cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A case for adapting channel width in wireless networks

We study a fundamental yet under-explored facet in wireless communication -- the width of the spectrum over which transmitters spread their signals, or the channel width. Through detailed measurements in controlled and live environments, and using only commodity 802.11 hardware, we first quantify the impact of channel width on throughput, range, and power consumption. Taken together, our findings make a strong case for wireless systems that adapt channel width. Such adaptation brings unique benefits. For instance, when the throughput required is low, moving to a narrower channel increases range and reduces power consumption; in fixed-width systems, these two quantities are always in conflict. We then present a channel width adaptation algorithm, called SampleWidth, for the base case of two communicating nodes. This algorithm is based on a simple search process that builds on top of existing techniques for adapting modulation. Per specified policy, it can maximize throughput or minimize power consumption. Evaluation using a prototype implementation shows that SampleWidth correctly identities the optimal width under a range of scenarios. In our experiments with mobility, it increases throughput by more than 60% compared to the best fixed-width configuration.
MOBILITY OF ELECTRONS IN SILVER CHLORIDE AT HIGH ELECTRIC FIELD

The mobility of electrons in specially purified AgCl crystals at high electric field has been investigated in order to clarify the scattering mechanism of fast electrons in ionic crystals. A fast-pulse technique was adopted to observe both the transient photoconductivity and the Hall mobility for photoelectrons. The experimental results show that the mobility of fast electrons at low temperatures is a decreasing function of electric field. An energy dissipation mechanism similar to the scattering due to the acoustical mode of lattice vibration is suggested for these fast electrons.
A Useful Toolbox for Genocide Research

Genocide: A Normative Account. By May Larry. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010. 283 pp., $28.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-12296-2). Genocide: A Normative Account by Larry May focuses on several normative and conceptual issues associated with the crime of genocide, including the meaning of “destruction,” the relationship between individual intent and collective action, and the role of motive in the assessment of guilt. May's ultimate and somewhat controversial goal is to create “a deflated idea of genocide” (p. 19) to enable the successful prosecution or defense of the crime. Certain flaws in his argument aside, May's study contributes constructively to the ongoing discussion in the genocide literature about the inherent difficulties associated with the international genocide statute (Drumbl 2007; Goldhagen 2009:233–261). Genocide is divided into five sections. Part A focuses on the group as the object of destruction. May relies on a nominalist conception of groups to argue that groups targeted for destruction are those which are recognizable as coherent and stable by their members and the larger society. Group cohesiveness does not rely on immutable characteristics alone, but also on the perceptions of individuals. This line of reasoning is particularly useful because it permits the inclusion of cultural and political groups long-excluded by the United Nations Genocide Convention. One of the more controversial aspects of May's study is his discussion in Part B about group destruction. May strongly contends that genocide does …
Absence of adipose differentiation related protein upregulates hepatic VLDL secretion, relieves hepatosteatosis, and improves whole body insulin resistance in leptin-deficient mice

We previously showed that adipose differentiation related protein (Adfp)-deficient mice display a 60% reduction in hepatic triglyceride (TG) content. In this study, we investigated the role of ADFP in lipid and glucose homeostasis in a genetic obesity model, Lepob/ob mice. We bred Adfp−/− mice with Lepob/ob mice to create Lepob/ob/Adfp−/− and Lepob/ob/Adfp+/+ mice and analyzed the hepatic lipids, lipid droplet (LD) morphology, LD protein composition and distribution, lipogenic gene expression, and VLDL secretion, as well as insulin sensitivity of the two groups of mice. Compared with Lepob/ob/Adfp+/+ mice, Lepob/ob/Adfp−/− mice displayed an increased VLDL secretion rate, a 25% reduction in hepatic TG associated with improvement in fatty liver grossly and microscopically with a change of the size of LDs in a proportion of the hepatocytes and a redistribution of major LD-associated proteins from the cytoplasmic compartment to the LD surface. There was no detectable change in lipogenic gene expression. Lepob/ob/Adfp−/− mice also had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in both liver and muscle. The alteration of LD size in the liver of Lepob/ob/Adfp−/− mice despite the relocation of other LDPs to the LD indicates a nonredundant role for ADFP in determining the size and distribution of hepatic LDs.
The pathologist in tortland: when is ignorance about "med-mal" rational, when is it unavoidable, and when is it a problem to be corrected?

In this issue of the Journal , Allen et al1 present the results of a study that asked pathologist volunteers to evaluate a series of pathology malpractice cases (so-called med-mal cases). Based on their evaluation, the volunteers answered two very different questions about each case. First, the pathologists rated the defendant’s care on a scale extending from “correct” to “not correct.” Next, they predicted whether the jury found for or against the pathologist. There was a high level of disagreement among the pathologists themselves and between the pathologists and the juries. These disagreements led the authors to their major conclusion that there is a “clear need for additional education” of pathologists about various aspects of the legal system. In this editorial, I discuss some of the issues raised by Allen et al.1 Sometimes I disagree with their point of view, but the reader should understand that most of the interesting topics in law are, and will remain, subject to various equally valid interpretations. Although determining whether we provided the patient with the standard of care is theoretically central to the legal evaluation of our diagnoses, this phrase is virtually never encountered in medical practice. Surgeons do not send out tissue for a “standard of care frozen section.” We do know that pathologists have a near obsession with the difference between the “right” and “wrong” answer, and we have our own methods to distinguish between the two. However, when we conclude that a diagnosis is wrong, it is an error—not below the standard of care. It might be tempting to dismiss this as nothing more than different terminology used by different professions to describe the same thing. However, despite some similarities, physicians who have had any contact with the legal system recognize that meeting or not meeting a standard …
A proposed model for managing local area networks and measuring their effectiveness

Key issues related to managing local area networks and controlling their effectiveness are addressed. A LAN management model was developed based on preliminary interviews with network managers and administrators as well as current literature. The model, which recommends team support from the planning stage through the expansion stage, may serve as the basis for future research. The ultimate goal of such research would be to provide organizations with a tool to facilitate not only successful implementation and maintenance of LANs but also strategies necessary to measure the effectiveness of LAN installations. Measuring effectiveness may also contribute to decisions about modification or expansion of existing LANs. >
A small rectangular Edge Localized Mode control coil design able to withstand a 400°C environment

Recently, an Edge Localized Mode (ELM) control coil was developed for use on the DIII-D tokamak. The coil design represented a significant challenge due primarily to the requirement for the coil insulation to withstand bakeout temperatures of 400°C for extended periods. This requirement ruled out most common organic insulating systems and necessitated a significant prototyping and development effort, leading to the selection of an advanced high temperature glass/polyimide resin system. The development included developing a heating mechanism that provided the discrete temperature ramp cycles and cure cycles required by this exotic resin. To complicate matters, the resin had a limited shelf life. Additionally the coil was small and rectangular in shape with rather small corner radii. This created a corner buildup that was not previously encountered and made dimensional control difficult. Another unique design requirement was the need to apply a sufficient internal pre-load to the wound and cured coil to insure there will be no relative motion between the coil and the Inconel case due to Lorentz forces from the 4 Tesla toroidal field on the vessel center post. This led to development of very unique leaf springs and a significant research and development effort coupled with an equally arduous finite element analysis effort. A satisfactory prototype was produced. This paper will focus primarily on the manufacturing challenges and discuss the prototyping effort.
Structure, activity, and regulation of the bovine papillomavirus E5 gene and its transforming protein product.

Transfected bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV) DNA can induce tumorigenic transformation of C127 cells, an established line of mouse cells (Dvoretsky et al. 1980; Lowy et al. 1980). By assaying the activity of constructed viral mutants, we and others have shown that an intact E5 gene is required for efficient C127 cell focus formation (DiMaio et al. 1986; Groff and Lancaster 1986; Rabson et al. 1986). Moreover, expression of the E5 gene in the absence of all other BPV genes is sufficient to induce focus formation (Schiller et al. 1986; Yang et al. 1985; Horwitz et al. 1988). Detailed mutational and biochemical analysis of this gene indicates that translation of the portion of open reading frame (ORF) E5 downstream of the first methionine codon results in the synthesis of a 7K polypeptide required for efficient transformation (DiMaio et al. 1986; Schlegel et al. 1986; Burkhardt et al. 1987).
Matching The International Federation Of Accountants International Education Guideline 11 To AIS Textbooks: An Examination Of The Current State Of Topic Coverage

The challenges for professors teaching the AIS course are numerous as the breadth of information technology [IT] topics to be covered continues to expand, leaving the question of which topics are of most importance. For the majority of AIS professors, the AIS text is the primary guide on these decisions. This paper reviews the contents of eleven well-regarded AIS texts through the framework of the IT knowledge components suggested by the International Federation of Accountants [IFAC]. The findings suggest that current AIS texts are addressing many of the IFAC broad areas of knowledge, although with varying emphasis on selected topics. The analysis presented here will be useful in determining not only which text may best fit the AIS professors needs, but also in identifying when supplemental materials may be required to provide additional topic coverage.
Image translation for single-shot focal tomography

Focus and depth of field are conventionally addressed by adjusting longitudinal lens position. More recently, combinations of deliberate blur and computational processing have been used to extend depth of field. Here we show that dynamic control of transverse and longitudinal lens position can be used to decode focus and extend depth of field without degrading static resolution. Our results suggest that optical image stabilization systems may be used for autofocus, extended depth of field, and 3D imaging.
Total energy costs of 3 Tabata-type calisthenic squatting routines: Isometric, Isotonic and Jump

Introduction: We examined the total energy costs – aerobic and anaerobic, exercise and recovery – of three Tabata-style squat routines: isotonic, isometric and plyometric (jump). Our intent was to determine which format elicited the greatest overall cost. Materials and Methods: Four male and three female subjects volunteered (23.7 ± 2.6 years, 170.1 ± 10.3 cm, 68.2 ± 14.6 kg). Isotonic and jump squats were completed in 20 second bouts at a cadence of 2 seconds per squat (10 repetitions each) followed by 10 seconds of recovery; isometric squats were held for the entirety of each 20 second exercise period followed by 10 seconds of recovery – exercise and recovery bouts were repeated 8 times for a total of 4 minutes. Results and Discussion: Jump squats had the greatest overall energy cost at 160.7 ± 56 kJ (38.4 ± 13.4 kcal) followed by isotonic squats at 112.4 ± 24 kJ (26.9 ± 5.7 kcal) ; there was no statistical difference between the two. Isometric squats at 62.4 ± 6 kJ (14.9 ± 1.4 kcal) were significantly lower than both isotonic and jump squats (p < 0.05). From an exercise program design standpoint isometric exercises do not appear to represent an appropriate format when attempting to maximize energy costs.
Karenia brevis blooms on the West Florida Shelf: A comparative study of the robust 2012 bloom and the nearly null 2013 event

Harmful algal blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis require an upwelling circulation to manifest along the coastline of the West Florida Continental Shelf. Too much upwelling, however, can impede bloom formation by increasing inorganic nutrient levels to the point where faster growing phytoplankton such as diatoms may out-compete the slower growing K. brevis, as occurred in 1998 and 2010. Both 2012 and 2013 experienced persistent upwelling, but only 2012 exhibited a robust harmful algal bloom. Here we examine the subtle differences in the coastal ocean circulation between those two years that led to the disparate bloom evolutions.
AspectDroid: Android App Analysis System

The growing threat to user privacy related to Android applications (apps) has tremendously increased the need for more reliable and accessible app analysis systems. This paper presents AspectDroid, an application-level system designed to investigate Android applications for possible unwanted activities. AspectDroid is comprised of app instrumentation, automated testing and containment systems. By using static bytecode instrumentation, The growing threat to user privacy related to Android applications (apps) has tremendously increased the need for more reliable and accessible app analysis systems. This paper presents AspectDroid, an application-level system designed to investigate Android applications for possible unwanted activities. AspectDroid is comprised of app instrumentation, automated testing and containment systems. By using static bytecode instrumentation, AspectDroid weaves monitoring code into an existing application and provides data flow and sensitive API usage as well as dynamic instrumentation capabilities. The newly repackaged app is then executed either manually or via an automated testing module. Finally, the flexible containment provided by AspectDroid adds a layer of protection so that malicious activities can be prevented from affecting other devices. The accuracy score of AspectDroid when tested on 105 DroidBench corpus shows it can detect tagged data with 95.29\%. We further tested our system on 100 real malware families from the Drebin dataset \cite{drebin2014}. The result of our analysis showed AspectDroid incurs approximately 1MB average total memory size overhead and 5.9\% average increase in CPU-usage.
Optical Strong Coupling between near-Infrared Metamaterials and Intersubband Transitions in III-Nitride Heterostructures

We present the design, realization, and characterization of optical strong light–matter coupling between intersubband transitions within a semiconductor heterostructures and planar metamaterials in the near-infrared spectral range. The strong light–matter coupling entity consists of a III-nitride intersubband superlattice heterostructure, providing a two-level system with a transition energy of ∼0.8 eV (λ ∼1.55 μm) and a planar “dogbone” metamaterial structure. As the bare metamaterial resonance frequency is varied across the intersubband resonance, a clear anticrossing behavior is observed in the frequency domain. This strongly coupled entity could enable the realization of electrically tunable optical filters, a new class of efficient nonlinear optical materials, or intersubband-based light-emitting diodes.
The temporal dynamics of reversal learning: P3 amplitude predicts valence-specific behavioral adjustment

Adapting behavior to dynamic stimulus-reward contingences is a core feature of reversal learning and a capacity thought to be critical to socio-emotional behavior. Impairment in reversal learning has been linked to multiple psychiatric outcomes, including depression, Parkinson's disorder, and substance abuse. A recent influential study introduced an innovative laboratory reversal-learning paradigm capable of disentangling the roles of feedback valence and expectancy. Here, we sought to use this paradigm in order to examine the time-course of reward and punishment learning using event-related potentials among a large, representative sample (N=101). Three distinct phases of processing were examined: initial feedback evaluation (reward positivity, or RewP), allocation of attention (P3), and sustained processing (late positive potential, or LPP). Results indicate a differential pattern of valence and expectancy across these processing stages: the RewP was uniquely related to valence (i.e., positive vs. negative feedback), the P3 was uniquely associated with expectancy (i.e., unexpected vs. expected feedback), and the LPP was sensitive to both valence and expectancy (i.e., main effects of each, but no interaction). The link between ERP amplitudes and behavioral performance was strongest for the P3, and this association was valence-specific. Overall, these findings highlight the potential utility of the P3 as a neural marker for feedback processing in reversal-based learning and establish a foundation for future research in clinical populations.
Error catastrophe and phase transition in the empirical fitness landscape of HIV.

We have translated clinical sequence databases of the p6 HIV protein into an empirical fitness landscape quantifying viral replicative capacity as a function of the amino acid sequence. We show that the viral population resides close to a phase transition in sequence space corresponding to an ``error catastrophe'' beyond which there is lethal accumulation of mutations. Our model predicts that the phase transition may be induced by drug therapies that elevate the mutation rate, or by forcing mutations at particular amino acids. Applying immune pressure to any combination of killer T-cell targets cannot induce the transition, providing a rationale for why the viral protein can exist close to the error catastrophe without sustaining fatal fitness penalties due to adaptive immunity.
AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PSEUDOELASTIC HYSTERESIS DAMPING CHARACTERISTICS OF NICKEL TITANIUM SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY WIRES

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the pseudoelastic hysteresis damping characteristics of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The comprehensive study examines the effects of cycling, oscillation frequency, strain amplitude, temperature, and static strain offset on the pseudoelastic stressstrain hysteresis of SMA wires under axial loading. Experimental data is obtained for complete austenite-martensite transformation hysteresis as well as partial transformation hysteresis. The results indicate that as the frequency of excitation increases, the reverse transformation commences at higher stress levels, and the area of the hysteresis loop decreases. This results in a rapid initial decrease in energy dissipation, but approaches a stable level by about 10 Hz. The energy dissipation at 10 Hz was found to be about 50% of that observed at very low frequencies. The energy dissipated at higher temperatures was found to be up to 40% lower than that observed at 90°F.
Effects of Inclusions and Porosity on the Indentation Response

A combined numerical and experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effect of microstructural heterogeneity on indentation response. Finite element analyses were carried out to simulate the stress-strain behavior and the indentation response of two model heterogeneous systems: one with hard particles embedded within a soft matrix and the other with a pore-containing ductile material. For the particle-containing system, the indentation response consistently overestimates the overall strength of the composite. This is largely due to the localized increase in particle concentration directly underneath the indent. For the porous system, the indentation response consistently underestimates the overall strength due to the pore-crushing effect. Experiments on metal-ceramic composites confirmed the non-correspondence between the indentation and stress-strain responses, even when the indent size is much greater than the microstructural feature size. Implications of the present findings in utilizing indentation to quantify surface mechanical properties are discussed.
From exchanges to relationships: A reconceptualization of the marketing paradigm

This article explores three key questions regarding the “new-old.” concept of relationship marketing. The question of “what.” is answered by recognizing a firm’s need to keep rather than simply acquire customers through mutually beneficial, interactive networks. The question “why.” focuses on the bottom line and, again, the mutually beneficial character of relationships. The question of “how.” identifies three key components for implementation: selective acquisition of customers, designing value propositions, and individualized or customized attention. Thus, the focus should not be on the exchange process, rather it must be on developing and perpetuating relationships. As a consequence, marketing practitioners and theorists must reevaluate the strategies used in the attempt to secure a successful presence in the marketplace.
Abstract 2371: Arid4b is a potential breast cancer progression modifier gene

Our laboratory9s research focuses on the role of host genetics in breast cancer metastasis. The MMTV-PyMT mouse model exhibits varying metastatic efficiency to the lungs when transgenic mice in an FVB background are bred to other strains such as DBA and AKR. Combining quantitative measurement of metastasis with genetic mapping studies of the AKXD recombinant inbred panel of mice has allowed us to determine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that affect metastatic efficiency. My work has focused on the potential role of Arid4b in breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Arid4b is a component of the mSin3a histone deacetylase complex that has a known role in breast cancer progression and is a candidate gene underlying a metastasis QTL peak we have identified on mouse chromosome 13. In two independent mouse breast cancer cell lines, Met-1 and PyMT-luc, stable expression of the AKR (high metastatic strain) allele caused significantly larger primary tumor growth than the DBA (low metastatic strain) allele following orthotopic implantation into the mammary fat pads of syngeneic hosts. In Met-1 cells we detected lung surface metastases in the AKR cohort but not in the DBA cohort. We are in the process of performing functional analyses to determine a mechanism of action whereby Arid4b polymorphisms influence tumorigenesis and metastasis. Sequencing has revealed a high density of non-synonymous SNPs between the AKR and DBA alleles in exon 22, which encodes a C-terminal region of the Arid4b protein that is known to mediate interaction with the mSin3a HDAC complex. We are currently using co-IPs and proteomics strategies, such as tandem affinity purification, to identify proteins that bind differentially to the AKR or DBA Arid4b proteins. Arid4b is also alternately spliced and cells ectopically expressing the shorter isoform 2 formed significantly larger tumors in our orthotopic model compared to cells expressing the full-length isoform 1. Interestingly, the alternately spliced exon encodes part of a conserved Chromodomain, which is known to mediate binding of other Chromodomain containing proteins such as HP1 to modified histone tails. Western blots using an Ab specific for dimethylated histone H3 lysine 27 suggest a potential role of Arid4b in modifying chromatin structure. It is likely that both the alternate splicing of the Chromo domain and the allelic variation in the C-terminal domain modulate the epigenetic influence of Arid4b on tumorigenesis and metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2371.
Association of Markers of Intravascular Cellular Interaction with Carotid Intima Medial Thickness in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: Increases in carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) reflect unwanted intravascular cellular interactions and activations and increased risk of stroke. This study aimed to evaluate intera...
“But What About Feminist Porn?” Examining the Work of Tristan Taormino

This article examines the work of Tristan Taormino, a prominent self-described feminist pornographer, in order to illustrate themes and commitments common among those who produce, perform in, and/or support feminist pornography. I argue that her work is burdened by thin and limited conceptions of feminism, authenticity, and sexual ethics, as well as by the profit-based exigencies of producing “feminist porn” within the mainstream pornography industry. I conclude that, if indeed feminist pornography is possible, Taormino’s work falls far short of the mark. Public Health Significance Statement: This study suggests that Taormino’s pornographic films are unlikely to have salutary effects on the sexual and relational lives of their consumers.
38 IMPROVEMENT IN FATIGUE IN FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME WITH PROVIGIL (MODAFINIL) TREATMENT: REPORT OF THREE CASES AND DISCUSSION.

Introduction Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder characterized by widespread muscloskeletal pain, stiffness, nonrestorative sleep, and fatigue. These patients have significant and unremitting fatigue, but currently none of the available medicines work well for its treatment. Modafinil has been used in other chronic syndromes associated with fatigue, such as multiple sclerosis and a few cases of FMS. Its use is indicated in narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), and it is used as an adjunctive therapy for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Case Series We used modafinil in three patients with FMS who had severe fatigue and report our experience here. All of the patients in this series were females (ages 53, 58, and 63 years), met 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FMS, and had severe/disabling fatigue. Modafinil was initially started at 100 mg/d in the morning and subsequently increased to 200 mg/d. Two of the three patients had an excellent improvement of fatigue and one had moderate improvement as measured by the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) performed serially at 0-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. In the first patient, fatigue decreased from 10/10 to 3 and 2 on VAS at 3 and 6 months and was followed for 24 months. In the second patient, fatigue decreased from 10/10 to 1 and 2 at 3 and 6 months on the VAS and was followed for 18 months. In the third patient, fatigue decreased from 9/10 to 5 and 6 at 3 and 6 months on the VAS and was followed for 12 months. This improvement also translated into better overall well-being and functional status of these patients by their history and as measured by MDHAQ. All three patients were on modafinil 200 mg/d, with an average duration of follow-up of 18 months. Conclusion This case series suggests that modafinil may be a pharmacologic option in the treatment of fatigue associated with FMS and may prove useful in treating this disabling and difficult to treat symptom. Further studies should be done to confirm the preliminary findings of this case series and other case reports.
Pre-assessment of occupational hazards in the project of lubricating grease production

Objective To identify,analyze and assess the occurrence of possible occupational disease risk factors and degree in the construction project,confirm occupational disease hazards classification,and provide scientific evidences for health administration examination and approval to the project.Methods The assessment was carried out by using combination of check lists and analogy.Results The main disease risk factors that might exist in the construction project were NMHC,xylene,ethylbenzene,dipheny lamine,calcium hydroxide,lithium hydroxide,boric acid,dodecyl phenol,dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether,carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,nitrogen dioxide,sodium hydroxide,dust,noise and high temperature.Analogy detection results of NMHC,xylene and benzene all met the requirements of occupational exposure limits,CTWA of NMHC was less than 0.2 mg/m3,CTWA of xylene was less than 3.3 mg/m3,CTWA of benzene was less than 0.6 mg/m3.The items including the selection of site,overall layout,protective measures of occupational disease,personal protective equipments,the management system on industrial hygiene and emergency rescue measures accorded with the hygiene requirements.The construction project was classified as an ordinary occupational hazard project.Conclusion The occupational risk factors in this project can be prevented and controlled.The project is feasible.
Do Community Supported Agriculture programmes encourage change to food lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes? New evidence from shareholders

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programmes have recently received attention for their potential to influence food lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes, though studies have mostly drawn fr...
A framework for verification of SystemC TLM programs with model slicing: a case study

In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of model slicing to provide assurance about correctness of SystemC TLM programs. The need for such assurance is important since SystemC has become a de-facto standard for building systems with hardware/software co-design. Existing approaches that enable one to transform the given SystemC TLM program into an UPPAAL model that can be verified suffer from models that result in state space explosion. This problem becomes even more complex when verifying fault-tolerance. Model slicing has the potential to provide a solution to this problem. Therefore, we focus on developing a model slicer that extends existing work on model slicing and combines it with tools to generate UPPAAL models from SystemC TLM programs and tools to add the impact of faults to those UP-PAAL models. The experimental results show that with the proposed framework, the designer is capable of verifying even very complex SystemC TLM models, which would have been impossible without the proposed approach.
Vaginal pessaries for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in elderly women.

Purpose of review Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common clinical condition that is highly prevalent in the geriatric female population. The condition can have substantial negative influence on multiple symptom and quality-of-life parameters. There are various treatment options for POP, including observation, pessary placement, and surgical treatments with either vaginal reconstruction or colpocleisis resulting in vaginal vault closure. This review examines current literature about pessary use for treatment of POP in elderly women. Recent findings Pessary use appears to be successful for many women and is often associated with improvements in various clinical parameters, including decreased sensation of vaginal bulge and enhanced quality of life. Some patients may experience improvements in bladder or bowel symptoms, although a small percentage may develop new urinary incontinence, constipation, or other defecation problems. Complications of pessary use are generally minor and can usually be successfully treated with targeted therapy such as vaginal estrogen supplementation. Continuity of clinical care is important to help maintain clinical success and prevent potential complications. Summary Pessaries are a viable conservative form of treatment for POP for many older women. Pessary use can lead to substantial improvements in quality of life and other clinical outcomes in geriatric patients.
Remembering To Forget: Holocaust Memory Throughthe Camera’s Eye

(2000). Remembering To Forget: Holocaust Memory Throughthe Camera’s Eye. American Journalism: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 131-133.
Racial Segregation: The Impact of Monthly Contract Rent and Family Income

The socioeconomic model of racial segregation is evaluated in terms of the impact of monthly contract rent and family income on the housing patterns of blacks and nonblacks. On the basis of 1970 census tract data for four metropolitan areas--Newark, Detroit, Dallas and San Francisco-Oakland--the analysis is carried out using Taeuber's index of dissimilarity and the method of indirect standardization. The results indicate that the socioeconomic model helps to explain racial segregation when rent differences between blacks and nonblacks are analyzed as the cause. Analysis by family income, however, indicates that for many black families the problem is not that they lack the income to rent higher priced apartments outside minority neighborhoods. It is suggested that the apartment rental industry may have continued to guide many black families into minority or changing neighborhoods. The article concludes with a critique of Taeuber's methods. His approach is limited by its inability to efficiently examine the simultaneous effects of several important independent variables. It is common knowledge that black-nonblack segregation is universally high and persistent in American metropolitan areas (Taeuber and Taeuber, 1965; Kantrowitz, 1973; Hermalin and Farley, 1973). There are a number of research questions as to the major factors perpetuating this residential pattern. In dealing with these questions, two models-socioeconomic and racial--have been proposed as alternative ways of explaining racial segregation (see Taeuber and Taeuber, 1964: 378; Darroch and Marston, 1971; Roof, VanValey and Spain, 1976; Guest and Weed, 1976). The intent of this research is to present empirical data which shows that the socioeconomic model helps to explain racial segregation when rent differences between blacks and nonblacks are analyzed as the
Dynamic conductivity of proppant-filled fractures

Abstract A common challenge in matching the production from hydraulically fractured wells is related to changes in conductivity of propped fractures due to changes in the stress configuration. In this paper, we investigate the dynamic nature of fracture conductivity, by evaluating the permeability and width of a propped fracture segment at variable differential stress conditions. We combine the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Lattice Boltzmann Model (LBM) to simulate the evolution of a fracture segment filled with proppant and to evaluate the related fracture conductivity at various stress states. An ensemble of spherical proppant particles is generated and compacted under a specified confining stress via DEM to generate an initial propped fracture segment. A representative elementary volume (REV) of the proppant pack is then extracted from the DEM representation and used for fluid flow simulations. LBM is used to calculate the detailed single-phase flow field, at the pore-scale, and allows for calculation of permeability. In-situ conditions are then simulated by applying confining and differential stress on the REV via DEM. The differential stress is gradually increased on the REV, to simulate a reduction in the pore pressure due to production, until the formation of shear band(s) is observed and fracture failure begins. Permeability of the proppant pack, from LBM simulations, combined with the fracture aperture, from DEM simulations at different differential stress levels, allow us to determine the dynamic conductivity of the propped fracture segment. From a range of proppant-size distributions, we demonstrate that a well-graded proppant pack outperforms a poorly graded pack in maintaining the fracture conductivity over a broader range of differential stress conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a well-graded proppant pack keeps the fracture segment open over a larger range of differential stress states.
Pseudozyma and other non-Candida opportunistic yeast bloodstream infections in a large stem cell transplant center.

Introduction Non-Candida opportunistic yeasts are emerging causes of bloodstream infection (BSI) in immunocompromised hosts. However, their clinical presentation, management, and outcomes in stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients are not well described. Case report and review We report the first case to our knowledge of Pseudozyma BSI in a SCT recipient. He had evidence of cutaneous involvement, which has not been previously described in the literature. He became infected while neutropenic and receiving empiric micafungin, which is notable because Pseudozyma is reported to be resistant to echinocandins. He was successfully treated with the sequential use of liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole. Review of the literature revealed 9 reported instances of Pseudozyma fungemia. Retrospective cohort We performed a retrospective review of 3557 SCT recipients at our institution from January 2000 to June 2015 and identified 4 additional cases of non-Candida yeast BSIs. These include two with Cryptococcus, one with Trichosporon, and one with Saccharomyces. Conclusion Pseudozyma and other non-Candida yeasts are emerging pathogens that can cause severe and disseminated infections in SCT recipients and other immunocompromised hosts. Clinicians should have a high degree of suspicion for echinocandin-resistant yeasts, if patients develop breakthrough yeast BSIs while receiving echinocandin therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Two-fluid biasing simulations of the large plasma device

External biasing of the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) and its impact on plasma flows and turbulence are explored for the first time in 3D simulations using the Global Braginskii Solver code. Without external biasing, the LAPD plasma spontaneously rotates in the ion diamagnetic direction. The application of a positive bias increases the plasma rotation in the simulations, which show the emergence of a coherent Kelvin Helmholtz (KH) mode outside of the cathode edge with poloidal mode number m ≃ 6 . Negative biasing reduces the rotation in the simulations, which exhibit KH turbulence modestly weaker than but otherwise similar to unbiased simulations. Biasing either way, but especially positively, forces the plasma potential inside the cathode edge to a spatially constant, KH-stable profile, leading to a more quiescent core plasma than the unbiased case. A moderate increase in plasma confinement and an associated steepening of the profiles are seen in the biasing runs. The simulations thus show that the applicat...
Five-year trajectories of financial recovery in low-income breast cancer survivors.

9597 Background: Breast cancer may have devastating consequences on the financial stability of low-income families due to its impact on employment and limited duration of emergency Medicaid coverag...
Statin use and hip fractures in U.S. kidney transplant recipients

Basic and translational research supports beneficial effects of statins on bone metabolism. Clinical studies suggest that statin use may reduce the risk of hip fractures in the general population. Whether statin use is associated with hip fracture risk in kidney transplant recipients, a particularly high-risk group for this outcome, is unknown. From the U.S. Renal Data System (2007–2011), we identified all hip fracture events recorded in Medicare billing claims of first-time kidney transplant recipients. We then matched all cases to an unlimited number of controls on age (±3 years), sex, race (black vs. non-black), and time since transplant. Cases and controls were required to have >1 year of Medicare Parts A + B + D coverage and be without a recorded history of hip fracture. We ascertained any statin use in the previous year and defined adherent statin use as those who had filled prescriptions for statins to cover >80% of days in that year (proportion of days covered, PDC). We ascertained several potential confounders (demographics, comorbidities, BMI, transplant-related factors) and applied conditional logistic regression with multiple imputation for missing data to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 231 hip fracture cases (mean age 51.8 years; 53% female; 11.3% black; 6.9 years from transplant, and 9.9 years from ESRD) and 15,575 matched controls. Any prior statin use was present in 64.1% of cases and 60.3% of controls with 37.2% of cases and 33.9% of controls being found adherent. Unadjusted conditional logistic regression showed an OR of 1.17 (0.89-1.54) for any statin use, and a fully-adjusted OR of 0.89 (0.67-1.19). Compared with statin non-users, the adjusted OR for patients with lesser adherence (PDC ≤80%) and those with greater adherence (PDC >80%) were 0.93 (0.66-1.31) and 0.87 (0.63-1.20), respectively. Statin use was not associated with hip fracture risk in first-time kidney transplant recipients.
1.24 Degradable Polymers

This chapter reviews the working principles of biodegradable polymers and their medical applications using poly(lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA) copolymers and poly(phosphoester)s (PPE) as examples. From a structure-to-function relationship standpoint, we explore degradation behavior, drug release kinetics, and effects of length scales. As the device shrinks from the macro- to micro- and then to the nanoscale, the structure–property relationship of PLGAs may differ, which may impact their applications. After a brief review of the PLGAs, we discuss PPEs in comparison. Due to the pentavalency of phosphorous, the physicochemical properties of PPEs can be independently varied with respect to their backbone or side-chain structure. This affords a wealth of chemical structures and a greater variety of functionalities that can be applied to drug and gene delivery as well as tissue engineering. We again concentrate on the structure–property relationship of these polymers and their performance across different length scales. It is our hope that this focused review can offer a glimpse of the working principles and vast potential of biodegradable polymers in medicine.
Assessment of disease aggression in cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A CT and pathology correlation study.

Abstract Background/Objectives: There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding the clinical significance of cystic components in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). This may be related to differences in the identification of cystic NET through imaging and/or pathology. Tumors may also be microscopically or macroscopically cystic. Our primary objective is to determine radiology-pathology correlation for the identification of cystic components. Our secondary objective is to determine if cystic components are associated with indices of tumor aggression. Methods 60 tumors with correlative surgical pathology were assessed retrospectively for cystic components on CT and pathology. Tumor was categorized as solid or cystic on CT and pathology. If cystic on pathology, cystic components were categorized as macroscopic or microscopic. Cystic components were estimated as Results There is moderate agreement between CT and histology for presence of cystic components. Discrepancies were mostly attributable to the presence of microscopic cystic components in tumors appearing solid on CT. There was no difference in size between cystic and solid tumors on CT or pathology. No association between CT-determined cystic components and tumor grade was found. Tumors with cystic components (cystic by CT, and macroscopically cystic by pathology) demonstrated less association with metastases than solid tumors. Conclusions Cystic components, comprising ≥50% of the tumor by CT and observed macroscopically on pathology, are associated with less aggressive disease.
"Futile Care"-An Emergency Medicine Approach: Ethical and Legal Considerations.

Futility often serves as a proposed reason for withholding or withdrawing medical treatment, even in the face of patient and family requests. Although there is substantial literature describing the meaning and use of futility, little of it is specific to emergency medicine. Furthermore, the literature does not provide a widely accepted definition of futility, and thus is difficult if not impossible to apply. Some argue that even a clear concept of futility would be inappropriate to use. This article will review the origins of and meanings suggested for futility, specific challenges such cases create in the emergency department (ED), and the relevant legal background. It will then propose an approach to cases of perceived futility that is applicable in the ED and does not rely on unilateral decisions to withhold treatment, but rather on avoiding and resolving the conflicts that lead to physicians' believing that patients are asking them to provide "futile" care.
Fusion of Bilateral Lower-Limb Neuromechanical Signals Improves Prediction of Locomotor Activities

Wearable lower-limb assistive devices have the potential to dramatically improve the walking ability of millions of individuals with gait impairments. However, most control systems for these devices do not enable smooth transitions between locomotor activities because they cannot continuously predict the user's intended movements. Intent recognition is an alternative control strategy that uses patterns of signals detected before movement completion to predict future states. This strategy has already enabled amputees to walk and transition seamlessly and intuitively between activities (e.g., level ground, stairs, ramps) using control signals from mechanical sensors embedded in the prosthesis and muscles of their residual limb. Walking requires interlimb coordination because the leading and trailing legs have distinct biomechanical functions. For unilaterally-impaired individuals, these differences tend to be amplified because they develop asymmetric gait patterns; however, state-of-the-art intent recognition approaches have not been systematically applied to bilateral neuromechanical control signals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of including contralateral side signals for control in an intent recognition framework. First, we conducted an offline analysis using signals from bilateral lower-limb electromyography (EMG) and joint and limb kinematics recorded from 10 able-bodied subjects as they freely transitioned between level ground, stairs, and ramps without an assistive device. We hypothesized that including information from the contralateral side would reduce classification errors. Compared to ipsilateral sensors only, bilateral sensor fusion significantly reduced error rates; moreover, only one additional sensor from the contralateral side was needed to achieve a significant reduction in error rates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically investigate using simultaneously recorded bilateral lower-limb neuromechanical signals for intent recognition. These results provide a device-agnostic benchmark for intent recognition with bilateral neuromechanical signals and suggest that bilateral sensor fusion can be a simple but effective modular strategy for enhancing the control of lower-limb assistive devices. Finally, we provide preliminary offline results from one above-knee amputee walking with a powered leg prosthesis as a proof-of-concept for the generalizability and benefit of using bilateral sensor fusion to control an assistive device for an impaired population.