cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, development, and calibration of a force-moment measurement system for wheel–rail contact mechanics in roller rigs

Abstract A force measurement system, referred to as “dynamometer”, for accurately acquiring the contact forces and moment in a single-wheel roller rig using piezo-electric load cells is designed and developed. Accurate determination of the wheel–rail contact forces and moments is an essential requirement for studying the wheel–rail contact mechanics. The dynamometer is placed in the load-path between the wheel–rail interface and the ground, enabling it to measure the forces and moments at the interface. A series of tests are performed to determine the quasi-static and dynamic characteristics of the dynamometer. Additionally, finite element analysis and multi-body dynamic modeling are used to establish flexural modes and dynamic interface between the components. The simulation and test results indicate that the dynamometer is able to accurately and reliably measure the contact forces and moments at the wheel–rail interface.
Inferentialism and communicative action: Robust conceptions of intersubjectivity

Brandom's inferentialism provides a semantics that complements Habermas's theory of communicative action without sacrificing its intersubjectivist insights. Pace Habermas, Brandom's conception of communication is robustly intersubjective. At the pragmatic level, interlocutors inherit each other's commitments and entitlements and must justify their claims when challenged; at the semantic level, anaphora show how the web of meaning is knit together, connecting expressions of the language as well as interlocutors. Finally, Habermas's thesis that there are three irreducible types of validity claim is preserved by linking claims to truth and rightness with mutually irreducible patterns of inference.
Arabinoxylan composition in barley, malt, and beer

Arabinoxylans comprise 4–8% of the barley kernel and are major constituents of both aleurone and endosperm cell walls. They are partially water soluble, high-molecular-weight polymers that contribu...
Rapid response of guinea pig thyroid to a single injection of thyrotropic hormone.

Summary and ConclusionsA single, subcutaneous injection of thyrotropic hormone will result in a significant increase in mean acinar cell height within 8 to 16 hours, which is comparable to that heretofore reported in 72 hours following a series of daily injections. This measured response persists at least 48 hours following injection.
The Ranking of Incomplete Tournaments: A Mathematician's Guide to Popular Sports

(1983). The Ranking of Incomplete Tournaments: A Mathematician's Guide to Popular Sports. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 90, No. 4, pp. 246-266.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Micro-organisms of Cooked Meat Products in Bulk in Zhenjiang Market

[Objective]To study the spatial and temporal distribution of microorganism of cooked meat products in bulk and its influencing factor in Zhenjiang market,so as to provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of food-borne disease.[Methods]Three samples of cooked meat products in bulk from 32 stores were collected monthly in 2008,the samples were examined for the total bacteria counts,coliforms,Salmonella,Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus,according to detection methods of national standard GB/T 4789-2003.χ2 test was used for comparison of sample rate by SPSS 13.0.[Results]The total qualified rate was 71.88% of 1152 cooked meat samples.The main reasons for failure were excess of the standards of total number of bacteria and coliform,and detection of no pathogenic bacteria.The peak months were June to October.The rates beyond the standards of total number of bacteria and coliform bacteria in barbecue products were higher than that in braised products,the difference was significant(P0.01).The rate beyond the standard of coliform was in sequence of farmers marketshoprestaurant large-scale supermarket.The rate beyond the standard of the total number of bacteria was in sequence of farmers marketrestaurantshoplarge-scale supermarket,and the difference were significant(P0.01).[Conclusion]Hygienic quality of cooked meat products in bulk needs to be improved,it is necessary to strengthen the health supervision of pollution links of processing,transportation and sale.
Space-based Tests of Relativistic Gravitation

Since its initial publication, Einstein’s general theory of relativity had been tested to a very high precision and presently is considered to be the standard theory of gravitation, especially when the phenomena in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics are concerned. As such, this theory has many practically important applications including spacecraft navigation, relativistic geodesy, time transfer, etc. Here we discuss the foundations of general relativity, present its current empirical status, and highlight the need for the new generation of high-accuracy tests. We present some space-based gravitational experiments and discuss anticipated advances in our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.
Successful Aging in the Context of the Disablement Process: Working and Volunteering as Moderators on the Association Between Chronic Conditions and Subsequent Functional Limitations

Objectives This study evaluated the successful aging model by assessing the impact of two forms of productive engagement-working and volunteering-as potential interventions in the process of disablement. Method The Health and Retirement Study was used to (a) estimate two-stage selection equations of (i) currently working part time and full time and (ii) currently volunteering less than 100 hours and volunteering 100 hours or more per year (net of chronic health problems) and (b) assess whether, net of selection, working, and volunteering moderate the association between chronic conditions and subsequent functional limitations. Results Chronic conditions were associated with elevated levels of subsequent functional limitations, whereas both working and volunteering were associated with lower levels of subsequent functional limitations. Moreover, workers and volunteers of less than 100 hours per year experienced a reduction in the association of chronic conditions on subsequent functional limitations. Discussion This research highlights the role of productive engagement as a key element in successful aging. Not only do work and volunteering have direct associations with health outcomes themselves, but they also act as potential interventions in the process of disablement by attenuating the way in which chronic conditions are translated into subsequent functional limitations. This suggests that (a) future research should apply successful aging models to health processes as well as health outcomes and (b) policy makers should support social institutions that foster late-life productive engagement.
Quantum Groups and Operons

When we quantize a classical theory of objects we find a quantum theory of actions. What if we quantize a classical theory of actions? (For example, the concept of semigroup.) We find a higher-order quantum theory of “double actions”, which is the subject of this chapter.
Improving perioperative care for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients: The impact of a multidisciplinary care approach

The complex nature of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requires a wide variety of health care providers. A well-coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach to the care of these patients is essential for providing high-quality care. This review offers an up-to-date overview of the numerous interventions and safety measures for improving outcomes after AIS surgery throughout the perioperative phases of care. Reducing the risk of potentially devastating and costly complications after AIS surgery is the responsibility of every single member of the health care team. Specifically, this review will focus on the perioperative measures for preventing surgical site infections, reducing the risk of neurologic injury, minimizing surgical blood loss, and preventing postoperative complications. Also, the review will highlight the postoperative protocols that emphasize early mobilization and accelerated discharge.
Re-Readings and Misreadings: Slaughter-House, Privileges or Immunities and Section Five Enforcement Powers

This Article wears two hats: on the one hand it responds to recent revisionist re-readings of Justice Miller's opinion in the Slaughter-House Cases, and on the other hand it seeks a historical connection between two areas of Fourteenth Amendment jurisprudence invigorated by recent Supreme Court decisions. On the latter point I argue that the historical background of the framing and early application of the Fourteenth Amendment reveals an intimate and essential connection between the proper interpretation of the Privileges or Immunities Clause (an issue hinted at by the Court in Saenz v. Roe) and congressional enforcement powers under Section Five (an issue actively addressed by the Court in City of Boerne and its progeny). The Article's architecture is as follows: Part One critiques the Slaughter-House revisionists, arguing that they provide an overly charitable reading of Justice Miller's opinion on the question of the incorporation of the Bill of Rights. Part Two explores the historical evidence from congressional debates about the Amendment and simultaneous congressional legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Freedman's Bureau Act and then critiques the revisionists' implicit adoption of Miller's anti-natural rights interpretation of federal citizenship privileges. Part Three develops the idea of the congressional power of interpretive enforcement of the Privileges and Immunities Clause, primarily through a close reading of some of the congressional actions throughout Reconstruction, including the Anti-Peonage Act, the Enforcement (Anti-Klan) Act of 1871 and the Civil Rights Act of 1875. This Part argues that Congress took a fairly broad view of the Privileges or Immunities Clause and its own powers prior to the Supreme Court's decision in Slaughter-House, and that Slaughter-House re-directed congressional discourse away from a more expansive, fundamental rights interpretation of the Clause and toward a more constrained equality-of-rights interpretation. Finally, Part Four discusses the final blow to congressional development of the Privileges or Immunities Clause, the Civil Rights Cases. This Article suggests that if it is true that Congress should play an important role in developing the contours of the Privileges or Immunities Clause, then actions by Congress which are based on its understanding of the Clause should be accorded more deference than currently granted by Court. By re-uniting the historical understandings of the Privileges or Immunities Clause and the Enforcement Clause modern interpreters might find a plausible but overlooked constitutional basis for congressional actions to protect the rights of groups such as women, the disabled, and religious minorities.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Conformational Response to Fusion Protein in the Third Intracellular Loop

Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to study conformational equilibria at the intracellular tips of helices VI and VII in a variant β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) containing T4-lysozyme fused into the third intracellular loop (β2AR-T4L), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) modification widely used in crystal structure determination. G-protein signaling at helix VI showed nearly complete population of an active-like state for all ligand efficacies in the absence of an intracellular protein. For arrestin signaling at helix VII, a native-like equilibrium was observed, except for complexes with ligands devoid of a hydrophobic moiety at the ethanolamine end. These data confirm that response of G-protein and arrestin signaling to ligand efficacy is not coupled, and presents evidence for long-range effects between fusion protein and orthosteric binding cavity, which are suppressed by voluminous bound ligands. Solution NMR thus provides complementary information, which should be considered in functional interpretations of GPCR crystal structures obtained with ICL3 fusions.
Release of High Levels of Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) from Platelets Improves Survival after a Lethal Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Challenge.

Abstract Infusion of activated protein C (APC) improves survival in sepsis. PF4 is a CXC chemokine predominantly expressed during megakaryopoiesis and stored in platelet alpha-granules whose biological function(s) are not well understood. We have shown that recombinant PF4 enhances APC generation by thrombin/thrombomodulin complexes both in vitro and in vivo. Would endogenous PF4 released from platelets activated during an inflammatory state similarly affect APC production? We addressed this issue using mice that were either completely devoid of PF4 (mPF4−/−) or had a 6-fold excess of human PF4 (hPF4+). Using a lethal LPS challenge model (O111:B4, 40 mg/kg IP), we examined whether platelets become activated and release PF4 during endotoxemia. Two hours after LPS injection, the platelet count in mice decreased to ~70% of baseline levels (p=0.006). Serum PF4, as measured by ELISA, also dropped to ~60% of baseline from 47±5 kU/ml to 30±5 kU/ml (p=0.002). At the same time, plasma PF4 level was increased by 20%, consistent with LPS resulting in PF4 release. The smaller increase than expected suggests that much of the released PF4 binds immediately to the surface of vascular cells. Consistent with this, we have observed higher accumulation of PF4 in mouse lungs after LPS injection compared to uninjected mice (990±220 and 660±120 U/mg, respectively, p=0.017). APC generation was assessed 10 min after thrombin infusion (80 U/kg. IV) as a measure of endogenous platelet PF4's effect in an inflammatory/procoagulant state. In mPF4−/− mice APC levels were 72% of that in wild type (WT) mice (p=0.0006) while in hPF4+ mice APC formation increased to 178% (p=0.003). Survival of mice 24 hrs after LPS (25 mg/kg) challenge was then examined. hPF4+ mice had a mortality rate of 9% compared to ~40% in both WT and mPF4−/− (p
What Is the “Palestinian Economy”?

Palestinian economic development can be reframed within the context of a century-old conflict between Palestinian national self-determination and the Zionist nationalist project. My alternative narrative concurs that the “Palestinian economy” is one of two distinct economic models which coexist within the historic territory of Palestine but without any pretense of parity or catching-up. One is the globalized, industrialized, financialized Jewish economy of the State of Israel, and the other—within its envelope—the Arab regional economies that have survived. However, the real “economy of Palestine” today is neither homogenous nor a coherent entity. It is constituted by diverging peripheral Arab regions, within pre-1967 Israel and in the areas occupied since—at least five noncontiguous, enclave economies, scattered from the north to the south of the area under sovereignty of the State of Israel.
Magnetized direct current microdischarge I. Effect of the gas pressure

Following Paschen's law, electrical breakdown of gaps with small pd, where p is the gas pressure and d is the interelectrode gap, requires extremely high voltages. This means that the breakdown voltage for low-pressure microdischarges is of the order of a few kilovolts. This makes impractical the generation of low-pressure dc microdischarges. The application of dc magnetic field confines electrons in the cathode-anode gap. This leads to the significant decrease in the breakdown voltage because each electron experiences many collisions during its diffusion toward the anode. However, as was obtained experimentally, magnetized low-pressure microdischarges experience numerous instabilities whose nature is still not completely understood. In the present paper, we study the influence of the magnetic field on the low-pressure microdischarges. We use the self-consistent one-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo collisions model, which takes into account the electron magnetization while ions remain unmagnetized...
State Health Department Accreditation Technical Assistance: A Focused Strategic Thinking Approach:

Public health departments provide many services critical to maintaining healthy populations, including communicable disease control, immunizations, primary care, and emergency preparedness. The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has established an accreditation process for public health departments that measures departmental performance against nationally recognized, evidence-based standards. The goal is to recognize departmental strengths and weaknesses, strengthen partnerships, and promote the prioritization of organizational goals to improve community health. Achieving accreditation from the PHAB requires health departments to develop Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and Strategic Plan processes. The intent of the CHA is to determine contributing factors for poor health outcomes and assess available resources. Building on the CHA, the CHIP establishes health priorities and improvement strategies, including measurable health outcomes and recommended poli...
The Phenomenon of Conglomerate Crystallization. Part 44. Counterion Control of Crystallization Pathway Selection. Part VI. The Crystallization Behavior of [Co(abap)(NO2)2]Cl (I), [Co(abap)(NO2)2]ClO4 (II), [Co(abap)(NO2)2]PF6·H2O (III) and [Co(abap)(NO2)2]I·H2O (IV)

Coordination compounds of Co(III) and the dissymmetric tripodal ligand [N-(2-aminoethyl)-N, N’-bis(3-aminopropyl)-amine] produces a series of anionic derivatives of the cation [Co(abap)(NO2)2]+ whose single crystal structures have been determined here in order to document the crystallization pathway selected by these species and to further explore the effect the counter ion has in the selection of the crystallization pathway of racemic solutions.
Abnormally glycosylated MUC1 establishes a positive feedback circuit of inflammatory cytokines, mediated by NF-κB p65 and EzH2, in colitis-associated cancer

// Sandra Cascio 1, 2 , Jacque L. Faylo 3 , Joshua C. Sciurba 1 , Jia Xue 1 , Sarangarajan Ranganathan 4 , Jason J. Lohmueller 1 , Pamela L. Beatty 1 and Olivera J. Finn 1 1 Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA 2 Fondazione Ri.Med, Palermo, 90133, Italy 3 Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA 4 Division of Pediatric Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA Correspondence to: Sandra Cascio, email: sac131@pitt.edu Keywords: colitis-associated cancer; Mucin 1; altered glycosylation; EzH2; pro-inflammatory cytokines Received: June 14, 2017 Accepted: September 08, 2017 Published: October 27, 2017 ABSTRACT The abnormal hypoglycosylated form of the epithelial mucin MUC1 is over-expressed in chronic inflammation and on human adenocarcinomas, suggesting its potential role in inflammation-driven tumorigenesis. The presence of human MUC1 aggravates colonic inflammation and increases tumor initiation and progression in an in vivo AOM/DSS mouse model of colitis-associated cancer (CAC). High expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, were found in MUC1+ inflamed colon tissues. Exogenous TNF-α promoted the transcriptional activity of MUC1 as well as over-expression of its hypoglycosylated form in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In turn, hypoglycosylated MUC1 in IECs associated with p65 and up-regulated the expression of NF-κB-target genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intestinal chronic inflammation also increased the expression of histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste protein-2 (EzH2) and its interaction with cytokine promoters. Consequently, EzH2 was a positive regulator of MUC1 and p65-mediated IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression, and this function was not dependent on its canonical histone H3K27 methyltransferase activity. Our findings provide a mechanistic basis for already known tumorigenic role of the hypoglycosylated MUC1 in CAC, involving a transcriptional positive feedback loop of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Using pre-course survey responses to predict sporadic learner behaviors in advanced STEM MOOCs work-in-progress

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) attract learners with different learner intentions, background knowledge, and skills as compared to traditional, closed enrollment settings. This level of diversity in learners introduces new factors that impact student persistence and engagement. Previous research has analyzed MOOC learners who are either fully engaged in a course in its entirety or at least consistently accessing course materials. Sporadic users, those who access course content randomly, have not been studied as in depth, even though they comprise the largest number of learners in a highly advanced engineering MOOC. In this study, we use clickstream data and pre-survey data to understand sporadic learners in a highly advanced nanoelectronics MOOC. We used a MOOC on nanotechnology with a total enrolment of close of 10,000 users offered for a duration of 8-weeks. We identified that academic preparedness, learner intentions, and expected time commitment could be used to predict sporadic users. Finally, an effect size analysis was performed.
The Neurotoxin DSP-4 Induces Hyperalgesia in Rats that is Accompanied by Spinal Oxidative Stress and Cytokine Production

Abstract Central neuropathic pain (CNP) a significant problem for many people, is not well-understood and difficult to manage. Dysfunction of the central noradrenergic system originating in the locus coeruleus (LC) may be a causative factor in the development of CNP. The LC is the major noradrenergic nucleus of the brain and plays a significant role in central modulation of nociceptive neurotransmission. Here, we examined CNS pathophysiological changes induced by intraperitoneal administration of the neurotoxin DSP-4 (N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride). Administration of DSP-4 decreased levels of norepinephrine in spinal tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and led to the development of thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia over 21 days, that was reversible with morphine. Hyperalgesia was accompanied by significant increases in noradrenochrome (oxidized norepinephrine) and expression of 4-hydroxynonenal in CSF and spinal cord tissue respectively at day 21, indicative of oxidative stress. In addition, spinal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins 6 and 17A, tumor necrosis factor-α), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin10 were also significantly elevated at day 21, indicating that an inflammatory response occurred. The inflammatory effect of DSP-4 presented in this study that includes oxidative stress may be particularly useful in elucidating mechanisms of CNP in inflammatory disease states.
3D printed sound absorbers using functionally-graded sonic crystals

In this work, a thin functionally-graded sound absorber that achieves an absorption coefficient near unity is demonstrated. The sound absorber consists of a multilayer arrangement of an interwoven sonic crystal lattice with varying filling fractions, backed by a thin elastic coating that acts as a flexural acoustic element. The overall thickness of the sound absorber is about one tenth of the wavelength in air, and it was 3D printed with a thermoplastic polyurethane. Samples were fabricated and acoustically tested in an air-filled acoustic impedance tube, from which absorption and effective acoustic properties were obtained. A theoretical formulation for the effective acoustic properties of the sonic crystal lattice was used to guide the design process, and excellent agreement was found between measured and theoretically predicted results. A range of sonic crystal filling fractions and thicknesses were tested to verify the fabrication process and robustness of the theoretical formulation, and both were found to be in excellent agreement. Based on this testing and analysis, an optimal arrangement was found that achieved simultaneous near zero reflectance and transmittance over a given frequency band, thereby resulting in an absorption coefficient near unity. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
The Epistemic/Deontic Suffix -Hat/Het in Hungarian: Derivational or Inflectional?

In virtually all grammatical accounts of Hungarian, the suffix hat/het (e.g. tanul-hat ‘can learn (from)’, es-het ‘may fall’) is categorized as derivational. In an innovative article, Kenesei (1996) reexamines this conventional wisdom, and argues that based on the morpho-syntax of the language -hat/het should be considered an inflectional suffix. In this work I claim that morpho-phonological evidence suggests otherwise, and offer a reconciliation between the dual patterning of -hat/het: one based on morpho-syntax, the other based on morpho-phonology.
The iHealth Revolution

Even as the increasing prominence and pervasiveness of the Internet is causing significant changes in many aspects of society, it is also causing significant shifts in the way people think, talk, and act regarding their health and health care. The changes are suggesting such fundamental shifts in the way people experience and providers practice health and health care that it may be best characterized as an iHealth (Internet-Health) revolution. This chapter will discuss the impact of the Internet on the health and healthcare experiences of patients.
Nonsurgical Ablation of Breast Cancer: Future Options for Small Breast Tumors

The surgical management of breast cancer has evolved significantly, facilitated by advancements in technology and imaging and improvements in adjuvant therapy. The changes in surgical management have been characterized by equal or improved outcomes with significantly less morbidity. The next step in this evolution is the minimally invasive or noninvasive ablation of breast cancers as an alternative to lumpectomy. In this article, the various modalities for nonsurgical breast cancer ablation and the clinical experience are reviewed, and some of the next steps necessary for their clinical implementation are outlined.
Problems of Modernity. The Uncertainties of Family Status in the United States

As a general rule, Americans tend to be ethnocentric, focusing primarily on the past, present and future of the United States, and rarely contemplating the world outside their borders except as it relates to them. Accordingly, the notion of the “European family” is not a highly developed construct for Americans. When Americans do think about European families, they envision a more traditional family structure than is the norm in the United States. The truth is, however, that families, and particularly family policy, in Europe and the United States are becoming more similar over time.
Effectiveness of macronutrient supplementation on nutritional status and HIV/AIDS progression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary Background & aims Malnutrition is common in Sub-Saharan Africa, weakening the immune function of persons living with HIV infection (PLWH). Being malnourished at the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to higher risk of early mortality and reduced quality of life. Thus, introduction of protein-energy-fortified macronutrient supplements at ART initiation may improve HIV treatment outcomes. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of macronutrient interventions. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis included 15 studies conducted from 2000 to 2015 among Sub-Saharan African adults. Results Six randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective cohort studies provided data eligible for a meta-analysis. Supplementation significantly increased the overall standardized mean difference (SMD) between baseline and follow-up data in weight (SMD = 0.382, p Conclusion Protein-energy-fortified macronutrient supplementation at ART initiation may positively influence nutritional status and immunologic response in PLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A Multivariable Model Predictive of Unplanned Postoperative Intubation in Infant Surgical Patients.

BACKGROUND:Unplanned postoperative intubation is an important quality indicator, and is associated with significantly increased mortality in children. Infant patients are more likely than older pediatric patients to experience unplanned postoperative intubation, yet the literature provides few chara
Abstract 223: Adherence to Warfarin and Oral Anticoagulants: Outcomes of 12 Months Follow-up in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Adherence to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (warfarin) is an essential element of anticoagulation effectiveness and can be related to the outcomes of long-term therapy....
Measuring the CKM Matrix Element Vtb at DZero and CDF

I present measurements by the CDF collaboration of the Standard Model three generation CKM matrix element Vtb and of a special case extension with additional assumptions, using current Tevatron ttbar data. I then show how we can significantly improve the precision on Vtb and at the same time extend the measurement so it is not constrained by Standard Model assumptions, using single top production at the upgraded Tevatron.
The Joint Utilization Management Program-Implementation of a Bundle Payment Model and Comparison Between Year 1 and 2 Results.

Abstract Background Health care spending is projected to increase throughout the next decade alongside the number of total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) performed. Such growth places significant financial burden on the economic system. To address these concerns, Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) is becoming a favorable reimbursement model. The aim of this study is to present the outcomes with BPCI model focused on the post–acute care (PAC) phase and compare the outcomes between years 1 and 2 of implementation. Methods The Joint Utilization Management Program (JUMP) was implemented in January 2014. Inclusion criteria were Medicare patients undergoing primary unilateral in-patient TJA procedures, outpatient procedures that resulted in an in-hospital admission, and trauma episodes that required TJA. Scorecards monitoring surgeons' performance and tracking length of stay (LOS) in the PAC setting were established. The data generated from these scorecards guided percentage sum-allocation from the total gain-shared sum among the participating providers. Results A total of 683 JUMP patients were assessed over two years. PAC utilization decreased between 2014 and 2015. The average LOS was longer in year 1 than year 2 (4.50 vs 3.19 days). In-patient rehabilitation (IPR) decreased from 6.45% to 3.22%, with a decrease in IPR average LOS of 1.47 days. The rate of 30-day readmission was lower for JUMP patients in 2015 than 2014 (8.77% vs 10.56%), with day of readmission being earlier (11.91 days vs 13.71 days) in 2014. Conclusion Under the BPCI program, our experience with the JUMP model demonstrates higher efficiency of care in the PAC setting through reduced LOS, IPR admission rates, and 30-day readmission rate.
Mediterranean Style Gated Communities around the World: Architecture, Globalization, and Transnational Elites:

Mediterranean style houses, mansions, and villas are found in elite enclaves around the world. There is a large literature on gated communities. However, the ubiquity of this Mediterranean style as...
Software Life Cycle Models

The production process of a software system is usually called the life cycle of the system. To describe software life cycles, a number of models have been proposed. The earliest may be the waterfall model.1
Open hole tensile testing of 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites

In this study, the effects of stress concentration on the tensile properties of a 3D printed carbon fiber-nylon composite were investigated. The samples were 3D printed with continuous carbon fiber...
Gulf of Mexico Pipeline Construction Cost

The offshore oil and gas industry in the United States is one of the largest and most transparent markets in the world, but reliable and representative cost data are still notoriously difficult to obtain across most sectors. The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate public sources of offshore pipeline construction costs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to expand the knowledge base in the area and to provide additional insight into construction activity. Using data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, industry publications, and press releases, pipeline construction costs in the Gulf of Mexico from 1980 to 2019 are examined. The average inflation-adjusted cost to install gas transmission pipelines from 1995 to 2019 was $3.3 million/mi, and industry publications yield an average pipeline cost of $3.1 million/mi. Data sources vary in their scope and quality and need to be interpreted with an understanding of their limitations. A description of the data sources and their limitations is provided.
Brief CommunicationsEndothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in a new rodent model of spontaneous hypertension☆

The purpose of this study was to determine plasma and tissue endothelin-1 (ET-1)-like immunoreactivity in a new rodent model of spontaneous hypertension. Plasma and tissues were procured from pentobarbital-anesthetized 16- to 18-week-old male hamsters with spontaneous hypertension and genetically/age-matched normotensive hamsters. We found that ET-1-like immunoreactivity in the plasma was similar in both groups. However, renal and cardiac ET-1-like immunoreactivity was 11- and 1.7-fold higher in spontaneously hypertensive hamsters relative to normotensive hamsters, respectively (P < .05). ET-1-like immunoreactivity was slightly, but significantly, lower in the lung and spleen of spontaneously hypertensive hamsters relative to normotensive hamsters (P < .05). ET-1-like immunoreactivity in the liver and brain was similar in both groups. We conclude that ET-1-like immunoreactivity is significantly higher in two target organs for hypertension, kidney and heart, but not in plasma or brain of adult male hamsters with spontaneous hypertension, relative to genetically/age-matched normotensive hamsters. We suggest that renal and cardiac ET-1 could play a role in the natural history of spontaneous hypertension in hamsters.
President Trump: The Conquest of Backfire Scandal Management?

President Trump’s two major scandals—the Russian scandal and the Ukraine scandal—are both examples of power scandals. Unlike the other power scandals profiled in this book, Trump’s approach to scandal management included the contemplation of the use of backfires and their full deployment. During a crucial moment of the Russian investigation, Trump claimed that he had personally been the subject of illegal wiretapping. When questions arose over the propriety of his call with the President of Ukraine, Trump asserted that the real scandal involved former Vice President Joe Biden and his son. As with the other presidents discussed in the case studies, Trump had reason to think he would benefit from the use of backfires. Evidence from his public statements and other sources indicate that he utilized this tactic of scandal management to a greater and more effective degree than Nixon, Reagan, or Clinton.
Starting Your Own Practice

Starting a practice is a life-changing endeavor that is both rewarding and frustrating all in one. The most important thing you will ever do is to decide on where you want to live and put down roots. Starting your own practice is as important of a decision that you will ever make, and it affects everything you have worked so hard to accomplish. Being prepared and researching the area you choose to practice and live and knowing whom to hire to help you are not instant decisions. Things need to be thought out both short- and long term. A banker, accountant, attorney/compliance officer, administrator, and computer engineer/information technology (IT) are much needed to attain your goals. Remembering that you are an ophthalmologist first and do not know it all; asking for help will make these processes and important decisions much easier and in the end, success can and will be yours.
Recognizing the Role of Health Care Providers in Dismantling the Trauma-to-Prison Pipeline

Trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal or violent events, yet many health care providers treat the challenging behavioral manifestations of trauma with judgment or misunderstanding. As providers who care for vulnerable children, it is our obligation to understand and interrogate our roles within systems that perpetuate the overcriminalization of developmentally appropriate responses to trauma and abuse, which create the trauma-to-prison pipeline. By understanding this pipeline and its impact, we as health care providers can better support our trauma-exposed patients and advocate for systemic change to dismantle and disrupt it. Exposure to trauma and abuse can impact the reactivity of the prefrontal cortex’s “fear circuitry,” perpetuating a prolonged or sudden stress response even if a tangible danger is not present.1 Fear responses can be difficult to manage, particularly in youth, and can lead to substance use, emotional outbursts, self-harm, truancy, or other challenging behaviors to cope with underlying activation.2 Unfortunately, many institutions, including health care, augment the negative impacts of trauma by pathologizing these behaviors rather than recognizing and treating them for what they are: manifestations of trauma. Here we discuss 2 well-described pathways that health care providers should recognize, in which existing systems increase the likelihood for traumatized children to be incarcerated and … Address correspondence to Yuan He, MD, MPH, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Dr, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19147. E-mail: yuan.he{at}pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Increasing Access to Contraception in the United States: Assessing Achievement and Sustainability

Background: During October 2016 through May 2018, a learning community was convened to focus on policies and programs to increase access to the full range of contraceptive options for women of reproductive age. The Increasing Access to Contraception (IAC) Learning Community included 27 jurisdictions, with teams from each jurisdiction consisting of state health department leaders, program staff, and provider champions. At the kick-off meeting, teams from each jurisdiction created action plans that outlined their goals. Methods: We contacted jurisdictions during May-June 2019, 1 year after the learning community ended, and invited them to complete a post-assessment of goal achievement and sustainment through semi-structured interviews over the telephone or via email. Results: Follow-up information was collected from 26 jurisdictions (96%) that participated in the learning community. The teams from these jurisdictions had created 79 total goals. At the time of the learning community closing meeting in May 2018, 35 goals (44%) had been achieved. Three jurisdictions achieved all their goals by the close of the learning community. At the time of the post-assessment 1 year later, jurisdictions were sustaining efforts for 69 (87%) of the total goals. In every jurisdiction, work on at least one goal that originated in the learning community was sustained. Conclusions: The jurisdictions that participated in the IAC Learning Community continued the work of their action plan goals 1 year after the formal closure of the learning community, indicating sustainability of the learning community activities, beyond what jurisdictions accomplished during formal participation.
Children's Cognitive Abilities and Intrahousehold Parental Investment

I estimate how new information about children's cognitive abilities leads parents to adjust investment within and across children. I use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth matched mother-child data to construct measures of both child cognitive ability and parental investment during childhood. I find that parents respond to improvements in a child's cognitive abilities by devoting more resources towards that child. Â I find that positive information about one child leads to compensating investments in other children, evidence that parents have a concern for equity within the household.
International Marketing of Airline Services: U.S. Versus Foreign Carriers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss major criteria used for survival as well as an analysis of the future of the airline industry. Specific marketing implications such as impact on service levels, price, and distribution are also highlighted. As well, results of a survey conducted in South Central Pennsylvania on airline selection for foreign travel were presented for orderly decision making purposes by airline executives.
Structural rna homology search and alignment using covariance models

Functional RNA elements do not encode proteins, but rather function directly as RNAs. Many different types of RNAs play important roles in a wide range of cellular processes, including protein synthesis, gene regulation, protein transport, splicing, and more. Because important sequence and structural features tend to be evolutionarily conserved, one way to learn about functional RNAs is through comparative sequence analysis - by collecting and aligning examples of homologous RNAs and comparing them. Covariance models (CMs) are powerful computational tools for homology search and alignment that score both the conserved sequence and secondary structure of an RNA family. However, due to the high computational complexity of their search and alignment algorithms, searches against large databases and alignment of large RNAs like small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) are prohibitively slow. Large-scale alignment of SSU rRNA is of particular utility for environmental survey studies of microbial diversity which often use the rRNA as a phylogenetic marker of microorganisms. In this work, we improve CM methods by making them faster and more sensitive to remote homology. To accelerate searches, we introduce a query-dependent banding (QDB) technique that makes scoring sequences more efficient by restricting the possible lengths of structural elements based on their probability given the model. We combine QDB with a complementary filtering method that quickly prunes away database subsequences deemed unlikely to receive high CM scores based on sequence conservation alone. To increase search sensitivity, we apply two model parameterization strategies from protein homology search tools to CMs. As judged by our benchmark, these combined approaches yield about a 250-fold speedup and significant increase in search sensitivity compared with previous implementations. To accelerate alignment, we apply a method that uses a fast sequence-based alignment of a target sequence to determine constraints for the more expensive CM sequence- and structure-based alignment. This technique reduces the time required to align one SSU rRNA sequence from about 15 minutes to 1 second with a negligible effect on alignment accuracy. Collectively, these improvements make CMs more powerful and practical tools for RNA homology search and alignment.
Does Business Process Reengineering Diminish the Quality of Work Life

This paper examines the development of Business Process Reengineering (BPR). Misconceptions and misapplications of the BPR Concept are discussed using higher education as an example. The authors stress that empowerment and autonomy are the true cornerstones of effectiveness in genuine reengineering efforts. Several examples of BPR’s correct applications are then illustrated.
Procedures for Scanning Radiata Pine Stem Dimensions and Quality on Mechanised Processors

Four simulated procedures for scanning and bucking of 75 pruned and 75 unpruned radiata pine (Pinus radiata) trees were evaluated on the basis of productivity, costs, and value recovery. The procedures evaluated were: (a) a conventional scan where quality changes and bucking decisions were input by the machine operator, (b) a fully automated scan of the stem prior to optimisation and bucking, (c) a 6 m automated scan with 6.2 m forecast ahead, and (d) a 4.7 m automated scan with 7.5 m forecast ahead before optimal bucking took place. Cutting patterns for export and domestic markets were used in the simulations for optimally bucking each tree. After subtracting costs, net value recovery for the automated scanning methods was 5 to 8% higher than for a conventional scan. Based on the stand types and market conditions used in the analyses, breakeven capital investment costs for new scanning and optimisation equipment on mechanised processors could range between US$240,000 and US$450,000.
The American genera of Simaroubaceae and their distribution

A review of the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamilies of Simaroubaceae is presented and the distribution patterns of the American genera are discussed. Engler's six subfamilies are evaluated and the three subfamilies represented in the Americas and their included genera are discussed in detail. The eight American genera fall into three broad distributional categories: widely distributed throughout the neotropics, limited to northern South America, and disjunct between the West Indies, Central America and Mexico and southern South America. These distributions are discussed and interpreted.
Values, Advocacy and Conservation Biology

In this essay, I examine the controversy concerning the advocacy of ethical values in conservation biology. First, I argue, as others have, that conservation biology is a science laden with values both ethical and non-ethical. Second, after clarifying the notion of advocacy at work, I contend that conservation biologists should advocate the preservation of biological diversity. Third, I explore what ethical grounds should be used for advocating the preservation of ecological systems by conservation biologists. I argue that conservation biologists should defend their preservationist positions on instrumentalist grounds alone if the context of discussion and debate is a scientific one.
Growth Inhibition Test for Identification of Mycoplasma Species Utilizing Dried Antiserum-Impregnated Paper Discs

The growth inhibition test for identifying Mycoplasma species has been modified by drying antibody-impregnated paper discs at 5 C. When stored at -20 C, these discs have been found to retain their inhibitory activity for longer than 7 months. Since these discs can be stored for long period of time, significant advantages over present methods result. When, for example, discs are arranged on a ring, a single test can be used for the identification of an unknown human species. Valuable antisera can be distributed to other laboratories on paper discs in much less volume than can fluid antiserum. Considerable savings of time result from prior preparation of many discs that can then be stored and used over a long period of time. The growth-inhibiting antibody is stable, and the activity is not enhanced by a heat-labile accessory factor from fresh guinea pig serum which increases the antibody titer in the metabolic inhibition test.
Persistence of mixed cryoglobulinemia despite cure of hepatitis C with new oral antiviral therapy including direct-acting antiviral sofosbuvir: A case series

AbstractObjective. Obtaining a sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) can decrease hepatic complications and be curative, however, extrahepatic manifestations including mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCN) may persist with interferon-based therapy. Our objective was to review our experience in treating patients with new oral antiviral agents and to assess common factors associated with MCN persistence despite SVR. Methods. We analyzed a case series of five patients with genotype one chronic HCV complicated by MCN who had persistence of cryoglobulins despite completion of triple therapy with oral antiviral agents (boceprivir, telaprivir or sofosbuvir). Results. Patients with cirrhosis appear to have a decreased ability to clear immune complexes. We observed that early viral response by week 8 of therapy and longer periods of undetectable virus on treatment correlated with eventual clearance of serum cryoglobulins in patients without cirrhosis. Two patients were treated ...