cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric plasma treatment of pre-electrospinning polymer solution: A feasible method to improve electrospinnability

The electrospinnability of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was manipulated by atmospheric plasma treatment of pre-electrospinning solutions. Conductivity, viscosity, and surface tension of PEO solutions increased after plasma treatment, and the plasma effect remained longer when the solution concentrate increased. Both untreated and treated solutions were then electrospun, and the morphology of the resultant nanofibers was observed by SEM. Atmospheric plasma treatment improved the electrospinnability of PEO solutions and led to less beads and finer diameter distribution in the resultant nanofibers. Additionally, plasma treatment of the pre-electrospinning solutions affected the crystal structure of resultant nanofibers. These results suggest that atmospheric plasma treatment is a feasible approach to improve the electrospinnability of polymer solutions and can used to control the structure of electrospun nanofibers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Causal Strategic Inference in Networked Microfinance Economies

Performing interventions is a major challenge in economic policy-making. We propose causal strategic inference as a framework for conducting interventions and apply it to large, networked microfinance economies. The basic solution platform consists of modeling a microfinance market as a networked economy, learning the parameters of the model from the real-world microfinance data, and designing algorithms for various causal questions. For a special case of our model, we show that an equilibrium point always exists and that the equilibrium interest rates are unique. For the general case, we give a constructive proof of the existence of an equilibrium point. Our empirical study is based on the microfinance data from Bangladesh and Bolivia, which we use to first learn our models. We show that causal strategic inference can assist policy-makers by evaluating the outcomes of various types of interventions, such as removing a loss-making bank from the market, imposing an interest rate cap, and subsidizing banks.
Stem Cells and Niches: Mechanisms That Promote Stem Cell Maintenance throughout Life

Niches are local tissue microenvironments that maintain and regulate stem cells. Long-predicted from mammalian studies, these structures have recently been characterized within several invertebrate tissues using methods that reliably identify individual stem cells and their functional requirements. Although similar single-cell resolution has usually not been achieved in mammalian tissues, principles likely to govern the behavior of niches in diverse organisms are emerging. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating how the microenvironment promotes stem cell maintenance. Mechanisms of stem cell maintenance are key to the regulation of homeostasis and likely contribute to aging and tumorigenesis when altered during adulthood.
Interpretation of Conditional Statistics in Open Oblique Premixed Turbulent Flames

Abstract A consistent means to establish the flame coordinate for oblique premixed turbulent flames based on the use of conditioned statistics of two velocity components is described. The flame coordinate is used to transform the conditioned velocity data for comparison with the predictions of the Bray-Moss-Libby (BML) model of turbulent combustion, assess the modeling assumptions and calculate one of the empirical constants. The most significant change in the flame statistics after transformation is that the Reynolds stress in the flame is found to be at the same level as in the incident flow. The Favre averaged turbulence intensities and scalar transport derived from experimental measurements are in qualitative agreement with previously reported experimental and numerical results. The results also support the BML second order closure technique for the third order covariances. However, the values of the empirical constant computed from experimental data do not lend strong support to a sub-model for the c...
Gendering County Government and the End of 100,000 American School Districts, 1920–1970

Americans abolished 100,000 school districts from 1920 to 1970, altering a policy domain that had long epitomized the decentralized character of American politics. This political development coincided with women's increased authority at the county level of government as reformers sought to overcome local, and typically male, resistance to reform. Not only did women become pivotal actors in generating legislative support for change; they came to wield new influence as the county became a central locus for administration. This gendering of county government, as women reformers undermined entrenched patterns of male political power at the local level, shows how avenues for women's political influence may open up as the administration of policy across different levels of government shifts over time.
A Variance Explanation Paradox: When a Little is a Lot

Concerning a single major league at bat, the percentage of variance in batting performance attributable to skill differentials among major league baseball players can be calculated statistically. The statistically appropriate calculation is seriously discrepant with intuitions about the influence of skill in batting performance. This paradoxical discrepancy is discussed in terms of habits of thought about the concept of variance explanation. It is argued that percent variance explanation is a misleading index of the influence of systematic factors in cases where there are processes by which individually tiny influences cumulate to produce meaningful outcomes. It is generally accepted that percentage of variance explained is a good measure of the importance of potential explanatory factors. Correlation coefficients of .30 or less are often poor-mouthed as accounting for less than 10% of the variance, a rather feeble performance for the influence of a putatively systematic factor. In analysis of variance contexts, the percentage of variance explanation is embodied in the omega-squared ratio of the systematic variance component to the total of the systematic and chance variance components. It, too, is often small; when it is, this is a source of discouragement for the thoughtful investigator.
An automated 60 GHz open resonator system for precision dielectric measurements

An automated open resonator system was designed and constructed for precision measurement of the loss tangent and dielectric permittivity of low absorbing materials at 60 GHz. The use of a high-Q hemispherical Fabry-Perot cavity together with highly stabilized synthesized phase-locked Gunn oscillator sources and a superheterodyne receiver made it possible to measure loss tangent values as low as 10 mu rad. Both cavity length variation and frequency variation techniques were utilized to provide precise data. >
Calreticulin, a Peptide-binding Chaperone of the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Elicits Tumor- and Peptide-specific Immunity

Calreticulin (CRT), a peptide-binding heat shock protein (HSP) of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), has been shown previously to associate with peptides transported into the ER by transporter associated with antigen processing (Spee, P., and J. Neefjes. 1997. Eur. J. Immunol. 27: 2441–2449). Our studies show that CRT preparations purified from tumors elicit specific immunity to the tumor used as the source of CRT but not to an antigenically distinct tumor. The immunogenicity is attributed to the peptides associated with the CRT molecule and not to the CRT molecule per se. It is further shown that CRT molecules can be complexed in vitro to unglycosylated peptides and used to elicit peptide-specific CD8+ T cell response in spite of exogenous administration. These characteristics of CRT closely resemble those of HSPs gp96, hsp90, and hsp70, although CRT has no apparent structural homologies to them.
Challenges In Managing Virtual Teams

Many organizations are taking advantage of the opportunities to utilize new technologies to become more effective and efficient. One of the newer types of approaches to be used is the “virtual team.” These are teams that are comprised of members who do not work at the same place or even at the same time. They may be spread across many time zones and may be located all over the world. These types of teams are made possible by advances in computer-mediated communication and software that allows people to work collaboratively on projects without being co-located or even working at the same time. Obviously, managing teams of this sort presents many, and sometimes unique, challenges. This paper addresses these issues, analyzes them, and offers suggestions for relevant management strategies.
Response of osteoarthritis to ibuprofen or flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen and ibuprofen, two propionic acid derivatives with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, were compared in a double-blind multiclinic study in 195 patients with osteoarthritis of the peripheral joints. The patients were given 80 mg/day flurbiprofen or 1600 mg/day ibuprofen for six weeks. Pain, subjective evaluation and functional tests improved significantly in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatments in any of the responses. Gastro-intestinal side-effects, generally mild, developed in 5-6% of the patients.
Salinas: A Scalable Software for High-Performance Structural and Solid Mechanics Simulations

We present Salinas, a scalable implicit software application for the finite element static and dynamic analysis of complex structural real-world systems. This relatively complete engineering software with more than 100,000 lines of C++ code and a long list of users sustains 292.5 Gflop/s on 2,940 ASCI Red processors, and 1.16 Tflop/s on 3,375 ASCI White processors.
FEINBERG'S TWO CONCEPTS OF RIGHTS

This article argues that there is a fundamental tension between Joel Feinberg's theory of the nature of rights and his account of what types of beings are potential right-holders. In explaining this tension, I argue that Feinberg actually adopts two competing concepts of rights. Clearly, Feinberg must choose between these two theories, but I suggest that both are attractive and that neither view can be selected as either “correct” or “incorrect” on the grounds of either logical consistency or even straightforward conceptual analysis. In the end, one's preference between these two concepts of rights depends upon competing values, values about which reasonable people can disagree.
RF Amplifier Design with Large-Signal S-Parameters

High-power UHF transistors have been characterized through the use of large-signal S-parameters. These S-parameters have been used successfully to design UHF power amplifiers. Waveform measurements show that due to the Q of the package parasitic, most class C operated UHF power transistors have nearly sinusoidal waveforms at their package terminals. Experimental evidence presented shows that the large-signal S-parameters are relatively independent of power once the device is turned on. These two observations make it possible to extend modified small-signal S-parameter design techniques to large-signal power amplifiers.
Insights into the Sensitivity of the BRAIN (Braided Ring Availability Integrity Network)--On Platform Robustness in Extended Operation

Low-cost fault-tolerant systems design presents a continual trade-off between improving fault-tolerant properties and accommodating cost constraints. With limited hardware options and to justify the system design rationale, it is necessary to formulate a fault hypothesis to bound failure assumptions. The system must be built on a foundation of real-world relevance and the assumption of coverage of the fault hypothesis. This paper discusses a study that examines the sensitivity of a BRAIN (braided ring availability integrity network) design to different fault types and failure rates in a safety-relevant application. It presents a Markov-based model (using ASSIST, SURE, and STEM analysis tools) and a series of experiments that were run to analyze the overall dependability of the BRAIN approach. The study evaluates the mission reliability and safety in the context of a hypothetical automotive integrated x-by-wire architecture on top of the BRAIN. Drawing from experience in the aerospace domain, the authors investigate the possibility of continued operation for a limited period after a detected critical electronic failure. Continued operation would allow a driver to reach repair facilities rather than stopping the vehicle to call for roadside assistance or "limping home."
A Visual Framework for Knowledge Discovery on the Web: An Empirical Study of Business Intelligence Exploration

Information overload often hinders knowledge discovery on the Web. Existing tools lack analysis and visualization capabilities. Search engine displays often overwhelm users with irrelevant information. This research proposes a visual framework for knowledge discovery on the Web. The framework incorporates Web mining, clustering, and visualization techniques to support effective exploration of knowledge. Two new browsing methods were developed and applied to the business intelligence domain: Web community uses a genetic algorithm to organize Web sites into a tree format; knowledge map uses a multidimensional scaling algorithm to place Web sites as points on a screen. Experimental results show that knowledge map outperformed Kartoo, a commercial search engine with graphical display, in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Web community was found to be more effective, efficient, and usable than result list. Our visual framework thus helps to alleviate information overload on the Web and offers practical implications for search engine developers.
An unconventional deep penetrating melanocytic nevus with microscopic involvement of regional lymph nodes

Editor's note: This manuscript represents a reprise of the preceding manuscript (J Cutan Pathol 2012; 39: 21–24). It has different conclusions. The wording of the case report section is very similar in both papers but has been included in both for the convenience of the reader. The illustrations are duplicated in both versions of the manuscript but the captions are not the same. The reader is encouraged to study both versions of the manuscript and consider the issue from both perspectives. McCalmont TH, Bastian BC. An unconventional deep penetrating melanocytic nevus with microscopic involvement of regional lymph nodes.
LEGEND: a language for generic component library description

LEGEND is a novel generator-generator language for the definition, generation, and maintenance of generic component libraries used in high-level hardware synthesis. Each LEGEND description generates a library generator GENUS, which is organized as a hierarchy of generic component generators, templates, and instances. High-level synthesis systems typically transform the abstract behavior of a design into an interconnection of generic component instances derived from a library such as GENUS. Although existing hardware description languages (such as VHDL) can effectively describe particular component libraries, they lack the capability of generating these component libraries from a high-level description. LEGEND complements a language such as VHDL by providing a component library generator-generator with behavioral models for simulation and subsequent synthesis. LEGEND generated components have realistic register transfer semantics, including clocking, asynchrony, and data bidirectionality. LEGEND's simple and extensible syntax allows users to add and modify component types easily. LEGEND is currently implemented on SUN3s under C/UNIX. >
Enterprise Zone Effectiveness In California

This case study looks at enterprise zones in California. Like most states, California had established an enterprise zone (EZ) program that offered businesses tax credits to encourage investment in depressed local economies. Yet despite nationwide adoption of enterprise zones, their efficacy as an economic development tool was disputed. In California, critics charged that costs had exploded without generating commensurate job growth and that EZs were a form of corporate welfare for large corporations that were the main recipients of tax credits. Obtaining reliable information about the benefits for local economies was difficult. The case explores this challenge in reporting results of a small study conducted by a local Southern California enterprise zone in the wake of calls by the state to eliminate the EZ program to help close a $25 billion budget deficit. The case also illustrates the role enterprise zones may play in “incentive packages” offered by local governments seeking to attract national and multinational companies.
Intraoperative Lymphatic Mapping/Sentinel Lymphadenectomy

Management of the regional lymph nodes in clinically localized melanoma remained controversial from 1892, when Show [1] advocated the routine node dissection of the regional nodes, until the early 1990s, when the technique of intraoperative lymphatic mapping (LM), sentinel lymphadenectomy (SL), and selective complete lymph node dissection (SCLND) pioneered by Morton et al. [2], resolved this issue definitively. In this period, the proponents of the orderly, sequential spread of melanoma cells to the regional nodal basin first and then through the thoracic duct(s) into the bloodstream and distant organs supported routine elective node dissection, believing that a certain percentage of patients with melanoma metastatic to the regional nodes without detectable hematogenous dissemination to distant organs could be cured of their disease [3, 4]. Proponents of the hypothesis that melanomas often metastasized directly into the bloodstream without a prior “incubation” period in the regional nodes supported a policy of observation of the regional nodes, with surgical intervention if the nodes clinically grew to palpability. Retrospective studies tended to show higher survival in patients with elective dissection for microscopically positive lymph nodes than for patients who underwent therapeutic dissection of palpable positive nodes. However, three prospective, randomized studies showed no survival benefit for patients undergoing elective lymph node dissection (ELND) compared with those on observation who underwent therapeutic dissection upon clinical development of enlarged regional lymph nodes [5–7]. The most recent randomized study, by Balch et al. [8], showed survival improvement with ELND in patients without ulceration of the primary melanoma, those less than 60 years of age, and those with tumor thickness 1.0–2.0 mm. But this study also showed no overall improvement in survival for patients with ELND. On the other hand, knowledge of the histologic status of the regional nodes has been recognized as the most significant prognostic criterion for survival and therefore is a valuable indicator of the advisability of adjuvant therapy, being an important stratifying parameter in any adjuvant study of clinically localized melanoma.
Weathering the crisis: Effects of stealing thunder in crisis communication

Crisis communication research has generally focused on how to respond to public’s reaction after a crisis is known to various stakeholders. Stealing thunder is a proactive crisis communication strategy by which an organization releases crisis information before media gets a hold of the crisis. This study investigated the effects of stealing thunder and moderating effect of organization’s persuasive intent and consumers’ attachment on stealing thunder. Stealing thunder was effective when participants were not explicitly aware of the persuasive intent in the crisis message. When participants were aware of persuasive intent, stealing thunder effects disappeared. Brand attachment also moderated the effects of stealing thunder. Participants with high brand attachment evaluated stealing thunder information more positively compared to those with low brand attachment.
Regular Mixing Thermodynamics of Hydrogenated Styrene–Isoprene Block–Random Copolymers

Random copolymerization of A and B monomers represents a versatile method to tune interaction strengths between polymers, as ArB random copolymers will exhibit a smaller effective Flory interaction parameter χ (or interaction energy density X) upon mixing with A or B homopolymers than upon mixing A and B homopolymers with each other, and the ArB composition can be tuned continuously. This approach can also be used to tune the segregation strength in A–ArB “block–random” copolymers. Simple models of polymer mixing thermodynamics suggest that the effective interaction energy density in such block–random copolymers should follow XA–ArB = fB2XA–B, but this prediction has not been tested quantitatively. The present work systematically assesses the validity of this rule for thermally stable hydrogenated derivatives of styrene–isoprene block copolymers, through measurements of the order–disorder transition (ODT) temperature on near-symmetric diblock and diblock–random copolymers of varying composition and suitab...
Hot-Spot Damage Monitoring in Aerospace Composites Using Acoustic Bandgap (ABG) Sensors

Acoustic bandgap (ABG) sensors are made of a periodic array of inclusions/scatterers embedded in a homogenous elastic matrix. ABG sensors can be thought of as the mechanical analogues of semiconductors. In a semiconductor the electronic bandgap arises as the result of a periodic array in electronic potentials. In an ABG sensor an acoustic bandgap arises as the result of a periodic array of differing acoustic impedances. We suggest that acoustic bandgap sensors can be used to detect and quantify submicron damage in composite laminates. Monitoring changes in the acoustic response of ABG sensors, will allow us to detect submicron damage in the substrate to which the ABG sensors are adhered. We present the results of our recent simulations demonstrating the ability of an ABG sensor made of epoxy matrix with Tungsten inclusions to detect submicron damage in a composite laminate adhered to the ABG sensor. A finite element simulation coupled with acoustic wave analysis using finite difference in time domain (FDTD) method is used to present the ability of ABG crystals to be employed as sensors for submicron damage detection.
The impact of motivation on cognitive performance in an animal model of the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Interactions between motivation and cognition are implicated in producing functional impairments and poor quality of life in psychiatric patients. This interaction, however, is not well understood at either the behavioral or neural level. We developed a procedure for mice in which a cognitive measure, sustained attention, is modulated by a motivationally-relevant signal which predicts reward probability on a trial-by-trial basis. Using this paradigm, we tested the interaction between motivation and cognition in mice which model the increased striatal D2 receptor activity observed in schizophrenia patients (D2R-OE mice). In control mice, attention was modulated by signaled-reward probability. In D2R-OE mice, however, attention was not modulated by reward-related cues. This impairment was not due to any global deficits in attention or maintenance of the trial-specific information in working memory. Turning off the transgene in D2R-OE mice rescued the motivational modulation of attention. These results indicate that deficits in motivation impair the ability to use reward-related cues to recruit attention, and that improving motivation improves functional cognitive performance. These results further suggest that addressing motivational impairments in patients is critical to achieving substantive cognitive and functional gains.
Spiritual institutional entrepreneurs: an introduction and examination

The business environment has undergone dramatic changes over the past decades that have brought about new expectations within the work environment. Entrepreneurship is one of many areas that has been affected by this shift. In fact, the definition of entrepreneur has evolved beyond the traditional external focus to include an internal organizational perspective known as institutional entrepreneur (IE). IEs initiate structural change within their organizations that transforms the way business is conducted. Current research has demonstrated the importance of workplace spirituality as an element in developing an inclusive organizational culture. In this paper, we draw from the institutional entrepreneurship literature to examine the rise of IEs who champion the development of spiritual workplaces. We call these individuals spiritual institutional entrepreneurs (SIEs). We also present a conceptual model for analyzing the role of SIEs and offer notable executive exemplars who reimagined their organizations thr...
Gaudichaud's Record of Hawaiian Vernacular Names for Plants: Hawaiian Plant Studies 125

Charles Gaudichaud collected plants in 1819 on three of the Hawaiian Islands. He published a book describing many novelties found on his world voyage (Gaudichaud 1826-1830), and there included vernacular names for some of them. Many others are found recorded in his number list of Hawaiian plants or on his specimens in Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. Those names listed here are novelties, and are identified and are translated from his French orthography to the established Hawaiian one.
Sequence- and Temperature-Dependent Properties of Unfolded and Disordered Proteins from Atomistic Simulations.

We use all-atom molecular simulation with explicit solvent to study the properties of selected intrinsically disordered proteins and unfolded states of foldable proteins, which include chain dimensions and shape, secondary structure propensity, solvent accessible surface area, and contact formation. We find that the qualitative scaling behavior of the chains matches expectations from theory under ambient conditions. In particular, unfolded globular proteins tend to be more collapsed under the same conditions than charged disordered sequences of the same length. However, inclusion of explicit solvent in addition naturally captures temperature-dependent solvation effects, which results in an initial collapse of the chains as temperature is increased, in qualitative agreement with experiment. There is a universal origin to the collapse, revealed in the change of hydration of individual residues as a function of temperature: namely, that the initial collapse is driven by unfavorable solvation free energy of i...
Risks of Blood Volume Changes in Hypogonadal Men Treated with Testosterone Enanthate for Erectile Impotence

Administration of anabolic steroids carries many risks. We present a series of 15 patients with primary hypogonadism who as a group had statistically significant increases in whole body hematocrit and red blood cell volume while on testosterone therapy of 300 mg. intramuscularly every 3 weeks. A small decrease in plasma volume over-all was not significant. Subsequent analyses compared subgroups whose whole body hematocrit during testosterone therapy was either 48% or greater (9) or less than 48% (6). Interaction effects indicated that the subgroups were similar when off testosterone but when on testosterone the former group exhibited an increase in red blood cell volume and a decrease in plasma volume, while the latter group had little change in either measurement. Subsequent to stopping testosterone therapy 2 patients in the whole body hematocrit 48% or greater group suffered strokes and 1 had transient ischemic attacks while on therapy. No one in the whole body hematocrit less than 48% group has had any cerebrovascular symptoms. Clinical implications, as well as cost-effective and practical suggestions for detecting possible dangerous hemoconcentration are discussed.
Interaction of a Model Amphipathic α-Helix Bundle Protein with an Aqueous-Glycerophospholipid-Oil Interface

The dynamics and formation of lipid droplets has drawn increasing attention. Lipid droplets not only store but control energy sources. They also play roles in building up new membranes, synthesizing steroid hormones and are involved in lipid signaling. The dynamics of protein binding to lipid droplets can be studied in a model system by first forming a lipid monolayer around an oil, triolein, droplet. Protein binding to the monolayer is studied by the decrease in the oil/water surface tension. Previous groups concentrated on the lipid POPC, one of the major lipids found on lipid droplets, and attempted to tease out the role of amphipathic protein domains by using different protein constructs. However, many of these proteins also contain a distinct domain in which the amphipathic helices can arrange in a bundle which is soluble in solution. PAT family proteins (perilipin 1, 2, 3, and 5), apoE and apoLp-lll all have these bundles, and all are found on neutral lipid particles. In this work we investigate binding of the model amphipathic α-helix bundle protein, apoLp-III, onto different phospholipid monolayers at the aqueous solution-oil interface to shed light on lipid binding of this important protein domain. The effects of charge and acyl chain length were studied separately, using a series of carefully-chosen lipids and a home-built droplet tensiometer.
Immiscibility and Microstructure in Amorphous Borates

Immiscibility in glassforming oxide systems has been known for a long time. Perhaps the first recorded systematic studies were those of Guertler [1], working with binary borate glasses, and Grieg [2], with binary silicates. Both authors observed stable immiscibility in alkaline earth and transition metal oxide-containing melts. Guertler concluded that the binary alkali borates were completely miscible.
Formation and maturation of the murine meniscus

Meniscal injuries are commonplace, but current surgical repair procedures do not prevent degenerative joint changes that occur after meniscal injury and often lead to osteoarthritis. Successful tissue regeneration in adults often recapitulates events that occur during embryogenesis, suggesting that understanding the regulatory pathways controlling these early processes may provide clues for developing strategies for tissue repair. While the mouse is now widely used to study joint diseases, detailed knowledge of the basic biology of murine meniscus is not readily available. Here, we examine meniscal morphogenesis in mice from embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) to 6 months of age using histology, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. We find that the meniscus is a morphologically distinct structure at E16 when it begins to regionalize. At birth, the meniscus has a distinguishable inner, avascular, round chondrocyte cell region, an outer, vascularized, fibroblast cell region, and a surface superficial zone. Maturation begins at 2 weeks of age when the meniscus expresses type I collagen, type II collagen, type X collagen, and MMP-13 in specific patterns. By 4 weeks of age, small areas of ossification are detected in the anterior meniscal horn, a common feature seen in rodents. Maturation appears complete at 8 weeks of age, when the meniscus resembles the adult structure complete with ossifying tissue that contains bone marrow like areas. Our results provide, the first systematic study of mouse meniscal development and will be a valuable tool for analyzing murine models of knee joint formation and disease. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1683-1689, 2017.
A methodology for stochastic inventory modelling with ARMA triangular distribution for new products

This paper proposes a stochastic inventory policy of continuous review with random demand described with temporal dependence through an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model with explicative variables, of usefulness in new products without a history of demand data, assuming a triangular distribution. Optimization of the cost function related to the inventory model is obtained considering the expected value and variance marginal stationary of the demand per unit time and stochastic programming. The proposed policy is exemplified with real-world demand data from a Chilean hospital, where the demand of products (drugs) are correlated with other products and autocorrelated. The proposed methodology shows a useful tool for administrators who must decide optimal batch sizes and their reorder points when there is a low availability of demand data and is known to have a temporal structure.
Criminological Perspectives on Homelessness

The enactment of ordinances banning behaviours associated with homelessness became widespread in the early twenty-first century. This article explores the history of such legislative strategies as well as contemporary manifestations. Further information is provided regarding explanations put forth by policy-makers, advocates, and social scientists regarding why the criminalisation of homelessness became popular. Finally, how well such policies work as well as possible alternative strategies are discussed.
Effective methods to decrease surgical site infections in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery.

Abstract Background Gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries represent a significant proportion of the surgical site infection (SSI) burden in pediatric patients, resulting in significant morbidity. Previous studies have shown that perioperative bundles reduce SSIs, but few have focused on pediatric GI operations. We hypothesized that a GI bundle would decrease SSI rates, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges. Methods After establishing baseline SSI rates, a GI bundle was created and implemented in November 2014. We prospectively collected data including demographics, procedure type, LOS, inpatient charges, bundle compliance, and SSI development. We analyzed SSI rates, LOS, and charges using process control charts. Results The baseline SSI rate for all GI operations was 3.4%, which increased to 7.1%, then decreased to 4.7%. Midgut/hindgut and stoma closure SSI rates decreased from 11.3% to 8.0% (p p p =0.015) and 12.6 to 7.9days ( p =0.04), respectively. Stoma closure charges decreased from $94,262 to $50,088 ( p =0.01). Conclusions Our perioperative GI bundle decreased SSI rates, primarily among midgut/hindgut operations. Bundle usage decreased LOS and charges most effectively in stoma closures. Type of study Prognosis Study. Level of evidence Level 2.
Through the virtual barrier: virtual prototyping and analysis with model-based systems engineering

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Vision 2025 states that advancing Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) beyond its current state of practice should include full integration with other engineering models, representation of different characteristics of a system with different models, and utilization of immersive technologies for efficient shared human understanding of systems. Accomplishing these goals would address frequent weak communication links between system users and system developers and facilitate the development of systems that are adaptable to changing operational environments. A literature review performed identified video game engines as a technology that can enable the accomplishment of INCOSE's goals, and a framework is proposed that augments the functionality and capabilities of model-based systems engineering with this technology. The initial framework prototype developed for a ground vehicle is described. This research is directly applicable to many issues that have been present in system development programs across the United States government.
Abstract 17999: Synthetic HGF-Mimetic Induces Endothelial Phenotype in Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Promotes Angiogenesis

Introduction: Although hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to increase capillary density, short half-life remains a major limiting factor for therapeutic use. The potential utility of umb...
Different Topological Quantum States in Ternary Zintl compounds: BaCaX (X = Si, Ge, Sn and Pb)

Topological quantum states require stringent combination of crystal symmetry and spin–orbit coupling (SOC) strength. Here, we report that the ternary Zintl compound series BaCaX (X = Si, Ge, Sn and Pb, Group IV) in the same crystal structure having eight valence electrons per formula unit can host two different topological quantum phases, controlled by atomic size and SOC strength. BaCaSi is a nodal-line semimetal (NLSM) with band inversion protected by mirror symmetry and hosts a strong topological insulator (TI) state when SOC is turned on, thus, a NLSM-TI phase. Moving to larger atomic sizes and heavier atoms, BaCaGe and BaCaSn are normal insulators (NIs); then, with the strongest SOC in BaCaPb, a different band inversion is induced, giving a strong TI phase without the need of NLSM. Thus, we also predict two types of topological transitions in a phase diagram for BaCaX: (1) NLSM-TI to NI, then to TI by tuning atomic size and SOC strength via alloying, and (2) NI or TI to NLSM-TI via pressure.
Stable Isotopes: Elements Other than Rare Gases

Probably the single most important conclusion resulting from the study of the isotopic composition of relatively nonvolatile meteorite elements is that the meteorites are samples of normal solar system material. This conclusion is based on the fact that, as of now, all nonvolatile elements have the same isotopic compositions in meteorites as in terrestrial and lunar samples. In fact, the recent history of isotopic investigations of meteorites is a story of anomalies discovered and anomalies lost. For a period of about five years starting in 1962 various elements in certain meteorites were reported to have isotopic compositions which differed from those found in terrestrial samples. Later, more painstaking research has invariably shown the reverse. Detailed reviews are given by Reynolds (1967) and Voshage (1968a, b). Since the publication of these papers, previously reported anomalies have been disproved for the elements Li (Gradsztajn and Guez, 1970), Mg (Schramm et al., 1970), and Ba (Eugster et al., 1969). Elements having identical isotopic compositions in meteoritic and terrestrial samples include Cr (Murthy and Sandoval, 1965), Ga (de Laeter, 1972), Mo (Wetherill, 1964) and Sn (de Laeter and Jeffery, 1967).
Equivalent Systems for Inelastic Analysis of Members Subjected to Large Deformations

The research here deals with the analysis of prismatic and nonprismatic flexible bars where their material is permitted to be stressed well beyond its elastic limit and all the way to failure. This condition of loading causes the modulus of elasticity of the material to vary along the length of the bar. Therefore, the analysis of flexible bars must take into consideration the above variation in the modulus of elasticity when large deflections and rotations are calculated. The analysis and mathematical formulation of this problem is based on the method of the equivalent systems which was developed by the first author of this research. The large deflections and rotations of the bar may be obtained for both elastic and inelastic ranges, all the way to failure, thus permitting to observe progressive deterioration of the bar’s ability to resist load, stress, and deformation.
Brachytherapy Training Survey of Radiation Oncology Residents.

Purpose As brachytherapy utilization rates decline, we sought to evaluate the state of brachytherapy training during radiation oncology residency. Methods and Materials US radiation oncology residents in the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology database were sent an online questionnaire regarding brachytherapy training. Survey questions addressed a wide array of topics, and responses were often given on a 1 to 5 Likert-type scale that reflected strength of opinion. Postgraduate year (PGY) 4/5 respondents' answers were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were generated, and rank correlation analyses (Kendall's τ coefficient and Wilcoxon signed-rank test) were used for comparisons. Results The survey was completed by 145 of 567 residents (62% being PGY4/5). Of PGY4/5 respondents, 96% (86 of 90) believed learning brachytherapy during residency was important, and 72% (65 of 90) felt their program valued brachytherapy training. Resident brachytherapy comfort varied by site, decreasing as follows: gynecologic, prostate, breast, skin. The current intracavitary 15-case minimum was believed adequate by most, but only a minority believed the 5-case interstitial minimum was adequate. Most respondents (59%) believed that caseload was the greatest barrier to achieving independence in brachytherapy. Significant support exists for American Brachytherapy Society training courses and on-the-job education to enhance training, but enthusiasm about pursuing brachytherapy fellowship training was low. Most respondents expressed confidence in developing a brachytherapy practice (54%); however, this was significantly lower than the rate of those confident in developing a stereotactic body radiation therapy/stereotactic radiosurgery program (97%) (P Conclusions Brachytherapy is an important component of residency training that is valued by residents and programs. Because caseload was the greatest perceived barrier in brachytherapy training, with confidence correlated with case volume, attempts should be made to expand opportunities for training experiences that are feasible to complete during residency.
Genetic enrichment of cereal crops via alien gene transfer: New challenges

Genetic improvement of crops has traditionally been achieved through sexual hybridization between related species, which has resulted in numerous cultivars with high yields and superior agronomic performance. Conventional plant breeding, sometimes combined with classical cytogenetic techniques, continues to be the main method of cereal crop improvement. More recently, through the introduction of new tools of biotechnology, crossing barriers have been overcome, and genes from unrelated sources have become available to be introduced asexually into plants. Cereal crops were initially difficult to genetically engineer, mainly due to their recalcitrance to in vitro regeneration and their resistance to Agrobacterium infection. Systematic screening of cultivars and explant tissues for regeneration potential, development of various DNA delivery methods and optimization of gene expression cassettes have produced transformation protocols for the major cereals, although some elite cultivars still remain recalcitrant to transformation. Most of the transgenic cereals developed for commercial purpose exhibit herbicide and/or insect resistance; traits that are often controlled by a single gene. In recent years, more complex traits, such as dough functionality in wheat and nutritional quality of rice have been improved by the use of biotechnology. The current challenges for genetic engineering of plants will be to understand and control factors causing transgene silencing, instability and rearrangement, which are often seen in transgenic plants and highly undesirable in lines to be used for crop development. Further improvement of current cereal cultivars is expected to benefit greatly from information emerging from the areas of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics.
Thermodynamics and Proton Uptake for Pepstatin Binding to Retroviral and Eukaryotic Aspartic Proteases

Aspartic proteases have been the subject of intensive physicochemical research in the areas of catalytic mechanism, three-dimensional structure, zymogen activation and substrate specificity.1,2 The important roles of various members of this family in human diseases, including hypertension,3 cancer,4 malaria5 and AIDS6 have made these enzymes the target of rational drug design efforts. Thermodynamic characterization of inhibitor binding is important for our understanding of the mechanism and energetics of enzyme-drug interactions. Recent developments in high sensitivity isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) have made it possible to obtain extensive thermodynamic information for molecular interactions.9,10 The binding of pepstatin to three aspartic proteases, endothiapepsin from Endothia parasitica, plasmepsin II from Plasmodium falciparum and cathepsin D from human liver have been characterized using this technique.7,8
Pathophysiology of Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease

Hypertension is common in CKD patients and contributes both to CKD progression and to the cardiovascular comorbidities that are frequently associated with CKD. The pivotal importance of the kidney in volume homeostasis through its sodium excretory role, RAAS regulation, sympathetic hyperactivity, endothelial dysfunction and the greater susceptibility to inflammation and oxidative stress in CKD all contribute to the pathophysiology of elevated blood pressure in patients with impaired kidney function.
Immunotherapy for Renal Carcinoma

Adenocarcinoma of the kidney may be uniquely suited for attempts at immunotherapy. The natural history of this neoplasm is unusual because these patients may have long periods of time between excision of the primary tumor and development of metastases. We have observed patients in whom the primary tumor existed for 15 to 20 years before treatment was initiated. Following removal of the primary tumor, metastases rapidly appeared. Temporary regression of metastases and long term stabilization of tumors has been described. These findings suggest the presence of immune response which is able to control the development of the tumor.
Implementing and Evaluating Serendipity in Delivering Personalized Health Information

Serendipity has been recognized to have the potential of enhancing unexpected information discovery. This study shows that decomposing the concept of serendipity into unexpectedness and interest is a useful way for implementing this concept. Experts’ domain knowledge helps in providing serendipitous recommendation, which can be further improved by adaptively incorporating users’ real-time feedback. This research also conducts an empirical user-study to analyze the influence of serendipity in a health news delivery context. A personalized filtering system named MedSDFilter was developed, on top of which serendipitous recommendation was implemented using three approaches: random, static-knowledge-based, and adaptive-knowledge-based models. The three different models were compared. The results indicate that the adaptive-knowledge-based method has the highest ability in helping people discover unexpected and interesting contents. The insights of the research will make researchers and practitioners rethink the way in which search engines and recommender systems operate to address the challenges of discovering unexpected and interesting information. The outcome will have implications for empowering ordinary people with more chances of bumping into beneficial information.
Temporal Changes in 137Cs Concentrations in Fish, Sediments, And Seawater off Fukushima Japan.

We analyzed publicly available data of Fukushima 137Cs concentrations in coastal fish, in surface and bottom waters, and in surface marine sediments and found that within the first year of the accident pelagic fish lost 137Cs at much faster rates (mean of ∼1.3% d–1) than benthic fish (mean of ∼0.1% d–1), with benthopelagic fish having intermediate loss rates (mean of ∼0.2% d–1). The loss rates of 137Cs in benthic fish in the first year were more comparable to the decline of 137Cs concentrations in sediments (0.03% d–1), and the declines in pelagic fish were more comparable to the declines in seawater. Retention patterns of 137Cs in pelagic fish were comparable to that in laboratory studies of fish in which there were no sustained 137Cs sources, whereas the benthopelagic and benthic fish species retained 137Cs to a greater extent, consistent with the idea that there is a sustained additional 137Cs source for these fish. These field data, based on 13 511 data points in which 137Cs was above the detection li...
Service users’ perspectives of child welfare services: a systematic review using the practice model as a guide

This systematic review examined qualitative literature that captured child welfare service users’ experience with child welfare services with a focus on their worker. From 45 studies, 621 helpful a...