cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The hydrodynamics of swimming at intermediate Reynolds numbers in the water boatman (Corixidae).

The fluid forces that govern propulsion determine the speed and energetic cost of swimming. These hydrodynamics are scale dependent and it is unclear what forces matter to the tremendous diversity of aquatic animals that are between a millimeter and a centimeter in length. Animals at this scale generally operate within the regime of intermediate Reynolds numbers, where both viscous and inertial fluid forces have the potential to play a role in propulsion. The present study aimed to resolve which forces create thrust and drag in the paddling of the water boatman (Corixidae), an animal that spans much of the intermediate regime (10<Re<200). By measuring the force generated by tethered water boatmen, we found that thrust is generated primarily by drag on the paddling appendages, with a negligible contribution from the acceleration reaction force. Based on these findings, we developed a forward-dynamic model of propulsion in free swimming that accurately predicted changes in the body’s center of mass over time. For both tethered and free swimming, we used non-linear optimization algorithms to determine the force coefficients that best matched our measurements. With this approach, the drag coefficients on the body and paddle were found to be up to three times greater than on static structures in fully developed flow at the same Reynolds numbers. This is likely a partial consequence of unsteady interactions between the paddles or between the paddles and the body. In addition, the maximum values for these coefficients were inversely related to the Reynolds number, which suggests that viscous forces additionally play an important role in the hydrodynamics of small water boatmen. This understanding for the major forces that operate at intermediate Reynolds numbers offers a basis for interpreting the mechanics, energetics and functional morphology of swimming in many small aquatic animals.
Advances in Normal Conducting Accelerator Technology from the X-Band Linear Collider Program

In the mid-1990’ s, groups at SLAC and KEK began dedicated development of X-band (11.4 GHz) rf technology for a next generation, TeV-scale linear collider. The choice of a relatively high frequency, four times that of the SLAC 50 GeV Linac, was motivated by the cost benefits of having lower rf energy per pulse (hence fewer rf sources) and reasonable efficiencies at high gradients (hence shorter linacs). To realize such savings, however, requires operation at gradients and peak powers much higher than that hitherto achieved. During the past twelve years, these challenges were met through innovations on several fronts. This paper reviews these achievements, which include developments in the generation and transport of high power rf, and new insights into high gradient limitations.
Structure and Properties of Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Gels

The condensation polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde catalized by sodium carbonate produces a sol that aggregates to form a gel. Using viscometry the effect of temperature and catalyst concentration on the sol-gel transition was investigated. At a solids concentration of 3%, gelation occurred in 1500 minutes. The rate of increase in viscosity was a function of both catalyst concentration and temperature. The structure of the gels was studied by freeze-fracture TEM. In the sol phase the RF solutions contain particles of 5 to 20 nm diameter. After gelation the particles form a crosslinked network with a pore structure of 100 nm. 10 refs., 4 figs.
Characteristics of Monoclonal Antibodies to Herpes Simplex Type 2

Monoclonal antibodies were produced by fusing NS-1 cells and spleen cells from BALB/c mice which have been inoculated with either purified herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 (HSV-2) virion or the major envelope glycoprotein of HSV-2 with molecular weight 119,000 daltons, designated VP 119. The specificity of each hybridoma antibody has been defined by: 1) western blot techniques employing viral infected cell lysates; 2) virus neutralization (NA); 3) radioimmunoassay (RIA) or; 4) immuno-florescence (FA) using both HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 antigens to determine viral type specificity. Two monoclonal antibodies designated M.186.1B.3 and M.186.2A.2 were produced against HSV-2 virions. One of these (M.186.1B.3) recognized only HSV-2 type specific determinants by RIA and was capable of reducing plaque forming units (PFU) by 70%. The second antibody (M.186.2A.2) recognized both HSV-1 and HSV-2 antigens as determined by either FA or RIA and reduced PFU by 20%. Two monoclonal antibodies designated HS2A and HS5 were generated against VP 119 and detected type specific glycoproteins by RIA. HS2A (anti-VP 119) was further characterized by NA and FA demonstrating partial viral neutralization (20%) and a nuclear staining reaction with HSV-2 infected cells.
Two Rivers Winery and Event Center: A Key Driver for the Growing Colorado Wine Industry

Two Rivers Winery & Chateau, established in 1999, has rapidly emerged as a key asset to the Colorado winery and regional tourism infrastructure on the West Slope of Colorado. The case study presents evidence of how Two Rivers’ entrepreneurship has helped an emerging business flourish, a reinvented Colorado wine industry nurture its brand through cooperative quality improvement, and has added a new tourism destination to the portfolio of attractions for a Western Colorado region. The case concludes that a strong commitment to social capital gains can lead to quality improvements throughout the Colorado wine industry. Two Rivers understands the potential long-term gains to its business and region. 1
Regarding the Animal: Elements of a Different Biopolitics for Public Administration

Although the discussion of the relationship of "nature" and administration has gone dormant in public administration this paper seeks to re-engage this debate by examining the human/animal division in administrative life. The anthropocentric nature of the field is examined and connections are made to the Cartesian foundations of public administration. The concept of speciesism is explored and it is argued that the same arguments utilized to render nonhuman animals to bare life have also been used against a variety of human groups. The extent to which nonhuman animals are pervasive throughout the daily activities of public administration despite being absent from the literature of the field is also discussed. Finally this paper concludes by proposing a shift toward a new biopolitics that is open to reexamining the human/animal relationship and incorporating nonhuman animals as actors in governance.
Influence of AFEX™ pretreated corn stover and switchgrass blending on the compaction characteristics and sugar yields of the pellets

Abstract The objective of this research was to investigate the impacts of Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX™) pretreated corn stover and switchgrass blending ratio (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 percent on dry weight), compressive pressure (31.6, 94.8, and 158.0 MPa), and screen size (2 and 4 mm) on pellet unit density, pellet hardness, specific energy consumption for pellets production, and the sugar yields. A single pelleting unit was employed in the study, and the untreated, AFEX™ pretreated, and AFEX™ pretreated blended samples were pelleted. The pellets produced from AFEX™ pretreated samples reached their maximum pellet unit densities at an applied pressure of 94.8 MPa. Pellet hardness was tested by applying the force to the pellets and recording the maximum force required to break. Results showed that the pellets produced from the small screen size sample at a higher applied pressure required more force to break. Besides, blend with higher proportion of AFEX™ pretreated corn stover produced harder pellets (711 N). Specific energy consumption for the pellets production varied from 11.4 to 57.9 kW h t−1, and due to low bulk density of switchgrass, blends with a higher proportion of switchgrass consumed more energy for pellet production. Glucose yields of the AFEX™ pretreated samples were enhanced by 4–4.5 times and the xylose yields by 2–2.5 times compared to the untreated samples. Pelleting and biomass blending had no significant effects on sugar yields of the AFEX™ pretreated corn stover and switchgrass samples.
Laboratory Safety and Nanotechnology Workers: an Analysis of Current Guidelines in the USA

Although some regulatory frameworks for the occupational health and safety of nanotechnology workers have been developed, worker safety and health issues in these laboratory environments have received less attention than many other areas of nanotechnology regulation. In addition, workers in nanotechnology labs are likely to face unknown risks and hazards because few of the guidelines and rules for worker safety are mandatory. In this article, we provide an overview of the current health and safety guidelines for nanotechnology laboratory workers by exploring guidelines from different organizations, including the Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research Centers (DOE-NSRC), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Texas A&M University (TAMU), and University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UML). After discussing these current guidelines, we apply an ethical framework to each set of guidelines to explore any gaps that might exist in them. By conducting this gap analysis, we are able to highlight some of the weaknesses that might be important for future policy development in this area. We conclude by outlining how future guidelines might address some of these gaps, specifically the issue of workers’ participation in the process of establishing safety measures and the development and enforcement of more unified (and mandatory) guidelines.
The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Histomorphometry and Strength of Rat Vertebrae

Vitamin D3 is integral to both bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis [1]. With vitamin D deficiency, rickets develops during growth and osteomalacia results in adulthood [2]; in both cases, mineralization is altered and bones are more prone to fracture. Although the degenerative effects of vitamin D deficiency on trabecular architecture have been studied, investigations examining both compromised tissue material properties and mechanical properties in the vertebrae of growing animals are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate cancellous bone architecture and mechanical property changes caused by altered mineralization through vitamin D deficiency in growing rats.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Relationship of post-partum interval in mature beef cows with nutritional environment, biological type and serum IGF-1 concentrations

Mature cows of nine breeds were fed (four cows per level within breed) at either 0·55, 0·71, 0·88 or 1·05 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg initial body weight0·75 per day during non-lactational periods for an average of 4 years. During lactation, energy allowances were increased by 0·17 MJ ME per kg body weight0·75 per day. Breeds represented four biological types: moderate genetic potential for milk yield and growth (Angus, Hereford, Red Poll), moderate milk and high growth (Charolais, Eimousin), high milk and moderate growth (Braunvieh, Pinzgauer) and high milk and growth (Gelbvieh, Simmental). The objective was to test the effects of biological type and nutritional environment on length of post-partum interval as determined from serum progesterone levels. The potential of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level at 3 weeks post partum for predicting the length of the post-partum interval was also evaluated. Non-parametric statistical analyses appropriate for right-censored survival data were used to test effects on post-partum interval because collection of serum was terminated prior to ovulation in some cows.Energy availability × biological type effects on post-partum interval were significant. Increased energy availability tended to decrease post-partum interval in all biological types with high potential growth types exhibiting the greatest positive response to increased food. Post-partum interval for types with high growth potential was shorter within food level when associated with high rather than moderate potential for milk yield. Serum IGF-1 was related to post-partum interval at lower energy availability but appeared to have limited usefulness for identifying cows with extended intervals. Inherent direct and maternal production potential interact with available food resources to influence the post-partum interval of mature beef cows.
A New Trogloderus from Nevada, with a Key to the Known Species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The genus Trogloderus was erected by Le Conte in 1879, to receive the newly-described costatus from Idaho. In 1883, Le Conte and Horn erroneously restricted the species to “Nevada,” but Dr. Blaisdell, in 1909, extended the distribution to “Western Nevada and the contiguous eastern California.” In the same publication, Dr. Blaisdell described a new species, tuberculatus , from a single specimen in the U. S. National Museum from Los Angeles County, California.
Openness to experience and auditory discrimination ability in music: An investment approach

Why do people vary in how well they discriminate musical sounds? The present research explored personality traits as predictors of auditory discrimination ability, a cornerstone of many popular musical aptitude tests. According to investment-theory approaches, personality traits can shape the growth of cognitive abilities by affecting the kinds of activities and experiences people select. It thus seems likely that Openness to Experience – a broad trait associated with aesthetic and creative interests – would predict variation in auditory abilities because it is associated with greater engagement with music. A sample of 183 young adults completed an auditory discrimination task (the Musical Ear Test), the HEXACO personality inventory, and items measuring past music training. As expected, Openness to Experience significantly predicted auditory ability (s = .28 [.14, .42]). Mediation models indicated that this effect was fully mediated by music training: people high in Openness had significantly more formal training in music, and music training in turn significantly predicted auditory ability. The findings thus strongly support an investment-theory approach to understanding the role of personality in musical auditory abilities.
Research on Financial Crisis Contagion Effect of Emerging Markets Based on Latent Factor Model

We constructed a latent factor model based on the capital asset pricing model to analyze the contagion effects of the financial crisis.We decomposed the volatility of the returns of the equity market into common factor,idiosyncratic factor and contagion factor respectively,and used an Iterative Cumulative Sum of Square algorithm to identify the crisis period endogenously.We used the data of four major emerging countries' stock markets during the 2008 global financial crisis for empirical studies.The results show that these markets have suffered from different degrees of financial contagion.The contagion effects of China and Brazil are relatively weak while India and Russia are strong.
Analysis of pathogen detection of scarlet fever in Huairou district in 2011

Objective:To clear the accuracy of clinical diagnosis for scarlet fever.Methods: Throat swab specimens were collected from cases who were diagnosed as scarlet fever,streptococcal infection/tonsillitis/isthmitis for initial pathogen separation and culture,then the suspicious pathogens were subjected to VITEK automatic microbiological analysis,bacitracin test and latex agglutination test for serum clustering for the preliminary screening and clustering identification of pathogens.Results: Twenty-five β streptococcus hemolyticus group A were isolated from 272 throat swab specimens(9.2%).The reexamination positive rate for scarlet fever cases,streptococcus infection cases,tonsillitis and isthmitis were 23.5%,35.0%,8.2% and 1.3% respectively.Conclusion: The pathogen detection for scarlet fever should be carried out in the medical institutions to provide true and reliable scientific basis,which can be useful for prevention and control the scarlet fever.
The Policy Issue Surrounding Smart-Phone SEPs, and a Comment on Adjusting Current Patent Laws to Facilitate Clean-Tech Industry Growth

While the FTC has weighed in on the SEP debate, a closer look at the smart-phone battle unveils a situation that is not so clear-cut. This paper addresses the operations of SSO’s and the current issue with injunctive relief, and then explains why the Smartphone War presents unique questions of law. The paper then closes with a comment on significant smart-phone cases both completed and pending.
Escape Through Export? Women-Owned Enterprises, Domestic Discrimination, and Global Markets

Escape Through Export? Women-Owned Enterprises, Domestic Discrimination, and Global Markets
Relative value of three whole-body MR approaches for PET-MR, including gadofosveset-enhanced MR, in comparison to PET-CT.

Abstract Purpose Evaluate MR protocol for PET-MR including coronal DWI (cDWI), fat-suppressed T2 (T2w), and gadofosveset-enhanced T1 (CE). Materials and methods 18 patients underwent same-day PET-CT and PET-MR. Image quality and performance of each sequence, and combination of all three sequences, was evaluated with respect to PET-CT. Results Lesion conspicuity was best on cDWI, while delineation was best on CE. Considering all three sequences combined, both readers showed good sensitivity and specificity (> 80%). Relative sensitivity was highest on CE and lowest on T2w. Conclusions Whole-body MR performed well in detecting malignant lesions compared to PET-CT. CE showed overall highest performance.
SLIDING MODE CONTROL FOR AUTOMOBILE AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract Increasing demand toward driving comfort steers automobile engineers to spend more and more effort on refining the automobile air conditioning system. The system is of high order and operated at the presence of several disturbances. The control algorithm should be able to control the evaporator out temperature with the acceptable control action. In this work, the sliding mode control is adopted for its advantage of dealing with high order, nonlinear system. Besides, several linear and nonlinear observers are proposed such that the controller may be implemented under the constrain of limited sensor set.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The original recognition of leukemia in the nineteenth century and the story of our progressive understanding of the biology and the development of treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have been well reviewed in recent years (Goldman, Semin Hematol 47(4):302–11, 2010; Cortes and Kantarjian, Blood 120(7):1390–7, 2012; Hehlmann, Blood 120(4):737–47, 2012). Today, the diagnosis of CML usually presents few problems. In contrast, planning a therapeutic strategy for a patient who presents in chronic phase and monitoring a patient who starts treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) present a number of challenges. The same is true for a patient in chronic phase whose disease proves resistant to initial treatment with a TKI. Even more difficult may be the issue of how best to treat a patient presenting in or progressing to an advanced phase of CML. In this chapter, we review some of the essentials of diagnosis of CML with the main focus on the results of available treatment options and guidance on therapeutic strategy.
Acanthamoeba Endophthalmitis During Treatment for Cutaneous Disease in a Renal Transplant Patient

Acanthamoeba infections are difficult to diagnose and treat. We present a renal transplant patient who developed Acanthamoeba endophthalmitis on therapy with posaconazole and miltefosine for cutaneous acanthamobiasis. The patient was maintained on intracameral voriconazole injections, and oral azithromycin, fluconazole, and flucytosine. This case highlights novel presentations and treatments for acanthamoebic infection.
Examining Fuel-Cycle Scenarios with the Safeguards Analysis Toolbox

AbstractSafeGuards Analysis (SGA) is a toolbox developed to allow engineers and scientists to create detailed simulations of safeguards material control and accountability simulations. SGA accepts material flow data from an external material flow model and can be used with any existing fuel cycle or material control code. This paper examines some new developments to the SGA code that allow the code to consider material losses over long time frames. The first scenario described in this paper examined an enrichment facility consisting of two material balance areas (MBAs). Cumulative sum and basic control chart tests were evaluated for a case involving a loss of material from both MBAs simultaneously and a case in which material is removed from the facility over a timescale of double the one that the tests were calibrated to detect. A second scenario represents an entire fuel cycle consisting of four MBAs and two materials of interest (low-enriched uranium and plutonium). This scenario evaluated the calibrat...
Regulation of MAP Kinase Signaling by Calcium

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling influences a variety of cellular responses, ranging from stimulation of cell proliferation to induction of senescence and/or apoptosis. Ca(2+) is a ubiquitous intracellular signaling molecule that controls multiple processes in cells. Published evidence has identified both direct and indirect interactions between the Ca(2+) and MAPK signaling pathways. Here, we describe assays to accurately determine the effect of changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration on MAPK activation.
Patient Companionship in a Movement Disorders Clinic: Outside Assistance Inside the Office

Objective: We (1) report whether a companion (i.e., spouse, relative, aide) accompanied our consecutive outpatients with a range of movement disorders, (2) identified the set of patient characteristics that was associated with the need for a visit companion, and (3) characterized the role(s) of these companions during the visit. Our overarching goals were to further understand patient needs and the extent of their support networks, and to enrich the clinician-patient interface. Methods: Two-hundred consecutive patients were enrolled from the Movement Disorders Clinic at Yale School of Medicine. We noted whether patients were accompanied by another person during the visit and documented the role of the visit companion during the encounter. Results: One-hundred-twenty-eight of 200 patients (64.0%) brought a companion, with these being spouses (44.8%), adult children (24.1%) or an aide, nurse or social worker (14.5%). Patients who were unemployed (odds ratio [OR] = 5.32, p = 0.019), had a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or other parkinsonian syndromes (OR = 10.61, p = 0.001), or were dependent in any instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 4.99, p = 0.005) or basic activities of daily living (OR = 5.81, p = 0.02), had increased odds of presenting to the clinical visit with a visit companion. Visit companions’ main roles involved communication (86.7%) and transportation (84.4%). Conclusion: Visit companions were commonly present during movement disorders outpatient visits–two-thirds of patients were accompanied. A number of factors increased the odds of requiring such a companion by four- or five-fold.
Ranitidine therapy in patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion. A prospective study.

One hundred twenty-four patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion (basal acid output greater than 10.0 meq/hr) were prospectively evaluated and treated with ranitidine twice a day. Fifty-four patients (44%) required standard doses of ranitidine 300 mg/day for adequate treatment, and the other 70 patients (56%) required increased doses of ranitidine (mean 994 mg/day, range 600–3000 mg/day). Mean basal acid outputs for these two groups were 14.0 and 16.6 meq/hr, respectively, which were not significantly different. Nevertheless, there was a significant correlation between basal acid output and daily ranitidine dose required for therapy (r=0.18,P=0.05). The duration of ranitidine therapy consisted of: <1 year (N=46), 1 year (N=16), 2 years (N=19), 3 years (N=22), 4 years (N=15), 5 years (N=6). Only five patients required progressive increases in ranitidine during the time of treatment, which consisted of an average of 0.5 dose adjustments per year. No side effects occurred with any of these high doses of ranitidine. These results indicate that, as in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, ranitidine is effective therapy for patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion; however, markedly increased doses as large as 3000 mg/day may be required.
The Study of World Politics: Volume 1: Theoretical and Methodological Challenges

The Study of World Politics is two volume set that presents thirty-nine essays of some two hundred essays authored by Professor James Rosenau, a renowned international political theorist. They include both articles recently published and those that have not previously been published. All of them focus on the theme of the study of world politics, with the twenty-three articles in this volume devoted to probing theoretical and methodological challenges. This volume is divided into five parts and address such issues as: the challenge of world politics the professional political scientist methods concepts and theories the analysis of foreign policy. Included in this collection is perhaps James Rosenau’s most widely-read essay, ‘Pre-Theories and Theories of Foreign Policy’ as well as several essays that articulate various dimensions of global governance and how they are shaped by the dynamics of globalization. These articles are marked by unique and imaginative formulations which break with a number of conventional approaches employed in the fields of international relations and foreign policy. The Study of World Politics provides the reader with access for the first time to a collection of James Rosenau’s outstanding scholarship, making this an invaluable book to students and academics with interests in politics.
Neurovascular structures at risk with percutaneous fixation in tarsometatarsal fusion: A cadaveric study.

Abstract Introduction First tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint fusion is routinely used for arthritis and deformities. Common fixation methods include a locking plate construct, cross-screws, or combinations of the two. Cross screws have proven effective for union and stability; however, there is a potential for harm to nearby neurovascular structures due to the nature of percutaneous insertion technique. This study assessed risk of damage to the superficial peroneal nerve with percutaneous TMT fusion. Methods Nine fresh-frozen cadaver specimens were included. A medial incision in the internervous plane was made for TMT joint preparation. Two crossed percutaneous wires followed by 4.0 cc screws were placed in the dorsal aspect of the proximal aspect of first metatarsal and in the medial cuneiform. Both were 10-15 mm from the TMT joint line. The dorsal aspect of the foot was dissected and examined for neurovascular interruptions, particularly branches of the superficial peroneal nerve. Results Results showed a mean distance of 4.33 mm from the proximal pin to the medial branch of the superficial peroneal nerve. The distal pin had a mean distance of 6.44 mm from the medial branch, with one pin 9 mm from the lateral branch. One incident of direct injury to the neurovascular bundle was observed. Conclusion Preparing the joint from the medial side using a percutaneous approach is less invasive, but presents a relative risk for neuritis. Care should be taken during insertion of the percutaneous screw after TMT joint preparation for fusion. Level of Evidence: Level V, Cadaver Study.
In-situ Autonomous Acquisition and Preservation of Marine Environmental DNA Using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to identify macroorganisms and describe biodiversity, and thus has promise to supplement biological monitoring in marine ecosystems. Despite this promise, scaling sample acquisition to the size and temporal scales needed for effective monitoring would require prohibitively large investments in time and human resources. To improve upon these problems, here we test the efficacy of an autonomous eDNA sampling system and compare results obtained to traditional eDNA sampling methods. The autonomous sampling instrument consisted of the Environmental Sample Processor, (ESP) coupled to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). We tested equivalency between the ESP and traditional eDNA sampling methods by comparing the quantification of eDNA across a broad range of taxa, from microbes (SAR11), phytoplankton (Pseudo-nitzschia spp.), invertebrates (krill: Euphausia pacifica) to vertebrates (anchovy: Engraulis mordax). No significant differences in eDNA densities were observed between the sample collection and filtration methods. eDNA filters collected by the ESP were preserved and stable for 21 days, the typical deployment length of the instrumentation. Finally, we demonstrated the unique capabilities of an autonomous, mobile ESP during a deployment near Monterey Bay, CA, by remotely and repeatedly sampling a water mass over 12 hours. The development of a mobile ESP reveals the promise of utilizing eDNA measurements to observe complex biological processes.
Does Export Lead Economic Growth? Or Other Way? VEC-Granger Causality Evidence from Nine South-East Asian Countries

Applying the Vector Error Correction (VEC) model and the VEC Granger causality/Wald Exogeniety tests, this paper investigated the causal relation between export, economic growth, and financial development of nine South and South East Asian countries during 1974-2015. The significance of the error correction term (ECT) established short and long run dynamics. The VEC Granger causality/Wald Exogeniety tests found bidirectional Granger causality between economic growth (GDP) and export (EXPRT) in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Unidirectional causality running from EXPRT to GDP was found in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Unidirectional causality running from GDP growth to export was found in India. Bidirectional Granger causality between financial development (BKCRDT) and export growth was found in Thailand. Pairwise Granger causality results, because of lack of cointegration, found that GDP Granger caused EXPRT in Indonesia. The paper provides policy prescription that the governments should provide emphasis on promoting andprotecting the export industries that promotes the economic growth of the countries
Evaluation of Sacubitril/Valsartan Prescribing and Monitoring at a Veterans Affairs Hospital

Introduction Heart Failure (HF) readmissions is a burden to the patient, family and healthcare system. The PARADIGM-HF trial demonstrated that patients on maintenance doses of sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg twice daily experienced a reduction in cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations compared with enalapril. The Veterans Affairs (VA) Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) criteria for use recommends that patients follow-up with a provider within two to four weeks of therapy initiation for serum potassium, renal function, and blood pressure monitoring, and to ensure dose titration to the target maintenance dose. The objective of this medication use evaluation was to evaluate the prescribing and monitoring of patients on sacubitril/valsartan at a Veterans Affairs facility. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of heart failure patients who were initiated on sacubitril/valsartan at a Veterans Affairs facility. Patients with a prior authorization drug request (PADR) and who had an active prescription order for sacubitril/valsartan between September 2016 through January 2018 were included. Data collected were patient adherence to provider follow up, timing of patient follow up appointments, and laboratory monitoring, and the patient's adherence to medication (using the medication possession ratio). All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Initially, thirty-five PADR requests were identified. Sixteen were approved and included in the medication use evaluation. After drug initiation, approximately 75% (n=12) of patients on sacubitril/valsartan are being sub optimally monitored while on therapy. Of the 25% of patients reevaluated within two to four weeks, hypotension limited further dose titration in all these patients. Two patients achieved target maintenance dose 97/103 mg twice daily. Approximately 69% (n=11) of patients were determined to be adherent to sacubitril/valsartan. Conclusions Patients on sacubitril/valsartan are being sub optimally monitored while on therapy. It is essential that patients are titrated to the goal sacubitril/valsartan dose of 97/103 mg twice daily to optimize clinical outcomes. As shown in the PARADIGM trial, it is essential that patients are titrated to the goal sacubitril/valsartan dose of 97/103 mg twice daily, when possible, to optimize clinical outcomes. The results of this quality improvement project were presented to the P&T Committee (Pharmacy and Therapeutics). Informational “Dear Provider” letters were sent out to remind providers to optimize dosing. Subsequent follow up of the original sixteen patients is currently pending and results of the intervention will be followed up with P&T, and presented at HFSA.
European databanks on the march

Les services europeens online sont accessibles aux U.S.A. depuis les annees 80, mais 1987 semble devoir etre une annee charniere: les europeens misent sur la qualite et la specificite de leurs fichiers et developpent leur strategie commerciale dans ce sens; par contre les americains montrent beaucoup de reticence a utiliser des systemes etrangers. Le profil des grandes banques de donnees europeennes deja implantees ou cherchant a le faire est examine: Data-Star, Pergamon Orbit Infoline, Datasolve, Finsbury Data Services, Fiz Karlsruhe, ESA-IRS, Telesystem-Questel. Un tableau comparatif des prix de diverses B. D. americaines ou europeennes est presente ainsi qu'une comparaison statistique du nombre de banques de donnees accessibles a la fois par un serveur americain et un serveur europeen. Les charges annexes (abonnements, documentation, etc.) demandes par les differents serveurs sont precisees. (INTD)
Investigations into the Mechanism of Inter- and Intramolecular Iron-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkenes.

Mechanistic studies are reported on the inter- and intramolecular [2 + 2] alkene cycloadditions to form cyclobutanes promoted by (tricPDI)Fe(N2) (tricPDI = 2,6-(2,4,6-tricyclopentyl)C6H2N = CMe)2C5...
Gender-Confirming Vulvoplasty in Transgender Women in the Netherlands: Incidence, Motivation Analysis, and Surgical Outcomes.

Abstract Background Penile inversion vaginoplasty is the surgical gold standard for genital gender-affirmative surgery in transgender women. However, there is an increase of attention for gender-confirming vulvoplasty (GCV), in which no neovaginal cavity is created. Aim To describe underlying motives and surgical outcomes of GCV in transgender women. Methods All transgender women who underwent GCV were retrospectively identified from a departmental database. A retrospective chart study was conducted, recording underlying motives, demographics, perioperative complications, and reoperations. Outcomes Underlying motives and perioperative complication rate. Results In the period January 1990 to January 2020, 17 transgender women underwent GCV at our center. Most women reported that their motivation to undergo GCV was because they had no wish for postoperative neovaginal penetration (n = 10, 59%). This was due to a sexual preference toward women without the wish for neovaginal penetrative intercourse (n = 6, 35%) or due to a negative sexual experience in the past (n = 4, 24%). Some women desired vaginoplasty with neovaginal cavity creation but were ineligible for this because of their medical history (n = 4, 24%), for example, due to locoregional radiotherapy. The median clinical follow-up was 34 months (range 3-190). The postoperative course was uncomplicated in 11 (65%) women. Postoperative complications comprised the following: meatal stenosis (n = 2, for which surgical correction), remnant corpus spongiosum tissue (n = 1, for which surgical correction), minor wound dehiscence (n = 3, for which conservative management), and postoperative urinary tract infection (n = 1, successfully treated with oral antibiotics). One woman, who developed meatal stenosis, had a history of radiotherapy because of rectal carcinoma and needed 2 surgical procedures under general anesthesia to correct this. Information on self-reported satisfaction was available for 12 women. All were satisfied with the postoperative result and they graded their neovagina an 8.2 ± 0.9 out of 10. Clinical Implications GCV may be added to the surgical repertoire of the gender surgeon. Transgender women with a desire for genital gender-affirmative surgery should be counseled on surgical options and its (dis)advantages. Strengths & Limitations Strengths of this study comprise that it is from a high-volume center. A weakness of this study is the retrospective design. The absence of a self-reported outcome measure validated for the transgender persons is a well-known problem. Conclusion An increase is observed in transgender women who opt for GCV; however, the absolute number undergoing this surgery remains small in our center. Postoperative complications do occur but are generally minor and treatable. van der Sluis WB, Steensma TD, Timmermans FW, et al. Gender-Confirming Vulvoplasty in Transgender Women in the Netherlands: Incidence, Motivation Analysis, and Surgical Outcomes. J Sex Med 2020;17:1566–1573.
MicroRNAs Restrain Proliferation in BRAFV600E Melanocytic Nevi

Abstract Benign melanocytic nevi commonly form when melanocytes that acquire a BRAFV600E mutation undergo a period of rapid proliferation and subsequent arrest. Constitutive activation of MAPK signaling downstream of BRAF drives the initial proliferative phenotype. However, the factors that establish and maintain growth arrest in nevi remain elusive. The growth-arrested state of BRAFV600E melanocytes is not conferred by additional genetic mutations, suggesting a role for regulatory elements. We investigated the role of microRNAs in the initiation and maintenance of nevus arrest. Using primary human melanocytes, melanocytic nevi, and adjacent melanoma, we show that MIR211-5p and MIR328-3p are enriched in nevi compared to normal melanocytes, then subsequently downregulated in adjacent melanoma. Both MIR211-5p and MIR328-3p proved necessary effectors of BRAFV600E-induced growth arrest in human melanocytes. We identified microRNA target networks which, when suppressed, phenocopy BRAFV600E-induced arrest and converge on inhibition of AURKB to block cell cycle progression in primary human melanocytes. Statement of Significance We describe a microRNA regulatory network that enforces BRAFV600E-induced growth arrest in human melanocytes during melanocytic nevus formation. De-regulation of MIR211-5p and MIR328-3p targets – which converge on AURKB – leads to cell cycle re-entry and melanoma progression. AURKB inhibition therefore provides a potential therapeutic intervention for melanoma prevention or treatment.
Prescribing Initial Values for the Sticky Particle System (Survey)

We survey what is known about the existence of solutions to the sticky particle system for given initial conditions. In particular, we explain what is special about this system when there is only one spatial dimension and what is challenging when there are several spatial dimensions.
Heterogeneity in Migrant Health Selection: The Role of Immigrant Visas.

This study proposes that visa status is an important construct that is central to understanding how health selection occurs among immigrants. We used the 2017 baseline survey data of the Health of Philippine Emigrants Study (n = 1,632) to compare the health of nonmigrants remaining in the Philippines and migrants surveyed prior to migration to the United States. Furthermore, we compared migrant health by visa type: limited family reunification, unlimited family reunification, fiance(e)/marriage, and employment. Migrants reported fewer health conditions than nonmigrants overall. However, health varied among migrants by visa type. Migrants with fiance(e)/marriage visas were the healthiest, reporting significantly fewer health conditions than the other groups. Limited family reunification migrants reported more health conditions than nonmigrants and unlimited family reunification migrants. We discuss how the immigration visa process reflects broader forms of social and political stratification that cause heterogeneity in immigrant health selection.
Characterizing Biomedical HIV Prevention Awareness and Use Among Black Transgender Women in the United States

Black transgender women (BTW) in the United States experience disproportionate rates of HIV despite biomedical prevention interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP). Using a sample of 490 BTW collected from 2014 to 2017, bivariate, multivariable, and multinomial analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with awareness and use of PrEP and nPEP. BTW living with HIV were more aware of PrEP than HIV-negative BTW. Structural, demographic, and trans-specific factors (e.g., experiences of homelessness, violence, and current hormone use) related to HIV risk were associated with PrEP and nPEP awareness. PrEP use was associated with behavioral HIV risks (e.g., STI diagnosis, having an HIV-positive partner, and needle-sharing) and may demonstrate risk recognition among BTW. Knowing someone using PrEP was significantly positively associated with PrEP use. Development of guidelines for PrEP and nPEP use for BTW should leverage the strengths of guidelines for other populations, while also acknowledging the unique risks for this population.
Racism and the Colonial Project of Creating Generational Disabilities

Antenor Firmin wrote a critique of racist views of humanity in 1885. Firmin, a Haitian, had been living in France and was exposed to the racist views of non-human peoples that were popular at the time. These ideas defended colonialism and relegated non-Europeans to an inferior status, if not to a separate race or species. Firmin's book demolished the assumptions and arguments of respected biologists like Broca in a step by step analysis. His book reads as if it were written today as a clear refutation of the Supremist position, yet his book was ignored until the present. But Firmin, like Ashley Monatgu after him, takes on the physical anthropological problems as well as the medical ones, especially the canard of miscegenation resulting in monsters or sterility. He also attacks concepts of intelligence and of degeneration. His knowledge of history outshines the ignorance of his opponents, yet Firmin’s concerns were universal regarding ability and not affected by the nationalism of the time. He does review the history of African civilization and archaeology, coming to the conclusion as does Diop (1974) and J. Desmond Clark (1970), nearly 100 years later that ancient Egyptian civilization was a product of Africans. Herskovits was perhaps aware of the Firmin’s work when he engaged in his ethnographic work in Haiti and collaborated with Jean Price-Mars, but there is no evidence he ever saw or read Firmin’s book (Fluehr- Lobban, 2000). Strangely Barzun (1937) praises Firmin as among the “imposing group of intellectuals” “distinguished in some profession” who have undertaken to write on race, but appears to criticize Firmin for not understanding French ideas and producing a work that mainly “vindicates the Negro race to which the author belongs.” One is left with the impression that Barzun read Firmin but felt his book was mainly political. Since my copy of Barzun comes from Cora du Bois’ library and she supported the Herkovits’ work in Haiti one might expect she had some contact with Firmin’s writing, yet there is no evidence of it. Firmin describes the association of racism and discrimination, but his argument can be seen also as a central outline of the role of colonialism in creating generational disabilities in its victims, especially in reducing their original cultures and making ruins of their civilizations erasing abilities to claim rights to equality.
Chinese License Plate Recognition Using Machine and Deep Learning Models

The license plate detection and recognition (LPDR) system is one of the practical applications of optical character recognition (OCR) technology in the field of automobile transportation. This paper investigates several state-of-the-art machine and deep learning algorithms for the Chinese license plate recognition based on convolutional neural networks (CNN), long short term memory (LSTM), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) models. Comparing the performance of these models on the Chinese City Parking Dataset (CCPD) demonstrates that the convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN) model with an accuracy of 95% is the most accurate and performs better than other models to detect the license plates.
Distal tibial osteotomy to address internal tibial torsion: Should the fibula be cut?

Abstract Background Rotational tibial osteotomy seeks to address pathologic tibial torsion. Inclusion of fibular osteotomy during this procedure remains controversial. This study aimed to determine how external rotation through a tibial osteotomy, with or without a fibular osteotomy, would influence tibiofibular joint congruity. Methods Eight cadaveric legs underwent distal tibial osteotomies. Pins were placed to designate neutral, 10°, 20°, 30° of external rotation. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed at each rotation without, then with a fibular osteotomy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was performed prior to fibular osteotomy to confirm that ligaments remained intact. Custom software calculated tibial torsion using CT scan 3D reconstructions. Proximal tibiofibular joint rotation, distal tibiofibular gapping and ankle mortise were measured on each CT exam. Groups without and with fibular osteotomy were compared. Findings There was no difference between tibial osteotomy rotation magnitude with or without the fibular osteotomy (P = 0.2). The group without the fibular osteotomy had greater proximal fibular rotation at the tibiofibular joint at 20°, 30° (P Interpretation Deformity at the proximal tibiofibular and ankle joints become most pronounced at >20° of tibial rotation without a fibular osteotomy. The first joint to be affected is the distal tibiofibular joint. To limit ankle and proximal tibiofibular articular deformation during tibia rotational osteotomy, a fibular osteotomy is recommended when correcting over 20° of rotation.
Thoughts on Model Validation for Engineering Design

Models are the basis for all prediction of system behavior, and hence form a crucial element of engineering design. A key concern is the validity of such models. This paper discusses the notion of model validity and the limits of what one can say about the validity of a specific model. It is shown that predictive models, such as those used in engineering design, cannot be validated objectively. That is, the validation of a predictive model can be accomplished only in the context of a specific decision, and only in the context of subjective input from the decision maker, including preferences.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Models for Absorption-Induced Optical Bistability in CdS and Multiple Quantum Well GaAs

We have recently presented a theory for mirrorless optical bistability due to a coupling between the attenuation of the electromagnetic field and the temperature1. The parameters chosen in our work were appropriate for CdS platelets and we found multiple bistability of the output intensity as a function of the input intensity which was controlled by the temperature boundary conditions. The theory was qualitatively compared with low-temperature experimental results on CdS platelets2 and applications of these devices were considered for novel logic gates and multiplexing3.