cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mutual Interaction between Continental-Scale Ice Sheets and Atmospheric Stationary Waves

The great continental ice sheets of the Pleistocene represented significant obstacles to the Northern Hemisphere midlatitude westerlies. They must therefore have forced large changes in the atmospheric circulation, and consequently also in the patterns of accumulation and melting over the ice sheets themselves. A simplified threedimensional coupled ice sheet‐stationary wave model is developed in order to understand the ice sheet’s response to the circulation changes that it induces. Consistent with ice age climate simulations, the ice sheet topography induces an anticyclonic circulation over the ice sheet, causing a slight warming over the western slopes and a stronger cooling over the remainder. The modeled feedbacks significantly affect the ice sheet configuration, with the most important influences being the patterns of summer temperature, and the topographically induced precipitation field. The time evolution of the ice sheet is also changed by the atmospheric feedbacks and the results suggest the possibility of multiple equilibrium solutions.
NonGaussian subspace learning in the presence of interference

We consider the problem of subspace learning in the presence of interference and generalized Gaussian noise, two realistic scenarios for many applications. We also explore learning in the context of a non-Euclidean generalization of the Courant-Fisher minmax characterization. Implications for learned subspace properties in the presence of Laplacian noise are discussed as well.
Innovations in infertility treatment and the rush to market.

John A. Robertson, JD, is the Vinson and Elkins Chair at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas, and one of the more influential and outspoken legal scholars examining the field of assisted reproduction. In his many books and articles, he takes a position against overt governmental and societal interference in the field of assisted reproduction, arguing that individuals are entitled to "procreative liberty," and that the only justifiable reason for setting any limits on their access to new reproductive technologies would be evidence that such access causes substantial, tangible harm to others. In the following presentation, he examines the largely unregulated system that exists in the United States for introducing new assisted reproductive technology (ART) to market, as well as the legal and ethical ramifications of some recently introduced technologies.
Current status of rapidly solidified Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets

Nd-Fe-B alloys can be rapidly solidified to produce a highly stable, magnetically isotropic powder which can be processed directly into either bonded magnets or, if not pressed, into anisotropic magnets with energy levels exceeding 40 MGOe. Current processing methods are briefly reviewed, as are some of the unique advantages that these materials offer as a result of their extremely fine-grained microstructure. Development issues concerning these materials are discussed, including activities aimed at improving thermal performance, magnetic uniformity, and manufacturability of hot deformed materials. The status of and outlook for using anisotropic powders from ground hot-deformed materials are examined. >
Modeling of facesheet crack growth in titanium–graphite hybrid laminates, Part I

Experimental observations have indicated that in titanium–graphite hybrid laminates, fatigue cracks in the titanium facesheets initiate at free edges as well as in areas of high stress concentration, such as holes and notches. In addition, a delaminated region between the facesheet and the intact plies develops and propagates in the wake of the facesheet crack. This paper investigates different modeling techniques for predicting the coupled damage growth. Two modeling approaches were applied; a two-dimensional bridged-crack (BC) model and the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). The VCCT was applied in two and three-dimensional finite element models and the trends were shown to be the same for both cases. However, the trends predicted using the VCCT are significantly different than the BC model. The reasons for the discrepancies are discussed. The model predictions are compared to experimental results in the second part of this paper.
A practical approach to identifying storage and timing channels: twenty years later

Secure computer systems use both mandatory and discretionary access controls to restrict the flow of information through legitimate communication channels such as files, shared memory and process signals. Unfortunately, in practice one finds that computer systems are built such that users are not limited to communicating only through the intended communication channels. As a result, a well-founded concern of security-conscious system designers is the potential exploitation of system storage locations and timing facilities to provide unforeseen communication channels to users. These illegitimate channels are known as covert storage and timing channels. Prior to the presentation of this paper twenty years ago the covert channel analysis that took place was mostly ad hoc. Methods for discovering and dealing with these channels were mostly informal, and the formal methods were restricted to a particular specification language. This paper presents a methodology for discovering storage and timing channels that can be used through all phases of the software life cycle to increase confidence that all channels have been identified. In the original paper the methodology was presented and applied to an example system having three different descriptions: English, formal specification, and high order language implementation. In this paper only the English requirements are considered. However the paper also presents how the methodology has evolved and the influence it had on other work.
A Research Note on Islam and Gender Egalitarianism: An Examination of Egyptian and Saudi Arabian Youth Attitudes

Despite the importance of young people in determining future trends in women's advancement in the predominantly Muslim countries of the Middle East, no quantitative study to date has focused exclusively on the relationship between Islamic religiosity and gender egalitarianism among youth in the region. Using data from the Youth, Emotional Energy, and Political Violence Survey, I investigate the relationship between Islamic religiosity and gender egalitarianism among youth in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, devoting special attention to gender differences within countries. Particular dimensions of Islamic religiosity have different effects on gender egalitarianism by group, reflecting social currents in each country's civic sphere. For young men in both contexts, orthodoxy and mosque attendance are negatively associated with gender egalitarianism. In contrast, for Egyptian young women self-identified religiosity positively affects gender egalitarianism while for Saudi Arabian women, Islamic religiosity has no effect.
Dialysis at a crossroads: reverse engineering renal replacement therapy.

Engineering is the profession that is responsible for designing, constructing, and manufacturing products, systems, and structures. Csete and Doyle (1) noted that the theory and practice of complex engineering systems has progressed to the point that they often embody Arthur C. Clarke’s dictum, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” In the 20th century, the development and implementation of dialysis as a life-sustaining therapy for kidney failure constituted a “magical” medical advance. The expansion of hemodialysis into a chronic renal replacement therapy also created a new field of medical science, sometimes termed the physiology of the artificial kidney. When the National Cooperative Dialysis Study (NCDS), the first landmark randomized trial in dialysis, demonstrated that a higher dose of delivered dialysis (measured as the time-averaged plasma concentration of urea) was associated with a lower risk for subsequent hospitalization (2), a science of dialysis had emerged (3). Gotch and Sargent (4) used NCDS data to develop the concept of Kt/Vurea, a dimensionless construct that relates the clearance of urea to its volume of distribution, as a measure of dialysis dose. Nephrologists became familiar with concepts of diffusive and convective clearance, volume of distribution, and solute modeling. Quantifying the dialysis prescription became part of the parlance of clinical nephrology, thereby objectifying the “magical” early results with dialysis therapy. Urea is an attractive molecule for kinetic modeling. It is readily and accurately measurable, its volume of distribution generally reflects total body water, and it is neither lipophilic nor highly protein bound. Furthermore, urea kinetic modeling is an attractive paradigm for the physiology of the artificial kidney because urea removal is concentration dependent and high urea concentration discriminates a uremic and a nonuremic state. Therefore, as long as data clearly supported the concept that the amount of urea removal closely associated with …
Center manifold analysis of the delayed Liénard equation

We show the existence of Hopf bifurcation in the delayed Lienard equation. The criterion for the criticality of the Hopf bifurcation is given based on the reduction of the infinite-dimensional problem onto a two-dimensional center manifold. Numerics are provided to verify our theoretical calculation. Application of this technique is discussed via a delayed Lienard oscillator.
Integrative research: the key to unlocking the mysteries of chronic heart failure and skeletal muscle dysfunction

reductions in exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) were originally linked solely to central limitations associated with a malfunctioning cardiac pump. However, over the last 20 years, peripheral factors related to skeletal muscle and the vascular/skeletal muscle interface
TESTING VITAMIN B AS A HOME REMEDY AGAINST MOSQUITOES

Vitamin B is often recommended in the popular media as a systemic repellent against mosquitoes. This information is especially prevalent on the Web. The results of a small number of published studies suggested that vitamin B complex supplements are not effective as repellents, but these studies were limited by the use of very few human subjects and only 1 species of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. We extended this work with the use of larger samples of human subjects and with Anopheles stephensi as the test organism. We tested whether ingestion of vitamin B supplements under various regimens affected the attractiveness of volatile skin components transferred to glass vials. Although there was substantial and consistent individual variation in attractiveness, we found no effect of vitamin B supplementation.
Rules and Red Tape: A Prism for Public Administration Theory and Research by Barry Bozeman and Mary K. Feeney

Rules and Red Tape: A Prism for Public Administration Theory and Research by Barry Bozeman at the University of Georgia and Mary K. Feeney at the University of Illinois, Chicago, presents a summary...
Heat and Moisture Budget Analyses Using BOMEX Data

Abstract Large-scale heat and moisture budgets over the tropical Atlantic Ocean are examined during Phase 3 (22–30 June 1969) of the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX). From the satellite cloud photographs of ATS-3, the analyzed period is subdivided into an undisturbed part and a disturbed part. During the undisturbed period, downward motion predominates from the surface to about 500 mb and a large apparent heat sink and apparent moisture source are found near the top of the trade inversion layer. The upward heat flux due to cumulus clouds is confined below the 700-mb level. On the other hand during the relatively disturbed period, upward motion takes place at low levels and the heat flux due to cumulus convection extends to at least 500 mb. Values of the total heat flux estimated by large-scale budgets agree well with those obtained independently by bulk aerodynamic computations.
Transition-Metal-Mediated Release of Nitric Oxide (NO) from S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP): Potential Applications for Endogenous Release of NO at the Surface of Stents Via Corrosion Products

Nitric oxide (NO), identified over the last several decades in many physiological processes and pathways as both a beneficial and detrimental signaling molecule, has been the subject of extensive research. Physiologically, NO is transported by a class of donors known as S-nitrosothiols. Both endogenous and synthetic S-nitrosothiols have been reported to release NO during interactions with certain transition metals, primarily Cu(2+) and Fe(2+). Ag(+) and Hg(2+) have also been identified, although these metals are not abundantly present in physiological systems. Here, we evaluate Pt(2+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), and Cu(2+) for their ability to generate NO from S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP) under physiological pH conditions. Specifically, we report NO generation from RSNOs initiated by three transition metal ions; Co(2+), Ni(2+), and Zn(2+), which have not been previously reported to generate NO. Additionally, preliminary in vivo evidence of zinc wires implanted in the rat arterial wall and circulating blood is presented which demonstrated inhibited thrombus formation after 6 months. One potentially useful application of these metal ions capable of generating NO from RSNOs is their use in the fabrication of biodegradable metallic stents capable of generating NO at the stent-blood interface, thereby reducing stent-related thrombosis and restenosis.
Simulation-Based Procedural Skills Training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Abstract Procedural skills are integral to the practice of pediatric emergency medicine, but provider experience is limited by case rarity. Simulation-based medical education allows for the practice of rare procedures without compromising patient safety. Simulation-based procedural training improves provider confidence, knowledge, and performance, and may translate to better patient outcomes. However, optimal instructional designs for simulation-based training remain unclear, and educators have a plethora of didactic approaches and simulator characteristics to consider. This article reviews how simulation can be used for pediatric procedural skills training and maintenance, focusing on instructional design features, simulation modalities, and the use of simulation as an assessment tool in the era of competency-based medical education.
Using Machine Learning to Improve the Email Experience

Email is an essential communication medium for billions of people, with most users relying on web-based email services. Two recent trends are changing the email experience: smartphones have become the primary tool for accessing online services including email, and machine learning has come of age. Smartphones have a number of compelling properties (they are location-aware, usually with us, and allow us to record and share photos and videos), but they also have a few limitations, notably limited screen size and small and tedious virtual keyboards. Over the past few years, Google researchers and engineers have leveraged machine learning to ameliorate these weaknesses, and in the process created novel experiences. In this talk, I will give three examples of machine learning improving the email experience. The first example describes how we are improving email search. Displaying the most relevant results as the query is being typed is particularly useful on smartphones due to the aforementioned limitations. Combining hand-crafted and machine-learned rankers is powerful, but training learned rankers requires a relevance-labeled training set. User privacy prohibits us from employing raters to produce relevance labels. Instead, we leverage implicit feedback (namely clicks) provided by the users themselves. Using click logs as training data in a learning-to-rank setting is intriguing, since there is a vast and continuous supply of fresh training data. However, the click stream is biased towards queries that receive more clicks -- e.g. queries for which we already return the best result in the top-ranked position. I will summarize our work on neutralizing that bias. The second example describes how we extract key information from appointment and reservation emails and surface it at the appropriate time as a reminder on the user's smartphone. Our basic approach is to learn the templates that were used to generate these emails, use these templates to extract key information such as places, dates and times, store the extracted records in a personal information store, and surface them at the right time, taking contextual information such as estimated transit time into account. The third example describes Smart Reply, a system that offers a set of three short responses to those incoming emails for which a short response is appropriate, allowing users to respond quickly with just a few taps, without typing or involving voice-to-text transcription. The basic approach is to learn a model of likely short responses to original emails from the corpus, and then to apply the model whenever a new message arrives. Other considerations include offering a set of responses that are all appropriate and yet diverse, and triggering only when sufficiently confident that each responses is of high quality and appropriate.
Some identities involving differences of products of generalized Fibonacci numbers

Melham discovered the Fibonacci identity Fn+1Fn+2Fn+6 − F 3 n+3 = (−1)Fn. He then considered the generalized sequence Wn where W0 = a, W1 = b, and Wn = pWn−1 + qWn−2 and a, b, p and q are integers and q 6= 0. Letting e = pab− qa − b, he proved the following identity: Wn+1Wn+2Wn+6 −W 3 n+3 = eq(pWn+2 − qWn+1). There are similar differences of products of Fibonacci numbers, like this one discovered by Fairgrieve and Gould: FnFn+4Fn+5 − F 3 n+3 = (−1)Fn+6. We prove similar identities. For example, a generalization of Fairgrieve and Gould’s identity is WnWn+4Wn+5 −W 3 n+3 = eq(pWn+4 − qWn+5).
Next-generation exascale network integrated architecture for global science [Invited]

The next-generation exascale network integrated architecture (NGENIA-ES) is a project specifically designed to accomplish new levels of network and computing capabilities in support of global science collaborations through the development of a new class of intelligent, agile networked systems. Its path to success is built upon our ongoing developments in multiple areas, strong ties among our high energy physics, computer and network science, and engineering teams, and our close collaboration with key technology developers and providers deeply engaged in the national strategic computing initiative (NSCI). This paper describes the building of a new class of distributed systems, our work with the leadership computing facilities (LFCs), the use of software-defined networking (SDN) methods, and the use of data-driven methods for the scheduling and optimization of network resources. Sections I-III present the challenges of data-intensive research and the important ingredients of this ecosystem. Sections IV-VI describe some crucial elements of the foreseen solution and some of the progress so far. Sections VII-IX go into the details of orchestration, software-defined networking, and scheduling optimization. Finally, Section X talks about engagement and partnerships, and Section XI gives a summary. References are given at the end.
Influence of Cellular Composition and Exogenous Activation on Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations in Canine Platelet-Rich Plasmas

Objective: The purposes of this study were to 1) evaluate correlations among platelet, leukocyte, growth factor, and cytokine concentrations in canine platelet-rich plasmas (PRPs) produced from five different canine PRP concentrating systems and 2) compare the effects of different activation protocols on platelet activation and growth factor release from one of these PRPs. Methods: PRP was made using blood from 15 dogs and each of 5 different PRP systems in a cross-over design. Complete blood counts were performed to quantify platelet and leukocyte concentrations. PRPs were activated, or not, according to manufacturer instructions and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF- β1), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) were quantified. Differences among platelet, leukocyte, and growth factor concentration were compared among the different systems. Correlations between platelet and anabolic growth factor concentrations were assessed. Subsequently, PRP was made from 12 additional dogs using one of the devices. Each PRP was divided into three aliquots that were activated with calcium chloride (CaCl2), human γ-thrombin (HGT), or not activated. Expression of CD62P and platelet-bound fibrinogen (CAP1) was quantified for each activation group. Concentrations TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and TNF-α were also quantified for each activation group and a fourth group that was frozen/thawed. Differences among activation groups were assessed by a Friedman test. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the PRPs made with difference devices with regards to platelet, leukocyte, TGF-β1, and PDGF-BB concentrations (p<0.0001). There were weak to moderate correlations (R2 = 0.07 – 0.58) between platelet and anabolic growth factor concentrations but it appeared that activation had a greater effect on growth factor concentration than did cellular composition. Intentional platelet activation significantly increased CD62P and CAP1 expression as well as TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB concentrations in the one PRP in which all activation methods were assessed. Activation with HGT resulted in the greatest platelet activation and CaCl2 and freeze/thaw elicited moderate increases in either growth factor release or CD62P and CAP1 expression. Conclusions: There are positive correlations between platelet and anabolic growth factor concentrations in canine PRPs. However, intentional platelet activation has a greater effect on
Prospects for Examining Perceived Choice and Control Among Older Adults Living With Family

ABSTRACTThis review aims to advance the field of aging research by examining coresidence with family, race, and other characteristics as potential determinants of choice and control in older adults. Living with family likely impacts perceived choice and control, as household members often work together to make decisions about care. Race may also influence choice and control, as an accumulation of challenges and opportunities create unique life experiences. This review considers human agency in its examination of choice and control. Suggestions for future research will be discussed.
Quantification of Hand Grip Force under Dynamic Conditions

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine whether grip force capabilities are lower when the wrist is moved than in a static position. The purpose was to determine the wrist velocity level...
Functional Characterization of a Condensation Domain That Links Nonribosomal Peptide and Pteridine Biosynthetic Machineries in Photorhabdus luminescens.

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) produce a wide variety of biologically important small molecules. NRPSs can interface with other enzymes to form hybrid biosynthetic systems that expand the structural and functional diversity of their products. The pepteridines are metabolites encoded by an unprecedented pteridine–NRPS-type hybrid biosynthetic gene cluster in Photorhabdus luminescens, but how the distinct enzymatic systems interface to produce these molecules has not been examined at the biochemical level. By an unknown mechanism, the genetic locus can also affect the regulation of other enzymes involved in autoinducer and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Here, through in vitro protein biochemical assays, we demonstrate that an atypical NRPS condensation (C) domain present in the pathway condenses acyl units derived from α-keto acids onto a free 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin core, producing the tertiary cis-amide-containing pepteridines. Solution studies of the chemically synthesized molecules led to...
“How does tech make you feel?” a review and examination of negative affective responses to technology use

The study of individual, affect-related consequences from technology adoption and use is gaining traction in the information systems discipline. Efforts to explore affective reactions to technology...
Carotid Artery Stiffness and Cognitive Decline Among Women With or at Risk for HIV Infection.

BACKGROUND Vascular stiffness is associated with aging and cognitive impairment in older populations without HIV. HIV has been linked to increased vascular stiffness. We examined whether vascular stiffness relates to cognitive decline at younger ages in women with or at risk for HIV. METHODS We evaluated the association of carotid artery stiffness with decline in neuropsychological test performance among participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study and assessed whether HIV modified the association. Baseline carotid stiffness, defined by the distensibility index, was determined at a single visit using carotid artery ultrasound. Longitudinal neuropsychological testing from 2004-2016 included Trail Making Tests A and B and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Relationships were assessed with linear mixed-effect models adjusted for demographic, behavioral, cardiometabolic, and neuropsychological factors. RESULTS Among 1662 women (1192 [72%] HIV+), median baseline age was 41 years (interquartile range 34-47), with 60% non-Hispanic black and 28% Hispanic. Lower baseline distensibility (greater carotid stiffness) was associated with greater decline in neuropsychological test scores over 10-year follow-up as measured by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (adjusted β = -0.06 per SD, P < 0.001), Trail Making Test A (β = -0.08 per SD; P < 0.001), and Trail Making Test B (β = -0.08 per SD; P < 0.001). Changes in cognitive function did not differ by HIV serostatus, or HIV-related factors. CONCLUSIONS Higher carotid stiffness was independently associated with faster decline in executive functioning, information processing, and psychomotor speed even in mostly middle-aged minority women and regardless of HIV serostatus. Our study highlights the need for cardiovascular risk factor modification to prevent premature cognitive deterioration in this at-risk population.
Regulation of invariant NKT cell development and function by a 0.14 Mbp locus on chromosome 1: a possible role for Fcgr3

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are tissue-resident innate-like T cells critical to the host immune response. We previously identified a 6.6 Mbp region on chromosome 1 as a major regulator of iNKT cell number and function in C57BL/6 and 129X1/SvJ mice. Here, we fine-mapped this locus by assessing the iNKT cell response to alpha-galactosylceramide (αGalCer) in a series of B6.129 congenic lines. This analysis revealed the presence of at least two genetic elements that regulate iNKT cell cytokine production in response to αGalCer. While one of these genetic elements mapped to the B6.129c6 interval containing Slam genes, the dominant regulator in this region mapped to the 0.14 Mbp B6.129c3 interval. In addition, we found that numbers of thymic iNKT cells and DP thymocytes were significantly lower in B6.129c3 mice, indicating that this interval also regulates iNKT cell development. Candidate gene analysis revealed a fivefold increase in Fcgr3 expression in B6.129c3 iNKT cells, and we observed increased expression of FcγR3 protein on B6.129c3 iNKT cells, NK cells, and neutrophils. These data identify the B6.129c3 interval as a novel locus regulating the response of iNKT cells to glycosphingolipid, revealing a link between this phenotype and a polymorphism that regulates Fcgr3 expression.
What Is the Link between Eating, Reproducing, & Addiction?

We are wired with the drive to stay alive – with a system that makes it pleasurable for us to eat, to seek shelter, and to reproduce. The problem is that addictive substances can subvert these same processes that were intended to keep us alive and to ensure species survival. This column is the first in a series that will explore the neuroscientific bases of addiction. As a basis for understanding addiction, this article focuses on the brain’s reward system, also known as the pleasure center or motivation system, which is the foundation for life-maintaining but also addictive behaviors. Subsequent articles will explore the influence of genetics, learning, risk and protective factors, stress, and specific neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. As we know, the “reward system” includes key areas or centers, connecting tracts, and several key neurotransmitters. The main areas are the ventral tegmental area (VTA) located in the mid-brain just …
The Combat Environment: Preparation for Deployment

The environment of a deployed combat hospital brings many challenges such as artillery fire, heat, sand, dust, cold, and frequent power outages. This chapter will provide an overview of deployment preparation and battlefield challenges the military radiologist needs to know. In addition, the concepts and cases presented here should provide baseline knowledge for mass casualty/disaster preparation for any radiologist where there is an emergency room.
Patient adherence to skin self-examination. effect of nurse intervention with photographs.

Abstract Background Results from a single case–control study suggest that skin self-examination (SSE) has the potential to reduce mortality from melanoma by 63%. Despite these encouraging results, SSE rates are low. Few prospective studies of interventions to increase SSE in high-risk cohorts have been performed. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a brief nurse-delivered intervention using digital photographs on patients' adherence to performing SSE. Design setting/participants Patients at high risk for melanoma skin cancer (five or more dysplastic nevi) (N=100) were recruited from the outpatient Pigmented Lesion Clinic at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center. All participants had baseline whole-body digital photography as part of their clinical evaluation. Intervention Patients were randomized: Group A (n =49) received a teaching intervention (physician and nurse education module) with a photo book (personal whole-body photographs compiled in the form of a booklet, with nurse instruction on how to use the photographs); and Group B (n =51) received the teaching intervention only without a photo book. Main outcome/measures Self-administered questionnaires were provided at three intervals: baseline, post-teaching intervention, and at the 4-month post-baseline visit. To assess adherence with SSE, patients were asked, “How many times in the past 4 months did you (or someone else) usually, thoroughly examine your skin?” Results In Group A (teaching intervention with photo book), 10.2% of the patients at baseline reported skin examination three or more times during the past 4 months, while 61.2% reported skin examination three or more times at the 4-month follow-up (p =0.039 for paired comparison). In Group B (teaching intervention only), nearly 20% of the patients at baseline reported skin examination three or more times during the past 4 months, while 37% reported skin examination three or more times at the 4-month follow-up (p =0.63). The increase in reported skin examination was compared between the two groups (>51% v >17.6%, p =0.001). Conclusions The results suggest that a brief nurse-delivered intervention is effective at increasing patient adherence with SSE. Utilizing digital photographs as an adjunct to screening appeared to increase patient adherence to performing SSE.
Computer Simulation of Zinc-Containing Enzymes

Rational drug design (RDD) or the design of bioactive molecules using the computer is one of the holy grails of computational chemistry. To date, however, the application of RDD has yet to fulfill all its promise. The thermodynamic cycle — free energy perturbation method (TC-FEPM) 1 , which has just appeared on the scene has, in principal, the potential to allow us to acheive the goal of true RDD. The TC-FEPM allow us for the first time to routinely determine the free energy of an associative or activated process on a macromolecular system. Germane to our present discussion, this method allows us to obtain the relative free energy of binding of a pair of inhibitors (drugs) to a target protein. In our continuing effort to define the range of applicability of this method we have undertaken studies on the inhibition of the zinc metalloenzymes thermolysin 1 and human carbonic anhydrase II (HCAII). 2
Auges y declives de la servidumbre en Europa durante la Edad Media y la Edad Moderna

Ten years after the edition of «The Brenner Debate» (Cambridge, 1985), the author goes back again to the question of the limits of the political domination in the Middle Ages. The paper is concerned with the rises and falls of serfdom in Europe. In his usual way, Brenner compares the intraclass structure and the class structure in different medieval societies in several regions. Three models are underlined: the French «classical feudalism», the English and Catalonian «decentralised centralism» and the Eastern European aristocratic state of the Early Modern period. Reviewing from the eleventh to the fifteenth century, the article puts into relation the ruling class constraints to reproduce its economic and social position and the organization of more complex institutions, such as the feudal states. These provided the nobility with better political tools toward their own cooperation and, finally, toward a more efficient economic explotation.
Impact of medical center complexity on Veterans Health Administration nursing staff incidence rates for reported assaults

OBJECTIVE: Ascertain whether Veterans Health Administration administrative medical center complexity ratings could be used to help identify potential sites for targeted nursing staff workplace violence intervention activities. PARTICIPANTS: VHA field nursing staff, classified among the nurse, practical nurse, and nursing assistant series, who administratively reported a grand total of 9,964 occupational assault incidents that occurred between October 1, 2003 and September 30, 2011. METHODS: Outcome measures were population-based standardized assault incidence rates, as differentiated by fiscal year, medical facility complexity level, gender, and nursing staff occupation. Subgroup measures included age, highest educational attainment level, location of injury, body part most affected, day of week, and time of day. RESULTS: Across eight fiscal years, standardized incidence rates for reported assaults among females were 6.0 and 2.3 times higher for nursing assistants and practical nurses, respectively, as compared with nurses; for males, the corresponding rates for nursing assistants and practical nurses were 3.5 and 1.5 times higher, respectively. Across occupation and gender, standardized incidence rates for assaults were consistently higher among medium- and low-level facility complexity levels. Findings suggest that more attention is needed for ascertaining the potential role and functioning of facility-specific staff training for preventing assaultive behavior on VHA nursing staff.
Malignant Germ Cell Tumors

Pediatric germ cell tumors are relatively uncommon tumors which present at unusual sites in infancy in childhood. Most are benign and in the neonate and infants the extragonadal site predominates whereas in adolescence the gonadal site predominates. The clinical presentation is varied and is dependent upon the effect of the location and size of the tumor on adjacent structures. In the current area, primary resection when feasible is the treatment of choice, with low stage tumors usually requiring only surgery. Advanced stage tumors often require neoadjuvant chemotherapy with delayed surgical resection. The advent of cisplatin based therapy has markedly improved survival for children affected with malignant germ cell tumors.
Cost-Effectiveness of Prophylactic Medications for the Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema Due to C1 Inhibitor Deficiency: A Real-World U.S. Perspective.

DISCLOSURES: No funding supported the writing of this commentary. The author reports personal fees from BioCryst, CSL Behring, Shire, and Pharming and grants from Ionis. He is chair of the US HAEA ...
Reduction in Hospitals' Readmission Rates: Role of Hospital-Based Skilled Nursing Facilities

Hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge is an important quality measure given that it represents a potentially preventable adverse outcome. Approximately, 20% of Medicare beneficiaries are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Many strategies such as the hospital readmission reduction program have been proposed and implemented to reduce readmission rates. Prior research has shown that coordination of care could play a significant role in lowering readmissions. Although having a hospital-based skilled nursing facility (HBSNF) in a hospital could help in improving care for patients needing short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation services, little is known about HBSNFs' association with hospitals' readmission rates. This study seeks to examine the association between HBSNFs and hospitals' readmission rates. Data sources included 2007-2012 American Hospital Association Annual Survey, Area Health Resources Files, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare cost reports, and CMS Hospital Compare. The dependent variables were 30-day risk-adjusted readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure, and pneumonia. The independent variable was the presence of HBSNF in a hospital (1 = yes, 0 = no). Control variables included organizational and market factors that could affect hospitals' readmission rates. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with state and year fixed effects and standard errors corrected for clustering of hospitals over time. Propensity score weights were used to control for potential selection bias of hospitals having a skilled nursing facility (SNF). GEE models showed that the presence of HBSNFs was associated with lower readmission rates for AMI and pneumonia. Moreover, higher SNFs to hospitals ratio in the county were associated with lower readmission rates. These findings can inform policy makers and hospital administrators in evaluating HBSNFs as a potential strategy to lower hospitals' readmission rates.
An Open Source Syringe Pump Controller for Fluid Delivery of Multiple Volumes

Syringe pumps are a necessary piece of laboratory equipment that are used for fluid delivery in behavioral neuroscience laboratories. Many experiments provide rodents and primates with fluid rewards such as juice, water, or liquid sucrose. Current commercialized syringe pumps are not customizable and do not have the ability to deliver multiple volumes of fluid based on different inputs to the pump. Additionally, many syringe pumps are expensive and cannot be used in experiments with paired neurophysiological recordings due to electrical noise. We developed an open source syringe pump controller using commonly available parts. The controller adjusts the acceleration and speed of the motor to deliver three different volumes of fluid reward within one common time epoch. This syringe pump controller is cost effective and has been successfully implemented in rodent behavioral experiments with paired neurophysiological recordings in the rat frontal cortex while rats lick for different volumes of liquid sucrose rewards. Our syringe pump controller will enable new experiments to address the potential confound of temporal information in studies of reward signaling by fluid magnitude.
Seeking Ambidexterity in an Increasingly Turbulent Environment: The Case of the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business:

The Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver has shown resilience in navigating an increasingly turbulent environment. In working to transform itself, while still performing current ...
Motivational drivers of Chinese consumers’ brand avoidance behaviours: a perspective of sportswear

The purpose of this study was to examine consumers’ brand avoidance behaviours toward sportswear brands in the Chinese sportswear market. A theoretical framework was proposed regarding the influenc...
Relative value units and reimbursement for primary and revision total shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract Background Relative value units (RVU), based on physician work and case expenses, are reimbursement and payment rates set by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is performed less frequently than total hip and knee arthroplasty and may take longer to perform yet has a similar RVU assignment. The purpose of this study is to determine differences in RVU/minute and dollars/minute for primary and revision TSA and to compare the RVUs/minute and dollars/minute of shoulder arthroplasty to published reports of hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected through the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database for the years 2006 to 2018. Current procedural terminology (CPT) code 23472 was used to identify all primary TSA cases (N = 16,719), and CPT codes 23473 and 23474 were used for revision TSA cases (N = 948). Work RVU, operation time, and RVU per minute were compared between the primary and revision shoulder cohorts. The conversion factor for RVU to dollar was provided by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and dollars per minute calculations were performed for the 2 cohorts. Multiple regression analysis was performed to control for age, gender, race, BMI, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses with a significance set at P Results The mean operation times for primary and revision TSA were 109.42 minutes and 122.39 minutes, respectively (P Conclusion The RVU per minute and reimbursement in dollars per minute of operative time are higher for revision TSA than for primary TSA. Compared with published reports on total hip and knee arthroplasty, primary TSA has lower RVU/minute assignment and lower dollars/minute reimbursement. Level of Evidence Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparative Study
Earmarked: The Political Economy of Agricultural Research Appropriations

Since 1965 a significant portion of the USDA's extramural research budget has been directly earmarked by Congress for particular research projects. We analyze the process by which a minority of Congress, specifically members of the House and Senate Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittees, induces the USDA to carry out its budgetary suggestions. We present evidence that demonstrates the influence that appropriators possess over the allocation of earmarked grants. Finally, we argue that this program provides an excellent illustration of path-dependence in government policy and that an understanding of the special grants program may shed light on the decline of science at the USDA and Congress's reluctance to increase agricultural research funding.
A 3D-Printed mm-Wave Deployable Origami Dielectric Reflectarray Antenna

This paper presents a state-of-the-art fully 3D-printed mm-wave origami-inspired reflectarray with one-shot deployability. The prototype is fabricated with flexible photosensitive resin using stereolithography 3D printing technology. The proposed design demonstrates a tremendous size reduction in its retracted state which can be very useful for various outer-space and terrestrial applications such as CubeSats, 5G stations and long-range mm-wave backscattering applications.
Business Law Beyond Business

The law of modern business entities is poorly understood from a comprehensive perspective. This area of law has changed significantly in the last several decades in ways that have gone largely unnoticed. The lack of attention is unfortunate because developments in the law of business-entity governance have implications for many other areas of law, beyond what are normally conceived as business-law subjects. Modern organizational statutes create something new to the legal system: a legal entity that is governed only or mainly by an operating agreement and that is capable of holding basic legal rights and forming fundamental legal relationships (like entering contracts or owning property). Effectively, the result is that “a contract” (or at least something closely akin to a contract) can act as a legal entity. This capability may sound mundane, but the flexibility of modern business entities enables them to provide immediate “workarounds” to many restrictions in other areas of the law, such as contract law, property law, and family law. Modern business entities are a hyper-flexible transactional tool that can lead their organizers to achieve goals that other areas of law have not contemplated, ranging from the capabilities of legal personhood for those who otherwise lack it (like nonhuman computer systems and humans that the law deems incapable of contracting, such as children or those with mental illnesses) to circumvention of many of the traditional restrictions in property law.
Tradeoffs among ecosystem services in restored wetlands

Abstract Land management decisions frequently involve choices that reflect tradeoffs among ecosystem services. These tradeoffs are not always apparent, and land managers unknowingly may make decisions that diminish the value of some services while enhancing the value of others. Offset policies, such as wetland mitigation in the United States, rely on the assumption that ecosystems can be restored to provide a full suite of services. Wetlands provide many ecosystem services such as water quality maintenance, carbon storage, flood abatement, and biodiversity support. Our objectives were to describe tradeoffs among ecosystem services in mitigation wetlands and identify abiotic and biotic drivers underlying these tradeoffs. We measured denitrification potential, organic matter decomposition, herbaceous biomass, and soil organic content as indicators of nutrient storage and removal services in 30 mitigation wetlands in Illinois, USA. Additionally, we estimated surface-water storage potential, and, since wetlands provide valuable biodiversity support, we determined the species composition of plant, anuran, and avian communities. We found a positive relationship among biodiversity indicators for different taxa. Denitrification potential and surface-water storage potential were positively correlated. However, there was a tradeoff between biodiversity support and nutrient cycling processes; soil organic matter, biomass, decomposition rates, and potential denitrification were greater at less biodiverse sites. Our findings indicate that optimizing restored wetlands for nutrient storage and removal may come at the expense of biodiversity. It is unrealistic to expect all services to be maximized at a restoration site. Therefore, restoration practitioners should prioritize services based on needs and opportunities given local and watershed contexts.
Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis

The term thyrotoxicosis applies to a clinical condition resulting from increased thyroid hormone concentration and action. When the clinical condition is diagnosed by appropriate laboratory tests, the etiology should be determined. A high radioiodine uptake of thyroid will indicate either a very common condition called Graves’ hyperthyroidism or a very uncommon TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma. A very low uptake or no uptake will indicate destructive thyroiditis, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism, or very rare cases of extra-thyroidal thyroid hormone production or exogenous thyroid hormone intake. Normal radioactive thyroid uptake can occur in mild Graves’ hyperthyroidism or in multinodular toxic goiter and toxic adenoma. Management should be problem oriented and should depend on the etiology. Antithyroid medications, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy can be used for high uptake causes and symptomatic therapy can be used for destructive thyroiditis. Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism will respond to antithyroid medications and elimination of exogenous iodine.