cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification and Diagnosis of Patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) have little or no demonstrable disease explanation for the symptoms, and comorbid psychiatric disorders are frequent. Although common, costly, distressed, and often receiving ill-advised testing and treatments, most MUS patients go unrecognized, which precludes effective treatment. To enhance recognition, we present an emerging perspective that envisions a unitary classification for the entire spectrum of MUS where this diagnosis comprises severity, duration, and comorbidity. We then present a specific approach for making the diagnosis at each level of severity. Although our disease-based diagnosis system dictates excluding organic disease to diagnose MUS, much exclusion can occur clinically without recourse to laboratory or consultative evaluation because the majority of patients are mild. Only the less common, “difficult” patients with moderate and severe MUS require investigation to exclude organic diseases. By explicitly diagnosing and labeling all severity levels of MUS, we propose that this diagnostic approach cannot only facilitate effective treatment but also reduce the cost and morbidity from unnecessary interventions.
SHOCK COMPRESSION PROCESSING OF POWDERS

Abstract Shock compression processing is emerging as a novel technique for fabrication of esoteric materials. Not only can metal and ceramic powders be dynamically consolidated, but both equilibrium and non-equilibrium structures can be synthesized under the high pressure regime during the passage of shock waves of sufficient magnitude and duration. The shock waves can be generated by impact from a plate (accelerated by compressed gas or detonation of explosive) or direct contact with explosives. Very hard metallic and ceramic powders, as well as those powders that cannot be processed by conventional powder processing techniques can be easily compacted to solid densities. The bonding mechanisms in shock compaction involve the rapid and intense deposition of shock energy, preferentially at interparticle regions, resulting in extensive plastic deformation. This may lead to interparticle welding due to partial melting or simply solid-state diffusional bonding. Shock compression processing technology will be ...
Wearability in wearable computers

Wearability, or the relationship between a worn technology and the ability or desire of the user to wear it, is a key element in the successful design of wearable technologies. Wearability addresses the physical, cognitive, and emotional state of the user, and the impact of the wearable technology on the user's homeostasis in each area. This tutorial will provide the participant with an overview of the pertinent variables and design considerations for the design of truly wearable technologies. We will address factors related to anatomy, ergonomics, cognitive science, psychology, sociology, textile science, interface design, and apparel design.
Exploring parental grief: combining quantitative and qualitative measures.

Purpose This study explores parental grief on the death of a child of any age. Study design The sampling frame for the study consisted of 74 respondents reporting that they experienced the death of a living child. With the exception of standard demographic measures, the quantitative and qualitative items in the instrument were designed specifically for this project. The content validity of the instrument was assessed by a panel of experts on grief. Key quantitative items related to child loss and grief were formatted with between three- and five-point ordinal answer categories. Two types of qualitative items were developed by the authors. The reliability of the instrument designed for this study was not determined. Results This survey of parents who experienced the death of a child during their lifetime explores and extends current understanding of the complex emotional response of grief. The study offers empirical support for the notion of grief as ongoing in the life of a parent whose child had died. The findings have significant implications for further clinical research supporting studies to explore commonalities in the experience of grieving families regardless of the cause of and time since the death of their child. In addition, the findings may serve to inform the development and provision of services for bereaved parents.
Statistical origin of the highest-energy fusion-induced gamma rays

Abstract Mass-separated gamma-ray spectra and energy-dependent gamma multiplicities provide direct support for the statistical emission of giant dipole resonance gamma rays following equilibrium of a fused compound nuclear system. A 4 π NaI(Tl) array was employed to measure the gamma-ray spectrum and associated multiplicities following the fusion of 35 Cl with 54 Fe. Mass separation was achieved using the Rochester Recoil Mass Spectrometer.
Self-determination, self-transformation, and the case of Jean Valjean: a problem for Velleman

According to reductionists about agency, an agent’s bringing something about is reducible to states and events (such as desires and beliefs) involving the agent bringing something about. Many have worried that reductionism cannot accommodate robust forms of agency, such as self-determination. One common reductionist answer to this worry (which I call ‘identification reductionism’) contends that self-determining agents are identified with certain states and events, and so these states and events causing a decision counts as the agent’s self-determining the decision. In this paper I discuss J. David Velleman’s identification reductionist theory, according to which an agent is identified with his desire to make most sense of himself. I develop two constraints that an adequate identification reductionist theory must satisfy and show that Velleman’s theory cannot satisfy both. In particular, I argue that Velleman’s account founders on cases of self-determined self-transformation.
Program Fighter: An Evaluation.

Abstract A computer program for the sizing of subsonic and supersonic fighters has been adapted for use in an aerospace engineering design course. Following a description of the program, an evaluation of its use in the university is presented. It is concluded that computer programs for the conceptual design of aerospace vehicles can play a very important part in design education. First, they give students an overview of the conceptual design process, and second, they illustrate the capabilities of computers in design. The latter is becoming more important as time goes on because industry is moving in this direction.
Pediatric-specific antimicrobial susceptibility data and empiric antibiotic selection.

OBJECTIVE: Duke University Health System (DUHS) generates annual antibiograms combining adult and pediatric data. We hypothesized significant susceptibility differences exist for pediatric isolates and that distributing these results would alter antibiotic choices. METHODS: Susceptibility rates for Escherichia coli isolates from patients aged ≤12 years between July 2009 and September 2010 were compared with the 2009 DUHS antibiogram. Pediatric attending and resident physicians answered case-based vignettes about children aged 3 months and 12 years with urinary tract infections. Each vignette contained 3 identical scenarios with no antibiogram, the 2009 DUHS antibiogram, and a pediatric-specific antibiogram provided. Effective antibiotics exhibited >80% in vitro susceptibility. Frequency of antibiotic selection was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-five pediatric isolates were identified. Pediatric isolates were more resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and less resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ciprofloxacin ( P < .0005 for all). Seventy-five resident and attending physicians completed surveys. In infant vignettes, physicians selected amoxicillin-clavulanate ( P < .05) and nitrofurantoin ( P < .01) more often and TMP-SMX ( P < .01) less often with pediatric-specific data. Effective antibiotic choices increased from 68.6% to 82.2% ( P = .06) to 92.5% ( P < .01) across scenarios. In adolescent vignettes, providers reduced TMP-SMX use from 66.2% to 42.6% to 19.0% ( P < .01 for both). Effective antibiotic choices increased from 32.4% to 57.4% to 79.4% ( P < .01 and P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric E. coli isolates differ significantly in antimicrobial susceptibility at our institution, particularly to frequently administered oral antibiotics. Knowledge of pediatric-specific data altered empirical antibiotic choices in case vignettes. Care of pediatric patients could be improved with use of a pediatric-specific antibiogram. * Abbreviations: AMOX-CLAV — : amoxicillin-clavulanate DUHS — : Duke University Health System ED — : emergency department TMP-SMX — : trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole UTI — : urinary tract infection
Infrared micropulsed laser treatment for diabetic macular edema--subthreshold versus threshold lesions.

Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of subthreshold (invisible after placement) and threshold (barely visible after placement) 810 nm laser photocoagulation in the treatment of clinically significant diabetic macular edema. Methods. A grid of subthreshold laser spots was used to treat patients with diabetic edema. Retrospectively, the results of treatment of 20 eyes of 20 patients were compared to the results of treatment of 120 eyes of 120 patients using a grid of threshold laser lesions. Results. At six months, 60% of subthreshold treated eyes and 75% of threshold treated eyes showed anatomic resolution of macular edema. Improvement or stabilization of visual acuity was achieved in 85% of threshold or subthreshold treated eyes. Conclusion. Gentle grid treatment of regions of diabetic macular edema was effective in ameliorating the edema and limiting visual loss. Subthreshold laser was less effective in promoting resolution of edema compared to threshold lesions, though the difference was not significan...
Statistical blockade: a novel method for very fast Monte Carlo simulation of rare circuit events, and its application

Circuit reliability under statistical process variation is an area of growing concern. For highly replicated circuits such as SRAMs and flip flops, a rare statistical event for one circuit may induce a not-so-rare system failure. Existing techniques perform poorly when tasked to generate both efficient sampling and sound statistics for these rare events. Statistical blockade is a novel Monte Carlo technique that allows us to efficiently filter - to block - unwanted samples insufficiently rare in the tail distributions we seek. The method synthesizes ideas from data mining and extreme value theory, and shows speed-ups of 10times - 100times over standard Monte Carlo
End-plate measurements as early markers of disc degeneration and herniation.

In their quantitative analysis of patients with disc herniations and normal controls, Pouriesa et al. [1] measured the diameters of the cephalad and caudad end plates for each lumbar intervertebral disc. Larger differences were seen adjacent to herniated discs compared with both nonherniated discs in patients with herniations at other levels and normal discs in healthy controls [1]. The authors propose that these end-plate differences may precede disc herniation, rather than vice versa. Concurrently, Moon et al. [2] evaluated the height of lumbar vertebral cartilaginous end plates and reported that they tend to be thinner at the center and thicker toward the edges. Whereas Pouriesa et al. [1] demonstrated an increasingly strong association of diameter differences toward the sacrum in both cases and controls, Moon et al. [2] found that cartilaginous end-plate thickness did not vary among lumbar levels in normal cadaveric specimens. Rather than being contradictory, these results may provide complementary information about the mechanical complexity of the disc and end-plate interface. It seems likely that the anterior-posterior diameter as measured by Pouriesa et al. [1] and cartilaginous end-plate thickness as assessed by Moon et al. [2] are both important markers of degenerative changes. The relative contribution of each could change over time, particularly at different stages of proteoglycan degradation and nucleus dehydration. As both groups of authors propose [1,2], further investigation is needed to assess the predictive value of such measurements. Because the number of potential risk factors is large and because evaluating every possible combination in live subjects or cadaveric segments is impractical, computer models and simulations are indispensable for prioritizing variables for further research. For example, Lee and Teo [3] analyzed the end plates, annulus, nucleus, and other relevant anatomic entities and applied a Monte Carlo algorithm to assess the relative importance of each component. Alomari et al. [4] used a Gibbs distribution to model spatial relationships within and between spinal segments. The results of recent human studies [1,2] could be incorporated into future simulations to guide research and to elucidate the most promising candidate markers. Characterizing the interaction of these factors may improve our understanding of disc herniation and help to identify early indicators of the degenerative process.
Autoantibodies Provide Insights into Antigens Driving Autoimmunity

Autoantibodies to intracellular, predominantly nuclear and nucleolar, antigens occur in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, and dermatomyositis/polymyositis. In addition to their clinical importance as diagnostic markers, these autoantibodies have been used to characterize the structure and function of their cognate antigens. Many of these have been shown to be subunits of multicomponent subcellular particles involved in essential cell functions, such as DNA replication, transcription, splicing, and translation. Autoantibodies have also been used to demonstrate that some of the autoepitopes are higher ordered conformational structures, such as tertiary and quaternary structures which are composed of discontinuous amino acid sequences. Autoepitopes also include active sites engaged in important functions or in binding to other molecules. These findings provide important insights into the biological processes driving the autoimmune response.
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Price Squeeze Claim: A High Point for Divergence between US and European Law?

The US Supreme Court’s decision in Pacific Bell Telephone Co. v. LinkLine Communications rejected price squeeze claims brought under Section 2 of the Sherman Act. In support of this holding, the majority cited concerns with maintaining a monopolist’s freedom of action necessary to promote competition and innovation. The Court majority also stressed the difficulties of administering a price squeeze test. The author challenges the Court’s reasoning on each of these points. The monopolist’s duty to deal in this case was unchallenged, as was the exclusionary effects of it’s behavior. The Court’s rejection of the price squeeze claim came at the expense of the underlying consumer welfare goals of the Sherman Act. The Court also turned aside an opportunity to adopt a workable price transfer test for assessing price squeezes by a dominant, vertically integrated firm, the same test that the European Commission applied in the Deutsche Telecom case. The LinkLine Court’s decision is consistent with a line of ideological decisions that are often poorly anchored to the facts of the case being decided.
Patterns of visual field progression in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract Objective The purpose of the study was to determine whether distinct patterns of visual field progression are present in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and to evaluate the correlation between these patterns, if present, and different genetic subtypes of RP. Design A retrospective analysis of patterns of visual field progression in RP was performed. Participants Visual field of 162 patients with RP, including 55 with type 2 Usher syndrome, who had at least 3 Goldmann visual field examinations during a period of at least 3 years were reviewed. Main outcome measures Goldmann visual fields. Results Visual fields of 86 patients could be classified into one of three specific patterns of visual field progression. Pattern I included those patients with a progressive concentric loss of visual fields; pattern II included those with visual field loss that began superiorly and subsequently developed an arcuate scotoma that progressed either from the nasal (IIA) or the temporal (IIB and IIC) side; and pattern III included patients whose visual field loss was characterized initially by a complete or incomplete midperipheral "ring scotoma" that broke through into the periphery. The end stage of all these patterns was a residual central visual field, sometimes also associated with a small peripheral island. In 53 of the 162 patients, the pattern of visual field loss could not be categorized because of an advanced stage of field loss at the time of the initial examination. Conclusions Distinctive patterns of visual field progression can be observed in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and type 2 Usher syndrome. There were no intrafamilial variations in the pattern of visual field loss in our data on 24 patients from 11 families. Within certain genetic subtypes, there was a predilection for a preponderance of a specific pattern of visual field progression. Future studies may be able to correlate these patterns of visual field loss with different genetic mutations. A greater understanding as to why certain patterns of field loss exist could potentially provide greater insight into the various pathogenetic mechanism(s) by which photoreceptor cells degenerate in this group of patients.
The phylogenetic conundrum of Lutzia (Diptera: Culicidae: Culicini): a cautionary account of conflict and support

LutziaTheobald was reduced to a subgenus of Culexin 1932 and was treated as such until it was restored to its original generic status in 2003, based mainly on modifications of the larvae for predation. Previous phylogenetic studies based on morphological and molecular data have provided conflicting support for the generic status of Lutzia: analyses of morphological data support the generic status whereas analyses based on DNA sequences do not. Our previous phylogenetic analyses of Culicini (based on 169 morphological characters and 86 species representing the four genera and 26 subgenera of Culicini, most informal group taxa of subgenus Culexand five outgroup species from other tribes) seemed to indicate a conflict between adult and larval morphological data. Hence, we conducted a series of comparative and data exclusion analyses to determine whether the alternative positions of Lutziaare due to conflicting signal or to a lack of strong signal. We found that separate and combined analyses of adult and larval data support different patterns of relationships between Lutziaand other Culicini. However, the majority of conflicting clades are poorly supported and once these are removed from consideration, most of the topological disparity disappears, along with much of the resolution, suggesting that morphology alone does not have sufficiently strong signal to resolve the position of Lutzia. We critically examine the results of other phylogenetic studies of culicinine relationships and conclude that no morphological or molecular data set analysed in any study conducted to date has adequate signal to place Lutziaunequivocally with regard to other taxa in Culicini. Phylogenetic relationships observed thus far suggest that Lutziais placed within Culexbut further data and extended taxon sampling are required to confirm its position relative to Culex.
A model for double snapback phenomena in N channel SOI MOSFETs

In the double snapback phenomenon exhibited by a N channel MOSFET, the device is observed to switch from the first to the second snapback states. The first snapback can be attributed to either an MOS or bipolar feedback mechanism. This paper proposes a physical model that is able to provide explanations for the observed dependance of second snapback on the gate voltage and the channel length. >
Role of the neutrophil in abdominal aortic aneurysm development

Elastase release by neutrophils has been implicated in the etiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The present study investigated whether neutrophils in patients with AAA actively synthesize the neutrophil elastase enzyme and the effect of elastin-derived peptides on neutrophil elastase release. Total neutrophil elastase in patients with AAA was significantly higher than in those with aortic occlusive disease and controls. The neutrophil elastase gene was not expressed in any patient group. Elastin-derived peptides induced elastase release, which was significantly higher in patients with AAA than in those with aortic occlusive disease and controls. These data indicate that the peptides of elastin degradation stimulate the release of elastase, but that continuing production of elastase is absent in circulating neutrophils. It is concluded that: (1) neutrophils do not actively synthesize elastase but act as 'mules' or carriers of the enzyme; and (2) elastin breakdown products stimulate the release of elastase at the aortic wall by circulating neutrophils, which in patients with AAA have a predetermined increased amount of elastase.
Cultural, regulational and educational programmes on the sweetpotato weevil in the United States.

The sweetpotato weevil (SPW), Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summer), is the most destructive insect pest of sweetpotatoes throughout the world. Losses due to direct damage, cost of control and regulatory action conservatively exceed $7 m annually in the USA. First reported in New Orleans in 1875, SPW has infested 11 states over time. Studies in Louisiana indicate SPW control by leaving postharvest residue on the soil surface, by applying a protectant to roots going into storage, spraying plant beds, and by using cut plants. SPW quarantine has effectively reduced detections in Alabama. In North Carolina (NC), a restriction on potato growing in a small infested area isolated from commercial production has proven effective. The NC Extension Service initiated a multimedia programme on SPW. A resource notebook containing a slide set/script, coloured flyer, photograph, plastic embedded SPW stages, insect note and suggested news releases was shared during a 1-day-workshop. Television, an exhibit, oral presentations and newsletters were used to disseminate information. Promising SPW control tactics and management strategies were shared via a workshop and proceedings. Interest is high and traditional and innovative extension and regulatory activities have intensified, and the SPW remains in abeyance.
Swelled plastics in supercritical CO2 as media for stabilization of metal nanoparticles and for catalytic hydrogenation

Swelled plastics in supercritical carbon dioxide provide unique environments for stabilizing palladium and rhodium nanoparticles and for catalytic hydrogenation. Complete hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexane can be achieved in 10 minutes using the plastic stabilized Rh nanoparticles at 50 degrees C in supercritical CO(2). High efficiency, reusability, and rapid separation of products are some advantages of the plastic stabilized metal nanoparticles for catalytic hydrogenation in supercritical CO(2).
Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Attenuates the Stressor-Enhanced Severity of Citrobacter rodentium Infection

Stressor exposure has been shown to enhance host susceptibility and the severity of a plethora of illnesses, including gastrointestinal disease. In mice, susceptibility to Citrobacter rodentium has been shown to be dependent on host genetics as well as the composition of the intestinal microbiota, but the effects of stressor exposure on this gastrointestinal pathogen have not been elucidated fully. Previously, our lab showed that exposure to the prolonged-restraint stressor prior to a challenge with C. rodentium alters the intestinal microbiota community structure, including a reduction of beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus, which may contribute to stressor-enhanced C. rodentium-induced infectious colitis. To test the effects of stressor exposure on C. rodentium infection, we exposed resistant mice to a prolonged-restraint stressor concurrent with pathogen challenge. Exposure to prolonged restraint significantly enhanced C. rodentium-induced infectious colitis in resistant mice, as measured by increases in colonic histopathology, colonic inflammatory mediator gene production, and pathogen translocation from the colon to the spleen. It was further tested if the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri could reduce the stressor-enhanced susceptibility to C. rodentium-enhanced infectious colitis. While L. reuteri treatment did not reduce all aspects of stressor-enhanced infectious colitis, it did significantly reduce pathogen translocation from the colon to the spleen. Taken together, these data demonstrate the deleterious effects that prolonged stressor exposure can have at the onset of a gastrointestinal infection by its ability to render a resistant mouse highly susceptible to C. rodentium. Probiotic treatment ameliorated the systemic manifestations of stress on colonic infection.
Span, crunch, and beyond: Working memory capacity and the aging brain

Neuroimaging data emphasize that older adults often show greater extent of brain activation than younger adults for similar objective levels of difficulty. A possible interpretation of this finding is that older adults need to recruit neuronal resources at lower loads than younger adults, leaving no resources for higher loads, and thus leading to performance decrements [Compensation-Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis; e.g., Reuter-Lorenz, P. A., & Cappell, K. A. Neurocognitive aging and the compensation hypothesis. Current Directions in Psychological Science,17, 177-182, 2008]. The Compensation-Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis leads to the prediction that activation differences between younger and older adults should disappear when task difficulty is made subjectively comparable. In a Sternberg memory search task, this can be achieved by assessing brain activity as a function of load relative to the individual's memory span, which declines with age. Specifically, we hypothesized a nonlinear relationship between load and both performance and brain activity and predicted that asymptotes in the brain activation function should correlate with performance asymptotes (corresponding to working memory span). The results suggest that age differences in brain activation can be largely attributed to individual variations in working memory span. Interestingly, the brain activation data show a sigmoid relationship with load. Results are discussed in terms of Cowan's [Cowan, N. The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity. Behavioraland Brain Sciences,24, 87-114, 2001] model of working memory and theories of impaired inhibitory processes in aging.
Cognitive dysfunction following desflurane versus sevoflurane general anesthesia in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial

As life expectancy increases, more patients ≥65 years undergo general anesthesia. Anesthetic agents may contribute to postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and incidence may differ with anesthetic agents or intraoperative anesthesia depth. Responses to anesthetic adjuvants vary among elderly patients. Processed electroencephalography guidance of anesthetic may better ensure equivalent cerebral suppression. This study investigates postoperative cognitive dysfunction differences in elderly patients given desflurane or sevoflurane using processed electroencephalography guidance.
Recapitulate development to promote axonal regeneration: good or bad approach?

In the past decade there has been an explosion in our understanding, at the molecular level, of why axons in the adult, mammalian central nervous system (CNS) do not spontaneously regenerate while ...
WHAT IS A NEWTONIAN SYSTEM? THE FAILURE OF ENERGY CONSERVATION AND DETERMINISM IN SUPERTASKS

Supertasks recently discussed in the literature purport to display a failure of energy conservation and determinism in Newtonian mechanics. We debate whether these supertasks are admissible as Newtonian systems, with Earman and Norton defending the affirmative and Alper and Bridger the negative.
The design and performance of a real-time I/O subsystem

The paper describes the design and performance of a real time I/O (RIO) subsystem that supports real time applications running on off-the-shelf hardware and software. The paper provides two contributions to the study of real time I/O subsystems. First it describes how RIO supports end-to-end, prioritized traffic to bound the I/O utilization of each priority class and eliminates the key sources of priority inversion in I/O subsystems. Second, it illustrates how a real time I/O subsystem can reduce latency bounds on end-to-end communication between high-priority clients without unduly penalizing low priority and best-effort clients.
Compliance with Adult Congenital Heart Disease Guidelines: Are We Following the Recommendations?

Objective As the adult congenital heart disease population increases, poor transition from pediatric to adult care can lead to suboptimal quality of care and an increase in individual and institutional costs. In 2008, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association updated the adult congenital heart disease practice guidelines and in 2011, the American Heart Association recommended transition guidelines to standardize and encourage appropriate timing of transition to adult cardiac services. The objective of this study was to evaluate if patient age or complexity of congenital heart disease influences pediatric cardiologists’ decision to transfer care to adult providers and to evaluate the compliance of different types of cardiology providers with current adult congenital heart disease treatment guidelines. Design A single-center retrospective review of 991 adult congenital heart disease patients identified by ICD-9 code from 2010 to 2012. Setting Academic and community outpatient cardiology clinics. Patients Nine hundred ninety-one patients who are 18 years and older with congenital heart disease. Intervention None. Outcomes measures The compliance with health maintenance and transfer of care recommendations in the outpatient setting. Results For patients seen by pediatric cardiologists, only 20% had transfer of care discussions documented, most often in younger simple patients. Significant differences in compliance with preventative health guidelines were found between cardiology provider types. Conclusion Even though a significant number of adults with congenital heart disease are lost to appropriate follow-up in their third and fourth decades of life, pediatric cardiologists discussed transfer of care with moderate and complex congenital heart disease patients less frequently. Appropriate transfer of adults with congenital heart disease to an adult congenital cardiologist provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of regular follow-up in adulthood and may improve outcomes as adult congenital cardiologists followed the adult congenital heart disease guidelines more consistently than pediatric or adult cardiologists.
Laser‐Induced Direct Graphene Patterning and Simultaneous Transferring Method for Graphene Sensor Platform

General methods utilized in the fabrication of graphene devices involve graphene transferring and subsequent patterning of graphene via multiple wet-chemical processes. In the present study, a laser-induced pattern transfer (LIPT) method is proposed for the transferring and patterning of graphene in a single processing step. Via the direct graphene patterning and simultaneous transferring, the LIPT method greatly reduces the complexity of graphene fabrication while augmenting flexibility in graphene device design. Femtosecond laser ablation under ambient conditions is employed to transfer graphene/PMMA microscale patterns to arbitrary substrates, including a flexible film. Suspended cantilever structures are also demonstrated over a prefabricated trench structure via the single-step method. The feasibility of this method for the fabrication of functional graphene devices is confirmed by measuring the electrical response of a graphene/PMMA device under laser illumination.
Information complexity-based regularization parameter selection for solution of ill conditioned inverse problems

We propose an information complexity-based regularization parameter selection method for solution of ill conditioned inverse problems. The regularization parameter is selected to be the minimizer of the Kullback–Leibler (KL) distance between the unknown data-generating distribution and the fitted distribution. The KL distance is approximated by an information complexity criterion developed by Bozdogan. The method is not limited to the white Gaussian noise case. It can be extended to correlated and non-Gaussian noise. It can also account for possible model misspecification. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed method on a test problem from Hansen’s regularization tools. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Design and Manufacture of Spiral Bevel and Hypoid Gears for Heavy-Duty Drive Axles, 1984

Conception et fabrication des engrenages coniques a denture spirale et des engrenages hypoides pour l'entrainement des essieux de vehicules de grande puissance
Brain arterial aging and its relationship to Alzheimer dementia.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that brain arterial aging is associated with the pathologic diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Brain large arteries were assessed for diameter, gaps in the internal elastic lamina (IEL), luminal stenosis, atherosclerosis, and lumen-to-wall ratio. Elastin, collagen, and amyloid were assessed with Van Gieson, trichrome, and Congo red staining intensities, and quantified automatically. Brain infarcts and AD (defined pathologically) were assessed at autopsy. We created a brain arterial aging (BAA) score with arterial characteristics associated with aging after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables using cross-sectional generalized linear models. Results: We studied 194 autopsied brains, 25 (13%) of which had autopsy evidence of AD. Brain arterial aging consisted of higher interadventitial and lumen diameters, thickening of the wall, increased prevalence of IEL gaps, concentric intima thickening, elastin loss, increased amyloid deposition, and a higher IEL proportion without changes in lumen-to-wall ratio. In multivariable analysis, a high IEL proportion (B = 1.96, p = 0.030), thick media (B = 3.50, p = 0.001), elastin loss (B = 6.16, p p = 0.023), and concentric intima thickening (B = 7.19, p p = 0.002). Conclusions: Aging of brain large arteries is characterized by arterial dilation with a commensurate wall thickening, elastin loss, and IEL gaps. Greater intensity of arterial aging was associated with AD independently of atherosclerosis and brain infarcts. Understanding the drivers of arterial aging may advance the knowledge of the pathophysiology of AD.
On the Rights of Non-Persons

Do non-persons have moral rights? I will suppose this question can best be answered by inquiring whether some animals and/or environmental objects have moral rights, for if any non-persons are possessors of rights, animals and/or environmental objects are the most plausible candidates. As so interpreted, this question has received an extraordinary amount of recent attention from philosophers. Arguments have been offered and defended; rebuttals have appeared in print. Yet, so far as I am aware, no one has presented a clear and accurate statement of what turns on the issue of whether non-persons have moral rights. In the absence of such a statement, philosophers are likely to be at sea in determining on which side of the controversy their initial sympathies lie. In this paper it is my central concern to help clarify what turns on the issue of whether non-persons are possessors of moral rights, rather than to argue decisively for one position or the other. Given what turns on the dispute, I will conclude, contra much recent literature on the subject, that no good reasons have been offered to suppose that nonpersons are possessors of moral rights. Moreover, there are weighty (though not conclusive) reasons for supposing that non-persons are not possessors of moral rights.
Au(67)(SR)(35) nanomolecules: characteristic size-specific optical, electrochemical, structural properties and first-principles theoretical analysis.

The preparation of gold nanomolecules with sizes other than Au25(SR)18 ,A u 38(SR)24 ,A u 102(SR)44, and Au144(SR)60 has been hampered by stability issues and low yields. Here we report a procedure to prepare Au67(SR)35, for either R = −SCH2CH2Ph or -SC6H13, allowing high-yield isolation (34%, ∼10-mg quantities) of the title compound. Product high purity is assessed at each synthesis stage by rapid MALDI−TOF mass-spectrometry (MS), and high-resolution electrospray-ionization MS confirms the Au67(SR)35 composition. Electronic properties were explored using optical absorption spectroscopy (UV− visible−NIR regions) and electrochemistry (0.74 V spacing in differential-pulsed-voltammetry), modes of ligand binding were studied by NMR spectroscopy ( 13 C and 1 H), and structural characteristics of the metal atom core were determined by powder X- ray measurements. Models featuring a Au17 truncated-decahedral inner core encapsulated by the 30 anchoring atoms of 15 staple- motif units have been investigated with first-principles electronic structure calculations. This resulted in identification of a structure consistent with the experiments, particularly, the opening of a large gap (∼0.75 eV) in the (2−) charge-state of the nanomolecule. The electronic structure is analyzed within the framework of a superatom shell model. Structurally, the Au67(SR)35 nanomolecule is the smallest to adopt the complete truncated-decahedral motif for its core with a surface structure bearing greater similarity to the larger nanoparticles. Its electronic HOMO−LUMO gap (∼0.75 eV) is nearly double that of the larger Au102 compound and it is much smaller than that of the Au38 one. The intermediary status of the Au67(SR)35 nanomolecule is also reflected in both its optical and electrochemical characteristics.
The Inner Function Problem

(1984). The Inner Function Problem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 91, No. 5, pp. 301-302.
Polyethyene melt-flow examined with time-dependent thermodynamics:

Time-dependent thermodynamics was applied to steady-state melt flow of polyethylene. The steady-state viscosity behavior and first normal-stress difference were examined as a couple. The latter was a measure of the energy intensity (energy per volume); the time derivative of that was treated as the rate of energy production. In steady-state flow, viscosity decreased and the rate of the energy production increased with increasing shear stress. From the sign of the rate of production, steady flow was found to be in the stable region. The stress growth leading into steady-state flow was known from our previous work to be in the unstable region. This may be called pseudo-stable region. Under a constant rate of shear deformation, both shear stress and viscosity increased rapidly. A change into steady-state flow was interpreted to be the fracture point. The growth of the normal stress was slower than that of shear stress. The first normal-stress difference was a manifestation of deformation, which is a volume i...
The Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Chain Grate Boiler

In consideration of the very frequent load fluctuations of chain grate boilers with a steam capacity of 10 t/h and lower a dynamic mathematical model was set up by using a modular modeling method for the steam-water system and combustion system of a 10 t/h chain grate boiler.Through simulation tests obtained were the real-time variation quantity and trend for the boiler combustion rate,steam flow rate,superheated steam temperature and boiler drum water level,all during the changes in chain-grate traveling speed and air feeding rate.The results of the simulation tests indicate that to better implement boiler load adjustments it is necessary to simultaneously change the chain-grate traveling speed and airflow rate.This and other findings can serve as a theoretical guide for the stable and economic operation of chain grate boilers.
Second annual W.R. Ghent lecture on trauma. Abdominal organ injury: diagnosis, treatment and education.

In this lecture the author reviews aspects of education in the care of traumatized patients, with particular attention to abdominal injuries. He notes the lack of education in this aspect of medical care during the medical school years and the variable quality of trauma care education during residency training. The author outlines an organized approach to the teaching of trauma care, focusing on cognitive, psychomotor and affective education and the establishment of a uniform core curriculum for residents with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient care.
Glycine minimizes reperfusion injury in a low-flow, reflow liver perfusion model in the rat.

This study investigated the effects of glycine on reperfusion injury in a low-flow, reflow liver perfusion model. With this protocol, livers were perfused at low flow rates of approximately 1 ml.g-1. min-1 for 75 min, which caused cells in pericentral regions of the liver lobule to become anoxic because of insufficient delivery of oxygen. When normal flow rates (approximately 4 ml.g-1.min-1) were restored for 40 min, an oxygen-dependent reperfusion injury occurred. Upon reflow, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a cytosolic enzyme, and malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, were released into the effluent perfusate. LDH increased from basal levels of approximately 1-35 IU.g-1.h-1 in livers from control rats. Glycine (0.06-2.00 mM) minimized enzyme release in a dose-dependent manner (half-maximal decrease = 133 microM), with maximal values only reaching 5 IU.g-1.h-1 when glycine was increased to 2 mM. Reflow for 40 min after 75 min of low-flow hypoxia caused death in approximately 30% of previously anoxic parenchymal cells in pericentral regions; however, infusion of glycine (2 mM) decreased cell death to less than 10%. Strychnine (1 mM), which was found to mimic the cytoprotective effect of glycine in proximal renal tubules, also reduced LDH release to 11 IU.g-1.h-1 in this study. Bile was released at rates of approximately 42 microliters.g-1.h-1 in livers from control rats, but values were not altered significantly by glycine. Maximal MDA production during reperfusion decreased by 35% with 0.6 mM of glycine. Trypan blue distribution time, an indicator of hepatic microcirculation, was reduced significantly by glycine at 5 and 40 min after reflow, but changes were about twofold greater at later time points compared with earlier ones (half-maximal decrease = 225 microM). Time for oxygen to reach steady state upon reflow was reduced by glycine in a dose-dependent manner, and the rates of entry and exit of a dye confined to vascular space (fluorescein dextran) were increased two- to threefold by glycine, respectively. Taken together, these data indicate that a reperfusion injury that occurs in previously hypoxic pericentral regions of the liver upon reintroduction of oxygen is minimized by glycine, possibly by action on a glycine-sensitive anion channel to improve microcirculation during the reperfusion period.
Interferometric studies of disk-eclipsed binary star systems

As sky surveys continue to document an increasing number of transient celestial phenomena, an intriguing subset of objects are emerging that show variations in brightness, interpreted as the transit of a circumstellar disk in front of a companion star in a binary system. The brightest member of this class is the F0 supergiant star plus disk binary, epsilon Aurigae, along with more than a dozen new candidates sharing similarities. Better-known cases include EE Cep, BM Ori and KH15D. Characteristics of all of these are discussed in terms of their suitability for interferometric study. Next generation interferometric imaging offers the potential to detect disk structures that are driven by dynamical forces, chemical transitions and thermal gradients. These include observable effects of tidal spiral density waves, dust and planetessimal formation/evolution in disks, and orbital phase-dependent heating of the disk by the external companion star.
The Rise of the Christian Social Union, 1945–46

Destruction such as that visited upon Germany during the course of the Second World War has rarely, if ever, been seen in the history of Europe. Such was the chaos when the ‘government’ of Admiral Doenitz surrendered in May 1945, that the former chief historian of the United States High Commission for Germany could write, ‘there seems to be no record in modern history of the complete destruction of a governmental structure from the top to the bottom in a major country aside from Germany’.1 Indeed, the question was to arise among German lawmakers themselves during the constitutional deliberations of 1948 whether Germany had ceased to exist as a sovereign state in May 1945. The fact that it came up at all must give some indication of the intensity of devastation brought down upon the Germans by National Socialism. That the process of reconstructing Germany after the havoc of the war would prove no easy task was recognized clearly by the later military governor of the American occupation zone, General Lucius D. Clay, who wrote that ‘the progress of the war in Germany has accomplished, at least on the surface, very much more destruction than most people at home realize’.2
Notes on affine Hecke algebras

1 The affine Hecke algebra 2 \(\mathcal H\) and equivariant K-theory 3 Convolution 4 Subregular case 5 Subregular case: type A 6 Subregular case: types C,D,E,F,G References
Competition and the Use of Discretion in Financial Reporting: Evidence from Community Banks

This paper examines how an increase in the threat of competition distorts firms' financial reporting. I consider two channels: actions taken by managers as well as by regulators. Using state-level changes in branching regulation, I find that geographically-constrained community banks increased their loss provisions and appeared less profitable when faced with the threat of entry by competitors. Future losses do not justify the increase in provisions. The effect is consistent with both managers' and regulators' use of discretion in financial reporting, driven by managers' entry-deterrence objective and regulators' mandate to ensure safety and soundness of the financial system. Survey-based evidence collected as part of this study supports the premise that banks prefer to locate in markets where incumbents have high profitability and low credit losses, and that banks use competitors' financial statements in analyzing their competition. Survey evidence also suggests that regulators' expectations are a leading factor in banks' over-provisioning for loan losses.