cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of prepreg format on defect control in out-of-autoclave processing

Prepreg format plays a key role in part quality for composites produced using vacuum bag only (VBO) techniques. To date, however, VBO prepregs have been produced by modifying existing autoclave formats. In this work, we introduce USCpreg, a prepreg format designed specifically for out-of-autoclave cure, featuring through-thickness permeability. We describe the fabrication and analysis of laminates processed with USCpreg, as well as laminates fabricated from traditional VBO prepreg formats. The through-thickness pathways for air transport in USCpreg result in near-zero internal porosity and defect-free surfaces in parts cured under VBO conditions, even under challenging processing conditions. Results highlight the fact that surface and internal porosity depend on prepreg format, and that through-thickness permeability is critical to achieving high quality parts in non-ideal manufacturing scenarios.
Targeting the most important complications in vascular surgery

Abstract Objective This study was conducted to identify the most clinically relevant and costly perioperative complications occurring in vascular surgery patients. Methods The analysis included patients in the 2012 to 2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database undergoing one of four high-risk vascular procedures. The procedures—aortic reconstruction, lower extremity bypass, lower extremity amputation, and carotid endarterectomy (CEA)—were selected because they have been established as high risk in the literature, rendering them natural targets for quality improvement initiatives. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to estimate the impact of seven prespecified complications on 30-day outcomes in the study population. The PAF predicts the reduction in outcome anticipated if a particular complication were to be prevented across the study population. Unadjusted and adjusted PAFs were reported. CEA was analyzed separately from the other procedures. Results The analysis included 72,805 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program patients. Pneumonia had the largest impact on the incidence of end-organ dysfunction in CEA patients (adjusted PAF, 24.4%; 95% confidence interval, 20.6-28.1), and cerebrovascular accident had the largest impact on mortality in these patients (adjusted PAF, 23.1%; 95% confidence interval, 18.5-27.3). In patients undergoing abdominal or lower extremity vascular surgery, bleeding and pneumonia had the largest impact on clinical outcomes and need for prolonged hospitalization, and surgical site infection had the largest impact on hospital readmission. In contrast, prevention of venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infection, and myocardial infarction do not demonstrate substantial impact on patient outcomes or resource utilization in either group of vascular surgery patients. Conclusions Quality initiatives that can successfully reduce the occurrence of postoperative stroke, bleeding, and pneumonia will have the greatest clinical impact on the outcomes of vascular surgery patients. Initiatives that target complications such as venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infection, or myocardial infarction will have little impact on this patient population.
Evaluation of top-down cracking potential for asphalt pavements with 4.75 mm nominal maximum aggregate size mixture layer using full-scale field tests and finite element analysis

This study primarily focused on evaluating top-down cracking resistance for pavement structures with 4.75 mm nominal maximum aggregate size asphalt mixtures (i.e. SP-4.75) that will help determine ...
Ambiculture: Seeking the Multicultural Middle

Series of scenarios each presenting a situation that asks the student to decide how to proceed. Excerpt UVA-S-0266 Jun. 15, 2016 Ambiculture: Seeking the Multicultural Middle One of the greatest challenges we face in being ourselves is being ourselves in a culture different from our own. That effort between trying to adapt and at the same time to remain ourselves requires figuring out how to deal with answering questions when our cultural norm makes us feel uncomfortable doing so. We define culture, the often nebulous thing that shapes who we are, as the sum of the characteristics that makes us similar to and different from others. Our experiences are shaped by our nationality, the geographic location we spend most of our formative years in, the families who raise us, the friends we make, and the places we work, and all create the culture we feel most comfortable being a part of through shared beliefs, values, and assumptions. So what happens when we leave our familiar culture or encounter cultures different from our own in some manner? Can we have a unified strategy mindset or even approach what would allow us to be happy and successful in any culture? Can we still be ourselves and succeed? Is there a balance to be found? If yes, would it vary from society to society or from time to time? . . .
Performance Analysis of an All Solid-State Linear Transformer Driver

The performance of an all solid-state linear transformer driver (LTD) is evaluated based on experimentally verified behavior of a single stage. The single-stage LTD utilizes a low-profile design with robust thyristor switches and high-energy-density mica capacitors to minimize overall system inductance. Subnanosecond jitter is achieved with simultaneous thyristor triggering. The stage is magnetically coupled to a secondary winding through a central nanocrystalline core. A dc current source, decoupled with a large inductance, actively resets the core between pulses. The overall result is a low-impedance ( $ per stage) pulse generator that rivals the performance of traditional Marx systems with the improved reliability, increased lifetime, and fast rep-rate capabilities of solid-state switches. The stage is tested with charging voltages up to 8 kV into various loads and compared with simulations based on an analog behavioral thyristor switch model previously developed at Texas Tech University. The simulation is expanded into a full-scale, multistage LTD simulation and compared with a previously constructed Marx generator.
FcµR expression by B cells regulates maximal induction of plasma cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro (VIR5P.1136)

Secreted (s)IgM functions in immune defense and regulation. It supports B cell development, selection and the size and quality of the humoral response. We aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying the reduced IgG responses in sIgM-/- mice after influenza virus infection. To distinguish effects of sIgM on B cell development from those on immune regulation, we generated sIgM-/- x wild-type (wt) F1 mice. All B cells develop normally in these mice but 50% lack the ability to secrete IgM. Wt and sIgM-/- B cells from F1 mice were transferred into sublethally irradiated wt controls, which were infected with influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34. sIgM-/- B cells mounted reduced antiviral serum IgG responses compared to controls, demonstrating a non-redundant function for sIgM in B cell response induction. Studies in mice lacking the FcµR only on B cells suggested that sIgM-mediated regulation is due at least in part to sIgM-FcµR direct interaction. These mice mounted IgG and Hemagglutination Inhibition titers that were reduced by about half, and their sera had strongly decreased passive protective capacity compared to wt mice. ELISPOT and FACS-analysis revealed reduced plasma cell differentiation in draining mediastinal LNs at day 8, and long-lived plasma cells in bone marrows at day 70 after infection, as well as following stimulation of B cells in vitro. The data identify sIgM-FcµR direct interaction as a non-redundant B cell differentiation signal after B cell activation.
Criteria for protected edge modes with Z 2 symmetry

We derive a necessary and sufficient criterion for when a two-dimensional gapped many-body system with Abelian anyons and a unitary ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry has a protected gapless edge mode. Our criterion is phrased in terms of edge theories---or more specifically, chiral boson edge theories with ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry---and it applies to any bosonic or fermionic system whose boundary can be described by such an edge theory. At an operational level, our criterion takes as input a chiral boson edge theory with ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry, and then produces as output a prediction as to whether this edge theory can be gapped without breaking the symmetry. Like previous work, much of our derivation involves constructing explicit perturbations that gap chiral boson edge theories. Interestingly, however, we find that the standard class of gapping perturbations---namely, cosine terms constructed from null vectors---is not sufficient to gap some edge theories with ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry, and thus we are forced to go beyond the usual null-vector analysis to establish our results.
Acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm of an unusual superior polar artery of the spleen.

Abstract Splenic artery (SA) aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm are rare pathologies and uncommon causes of massive upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. They represent the third most common intra-abdominal aneurysms. Variations in the origin of SA are relatively common and asymptomatic. However, the presence of an accessory SA that is symptomatic is quite atypical. In this report, we describe the case of a 73-year-old female who presented with massive upper GI bleeding caused by a pseudoaneurysm of a superior polar artery with an unusual anatomic origin. The patient was successfully treated endovascularly with transarterial coil embolization. Early diagnosis and interventional management are crucial for patient's survival; hence, it must be kept in mind as possible etiology of life-threatening GI bleeding to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Comparison of E-Cigarette Use among Menthol and Non-Menthol Smokers: Findings from a Community Based Sample

Objective: E-cigarette use is increasing among adult cigarette smokers. With the availability and variety of appealing charac­teristics, including menthol flavor, e-ciga­rette use patterns may differ among menthol and non-menthol cigarette smokers. This study compared e-cigarette knowledge and use between current menthol and non-menthol smokers aged ≥18 years. Design: Current adult cigarette smokers (N=223; M =42.1 years; SD =12.2; 68% menthol smokers) recruited in South Florida completed an interviewer-administered sur­vey via telephone during June to November 2014. Main Outcome Measures: E-cigarette use (ever-use, past 30-day use, past 30-day flavored e-cigarette use, and past 30-day mentholated e-cigarette use), consideration of e-cigarette use for quitting/reduction of cigarettes, and knowledge assessments. Bivariate and multivariate analyses tested associations with menthol smoking. Results: Menthol smokers were more likely to be African American or Hispanic (P<.001) and report lower income (P=.02) and education (P<.001) than non-menthol smokers. Adjusted analyses found no as­sociation between menthol cigarette use and e-cigarette ever-use. However, menthol smokers demonstrated less e-cigarette knowledge (P<.01) and were more likely to consider using e-cigarettes to quit/re­duce smoking (AOR=3.89, CI:1.55-9.78). Among ever-users, there was no association between menthol cigarette use and past 30-day e-cigarette use, yet menthol smokers were more likely to use menthol flavored e-cigarettes (AOR=6.65, CI: 1.94-12.78). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, compared with current non-menthol smokers, current menthol smokers are more likely to consider using e-cigarettes to help quit/reduce smoking, and are more likely to use menthol flavored e-cigarettes. Further research is needed to better ex­amine low e-cigarette knowledge among menthol smokers, which may represent an important intervention target. Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):153-160; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.3.153.
Opiate receptors: search for new drugs.

The title of this chapter — “Opiate receptors: Search for new drugs” reflects an impossibly broad subject. The field of opiate receptors itself encompasses several areas of science such as chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, medicine, and molecular biology. The search for new drugs is likewise broad: it includes all the stages from intellectual conception, computer-modeling, synthesis, to in vitro and in vivo tests. Therefore, by necessity, one must narrow the scope of the title subject by making some selections.
Dynamic Material Property Characterization with Kolsky Bars

Split Hopkinson pressure bars (SHPB), also called Kolsky bars, have been widely used to determine the stressstrain response of materials in the strain-rate range 102 – 104/s. Unlike quasi-static testing methods for material properties, the high-rate Kolsky bar technique does not have a closed-loop control system to monitor and adjust testing conditions on the specimen to specified levels. There are no standards to guide the experimental design either. This presentation briefly reviews the physical nature of Kolsky bar experiments and recent modifications in the attempt to conduct experiments for more accurate results. The main approach for obtaining improved results is to deform the specimen uniformly under an equilibrated stress state at a constant strain rate. Examples of experiment design to achieve the desired testing conditions are presented.
Formal Analysis of a Distributed Algorithm for Tracking Progress

Tracking the progress of computations can be both important and delicate in distributed systems. In a recent distributed algorithm for this purpose, each processor maintains a delayed view of the pending work, which is represented in terms of points in virtual time. This paper presents a formal specification of that algorithm in the temporal logic TLA, and describes a mechanically verified correctness proof of its main properties.
Trends and Correlates of Youth Violence-Prevention Program Participation, 2002-2016.

Introduction Adolescent participation in violence-prevention programming is critical in addressing the nation's elevated rates of youth fighting and violence. However, little is known about the secular trends and correlates of violence-prevention program participation in the U.S. Using national data, the authors examined the year-by-year trends and correlates of participation among American adolescents over a 15-year span. Methods National trend data (2002–2016) were analyzed on non-Hispanic black/African American (n=35,216), Hispanic (n=45,780), and non-Hispanic white (n=153,087) youth aged 12–17years from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2018. Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's trend analysis guidelines, the authors conducted logistic regression analyses with survey year specified as an independent variable and youth violence-prevention program participation specified as the dependent variable, while controlling for sociodemographic factors and other key correlates. Results Youth participation in violence-prevention programs decreased significantly from 16.7% in 2002 to 11.7% in 2016, a 29% relative decrease in participation. A significant declining trend in participation over time was found across all sociodemographic subgroups examined and among youth reporting the use of violence and no use of violence in the past year. Participation among black/African American youth was significantly greater than Hispanic youth who, in turn, had significantlyhigher participation rates than white youth. Conclusions Youth participation in violence-prevention programming has decreased in recent years, with particularly large declines observed among younger adolescents (aged 12–14 years), youth in higher-income households, and youth reporting no past-year use of violence.
Statins for Primary Prevention in Those Aged 70 Years and Older: A Critical Review of Recent Cholesterol Guidelines

The risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease rises with age and remains the leading cause of death in older adults. Evidence for the use of statins for primary prevention in older adults is limited, despite the possibility that this population may derive significant clinical benefit given its increased cardiovascular risk. Until publication of the 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol, and the 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, guidelines for statin prescription in older adults remained unchanged despite new evidence of possible benefit in older adults. In this review, we present key updates in the 2018 and 2019 guidelines and the evidence informing these updates. We compare the discordant recommendations of the seven major North American and European guidelines on cholesterol management released in the past 5 years and highlight gaps in the literature regarding primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults. As most cardiovascular events in older adults are nonfatal, we ask how clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits of continuing a statin for primary prevention in older adults. We also reframe the concept of deprescribing of statins in the older population, using the Geriatrics 5Ms framework: Mind, Mobility, Medications, Multi-complexity, and what Matters Most to older adults. A recent call from the National Institute on Aging for a statin trial focusing on older adults extends from similar concerns.
Deep-supercooling for extended preservation of adipose-derived stem cells.

Abstract Cell preservation is an enabling technology for widespread distribution and applications of mammalian cells. Traditional cryopreservation via slow-freezing or vitrification provides long-term storage but requires cytotoxic cryoprotectants (CPA) and tedious CPA loading/unloading, cooling, and recovering procedures. Hypothermic storage around 0–4 °C is an alternative method but only works for a short period due to its high storage temperatures. Here, we report on the deep-supercooling (DSC) preservation of human adipose-derived stem cells at deep subzero temperatures without freezing for extended storage. Enabled by surface sealing with an immiscible oil phase, cell suspension can be preserved in a liquid state at −13 °C and −16 °C for 7 days with high cell viability, retention of stemness, attachment, and multilineage differentiation capacities. These results demonstrate that DSC is an improved short-term preservation approach to provide off-the-shelf cell sources for booming cell-based medicine and bioengineering.
Transcriptome datasets of ESR2-regulated genes in rat granulosa cells during gonadotropin-induced follicle maturation.

Abstract Disruption of estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) dysregulates granulosa cell genes essential for follicle maturation and ovulation. The datasets presented in this article depict gonadotropin-induced genes, which are differentially expressed in Esr2-null rat granulosa cells. Synchronized follicle development was initiated in four-week-old wildtype and Esr2-null female rats by administration of PMSG. Forty-eight hours after PMSG injection, further maturation of ovarian follicles was induced by hCG treatment. Granulosa cells were collected from the ovaries before gonadotropin administration, 48 h after PMSG treatment, and 4 h after hCG injection to the PMSG-treated rats. Total RNA was purified from granulosa cells and whole transcriptome was assessed by RNA-sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq X platform. RNA-seq data of wildtype and Esr2-null granulosa cells were analyzed and differentially expressed genes were identified by CLC Genomics Workbench. Gonadotropin-induced genes were identified by comparing the transcriptome data of PMSG- or hCG-induced wildtype granulosa cells with those without gonadotropin treatment. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes in Esr2-null granulosa cells were determined by comparing the transcriptome data with that of wildtype granulosa cells. These datasets can be used to recognize the gonadotropin-induced genes in granulosa cells that are Esr2-regulated and important for ovarian follicle maturation.
Satisfactory accounts of divine creation

Multiverse theorists provide controversial, unique but unified accounts of divine creation that result in the Anselmian God creating a best world. On what conditions should theists endorse this or any account of divine creation? One available way is to evaluate how well they resolve some intractable problems in philosophical theology. I argue that multiverse accounts do not resolve these problems to a greater degree than some alternative account of divine creation. I conclude that we should endorse the alternative account over multiverse accounts.
High Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Despite Standardized High-Dose Iron Supplementation During Recombinant Erythropoietin Therapy in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns.

Objective To assess the effects of protocolized recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) therapy and standardized high dose iron supplementation on hematologic and iron status measures in a cohort of extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs). Study design Charts of extremely low gestational age newborns admitted from 2006 to 2016 and who had received r-HuEPO per neonatal intensive care unit protocol were reviewed. The r-HuEPO was started at a dose of 900 IU/kg per week after 7 days of age and continued until 35 weeks postmenstrual age. Oral iron supplementation at 6-12 mg/kg per day was used to maintain a transferrin saturation of >20% during r-HuEPO treatment. Data on demographic features, hematologic and iron panel indices, red blood cell transfusions, and clinical outcomes were collected. Quartile groups were created based on serum ferritin levels at the conclusion of the r-HuEPO treatment and the quartiles were compared. Results The cohort included 116 infants with mean gestational age 25.8 ± 1.5 weeks and birth weight 793 ± 174.1 g. The r-HuEPO promoted erythropoiesis as indicated by increasing hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte count. Serum ferritin decreased over time and was ≤75 ng/mL in 60.2% of infants at the conclusion of r-HuEPO therapy; 87% received packed red blood cell transfusions. Transfusion volume, total iron intake, total iron binding capacity, and transferrin concentration differed among infants in the different serum ferritin quartiles (P Conclusions In extremely low gestational age newborns, r-HuEPO therapy promoted erythropoiesis. Despite a biomarker-based standardized high-dose iron supplementation, the majority of infants had evidence of iron deficiency to a degree that is associated with reduced brain function.
Cancer of the Brain, Eye, and Other Parts of the Central Nervous System

Primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies comprise just 1.4% of all cancers, and benign brain tumors have an incidence more than double that of malignant primary brain tumors. Brain and spinal metastatic disease greatly outnumber primary brain or spinal cord tumors. Tumor types which commonly metastasize to brain include lung, breast, kidney, colorectal, and melanoma, affecting an estimated 20% of cancer patients. In general, 2% of all nonhematologic cancer patients exhibit brain metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Steroids are almost universally used in the treatment of brain tumors, and nearly all brain tumor patients will receive glucocorticoids at some point in their treatment. Inpatient rehabilitation studies of brain tumor patients have consistently reported comparable functional outcomes and discharge to community rates as other brain rehabilitation populations, such as brain injury and stroke patients. Limited outpatient interdisciplinary outcome data for malignant brain tumor patients suggests favorable functional outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Cognitive rehabilitation has been studied in various populations, including those with childhood tumors, and adult glioma patients, and cognitive therapy has been recommended as a practice guideline for children and adolescents treated for brain tumor.
Indications for surgical intervention in a postpartum pelvic floor specialty clinic.

To determine the prevalence and type of surgical procedures undergone by postpartum women seen in a specialty postpartum pelvic floor clinic over 11 years. This study was a retrospective chart review of patients requiring surgical intervention within a 1-year period after their initial visit to the Michigan Healthy Healing After Delivery (MHHAD) clinic at the University of Michigan from July 2007 through January 2019. Chart review was performed to abstract demographics, obstetric data, indication for postpartum clinic visit, primary and secondary indications for surgery, and procedures performed. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the cohort. Of the 1138 new MHHAD patients seen during the study period, 9.1% (n = 103) underwent surgical management. Anal incontinence was the primary or secondary indication for surgery in 51.5% (n = 53) of women. The most common surgical interventions were anal sphincteroplasty (37.9%, n = 39), perineal laceration revision (33.0%, n = 34), and rectovaginal fistula repair/fistulotomy (19.4%, n = 20). Of the women who had a sphincteroplasty, 61.5% (24/39) had a prior fourth-degree perineal laceration. Anal sphincteroplasty was the most common surgical intervention undergone by women seen in a postpartum pelvic floor specialty clinic. Postpartum pelvic floor clinics, such as the Michigan Healthy Healing After Delivery Clinic, provide the expertise and specialized resources required to ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor conditions related to childbirth thus improving women’s quality of life and preventing potential life-long sequelae.
Non-operating Room Anesthesia: Is It Worth the Risk?

Non-operating room anesthesia (NORA) has continued to grow. This review provides recent views on the subject and an overview of specific concerns in specialized NORA applications. Recent literature has reviewed the data from national databases and found no differences in the outcomes of patients undergoing NORA for procedural interventions as opposed to those patients undergoing surgical procedures. Specific areas may have their own challenges and types of patients; however, creation of a system for evaluating, anesthetizing, and recovering these patient from anesthesia results in significant patient benefit. NORA has been shown to be safe in recent reviews of national data. The future will most likely involve increasing use of NORA; thus, involvement of anesthesiology departments in the planning and building of new spaces for interventions will augment the benefit and decrease the risk of future patient care.
Change processes in cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing for depression and heavy alcohol use: A network approach

Abstract Objective Both cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (CBT-D) combined with brief motivational interviewing (CBT-D+BMI) and alone are associated with symptom improvement among college students with co-occurring depression and heavy episodic drinking (HED). However, little is known about change processes underlying these different treatments.The current study uses a network approach to examine change process that may differentially underlie CBT-D + BMI relative to CBT alone. Methods Participants included 94 college students with depression and HED who were randomized to either eight weeks of CBT-D + BMI or CBT alone. A network approach was adopted to examine how treatment condition influenced changes in the network structure of depression symptoms, heavy drinking, drinking motives, and consequences of alcohol. Network analyses were conducted using change scores representing the eight-week difference from pre-treatment to post-treatment assessments. Results Relative to CBT-D alone, the combined CBT-D + BMI treatment influenced the symptom network structure by preferentially targeting reductions in drinking to cope motives and in the depression symptom ‘loss of interest’. Conclusion The current study revealed that combined CBT-D + BMI may confer therapeutic benefit through different network structure pathways than CBT-D alone. Specifically, augmenting CBT-D with BMI may influence change processes related to drinking motives, such as drinking to cope.
Prolonged Exposure to Microgravity Reduces Cardiac Contractility and Initiates Remodeling in Drosophila

Understanding the effects of microgravity on human organs is crucial to exploration of low earth orbit, the moon, and beyond. Drosophila can be sent to space in large numbers to examine the effects of microgravity on heart structure and function, which is fundamentally conserved from flies to humans. Flies reared in microgravity exhibit reduced climbing ability, cardiac constriction with myofibrillar remodeling and diminished output. Isolated heart RNAseq revealed reduced expression of sarcomeric/ECM genes and increased proteasomal gene expression, consistent with a compromised, smaller heart and abnormal proteostasis. This was examined further on a second flight: we found dramatically elevated proteasome aggregates co-localizing with increased amyloid/polyQ deposits. Remarkably, in long-QT causing sei/hERG mutants, proteasomal gene expression at 1g was lower than wildtype, but nevertheless increased, albeit modestly, in microgravity. Therefore, cardiac remodeling and proteostatic stress may be a fundamental response of heart muscle
Responding to Asymmetric Threats in the Maritime Domain: Diplomacy, Law and Naval Operations

Tension on the high seas between lawful commerce and illicit activity has existed for thousands of years, but today it represents a particularly serious challenge that requires more than just power projection; it requires innovative diplomacy, regional commitments, dedicated leadership and increased legal authority. In the maritime domain, there is no greater area of concern than asymmetric threats. Cooperation has unfolded to address some of these challenges, but states and international venues have yet to holistically confront the myriad threats emanating from the oceans. The desired result of every maritime attack may not necessarily be a judicial proceeding, but the ability and political will to prosecute is a critical factor in ensuring a safer maritime environment. When gaps in the law exist – whether in the area of illicit cargo, container security, underwater explosive devices or attacks in shipping channels – criminals and terrorists can operate with impunity. To address these gaps, states can better position themselves by strengthening the law, prioritising political and operational support, removing sanctuaries and authorising the pursuit of illicit assets.
Enhanced Recovery After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

Background Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become increasingly implemented to reduce costs, to increase efficiency, and to optimize patient outcomes after a surgical procedure. This study aimed to systematically review the effect of ERAS after primary elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on hospital length of stay, total procedure-related morbidity, and readmission. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and with guidance from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception (1946 for MEDLINE and 1974 for Embase; Cochrane is a composite of multiple databases and thus does not report a standard inception date) until January 15, 2020. Prospective nonrandomized cohort studies and randomized controlled trials comparing adult patients undergoing elective primary THA or TKA with ERAS or traditional protocols were included. Articles examining outpatient, nonelective, or revision surgical procedures were excluded. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. The primary outcome was length of stay. The secondary outcomes included total procedure-related morbidity and readmission. Results Of the 1,018 references identified (1,017 identified through an electronic search and 1 identified through a manual search), 9 individual studies met inclusion criteria. Data were reported from 7,789 participants, with 2,428 receiving ERAS and 5,361 receiving traditional care. Narrative synthesis was performed instead of meta-analysis, given the presence of moderate to high risk of bias, wide variation of ERAS interventions, and inconsistent methods for assessing and reporting outcomes among included studies. Adherence to ERAS protocols consistently reduced hospital length of stay. Few studies demonstrated reduced total procedure-related morbidity, and there was no significant effect on readmission rates. Conclusions ERAS likely reduced the length of stay after primary elective THA and TKA, with a more pronounced effect in selected healthier patient populations. We found minimal to no impact on perioperative morbidity or readmission. The quality of existing evidence was limited because of study heterogeneity and a significant risk of bias. Further high-quality research is needed to definitively assess the impact of ERAS on total joint arthroplasty. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Boiling heat transfer experiments under power transients for LWRs: A review study

Abstract The mechanistic understanding of the intrinsic thermal safety is of significance to enhance the sustainability of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) especially during power transients. Many boiling heat transfer experiments have been performed to characterize the thermal-hydraulic responses of the fuel-clad entity to various power transients. This study summarizes power transient boiling heat transfer experiments to illustrate the thermal-hydraulics characteristics of power transients. Four different power transient modes that were reported in the literature are discussed for their applicability in the thermal safety margin evaluations of LWRs including exponentially escalating, ramp/quadraticly increasing, Nordheim–Fuchs reactivity-initiated accidents, and surface temperature surging. In the experimental studies, a wide variety of liquids including water, organic liquids (FC-72, ethanol and Freon liquids), and cryogenic liquids (nitrogen and helium) were used as working fluids of power transient boiling heat transfer experiments. In the flow boiling experiments, Critical Heat Flux (CHF) and heat transfer coefficients under power transients are higher than those of steady states. However, this thermal superiority of power transient becomes less significant over the progressive increasing of mass flux and/or liquid subcooling, which implies that the heat convection mechanism dominated by mass flux and liquid subcooling competes with the transient heat conduction mechanism. Different from power transient flow boiling experiments, CHF and heat transfer coefficients reported in some power transient pool boiling experiments could be less than those of steady states. This could not be sufficiently rationalized by any of power transient mechanisms. Moreover, the implications of the transient boiling experimental results lead to a conservative thermal safety evaluation of LWRs using the present knowledge of the steady-state boiling heat transfer experiments.
Refinement of Three-Dimensional Protein and DNA Structures in Solution from NMR Data

Two-dimensional NMR, in particular two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D NOE) spectra, when used in conjunction with distance geometry and energy refinement calculations can be used to determine the high-resolution structure of DNA fragments and small proteins. To understand functional interactions of proteins and nucleic acids, it is important to know their solution structures to high-resolution. Problems addressed with DNA structure and with protein structure studies are often of a different nature. In general, we are interested in fairly subtle structural changes in the DNA helix which are sequence-dependent and, consequently, guide protein, mutagen or drug recognition. These subtle variations demand detailed knowledge of the structure and, therefore, accurate internuclear distance and perhaps torsion angle constraints. But one can define a protein tertiary structure with moderate accuracy using distance geometry or restrained molecular dynamics calculations without accurately determining interproton distances; a qualitative assessment of 2D NOE intensities is often all that is needed. However, in proteins possessing less common structural features, it may be especially valuable to have additional structural constraints and more accurate constraints for use with the computational techniques. And, even more importantly, we will want better defined structures at ligand binding sites (with and without ligand bound).
Chapter 3 Structural Requirements for Subunit Assembly of the Na, K-ATPase

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the ideas and experiments on the problem of subunit assembly of the Na,K-adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase and its relation to upregulation. The minimal functional unit of the Na,K-ATPase appears to be an α–β complex. Some aspects of assembly, particularly the possible role of the β-subunit, in the proper folding of the α-subunit and intermediate conformations during the assembly process, are well researched. The studies on the structural requirements in the β-subunit for subunit assembly illustrate the fact that most information can be gained from the subunit forms that do assemble. In cases where assembly is prevented, there remains uncertainty whether to ascribe the deficit to loss of a critical region for assembly or to secondary phenomena, such as improper folding of the subunit, interaction with binding protein (BIP), or metabolic destabilization. An approach that attempts to avoid these secondary problems is the construction of chimeric proteins for the catalytic subunit, using parts from catalytic subunits of different E1E2 ATPases. The chimera approach has also been used to examine subunit assembly, but the chimeras involve the Na,K-ATPase α-subunit and the SR/ER-type Ca-ATPases. The Ca-ATPases lack a β-type subunit. They are expressed in cells that also express the Na,K-ATPase and no aberrant association of the Na,K-ATPase β -subunit, with the Ca-ATPase, has ever been seen.
Yield and Area Elasticities. A Cost Function Approach with Uncertainty

This paper develops a method to jointly estimate crop yield elasticities and area elasticities with respect to output prices based on a theoretically consistent model. The model uses a duality theory approach for the multi-output and multi-input firm, and introduces uncertainty in the level of target output which conditions the cost minimization problem, in the output prices and in the conditional input demand functions. The underlying production technology is conditioned on fixed inputs, both allocatable and non-allocatable. Up to our knowledge, there have been no theoretical developments of this type of models for multioutput technologies. Our approach is also novel because no previous model of this type has introduced the effects of allocatable fixed inputs. We provide an empirical application of this theoretical framework using State-level data and approximating the dual cost function by a normalized quadratic flexible functional form. We derive expressions for the elasticities of interest conditional on the function specification assumed.
Supply Chain Partners: Virginia Mason and Owens & Minor (A)

Virginia Mason Medical Center (VM) hired Owens & Minor (O&M) as its alpha vendor for medical/surgical supplies in 2004. By 2005, O&M was performing JIT and LUM services for VM, but they believed the pricing model in the industry was outdated. VM and O&M partnered to create the Total Supply Chain Cost (TSCC) pricing program, an activity-based model that assigned all the cost drivers of distribution and inventory handling to VM, but also assured O&M of a profit. The TSCC incented VM to streamline its distribution activities, since these would directly impact its fee. After beta testing the TSCC for one year, VM's Daniel Borunda and O&M's Michael Stefanic believed that TSCC was a better and more cost-effective pricing model, but could they convince their companies to continue to invest in TSCC?
Co-operativity in protein-protein association. The structure and stability of the actin filament.

Co-operative association, in which a protein subunit is held simultaneously by two bonds, is enormously more favorable than association forming either bond alone. A theoretical framework for calculating the effect of co-operativity is developed here, which should have a broad application to protein-protein and protein-DNA associations. The theory is applied in detail to actin. Fragmentation of an actin filament is extremely unfavorable: the association constant for annealing-fragmentation is estimated here to be at least 1013, m−1. In contrast to these very strong bonds within the filament, subunits are loosely attached at the end, with an association constant of 2 × 105, m−1. The eight orders of magnitude difference between annealing-fragmentation and end association can be attributed to the co-operative formation of one additional protein-protein bond in the annealing reaction. This observation, and a quantitative analysis of the co-operativity, lead to an important conclusion: the longitudinal bond, which connects subunits in the long-pitch helix, must be substantially stronger than the diagonal bond, which connect subunits between these helices. This conclusion contradicts some recent models based on Fourier construction, in which the longitudinal bond is weak or absent. Prominent longitudinal bonds also require a rigidity of the actin filament that must be reconciled with previous reports of torsional flexibility. A hinge within the actin subunit is suggested, separating it into two flexibly attached domains. In one possible model the two domains are oriented radially: the inner domains are connected by longitudinal and diagonal bonds to form a relatively rigid helical backbone, and the outer domains are attached to this backbone by flexible hinges, permitting them to move through angles of 10 ° to 20 ° or more. Flexibility of the outer, myosin-binding domain should be functionally important, permitting attachment of myosin cross-bridges over a range of angles.
Education for Americans with Disabilities: Reconciling Idea with the 2008 ADA Amendments

This article examines the educational impact of the ADAAA by applying it to factual scenarios presented in ADA education cases from the late 1990s.
MODELING THE ROCK BAND AND AUDIENCE INTERACTION

INTRODUCTION With increasing enthusiasm of bar patrons in the United States, researchers need a general framework to classify components of interaction to study musicians as performers in typical bar settings. A model can be applied to musicians of various types, by size of unit, and style and character of music performed. Style is classed by the musician's repertoire, such as country, folk and rock, or combined categories like foIk-rock and country-rock. The type of music group in this study is the 3-member rock band. The decision to use small rock bands is from the first au thor's association with such bands as a performing member for 9 years, in amateur, semi-pro and professional settings. The second author suggested the sociological application, based on participant observation.
Liability for Physical Injury when Injurers as well as Victims Suffer Losses

It is generally accepted that in a perfect world both negligence and strict liability rules are efficient when accidents between strangers' result in purely pecuniary losses,2 but that only negligence liability rules are efficient when accidents result in physical injury and other nonpecuniary losses. Conventional wisdom holds that strict liability rules (with or without contributory negligence) are not efficient because they are able to induce either optimal caretaking or optimal risk spreading, but not both (Shavell:250). In the conventional analysis, the problem for strict liability rules arises because, in order
Impact of Mendelian Inheritance in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. While the etiology for the majority of cardiovascular disease is presumed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, developments in understanding the basic biology of cardiac disorders have been greatly advanced through discoveries made studying heart diseases that exhibit Mendelian forms of inheritance. Most of these diseases primarily affect children and young adults and include cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, aortic aneurysms, and congenital heart defects. The discovery of the genetic etiologies for these diseases have had significant impact on our understanding of more complex forms of cardiovascular disease and in some cases have led to novel diagnostic and treatment modalities. In this review, we will summarize these seminal genetic discoveries, highlighting a few that have resulted in significant impact on human disease, and discuss the potential utility of studying Mendelian-inherited heart disease with the development of new genetic technologies and our increased understanding of the human genome.
Is Psychological Research on Self-Control Relevant to Criminal Law?

In recent years scholars have asked whether scientific discoveries - specifically in neuroscience and genetics - should have normative implications for criminal law doctrine and theory, especially with regard to free will and responsibility. This focus on novel and merely potential scientific findings makes Rebecca Hollander-Blumoff’s arguments all the more fascinating: she argues that criminal law scholars have neglected to mine a rich body of social psychological research on the mechanisms of self-control which has developed over the past two decades. She, herself, finds that the psychological research suggests that current criminal law inaccurately circumscribes the scope of situations in which an individual lacked the ability to control her actions. Moreover, she argues that the research permits us to separate issues of self-control from philosophical questions about the existence of free will.This article accepts Hollander-Blumoff’s invitation to mine the self-control research for normatively-relevant insight. It finds, however, that the research has surprisingly little to offer. It does not show that criminal law doctrine excuses too few, and it does not help us draw lines between the responsible and non-responsible independent of broader debates about free will. The article identifies different conceptions of control at work in criminal law doctrine to show the limited scope of law that is relevant to the conception of self-control under psychological study. It further explains why the research’s findings about the “capacity for self-control” are not helpful to discerning whether an individual had the capacity to control his conduct in the sense required for responsibility and blame. Finally, the article counters Hollander-Blumoff’s claim that the research supports the law’s alleged neutrality regarding free will debates. Specifically, the commentary defends Stephen Morse’s view that the law is not philosophically neutral but compatibilist, and in doing so, it responds to recent arguments by Adam Kolber against the compatibilist interpretation of criminal law.
The Optimal PAC Algorithm

Assume we are trying to learn a concept class C of VC dimension d with respect to an arbitrary distribution. There is PAC sample size bound that holds for any algorithm that always predicts with some consistent concept in the class C (BEHW89): \(O(\frac{1}{\epsilon}(dlog\frac{1}{\epsilon}+log\frac{1}{\epsilon}))\), where e and δ are the accuracy and confidence parameters. Thus after drawing this many examples (consistent with any concept in C), then with probability at least 1–δ, the error of the produced concept is at most e. Here the examples are drawn with respect to an arbitrary but fixed distribution D, and the accuracy is measured with respect to the same distribution.