unnatural laboratories.
Reference speed dating: Creating a spark at the reference desk

Reference services, whether face-to-face or virtual, have been and remain a core library service. The importance of reference services is reflected in the library and information science (LIS) curriculum, but it is often overlooked in continuing education opportunities for librarians. In both master’s degree programs and the few continuing education offerings for reference services, instructors generally focus on the reference interview. For many working librarians, this can feel rote and ineffectual. After all, they already learned this in school. Experienced librarians may also feel that the reference interview is old hat, while newer librarians would benefit more from real-world practice than a repeat of their reference class.
Challenges and Approaches for the Assessment of Micro-Service Architecture Deployment Alternatives in DevOps : A tutorial presented at ICSA 2020

The goal of this tutorial is to provide an overview of challenges and approaches for architecture/dependability assessment in the context of DevOps and microservices. Specifically, we present approaches that employ operational data obtained from production-level application performance management (APM) tools, giving access to operational workload profiles, architectural information, failure models, and security intrusions. We use this data to automatically create and conFigure architecture assessments based on models, load tests, and resilience benchmarks. The focus of this tutorial is on approaches that employ production usage, because these approaches provide more accurate recommendations for microservice architecture dependability assessment than approaches that do not consider production usage.We present an overview of (1) the state-of-the-art approaches for obtaining operational data from production systems using APM tools, (2) the challenges of dependability for DevOps and microservices, (3) selected approaches based on operational data to assess dependability. The architecture assessment focus of this tutorial is on scalability, resilience, survivability, and security. Particularly, we present a demo of the automated approach for the evaluation of a domain-based scalability and security metric assessment that is based on the microservice architecture ability to satisfy the performance requirement under load and/or intrusions. We illustrate the approach by presenting experimental results using a benchmark microservice architecture.
Staged Reconstruction for Chronic Rupture of Both Peroneal Tendons Using Hunter Rod and Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer

Chronic lateral ankle pain can have many different etiologies. Peroneal tendon pathology is a major cause. Fissuring and longitudinal splitting of the peroneus brevis and longus tendons have been reported as a common etiology for chronic lateral ankle pain and functional instability. Patients with advanced pathology who have failed both primary repair and anastomosis of peroneus brevis and longus present a surgical challenge, especially in young active patients where the goal is to achieve dynamic stabilization of the ankle and to restore peroneal tendon function. Staged reconstruction using a Hunter rod and the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon has been described as a salvage procedure for treatment of chronic ruptures of both peroneal tendons. The first stage involves debridement of the remaining portion of the peroneal tendons and sheath followed by implantation of a Hunter rod to the insertion of the peroneus brevis. Passive range-of-motion exercises for 3 months are allowed before removal of the Hunter rod. The second stage involves removal of the Hunter rod and transfer of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) into the newly formed sheath, attaching it to the insertion of the peroneus brevis on the fifth metatarsal base.
Studying the Impact of Video Modeling for Algebra Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities

An established research base exists for using video modeling to teach students with severe disabilities. However, the application of this strategy for teaching academic skills to students with a le...
A Tale of Two Lab Courses: An Account and Reflection on the Teaching Challenges Experienced by Organic and Analytical Chemistry Laboratories During the COVID-19 Period

A comparison of the experiences of both organic and analytical lab faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic distance learning initiative is described here. Faculty of both lab courses experienced four shared challenges in the transition to the online format: (1) experimental implementation, (2) assessments and postlab activities, (3) technological inequalities, and (4) synchronization of student attendance. Edited video content of the experiments was created for the organic laboratories but not for the analytical laboratories due to a lack of time and resources. A guided-inquiry activity used to engage organic chemistry students in the determination of the relative reaction rates of substitution reactions appeared to be less successful in the online environment for the students. Analytical lab faculty described using online guided data analysis problems to encourage students to keep up with the content and learn from their mistakes to further prepare themselves for related content in the activities that followed. Extended due dates were given on postlab assignments to mitigate technical issues encountered by the students. Interactive lab experiences for organic chemistry laboratories and hybrid laboratories for analytical chemistry laboratories are proposed for future semesters. Both courses implemented flexible scheduling of lectures, office hours, and workshops to offset student concerns.
Financial Analytics Toolkit: Cash Flow Projections

This note reviews the basics of projecting cash flows for a typical operating decision. To find the economic consequences of any decision, one needs to project the cash flow effects of that decision and discount those at the appropriate hurdle rate. The focus on cash flows arises because any evaluation of economic impact must recognize opportunity costs—the other uses to which one might allocate resources available to a firm. This note discusses two typical ways to organize operating information to calculate cash flow, typically referred to as free cash flow in this context. The first estimates the cash consequences related to various elements of a decision. The second starts with a typical accounting estimate of operating income before taxes and then makes adjustments. The concepts in this note are applied to the firm Morgan Industries, a setting that has been integrated across all the Financial Analytics Toolkit series of technical notes. Excerpt UVA-F-1896 Rev. Dec. 6, 2019 Financial Analytics Toolkit: Cash Flow Projections To find the economic consequences of any decision, one needs to project the cash flow effects of that decision and discount those at the appropriate hurdle rate. This note reviews the basics of projecting cash flows for a typical operating decision. The focus on cash flows arises because any evaluation of economic impact must recognize opportunity costs—the other uses to which one might allocate resources available to a firm. Since a cash flow received today can be invested, it matters whether a decision generates a cash flow today versus a cash flow in the future. The central challenge with cash flow projections, therefore, is to adjust correctly for items that affect the timing of cash flows: accrual accounting impacts on reported results and tax effects associated with depreciation and amortization. There are two typical ways to organize operating information to calculate cash flow. The first estimates the cash consequences related to various elements of a decision. We will refer to this approach as a calculation of cash flow by parts. The second starts with a typical accounting estimate of operating income before taxes and then makes adjustments. We will refer to this approach as a calculation of free cash flow. In either situation, the resulting cash flow can be referred to as "free cash flow," though this name is more commonly associated with the second approach. . . .
Hepatic angiosarcoma in an adult who had Wilms tumor treated in childhood: A case report

Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare, highly aggressive mesenchymal liver malignancy with poor prognosis that stems from the endothelial cells that line the walls of blood or lymphatic vessels. It is the third most common primary liver malignancy and is most prevalent among older males. It is difficult to diagnose due to various clinical presentations from asymptomatic to abdominal pain, pleural effusion, and liver failure. The diagnosis of liver angiosarcoma is suspected on imaging features and confirmed by histopathological assessment. Primary management is determined based on the stage of tumor from surgery to palliative care such as chemotherapy or tumor transarterial embolization. We report a 51-year-old female who presented with stage 4 liver angiosarcoma and a history of childhood Wilms tumor. We focus on tumor management using radiological modalities and pathological analysis and discuss secondary liver tumors in survivors of childhood Wilms tumor.
Longitudinal Analysis of Complementary Health Approaches in Adults Aged 25-74 Years from the Midlife in the U.S. Survey Sample.

Objectives: Complementary health approaches include herbal products and mind–body practices. Several studies have identified predictors for complementary health approach use, yet there are two gaps...
Silver Nanoparticles Stable to Oxidation and Silver Ion Release Show Size-Dependent Toxicity In Vivo

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in commerce, however, the effect of their physicochemical properties on toxicity remains debatable because of the confounding presence of Ag+ ions. Thus, we designed a series of AgNPs that are stable to surface oxidation and Ag+ ion release. AgNPs were coated with a hybrid lipid membrane comprised of L-phosphatidylcholine (PC), sodium oleate (SOA), and a stoichiometric amount of hexanethiol (HT) to produce oxidant-resistant AgNPs, Ag–SOA–PC–HT. The stability of 7-month aged, 20–100 nm Ag–SOA–PC–HT NPs were assessed using UV–Vis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while the toxicity of the nanomaterials was assessed using a well-established, 5-day embryonic zebrafish assay at concentrations ranging from 0–12 mg/L. There was no change in the size of the AgNPs from freshly made samples or 7-month aged samples and minimal Ag+ ion release (<0.2%) in fishwater (FW) up to seven days. Toxicity studies revealed AgNP size- and concentration-dependent effects. Increased mortality and sublethal morphological abnormalities were observed at higher concentrations with smaller nanoparticle sizes. This study, for the first time, determined the effect of AgNP size on toxicity in the absence of Ag+ ions as a confounding variable.
Two New Characterizations of Ordinal Efficiency

We study the object allocation problem and present two new characterizations of ordinal efficiency in terms of supports of random assignments. Our main characterization provides a link between ex-post and ordinal efficiency.
Influence of forage substrates on environmental and egg microbiology in cage-free aviary housing.

SUMMARY Within aviary systems, open litter areas are provided to allow hens to express a more robust behavioral repertoire. However, data is limited on the influence forage substrates have on environmental and egg microbiology. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of forage substrates on environmental and egg microbiology in aviary housing systems. Hens were housed in a commercial, cage-free multi-tier aviary with open litter areas, which contained one of three forage substrates (straw, artificial turf, and shavings) or bare concrete floors. Environmental and egg sampling occurred at hen ages: 25, 37, 51 and 64 wk. Drag swab aerobic bacteria levels from the litter area of the artificial turf group were lower (6.86 log cfu/mL) compared to the other substrate groups (P
Applying evolutionary programming to improve branch classification in the hybrid branch prediction method using Switch-Counter

Providing accurate branch prediction is critical to exploit instruction level parallelism effectively. This paper shows that applying evolutionary programming in the hybrid branch prediction method using Switch-Counter can improve branch classification, thus increase branch prediction accuracy. In our study, various EP strategies and algorithms are applied to search the optimum branch classification. Using trace-driven simulation on SPEC2000, SPEC95, and MediaBench benchmarks, we measured the branch prediction accuracy of the hybrid prediction method using Switch-Counter both applying EP and without applying EP. The empirical results show that EP could gain impressive improvements of the branch classification so that the hybrid method achieved higher prediction accuracy comparing with that without EP. The contributions for the improvements by various genetic operators are evaluated as well. The empirical results also show that the EP algorithm applied in branch classification converges fairly fast. This limits the increase of compilation time. The attempt at applying EP to improve branch classification is an innovation in branch prediction. The results are quite encouraging.
Quantum Theory of Inverse Bremsstrahlung Absorption and Pair Production

The inverse Bremsstrahlung process is believed to play an important role in the heating of plasma electrons by laser radiation. In this process, an electron absorbs energy from the laser beam during a collision with a nucleus. From a classical viewpoint, the electron oscillates in the electric field of the laser beam. During a collision with a nucleus, the electron is knocked out of phase with the electric field, and the oscillatory energy of the electron is converted to random thermal energy. From a quantum viewpoint, the electron can gain energy only in units of ħω, where ω is the frequency of the laser radiation, and it is not clear that the classical theory is valid. In this paper, we discuss the quantum theory of inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption, and compare the quantum results to the classical results.