cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short communication: Nα-Lauroyl-L-arginine ethylester monohydrochloride reduces bacterial growth in pasteurized milk

Abstract Effective strategies for extending fluid milk product shelf-life by controlling bacterial growth are of economic interest to the dairy industry. To that end, the effects of addition of l-arginine, Nα-lauroyl ethylester monohydrochloride (LAE) on bacterial numbers in fluid milk products were measured. Specifically, LAE was added (125, 170, or 200 mg/L) to conventionally homogenized and pasteurized 3.25% fat chocolate or unflavored milk products. The treated milks and corresponding untreated controls were held at 6°C and plated on standard plate count agar within 24h of processing and again at 7, 14, 17, and 21 d of storage. Bacterial counts in all unflavored milk samples treated with LAE remained below the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance limit for grade A pasteurized fluid milk of 4.3 log cfu/mL for the entire 21 d. Bacterial counts in unflavored samples containing 170 and 200 mg/L of LAE were significantly lower than those in the untreated unflavored milk at d 17 and 21 postprocessing. Specifically, bacterial counts in the milk treated with 200 mg/L of LAE were 5.77 log cfu/mL lower than in untreated milk at 21 d postprocessing. Bacterial counts in chocolate milk treated with 200 mg/L of LAE were significantly lower than those in the untreated chocolate milk at d 14, 17, and 21. In chocolate milk treated with 200 mg/L of LAE, bacterial counts were 0.9 log cfu/mL lower than in the untreated milk at 21 d postprocessing. Our results show that addition of LAE to milk can reduce bacterial growth. Addition of LAE is more effective at controlling bacterial growth in unflavored milk than in chocolate milk.
Lowering the sintering temperature and enhancing densification by epitaxy in structurally diphasic Al2O3 and Al2O3MgO xerogels

Abstract The densification and sintering behavior of diphasic xerogels derived from boehmite and Al 2 O 3 MgO compositions seeded with α - Al 2 O 3 , spinel (MgAl 2 O 4 ), α - Fe 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 , kaolinite and Ludox was studied by measuring densities and by microstructural characterization of sintered materials. Isostructural seeding with the final equilibrium phase, i.e. α - Al 2 O 3 in boehmite and α - Al 2 O 3 and spinel in Al 2 O 3 MgO gels, resulted in enhanced densification as well as sintering at lower temperatures. Solid state epitaxy appears to be the mechanism by which isostructural seeding affects the densification and sintering behavior. Microstructural characterization revealed uniform grain growth with little or no porosity in the gels with isostructural seeds, while non-uniform grain growth and porosity were seen in unseeded gels as well as in gel with nonisostructural seeds. Isostructural seeding may become a generalizable process for enhancing densification and sintering in sol-gel ceramic processing.
Proteomic analysis of serum cytokine levels in response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

A 30-cytokine protein microarray was used to screen for cytokine profile changes in HIV-infected patients in response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Serum cytokines showing signif...
Body shape concerns in bulimia nervosa

Overconcern with shape and weight is considered a primary feature of the psychopathology of bulimia nervosa and was included as a diagnostic criterion in DSM-III-R. In order to test the significance of shape and weight concern in bulimia nervosa, we administered the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) to 78 outpatients with bulimia nervosa and three comparison groups: 14 women with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), 10 acquaintances of patients, and 32 normal controls
Uncovering latent xylose utilization potential in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Evaluation of: Wenger JW, Schwartz K, Sherlock G: Bulk segregant analysis by high-throughput sequencing reveals a novel xylose utilization gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PLoS Genet. 6(5), e1000942 (2010).Biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals relies heavily upon the fermentative activity of organisms such as the standard yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For these fuels to serve as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, it is necessary to optimize the fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass. Accomplishing this task requires the conversion of xylose, the second most abundant carbohydrate in lignocellulose. Traditionally, it is thought that wild-type S. cerevisiae lacks the capacity to utilize xylose without intervening genetic or evolutionary engineering. However, a recent study by Wenger et al. surveying 647 strains of yeast has demonstrated that a subset (including S. cerevisiae strains) possess native xylose utilization capacity enabled by the putative xylitol dehydrogenase, XDH1, found in a s...
Sensory receptors on the larval maxillae and labia of Heliothis zea (Boddie) and Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

Abstract The maxillary and labial sensory receptors of the first-to-last instar larvae of Heliothis virescens and H. zea (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) are described. The distribution, morphology, and number of sensilla on these mouthparts remain constant from instar to instar in both species. Several distinct differences in the morphology and number of certain sensory receptors (e.g. styloconic, digitiform, and multiporous plate sensilla) exist between H. virescens and H. zea . The sensory receptors on the maxillae and labium of both species are compared with those of other lepidopterous larvae.
An Improved Synthesis of a Trifurcated Newkome-Type Monomer and Orthogonally Protected Two-Generation Dendrons

The one-step synthesis of amino-polyether tri-tert-butyl ester monomer 2, by condensation of TRIS with tert-butyl acrylate, is reported. The nitrogen of the monomer can be protected with a Cbz group; subsequent removal of the tert-butyl esters with formic acid affords a triacid that is coupled to three monomers to afford an orthogonally protected two-generation, trifurcated polyether−polyamide dendron. The Cbz protecting group may be removed from the second-generation dendron without disturbing the tert-butyl esters of the periphery.
Near-Earth Performance Analysis and Optimization of Low-Profile Antennas

An investigation into the design of optimal low-profile, small antennas for unattended ground sensor (UGS) networks operating at VHF or higher frequencies is featured in this study. Because UGS transceivers are intended for operation near the ground, ground proximity effects become extremely important for considerations related to antenna efficiency, input matching, radiation pattern, and the overall path loss between the transmitter and receiver nodes. While vertical wire antennas are shown to be less susceptible to path loss, a low-profile alternative is required in fabricating cheap, monolithic on-chip, miniaturized systems. In seeking an optimal design, the performances of different transceiver systems utilizing different types of antenna structures including the dipole, loop, ordinary circular slot, and cavity-backed circular slot are analyzed using a full-wave hybrid approach consisting of the moment method in conjunction with an asymptotic field propagation model. The figure of merit for comparison among the various configurations is identified as the efficiency factor calculated from the ratio of the radiated power at the transmitting terminal to the received power at the receiving terminal
Predicting imminent episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmia using heart rate.

Background:A reliable predictor of an imminent episode of ventricular tachyarrhythmia that could be incorporated in an implantable defibrillator capable of preventive therapy would have important clinical utility. Method:A test set of 208 R–R records saved by defibrillators spanning a mean of 1.6 hours before sustained tachyarrhythmia were used to derive criteria that would improve the specificity of the previously identified monotonic heart rate acceleration predictor. Additional criteria were used, namely two such patterns need to occur within a period of 1.8 hour and the heart rate during these accelerations exceeds 86 bpm (700 ms). The specificity was tested using R–R records matched in duration from 26 control patients with defibrillators during normal periods. Results:The basic acceleration pattern was found during sinus rhythm in the 1.8-hour period prior to 83% of episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. It was also found in 43% of the matched set of nonarrhythmic records, corresponding to a specificity of 57%. With the two extra requirement of multiplicity within 1.8 hour and peak heart rate, the sensitivity of the proposed predictor is reduced to 53%, but the specificity is increased to 91%, which corresponds to an average false positive rate of 0.8 event/day across the patient population. Conclusion:A ventricular tachyarrhythmia predictor based on a pattern of heart rate acceleration has been proposed that can yield sensitivity from 53% to 69%, with specificity up to 91%. Instances of this predictor increase significantly prior to an episode of tachyarrhythmia.
Thin-film organic position sensitive detectors

One-dimensional 3-cm-long organic heterojunction position sensitive detectors (OPSDs) have been fabricated with an optical beam spatial resolution of 20 /spl mu/m. The device relies on a current divider in a uniformly resistive indium-tin-oxide detector anode layer to determine beam position. This architecture makes the position measurement insensitive to fluctuations in incident light beam intensity and background illumination. The response of the OPSD shows high linearity, low positional error, and high spatial resolution. The device functions over a wide range of incident beam powers from 10 /spl mu/W to >1 mW, and is capable of continuously tracking optical beams, with a tracking velocity exceeding 2 m/s.
Periods of Eclipsing Novalike Variables

Recent observations of minima of the novalike variables T Aurigae, EM Cygni, U Geminorum, DQ Herculis, EX Hydrae, V Sagittae, and WZ Sagittae are presented. A new period for EM Cygni has been derived; possible period changes for U Geminorum and DQ Herculis are discussed.
The imbedding-based methods: computing the zeros of models of power systems

The authors develop an imbedding-based method to reduce the computational complexity in finding all or some of the zeros of the so-called deficient systems, with particular focus on power systems. This method reduces considerably the computational effort required in the existing homotopy continuation methods and allows for the computation of only some of the zeros if desired. The method is particularly efficient in the case of re-computing zeros of systems having the same topology but with different parameter values. This reduction in computational effort allows the method to compute some or all of the zeros of large-sized power systems. The method is implementable directly on digital sequential and parallel processors. >
CROSS-MAGNETIC-FIELD HEAT CONDUCTION IN NON-NEUTRAL PLASMAS

This Letter discusses cross-magnetic-field collisional heat transport for a non-neutral plasma in the typical operating regime ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}\ensuremath{\gg}{r}_{c}$, where ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}$ is the Debye length and ${r}_{c}$ is the cyclotron radius. The dominant transport mechanism is the exchange of energy associated with velocity components parallel to the magnetic field. For a thermal gradient scale length ${L}_{T}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}100{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}$, the energy exchange is dominated by interactions between particles separated by $O({\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D})$ and yields a thermal diffusivity $\ensuremath{\chi}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{c}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}^{2}$, where ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{c}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}n\overline{v}{b}^{2}$ is the collision frequency. The diffusivity is even larger for larger ${L}_{T}$, where the energy exchange is dominated by the emission and absorption of plasma waves.
PARASPICE: a parallel circuit simulator for shared-memory multiprocessors

A general approach to parallelizing standard circuit simulators on shared-memory multiprocessors is described. The approach extracts parallel tasks at the algorithmic level for each compute-intensive module and therefore is suitable for a wide range of shared-memory multiprocessors. The implementation of the approach in SPICE2 resulted in a portable parallel direct circuit simulator, PARASPICE. The superior performance of PARASPICE is demonstrated on an 8-CE Alliant FX/80 using a number of benchmark circuits. >
The Origins of Growth: Past Growth, Predicted Growth and Fundamental Growth

A key input, when valuing businesses, is the expected growth rate in earnings and cash flows. Allowing for a higher growth rate in earnings usually translates into higher value for a firm. But why do some firms grow faster than others? In other words, where does growth come from? In this paper, we argue that growth is not an exogenous input subject to the whims and fancies of individual analysts, but has to be earned by firms. In particular, we trace earnings growth back to two forces: investment in new assets, also called sustainable growth, and improving efficiency on existing assets, which we term efficiency growth. We use this decomposition of growth to examine both historical growth rates in earnings across firms and the link between value and growth. We close the paper by noting that the relationship between growth and value is far more nuanced than most analysts assume, with some firms adding value as they grow, some staying in place and some destroying value.
Managing Privacy and the Decision to Disclose: Disclosures of Sexual Victimization

This study explores the communication used by survivors after they have experienced an incident of sexual victimization. Specifically, it examines sexual victimization survivors’ criteria for disclosure through the lens of communication privacy management theory. Participants completed an online questionnaire in which they described their first disclosure incident. Qualitative analysis of these incidents illustrated survivors’ reasons for disclosing, anxieties during disclosure and the power the recipient often has in shaping the outcome of the disclosure event. These findings may be used to aid future survivors and recipients of this high-risk disclosure.
Formal specification and verification of graphical user interfaces

A technique for the fully formal specification and verification of graphical user interfaces is described. The technique is based on the algebraic specification of abstract datatypes. Both application program and user interface are defined in the same form, using equational axioms to specify formal semantics. The relationship between an application and its interface is defined using display axioms that specify the connection between abstract application operations and the corresponding operations of the interface. Using these display axioms, one can formally verify that an interface is correct with respect to the underlying application. In addition, the display axioms can be treated as a form of executable specification, used at runtime to maintain correspondence between the application program and its interface. >
Subpopulations of Neurons Expressing Parvalbumin in the Human Amygdala

Amygdalar intrinsic inhibitory networks comprise several subpopulations of γ–aminobutyric acidergic neurons, each characterized by distinct morphological features and clusters of functionally relevant neurochemical markers. In rodents, the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin (PVB) and calbindin D28k (CB) are coexpressed in large subpopulations of amygdalar interneurons. PVB-immunoreactive (-IR) neurons have also been shown to be ensheathed by perineuronal nets (PNN), extracellular matrix envelopes believed to affect ionic homeostasis and synaptic plasticity. We tested the hypothesis that differential expression of these three markers may define distinct neuronal subpopulations within the human amygdala. Toward this end, triple-fluorescent labeling using antisera raised against PVB and CB as well as biotinylated Wisteria floribunda lectin for detection of PNN was combined with confocal microscopy. Among the 1,779 PVB-IR neurons counted, 18% also expressed CB, 31% were ensheathed in PNN, and 7% expressed both CB and PNN. Forty-four percent of PVB-IR neurons did not colocalize with either CB or PNN. The distribution of each of these neuronal subgroups showed substantial rostrocaudal gradients. Furthermore, distinct morphological features were found to characterize each neuronal subgroup. In particular, significant differences relative to the distribution and morphology were detected between PVB-IR neurons expressing CB and PVB-IR neurons wrapped in PNNs. These results indicate that amygdalar PVB-IR neurons can be subdivided into at least four different subgroups, each characterized by a specific neurochemical profile, morphological characteristics, and three-dimensional distribution. Such properties suggest that each of these neuronal subpopulations may play a specific role within the intrinsic circuitry of the amygdala.
Efficient image texture analysis and classification for prostate ultrasound diagnosis

An efficient, integrated image textural analysis and classification of transrectal prostate ultrasound images into clusters potentially representing cancerous or normal tissue areas is presented. Preliminary image texture analysis has shown the potential for doubled diagnosis accuracy from 38-42% for prostate cancer with current clinical methods, to 88-92%. In addition, image texture analysis makes prostate cancer locating possible for more precise, less invasive biopsy/treatment, instead of 6-way random biopsy. However, the initial image texture analysis on a mini VAX could take 8 days CPU time per image, i.e., more than 5 months for 20 cross-sections per patient. Over the last 10 years, we have improved the processing from 8 days to less than 10 seconds per image on a PC. The approach is based on Haralick's textural features and the Minimum Squared Error (MSE) clustering algorithm. The Java Textural Analysis/Classification (JTAC) application developed as part of this project offers significant reduction in run time, potentially allowing more accurate, objective diagnoses to be performed within clinical settings, and allows the investigation of parameters associated with textural and clustering processes. Using this integrated approach, specific results for several cases are tested and general conclusions are drawn.
Genetic Relationship Between Sarcina ureae and Members of the Genus Bacillus

Deoxyribonucleic acid-ribonucleic acid (DNA-RNA) and DNA-DNA hybridization studies were performed to determine the degree of genetic relatedness between Sarcina ureae and several members of the genus Bacillus. DNA-RNA hybridization showed a high degree of homology between S. ureae RNA and DNA from Bacillus species having a similar guanine plus cytosine content. The DNA from other genera of the family Micrococcaceae showed less homology with S. ureae RNA than did that of the Bacillus species tested; however, this homology was not found between the DNA of S. ureae and DNA from these Bacillus species or DNA from the other Micrococcaceae tested. Transformation with Bacillus DNA, infection with representatives from several major classes of Bacillus phages, and electrophoretic analysis of proteins in crude extracts of these strains were also attempted as a further test of the genetic relationship between the genera. These experiments did not support the belief that the two groups are closely related genetically.
Financial Activism and Global Climate Change: The Rise of Investor-Driven Governance Networks

This article examines the nexus between financial activism and global environmental governance, analyzing the emergence of what we call “investor-driven governance networks” (IGNs). Our paper seeks to probe the significance of IGNs as a particular manifestation of responsible investor activism and more generally as a financial instrument of environmental governance and sustain-ability. We argue that IGNs, many of which are concerned with climate change governance, have become important actors in the global economy and deserve more analysis by scholars concerned with new forms of authority in global environmental politics. As an example of emerging transnational private governance, IGNs utilize the power of the financial sector to shape the discourse on climate change within the business community and to link the long-term viability of environmental sustainability to the core strategic interests of corporations and investors.
Relating Cost Growth from the Initial Estimate to Design Fee for Transportation Projects

Intuitively, there should be a relationship between the size of the design fee for a transportation project and the quality of the resulting design. This study sought that relationship by looking at the fee expressed as a percentage of the construction cost and the final construction cost growth from the engineer's initial estimate of the construction cost at the time the design contract was awarded. The research team analyzed 31 projects from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority with a total construction value of $90 million. The projects were divided into road and bridge projects. Based on the results of the analysis, it seems that as the design fee decreases, the absolute percentage of construction cost growth from the engineer's early estimate increases. The relationship is strongest for bridge projects, which tend to be more technically complex to design than roadway projects. This confirms for U.S. projects the result of an earlier study in Saudi Arabia. This paper concludes that the design fee should be viewed as an investment at a point in time where the ability to impact the project is the highest and can accrue the benefit of reduced cost growth.
Games, robots, and robot games: complementary contexts for introductory computing education

Using games to teach introductory computing courses provides another context with which to exploring the possible attraction, retention, and education of a new generation of computer science (CS) students. At Bryn Mawr College, we have been actively exploring these contexts and have identified four that have great promise for use in teaching introductory computing courses: visualization, multimedia, robotics, and, most recently, games. We are currently using and analysing robots and have some preliminary results. We believe that much of what we have learned in using robots in the classroom can be applied to the other contexts, especially gaming. In addition, many aspects of gaming can also be used in an introductory course using robots. This paper will explore robotics, gaming, their interactions, and provide suggestions on how best to proceed in making the most out of games in the classroom.
Inheritance of a Novel Flaccid Mutant in Capsicum annuum

A mutant that causes a novel flaccidity phenotype in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was generated by treating seeds with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Inheritance studies indicated that the mutant was controlled by a single recessive gene. It is proposed that the gene designation representing this mutation be flc (flaccid). The mutation may be useful for investigations of the genetic basis for turgor maintenance and drought stress physiology.
The Influence of pH and Oxygen on the Erythrocyte Content of 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate

In 1917 Hasselbalch first demonstrated a displacement of the oxygen dissociation curve in the blood of patients with disease (HASSELBALCH [1917]), thus challenging the concept that the oxygen equilibrium of blood was constant for any given conditions of temperature and pH. Ten years later Richards and Strauss showed a rightward shift of the oxygen dissociation curve in patients with anemia (RICHARDS and STRAUSS [1927]), but could not identify the cause for the abnormality. During the next decade, studies at altitude by Dill and coworkers (DILL et al. [1931]) and Keys, Hall, and Guzman [1936] showed the same abnormality in acclimatized normal man, suggesting that the alteration might be an adaptive mechanism related to oxygen transport by the blood. In 1938 Keys and Snell demonstrated the displacement in patients with liver disease and proposed that there might be a reduction in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen to account for it (KEYS and SNELL [1938]).
Shaw Industries: Sustainable Business, Entrepreneurial Innovation, and Green Chemistry

This case details leading carpet manufacturer Shaw Industries' strategic decision to develop a fully recyclable floor covering. It explores drivers of change toward sustainably designed products, providing students with insights into sustainable business innovation and green chemistry product design. Shaw's Ecoworx carpet tile with a PVC-free tile backing is a high-performance substitute material that can be perpetually recycled into new product of equivalent quality and value, making it a "cradle-to-cradle" innovation.
Effect of Pressure on the Dielectric Constant, Power Factor, and Conductivity of Rubber-Sulfur Compounds

Abstract This paper reports the results of a study on the effect of pressure on the dielectric constant, power factor, and conductivity of rubber-sulfur compounds, and is the third paper of a series dealing with the electrical properties of rubber-sulfur compounds. The previous papers dealt with the effect of sulfur content, temperature, and current frequency on these electrical properties. The results reported in the present paper have been corrected for changes in the dimensions of specimens caused by changes in pressure. The required data for making these corrections were obtained from a detailed study of the compressibility of rubber-sulfur compounds which has recently been completed.
Do CSF Biomarkers Predict Progression to Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s disease patients? A Systematic Review

Many patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) will develop cognitive impairment. Cross-sectional studies have shown that certain protein levels are altered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients with dementia and are thought to represent potential biomarkers of underlying pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest that CSF biomarker levels may be predictive of future risk of cognitive decline in non-demented PD patients. However, the strength of this evidence and difference between specific CSF biomarkers is not well delineated. We therefore performed a systematic review to assess if levels of specific CSF protein biomarkers are predictive of progression to cognitive impairment. Nine articles were identified that met inclusion criteria for the review. Findings from the review suggest a convergence of evidence that a low baseline Aβ42 in the CSF of non-demented PD patients predicts development of cognitive impairment over time. Conversely, there is limited evidence that CSF levels of tau, either total tau or phosphorylated tau, is a useful predictive biomarker. There are mixed results for other CSF biomarkers such as α-synuclein, Neurofilament light chain, and Heart fatty acid-binding protein. Overall the results of this review show that certain CSF biomarkers have better predictive ability to identify PD patients who are at risk for developing cognitive impairment. Given the interest in developing disease-modifying therapies, identifying this group will be important for clinical trials as initiation of therapy prior to the onset of cognitive decline is likely to be more efficacious.
Beta-adrenoceptor downregulation in pacing-induced heart failure is associated with increased interstitial NE content.

We used the rapid ventricular pacing model to examine myocardial norepinephrine (NE) uptake kinetics in congestive heart failure. Dogs subjected to pacing at 225 beats/min for 8 wk developed heart ...
Humiliation and shame. Comparing two affect states as indicators of narcissistic stress.

Les aspects narcissiques des psychopathologies de type anal ont ete reconnus depuis Freud, mais les etats d'affect specifiques associes au stress narcissique n'ont pas ete etudies. Erikson a lie la honte au stress narcissique de la phase anale tandis que Maymen la met en rapport avec la phase phallique du developpement. On distingue ici honte et humiliation; cette derniere relevant d'une interaction dyadique serait plus specifiquement liee a la phase anale du developpement
Consensus in the Cloud: Paxos Systems Demystified

Coordination and consensus play an important role in datacenter and cloud computing, particularly in leader election, group membership, cluster management, service discovery, resource/access management, and consistent replication of the master nodes in services. Paxos protocols and systems provide a fault-tolerant solution to the distributed consensus problem and have attracted significant attention as well as generating substantial confusion. In order to elucidate the correct use of distributed coordination systems, we compare and contrast popular Paxos protocols and Paxos systems and present advantages and disadvantages for each. We also categorize the coordination use-patterns in cloud, and examine Google and Facebook infrastructures, as well as Apache top-level projects to investigate how they use Paxos protocols and systems. Finally, we analyze tradeoffs in the distributed coordination domain and identify promising future directions for achieving more scalable distributed coordination systems.
Collineations of an Affine Plane (CAP)

Collineations are bijections of a plane onto itself which map lines to lines; this chapter explores the elementary properties of collineations on an incidence plane on which the parallel axiom holds. Several types of collineations are studied, among them translations, dilations, and axial affinities.
Diagnostic Performance of a Computer-Aided Image Analysis System For Breast Ultrasound

We developed a sophisticated computer-aided diagnostic system optimized to the specific application of standardizing interpretation of diagnostic breast ultrasound. The implemented Computer-Aided Diagnostic tool was evaluated on a database of 332 cases with findings known (“truth”) via biopsy or two-year benign follow up. These same cases were interpreted by a group of four experienced radiologists. Performance of the developed CAD was measured as Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and ROC Area (AZ). For the CAIS AZ=0.96, which exceeded the performance of four expert radiologists (average AZ=0.86). AZ for the radiologists was not significantly different (0.86, 0.85, 0.87, 0.86 ± 0.03). Statistical Power for the study was 93%. The excellent performance of CAIS appears to justify further evaluation in a clinical setting to determine its impact on decision making
Contemporary comparison of aortofemoral bypass to alternative inflow procedures in the Veteran population

Abstract Objective Multiple vascular inflow reconstruction options exist for claudication, including aortofemoral bypass (AFB) and alternative inflow procedures (AIPs) such as femoral reconstruction with iliac stents, and femoral-femoral, iliofemoral, and axillofemoral bypass. Contemporary multi-institution comparison of these techniques is lacking. Methods The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Project (VASQIP) national database (2005-2013) was used to compare AFB vs AIP in a propensity-matched analysis. Primary outcome was mortality at 30 and 90 days. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications. Multivariable regression assessed the adjusted effect of inflow procedure type on mortality. Results A matched cohort of 748 claudicant patients (373 AFB, 375 AIP) was identified. The AFB and AIP groups had similar mean age (59.9 vs 60.8 years; P = .30), gender ( P = .51), race ( P = .52), recent smoking (79.1% vs 76.5%; P = .43), history of coronary artery disease (14.8% vs 14.7%; P > .99), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (18.8% vs 18.4%; P = .92), renal insufficiency (5.9% vs 6.1%; P > .99), and diabetes (22% vs 20%; P = .53), and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification ( P = .41). The AFB group had longer mean operative time (4.9 vs 3.5 hours; P P P P = .58) and outflow endovascular interventions (0.54% vs 1.6%; P = .29). AFB trended toward a higher rate of mortality at 30 days postoperatively (2.7% vs 0.8%; P = .06), but by 90 days, the crude mortality rates were similar for the two (2.9% vs 2.1%; P = .5). AFB had higher rates of pneumonia (5.9% vs 0.8%; P P = .03), postoperative transfusion (2.7% vs 0.53%; P = .02), and urinary tract infection (3.5% vs 0.8%; P = .01), but similar rates of myocardial infarction (1.6% vs 0.8%; P = .34), stroke (0.8% vs 0%; P = .12), wound complications (13.1% vs 12.8%; P = .91), renal failure (1.1% vs 0.3%; P = .22), graft failure (1.3% vs 1.1%; P = .75), and return to the operating room (12.9% vs 9.6%; P = .17). Multivariable analysis showed AFB was not independently associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-3.0). Significant factors included age (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4), postoperative renal insufficiency (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.6-4.0), and unplanned reintubation (OR, 35.5; 95% CI, 3.1-399). Conclusions For claudicant patients with inflow disease, AFB has higher rates of 30-day complications and a trend toward higher mortality; however by 90 days postoperatively, the two procedure types have similar rates of mortality.
Command Transitions in Public Administration: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Proactive Strategies

Effective transitions of power are essential to the smooth operation of any public administration organization, in particular a criminal justice agency. Prior research has shown generalized discussion surrounding agency succession planning. Transitions, however, are differentiated from succession planning within this research, along with the associated attitudes and behaviors of those engaged in both behaviors. The purpose of this study was to provide a quantitative and qualitative analysis of proactive management strategies for command transitions for criminal justice and other public administration civil service, appointed, and elected agency leaders as analyzed and reported by those members involved in such transitions, responding members of two New York State criminal justice associations representing criminal justice command-level staff. The results of this study show that for the overall purposive sample population (n = 205), a statistically significant correlation exists between having clear job expectations when entering a new supervisory position and the new supervisor’s high levels of self-reported satisfaction and preparedness as they transitioned into their new command position. This study represents the first known analysis in the United States that yields a comprehensive, actionable, criminal justice Command Transition Matrix© tool based on sound quantitative and qualitative research, as well as a successfully implemented actual transition experience as a baseline reference.
The Cosmic Optimism of Post-Axial Religion

Each of the great post-axial streams of religious experience and belief has been shown to exhibit a soteriological structure: a recognition of our human moral weakness and failure or of the pervasive insecurity and liability-to-suffering of all life; the proclamation of a limitlessly better possibility arising from another reality, transcendent to our present selves; and the teaching of a way, whether by ‘own-power’ spiritual discipline or the ‘other- power’ of divine grace, to its realisation. They are thus centrally concerned with salvation or liberation or, in Martin Prozesky’s alternative term (1984), ultimate well-being, and they all affirm a transcendent Reality in virtue of which this is available to us. Thus each in its own way constitutes a gospel, offering good news to erring and suffering human beings.2
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth and Family Acceptance

In this article, we address theories of attachment and parental acceptance and rejection, and their implications for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths' identity and health. We also provide 2 clinical cases to illustrate the process of family acceptance of a transgender youth and a gender nonconforming youth who was neither a sexual minority nor transgender. Clinical implications of family acceptance and rejection of LGBT youth are discussed.
Muscle-Cooling Intervention to Reduce Fatigue and Fatigue-Induced Tremor in Novice and Experienced Surgeons: A Preliminary Investigation.

A localized, intermittent muscle-cooling protocol was implemented to determine cooling garment efficacy in reducing upper extremity muscular fatigue and tremor in novice (n = 10) and experienced surgeons (n = 9). Subjects wore a muscle-cooling garment while performing multiple trials of a forearm exercise and paired suturing task to induce muscular fatigue and exercise-induced tremor. A reduction in tremor amplitude and an extension in time to fatigue were expected with muscle cooling as compared with control trials. Each subject completed an intervention session (5°C cooling condition) and a control session (32°C or thermal neutral condition). A paired samples t test indicated that tremor amplitude was significantly reduced (t [8] = 1.89458; p
Should FDG dose be based on BMI instead of body weight

2010 Objectives: In 18F-FDG PET/CT studies, vendors recommend FDG dose based on patient’s weight (W); however, our facility’s imaging protocol is based on Body Mass Index (BMI). The aim of this study was to compare changes in PET/CT image quality as a result of switching from a W-adjusted to a BMI-adjusted FDG dose. Methods: In our PET center, the recommended FDG dose is 0.14 mCi/Kg with a max dose of 15 mCi. To develop a BMI-adjusted dose, we divided that max 15 mCi dose by the largest BMI seen at our facility (45). Therefore, a BMI-adjusted dose of 0.3 mCi x BMI was used in a total of a 104 patients undergoing PET/CT exams for known or suspected cancer. In those 104 patients, a log was kept to record the typically used W-adjusted dose to the actually used BMI-adjusted dose. Of those 104 patients, 22 had repeat studies: dose in the first was Kg-adjusted, whereas BMI-adjusted dose was used in the second study. In the 44 PET/ CT exams for those 22 patients, imaging protocol was based on BMI and patients had no interval therapy. A nuclear medicine physician blinded to changes in the injected dose, randomly and retrospectively reviewed PET/CT scans and graded the image quality using a three-point scale; 1= excellent, 2= acceptable, and 3= suboptimal. Results: Switching from a W-adjusted dose to a BMI-adjusted FDG dose in 104 patients resulted in less dose in 99(95%), similar dose in 5(4.8%), and a higher dose in one patient ( Conclusions: We conclude that using BMI-adjusted FDG dose instead of a W-adjusted dose may help reduce radiation dose to patients and technologists without compromising PET/CT image quality.
Density Functional Theory Study on Energy Band Gap of Armchair Silicene Nanoribbons with Periodic Nanoholes

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) is employed to investigate the electronic properties of armchair silicene nanoribbons perforated with periodic nanoholes (ASiNRPNHs). The dangling bonds of armchair silicene nanoribbons (ASiNR) are passivated by mono- (:H) or di-hydrogen (:2H) atoms. Our results show that the ASiNRs can be categorized into three groups based on their width: W = 3P − 1, 3P, and 3P + 1, P is an integer. The band gap value order changes from “EG (3P − 1) < EG (3P) < EG (3P + 1)” to “EG (3P + 1) < EG (3P − 1) < EG (3P)” when edge hydrogenation varies from mono- to di-hydrogenated. The energy band gap values for ASiNRPNHs depend on the nanoribbons width and the repeat periodicity of the nanoholes. The band gap value of ASiNRPNHs is larger than that of pristine ASiNRs when repeat periodicity is even, while it is smaller than that of pristine ASiNRs when repeat periodicity is odd. In general, the value of energy band gap for ASiNRPNHs:2H is larger than that of ASiNRPNHs:H. So a band gap as large as 0.92 eV is achievable with ASiNRPNHs of width 12 and repeat periodicity of 2. Furthermore, creating periodic nanoholes near the edge of the nanoribbons cause a larger band gap due to a strong quantum confinement effect.
Improving privacy preserving methods to enhance data mining for correlation research

Privacy Preservation techniques have been developed to de-identify an individual from a published dataset. In consequence, full potential details of the data are not being published due to methods used today. This research proposes a more competent way to approach anonymity in a dataset. Two pieces of change should be implemented to make privacy-preserving methods more efficient: 1/2k criteria and attribute importance introduction. Together, this new way of de-identifying data could prove to be more effective to publish the highest amount of the original information.
Tailoring thermal emission with epsilon-near-zero media augmented with dielectric rods

We theoretically investigate the thermal emission capabilities of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) bodies containing dielectric rods. Effective enlargement of the wavelength at the ENZ frequency empowers directive and reconfigurable emission patterns, as well as geometry-invariant spectral features.
Predictive medication and use of Big Data

In today's digital age, availability of health related information are not only limited to traditional sources like Clinical data, Claims Data, NIS (National Inpatient Sample) and EMRs but they are also being made available from digital sources like Smart Watch, Health Trackers, Glucose Meters, Blood Pressure Monitors and many other newer personal electronics devices. Patients are also often sharing their medical treatment related information and reaction to certain medicines in Social Media pages like Twitter or Facebook which in turn making the medical data available in the social media pages of renowned pharmaceutical companies. As a result, these digital sources are continuously generating huge amount of health related information and effective use of all these valuable information can help create statistical models that can predict certain medical condition for a patient or provide recommended lifestyle changes or prescription medicines for certain individuals.
Practical Aspects of Monitoring Peripheral Nerves

Monitoring of neural conduction is important for detecting surgically induced injuries to nerves, and it is a prerequisite for reducing the risks of postoperative deficits. Several different techniques can be used for such monitoring. One method utilizes the stimulation of a nerve and recording compound action potentials (CAP) from another location on the nerve. Other methods use the recording of SSEP, the F-response1 or the H-response.2 These methods can be used for detecting partial or complete failure of neural conduction and for the measurements of changes in neural conduction velocity. Such measures are important for detecting injuries caused by surgical manipulations. Similar electrophysiological methods can be used for finding the anatomical location of injuries to nerves. Intraoperative measurement of the conduction of peripheral nerves plays an important role in guiding the surgeon in repair of injured nerves (see Chap. 15).
Nanostructured miniaturized artificial magnetic conductors (AMC) for high-performance antennas in 5G, IoT, and smart skin applications

The emergence of fan-out packaging for 5G and IoT applications has brought escalating performance concerns that arise from the proximity of radiating components such as antennas to lossy materials such as metals and silicon. These concerns also arise in wearable (“smart skin”) electronics where the human tissues act as the lossy substrate. Artificial magnetic conductors (AMC) are widely explored for enhancing the performance of antennas that are in close proximity to metallic surfaces and other lossy substrates such as silicon and human tissue. High-permittivity or high-permeability materials can be used to significantly reduce the sizes of AMCs. Nanostructured materials provide unique opportunities to provide stable properties up to the GHz and mm-Wave frequency ranges. In this paper, novel miniaturized nanostructured AMCs utilizing Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) thinfilms and ceramic-polymer composites are demonstrated through full-wave modeling analysis. The size reduction rates are 50.6 % when using 3 μm of BST thinfilm and 77 % when using 400 μm of ceramic-polymer composites. This concept can be further extended with high-permeability magnetic films, and thicker nanocomposite films to achieve further size and performance improvement for a variety of frequency bands and applications.
Spatial extent of analysis influences observed patterns of population genetic structure in a widespread darter species (Percidae)

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; U.S. Department of Agriculture Hatch ProgramUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA); U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food and AgricultureUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA); U.S. Geological SurveyUnited States Geological Survey; Virginia Tech; Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy
Plantwide Control Problem for a Process with Three Distillation Columns and Two Recycle Streams

Abstract This work presents a plantwide control problem for a complex process typical of many industrial chemical operations. The plant contains two reaction steps, three distillation columns, two recycle streams, and six chemical components. Process details are provided along with disturbances that an effective control strategy must handle.
The Religious Origin of Political Form: The System of Authority

“At the heart of Roman politics... stands the conviction of the sacredness of foundation.”1 In “What is authority?” Arendt offers a still unsurpassed philosophical analysis of the religious origin of political form exhibited by the Roman system of authority. In the Roman political experience, the foundation of the state is “sacred” because it is understood to be an absolute beginning: “the central, decisive, unrepeatable beginning of their whole history, a unique event.”2 What makes this beginning absolute is the attitude or ethos of those who follow it. Arendt argues that for the Romans this attitude is prescribed in their religion which “literally meant re-ligare: to be tied back, obligated, to the enormous, almost superhuman and hence always legendary effort to lay the foundations, to build the cornerstone, to found for eternity.”3 From this religious constitution of the act of foundation emerges the system of rule that turns on authority: the word auctoritas derives from augere, augment, and what authority or those in authority constantly augment is the foundation. Those endowed with authority were the elders, the Senate or the patres, who had obtained it by descent and by transmission (tradition) from those who had laid the foundations for all things to come, the ancestors, whom the Romans therefore called the maiores.4 Arendt concludes that “the strength of the Roman trinity of religion, tradition and authority lay in the binding force of an authoritative beginning to which ‘religious’ bonds tied men back through tradition.”5