cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traffic adaptive WDM networks: a study of reconfiguration issues

This paper studies the issues arising in the reconfiguration phase of broadcast optical networks. Although the ability to dynamically optimize the network under changing traffic conditions has been recognized as one of the key features of multi-wavelength optical networks, this is the first in-depth study of the tradeoffs involved in carrying out the reconfiguration process. We develop and compare reconfiguration policies to determine when to reconfigure the network, and we present an approach to carry out the network transition by describing a class of strategies that determine how to retune the optical transceivers. We identify the degree of load balancing and the number of retunings as two important, albeit conflicting, objectives in the design of reconfiguration policies, naturally leading to a formulation of the problem as a Markovian decision process. Consequently, we develop a systematic and flexible framework in which to view and contrast reconfiguration policies. We show how an appropriate selection of reward and cost functions can be used to achieve the desired balance among various performance criteria of interest. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of reconfiguration policies and retuning strategies and demonstrate the benefits of reconfiguration through both analytical and simulation results. The result of our work is a set of practical techniques for managing the network transition phase that can be directly applied to networks of large size. Although our work is in the context of broadcast networks, the results can be applied to any wavelength-division multiplexing network where it is necessary to multiplex traffic from a large user population into a number of wavelengths.
Piezoelectric Actuators for Synthetic Jet Applications

Synthetic jets have been identified and utilized widely in airflow control applications. These jets of air are usually created by the use of compressed air, or an electromechanically driven vibrating platform. All of these approaches produce desired results in airflow-control such as enhanced lift and increased maneuverability. Despite the results however, system weight, size, response time and force limit their use in aircraft applications where space is a premium. The objective of this study is to characterize the relevant properties for the design of a synthetic jet utilizing three types of piezoelectric actuators as mechanical diaphragms. The limiting parameters of the actuators for this application are shape and volumetric space. Thus, the actuators were circular with a diameter of 6.35 cm, and overall device cavity volume no larger than 147.5 cm3 on a 7 cm x 7 cm areal coverage. The actuators tested were pre-stressed curved metallic unimorphs, bimorphs, and radial field diaphragms. These piezoelectric elements were chosen because of their geometry, quasi-isostatic topography and overall free-displacement. Each actuator was affixed about its perimeter in a cavity, and relevant parameters such as clamped displacement, and jet velocity though a pre-determined dimensional slot, were measured.
Charge reduction, octahedral charge, and lithium retention in heated, Li-saturated smectites

Reference smectites were examined to determine relationships between Li uptake, cation- exchange capacity (CEC), and octahedral layer charge after Li saturation and heating at 250~ (Hofmann- Klemen effect). Direct measurements of exchangeable Li after heating led to overestimates of charge reduction due to entrapment of Li in collapsed interlayers. Expansion ofinterlayers by sequential washings with 1 N MgCI2, 0.01 N MgCI:, and ethanol and subsequent determinations of exchangeable Mg provided accurate measurements of reduced charge. The CEC reductions observed in dioctahedral samples as a result of Li saturation and heating equaled octahedral charge values derived from published mineral formulae, and interlayer charge estimates obtained by alkylammonium exchange confirmed that measured CEC reductions were a consequence of uniform decreases in octahedral layer charge. Dioctahedral specimens retained 1 to 10 meq/100 g of non-exchangeable Li in excess of CEC reduction and were acidified in direct proportion to their total Fe contents, apparently as a result of the deprotonation of structural hydroxyl groups. Mild acid treatment reprotonated these hydroxyl groups, released excess Li, and resulted in total Li contents comparable to measured CEC reductions. Heating (250~ Mg- saturated hectorite induced a loss of octahedral Li, acidification, and a reduction of CEC, indicating that Mg had partially replaced octahedral Li. These results suggest that octahedral Li is mobile at low tem- peratures and that cation movement into or out of the octahedral sheet is favored if the layer charge is reduced.
Origins and Mechanisms of Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclogenesis: A Case Study

The genesis of Hurricane Hernan (1996) in the eastern Pacific was investigated using gridded analyses from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and gridded outgoing longwave radiation. Hernan developed in association with a wave in the easterlies that could be tracked back to Africa in longitude‐time plots of the filtered y component of the wind (2‐6-day period) at 700 mb. The wave crossed Central America near Lake Nicaragua with little change in its southwest‐northeast tilt, but the most intense convection shifted from near the wave axis in the Caribbean to west of the wave axis in the Pacific. The wave intensified as it moved through a barotropically unstable background state (defined by a low-pass filter with a 20-day cutoff ) in the western Caribbean and eastern Pacific. A surge in the southwesterly monsoons and enhanced convection along 108N occurred to the west of the 700-mb wave in the Pacific and traveled with the wave. This had the effect of enhancing low-level vorticity over a wide region ahead of the 700-mb wave. Available evidence suggests that additional low-level vorticity was produced by enhanced flow from the north through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as the 700-mb wave approached. Depression formation did not occur until 6‐12 h after the 700mb wave reached this region of large low-level vorticity in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Eastern Pacific SST and vertical wind shear magnitude are typically favorable for tropical cyclone development in Northern Hemisphere summer and early fall. Because the favorable mountain interaction and the surge in the low-level monsoons appear to relate directly to the wave in the easterlies, it is argued that the strength of such waves reaching Central America from the east is the single most important factor in whether subsequent eastern Pacific cyclogenesis occurs. Possible parallels with western Pacific cyclogenesis are discussed.
Interleukin-10 Blocks Atherosclerotic Events In Vitro and In Vivo

Atherosclerosis can be viewed in part as an inflammatory disease process and may therefore be susceptible to manipulation of the immune state. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an inhibitory cytokine produced by activated lymphocytes and monocytes. These studies present evidence that IL-10 can inhibit minimally oxidized LDL (MM-LDL)-induced monocyte-endothelium interaction as well as inhibit atherosclerotic lesion formation in mice fed an atherosclerotic diet. Pretreatment of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) for 18, but not 4, hours with recombinant IL-10 caused a significant decrease in MM-LDL-induced monocyte binding. IL-10 was found to be maximally effective at 10 ng/mL. Transfection of HAECs with adenovirus expressing viral bcrf-1 IL-10 (Ad-vIL-10) in a sense but not antisense orientation completely inhibited the ability of MM-LDL to induce monocyte binding. Similar results were obtained with IL-10 or Ad-vIL-10 in HAECs stimulated with oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OxPAPC). We have previously shown increases in cAMP associated with MM-LDL activation of endothelial cells. The MM-LDL-induced increase in cAMP levels was not inhibited by preincubation with IL-10. In vivo studies demonstrated that mice with a murine IL-10 transgene under the control of the human IL-2 promoter have decreased lesions versus controls on an atherogenic diet (5433+/-4008 mm(2) versus 13 574+/-4212 mm(2); P<0.05), whereas IL-10 null mice have increased lesions (33 250+/-9117 mm(2); P<0.0001) compared with either controls or IL-10 transgenic mice. These studies suggest an important role for IL-10 in the atherosclerotic disease process.
Evaluation of the Maintenance Management Information Systems of the United States Postal Service

The methodology used in evaluating a maintenance information system for the United States Postal Service is described. Maintenance inspectors filled out the forms and gathered the data while performing their normal maintenance and inspection duties. This combination of duties consumed 100 man-years. The study verified that the use of the computerized information system had exposed 19 million dollars in excess inventory. Corrections made in the system as a result of the study developed an audited savings by postal authorities of 4.2 million dollars versus a total study cost of 1.6 million dollars.
Analysis of Nimbus-7 SMMR 6.6 GHz data over vegetated land surfaces: theory and examples

The scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) launched aboard the Nimbus-7 satellite provided global data at five frequencies (6.6, 10.7, 18, and 37 GHz) and two polarizations. The global data over land surfaces from this instrument are available for the period of January 1979 to December of 1985. The 6.6 GHz data set, being the lowest frequency of SMMR is especially important for studying the vegetation canopies and the moisture variations of the underlying soil surface. In this study, a microwave emission model for vegetation canopies has been developed to simulate the 6.6 GHz channel of SMMR. The canopy model consists of three layers of crown, trunk and underlying soil. The emissivity from the canopy is obtained by first computing the bistatic radar cross section of the three layer canopy using the distorted Born approximation and then integrating the radar cross sections over the hemispherical scattering angles according to the conservation of energy. In this formulation, each layer of the canopy is modeled as a random distribution of canonical shape dielectric scatterers (discs and cylinders). The dielectric constant of the scatterers are determined according to the available moisture in various components of the canopy. The model is then verified over homogeneous agricultural canopies using a ground stationed radiometer system. In particular, the properties of the polarization ratio with respect to the available vegetation biomass and soil moisture have been analyzed and it is found that this ratio becomes less sensitive to soil moisture as the vegetation biomass increases. The model has then been modified to take into account the large spatial resolution of the SMMR data by introducing a distribution of gaps in each resolution cell. The model simulations are then used in conjunction with monthly averaged 6.6 GHz SMMR data over two areas of Amazon forest and North-West US to study the effect of the moisture and vegetation changes. >
OSSIE: an open source software defined radio (SDR) toolset for education and research (abstract only)

OSSIE is an open source SDR project created for education and research. When used as a teaching example, OSSIE provides lessons about open source and systems development. It is also an ideal platform for a variety of projects, from capstone studies to theses. A series of labs introduces new users to the software and quickly illustrate key SDR concepts and practices. Included components and waveforms provide excellent examples and allow for the simple creation of new waveform applications. The waveform workshop allows SDR developers to concentrate on the signal processing aspects of OSSIE software development by automatically generating code necessary for interfacing with the OSSIE Core Framework. Finally, the Core Framework provides an ideal platform for SDR and signal processing research.
Not All Stereotyping Is Created Equal: Differential Consequences of Thoughtful Versus Nonthoughtful Stereotyping

Much research emphasizes heuristic use of stereotypes, though stereotypes have long been considered as capable of influencing more thoughtful processing of social information. Direct comparisons between thoughtful and nonthoughtful stereotyping are lacking in the literature. Recent research in attitude change emphasizes the different consequences of judgments arising from relatively thoughtful versus nonthoughtful processes. Therefore, increased thought could not only fail to decrease stereotyping but might also create stereotypic perceptions that are more likely to have lasting impact. The current studies demonstrate thoughtful and nonthoughtful stereotyping within the same setting. More thoughtful stereotyping is more resistant to future attempts at change and to warnings of possible bias. Implications are discussed for the typical research questions asked after observing stereotypic judgments.
Burst Pacemaker Activity in NCX1 Knockout Mice: Is it Funny Current?

The cardiac Sodium-Calcium exchanger (NCX1) is the dominant Ca efflux protein in SinoAtrial Node (SAN) cells. NCX1 has also been implicated in the generation of pacemaker activity, through the “Ca clock”. To study SAN pacing in the absence of NCX1, we created an atrial-specific NCX1 KO mouse using a Cre/loxP system under the control of the endogenous sarcolipin promoter. NCX1 KO mice have complete AV block and no P waves. The latter is caused by conduction interference between SAN and atria. To test the hypothesis that SAN pacemaking can be maintained by funny current (If) in the absence of NCX1, we recorded Ca transients (using Cal 520 and high speed 2D confocal imaging) in an ex vivo tissuepreparation that included the SAN, right atrium and left atrium. At ∼36°C, the SAN pacemaker rate was 5.3±0.3Hz in WT (n=14) but only 2±0.2Hz (n=17) in KO. The pattern of pacing in KO was characterized by frequent bursts of Ca transients alternating with long pauses. During bursts in KO, the rate was comparable to WT (4.1±0.3Hz). WT SANs (n=5) showed a 70.5±6.1% increase in rate after exposure to the β-adrenergic agonist ISO (10μM), while KO showed no increase in average rate. However, when considering only rate during burst activity in KO, 6 out of 10 KO SANs responded significantly to ISO 10μM (52±16% increase). The specific If inhibitor ivabradine (IVA, 9μM) reduced the spontaneous pacemaker rate in both WT (n=6) and KO (n=8) SANs (44±9% and 58.9±6.8% decrease, respectively), and even during the bursts in the KO (36±17.9% decrease). Thus, NCX1 KO SANs can generate bursts of pacemaker activity similar to WT. These bursts are responsive to both ISO and IVA, consistent with If-mediated pacemaker activity despite the absence of NCX.
Vertical profile of H2SO4 vapor at 70-110 km on Venus and some related problems

The vertical profile of H2SO4 vapor is calculated using current atmospheric and thermodynamic data. The atmospheric data include the H2O profiles observed at 70–112 km by the SOIR solar occultations, the SPICAV-UV profiles of the haze extinction at 220 nm, the VeRa temperature profiles, and a typical profile of eddy diffusion. The thermodynamic data are the saturated vapor pressures of H2O and H2SO4 and chemical potentials of these species in sulfuric acid solutions. The calculated concentration of sulfuric acid in the cloud droplets varies from 85% at 70 km to a minimum of 70% at 90 km and then gradually increasing to 90–100% at 110 km. The H2SO4 vapor mixing ratio is � 10 � 12 at 70 and 110 km with a deep
Melatonin-induced relaxation of rat aorta: interaction with adrenergic agonists.

: The influence of melatonin on alpha- and beta-adrenergic responses of vascular smooth muscle ex vivo were examined in these experiments. Melatonin caused a dose-dependent relaxation of precontracted (30 mM KCl) vascular smooth muscle. This response was not affected by the removal of vascular endothelium. Melatonin (10 nM) reduced the efficacy, but not potency, of the contractile responses to methoxamine and clonidine. Melatonin had no effect on the vascular beta-adrenergic response to isoproterenol. Pretreatment of vascular rings with lithium sulfate (0.1 mM) completely blocked the relaxation in response to melatonin, suggesting that the inositol phosphate pathway may be involved in this relaxation. Furthermore, pretreatment of vascular rings with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, antagonized the relaxation response to melatonin. Pharmacologic doses of melatonin (0.1 mM) slightly impaired the vascular smooth muscle response to calcium. These data indicate that melatonin per se is capable of relaxing vascular smooth muscle and that low doses of melatonin impair alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic responses without changes in the beta adrenergic response of vascular smooth muscle.
A Procedure For Selecting A Best Multinomial Distribution With Application To Population Income Mobility

A procedure is developed for selecting a subset which is asserted to contain the “best” of several multinomial populations with a pre-assigned probability of correct selection. According to a pre-chosen linear combination of the multinomial cell probabilities, the “best” population is defined to be the one with the highest such linear combination. As an illustration, the proposed procedure is applied to data relating to the economics of happiness and population income mobility.
American Capitals: A Historical Geography Christian Montès. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2014.

American Capitals: A Historical Geography Christian Montes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2014.State capitals have a certain fascination for many Americans, and non-Americans, which include the author of this well-re searched study of geographic and other factors that have shaped the designation of capitals in all fifty states. The author is a professor of geography at the Universite Lumiere Lyon. Another fan of state capitals is this reviewer who tries to visit state capitals when he visits another city in a state, although this is not always geographically possible. For example, this reviewer has been to PCA conferences in both San Diego and San Francisco but has never been to Sacramento. Yet he has visited Frankfort, while visiting family in Lexington, Kentucky, and Baton Rouge, while attending PCA meetings in New Orleans. When driving to his hometown of Boston, one of the most historic capitals in the United States, this reviewer passed by the state capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on 1-84. On this same road trip, he didn't stop in Trenton as it is not on an exit on the New Jersey Turnpike.American Capitals: A Historical Geography is a book that will appeal to the state capital lover, the historian, the political scientist interested in state government, and the pop culture fan. There is something in this book for all of them. The author notes that while all the state capitals have a number of characteristics in common, as symbols of the state, as embodiments of political power and decision-making, and as public spaces with private interests, they also have differences in their spatial and historical evolutionary patterns. For examples, most of the original capitals in colonial America were either occupied or attacked by the British during the American Revolution. State governments operated where and as they could, such as the city of New York which was occupied by British troops from 1776 to 1783. Twenty-two state capitals have been capital cities longer than their respective states (or one of the four commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia) have been states since they first served as the capital of a predecessor territory, colony, or republic. The best known is probably Boston, Massachusetts, which has been a capital city continuously since 1630, making it the oldest active state capital. It also has a gleaming Charles Bulfinch dome that dominates the Boston skyline and attracts to its red brick structure visitors who are unaware that they are looking at the building that houses the Massachusetts legislature. Santa Fe, New Mexico, started as a territorial capital city in 1610; it was interrupted only by the Pueblo Revolt of 1680-1692. Santa Fe became the state capital in 1912 when New Mexico was given statehood.There are ten fact-filled chapters and two appendices: Demographic and Historical Tables and A Brief Chronology of Colonial, Territorial, and State Capitals, which sum up the evolution of capitals. …
Uncertainty and the Economic Threshold

Economic threshold, also called optimizing threshold, has been defined by economists to be the level of pest infestation that warrants an application of pesticide when the pesticide application rate is computed to maximize the grower’s profit. As often used in practice, however, economic threshold is assumed to be the level of pest infestation at which cost of the pest application (when the application rate is a fixed, predetermined value) equals cost of the damage prevented by the application. This is sometimes called the discrete-choice threshold. In either case, computations are ordinarily done assuming that all parameters of the problem are known with certainty. In reality, this assumption is often not correct; there is a great deal of uncertainty. Effect of uncertainty on the economic threshold computation was explored. Uncertainty may have a profound effect as illustrated by consideration of a simple model. Extension of this method to more complex, realistic models is described.
Modeling Transition-Regime Heat Conduction from Nanosized Particles in Laser-Induced Incandescence Studies

Laser-induced incandescence is an emerging diagnostic technique for characterizing nanoscale refractory particles suspended in a gas. This procedure requires accurate modeling of conduction heat transfer between the particle and the gas, however, which is problematic if the heat transfer occurs in the transition regime. Implementation of transition-regime conduction models have often been flawed in LII studies due to a poor understanding of the underlying transition-regime physics, resulting in erroneous experimental results. This paper rectifies this situation by first providing a pedagogical explanation of transition-regime conduction, followed by an overview of approximate models available in the literature. These models are then used to solve a transition-regime heat transfer problem and the results are compared with those obtained from a Monte Carlo simulation.
Trace fossils indicating estuarine deposystems for the Devonian-Mississippian cloyd Conglomerate member, price formation, central appalachians

The use of ichnologic data is crucial to the understanding of some paleoenvironmental regimes. The Cloyd Conglomerate Member of the Price Formation has been interpreted as entirely fluvial, partly fluvial and partly marine bar, and entirely marine bar. Trace fossils provide data to resolve these divergent opinions. The Cloyd preserves a thin sedimentary wedge composed of a lower, regressive nonmarine phase and an upper, transgressive marine phase bearing trace fossils and a restricted marine fauna. Massive, quartz-pebble conglomerates of the lower Cloyd were deposited in fluvio-distributaty systems during a regression near the Devonian-Mississippian boundaty. Regressive channel systems became estuaries during a subsequent transgression. Trace fossils in the upper Cloyd constitute a mixed Skolithos-Cruziana Ichnofacies of suspension-feeding sand dwellers and depositfeeding mud dwellers. Though not abundant, trace fossils occur most commonly in the uppermost sandstone beds of fining-upward, estuary pointbar deposits. A point-bar assemblage includes large, deep Skolithos and Cylindrichnus suspension feeders that inhabited bar slip faces. Deep burrowing behavior suggests that point-bar trace makers sought to moderate environmental extremes, e.g., salinity and temperature fluctuation and possible subaerial exposure of bar surfaces. The Teichichnus trace maker inhabited lower-energy, submerged sand flats on point-bar surfaces, possibly following channel abandonment. Tidal-flat facies composed of organic-rich silty shales with interbedded siltstones and sandstones overlie point-bar sandstones. Well-circulated tidal-flat facies are dominated by shallow-burrowing suspension feeders in sandstone interbeds. The trace assemblage includes Arenicolites, Diplocraterion, Monocraterion, Planolites, Rusophycus?, and shallow Skolithos. A backwater assemblage includes Chondrites and Planolites deposit feeders that inhabited organic-rich, black
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Product Recall? A Study on Pharmaceutical Industry Recalls

While studies showing that product recalls hurt firm performance are common, studies on how long it takes for firms to recover from the loss associated with product recall remain scant. This is unf...
Analysis of the detection results of 3 kinds of infectious diseases among employees of catering and public places in Shenzhen City in 2011

[Objective]To analyze the preventive health examination results of employees of catering and public places in Shenzhen City in 2011,to find out the problems and improve examination quality.[Methods]Comparative analysis and SAS 8.1 as χ2 test statistic tool were used to analyze the disease detection rate including intestinal pathogens,pulmonary tuberculosis and ulcerative or exudative dermatosis of employees examined in health examination institution of Shenzhen in 2011.[Results] Of 790 986 employees examined,2 797 were found to suffer from above infectious disease and the detection rate was 35.36/10 000.The number of patients and the detection rate were 1 779(22.49/10 000) in pulmonary tuberculosis,602(7.61/10 000) in ulcerative or exudative dermatosis,416(5.26/10 000) in intestinal pathogens.The detection results of 3 kinds of infectious diseases were significantly different between areas(χ2=685.87,P0.01),between types of disease(χ2=1 173.24,P0.01)and between different agencies(χ2=51.48,P0.01).[Conclusion]Health examination on employees of catering and public places plays important role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.It is necessary to strengthen the construction of medical institutions so as to improve the quality of examination.
VPAC1 targeted Cu-64-TP3805 imaging of prostate cancer: autoradiographic correlation with wholemount tissue histology

454 Objectives Using Cu-64-TP3805 as a specific biomolecule, we have targeted VPAC1 receptors expressed in high density on Prostate Cancer (PC) cells to PET image primary PC in patients scheduled for prostatectomy. The goal is to determine, ex-vivo, the efficacy of Cu-64-TP3805 to image PC. Methods 25 men with PC scheduled for radical prostatectomy and who signed an IRB approved consent form were PET imaged preoperatively. The PET images were compared to pathologic analysis of whole mount, excised prostate. De-paraffinized whole mount pathology slides (n=66) from 6 VPAC1 PET imaged patients, as well as from 3 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients (n=9), one malignant lymph node (n=3), and one benign lymph node (n=3) were incubated with Cu-64-TP3805, washed with PBS, dried and subjected to digital autoradiography (DAR). Slides were then H&E stained, read by a pathologist (PM), and DAR images were compared with foci delineated as PC, benign, cyst, or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Results PC foci (n=105/107, 98%) were identified by DAR imaging. DAR missed 2/107 (1.8%) PC due to technical artifact. Additionally 9 small PC lesions, not previously noted by histology, were identified by DAR. An additional 18 lesions seen by DAR in areas without PC foci corresponded to high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). 2/2 ejaculatory duct and 5/5 urethra veramontanum were +ve by DAR. The positive lymph node and the benign lymph node were correctly identified by DAR. For the three BPH patients without PC and 5/5 cysts, DAR was negative. Conclusions Cu-64-TP3805 accurately identified (98%) foci of PC. Several additional lesions were also correctly identified. Detection of HGPIN is consistent with early expression of VPAC1 prior to the modulations in cell morphology. With excellent PPV (98%) and NPV(100%), Cu-64-TP3805 is worthy of PET imaging and potential treatment of PC. Research Support NIH R01 CA157372-03 and by NuView, Inc. (MLT).
Dear Diary: Teens Reflect on Their Weekly Online Risk Experiences

In our study, 68 teens spend two months reflecting on their weekly online experiences and report 207 separate risk events involving information breaches, online harassment, sexual solicitations, and exposure to explicit content. We conduct a structured, qualitative analysis to characterize the salient dimensions of their risk experiences, such as severity, level of agency, coping strategies, and whether the teens felt like the situation had been resolved. Overall, we found that teens can potentially benefit from lower risk online situations, which allow them to develop crucial interpersonal skills, such as boundary setting, conflict resolution, and empathy. We can also use the dimensions of risk described in this paper to identify potentially harmful risk trajectories before they become high-risk situations. Our end goal is to find a way to empower and protect teens so that they can benefit from online engagement.
Modified Pekeyra Procedure for Stress Incontinence

AbstractResults of the modified Pereyra cystourethropexy for stress incontinence are presented. The technique prevents a suprapubic suture from entering the bladder because of a vaginal approach into the space of Retzius. The surgeon’s vaginal finger guides the suprapubic needle as it passes through the rectus. Thus, a non-absorbable suture may be used and the urogenital diaphragm is brought superiorly to raise and to support the floor of the pelvis. Results are continence in 97 to 100 per cent of 30 women.
Outcomes After Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in Infants 90 Days Old or Younger.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are an increasingly common cause of pediatric hospital visits among infants. The optimal evaluation strategy for younger infants with SSTI is unknown because there is little information about outcomes including risks of concomitant bacterial infections and treatment failure. This study was designed to determine rates of concomitant invasive bacterial infection and hospital revisits for treatment failure as well as factors associated with treatment failure in infants presenting with SSTI. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients ≤90 days of age who received care from the 22 emergency departments and hospitals in the Intermountain Healthcare system from July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2011, with a primary discharge diagnosis of SSTI. Concomitant bacterial infections were defined as urinary tract infection (UTI; culture-confirmed) or invasive bacterial infection (IBI; culture-confirmed bacteremia and/or meningitis). Treatment failure was defined as any unplanned change in care at hospital revisit within 14 days of discharge. RESULTS: The study included 172 infants; 29 (17%) were febrile, and 91 (53%) had ≥1 sterile site culture performed. One case of bacteremia in a febrile infant was identified giving an overall proportion with UTI/IBI of 0.58% (95% confidence interval 0.01%–3.2%). Sixteen infants (9.3%; 95% confidence interval 5.4%–14.7%) returned for treatment failure. Perianal location (P = .03) and private insurance status (P = .01) were associated with more treatment failures compared with other locations or payer types. No patients returned for missed UTI/IBI. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant bacterial infections were rare in infants with SSTI, with none identified in afebrile infants. Treatment failure of SSTI leading to hospital revisit was common.
Treatment of basilar artery aneurysms: Natural selection and propagation of endovascular techniques

Rupture of cerebral aneurysms represents an important cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Based on prospective autopsy and angiography studies, 3.6–6 % of the population harbors cerebral aneurysms (Vlak et al., Lancet Neurol 10:626–636, 2011). The most complex of these aneurysms are aneurysms residing within the posterior circulation representing 15 % of all cerebral aneurysms (Spetzler et al., J Neurosurg 123:609–617, 2015). Treatment of cerebral aneurysms is achieved with either endovascular, microsurgical, or hybrid techniques. Given the challenging corridors harboring basilar artery (BA) aneurysms, most aneurysms within this region are treated with endovascular techniques; however, the debate of microsurgical vs. endovascular techniques continues. Both Rangel-Castilla et al. and Rutledge et al. present a great discussion of this debate championing endovascular and microsurgical techniques, respectively. We present the highlights of the previous chapters as well interjecting our own experiences in management of basilar artery aneurysms.
Lipids and Ketones

Publisher Summary This chapter covers the biochemistry and clinical chemistry of long-chain fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, cholesterol, and ketones, a list including the majority of lipids found in vertebrates. Although lipids have many functions, two of the most important are energy storage and membrane structure. Triacylglycerols are by far the most important lipid with regard to energy storage, and phospholipids and cholesterol are the most important lipoid membrane constituents. Lipids serve other functions, including being precursors for steroids and bile acids (cholesterol), thermal insulation (triacylglycerols), and electrical insulation (various lipids). Virtually all lipids are insoluble in water, which greatly complicates their handling in the body. Because of their insolubility, lipids must rely on proteins for transport for any significant distance in the body, and various proteins have evolved to provide this function. The insolubility of lipids is an asset as well as a liability. Because of their insolubility, lipids generate no osmotic force, so large amounts of triacylglycerol can be stored in adipose without the weight gain due to water that would accompany it if it were soluble. The insolubility of lipids is vital to many of their functions in membranes.
Control of Grasping in Robot Hands by Neural Networks and Expert Systems

Biologically-based approaches to the development of control techniques for multifingered robot hands are reviewed. Conventional algorithmic control is contrasted with control based on knowledge-based systems and neural networks. The development of an expert system for grasp control, which includes consideration of both object geometry and task, is described in detail. The chapter includes descriptions of neural network applications to the prediction of grasping in both human and robot hands.
NSFA: Nested Scale-Free Architecture for scalable publish/subscribe over P2P networks

This paper proposes a scalable publish/subscribe system based on unstructured P2P networks, which are shown to have Nested Scale-Free Architectures (NSFAs). The scale-free architecture is a classic concept, which means that the peer degree distribution follows power-law. ‘Nested’ indicates that the scale-free architecture is preserved when low-degree peers and their associated connections are removed. We find that NSFA's hierarchy can be distributedly constructed, and has a better bound than classic hierarchies. By leveraging the NSFA's hierarchy, our publish/subscribe system achieves a competitive tradeoff among the event routing efficiency, system robustness, and overhead. For an unstructured P2P network with |V| peers, the number of routing hops for the event deliveries in our system is expected to be O(ln ln |V|). For the topological information, each peer only needs to maintain an overhead with a constant size, O(1). Peer arrival, departure, and failure can be handled within a message complexity of O(ln ln |V|). Finally, real data-driven experiments demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the NSFA-based publish/subscribe system.
Carpal Coalitions on Radiographs: Prevalence and Association With Ordering Indication

Purpose Carpal coalitions are common and usually incidental to the indication for wrist radiographs. It is not clear if, or when, carpal coalitions cause pain. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of incidental carpal coalitions by evaluating radiographs taken for various indications and to test the association of demographic variables and ordering indications with the finding of a carpal coalition. Methods We reviewed 1,119 posteroanterior wrist radiographs for the presence of carpal coalition. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess demographic factors for their independent associations with the presence of carpal coalitions and to compare the difference in the prevalence of carpal coalitions between radiographs obtained to evaluate traumatic wrist pain (623 wrists), nontraumatic wrist pain (175 wrists), and other reasons (321 wrists). Results Radiographs of 98 out of 1,119 patients (8.8%) showed a carpal coalition. Carpal coalitions were equally likely on radiographs obtained for traumatic wrist pain and nontraumatic wrist pain. Patients with no wrist trauma or wrist pain were less likely to have a carpal coalition on their radiograph. Conclusions We consider carpal coalitions an unlikely cause of wrist pain. The lower prevalence in radiographs obtained for causes other than wrist trauma or wrist pain remains unexplained, although it may be spurious. In the evaluation of a patient with nonspecific wrist pain, clinicians should be careful ascribing symptoms to anatomical variations on radiographs. These incidental findings should not usually affect management. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic III.
Post-Operative Chylothorax in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease.

Abstract Background Post-operative chylothorax in patients with congenital heart disease is a challenging problem with substantial morbidity and mortality. Currently, the etiology of chylothorax is poorly understood and treatment options are limited. Objectives This study aimed to report lymphatic imaging findings, determine the mechanism of chylothorax after cardiac surgery, and analyze the outcomes of lymphatic embolization. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 25 patients with congenital heart disease and post-operative chylothorax who presented for lymphatic imaging and intervention between July 2012 and August 2016. Results Based on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography and intranodal lymphangiography, we identified 3 distinct etiologies of chylothorax: 2 patients (8%) with traumatic leak from a thoracic duct (TD) branch, 14 patients (56%) with pulmonary lymphatic perfusion syndrome (PLPS), and 9 patients (36%) with central lymphatic flow disorder (CLFD), the latter defined as abnormal central lymphatic flow, effusions in more than 1 compartment, and dermal backflow. Patients with traumatic leak and PLPS were combined into 1 group of 16 patients without CLFD, of whom 14 (88%) had an intact TD. Sixteen patients underwent lymphatic intervention, including complete TD embolization. All 16 patients had resolution of chylothorax, with a median of 7.5 days from intervention to chest tube removal and 15 days from intervention to discharge. The 9 patients with CLFD were considered a separate group, of whom 3 (33%) had an intact TD. Seven patients underwent lymphatic intervention but none survived. Conclusions Most patients in this study had nontraumatic chylothorax and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography was essential to determine etiology. Lymphatic embolization was successful in patients with traumatic leak and PLPS and, thus, should be considered first-line treatment. Interventions in patients with CLFD were not successful to resolve chylothorax and alternate approaches need to be developed.
A LA MEMORIA DE STEFANO RODOTÀ, JURISTA

En su inmortal opusculo De los Delitos y de las Penas (1764), Cesare Bonesana, Marques de Beccaria, milanes rico y de antiguo linaje, se expreso acerca del derecho de propiedad llamandolo “ terrible, y quiza no necesario derecho” (pag. 189 de la edicion espanola de Trotta, Madrid, 2011); una circunstancia que en mi memoria viene siempre asociada a la persona y a la obra del admirable jurista italiano Stefano Rodota, fallecido ayer [el 23 de junio de 2017].
Exploring indicators for fatigue cracking in hot mix asphalt pavements using simplified-viscoelastic continuum damage theory

Fatigue cracking in asphalt pavements results in decreased ride quality, decreased fuel economy, and provides an avenue for intrusion of water. Since the current asphalt mixture design relies prima...
The Associations between Adiposity, Cognitive Function, and Achievement in Children.

Although obesity has been related to measures of academic achievement and cognition in children, the influence of fat distribution, specifically visceral adiposity, on select aspects of achievement and cognitive function remains poorly characterized among preadolescent children. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of adiposity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), on achievement and cognitive function among children. Methods Children with obesity (ages 8-9 yr old, N = 55, 35 females) completed cognitive and academic tests. Normal weight children (N = 55, 35 females) were matched to this group on demographic characteristics and aerobic fitness. Covariate analyses included age, Brief Intellectual Ability, socioeconomic status, and fat-free V˙O2 (V˙O2 peak adjusted for lean mass; mL·kg lean·min). Adiposity (i.e., whole body percent fat, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and VAT) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results The results of this study revealed that, relative to their normal weight counterparts, children with obesity had significantly lower performance on tests of reading and math. Analyses revealed that among children with obesity, %Fat and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue were not related to cognitive abilities. However, higher VAT was associated with poorer intellectual abilities (Ps ≤ 0.04) and cognitive performance (i.e., thinking ability and cognitive efficiency, Ps ≤ 0.04). However, among normal weight children, VAT was positively associated with intellectual abilities and cognitive efficiency. Conclusion In conclusion, the results suggest that VAT was selectively and negatively related with cognition among children with obesity. Along with the dangerous metabolic nature of VAT, its detrimental relationship with obese children's intellectual and cognitive functioning is concerning.
Conceptual clustering of explanations

ABSTRACT Inductive and explanation-based learning methods traditionally differ in the extent that they exploit background knowledge. Each is search intensive and sensitive to domain imperfections, albeit in different ways. Hybrid systems that abstract over explanations promise the advantages of each approach, but they require augmentation if their promise is to be fully realized. Conceptual clustering can be profitably applied to the abstraction and organization of explanations so that they may be efficiently and appropriately reused.
Pitch diameter measurement of threaded gages using a coordinate measuring machine

The reference datum for a screw thread is the pitch diameter cylinder. Although a defined method within the United States for pitch diameter measurement exists, it does not follow worldwide procedures, and the complexity and uncertainties associated with this measurement often go unappreciated. Some of the problems associated with using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for measurements on both external and internal threads will be discussed.
The Evaluation of a Pulmonary Display to Detect Adverse Respiratory Events Using High Resolution Human Simulator

Objective: Authors developed a picture-graphics display for pulmonary function to present typical respiratory data used in perioperative and intensive care environments. The display utilizes color, shape and emergent alerting to highlight abnormal pulmonary physiology. The display serves as an adjunct to traditional operating room displays and monitors. Design: To evaluate the prototype, nineteen clinician volunteers each managed four adverse respiratory events and one normal event using a high-resolution patient simulator which included the new displays (intervention subjects) and traditional displays (control subjects). Between-group comparisons included (i) time to diagnosis and treatment for each adverse respiratory event; (ii) the number of unnecessary treatments during the normal scenario; and (iii) self-reported workload estimates while managing study events. Measurements: Two expert anesthesiologists reviewed video-taped transcriptions of the volunteers to determine time to treat and time to diagnosis. Time values were then compared between groups using a Mann-Whitney-U Test. Estimated workload for both groups was assessed using the NASA-TLX and compared between groups using an ANOVA. P-values 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Clinician volunteers detected and treated obstructed endotracheal tubes and intrinsic PEEP problems faster with graphical rather than conventional displays (p 0.05). During the normal scenario simulation, 3 clinicians using the graphical display, and 5 clinicians using the conventional display gave unnecessary treatments. Clinician-volunteers reported significantly lower subjective workloads using the graphical display for the obstructed endotracheal tube scenario (p 0.001) and the intrinsic PEEP scenario (p 0.03). Conclusion: Authors conclude that the graphical pulmonary display may serve as a useful adjunct to traditional displays in identifying adverse respiratory events.
Laser synthesized nanoparticle alloys of metals with bulk miscibility gaps

Abstract The nanoscale alloying of metals with bulk miscibility gaps, Ag-Pt and Ag-Rh, has been investigated using pulsed laser ablation of solids in solution (PLASiS). The procedure was in two steps. In the first step, the suspensions of monometallic nanoparticles were prepared by ablation of a metal rod submerged in water. In the second step, the monometallic suspensions were mixed and alloying was induced by re-irradiation. For the Ag-Pt system, a surface plasmon resonance was observed in the monometallic silver suspension. The surface plasmon resonance vanished in re-irradiated Ag-Pt suspensions, indicating alloying. Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) analysis showed that the nanoparticles had a fcc structure with a lattice constant intermediate between that of monometallic Ag and Pt nanoparticles. First principles theoretical investigations of the mixing energy of Ag-Pt clusters confirm that mixing is favored at around ~1 nm. The same procedure used for Ag-Pt was followed for Ag-Rh. In this system where the two metals present miscibility gaps even in the liquid phase, no evidence of alloying was observed. Correspondingly, theoretical investigations found that the mixing energy of Ag-Rh clusters did not favor alloying.