cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partial Order Trace Analyzer (POTA) for Distributed Programs

Abstract Checking the correctness of software is a growing challenge. In this paper, we present a prototype implementation of Partial Order Trace Analyzer (POTA), a tool for checking execution traces of both message passing and shared memory programs using temporal logic. So far runtime verification tools have used the total order model of an execution trace, whereas POTA uses a partial order model. The partial order model enables us to capture possibly exponential number of interleavings and, in turn, this allows us to find bugs that are not found using a total order model. However, verification in partial order model suffers from the state explosion problem – the number of possible global states in a program increases exponentially with the number of processes. POTA employs an effective abstraction technique called computation slicing. A slice of a computation (execution trace) with respect to a predicate is the computation with the least number of global states that contains all global states of the original computation for which the predicate evaluates to true. The advantage of this technique is that, it mitigates the state explosion problem by reasoning only on the part of the global state space that is of interest. In POTA, we implement computing slicing algorithms for temporal logic predicates from a subset of CTL. The overall complexity of evaluating a predicate in this logic upon using computation slicing becomes polynomial in the number of processes compared to exponential without slicing. We illustrate the effectiveness of our techniques in POTA on several test cases such as the General Inter-ORB Protocol (GIOP)[18] and the primary secondary protocol[32]. POTA also contains a module that translates execution traces to Promela[16] (input language SPIN). This module enables us to compare our results on execution traces with SPIN. In some cases, we were able to verify traces with 250 processes compared to only 10 processes using SPIN.
Childhood Brain Tumors

1. John Crawford, MD, MS* 1. *University of California San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA. * Abbreviations: CNS: : central nervous system CSF: : cerebrospinal fluid CT: : computed tomography MRI: : magnetic resonance imaging NF-1: : neurofibromatosis type 1 NF-2: : neurofibromatosis type 2 WHO: : World Health Organization Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor of childhood and the No. 1 cause of death among all childhood cancers. The pediatrician is pivotal in both the diagnosis and long-term management of brain tumors. A lack of awareness of the clinical signs and symptoms of brain tumors may delay diagnosis and worsen patient outcomes. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize the presenting signs of brain tumor (eg, headache, deteriorating school performance, ataxia, emesis). 2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of craniopharyngioma. Each year, more than 4,000 brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are reported in children age 0 to 19 years in the United States, according to the most recent data from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States. (1) Although the incidence of five per 100,000 person-years is rare compared with other childhood malignancies, brain tumors are the most common solid tumor of childhood. Most importantly, brain tumors are the No. 1 cause of death among all childhood cancers, according to surveillance, epidemiology, and survival data. (2) Childhood brain tumors represent an anatomically and biologically diverse group of neoplasms that can present with both common and unusual symptoms. A lack of awareness of the clinical signs and symptoms of brain tumors may lead to a delayed diagnosis by clinicians. The pediatrician is pivotal in both the diagnosis and long-term management of brain tumors. This primary care–focused review will offer a practical overview of childhood brain tumors, including diagnosis, classification, management, and both early and late effects. Potential late effects of therapy include neurocognitive deficits, endocrinopathies, vasculopathies, and development of secondary neoplasms. A greater awareness of …
Local Government-Sponsored Community Development Exploring Relationships between Perceptions of Empowerment and Community Impact

Local governments are increasingly turning to community-based organizations (CBOs) to support improvement in low-income neighborhoods. Perceptions of more than 70 community leaders and 120 citizens involved in the formation of a CBO in the Orlando, Florida, metropolitan area are used to illuminate relationships between community empowerment and community improvement. Congruent with expectations, findings suggest that both local government responsiveness and community involvement in decision making are linked to perceptions of community improvement. In contrast to expectations, findings suggest that in early stages of community development, citizen involvement in the development activities of the CBO is not strongly correlated with either the perception of community impact or the anticipation of positive change. As a result, local governments sponsoring similar ventures need to recognize the importance of information and communication as tools to secure citizen participation until such time as citizen volu...
Recent advancements in multimodality treatment of gliomas

Gliomas account for the vast majority of malignant adult brain tumors. Even though tremendous effort has been made to optimize treatment of patients with high-grade glioma, the prognosis remains poor, especially for patients with glioblastoma. The dismal prognosis conferred by these tumors is in part caused by the tendency to diffusely infiltrate into neighboring brain tissue, but also by the inherent resistance of these tumors to both chemotherapy and radiation. This article reviews the recent advancements in multimodality treatment of patients with gliomas, both in the primary and recurrent setting, with an emphasis on the emerging targeted therapies. Moreover, the external beam radiotherapy options, including intensity modulated radiotherapy and particle (proton and carbon ion) radiotherapy are reviewed.
Towards control-relevant forecasting in supply chain management

The focus of this paper is understanding the effects of demand forecast error on a tactical decision policy for a single node of a manufacturing supply chain. The demand forecast is treated as an external measured disturbance in a multi-degree-of-freedom feedback-feedforward internal model control (IMC) based inventory control system. Because forecast error will be multifrequency in nature, the effect of error in different frequency regimes is examined. A mathematical framework for evaluating the effect of forecast revisions in an IMC controller is developed. A simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) optimization algorithm is implemented to develop an optimal tuning strategy under these conditions. For the IMC-based inventory controller presented it is concluded that the most desirable performance may be obtained by acting cautiously (e.g. implementing small changes to factory starts) to initial forecasts and gradually becoming more aggressive on starts until the actual demand change is realized.
Design, modeling, and position control of a single-phase reluctance machine

This paper discusses the whole design process of a position control system of a single-phase reluctance machine under mechanical and electrical constraints. A MIMO Neural network is used to model the nonlinear properties of the machine. Based on it, a neural network based control scheme is developed to precisely control the rotor position of the designed single-phase reluctance machine. Simulation results show that a MIMO neural network model can effectively capture the nonlinear characteristics of the designed machine and the proposed neural network control scheme can control the rotor position precisely.
Neuronal loss in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease differs in various mutations of the proteolipid protein 1.

Mutations affecting proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1), the major protein in central nervous system myelin, cause the X-linked leukodystrophy Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD). We describe the neuropathologic findings in a series of eight male PMD subjects with confirmed PLP1 mutations, including duplications, complete gene deletion, missense and exon-skipping. While PLP1 mutations have effects on oligodendrocytes that result in mutation-specific degrees of dysmyelination, our findings indicate that there are also unexpected effects in the central nervous system resulting in neuronal loss. Although length-dependent axonal degeneration has been described in PLP1 null mutations, there have been no reports on neuronal degeneration in PMD patients. We now demonstrate widespread neuronal loss in PMD. The patterns of neuronal loss appear to be dependent on the mutation type, suggesting selective vulnerability of neuronal populations that depends on the nature of the PLP1 disturbance. Nigral neurons, which were not affected in patients with either null or severe misfolding mutations, and thalamic neurons appear particularly vulnerable in PLP1 duplication and deletion patients, while hippocampal neuronal loss was prominent in a patient with complete PLP1 gene deletion. All subjects showed cerebellar neuronal loss. The patterns of neuronal involvement may explain some clinical findings, such as ataxia, being more prominent in PMD than in other leukodystrophies. While the precise pathogenetic mechanisms are not known, these observations suggest that defective glial functions contribute to neuronal pathology.
Surface Laminar Circuit (TM) carrier and flip chip assembly enabling technologies for advanced computer applications

The current semiconductor industry association (SLA) roadmap shows that by the year 2000, chips with sizes up to 400 mm/sup 2/ and chip pad counts (for package interconnection) will approach 2600 bumps. These requirements are necessary in order to keep up with continuing demand for faster on-chip clock rates and faster access to CACHE memory. IBM has been practising Flip Chip (FC) Controlled Collapse Chip Connection (C4) to ceramic substrates for over 30 years. Over the past 10 years IBM has developed a low cost printed wiring board (PWB) alternative, Surface Laminar Circuit (TM). This technology combined with FC, will allow IBM to meet the SIA requirements. This work presents an advanced MCM-L test vehicle (TV) that makes use of both Surface Laminar Circuit (TM) and FC to demonstrate feasibility of interconnecting 20/spl times/20 mm large chips and C4 bump counts up to 2400. This work focuses on the design of the carrier, some of the assembly challenges encountered and selected reliability results.
Restructure Staff Development for Systemic Change.

This paper presents a systems approach based on the work of W. Edwards Deming to system wide, high impact staff development. Deming has pointed out the significance of structure in systems. By restructuring the process of staff development we can bring about cost effective improvement of the whole system. We can improve student achievement while eliminating the need for expensive remedial, gifted, learning disabilities and most special education programs.
RAPID ESTABLISHMENT OF FISH IN ISOLATED PEATLAND BEAVER PONDS

Previous research has demonstrated that beavers (Castor canadensis) dramatically alter fish habitat in streams by their dam-building activities. Although less well-known, beavers also flood closed peatlands by damming seepage rather than streamflow. Our study focuses on the establishment of fish communities in isolated beaver ponds created in small, ombrogenous peatlands lacking any open water prior to beaver occupation. We selected 16 ponds that ranged in age from 4 to 42 years and three unaltered peatlands to determine whether beaver promote the use of peatlands by fish and if the patterns of individual species were related to macrophyte density. Fish were present in ponds as young as four years old, and five of the six species of fish were present in ponds≤16 years old. Submersed macrophyte abundance explained 40% of the variation in fish diversity. Rapid colonization of fish in beaver-altered peatlands provides further evidence of how beavers increase the complexity of biological food webs in boreal regions. Moreover, this work provides an even greater understanding of the historical role of beavers as ecosystem engineers in peatland dominated landscapes.
Decentralized Information-Rich Planning and Hybrid Sensor Fusion for Uncertainty Reduction in Human-Robot Missions

This paper introduces a novel planning and estimation framework for maximizing information collection in missions involving cooperative teams of multiple autonomous vehicles and human agents, such as those used for multi-target search and tracking. The main contribution of this work is the scalable unication of eective algorithms for distributed high-level task planning, decentralized information-based trajectory planning, and hybrid Bayesian information fusion through a common Gaussian mixture uncertainty representation, which can accommodate multiple mission objectives and constraints as well as heterogeneous human/robot information sources. The proposed framework is validated with promising results on real hardware through a set of experiments involving a human-robot team performing a multi-target search mission.
Uncoupling of Photophosphorylation by Quaternary Ammonium Salts and Zwitterionic Buffers

We have previously reported a type of uncoupling in chloroplasts which is observable only under conditions of low cation concentration (i.e. ionic strength) (GROSS et al. 1969). Further investigations have shown that the uncoupling required the presence of the zwitterionic buffer Tricine (GOOD et al. 1966) or a quaternary ammonium salt such as choline, or tetramethyl (TMA) or tetraethyl (TEA) ammonium chlorides (GROSS 1971). In this report, we will show that compounds such as TEA CI stimulate electron transport while inhibiting ATP formation, the 515 nm absorption change (JUNGE & WITT 1968, SCHLIEPHAGE et al. 1968), and light-induced proton uptake (JAGENDORF & HIND 1963, DILLEY & VERNON 1965). The inhibition appears to be due to a decrease in the number of available binding sites for protons. As indicated previously (GROSS et al. 1969), the uncoupling can be prevented by other cations.
Dagen Hogertrafik (H-Day) and Risk Habituation [Last Word]

Discusses the concept of risk habituation, the phenomena in which humans will underestimate risks progressively more as the risks become increasingly familiar. If negative feedback lags, human negligence may intensify and result in weak threat appraisal. When repeatedly participating in risk without experiencing negative consequences, humans often develop complacency and overconfidence. Society is facing historic transitions with shifting infrastructure. Interconnected mazes of technological highways abound with opportunities and risks. Ubiquitous technologies will operate farther behind a veil with imperceptible data shared seamlessly and automatically across multiple platforms. We are likely to become less cognizant of what is collected, by whom, for how long,and how it is synthesized. Our data may become ineradicable, leaving an indelible history of our analyzable behaviors. Yet, we are requently opting-in to murky and mutable terms and conditions in order to participate as viable members of society.
Similitude Analysis of Composite I-Beams with Application to Subcomponent Testing of Wind Turbine Blades

The mechanical behavior of new materials for wind turbine blades is initially characterized by using coupon testing. If the results of the coupon testing look promising, then the materials are incorporated into a blade and certified through a full-scale blade test. The coupon testing is not always representative of performance of the new materials, and full-scale-blade testing is time consuming and very expensive—on the order of several hundred thousand dollars. To bridge the large gap between coupon testing and a full-scale test, subcomponent testing is proposed as a cost-effective alternative. To design a meaningful scaled-down subcomponent emulating the structural conditions experienced in the full-scale component, it is proposed that similitude theory can be applied to a scaled replica of the I-beam structure of a wind turbine blade involving spar caps and the shear web. In the current research, the governing equations for the bending of a simply-supported shear deformable thin-walled composite I-beam are analyzed to derive the scaling laws. Fidelity of the derived scaling laws is then examined as a model-validation criterion by mapping the maximum deflection of variant subcomponents to the full-scale composite I-beam. The combined effects of the size of the subcomponents and the ply stack-up schemes on the fidelity of the scaling laws are then investigated through complete and partial similarity conditions. According to the results, preserving the aspect ratio plays a critical role in successful prediction of the maximum bending of the full-scale I-beam. Also, subcomponents with a modified ply stack-up could be found with good accuracy in maximum bending prediction using the derived scaling laws.
The math anxiety-math performance link and its relation to individual and environmental factors: A review of current behavioral and psychophysiological research.

Anxiety about mathematics — highly prevalent across the globe — is associated with poor math performance. Why is math anxiety related to poor math performance and how can we reduce this link? Current behavioral and psychophysiological research reveals that the math anxiety-math performance link is related to both individual (cognitive, affective/physiological, motivational) and environmental (social/contextual) factors. Several interventions have recently been developed to alleviate the relation between math anxiety and math performance. To lower math anxiety and reduce its relation to poor math performance, future interventions may benefit from focusing on both math-anxious individuals themselves and those around them.
Detection and Analysis on Changing of the Urinary cadmium and Urinary Protein in Cadmium-exposed Workers

[Objective]To detect and analyze the urinary cadmium,urinary proteins and retinol-binding protein among the workers exposed to cadmium.[Methods]The urinary cadmium among workers and cadmium concentrations in the workplace air were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.The urinary β2 microglobulin and retinol-binding protein were tested by ELISA.[Results] The distribution of urinary cadmiums in all workers exposed to cadmium show that 86 workers was in 0～,145 workers was in 2～,182 workers was in 3～,159 workers was in 4～,and 80 workers was in5.The urinary cadmiums of 2 workers were over the limit and their β2 microglobulin reached chronic poisoning level.The cadmium concentrations in the workplace air were 0.005～0.16 mg/m3,33.3% of samples were higher than the national health standard.[Conclusion]The urinary cadmiums and urinary β2 microglobulin of some workers would be changed by exposure to cadmium,which were the important indexes for assessment of cadmium hazardous effect.
A study on the single-tube multiplex RT-real time PCR assay in detecting rotavirus,astrovirus and hepatitis A virus

Objective To develop and evaluate a single- tube multiplex RT- real time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of rotavirus,astrovirus and hepatitis A virus. Methods Gen- bank sequences of rotavirus,astrovirus and hepatitis A virus were included as reference sequences. Primers and probes were designed based on the reference sequences. A multiplex real- time RT- PCR assay was developed,and the reproducibility,specificity and sensitivity of the assay were evaluated. Fecal samples from 128 patients with viral diarrhea were detected and verified by gene sequencing. Results There was high reproducibility and specificity of the single- tube multiplex real- time RT- PCR assay for detecting rotavirus,astrovirus and hepatitis A virus. Detection limits of 101 copies were achieved in tests of rotavirus,102 copies for astrovirus and hepatitis A virus in one reaction. 3. 13% and 17. 97% of 128 clinical specimens were detected positive for astrovirus RNA and rotavirus RNA respectively. And the positive samples were verified by gene sequencing. Conclusion Rotavirus,astrovirus and hepatitis A virus can be detected and identified by the single- tube multiplex RT- real time PCR assay with high specificity and sensitivity. The assay developed in this study can be applied to the clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigation.
Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of mitochondrial DNA disorders: chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.

This article reviews some basics of mitochondrial genetics and relates recent developments in mitochondrial genetics to three specific neuro-ophthalmic disorders: the Kearns-Sayre syndrome, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy.
Investigation of the Impact of Mineral Status and Use of an Injectable Mineral on Beef Cattle Performance

Adequate trace mineral status of feedlot cattle decreases losses during shipping and improves marbling score (MS). Utilizing an injectable trace mineral, at the start of the finishing period, improved average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW) and hot carcass weight (HCW). Trace mineral supplementation is important to beef cattle performance, and improves response to stress. Injectable minerals improve recovery after a stressful event, and enhance performance.
NR2B Expression in Rat DRG Is Differentially Regulated Following Peripheral Nerve Injuries That Lead to Transient or Sustained Stimuli-Evoked Hypersensitivity.

Following injury, primary sensory neurons undergo changes that drive central sensitization and contribute to the maintenance of persistent hypersensitivity. NR2B expression in the Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) has not been previously examined in neuropathic pain models. Here we investigated if changes in NR2B expression within the DRG are associated with hypersensitivities that result from peripheral nerve injuries. This was done by comparing the NR2B expression in the DRG derived from two modalities of the spared nerve injury (SNI) model, since each variant produces different neuropathic pain phenotypes. Using the electronic von Frey to stimulate the spared and non-spared regions of the hindpaws, we demonstrated that sural-SNI animals develop sustained neuropathic pain in both regions while the tibial-SNI animals recover. NR2B expression was measured at Day 23 and Day 86 post-injury. At both days sural-SNI displays strong hypersensitivity. At Day 23 and Day 86, tibial-SNI respectively displays 50% and 100% recovery from post-injury-induced hypersensitivity. In tibial-SNI at Day 86, but not at Day 23 the perinuclear region of the neuronal somata displayed an increase in NR2B protein. This retention of NR2B protein within the perinuclear region, which will render them nonfunctional, correlates with the recovery observed in tibial-SNI. In sural SNI at Day 86 displayed an increase in NR2B mRNA which correlates with the development of sustained hypersensitivity following sural-SNI. The increase in NR2B mRNA was not associated with an increase in NR2B protein within the neuronal somata. The latter may result from a decrease in kinesin Kif17, since Kif17 mediates NR2B transport to the soma’s plasma membrane. In both SNIs, microglia/macrophages showed a transient increase in NR2B protein detected at Day 23 but not at Day 86; which correlates with the initial post-injury induced hypersensitivity in both SNIs. In tibial-SNI at Day 86, but not at Day 23 satellite glia cells (SGCs) displayed an increase in NR2B protein. This study is the first to characterize of cell-specific changes in NR2B expression within the DRG following peripheral nerve injury. We discuss how the observed NR2B changes in DRG can contribute to the different neuropathic pain phenotypes displayed by each SNI variant.
The Freedom to “Bridge” Silos and the Role of Theology in a Catholic University

Brady argues that the discipline of Theology has the distinctive role to advance interdisciplinary dialog in the contemporary Catholic university. He advocates a broad understanding of academic freedom that includes both negative and positive expressions, freedom from interference in scholarship and teaching as well as the freedom to create the complex social goods within the university. He describes the discipline of Theology in relation to the Catholic intellectual tradition and its characteristic practices of convergence, contrast, advance, finality, discernment, and community (citing “The Land O’Lakes Statement,” Ex Corde Ecclesiae, Vatican II, et, al.), as paths in interdisciplinary dialog. He cites the Core Requirement at the University of St. Thomas as an example of a curriculum that aims to actualize the practices of this tradition.
Optimal Coordination of Building Loads and Energy Storage for Power Grid and End User Services

Demand response and energy storage play a profound role in the smart grid. The focus of this paper is to evaluate benefits of coordinating flexible loads and energy storage to provide power grid and end user services. We present a generalized battery model (GBM) to describe the flexibility of building loads and energy storage. An optimization-based approach is proposed to characterize the parameters (power and energy limits) of the GBM for flexible building loads. We then develop optimal coordination algorithms to provide power grid and end user services such as energy arbitrage, frequency regulation, spinning reserve, as well as energy cost and demand charge reduction. Several case studies have been performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the GBM and coordination algorithms, and evaluate the benefits of using their flexibility for power grid and end user services. We show that optimal coordination yields significant cost savings and revenue. Moreover, the best option for power grid services is to provide energy arbitrage and frequency regulation. Furthermore, when coordinating flexible loads with energy storage to provide end user services, it is recommended to consider demand charge in addition to time-of-use price in order to flatten the aggregate power profile.
Genetic Ablation of Sbds in Zebrafish Results in Neutropenia, Diminished Growth, and Reduced Viability, Indicating Its Roles in Embryonic and Post-Embryonic Development

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by neutropenia, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and skeletal abnormalities. Individuals with SDS are also at increased risk for developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and/or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). SDS results from mutations in the SBDS gene, which encodes a protein involved in 80S ribosome maturation. Genetic ablation of Sbds results in early embryonic lethality (ED 7.5) in mice. Zebrafish provide an attractive model organism with demonstrated relevance to mammalian hematopoiesis. Genome analysis of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) revealed the presence of a single sbds gene, encoding a protein 90% identical to the human orthologue. qPCR demonstrated presence of sbds transcript in in all stages of the development including unfertilized egg. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique to generate indel mutations in sbds. We established multiple zebrafish lines with mutations in the sbds gene. We have now characterized two alleles: 1) sbds nu132 , a 7-base deletion, that results in a frameshift at the amino acid G63 and a premature stop codon and 2) sbds nu167 , a 21-base insertion, that might encode a defective protein. The introduced indels correspond to the frequently mutated site, K62X, in SDS. Western blotting during the first days post fertilization (dpf) in sbds nu132/nu132 mutants showed a decrease of Sbds with time, until 8 dpf when the protein was absent. These results suggest that the presence of Sbds during early stages of the development is due to maternal deposition. Loss of Sbds activity results in reduced viability. Unlike Sbds -/- mice, homozygous mutant sbds nu132 live up to 6 weeks, but display a marked growth retardation phenotype (Figure 1). Interestingly, growth retardation was not observed until 15 dpf. Unlike morpholino-mediated knockdown of sbds , as reported by Provost et al., Development, 2012, pancreatic development appeared normal as determined by fluorescence microscopy using the transgenic line Tg (ptf1a:eGFP) jh1 . To determine whether loss of sbds affects the number of neutrophils and macrophages, we used the transgenic lines Tg( mpx:Dendra ) uwm4 and Tg (mpeg:Dendra ) uwm12 . We observed a significantly lower number of neutrophils in sbds nu132/nu132 mutants compared to the wild-type fish at 5 and 15 dpf (p sbds results in two phenotypes: an early embryonic stage required for viability and development and a post-embryonic (larval) stage critical for granulocyte production and normal size. Ongoing studies are evaluating bone formation, pancreatic acinar function, and ectopic expression of patient-derived SBDS mutations in the context of a null background. Their phenotypes will be presented. (This work was supported by grants from the NIH and the Alex Turnquist Memorial Research fund of Shwachman-Diamond America). Disclosures Corey: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau.
Successful Placement of a BAHA Implant in a Patient With Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction:Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a spectrum of mechanobullous disorders characterized by blistering following minor trauma or traction to the skin. Hearing loss in this population is poorly described in the otolaryngology literature, and its treatment oftentimes results in external auditory canal skin irritation.Case Presentation:We present the case of a 26-year-old female with EB and mixed hearing loss unable to wear conventional hearing aids due to sequelae of the external auditory canals. An osseointegrated implant was used as other hearing aids were deemed to be too destructive of the external auditory canal skin.Management and Outcome:Our patient underwent placement of a right bone-anchored hearing aid with minimal disruption of the surrounding skin using a minimally invasive punch technique. Over 1 year of follow-up, her course was complicated by 1 simple cellulitic infection at the surgical site treated successfully with oral antibiotics.Discussion:The literature regarding the otolaryngol...
The tropical semiring in higher dimensions

We discuss the generalization, in higher dimensions, of the tropical semiring, whose two binary operations on the set of real numbers together with infinity are defined to be the minimum and the sum of a pair, respectively. In particular, our objects are closed convex sets, and for any pair, we take the convex hull of their union and their Minkowski sum, respectively, as the binary operations. We consider the semiring in several different cases, determined by a recession cone.
A Cost-effective Workflow for Depicting Landscapes in Immersive Virtual Environments

Geogames draw inspiration from two technologies: geographic information science (GIS) and video games. These technologies share a common history that stretches back to the invention of ancient “map games” such as chess and Go. Both fields have advanced rapidly in the past two decades, spurred by the rapid expansion of computer graphical and processing capabilities (Ahlqvist 2011). GIS analysts and video game designers might be surprised by the similarity of their data management techniques: both rely on hierarchical data management structures, employ techniques for minimizing processor loads when representing complex scenes, and use layers to organize their data sources (Shepherd and Bleasdale-Shepherd 2009). Overlapping engagements with simulation, multi-party collaboration, and the web indicate that GIS and video game technologies may be headed down converging paths (Ahlqvist 2011).
The characterization of an economic and portable LED-based photoacoustic imaging system to facilitate molecular imaging

Abstract Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a non-invasive, high-resolution hybrid imaging modality that combines optical excitation and ultrasound detection. PAI can image endogenous chromophores (melanin, hemoglobin, etc.) and exogenous contrast agents in different medical applications. However, most current equipment uses sophisticated and complicated OPO lasers with tuning and stability features inconsistent with broad clinical deployment. As the number of applications of PAI in medicine increases, there is an urgent need to make the imaging equipment more compact, portable, and affordable. Here, portable light emitting diode – based photoacoustic imaging (PLED-PAI) was introduced and characterized in terms of system specifications, light source characterizations, photoacoustic spatial/temporal resolution, and penetration. The system uses two LED arrays attached to the sides of a conventional ultrasound transducer. The LED pulse repetition rate is tunable between 1 K Hz, 2 K Hz, 3 K Hz, and 4 K Hz. The axial resolution was 0.268 mm, and the lateral resolution was between 0.55 and 0.59 mm. The system could detect optical absorber (pencil lead) at a depth of 3.2 cm and the detection limits of indocyanine green (ICG) and methylene blue (MB) were 9 μM and 0.78 mM. In vivo imaging of labeled human mesenchymal stem cells was achieved to confirm compatibility with small animal imaging. The characterization we report here may have value to other groups evaluating commercially available photoacoustic imaging equipment.
A Beauty That Embarrasses

Tibor Teleman's wife, for example, whom he holds by the elbow as she stands out in the busy traffic. Seeing them, Tibor holding her arm, protecting her from the eyes of other men, from the madness of traffic, I see him thinking: What am I doing with this still beautiful thing that demands so much attention? I used to be a young man. Now I am old and harassed, a librarian, and I just want to sink into a big comfy easy chair when I get home. That battle should be over, the apples and cabbages picked. Women looked down on us when we were boys. We saw then that they were gross flowers kept in opaque greenhouses, tended with gloved hands.
Control of neural systems at multiple scales using model-free, deep reinforcement learning

Recent improvements in hardware and data collection have lowered the barrier to practical neural control. Most of the current contributions to the field have focus on model-based control, however, models of neural systems are quite complex and difficult to design. To circumvent these issues, we adapt a model-free method from the reinforcement learning literature, Deep Deterministic Policy Gradients (DDPG). Model-free reinforcement learning presents an attractive framework because of the flexibility it offers, allowing the user to avoid modeling system dynamics. We make use of this feature by applying DDPG to models of low-level and high-level neural dynamics. We show that while model-free, DDPG is able to solve more difficult problems than can be solved by current methods. These problems include the induction of global synchrony by entrainment of weakly coupled oscillators and the control of trajectories through a latent phase space of an underactuated network of neurons. While this work has been performed on simulated systems, it suggests that advances in modern reinforcement learning may enable the solution of fundamental problems in neural control and movement towards more complex objectives in real systems.
SORCER: COMPUTING AND METACOMPUTING INTERGRID

This paper investigates grid computing from the point of view three basic computing platforms. Each platform considered consists of virtual compute resources, a programming environment allowing for the development of grid applications, and a grid operating system to execute user programs and to make solving complex user problems easier. Three platforms are discussed: compute grid, metacompute grid and intergrid. Service protocol-oriented architectures are contrasted with service object-oriented architectures, then the current SORCER metacompute grid based on a service object-oriented architecture and a new metacomputing paradigm is described and analyzed. Finally, we explain how SORCER, with its core services and federated file system, can also be used as a traditional compute grid and an intergrid—a hybrid of compute and metacompute grids.
Disease-Specific Diets in Surgical Diseases

Dietary recommendations for common surgical diseases vary widely amongst healthcare centers and is mainly dependent upon provider experience and practice patterns. Despite frequently prescribed nutrition regimens, there is a paucity of quality evidence to support many of these recommendations. We present data for several common surgical diseases including dietary recommendations post-esophagectomy, post-Nissen fundoplication, and post-colectomy. We will also discuss the evidence in diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, dumping syndrome, and short bowel syndrome. Dietary consistency may make a difference in post-esophageal surgery diets. Other past dietary recommendations in diseases such as diverticulitis may not make as much difference. Dumping syndrome and Short bowel syndrome have some newer interventions in timing of oral intake and some medications. Diet may make less difference overall in many routine small and large intestinal diseases, although surgical diseases with altered anatomy, such as gastric bypass or short bowel syndrome, there are definite dietary interventions that will modify the patient’s disease process for the better. More research is needed in many diseases with regard to routine diets.
Preparation and characterization of multilayer thin-film composite hollow fiber membranes for helium extraction from its mixtures

Abstract The unique and distinctive physico-chemical properties of helium make it an irreplaceable resource in a wide range of applications, including cryogenics. Commercially-produced helium is extracted from natural gas. For the use of a membrane to be viable for the helium extraction and enrichment process, the membrane-based process must be economically competitive against other conventional technologies, and therefore, developments in membrane and optimized process design are crucial. This work demonstrates the successful fabrication of a highly helium-selective multilayer thin-film composite hollow fiber membrane for the enrichment of helium from natural gas. An aromatic polyamide selective layer was formed on top of a mesoporous polyacrylonitrile support by interfacial polymerization, followed by a caulking process to plug defects on the polyamide layer. The permeation and separation properties of the multilayer thin-film composite hollow fiber membrane were characterized using pure and quaternary mixed gases. The effects of feed pressure (up to 300 psig) and stage-cut (1.5–20%) on helium purity and CH4 loss were systematically investigated.
Editorial for the special issue 'Autism and inclusive education research and practice in the Asia-Pacific region'.

There has been growing consensus over the decades in both the developed and developing worlds that inclusive education ought to be embraced as educational policy and practice to combat against last...
Surfactant assisted dispersion of MWCNT's in epoxy nanocomposites and adhesion with aluminum

Abstract This article presents an experimental investigation into the adhesion between aluminum and epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT's). The nanotubes are dispersed in epoxy chemically with the aid of a surfactant, rather than mechanically via high shear mixing or ultrasonication. Four MWCNT weight fractions are considered viz. 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%. The adhesion with aluminum is tested via end-notched flexure tests conducted on specimens consisting of Aluminum strips adhered together with various epoxy nanocomposite glues. The best results are obtained for 1% MWCNT, where the tests show a notable increase in adhesion, evidenced by an intact bond despite considerable plastic deformation of Aluminum. However, the peak load capacity is seen to be not enhanced. The higher adhesion with 1% MWCNT addition is seen to successfully suppress the brittle debonding failures even at very high levels of adherend plasticity. For this weight fraction the overall response is highly ductile involving shearing of the glue and is desirable for engineering applications. Despite promising results, the surfactant itself is seen to be not very effective as a dispersing agent for the epoxy resin considered here.
Use of sensemaking as a pedagogical approach to teach clinical ethics: an integrative review

There is a need to explore educational strategies that translate ethics knowledge into ethical behavior. Commonly used pedagogical approaches steeped in traditional normative ethical theory are less powerful than sensemaking in preparing clinicians to respond to ethical problems in practice. This integrative review of 15 articles explores the use of sensemaking as an instructional method for clinical ethics. Whittemore and Knafl’s (Journal of Advanced Nursing 52(5):546–553, 2005) integrative review method guided a systematic appraisal of data from both qualitative and quantitative research traditions, synthesizing disparate studies in analyzing literature about the use of sensemaking as a pedagogical approach in teaching ethics. Findings supported the use of Weick’s sensemaking theory to develop instructional methods that encourage ethical decision making in students as well as promote ethical response by health care providers. The review reveals important theoretical and training implications for introducing sensemaking as a means to promote ethical action in clinical practice.
The wildland fire system and challenges for engineering

Abstract Recent wildland fire disasters have attracted interest from a variety of disciplines seeking to reduce impacts of fire on people and natural resources. Architecture, insurance and reinsurance, city and county government, and engineering sectors have contributed ideas to mitigate or avoid damage during wildland fires. This paper examines the modern wildland fire system in terms of the historical context for wildland fire, primarily in the US, and discusses some of the characteristics of this system and its human culture that affect the potential impact of innovations and engineering technologies.
How to Properly Dispose of Unwanted Medications

Properly disposing of expired or unused medications can help reduce the prevalence of prescription drug abuse in Florida. It also helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets, helps prevent accidentally taking the wrong medication, and prevents medications from entering water sources. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences provides some dos and don’ts for disposing of your medications. Written by Alexander J. Reisinger.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss680
Contextual data in IPUMS DHS: physical and social environment variables linked to the Demographic and Health Surveys

The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) are the most important source of comparative information on the health of women and young children in low- and middle-income countries and are well-suited for studies of the relationship between environmental factors and health. However, barriers have limited the use of the DHS for these purposes. IPUMS DHS, an online data dissemination tool, overcomes these barriers, simplifying comparative analyses with DHS. IPUMS DHS recently incorporated environmental variables that can easily be attached to individual or household records, facilitating the use of DHS data for the study of population and environment issues. We provide a brief introduction to IPUMS DHS, describe the current and anticipated environmental variables and how to use them, and provide an example of the novel research possibilities facilitated by this latest IPUMS DHS development. IPUMS-DHS is available free online at dhs.ipums.org.
Beyond Law and Liberalism: Power, Difference and Ṭalab al-ʿilm

For some time now, the question about tolerance of religious diversity has largely been constituted in the terms of political liberalism: as a normative problem for a well-ordered (liberal democrat...
Enantioselective Type II Cycloaddition of Alkynes via C-C Activation of Cyclobutanones: Rapid and Asymmetric Construction of [3.3.1] Bridged Bicycles.

Synthesis of bridged scaffolds via Type II cyclization constitutes substantial challenges due to the intrinsic ring strain accumulated in reaction transition states. Catalytic enantioselective Type...
Mother-Daughter Mutual Arousal Escalation and Emotion Regulation in Adolescence

Adolescence is a period of heightened emotionality, and difficulties with emotion regulation during adolescence are associated with the development of internalizing disorders, especially for girls, who are at elevated risk. Mothers may socialize emotion dysregulation by engaging in frequent interactions with their adolescents that involve mutual increases in arousal. This study tested a model of mother-adolescent mutual arousal escalation in a conflict discussion task in adolescent girls and examined associations between mutual arousal escalation and adolescent emotion regulation. Participants were 97 adolescent girls (Mage = 12.29[0.81]; 69% White) and their biological mothers. Dyads completed a 5 m conflict discussion task; skin conductance level was collected to measure arousal. Adolescent emotion regulation outcomes were assessed using multiple methods, including arousal habituation to a laboratory-based social stressor and self-reported rumination and problem-solving. Multilevel models provided evidence that mother-adolescent dyads vary in the degree to which they mutually escalate or de-escalate arousal during a conflict discussion and in the degree to which mothers “transmit” arousal to adolescents. For dyads high in either mutual arousal escalation or de-escalation, adolescents reported higher rumination. These findings provide evidence for transactional models of emotion socialization and suggest that adolescents in dyads who mutually escalate or de-escalate in arousal report more rumination, which may be indicative of a practiced dysregulatory response in stressful contexts (escalation) or a tendency toward cognitive processes that lead to withdrawal from aversive environments (de-escalation).
Primary Care Providers And Specialists Deliver Comparable Buprenorphine Treatment Quality

In response to rising numbers of opioid overdose deaths, primary care providers have been called on to play a greater role in delivering buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. However, policy makers and providers have raised concerns that expanding treatment access may reduce treatment quality and that primary care providers are not well equipped to deliver buprenorphine treatment. We investigated two research questions in response to these concerns: How did buprenorphine treatment use and quality change in North Carolina Medicaid from 2014 to 2017, and how did buprenorphine treatment quality differ between primary care providers and specialists in North Carolina Medicaid during this period? We measured buprenorphine treatment quality as patients' retention in treatment and providers' adherence to treatment guidelines. We found that the number of enrollees receiving medication treatment for opioid use disorder increased substantially, but the percentage of enrollees with the disorder receiving treatment remained low. The quality of buprenorphine treatment increased during the study period, and primary care providers provided care of comparable or higher quality compared with that of other providers. Treatment quality for buprenorphine treatment is improving, but there remains room for improvement in both use and quality. Our results support the role of primary care providers in expanding treatment for opioid use disorder.