cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of parent vessel geometry on intraaneurysmal flow patterns

This study shows the influence of the upstream parent artery geometry on intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics of cerebral aneurysms. Patient-specific models of four cerebral aneurysms at four typical locations were constructed from 3D rotational angiography images. Two geometrical models were constructed for each patient, one with the native parent vessel geometry and another with the parent vessel truncated approximately 1cm upstream from the aneurysm. For one aneurysm, two images were used to construct a model as realistic and large as possible - down to the carotid bifurcation - which was cut at seven different locations. Corresponding finite element grids were generated and computational fluid dynamics simulations were carried out under pulsatile flow conditions. It was found that truncated models tended to underestimate the wall shear stress in the aneurysm and to shift the impaction zone to the neck when compared with the native geometry. In one aneurysm the parent vessel included a tortuous segment close to the neck that strongly influenced the flow pattern entering the aneurysm. Thus, including longer portions of the parent vessel beyond this segment did not have a substantial effect. Depending on the dominant geometrical features the length of the parent artery needed for an accurate representation of the intraaneurysmal hemodynamics may vary among individuals. In conclusion, failure to properly model the inflow stream determined by the upstream parent artery can significantly influence the results of intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic models. The upstream portion of the parent vessel of cerebral aneurysms should be included in order to accurately represent the intraaneurysmal hemodynamics.
Christian Realism and "the Bomb": Reinhold Niebuhr on the Dilemmas of the Nuclear Age

Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, the man whom Hans Morgenthau in 1961 called "the greatest living political philosopher of America,"1 was at the peak of his intellectual activity and influence in the period from 1945 to 1949 when the two great revolutions in modern international politics occurred. The first of these revolutions, marked by the successful test of a nuclear fission "device" in the New Mexico desert on 16 July 1945, and by the subsequent use of two similar devices as instruments of war against Japan, raised the specter of mankind's self-annihilation and made the avoidance of total war a global imperative. The second revolution entailed the redistribution of military power in the world so that two nations with incompatible and openly hostile ideologies emerged from the war as the dominant powers in a bipolar international system. Given these radical transformations in the nature and distribution of power, it is not surprising that Niebuhr should have given his primary attention in the postwar period to the seemingly intractable problems of world politics. Forty years after the bombing of Hiroshima, the dilemmas of a bipolar world in which nuclear weapons exist continue to confound us. These dilemmas involve complex military, political, and moral questions and, as even a cursory look at some of the relevant issues would suggest, the various aspects of the problems are intertwined in such a way that political and military questions inevitably raise moral concerns. Two relatively recent policy choices may help to illustrate both the interconnections of military, political, and moral
Refractory status epilepticus: new insights in presentation, treatment, and outcome

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE), defined as status epilepticus that fails to respond to the acute administration of two antiepileptic medications, occurs in approximately a third of patients with status epilepticus, and is associated with increased hospital length of stay, mortality, and functional disability. Common presentations include: (1) generalized convulsive status epilepticus or complex partial status epilepticus that continue despite initial therapies; (2) stupor or coma following a generalized convulsive or complex partial seizure; or (3) stupor or coma following brain surgery or acute brain injury. When status epilepticus continues or recurs 24 hours or more after the initiation of anesthetic therapy, or recurs on the reduction or withdrawal of anesthesia, it is termed super RSE. Published evidence on optimal management of RSE consists largely of case reports or small series. The mainstay of treatment is the administration of anesthetic agents titrated to electrographic seizure control. Adjunctive therapies include hypothermia and immunosuppression and less commonly, surgery, electrical stimulation therapies, and induction of ketosis. Patients with cardiopulmonary complications and prolonged duration of drug-induced coma tend to have worse post-treatment functional outcomes. However, significant improvement over time can occur in survivors, and thus treatment is justified even in patients who require prolonged anesthetic coma. The strongest predictors of outcome are duration of anesthetic coma, etiology, and development of cardiopulmonary complications.
Determining the number of components from the matrix of partial correlations

A common problem for both principal component analysis and image component analysis is determining how many components to retain. A number of solutions have been proposed, none of which is totally satisfactory. An alternative solution which employs a matrix of partial correlations is considered. No components are extracted after the average squared partial correlation reaches a minimum. This approach gives an exact stopping point, has a direct operational interpretation, and can be applied to any type of component analysis. The method is most appropriate when component analysis is employed as an alternative to, or a first-stage solution for, factor analysis.
Head Injury Management Algorithm as Described in Hippocrates' “Peri ton en cephali traumaton”

HIPPOCRATIC WORKS LEND themselves still today to the modern physician for further analysis of his approach to the diagnosis and treatment of various pathological conditions. We present an attempt to systematize his methodology regarding the management of head trauma and present it in the format of a modern-era algorithm.
TOWARD A COMPREHENSIVE FUELING-CONTROLLED THEORY OF THE GROWTH OF MASSIVE BLACK HOLES AND HOST SPHEROIDS

We study the relation between nuclear massive black holes and their host spheroid gravitational potential. Using AMR numerical simulations, we analyze how gas is transported in the nuclear (central kpc) regions of galaxies. We study the gas fueling onto the inner accretion disk (sub-pc scale) and the star formation in a massive nuclear disk like those generally found in proto-spheroids (ULIRGs, SCUBA Galaxies). These sub-pc resolution simulation of gas fueling that is mainly depleted by star formation naturally satisfy the 'M{sub BH} - M{sub virial}' relation, with a scatter considerably less than the observed one. We found a generalized version of Kennicutt-Schmidt Law for starbursts is satisfied, in which the total gas depletion rate ({dot M}{sub gas} = {dot M}{sub BH} + {dot M}{sub SF}) is the one that scales as M{sub gas}/t{sub orbital}. We also found that the 'M{sub BH} - {sigma}' relation is a byproduct of the 'M{sub BH} - M{sub virial}' relation.
The role of county‐based funders in sustaining nonprofits within rural and urbanized counties

Social service nonprofit organizations in the United States originally relied on private donations and charitable events to sustain their operations. Using case studies, this article examines the role played by local officials in the thirty-year survival of certain Indiana Youth Services Bureaus (YSBs) and highlights the salient factors that influenced the viability of some nonprofit organizations over the others.
An interesting application of lung ultrasonography

In the previous issue of Critical Care, Raimondi and colleagues investigate whether lung ultrasonography has utility for the assessment of respiratory distress in the neonate. This commentary reviews the results and implications of their study.
Reply from a Neighboring Village

I am flattered that Hetherington, Daniel, and Brown (1994) took the time to respond to a prepublication version of my article in the form of a commentary piece. They have raised a number of interesting and relevant issues and, despite their criticism of methodological pluralism, they have provided an example of one limited approach to methdological pluralism (critical multiplism). In the short amount of space available for my reply, I am unable to respond to every point raised. Instead, I will focus on the fundamental differences between the approach to studying environmental values that they advocate and my approach. The differences run deep, because we live in different philosophical and disciplinary villages.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of an under-actuated miniature biped climbing robot

The design, implementation, and evaluation of a miniature biped robot for urban reconnaissance are presented. Design specifications for mobility, space requirement weight, sensing, and control are defined. A revolute hip joint is selected based on its enhanced mobility and capability to function in reasonably confined spaces. Small size dictates minimal weight, which is achieved by an under actuated joint structure, providing steering at only one foot, minimizing sensors, and structural optimization. The smart robotic foot supports the robot on a variety of smooth surfaces and provides feedback when a firm grip is established. Adaptable control strategies and dithering are implemented in lieu of minimal sensors and uncertainty created by backlash, gravity, and compliance in the suction feet. The robot is evaluated while performing tasks on surfaces with a variety of inclinations.
Health Literacy Among Spanish-Speaking Latino Parents With Limited English Proficiency

Background.—Health literacy measures the degree to which individuals understand health information. It has not been studied among parents with limited English proficiency (LEP). Objective.—We aimed to determine how well Spanish-speaking Latino parents with LEP understood the written instructions accompanying a routinely prescribed medication. Design and Methods.—We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of young children. We showed subjects a medicine bottle with an English prescription label and a Spanish drug information sheet (DIS). Subjects demonstrated how much medicine they would give and stated how often they would give it (Medication Dosing). Then they answered 5 questions regarding information from the DIS (DIS comprehension). We coded responses dichotomously as correct or incorrect. We compared Medication Dosing and DIS comprehension by age, comfort with speaking English, birthplace, number of years in the United States, and education. Regression analyses were performed to adjust for these potential confounders. Results.—Of 100 participants, 22% correctly dosed the medication; 29% correctly answered all questions regarding the Spanish DIS. Of subjects comfortable speaking English, 50% correctly demonstrated the amount of medicine to give. Overall, higher education and comfort speaking English were associated with better Medication Dosing. Higher education and birth in South America were associated with better DIS comprehension. Conclusions.—Few parents with LEP were able to understand routinely dispensed written medication instructions. Pediatricians should not assume that Spanish-speaking Latino parents who are comfortable speaking English will understand a prescription label written in English, or that Latino parents who speak Spanish will understand drug information written in Spanish.
Sex as a predictor of outcomes in patients treated with thrombolysis for acute stroke

Objective: To determine the association between sex and functional outcomes after thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the context of a clinical trial. Methods: We analyzed predictors of outcome among patients treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in the Glycine Antagonist in Neuroprotection for Patients with Acute Stroke Americas trial, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a putative neuroprotectant. Results: Among 1,367 trial patients, 333 (24%) were treated with rtPA within 3 hours. The proportion of patients achieving good functional outcomes at 3 months differed by sex (47.5% of men vs 30.3% of women had Barthel Index [BI] ≥ 95; 32.2% of men vs 23.4% of women had modified Rankin Score [mRS] ≤ 1). NIH Stroke Score was similar by sex. Men were more likely to have good functional outcomes after adjusting for relevant covariates: for BI ≥ 95, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.28 (1.74 to 6.17); for mRS ≤ 1, adjusted OR 2.12 (1.11 to 4.03). Survival was worse among men: adjusted OR 0.45 (0.20 to 1.01). Other predictors of functional outcomes included age, stroke side, severity, complications, and infections. Conclusions: Among tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients in this clinical trial population, men were approximately three times as likely to have good functional outcomes, despite elevated mortality. Thrombolysis for stroke may not reverse the tendency for women to have worse functional outcomes after stroke.
Phytoextraction of Arsenic from Soil by Leersia Oryzoides

The potential of Leersia oryzoides (rice-cut grass) to remediate arsenic-contaminated soil was studied in greenhouse pot experiments. Leersia oryzoides grown in soil amended with arsenic to a concentration of 110 mg kg−1, extracted up to 305 mg kg−1 and 272 mg kg−1 arsenic into its shoots and roots, respectively, giving a shoot:root quotient of 1.12 and phytoextraction coefficients up to 2.8. Plants in the arsenic-amended soil showed visible signs of stress in the first 8 wk of growth, but then recovered. Based on the 132 plants that were grown in a surface area of approximately 180 cm2, the calculated total arsenic taken up by shoots is 120, 130, and 130 g ha−1 at 6, 10, and 16 wk, respectively, suggesting that additional arsenic could be removed by periodic mowing over a growing season. Extraction with a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide indicated that the available arsenic was constant after the first 6 wk. Uptake is comparable to that reported for duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) and overlaps the ...
Measuring the Effects of a University Planning Decision Aid

University administrators involved in budget planning must trade off variables such as faculty size, faculty salary increments, tuition increases, and investment in new initiatives. TRADES is a computer-based, interactive financial model designed to assist in making trade-offs and finding preferred feasible solutions. This paper presents the results of an experiment to test the significance of preference changes resulting from the use of the TRADES model. In this experiment, 38 subjects were divided into two groups, one provided with TRADES and the other only with a printed university projected forecast. The subjects were asked to rank-order 27 different five-year financial policies. The two groups were compared using the preference function assessment technique of Srinivasan and Shocker. The policy preference changes by TRADES users were found to be significantly greater than the preference changes by nonusers. That is, the experience of using the TRADES model to assess budget policy altered the choice of preferred policy. The implication of this experiment is that the preference functions evolve as better understanding is reached of trade-offs and constraints. Therefore, simply eliciting preference functions and then running a model is not sufficient in situations in which learning can take place.
Effects of practice on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV across 3- and 6-month intervals.

A total of 54 participants (age M = 20.9; education M = 14.9; initial Full Scale IQ M = 111.6) were administered the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) at baseline and again either 3 or 6 months later. Scores on the Full Scale IQ, Verbal Comprehension, Working Memory, Perceptual Reasoning, Processing Speed, and General Ability Indices improved approximately 7, 5, 4, 5, 9, and 6 points, respectively, and increases were similar regardless of whether the re-examination occurred over 3- or 6-month intervals. Reliable change indices (RCI) were computed using the simple difference and bivariate regression methods, providing estimated base rates of change across time. The regression method provided more accurate estimates of reliable change than did the simple difference between baseline and follow-up scores. These findings suggest that prior exposure to the WAIS-IV results in significant score increments. These gains reflect practice effects instead of genuine intellectual changes, which...
Characterization of triacylglycerols from overwintering prepupae of the alfalfa pollinator Megachile rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae).

Alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile rotundata (F.), overwinter as prepupae. The internal lipids were extracted from prepupae that had been wintered at 4°C for 7 months. Megachile rotundata prepupae possessed copious quantities of internal lipids (20% of the fresh weight) that were extracted with CHCl3/methanol (2:1). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that lipids were stored within very large intracellular vacuoles. Separation by silica chromatography revealed that 88% of the internal lipids were triacylglycerols. Ester derivatives of fatty acids from triacylglycerol components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 15 fatty acid constituents were identified. The majority (76%) of the triacylglycerol fatty acids were unsaturated fatty acids. The major triacylglycerol fatty acid constituent (30%) was the C16 monounsaturated fatty acid, palmitoleic acid (16:1, hexadec-9-enoic acid), with substantial amounts of linolenic acid (18:3, octadec-9,12,15-trienoic acid, 15%), palmitic acid (16:0, hexadecanoic acid, 14%) and oleic acid (18:1, octadec-9-enoic acid, 13%). Palmitoleic acid as the major fatty acid of an insect is an unusual occurrence as well as the presence of the 16-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, 16:2 and 16:3. The major intact triacylglycerol components were separated and identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A complex mixture of approximately 40 triacylglycerol components were identified and major components included palmitoyl palmitoleoyl oleoyl glycerol, palmitoyl palmitoleoyl palmitoleoyl glycerol, myristoyl palmitoleoyl palmitoleoyl glycerol, myristoleoyl palmitoyl palmitoleoyl glycerol, and palmitoyl palmitoleoyl linolenoyl glycerol. The function of these internal lipids and their relevance to winter survival and post-wintering development of M. rotundata is discussed. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 57:1–14, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Distribution kinetics of radical mechanisms: Reversible polymer decomposition

For polymers and other homologous mixtures that span a molecular weight (MW) range, many reaction mechanisms involve the formation, addition and decomposition of free radicals. In the chain reactions of polymerization and depolymerization, radicals and polymer molecules interact by a variety of primary reactions. The authors postulate that these radicals and molecules can be described by continuous molecular weight distributions (MWDs). Their chemical interactions are developed from generic, reversible addition or bond scission reactions. Distribution balance equations are proposed for initiation-termination and propagation-depropagation reactions, such as hydrogen abstraction, disproportionation, chain cleavage, and radical coupling. A comprehensive model including all these events conforms to the special mechanisms for chain-end depolymerization and for random-scission polymer degradation. The evolution of an MWD from initial state to final equilibrium is described by the time dependence of MW moments. Irreversible degradation or polymerization relationships are obtained as limiting cases. First-order rate constants observed in pyrolysis and thermolysis reactions are composed of algebraic groups of primary reaction rate constants.
Experimental Ridge Augmentation With Porous Hydroxyapatite Implants

A new hydroxyapatite ceramic implant material for restoration of atrophic edentulous ridges was tested in a canine animal model The structure of this material is unique, in that it is produced from the skeleton of a coral, and in that it is penetrated by a uniform network of interconnected pores. Results indicate that bone penetrates its structure to a greater degree than had been observed with similar implants constructed of different materials. Implant insertion through a simple surgical technique involving minimal morbidity is a viable method of placement.
Prediction of proteinuria and microalbuminuria in diabetic pregnancies with a random single void.

Objective. To determine whether a single urine specimen could effectively replace the 24 hour (24-h) urine collection in screening for microalbuminuria and proteinuria in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes.Materials and Methods. A total of 42 pregnant women with pregestational diabetes mellitus were involved in the eventual analysis. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed. Urinary Protein (P) to Creatinine (Cr) ratio and microalbumin (MA) to Cr ratios were measured for the spot sample, and the total P, total MA, and serum Cr were measured for the 24-h urine sample. Analysis was done using linear regression and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).Results. Mean maternal age was 30.8 years, and the mean gestational age at collection was 19.8 weeks. A strong correlation exists between the spot MA to Cr value and 24-h MA, with an r = 0.81 (P < 0.0001). The association between the spot P to Cr ratio and 24-h urinary P was not as strong, r = 0.58 (P < 0.0001).Conclusions. A s...
Blood lipids in diabetic and non-diabetic schoolchildren.

Summary The fasting blood levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, glycerides and free fatty acids (79 cases only) were determined in a group of 7–20- year-old school children, consisting of 137 diabetics and 121 matched non-diabetic controls. Age and sex were without significant influence on any of the lipid compounds. Although only- a few cases of hyperlipaemia were observed, the mean values for all lipids were relatively higher for the diabetic than for the non-diabetic group (Fig. 1). The differences were highly significant for phospholipids and free fatty acids, probably significant for cholesterol, but not significant for glycerides. No correlation was found between lipid levels and the age at onset of diabetes, the duration of the disease or the degree of diabetic control. In a few patients with diabetic angiopathy of moderate severity the lipid values did not deviate from those of the uncomplicated cases. When comparing the results with the findings in adult subjects, an increase in blood lipids seems to occur after the end of the adolescent period in both diabetic and non-diabetic cases. The results are discussed with regard to some known and postulated factors influencing the blood level and metabolism of lipids in the normal and the diabetic population.
Anti-inflammatory drugs in experimental atherosclerosis

Abstract Groups of New Zealand white male rabbits were fed atherogenic diets containing 1% cholesterol. The diets of experimental groups were supplemented additionally with either aspirin, phenylbutazone, mefenamic acid, flufenamic acid, oxyphenylbutazone or aminopyrine. Blood cholesterol and phospholipids were measured at 3–4 week intervals. After 12 weeks the animals were sacrificed and the severity of atherosclerosis in the thoracic aorta was measured. In separate experiments, rabbit platelets were incubated with each of the drugs individually and conversion of [ l4 C] arachidonic acid to thromboxanes and related compounds was assayed. Inhibition of collagen and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation by each drug was also measured. All drugs inhibited thromboxane synthesis and platelet aggregation in varying degrees with flufenamate and aspirin being most and aminopyrine least effective. The pattern of metabolite formation from [ 14 C]arachidonate was consistent with a block in the cyclooxygenase reaction. Phenylbutazone, flufenamic acid and oxyphenylbutazone produced significant reductions in atherosclerotic plaque formation without major changes in blood cholesterol levels or blood cholesterol-phospholipid ratios. Aspirin and aminopyrine were ineffective. The results indicate that the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs as inhibitors of thromboxane synthesis and platelet aggregation in vitro does not afford a sufficient predictive index of their anti-atherogenicity in vivo. The significance of these findings is discussed in terms of the possible involvement of cyclooxygenase derivatives in atherogenesis.
The Nuclear Arms Race: Prisoner's Dilemma or Perceptual Dilemma?:

Traditionally, the most common game-theoretic model of the Soviet-US nuclear arms race has been an iterated Prisoner's Dilemma. According to such a model, on any given trial both superpowers are better off arming regardless of what the other side chooses, but if both sides arm the outcome is less desirable than had both sides reduced their supply of weapons. Although Soviet and US preferences resembled a Prisoner's Dilemma throughout much of the Cold War, recent evidence suggests that the arms race is now more accurately modeled by a 'Perceptual Dilemma'. In a Perceptual Dilemma, both sides: (1) prefer mutual arms reductions to all other outcomes; (2) want above all to avoid disarming while the other side arms; and (3) perceive the other side as preferring unilateral armament to all other outcomes. This article presents empirical evidence that the nuclear arms race is more appropriately modeled by a Perceptual Dilemma than by a Prisoner's Dilemma, including new survey data in which members of the Australian Parliament and the Israeli Knesset were asked to estimate the preferences of Soviet and US leaders. The paper concludes by reviewing several factors which sustain misperception and by suggesting that a Perceptual Dilemma can be solved with a clear, time-limited series of disarmament initiatives.
Model checking cell biology

Mathematical models of real biological systems have predominantly been deterministic or stochastic continuous models. However, there are reasons to believe that at least some processes can be modeled in a "digital" way. Once we do that, we enter the domain of concurrent and reactive systems, where model checking has been an important tool. Perhaps techniques from the verification community could lead to insights about the systems principles that allow biological systems using very low energy (and high noise) components to function dynamic environments. I will explore some past and future research directions in this area, as well as some of the non-computational challenges that arise in this kind of research.
Complexation of procainamide with hydroxide‐containing compounds

The complexation of procainamide with hydroxide-containing compounds, ethanol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, lactose, maltose, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and sucrose, have been studied. Procainamide formed a complex with glucose, lactose, and maltose, all of which contain a hemiacetal group, whereas fructose and sucrose do not. The percent of complex formed was dependent on the pH of the solution, with an optimum range of approximately 4-5.2. As with glucose, the percent of complex formed was directly related to the concentration of lactose in the solution. In dry mixtures, procainamide did not form a complex with glucose or lactose. The complex formed with lactose or maltose could be completely reversed by adding hydrochloric acid. A similar observation with glucose was reported earlier. In the optimum pH range, equilibrium was established in approximately 24 hr, and the process of complexation followed the equation for reversible reactions.
The magnetic resonance imaging ‘rule of five’: predicting the occurrence of relapse:

Background:Clinical intuition suggests that a sharp increase in the number of enhancing lesions should signal an increased risk of relapse. The ‘rule of five’ recommends that subjects exhibiting at...
Subset selection and optimization for selecting binomial systems applied to supersaturated design generation

The problem of finding the binomial population with the highest success probability is considered when the number of binomial populations is large. A new rigorous indifference zone subset selection procedure for binomial populations is proposed with the proof of the corresponding least favorable configuration. For cases involving large numbers of binomial populations, a simulation optimization method combining the proposed subset selection procedure with an elitist genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to find the highest-mean solution. Convergence of the proposed GA frame work are established under general assumptions. The problem of deriving supersaturated screening designs is described and used to illustrate the application of all methods. Computational comparisons are also presented for the problem of generating supersaturated experimental designs.
Multiple target angle tracking using sensor array outputs

The problem of tracking the directions of arrival of signals from a number of objects using sensor array outputs is considered. An algorithm is developed for estimating the angles associated directly with different objects, avoiding data association methods. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method works well in practice. >
What Can Explain Excess Smoothness and Sensitivity of State-Level Consumption?

Abstract This article estimates marginal propensities to consume (MPC) out of current and lagged income for U.S. states using panel data regressions that control for time-specific and state-level fixed effects. The MPCs vary across states; in particular, the MPC out of current income is higher in states where income is more persistent, and the MPC out of lagged income is lower in agricultural states. We show that the estimated MPCs can be matched by a model of forward-looking consumers that includes all of the following features: time aggregation, durable goods, impatience, credit constraints, and risk sharing.
Multi-Channel Supply Chain Design in B2C Electronic Commerce

The trend of engaging in the Internet-based direct sales has raised serious awareness and attention, both in industry and in academia, to the opportunities and challenges of using both integrated and nonintegrated distribution channels simultaneously. In this chapter, we investigate the impact of the interplay between customers’ channel preference and distribution costs on the supply chain channel design for a manufacturer that can sell through a retailer and directly to consumers. We develop economic/game-theoretical models to obtain insights and implications for the channel design problem. By comparing the profitability of three types of channel distribution strategies (retail-only distribution, dual-channel distribution, and direct-only distribution) under different scenarios, we disclose the optimal supply-chain channel design from the manufacturer’s perspective. The analytical results are presented for both centralized and decentralized supply chains.
MRI Biomarker for Early Diagnosis of Autism

In order to identify early risk markers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), investigators at University of California Davis School of Medicine and Davis Children’s Hospital conducted a longitudinal brain MRI study of infant siblings in conjunction with behavioral assessments leading to an outcome classification at 24 months or later (mean age 32.5 months).
Adsorption of BH3 on Si(100)−(2×1)

Dissociative adsorption of borane on the Si(100) surface has been investigated with nonlocal density functional theory and a cluster model of the surface. The calculations predict that a Si−B bond ...
The Brazilian Adirondacks

The name of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, translated from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani language as “Weeping Mountains,” underscores their historical importance as a source of water for southeastern Brazil. Mantiqueira harbors outstanding sociocultural history, and its high peaks form a
Study on evaluation methods for sterilization effect of blood dialysis system

Objective:To research and establish the method of evaluating disinfecting results of blood dialysis system.Methods:Using qualitative killing test and simulated field test method and refering to "Technical Standard for Disinfection" and"Test Technical Specifications for Endoscope Disinfection Effect",to treat the un-sterilized and sterilized blood dialysis system.Results:Sterile growth was found in sample solution after cultivation,when disinfectants acted on the blood dialysis system without sterilization for 5.5 h.The same result was obtained through cleaning procedures of blood dialysis system within the same time.When disinfectants acted on the sterilized blood dialysis system through the cleaning and disinfecting procedures of blood dialysis system,the average killing logarithm values of spores of Bacillus subtilis polluted by man-made factors are 6.26(3.00).Conclusion:Through the cleaning and disinfecting procedures,the blood dialyzer system were all to achieve disinfecting results.
Physiologic responses to training

Endurance training improves exercise tolerance principally by inducing structural and biochemical changes in the exercising muscles. These changes yield improved oxygen delivery to the site of muscle metabolism, which improves oxygen use and forestalls the onset of anaerobic metabolism. The physiologic stress of heavy exercise is thereby reduced. The molecular mechanisms that induce these changes are unclear, but the characteristics of an effective training program have been well described. Cessation of training leads to prompt regression of the accumulated benefits.
A survey of membrane receptor regulation in valvular interstitial cells cultured under mechanical stresses.

Abstract Degenerative valvular diseases have been linked to the action of abnormal forces on valve tissues during each cardiac cycle. It is now accepted that the degenerative behavior of valvular cells can be induced mechanically in vitro. This approach of in vitro modeling of valvular cells in culture constitutes a powerful tool to study, characterize, and develop predictors of heart valve degeneration in vivo. Using such in vitro systems, we expect to determine the exact signaling mechanisms that trigger and mediate propagation of degenerative signals. In this study, we aim to uncover the role of mechanosensing proteins on valvular cell membranes. These can be cell receptors and triggers of downstream pathways that are activated upon the action of cyclical tensile strains in pathophysiological conditions. In order to identify mechanosensors of tensile stresses on valvular interstitial cells, we employed biaxial cyclic strain of valvular cells in culture and quantitatively evaluated the expression of cell membrane proteins using a targeted protein array and interactome analyses. This approach yielded a high-throughput screening of all cell surface proteins involved in sensing mechanical stimuli. In this study, we were able to identify the cell membrane proteins which are activated during physiological cyclic tensile stresses of valvular cells. The proteins identified in this study were clustered into four interactomes, which included CC chemokine ligands, thrombospondin (adhesive glycoproteins), growth factors, and interleukins. The expression levels of these proteins generally indicated that cells tend to increase adhesive efforts to counteract the action of mechanical forces. This is the first study of this kind used to comprehensively identify the mechanosensitive proteins in valvular cells.
Gotta Catch ... A Lawsuit? A Legal Insight into the Intellectual, Civil, and Criminal Battlefield 'Pokémon Go' Has Downloaded Onto Smartphones and Properties Around the World

Our society, and its millennials, have entered the digital age, whereby almost everything is conducted and perpetuated through electronic devices. Smartphones have dominated the mobile device market and have allowed its users to download mobile applications and games to the device. Pokemon Go, is the latest trend in mobile gaming and the start to a bright future of augmented reality. But what happens when augmented reality meets the physical world? Do our modern-day statutes and laws extend into the cyberspace that it is augmented reality? What happens when a user of an augmented reality game enters onto the property of another and interferes with that individual's fundamental property right of quiet enjoyment and use of the property? Should the mobile game user be held liable under trespassing or nuisance laws? Should the Developers of such a game be held liable under theories of negligence, trespass, and/or nuisance? This article attempts to explore the concept of augmented reality as it pertains to the creation of Pokemon Go by Niantic, Inc., The Pokemon Company, and Nintendo. Pokemon Go is the latest augmented reality game for iPhone and Android, which allows its user to travel in the physical world, while catching Pokemon in the virtual world, depicted through a Google interface overlay.
Atrial fibrillation and menopause: something else to worry about, or not?

Menopausal age is established as a strong marker of adverse cardiovascular risk. Earlier age of menopause has been related to increased myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. It would stand to reason, then, that menopausal age would similarly be associated with increased likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is most commonly a disease of cardiovascular ageing, and multiple factors—cardiovascular events, increased inflammation and thrombosis and hormonal dysregulation—could be expected to link earlier onset of menopause with increased risk of AF. Several cohort studies have now examined the association of earlier menopausal age and AF. In their Heart manuscript, Wong et al have elucidated the relation between age of menopause and incident AF.1 In a cohort of over 30 000 women from the Women’s Health Study—the largest cohort to examine this question to date—the authors followed cohort participants for a median of 20.5 years. The primary outcome was the onset of AF, self-reported and confirmed by physician review of medical records. In this cohort of 30 034 women, …
Effectiveness of transurethral resection (TUR) plus systemic chemotherapy as definitive treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

481Background: TUR + neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy achieves a pathologic complete response in 30-40% of patients with MIBC. Prior studies have demonstrated that long-term survival is pos...
Factors associated with self-reported history of depression diagnosis among cancer survivors aged 18 years and over in the United States.

OBJECTIVE According to the American Cancer Society, 25% of cancer survivors in the United States develop depression. The objective of this study is to assess factors associated with self-reported history of depression diagnosis among cancer survivors aged ≥18 years in the United States. METHODS Data were analyzed from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 6079). The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System collects data about US residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors and events, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. Respondents were considered to have a history of depression diagnosis if they answered yes to the question "Has a doctor or other health care provider EVER told you that you have a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression?" Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with depression in cancer survivors. Analyses were conducted using SAS 9.4. RESULTS After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, females (AOR: 1.70; 95% CI, 1.50-1.97); those with an annual household income of $24 999 or less (AOR: 2.48; 95% CI, 1.95-3.16); $25 000 to $49 999 (AOR: 1.62; 95% CI, 1.31-2.02), and $50 000 to $74 999 (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI, 1.10-1.71); those who were not married (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.17-1.60); and those who perceived their health as poor (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI, 2.01-2.70), were significantly more likely to report a diagnosis of depression. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that gender, income, marital status, and perceived health status were associated with self-reported depression among cancer survivors aged ≥18 years in the United States.
Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers in Lebanese hospitals: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract This study aims to assess the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among food handlers working in Lebanese hospitals and to explore the association between the obtained scores, handler socio-demographic and working characteristics. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out, using a semi-administered, semi-structured questionnaire interviewing 254 food handlers working in 13 different hospitals located in Beirut (n = 7) and Mount Lebanon (n = 6). The mean age of the 254 recruited food handlers was 37.6 ± 10.3 years, 63.8% were males, 60.1% had primary level education and the majority (90%) had previously received a course on food safety in hospitals. The most incorrect practice was thawing food at room temperature (72.8%). On average, food handlers scored 59.2%, 83.7% and 83.2% on the knowledge, attitudes and practices questions, respectively and 75.4% on the overall knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) score. Knowledge scores were significantly higher among food handlers who attended a training course (60.8%, p = 0.001), working in government and hospitals not affiliated to university (71.3%, p = 0.013 and 60.5%, p = 0.013, respectively). Respondents who served for more than 21 years in university-affiliated hospitals were significantly (p Results strongly emphasize the need for continuous food safety interventions, training sessions and food hygiene regulations to enhance food handlers' knowledge and improve food safety in hospitals.
Functions of the Cytoplasmic Exosome

The exosome consists of a core of ten essential proteins that includes the ribonuclease Rrp44p and is present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The cytoplasmic exosome has been extensively characterized in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and some characterization of its metazoan counterpart indicates that most functional aspects are conserved. These studies have implicated the cytoplasmic exosome in the turnover of normal cellular mRNAs, as well as several mRNA surveillance pathways. For this, the exosome needs a set of four proteins that do not partake in nuclear exosome functions. These cofactors presumably direct the exosome to specific cytoplasmic RNA substrates. Here, we review cofactors and functions of the cytoplasmic exosome and provide unanswered questions on the mechanisms of cytoplasmic exosome function.
Higher In-Hospital Mortality, Length of Stay, and 30-day Readmission Rates among Stroke Patients with Delirium: A Population based Analysis (P3.3-027)

Objective: Provide nationwide estimates and trend for delirium among stroke patients (SPs), characterize SPs with delirium, and compare in-hospital and readmission outcomes between delirium and non-delirium SPs. Background: Delirium among critically ill patients results in poor outcomes. However, such evidence is lacking for SPs. Design/Methods: We analyzed the National Readmission Database (2010 – 2015) and identified patients with ischemic (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) (intracerebral and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage) using validated ICD-9 codes. Patients were followed-up for 30-day-readmission. Delirium was identified using published algorithms. We used survey-design logistic regression to provide national estimates of proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and odds ratios (OR) for association between delirium and poor outcomes. Results: We identified 2,078,854 unique stroke discharges with 6.58% coded to have delirium. This proportion significantly increased between 2010 (5.5%) and 2015 (7.7%), OR: 1.08 (1.07 – 1.09). Delirium proportion was higher among HS (ICH: 9.9%, SAH: 8.9%) as compared to IS patients (6.2%). Females and elderly patients had a higher likelihood of delirium after adjustment for co-morbidities. At the index hospitalization, SPs with delirium had longer in-hospital stay (9.0 vs. 5.3 days) and higher mortality (12.5% vs. 8.2%) as compared to non-delirium SPs. Patients with delirium also had a significantly higher adjusted risk of 30-day-readmission (15.6%) as compared to non-delirium SPs (11.2%), OR: 1.10 (1.07–1.13). Upon readmission, patients with delirium at initial admission, continued to have longer hospital stay (7.7 vs. 6.6 days) and higher mortality (9.3% vs. 6.4%). Conclusions: Nationally, the reported proportion of SPs with in-hospital delirium has increased but may still be under-reported. Sex and age disparities for delirium may exist. Delirium is independently associated with poor in-hospital outcomes both at index admission and readmission. Delirium patients have a 10% higher adjusted risk of 30-day-readmission. Biological pathways connecting delirium with poor outcomes among SPs need to be identified. Disclosure: Dr. Vahidy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bambhoroliya has nothing to disclose. Dr. Meeks has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rahman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khan has nothing to disclose.
Resonant Hybrid MVDC Circuit Breakers with In-Line Inductor

A major challenge facing wider adoption of medium voltage DC (MVDC) systems is reliability. Applications such as subsea oil and gas extraction, offshore wind energy conversion, etc. are very mission critical, and a single fault can lead to heavy losses to revenue, environment or even life. This paper presents two resonant hybrid circuit breaker (CB) technologies, one with a coupled inductor and another with a single inductor in line with the mechanical relay, primarily targeted for MVDC applications. Since the main path of both the concepts contains only the mechanical relay and the resonant inductor, the steady state efficiencies are very high (can be well over 99.9 %) in MVDC applications. By carefully choosing the inductor and capacitor values, it is also possible to achieve a response time of well within 100 µs. This paper details the design, verification and comparison of the two concepts through simulation.
On the thermal stability of nearly lattice-matched AlInN films grown on GaN via MOVPE

Abstract The thermal stability of nearly lattice-matched AlInN films grown via metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on GaN/sapphire is investigated. The structural and morphological changes of the AlInN layers, as determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), are studied when systematically varying annealing times, temperatures, and ambients to gain a better understanding of the temperature limits of the AlInN films. The samples are annealed either in the growth chamber with the same conditions (gases, pressure, and flow rates) as the original growth conditions of the AlInN samples, or in the XRD under N2. In general, the surface of the AlInN changes at temperatures >850 °C under growth and N2 conditions mostly likely due to a loss of In as determined by AFM. However, the bulk crystal structure of the AlInN remains stable up to temperatures of 950–1050 °C (depending on ambient) as determined by XRD. These findings provide a helpful guide for future experiments involving high-temperatures (790–1050 °C) for subsequent or transition layers during epitaxial growth, and for fabricating device structures employing AlInN layers.