cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the right side of Einstein's equation

Every story has two sides and so does any good equation. Recent developments in observational cosmology have led to attempts to make modifications on both sides of the Einstein equation to explain some of the puzzling new findings. The work described here is concerned with an examination of the source of gravity that we usually find on the right-hand side of Einstein's equation. My aim is to describe a modified version of the stress-energy tensor that is the source of the gravitational field. The derivation is based on the kinetic theory of a gas of identical particles with no internal structure. The presentation here is in two parts. In Part I, I describe the stress tensor that Xinzhong Chen and I have proposed for the matter tensor for a nonrelativistic gas with input from Hongling Rao and Jean-Luc Thiffeault. Our derivation of the equations of fluid dynamics is based on kinetic theory and without recourse to the standard Chapman–Enskog approximation. The nonrelativistic treatment reveals the underlying physics clearly and it facilitates comparison with experimental results on acoustic propagation. Further, it provides a setting for a Newtonian cosmology, which remains a topic of some interest. I regret though that there is room only for the relativistic version of cosmology here. In Part II, I derive the stress-energy tensor in the relativistic case in a similar manner and exhibit its application to the usual isotropic cosmological model. The surprising result of that discussion is that, in addition to the Friedmann solution, we find a second solution that arises from terms that the usual Chapman–Enskog approximation discards. The new solution is a temporal analogue of a spatial shock wave. Just as the usual shock waves make transitions in properties within a mean free path, the new solution can change its properties in a mean flight time. Whereas the Friedmann solution is not dissipative, the new solution produces entropy at a rate that may be of cosmological interest. For the calculation of cosmic entropy production I work in the ultrarelativistic limit in which particle masses are negligible. A stability calculation to decide whether and when the new solution may be realized has yet to be done since the microphysics seems so uncertain.
Representing Biological Processes in Modular Action Language ALM

This paper presents the formalization of a biological process, cell division, in modular action languageALM. We show how the features ofALM—modularity, separation between an uninterpreted theory and its interpretation—lead to a simple and elegant solution that can be used in answering questions from biology textbooks.
Microstructure and properties of random heterogeneous materials: A review of theoretical results

We present an overview of some theoretical results that have been obtained to rigorously bound the effective conductivity and effective elastic moduli of random heterogeneous materials. These bounds are obtained through the appropriate use of integrals over certain microstructure functions that capture essential morphological information about random materials. Such a characterization has been obtained analytically for several models, including fully penetrable spheres, totally impenetrable spheres, and the cherry-pit model. These analytical techniques-characterizing the microstructure and using this information to bound the effective properties-will undoubtedly be useful in obtaining sharper bounds on the effective properties of polymers. While we present some advanced ideas and methods, an attempt will be been made to elucidate these methods for the nonexpert.
Finite-Rate Diffusion-Controlled Reaction in a Vortex

Abstract The influence of a vortex on a gaseous diffusion reaction is examined. The vortex is taken to be two dimensional, and the species are initially assumed to occupy adjacent half spaces. In the flame-sheet limit, thermal expansion and the effects of variable diffusion are taken into account. A global similarity solution exists for this problem, and a simple expression for the solution is determined in the asymptotic limit of large Schmidt number. The problem is also analyzed for finite-rate chemistry, appropriate for an isothermal, bimolecular reaction. The problem depends upon three parameters, Reynolds number, Schmidt number and the equivalence ratio, with the Damkohler number equal to the dimensionless time. The structure of the reaction region normal to the flame front is examined as a function of time. The evolution of the reaction to a state relation, dependent only upon the mixture-fraction variable, is demonstrated as the Damkohler number becomes large.
Effects of high fire frequency in creosote bush scrub vegetation of the Mojave Desert

Plant invasions can increase fire frequency in desert ecosystems where fires were historically infrequent. Although there are many resource management concerns associated with high frequency fire in deserts, fundamental effects on plant community characteristics remain largely unstudied. Here I describe the effects of fire frequency on creosote bush scrub vegetation in the Mojave Desert, USA. Biomass of the invasive annual grass Bromus rubens L. increased following fire, but did not increase further with additional fires. In contrast, density, cover and species richness of native perennial plants each decreased following fire and continued to decrease with subsequent fires, although not as dramatically as after the initial fire. Responses were similar 5 and 14 years post-fire, except that cover of Hymenoclea salsola Torr. & A. Gray and Achnatherum speciosa Trin. & Rupr. both increased in areas burnt once. These results suggest that control of B. rubens may be equally warranted after one, two or three fires, but revegetation of native perennial plants is most warranted following multiple fires. These results are valid within the scope of this study, which is defined as relatively short term vegetation responses (≤14 years) to short fire return intervals (6.3 and 7.3 years for the two and three fire frequency levels) within creosote bush scrub of the Mojave Desert.
A Model for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Associated Pathological ICP Wave-Forms

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome of unknown cause characterized by elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). While imaging often reveals a stenosis of the transverse sinuses, the role of this feature in IIH has been in dispute. Many patients with chronic daily headache have been found to actually be suffering from a milder form of IIH without papilledema (IIHWOP). These patients often demonstrate hypertensive B-waves and plateau-like waves upon continuous ICP monitoring. Recently, we presented modeling studies which suggest that the sinus stenosis and hypertension of IIH are physiological manifestations of a stable state of elevated pressures that exists when the transverse sinus is sufficiently collapsible. Many of the features of IIH were explained by this model but the prevalence of pathological ICP wave-forms observed in IIHWOP remained unresolved. The model presented here is a modified version of a previous model with a semi-collapsible sinus represented by a refined downstream Starling-like resistor based on experimental data. The qualitative behavior of this model is presented in terms of the collapsibility of the transverse sinus. For a sufficiently rigid sinus, there is a unique stable state of normal pressures. As the degree of collapsibility increases, there is a Hopf bifurcation, the normal state becomes unstable, low-frequency, high-amplitude ICP waves prevail, and small perturbations can lead to hypertensive ICP spikes. As the collapsibility increases further, so does the duration of the waves, until they are replaced by two stable states: one of normal pressures and one of elevated pressures. In this parameter domain, temporary perturbations can now cause permanent transitions between states. The model presented here retains the capability of our previous model to elucidate many features of IIH and additionally provides insight into the prevalence of the low-frequency, high-amplitude waves observed in IIHWOP.
High-Performance Integrated Dual-Gate AlGaN/GaN Enhancement-Mode Transistor

In this letter, we present a new AlGaN/GaN enhancement-mode (E-mode) transistor based on a dual-gate structure. The dual gate allows the transistor to combine an E-mode behavior with low on-resistance and very high breakdown voltage. The device utilizes an integrated gate structure with a short gate controlling the threshold voltage and a long gate supporting the high-voltage drop from the drain. Using this new dual-gate technology, AlGaN/GaN E-mode transistors grown on a Si substrate have demonstrated a high threshold voltage of 2.9 V with a maximum drain current of 434 mA/mm and a specific on-resistance of 4.3 m Ω·cm2 at a breakdown voltage of 643 V.
The first 50 years of electronic watermarking

Electronic watermarking can be traced back as far as 1954. The last 10 years has seen considerable interest in digital watermarking, due, in large part, to concerns about illegal piracy of copyrighted content. In this paper, we consider the following questions: is the interest warranted? What are the commercial applications of the technology? What scientific progress has been made in the last 10 years? What are the most exciting areas for research? And where might the next 10 years take us? In our opinion, the interest in watermarking is appropriate. However, we expect that copyright applications will be overshadowed by applications such as broadcast monitoring, authentication, and tracking content distributed within corporations. We further see a variety of applications emerging that add value to media, such as annotation and linking content to the Web. These latter applications may turn out to be the most compelling. Considerable progress has been made toward enabling these applications--perceptual modelling, security threats and countermeasures, and the development of a bag of tricks for efficient implementations. Further progress is needed in methods for handling geometric and temporal distortions. We expect other exciting developments to arise from research in informed watermarking.
Effects of daily almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk and abdominal adiposity in healthy adults with elevated LDL-cholesterol: a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundEvidence consistently shows that almond consumption beneficially affects lipids and lipoproteins. Almonds, however, have not been evaluated in a controlled‐feeding setting using a diet de...
Electric distribution system load capability: problem formulation, solution algorithm, and numerical results

This paper undertakes the problem of determining the load capability of distribution networks, or, equivalently, the amount of load a feeder, specific area or circuit of a large-scale unbalanced distribution network can withstand before violating an operational constraint. A new formulation is given. A solution algorithm suitable for large-scale unbalanced distribution networks with capacitor control actions is developed and test results on a NYSEG 394-bus distribution network are included.
Allergic and Immunologic Aspects of Meniere's Disease:

Meniere's disease, although idiopathic by definition, has been ascribed to a variety of causes, which more recently include autoimmune factors. Interest in the role of allergy in Meniere's disease has also increased. Studies from this institution and elsewhere provide evidence that allergy and immunologic factors play a role in Meniere's disease in at least some patients. The symptoms of Meniere's disease are thought to be produced by a sudden influx of fluid into the endolymphatic sac, producing a rupture of Reissner's membrane in the cochlea. The endolymphatic sac is capable of trapping antigen and generating its own immune response. It has a highly vascular subepithelial space containing numerous fenestrated blood vessels that are peripheral and "leaky." At least three mechanisms by which allergy may play a role in the production of fluid in the endolymphatic sac are described: the endolymphatic sac itself might be a "target organ" of mediator released from systemic inhalant or food reactions; deposition of circulating immune complex may produce inflammation and interfere with the sac's filtering capability; and a predisposing viral infection in childhood that produces a mild impairment of endolymphatic sac function may interact with allergies in adulthood and cause the endolymphatic sac to decompensate, resulting in endolymphatic hydrops. The endolymphatic sac is the seat of immune reactivity in the inner ear. Repeated inflammatory reactions can produce sac dysfunction and eventual production of Meniere's disease.
Evaluation of biometric identification in open systems

This paper concerns the generalizability of biometric identification results from small-sized closed systems to larger open systems. Many researchers have claimed high identification accuracies on closed system consisting of a few hundred or thousand members. Here, we consider what happens to these closed identification systems as they are opened to non-members. We claim that these systems do not generalize well as the non-member population increases. To support this claim, we present experimental results on writer and iris biometric databases using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Nearest Neighbor (NN) classifiers. We find that system security (1-FAR) decreases rapidly for closed systems when they are tested in open-system mode as the number of non members tested increases. We also find that, although systems can be trained for greater closed-system security using SVM rather than NN classifiers, the NN classifiers are better for generalizing to open systems due to their superior capability of rejecting non-members.
Transparent adaptive library-based checkpointing for master-worker style parallelism

We present a transparent, system-level checkpointing solution for master-worker parallelism that automatically adapts, upon restart, to the number of processor nodes available. This is important, since nodes in a cluster fail. It also allows one to adapt to using multiple cluster partitions and multiple resources from the computational grid, as they become available. Checkpointing a master-worker computation has the additional advantage of needing to checkpoint only the master process. This is both fast and more economical of disk space. This has been demonstrated by checkpointing Geant4, a million line C++ program. Our solution has been implemented in the context of TOP-C (task oriented parallel C/C++), a free, open-source parallel package, although it can easily be ported to additional master-worker packages.
A major role of insulin in promoting obesity- associated adipose tissue inflammation

Objective: Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is associated with systemic insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in obese rodents and humans. A longstanding concept is that hyperinsulinemia may promote systemic insulin resistance through downregulation of its receptor on target tissues. Here we tested the novel hypothesis that insulin also impairs systemic insulin sensitivity by specifically enhancing adipose inflammation. Methods: Circulating insulin levels were reduced by about 50% in diet-induced and genetically obese mice by treatments with diazoxide or streptozotocin, respectively. We then examined AT crown-like structures, macrophage markers and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in AT. AT lipogenesis and systemic insulin sensitivity was also monitored. Conversely, insulin was infused into lean mice to determine its affects on the above parameters. Results: Lowering circulating insulin levels in obese mice by streptozotocin treatment decreased macrophage content in AT, enhancing insulin stimulated Akt phosphorylation and de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Moreover, responsiveness of blood glucose levels to injected insulin was improved by streptozotocin and diazoxide treatments of obese mice without changes in body weight. Remarkably, even in lean mice, infusion of insulin under constant euglycemic conditions stimulated expression of cytokines in AT. Consistent with these findings, insulin treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes caused a 10-fold increase in CCL2 mRNA levels within 6 h, which was blocked by the ERK inhibitor PD98059. Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that obesity-associated hyperinsulinemia unexpectedly drives AT inflammation in obese mice, which in turn contributes to factors that suppress insulin-stimulated adipocyte DNL and systemic insulin sensitivity.
Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, and Turnover Intention of Online Teachers in the K-12 Setting

The purpose of this study was to measure and explore factors influencing K-12 online teachers’ job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1954), Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Satisfaction (1959, 1968), Meyer and Allen’s measure of Organizational Commitment (1997), and Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior (1975), this mixed-methods study was conducted in public, private, charter, for-profit, and not-for-profit K-12 online schools in a single Southeastern state. The researchers used a sequential explanatory design by collecting and analyzing quantitative data and then qualitative data in two consecutive phases. Phase I included a 74-item survey with responses from 108 participants. Results revealed that K-12 online teachers have a moderate to high level of job satisfaction, which corresponds to their affective commitment to their organization and their intent to remain teaching in the online setting in the immediate, intermediate, and long-term future. Participants identified flexibility, meeting student needs, technical support, and their professional community as the most satisfying aspects of their jobs. Compensation, workload, missing face-to-face interaction with students, and unmotivated students were identified as least satisfying aspects of their work. In Phase II, eight qualitative focus group interviews were conducted and analyzed using constant comparative methods; these findings confirmed and illuminated quantitative results from Phase I. This study informs K-12 online school leaders, policymakers, and researchers of statistically significant variables that influence K-12 online teacher satisfaction, commitment, and retention.
Learning from More than Five and a Half Decades of Federal Water Pollution Control Legislation

Since 1948, the federal government has assumed an increasingly dominant role in efforts to control pollution of surface waters in the United States. Over that half century, the federal role has evolved from research support and financial grants to states to federal effluent standards and a national permit requirement and, more recently, to enforcement of a mandate to achieve water quality standards. This Article describes the evolution of federal water pollution control legislation in the United States. It focuses particularly on the 1972 statute prescribing feasibility-based controls for point sources and its 1977 modification, the increasing concern with toxic pollution in the 1980s, and recent litigation requiring total maximum daily loads for waters that fail to meet water quality standards. The Article uses this description to evaluate the accomplishments and failures of each step in the legislative evolution and to generate practical lessons for successful water pollution control legislation.
Solvent Effects in Styrene—Butadiene—Styrene Block Copolymer Cast Films and Evidence for Supermolecular Ordering by X-Ray and Light Scattering

Abstract It has been found that solution-cast films of an SBS block copolymer (Kraton 1101) have two orders of phase structure. The first is of molecular dimension and consists of elongated polystyrene domains (≈ 200 A˚) dispersed in a polybutadiene matrix. There is also a supermolecular heterogeneous structure of spherical domains of fractional micron size. A somewhat larger nearest neighbor distance is also seen. The domain size and separation are larger for the polymers cast from solvents for polystyrene than those cast from a solvent for polybutadiene alone. Furthermore, SBS films cast from good solvents for polystyrene exhibit additional supermolecular ordering in contrast to the more random arrangement of the others.
Where there's smoke there's fire! What is the function?

Morbidity and mortality from smoke inhalation occurs in victims of fire. This study's purpose is to report infant pulmonary function (IPL) in children exposed to smoke from a building fire. The children received care in another facility and were referred to our center for IPL. IPL was performed on 45 children; 23 females, 22 males mean age of 114 weeks; range 50 to 173 wks at the time of testing. Time to testing after the fire was 8.4 months (range 3-17mos). Conscious sedation was used for raised volume thoracoabdominal compression as the IPL technique. Pre-bronchodilator results were obtained on 45 children. View this table: Table 1 Levalbuterol was given if the child remained sedated. 35 children had post bronchodilator IPL. There was no significant changed noted in FVC or FEV.5 however the change in FEF25-75(108.7% to 114.5%) was significant. IPL results were further divided into 2 groups based on Total Lung Capacity (TLC < 80%; TLC ≥ 80%). View this table: Table 2 The low TLC group also had significantly lower FVC and FEV.5 than the normal TLC group. The results of 45 children showed low normal TLC and FVC. When the results compared abnormal TLC% versus normal TLC%, the low TLC% group also had significantly lower FVC and FEV.5 than normal TLC% group. These findings are similar to the decline in FVC found in World Trade Center workers. Longitudinal lung function data will be important to obtain to determine future recovery or decline in lung function and to collect future respiratory infection risks and complications.
Halogen-Mediated Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane Using Iodine or Molten Lithium Iodide

We studied propylene production by the reaction of propane with oxygen in the presence of gaseous I2 which works as a gas-phase catalyst. I2 is either introduced as a gas in the mixture of propane and oxygen, or it is produced when propane and oxygen come in contact with molten LiI or a mixture of molten LiI and LiOH. The single-pass propylene yields obtained in both types of experiments are ~64%, at 500 °C and propane partial pressure of 0.1 atm. The main role of I2 is to initiate chain reactions that lead to the formation of a propyl iodide intermediate that decomposes to form propylene. Another important intermediate is HI, which reacts very rapidly with oxygen to regenerate I2 and prevent oxygen from attacking the hydrocarbons.
Evolution-centered architectural design decisions management

Software architecture is considered as a set of architectural design decisions. Managing the evolution of architectural design decisions helps to maintain consistency between requirements and the deployed system, and is also necessary for reducing architectural knowledge evaporation. In this paper, we propose a UML metamodel based on the Triple View Model from our previous research work. The UML metamodel incorporates evolution-centered characteristics to manage architectural design decision evolution. It helps to capture and trace the evolution of architectural design decisions explicitly, and reduces the evaporation of architectural knowledge that results from decisions evolution. We conduct a case study to illustrate the effectiveness of the metamodel.
Abstract 4813: Modeling interactions between endothelial cells and metastatic breast cancer cells in a three-dimensional culture

Standard two-dimensional model systems are limited in their ability to accurately capture the molecular mediators underlying breast cancer, and cannot be used to study interactions between multiple cell types. Previous studies have shown that three-dimensional systems provide a more physiologically relevant platform to study cancer progression in a structurally appropriate context 1 . However, these systems do not capture the interactions between tumor cells and the angiogenic component, an essential step in tumor progression 2 . Here we describe, a novel three-dimensional co-culture system combining angiogenic endothelial cells and breast epithelial cells in a three-dimensional tumor matrix. Endothelial cells underwent angiogenic tubulogenesis on a matrigel matrix. Addition of metastatic green fluorescent protein+ve MDA-MB-231 resulted in a unique phenotype characterized by the alignment of the tumor cells on the endothelial tubes. We demonstrate FAK and B1 integrin signaling are important mediators of the observed phenotypes. Inhibiting FAK-B1 signaling disrupted the architecture, reducing the ability of the MDA-MB-231 cells to migrate and adhere to cultured vessels. Furthermore, treatment with small molecule inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, LY294002 1.6uM, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), PD98059 20uM, also perturbed this architecture, indicating that these signaling pathways play a key role in controlling the observed phenotype. Furthermore, the inhibition of the PI3K and MAPK pathways, destroyed the tumor vasculature and inhibited progression and invasion of the MDA-MB-231 by 86% (p 1 Lee GY, et al. Nat Methods. 2007 Apr;4(4):359-65. 2 Sengupta S, et al. FASEB J. 2004 Oct;18(13):1565-7. 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 4813.
Dispersion of Electric-Field-Induced Faraday Effect in Magnetoelectric Cr 2 O 3

In an antiferromagnet, spins arrange in opposing sublattices with mutually compensating magnetization, and in real systems there can be different domains. Identifying a specific antiferromagnetic domain is notoriously difficult, but the authors' tabletop setup allows just that, for magnetoelectric antiferromagnets such as chromia, which rotate the polarization of transmitted light in response to an electric field. In chromia, domain states can be not just $d\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d$, but also $s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}l\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d$---a key property for ultralow-power spintronic memory and logic devices.
Notes on the Biology of the Muscid Fly, Pyrellia Serena Meigen, with Special Reference to its Hibernation.

During the course of some field studies on hibernation in the Chicago region,[*][1] interest was aroused in the muscid fly, Pyrellia serena Meigen,[†][2] because of its frequent occurrence in the field and because of its massed method of hibernation. It was thought that this species could possibly be reared in the laboratory and used as experimental material, but unfortunately its life history was unknown. A number of observations were made on its hibernation, and an attempt was made to learn something of the rest of its life history and habits. Although this project was not completed, some data were obtained which seem to be worth recording. These data were obtained chiefly by field observation, but a few experiments were also performed in the laboratory. [1]: #fn-1 [2]: #fn-2
The use of lymphocyte phosphoglucomutase as a genetic marker in bone marrow transplant recipients

Lymphocyte phosphoglucomutase can be used as a genetic marker to document successful engraftment in bone marrow transplant recipients. Two patients who underwent marrow transplantation as a treatment for acute leukemia showed a change into donor-type isozyme pattern.
Revealing instability and irreversibility in nonaqueous sodium-O2 battery chemistry.

Charging kinetics and reversibility of Na–O2 batteries can be influenced greatly by the particle size of NaO2 formed upon discharge, and exposure time (reactivity) of NaO2 to the electrolyte. Micrometer-sized NaO2 cubes formed at high discharge rates were charged at smaller overpotentials compared to nanometer-sized counterparts formed at low rates.
[THE IRON-HARD RIEDEL'S STRUMA--A PRIMARY VASCULAR DISEASE?].

Anhand von vier eigenen Fallen und von typischen Beobachtungen der Literatur, wobei insbesondere auch die Originalarbeit vonRiedel Berucksichtigung findet, wird die Moglichkeit in Betracht gezogen, das es sich bei der eisenharten Struma Riedel primar um einen arteriitischen Prozes und eine generalisierte Fibrose der Halsweichteile handeln konnte. Fur diese Annahme sprechen die typischen Verwachsungen der Schilddruse mit den umliegenden Organen, insbesondere auch mit den Halsgefasen, die entzundliche Gefasbeteiligung selbst sowie die Ausbreitung der entzundlichen Veranderungen entlang der Bindegewebssepten. Die Gefasentzundung gleicht der Takayasuschen Arteriitis, die Fibrose der Halsweichteile den entsprechenden Prozessen im Mediastinum und Retroperitoneum im Rahmen des sog. Ormondschen Syndromes. Eisenharte Struma Riedel, Ormondsches Syndrom und Takayasusche Arteriitis werden deshalb miteinander in Zusammenhang gebracht. Kombinationsfalle dieser drei seltenen Erkrankungen sind bekannt.
Venous Thromboembolism: A Comparison of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury and General Surgery Patients in a Metropolitan Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Background Venous thromboembolic events result in significant morbidity, mortality, and costly therapeutic interventions. As medical resource allocation strategies are becoming more pervasive, appropriate risk stratification and prophylactic regimens are essential. Previous studies have shown a decreased incidence of perioperative venous thromboembolism in the chronic spinal cord injury population. The question remains of whether chronic spinal cord injury is protective against venous thromboembolism. Methods A retrospective review of all cases involving chronic spinal cord injury patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery operations (n = 424) and general surgery patients (n = 777) with a primary outcome of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 90 days of surgery was performed. Results The incidence of postoperative deep venous thrombosis in the control and spinal cord injury groups was 1.7 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively (p = 0.027). However, such significance was not observed with regard to postoperative pulmonary embolism incidence (p = 0.070). Collectively, the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism-specifically, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism-was significantly greater in the general surgery population (p = 0.014). A nearly 10-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism was seen among the control group (1.9 percent versus 0.2 percent) despite administration of optimal prophylaxis. Conclusions This study demonstrates a profoundly low incidence of venous thromboembolism among chronic spinal cord injury patients compared with general surgery patients. Future efforts to elucidate how chronic spinal cord injury confers a protective mechanism may potentially influence the evolution of venous thromboembolism prevention guidelines, and spark the development of alternative prophylactic agents or customized application of prevention efforts.
Sociality of Enforced Waiting in Rwanda's Postgenocide Legal Architecture

This article brings together recent anthropological scholarship on waiting as a social and political practice and on legal forums and social repair. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Rwanda between 2004 and 2008 with gacaca (grassroots genocide courts) and comite y'abunzi (mediation committees), this article asks: What practices of sociality are produced through enforced waiting in legal forums, and what does waiting reveal about legal architectures and social reconstruction? I argue that the legal architecture of postgenocide Rwanda produced enforced waiting as an integral part of people's engagement with grassroots legal forums. This enforced waiting combined state surveillance and control with generative forms of social engagements, and thus was a practice central to how people reshaped relationships with one another and with the state. The simultaneously generative and oppressive dimensions of waiting could unsettle the temporal grounding of the legal architecture itself—characterized by linearity, rupture, and boundedness—which draws attention to the processual nature of social repair. Analytic attention to the sociality of waiting in legal architectures is particularly important as people increasingly interface with legal and quasi-legal grassroots institutions around the world, whether in the name of transitional justice, alternative dispute resolution, or customary law.
Upper Extremity Neuromuscular Disorders

Medical caregivers of patients with upper extremity neuromuscular disorders should use a multidisciplinary approach in order to maximize their patients’ function and minimize related adverse events. Nonsurgical treatment options are often trialed initially and typically consist of one or more of the following: limb-specific therapy including stretching and strengthening, functional or hygienic splinting, sensory and/or motor reeducation, and oral or injectable medications. Surgical treatment options can be broadly considered within one or more of the following categories: local nerve repair, grafting, or transfers; local tendon grafting or transfers, free muscle, tendon, and/or nerve flap transfers involving microsurgery; and joint releases, reconstructions, or fusions.
Reviews by Hubert Skinner

Reviews on Lectures on Geology; James Hutton--The Founder of Modern Geology; Studies on Glaciers; On the Origin of Springs; Carbonate Rocks; Essays in Geomorphology; Tufflavas and Ignimbrites; The Oriign of Continents and Oceans.
The Peak at the Nadir: Psychological Turmoil as the Trigger for Awakening Experiences

International Jo nal of Transpersonal Studies, 32(2), 2013, pp. 1-12 A study of 161 temporary awakening experiences showed that over 23% were triggered by, or associated with, intense turmoil and distress (Taylor, 2012b). Examples of some of these turmoil-induced awakening experiences are given, illustrating the wide variety of traumatic experiences involved. (The type of trauma was found to be less important than its intensity.) These temporary awakening experiences are contrasted with permanent suffering-induced transformational experiences (SITEs). A distinction is made between a primary shift, involving the establishment of a new self-system (which occurs in SITEs), and the secondary shift which may occur after temporary awakening experiences, when the individual’s self-system remains fundamentally intact, but she or he experiences a shift in perspective and values. Possible reasons for the connection between psychological turmoil and awakening experiences are discussed, arguing that the experiences cannot simply be explained away as self-delusion or a psychological defense mechanism. It is suggested that there is a connection between turmoil-induced awakening experiences and the dissolution of psychological attachments, together with an intensification of energy.
Towards a doxology of war

ABSTRACTThis article considers the pre-predicative dimensions of contemporary threat assessments in order to evaluate the importance of doxa to contemporary political analysis. Beginning with review of conventional and popular claims about ISIS, it suggests that the pre-dispositives of argument – the uncontested terms of contestation that typically shackle ISIS to a horizon of fear – actually constitute political artefacts in their own right. Their examination would require a doxology of war capable of addressing the ways in which ‘what is essential goes without saying because it comes without saying’(Bourdieu 1977). The methodological challenges to such an effort are apparent at first glance: doxa, to follow Bourdieu, habilitate relations of power in the social field precisely because they seem to afford no reflexive purchase on their own status. However, this paper takes a contrary position. The very existence of doxa as emanations of a given politics, invites the need for a doxology of war that would b...
Predictors of success in applied STEM education through Guitar building

This research examined the predictors of success for secondary and postsecondary students taught by STEM Guitar Project-trained instructors. Each instructor participated in a 50-hour STEM Guitar Project development institute between 2013 and 2016 focusing on the manufacture of a solid-body electric guitar and received instruction focused on how to teach integrated STEM Modular Learning Activities (MLAs), which are aligned with the Common Core mathematics standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The data collected include pre- and post-assessment scores from 769 students in three grade bands (grades 6–8, 9–12, and undergraduate level from 15 states). Student mastery of the 12 core MLA concepts was measured through the deployment of pre- and post-assessments evaluating student knowledge across the 12 core concepts. Analysis of student scores showed significant improvement between pre- and post-assessment scores. The significant predictors of success included the percentage of minority students at the school and the STEM Guitar curriculum being taught by a science instructor. These findings indicate that students attending schools with a high percentage of minority students are more likely to increase their assessment score from the pre-assessment to the post-assessment. These data show encouraging results for using the electric guitar as a vehicle to teach integrated STEM concepts to secondary and postsecondary students, particularly at institutions with a high percentage of minority students.
The Degeneracy of Two Spectral Sequences

In this paper we study the real cohomology of the homotopy fiber \(\overline {BG}\) of the natural map BG δ → BG, for G a real semi-simple Lie group, and G δ the group G with the discrete topology.
Multiaxial Myocardial Mechanics and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: Mechanochemical Regulation of Cardiac Fibroblast Function

Substantial evidence suggests that not only does the structure of the cardiac extracellular matrix affect the mechanical properties of myocardium, but that mechanical loading affects the synthesis of the extracellular matrix. However, loading conditions in vivo are nonhomogeneous and multiaxial. An experimental approach that combines mechanics and cell biology is used to examine the mechanisms of extracellular matrix remodeling in the heart. The results indicate that differential biological responses in adult cardiac fibroblasts can be correlated with specific physical signals, such as the magnitude and two dimensional (2D) pattern of strain. Some effects of flow-function relations are discussed.
Treating surgical turnover times as statistically independent events when testing interventions and mobile applications.

Uddin et al . created a novel Android app that certified registered nurse anesthetists and operating room nurses used to record the beginning and end of turnover times (1).
Drosophila Ribosomal Protein S3 Contains N-Glycosylase, Abasic Site, and Deoxyribophosphodiesterase DNA Repair Activities

The DNA repair activities possessed by Drosophila ribosomal protein S3 (dS3) are summarized in this report. Originally, the dS3 protein was found to possess AP lyase activity similar to that observed for the human homologue of S3. Subsequent tests using a heavily UV-irradiated 5′ end-labeled oligonucleotide suggested that dS3 was acting on a guanine photoproduct that was determined to be 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxγ-5-formamidopyrimidine. The dS3 protein was also found to act on 5′ end-labeled oligonucleotides containing a single 8-oxoguanine residue. That dS3 was acting as an N-glycosylase to process these lesions was confirmed using DNA substrates prepared by γ-irradiation under N2O and analyzed by gas chromatography/isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. We went on to demonstrate the in vivo significance of this DNA repair activity by showing the ability of dS3 to abolish completely the mutator phenotype of Escherichia coli mutM (Fpg-) caused by 8-oxoguanine-mediated G to T transversions. The dS3 protein was also able to rescue the alkylation sensitivity of an E. coli mutant defective for the hydrolytic AP endonuclease activities associated with exonuclease III and endonuclease IV. That an AP lyase could be a significant source of DNA repair activity for the repair of an AP site came from studies that determined that dS3 also possessed deoxyribophosphodiesterase activity not only for the removal of 5′-incised AP sites, but notably, it was determined that dS3 could also excise trans-4-hydroxy-2-pentenal-5-phosphate from substrates containing 3’ incised AP sites. Taken together, our results suggest that dS3 is able to create a one nucleotide gap for efficient filling by β polymerase by utilizing its N-glycosylase/AP lyase activity to create a 3’ terminal AP site that can then be liberated by the dRpase activity possessed by dS3.
Sea slicks: variability in chemical composition and surface elasticity

Surface-active organic matter collected from the air-sea interface is examined using mass spectrometry. The mass spectra reveal significant spatio-temporal variability in the chemical composition of sea slick materials. This compositional variability leads to differences in observed surface pressure-elasticity relationships.
Surviving refractory out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest: Critical care and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management

Abstract Background Resuscitation of refractory out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) cardiac arrest using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) establishes a complex patient population. We aimed to describe the critical care strategies and outcomes in this population. Methods Between December 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018, 100 consecutive adult patients with refractory VF/VT out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and ongoing CPR were transported to the cardiac catheterization laboratory. ECMO, coronary angiography, and percutaneous coronary intervention were performed. Patients achieving an organized cardiac rhythm were admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). All patients were considered eligible for necessary intervention/surgery until declaration of death. Results Of 100 appropriately transported patients, 83 achieved CICU admission. 40/83 (48%) discharged functionally intact. Multi-system organ failure occurred in all patients. Cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and liver injury improved within 3–4 days. Neurologic injury caused death in 26/37 (70%) patients. Poor neurologic outcomes were associated with anoxic injury or cerebral edema on admission head CT, decline in cerebral oximetry over the first 48 h, and elevated neuron specific enolase on CICU admission. For survivors, mean time to ECMO decannulation was 3.5 ± 0.2 days, following commands at 5.7 ± 0.8 days, and hospital discharge at 21 ± 3.2 days. 41/83 (49%) patients developed infections. CPR caused traumatic injury requiring procedural/surgical intervention in 22/83 (27%) patients. Conclusions Multi-system organ failure is ubiquitous but treatable with adequate hemodynamic support. Neurologic recovery was prolonged requiring delayed prognostication. Immediate 24/7 availability of surgical and medical specialty expertise was required to achieve 48% functionally intact survival.
Male sterility induction of sorghum using chemical hybridizing agent TFMSA, trifluoromethanesulfonamide

In sorghum, male sterility has been induced mainly using mechanical and genetic means with minimal use of chemical methods. Mechanical sterility induction is limited to producing small quantities o...
Describing Nurse Manager Role Preparation and Competency: Findings From a National Study.

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to describe the role preparation and competency development of nurse managers.BACKGROUNDApproximately 70 000 nurses are retiring annually. This represents a significant loss of nursing leadership wisdom. Few systematic studies of nurse manager role preparation and
Impact of Slab Selection on Quantification of Choriocapillaris Flow Deficits by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose To assess the impact of slab selection on quantitative measurements of choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits (FDs) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Using a swept-source OCTA device, en face slabs to isolate the CC were first generated using the manufacturer's default setting: a 20-μm-thick slab starting 29 μm posterior to the centerline of the automatically segmented retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) band. The inner and/or outer borders were then adjusted by 2-μm increments to generate CC slabs with a range of offsets relative to the center of the RPE band. FDs of the modified slabs were compared to that of the default slab. Results Twenty-seven eyes of healthy subjects (mean age, 42.0 years) were prospectively enrolled. FD% increased when the slab was shifted outward by ≥4 μm and inward by 20 μm (P Conclusions Quantitative CC parameters may be significantly influenced by small differences in the slab selection. Slab close to the RPE can be susceptible to segmentation errors. These findings highlight the importance of accurate, precise, and consistent slab definition to reliably generate quantitative CC metrics from OCTA.
A Demonstration of Molder: An Accessible Design Tool for Tactile Maps

Tactile maps are important tools for people with visual impairments (VIs). Teachers and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists often design tactile maps to help their VI students and clients learn about geographic areas. To design these maps, a designer must use modeling software applications, which require professional training and rely on visual feedback. However, most teachers and O&M specialists do not have professional modeling skills, and many have visual impairments. The complexity and inaccessibility of current modeling tools thus become major barriers for TVIs and O&M specialists when designing tactile maps. We present Molder, an accessible design tool for tactile maps. A designer creates a draft map model using Molder and prints the model. Then, she uses Molder to modify the draft model by directly interacting with it. Molder provides auditory feedback and high-contrast visuals to assist the designer in the design process.
Comparison of Current Suppression Methods to Enhance Short Circuit Capability of 1.2 kV SiC Power MOSFETs: A New Approach using a Series-connected, Gate-Source-Shorted Si Depletion-Mode MOSFET vs Reduced Gate Bias Operation

Silicon carbide power MOSFETs are under development to replace silicon IGBTs for high-efficiency power conversion applications. Commercial SiC power MOSFETs have a short-circuit (SC) capability inferior to those of Si IGBTs, thus constraining their widespread use. Gate drive voltage levels for SiC power MOSFETs can be reduced to increase SC capability but this results in a large increase in on-resistance. This paper presents a new method, with a series-connected Gate-Source-Shorted (GSS) Si Depletion-Mode (DM) MOSFET, to enhance the short-circuit capability of SiC power MOSFETs and compares its performance with the gate drive level adjustment approach for the first time. The SC capability of a 1.2kV SiC power MOSFET operating at 800V with a gate bias of 20V is demonstrated to improve from $4.8\boldsymbol{\mu} \mathbf{s}$ to beyond $7.5\boldsymbol{\mu} \mathbf{s}$ with only 17% increase in on-resistance using the new approach, whereas the gate drive level adjustment method produces a similar improvement in SC capability with a 66% increase in on-resistance. Measured static and dynamic characteristics demonstrate less than 20% increase in switching power loss using the new method. The new method also provides a voltage sensing node at the drain of the GSS Si DM MOSFET for detection of SC events, which is not available in the case of the conventional single SiC MOSFET.