cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic solid form determined from 2D shape measurement

Abstract Particle shape, a property of a three-dimensional solid, is an important property. Usually, and problematically, shape measurements of the solid particle are obtained only from two dimensions. It is well known that, in general, a given 2D shape measurement cannot be uniquely related to a solid. However, it is shown herein that unique, and therefore discriminating and useful, probabilistic relationships do exist between a convex solid's shape and 2D measurements taken in either section or projection. The key is to recognize that all possible 2D measurements of a solid make a characteristic probability density surface for an appropriate domain. The measurement domain studied in this paper is often used to measure actual particles. In principle a measured probability density surface of physical samples may be quantitatively approximated by mixtures of model solids.
Treecode algorithms for the helmholtz equation

In this poster, we construct and implement a treecode algorithm for solving the Helmholtz equation. A recurrence relation is used to efficiently compute the particle – cluster interaction. The physical problem of interest is the evolution of a wave in a cavity
Communicating a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to an adult: What physicians need to know

Ten percent of cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnoses are confirmed in adults. No disease-specific research is available to guide nonpediatricians in communicating these diagnoses or to determine whether prevalent bad-news guidelines apply. In this phenomenological study, the author asked 36 individuals to describe their adult-diagnosis experiences, reactions, and preferences. Data analysis revealed that most respondents were satisfied with their diagnosis interviews. Participants described different physician styles in delivering the diagnosis and a range of reactions on learning that they had CF. They urged that physicians appreciate the impact of a CF diagnosis on adults, assess the personal characteristics that could affect individuals' responses, and develop relevant patient-education techniques. Interactions of disease characteristics with individuals' personal situations appeared to be more important than physicians' approaches in determining how participants experienced and responded to the diagnosis. That no typical interview emerged rendered a one-fits-all guideline unrealistic for communicating CF diagnoses to adults.
Simulation and extraction of single-trial evoked potentials

Evoked potentials are defined as potentials that result from electrical activity in the central nervous system after a stimulation. In analysis of evoked potentials the main problem is to extract the waveform from measurements that also contain on-going background electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. The conventional tool for the analysis of evoked potentials has been averaging of the measurements over an ensemble of trials. This is the optimal way to improve the signal-to-noise ratio when the evoked potential is a deterministic signal in independent and additive background noise of zero mean. However, it is evident that the evoked potential varies with repetitions of the stimuli. There are two aims of this paper. The first is to develop a simulation method for evoked potentials with slow variations among different trials. The second aim is to develop a method to extract time variations occurring in a number of time-aligned trials to estimate the single-trial evoked potentials.
Identity and Ecology in Arctic Siberia: The Number One Reindeer Brigade

Identity and Ecology in Arctic Siberia. The Number One Reindeer Brigade. David G. Anderson. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.253 pp.
Molecular systematics of the three mitochondrial protein-coding genes of malaria parasites: corroborative and new evidence for the origins of human malaria.

Background and aims. The mitochondrial genomes of malaria parasites (Plasmodium and related genera) are extremely small and contain just three protein-coding genes. These short linear genomes are tandemly repeated, allowing for amplification of the entire unit using a single pair of outwardly facing primers.Materials and methods. Using this approach, I sequenced full mitochondrial genomes for seven new lineages of these parasites belonging to four genera and then, combining these new sequences with other published ones, I examined the phylogenetic utility of each of the three protein-coding genes, alone and when concatenated into a data-set of 3315 nucleotides.Results. Most relationships recovered are consistent with previous studies of the group.Conclusion. Support for an Asian origin of Plasmodium vivax and a sister relationship of Plasmodium falciparum to the rodent malaria parasites was observed in this study. However, if a broad understanding of the evolutionary relationships of this group is to trul...
Copper‐in‐Charcoal (CuII/C)

[1317-38-0] Cu/C InChI = 1S/C.Cu InChIKey = AHADSRNLHOHMQK-UHFFFAOYSA-N (heterogeneous reagent for copper-catalyzed reactions) Form Supplied in: not commercially available. Preparative Methods: two different procedures have been developed for the preparation of copper-in-charcoal.1, 3 Original procedure. Darco KB (5.00 g, 100 mesh) activated carbon (25% H2O content) was added to a 100-mL round-bottom flask containing a stirring bar. A solution of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O (Acros Organics, 705.3 mg, 2.92 mmol) in deionized water (35 mL) was added to activated carbon, and an additional aliquot of deionized water (40 mL) was added to wash down the sides of the flask. The flask was purged under argon and stirred vigorously for 1 min, and then submerged in an ultrasonic bath under a positive argon flow for 30 min. The flask was then attached to an argon-purged distillation setup and placed in a preheated sand bath to 175–180 °C with a stirring plate. As the distillation ended, the flask temperature was allowed to gradually increase over 15 min, although it should be kept below 210 °C. Upon cooling to room temperature, toluene (25 mL) was added to wash down the sides of the flask. The flask was again placed into the hot sand bath until the toluene/water azeotrope had distilled. Once the distillation was finished, the azeotropic distillation was repeated. Upon cooling to room temperature, the black solid was washed with toluene (2 × 30 mL) under argon into a predried 150 mL coarse-fritted funnel. The toluene (60 mL) used to wash the Cu/C was removed by rotary evaporation and analyzed for remaining copper. The fritted funnel was inverted while under vacuum and held there for 5 h until the Cu/C fell from the frit into the collection flask (Figure 1). The collection flask was then dried under vacuum in a preheated 110–115 °C sand bath for 18 h. Using these specific amounts, the catalyst loading was 0.344 mmol CuII/g−1 catalyst, or 2.2 wt.% Cu. Modified, simplified procedure. Darco KB activated carbon (50.0 g, 100 mesh, 25% H2O content) was added to a 500-mL round-bottomed flask containing a stir bar. A solution of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O (Acros Organics, 11.114 g, 46.0 mmol) in deionized water (100 mL) was added to the flask, and additional deionized water (100 mL) was added to wash down the sides of the flask. The flask was loosely capped and stirred under air for 30 min and then submerged in an ultrasonic bath for 7 h. Vacuum filtration, subsequent washing (toluene), and air drying (3 h) yielded ca. 85 g of ‘wet’ Cu/C. The catalyst could be used at this stage or further dried in vacuo at 120 °C overnight to yield 41 g of ‘dry’ Cu/C. Figure 1. Inverted fritted glass funnel to collect Cu/C Handling, Storage, and Precautions: Cu/C is a generally air- and moisture-stable solid. However, due to the water sensitivity of some chemistry in which it can be used (e.g., aryl ether formation), Cu/C is stored in a glass bottle under an inert atmosphere.
In vitro activities of metronidazole and its hydroxy metabolite against Bacteroides spp.

Metronidazole is metabolized to two major oxidative products: an acid metabolite and a hydroxy metabolite. While the activity of the acid metabolite is negligible, the activity of the hydroxy metabolite is approximately 65% of the activity of the parent drug. Pharmacokinetic studies of metronidazole and its hydroxy metabolite have shown that the MICs of both compounds remain above the MICs for most anaerobic organisms over an 8-h dosing interval. By a checkerboard assay, the combined activities of metronidazole and the hydroxy metabolite were examined against 4 quality control strains of Bacteroides species. Macrobroth tube dilutions were set up with Wilkins-Chalgren broth. Serial twofold dilutions of each agent were performed to achieve final concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 4.0 micrograms/ml. The MICs for Bacteroides fragilis and B. distasonis were 1.0 microgram/ml for both parent drug and metabolite. For B. thetaiotamicron and B. ovatus, the MICs of metronidazole and the hydroxy metabolite were 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/ml, respectively. Synergy was determined by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. The interpretative criteria for the FIC index were as follows: synergy, FIC 4.0. Partial synergy was observed for the four anaerobes tested, with FIC indices ranging from 0.63 to 0.75. On the basis of this data, in vitro susceptibilities to agents such as metronidazole may ultimately require reevaluation to account for active metabolites.
Topographic effects on the antenna gain pattern correction

Analyses and quantifies the topographic effects on the antenna gain pattern: correction of existing spaceborne synthetic aperture radar systems, namely ERS-1, JERS-1, SIR-C, and X-SAR. Simulations and real SAR data of a test site are used. The corrections are carried out taking into account the local surface topography and compared with the standard method based on a reference ellipsoid. Results show that elevation variations in the ERS-1 and JERS-1 cases do not affect significantly the antenna gain pattern correction. For extreme topographic differences, greater than 3000 m, a reference altitude or the radiometric calibration is suggested. On the other hand, for the low-orbit SRL-1/2 terrain information is strongly recommended, particularly, if relief differences within the image are significant, namely greater than 1000 m. Furthermore, it is shown that in the SIR-C case, even if the polarizations of the antenna gain patterns are slightly different, polarimetric calibration errors due to relief variations can be neglected. Finally, implications for forthcoming spaceborne SAR systems, i.e. ERS-2 and RADARSAT, are discussed.
Mobile Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing with Handheld Computers: The Entryware System 3.0:

Computer-assisted data collection in survey research offers potentially lower costs, quicker turnaround time, and improved data quality as compared to traditional paper-and-pencil methods. The proliferation of handheld computers in recent years now makes these benefits more accessible to field researchers. Handheld computers are inexpensive, portable, and energy efficient, making them ideal field instruments. In this article, I review a new software product designed for mobile computer- assisted personal interviewing (MCAPI) with Palm OS handheld computers. Based on my experience with MCAPI in the field, I conclude that version 3.0 of Entryware software is a robust tool for face-to-face or self-administered structured interviews in field settings. I also consider some implications of this new technology for field research, including respondents' reactions and data quality. Handheld computers have become commonplace, and field researchers should take note: These small, affordable computers are not just personal organizers. They offer absolute portability, extended battery life, an intuitive interface, and surprising computing power. In addition, the connectability of handhelds to desktop computers provides a mobile interface with standard software applications, and modem and wireless communications make it easy to transfer data to and from the field. The potential utility of handheld computers for field researchers is tremendous (Greene 2001). This review considers a new product for the Palm platform that makes good on the promise of mobile computing for field researchers. Version 3.0 of Techneos Systems' Entryware software consists of two applications for designing questionnaires, transferring data, and conducting face-to-face interviews with Palm-powered computers. This technology offers several key advantages of computer-assisted interviewing in general but stands out for its true mobility and significantly lower hardware costs. Here I offer a brief overview of mobile computer-assisted personal inter- viewing (MCAPI) in general and review the key features of the Entryware system in particular. I report my own experiences using Entryware software
An all atom force field for simulations of proteins and nucleic acids.

We present an all atom potential energy function for the simulation of proteins and nucleic acids. This work is an extension of the CH united atom function recently presented by S.J. Weiner et al. J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 106, 765 (1984). The parameters of our function are based on calculations on ethane, propane, n−butane, dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, imidazole, indole, deoxyadenosine, base paired dinucleoside phosphates, adenine, guanine, uracil, cytosine, thymine, insulin, and myoglobin. We have also used these parameters to carry out the first general vibrational analysis of all five nucleic acid bases with a molecular mechanics potential approach.
Physical Attractiveness, Dating Behavior, and Implications for Women.

The primary objective of this study was to determine which of two sociological theories of dating preference was more powerful in predicting women's actual dating frequency. The two theories tested were Waller's theory, which emphasizes physical attractiveness, and Blood's theory, which emphasizes personality. The present study supported Waller's theory. Discussion and implications for women and counselors are presented.
Diversity–stability relationships in multitrophic systems: an empirical exploration

Summary 1. The relationship between diversity and stability is crucial in understanding the dynamics of multitrophic interactions. There are two basic hypotheses about the causal link between diversity and stability. The first is that fluctuations in resource abundance allow consumer coexistence, thus increasing diversity at the consumer trophic level (resource variability hypothesis). The second is that interactions between coexisting consumer species reduce consumer efficiency and dampen population fluctuations, thus increasing consumer‐resource stability (consumer efficiency hypothesis). 2. The two hypotheses lead to three comparative predictions: (i) fluctuations should be greater (resource variability) or smaller (consumer efficiency) in resource populations with coexisting consumer species, compared to those invaded only by the consumer species superior at resource exploitation; (ii) average resource abundance should be greater (resource variability) or smaller (consumer efficiency) in resource populations with greater fluctuations; and (iii) removal of the consumer species inferior at resource exploitation should increase or not affect resource population fluctuations (resource variability), or always increase them (consumer efficiency). 3. I tested these predictions with data from a host‐multiparasitoid community: the harlequin bug ( Murgantia histrionica ) and two specialist parasitoids ( Trissolcus murgantiae and Ooencyrtus johnsonii ) that attack the bug’s eggs. 4. Local host populations with coexisting parasitoids exhibited smaller fluctuations and greater average abundance compared to those with just Trissolcus , the species superior at host exploitation. Local populations that lost Ooencyrtus , the species inferior at host exploitation, exhibited an increase in host population fluctuations compared to those that did not. 5. The results contradict the expectations of the resource variability hypothesis, suggesting that host population fluctuations are unlikely to be driving parasitoid coexistence. They are consistent with the consumer efficiency hypothesis, that interactions between coexisting parasitoid species dampens host population fluctuations. I discuss the implications of these results as well as possible caveats.
Three-year controlled, randomized trial of the effect of dose-specified loading and strengthening exercises on bone mineral density of spine and femur in nonathletic, physically active women

The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) the effect of spinal muscle strengthening by loading exercises on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, and (2) the effect of upper extremity loading exercises on the BMD of the midradius and femur in healthy, premenopausal women. The study design was a randomized, controlled trial of 3 years' duration. Ninety-six healthy, premenopausal, white women aged 30-40 years participated; 67 completed the study. All subjects were in good health (normal menses) and were active, but not athletic (that is, not involved in a regular sport activity). Subjects were randomized to an exercise or control group. The exercise group performed a supervised, non-strenuous, weight-lifting exercise program. Exercise performance was supervised once a week at the medical facility. In addition, the subjects performed the exercises twice a week on their own. Dietary calcium intake was to be maintained at 1,500 mg/day in both groups. Bone density was measured at the lumbar spine and hip with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 0, 1, and 3 years. BMD of the midradius was measured with single photon absorptiometry. Measurements of muscle strength were obtained at baseline and every 3 months for 3 years. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured, and the level of physical activity was recorded. Compliance with the exercise program was excellent during the first year of the study, but decreased thereafter. At the end of 3 years, subject withdrawal was about 34% from the exercise group and about 22% from the control group (total subject withdrawal was about 30%). Muscle strength in the exercise group increased significantly at all involved skeletal sites (p values all < 0.001). There was a modest positive correlation between the BMD of Ward's triangle with spinal flexor strength (r = 0.32, p = 0.008) and with grip strength (r = 0.38, p = 0.001). Comparing study groups, we found no significant effect of the loading and nonstrenuous strengthening exercises in the exercise group or free physical activity group (our control group) on BMD at the spine, hip, or midradius measurement sites. In active, but not athletic premenopausal women, additional moderate weight-lifting exercises showed no significant effect on BMD.
Electro-Mechanical Response of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Composites

The effect of nano-deformation, damage and growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced polymer composites is investigated using electro-mechanical response at different loading conditions. Three different polymer systems namely polyurethane, polyurethane reinforced with gas bubbles (that induces porosity) and polyurethane reinforced with Aluminum Silicate hollow microspheres (Cenospheres) in this study. CNTs of different weight percentages are loaded into above three polymer systems and a combination of shear mixing and ultrasonication processes are used to fabricate composites. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are used to verify homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the above systems. A four-point probe method is used to measure high resolution electrical response when the above polymer systems are subjected to mechanical loads. The effect of various types of mechanical loading on different stages of deformation of test samples, onset of damage and growth will be discussed using electro-mechanical response of polymer systems.
The relationship between renin isoelectric forms and renin glycoforms

Active renin can be separated into multiple isoelectric forms using shallow gradient isoelectric focusing and into multiple glycoforms using concanavalin A (Con A) affinity chromatography. The relationship between renin isoelectric forms and glycoforms has not been previously determined. In this study, each of three renin Con A glycoforms from rat kidney was composed of significantly different proportions of six renin isoelectric forms; glycoforms with the greatest affinity for Con A contained proportionally less of the acidic isoelectric forms than those with the least affinity for Con A. A set of compartmental models accurately predicted previously measured differential plasma clearance rates of the three renin glycoforms based on their corresponding isoelectric form proportions. We conclude that 1) each Con A renin glycoform is composed of significantly different proportions of isoelectric forms, and 2) the different proportions of isoelectric forms found in Con A glycoforms are sufficient to account for the differential renin plasma clearance rates demonstrated previously for renin glycoforms in the rat. These data suggest that the isoelectric and glycoform heterogeneity of active renin are, in fact, closely related and may result from variable and interrelated mannose (Con A affinity) and sialic acid (charge) attachments to renin.
Let's Sue All the Lawyers: The Rise of Claims Against Lawyers for Aiding and Abetting a Client's Breach of Fiduciary Duty

If you drive East on Interstate I-10 approximately 60 miles outside of Houston, Texas, you will see a huge billboard on the road stating: WE SUE LAWYERS. ... (the sign then provides the law firm's name and contact information) Shocking as it may seem, this sign represents a recent trend of going after lawyers using every possible legal theory that exists. The courts are supportive of attorney liability in various contexts thus making these claims possible. As an example, let's assume attorney A represents client B, who has a business relationship with partner C. During the business transactions involving B, C and their business, Client B breached her fiduciary duty that she owed to C, and C now wants to sue for the breach. In the past, all that C could do was sue B for her breach of fiduciary duty. Today, C will also likely sue attorney A for aiding and abetting B's breach of fiduciary duty. The role and responsibilities of a lawyer have changed and expanded significantly in comparison to what they were in the past. As plaintiffs continue to develop a number of legal theories to advance claims against attorneys, lawyers now face a totally different and much more substantial level of exposure to liability when they perform legal services for their clients. In particular, one claim which has been expanded in recent years is the allegation of aiding and abetting a client's breach of fiduciary duty. The challenge of aiding and abetting liability in any context is that it extends beyond persons who engage, even indirectly, in a proscribed activity, and reaches individuals who do not take part in such activity at all, but who give a degree of aid to those who do. Thus, a critical distinction between a regular legal malpractice claim and a claim against an attorney for aiding and abetting her client's breach of fiduciary duty is that a plaintiff need not allege that the attorney actually owed the plaintiff a direct duty of care. This distinction allows for an entirely new class of plaintiffs to bring claims against attorneys. My article offers a general survey and analysis of such claims, including their historic origin and current status. It also proposes a possible solution that limits a number of meritless aiding and abetting claims against lawyers and offers attorneys a sense of protection by using judicial discretion to pre-screen the applicable complaints.
North Koreans at the movies: cinema of fits and starts and the rise of chameleon spectatorship

ABSTRACTNorth Koreans are often assumed to be compliant recipients of all official propaganda produced by the state. Calling this assumption into question, the article examines two co-existing models of film spectatorship which began to develop in the DPRK in the wake of the Korean War (1950–1953) by historicizing North Korean audiences and their experiences at the movies during the 1950s and early 1960s. Although with Soviet help Pyongyang was able to rebuild its national film industry destroyed in large part by US aerial bombings during the war, the industry continued to struggle for another decade before it could fully resume its viability. At the same time, the government stepped up its efforts to educate the proletarian masses through the medium of cinema not only in the workers’ spare time, but also while at work. However, if workplace film programs were rarely a source of much trouble, the opposite was true of their neighborhood counterparts. The country’s dysfunctional postwar movie theaters emerg...
Taking the Lead: A Case Report of a Leiomyoma Causing Duodeno-Duodenal Intussusception and Review of Literature.

Background: Duodenal masses are rare entities and symptomatic presentation generally is due to abdominal pain or the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding. A number of published case reports in the literature have detailed various neoplasms that have caused an intussusception isolated to the duodenum. This is a particularly unusual phenomenon due to the location and fixation of this portion of the proximal small bowel to the retroperitoneum. We present here a case of duodeno-duodenal intussusception secondary to a leiomyoma. Case: A 65-year-old Caucasian male presented with intermittent bloody stools and syncope over a 9-month period secondary to a duodenal leiomyoma causing intussusception, which was treated through a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Conclusion: Intussusception of the duodenum is an uncommon entity and the diagnosis of a leiomyoma should be considered in the setting of a potential mass in the small intestine.
Cancer epigenetics and targeted therapies.

The review by Drs. Boumber and Issa of epigenetic drugs that target human cancers nicely summarizes recent progress in this hot area and points out future lines of investigation.
Assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Many older patients in critical care settings have significant arterial disease, so the assessment of peripheral circulation may be important in their management. A great deal of information can be gained through the physical examination, which can be supplemented by the use of the Doppler velocity detector. This device should be used to obtain quantitative pressure measurements. Special consideration must be given to evaluation early in the postoperative period.
High pT single identified particles in various systems, various collision energies, and several scaling variables

Abstract Results of the opacity of a system created in heavy ion collisions are presented. This property of the system can be described through measurements of the fractional energy loss of single identified hadrons at high p T and allows to establish scaling properties based on scaling variables such as number of participants, number of quark participants, charged particle density, and Bjorken energy density. To characterize the energy loss mechanism an extended study is shown with data-sets both from PHENIX at RHIC and ALICE at LHC and by plotting the fractional momentum loss against several scaling variables. It is shown that in the p T region where hard scattering is expected to dominate, in all but the most peripheral collisions, δ p T / p T exhibits a simple scaling with those global observables.
Evidence-Based Practices

The focus of this chapter is on the concept of evidence-based practices as broadly conceptualized and applied to individuals and groups of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We review controversies regarding the definition of evidence-based practices along with the procedures and methods involved in developing, testing, and implementing them. Particular consideration is given to selecting and implementing EBPs for individuals and/or groups of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
African religion and christianity in grenada

Pendant des siecles, les peuples africano-americains du Nouveau Monde ont developpe et maintenu certaines traditions religieuses : ils n'ont ni abandonne les traditions africaines ni refuse d'integrer les conceptions religieuses judeo-chretiennes. Les rites Shango que pratique une majorite d'habitants de l'ile de Grenade en temoignent
Retaining Early Childhood Education Workers: A Review of the Empirical Literature

ABSTRACTLow retention in the child care workforce is a persistent challenge that has been associated with negative outcomes for children, staff, and centers. This article reviews the empirical literature, identifying common correlates or predictors of retention for child care workers. Searches were conducted using several databases, and articles that presented quantitative or qualitative data on retention for center-based child care workers in the United States were reviewed in detail. Seven themes emerged as potential predictors of retention: wages and benefits, job satisfaction, organizational characteristics, alternative employment opportunities, demographic characteristics, job characteristics, and education and training. Although some of the findings were mixed, increased retention was generally associated with the following: working in a publicly operated or nonprofit center that meets accreditation or policy standards, being older, maintaining a higher-level position, having more tenure and experie...
Bad math: calculating bodily capacity in Cassils’s Cuts: A Traditional Sculpture

This article reads Cassils’ 2011 durational performance piece Cuts: A Traditional Sculpture alongside the messy arithmetic of Karl Marx’s Grundrisse in order to ask after the place of measurement within theories of bodily capacity and living labor.
Basics of Elbow Arthroscopy Part III: Positioning and Diagnostic Arthroscopy in the Lateral Decubitus Position

In recent years, arthroscopy has gained popularity as a preferred treatment of a multitude of pathologies affecting the elbow. Since its initial description in 1985, many modifications have been made as our knowledge and technology have advanced. Currently, the majority of arthroscopic procedures are performed in either the lateral decubitus or supine suspended position. In this work, we discuss the history, patient positioning, and key steps for performing elbow arthroscopy in the lateral decubitus position. In addition to key steps, a number of strengths and limitations of this set up are discussed in detail. When properly executed, elbow arthroscopy can be performed in a safe and efficient manner with minimal risk to patients.
Optimal sensor placement within a hybrid dense sensor network using an adaptive genetic algorithm with learning gene pool

This work develops optimal sensor placement within a hybrid dense sensor network used in the construction of accurate strain maps for large-scale structural components. Realization of accurate strain maps is imperative for improved strain-based fault diagnosis and prognosis health management in large-scale structures. Here, an objective function specifically formulated to reduce type I and II errors and an adaptive mutation-based genetic algorithm for the placement of sensors within the hybrid dense sensor network are introduced. The objective function is based on the linear combination method and validates sensor placement while increasing information entropy. Optimal sensor placement is achieved through a genetic algorithm that leverages the concept that not all potential sensor locations contain the same level of information. The level of information in a potential sensor location is taught to subsequent generations through updating the algorithm’s gene pool. The objective function and genetic algorith...
Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Nuclear Imaging

a large-field-of-view gamma camera. The anal canal axis is defined by a line drawn through the middle of the balloon image of the anal canal. The rectal axis is defined by a line drawn parallel to the most inferior portion of the rectal image, just cephalad to the anal canal. The location of the anorectal junction is measured as the perpendicular distance from a line drawn between the pubococcygeal line to the most caudal aspect of the rectal image. In healthy persons, rectal evacuation is associated with widening of the anorectal angle and perineal descent (Fig. 12.2). In patients with symptoms of a functional defecation disorder, scintigraphy may reveal either reduced motion (i.e., anorectal angle change or descent), or increased perineal descent (i.e., descending perineum syndrome). To quantify rectal emptying, the rectum is filled with a 7.5% colloidal dispersion of aluminium magnesium silicate labeled with 1 mCi of Tc with patients in the left lateral decubitus position. Images are obtained before evacuation (3-minute acquisition), during evacuation (2-second dynamic images over 4 minutes), and after evacuation (3-minute acquisition) on a commode. The percentage and rate of total Tc evacuation is calculated; less than 37% evacuation (i.e., 2 standard deviations below mean) is considered abnormal (Fig. 12.3). The median evacuation time for seven asymptomatic subjects was 40 seconds.
Opioid medication use in patients with gastrointestinal diagnoses vs unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms in the US Veterans Health Administration

Background While opioid prescriptions have increased alarmingly in the United States (US), their use for unexplained chronic gastrointestinal (GI) pain (eg, irritable bowel syndrome) carries an especially high risk for adverse effects and questionable benefit. Aim To compare opioid use among US veterans with structural GI diagnoses (SGID) and those with unexplained GI symptoms or functional GI diagnoses (FGID), a group for whom opioids have no accepted role. Methods Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrative data from fiscal year 2012 were used to identify veterans with diagnostic codes recorded for SGID and FGID. This cohort study examined VHA pharmacy data to compare groups receiving ≥ 1 opioid prescription during the year and number of prescriptions filled. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding factors (demographics, medical diagnoses, social factors) and identified potential mediators (service use, psychiatric comorbidity) of opioid use in these groups. Results A greater proportion of veterans with FGID received an opioid prescription during fiscal year 2012 (36.0% of 272 431) compared to only 28.9% of 1 223 744 in the SGID group (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.25). In multivariate logistic regression, personality disorders and drug abuse (OR 1.23 for each group), recent homelessness (OR 1.22), psychotropic medication fills (OR 1.55) and emergency department encounters (OR 1.21) were independently associated with opioid prescription use. Conclusions Despite the potential for adverse consequences, opioids more often are prescribed for veterans with chronic, unexplained GI symptoms compared to those with structural diagnoses. Psychiatric comorbidities and frequent healthcare encounters mediate some of the opioid use risk.
Distributed DC electrical assessment of switch-mode converters

With modern low power circuits needing supply voltages around 0.6 [V], there is a growing need for accurately accounting for DC variations. To accentuate the problem proliferation of power supplies for extended battery life has forced tightly co-located voltage regulators which can easily see 20–50 [mV] variation on common ground plane. Independent analysis of loads therefore can lead to suboptimal power and performance estimates. This paper presents analysis and design methodology to study DC interaction of input and output network for power converters to accurately account for spatial distribution of current and the resulting potential differences. The contribution also enables important design aspects such as sense point optimization and PCB & package layout bottleneck identification. Paper documents design of a 1 [V] output buck voltage regulator with 4% output voltage spread for illustration.
Response to Flexner, Educational Reform, Social Accountability and Meta-Curriculum

To the Editor: By highlighting social accountability and inequities in health professions education, Padilla and Bell call attention to a critical and timely subject.[1][1] Health professions education should play an important role in addressing and mitigating health equity. Accreditation standards
Dynamic Security Games with Extra Information

In the previous chapter, we have reviewed existing applications of SG in addressing different dynamic security problems. Nonetheless, most existing works assume equal knowledgeable defender and attacker, whereas, in practice, the defender and the attacker are likely to hold different information about the ongoing security rivalries. Conventional SG based methods developed in existing literature do not fit well to such dynamic security games with information asymmetry. To achieve the best possible defense in such scenarios, new techniques that can adequately manage the information asymmetry are needed. In this chapter, we will focus on scenarios where the defender has extra information and present two novel algorithms, termed minimax-PDS and WoLF-PDS, to solve the corresponding dynamic security games with extra information. After establishing the theoretical basis, we will provide two exemplary applications to illustrate how these two new algorithms can be leveraged to handle dynamic security games with extra information. The first application is concerned with anti-jamming and the second application is concerned with a cloud-based security game.
Characterization of tunable longwave infrared filters using quantum cascade lasers

We describe performance characterization of spectrally tunable nano-engineered filters operating in the longwave infrared (LWIR) from 8 to 12 micron using quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) tunable over the full spectral range. The filter design is based on using the guided mode resonance (GMR) phenomenon. The device structure consists of a subwavelength dielectric grating on top of a planar waveguide using high index dielectric transparent materials, i.e., germanium (Ge) with a refractive index of 4.0 and zinc selenide (ZnSe) with refractive index of 2.4. The filters are designed to reflect the incident broadband light at one (or more) narrow spectral band while fully transmitting the rest of the light. The tuning of the reflection wavelength is achieved by changing the angle of incidence of light by mechanically tilting the filter. Filters based on one dimensional (1D) gratings are polarization dependent and those based on two dimensional (2D) gratings are close to polarization independent. To design the filter with a strong narrow band reflectance, we used the rigorous coupled wave (RCW) algorithm to simulate the filter. Here we will describe design and characterization of prototype filters with 1D grating. Anti-reflection coatings were applied to improve transmission over the entire spectral region. Our experimental setup consists of a QCL system operating at room temperature, nanoengineered filter and an uncooled broadband sensor. We will present the filter design, detailed characterization experiment and compare the theoretical and experimental results.
Itinerario de una arquitectura poética: las casas de Pablo Neruda

Con el advenimiento del gobiemo democratico de Patricio Alwyn en 1990, finaliza un legado de terror y despotismo de aproximadamente diecisiete anos en Chile. La censura y Ia autocensura que tanto modificaron el espiritu creativo de la nacion se encuentra lleno de energia y apertura y uno de los logros de mayor envergadura despues de Ia derrota de Pinbchet consiste en las casas de Pablo Neruda, abiertas despues de una clausum obligatoria par la dictadura militar.
Artificial Diets for Blood-Feeding Insects: A Review

Blood feeding has evolved in four orders of insects, but only in the order Anoplura do all members, nymphs and adults, feed exclusively on vertebrate blood, whereas in the order Siphonaptera only the adult members feed exclusively on blood. All members, including nymphs and adults, of the family Cimicidae and subfamily Triatominae, in the order Hemiptera, feed exclusively on blood. Blood-feeding dependency is more versatile in the order Diptera than in the preceding orders. Blood-feeding dipterans may be categorized into four basic groups; group 1, only the larvae feed exclusively on blood, for example, the Congo floor maggot and certain other Calliphorid species whose maggots feed exclusively on nestling birds; group 2, adult male and females feed exclusively on blood and the larvae are indirectly dependent on blood because they are nourished internally by the mother, for example, tsetse flies and sheep keds; group 3, only the adult females feed exclusively on blood, for example, anautogenous mosquitoes, horse flies, and blood-sucking gnats; and group 4, both sexes are obligatory blood-feeders, examples here are stable flies and horn flies.
Suppression of murine NK activity induced by Corynebacterium parvum: further characterization and abrogation of suppressor cells.

Formalin-killed Corynebacterium parvum (CP), given at a dose of 0.4–0.7 mg/mouse IV or IP, induced suppressor cells for NK activity in B6C3F1 mice. The suppressor cells belong to at least two different populations, plastic adherent and nonadherent, and were not depleted by antibodies specific for Thy-1.2, Iak, or NK-1.2 surface markers. Administration of p-I:C, an interferon-inducer, to animals 18 h before the assay did not affect the suppressor activity. Hypotonic shock treatment of splenocytes abrogated the in vitro suppressive activity, and subsequent reconstitution of the shock-treated cells with RBC failed to restore the suppressive activity. SJL/J mice, which have low NK activity, exhibited suppressor activity comparable to B6C3F1 mice following CP treatment, whereas CP-treated BALB/c athymic and euthymic mice showed a lower ability to generate suppressors for NK as compared to B6C3F1 mice.
The social ecology of aggression in youths with autism spectrum disorder

This study examined the social-ecological correlates of aggressive behavior in 120 youths with autism spectrum disorder. Youths were divided into three groups based on caregiver reports of the youth's aggressive acts: youths who engaged in acts of both physical and verbal aggression, youths who engaged only in acts of physical aggression, and nonaggressive youths. Caregivers and youths completed self-report instruments and behavior rating inventories that assessed youth individual functioning, family relations, and extrafamilial factors (i.e., peer relations, academic performance). Results showed that youths who engaged in both verbal and physical aggression were characterized by poor sleep quality and victimization by peers, and their caregivers evidenced high levels of distress and avoidant coping. In contrast, youths who were physically but not verbally aggressive were distinguished by difficulties in social interaction and communication. In general, each group of youths who were aggressive experienced more problems with repetitive behaviors, family relations, and academic performance than did their nonaggressive counterparts. The implications of these findings for theory, research, and treatment are discussed. Autism Res 2019. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The present study demonstrated that youths with autism spectrum disorder may be classified by the types of aggressive behaviors that they exhibit: youths who are verbally and physically aggressive, physically aggressive only, or not aggressive. Compared to the nonaggressive group, both groups of youths who were aggressive experienced difficulties in their individual, family, peer, and academic functioning. Youths with both verbal and physical aggression showed the most problems in their functioning.
Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disabilities

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) remains the most common childhood school-related behavioral problem.
Sun exposure and protection practices in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

Background/objective Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at an increased risk for skin cancers. Sun exposure is a significant modifiable environmental risk factor. While patient education on sun protection and avoidance behaviors with regular dermatology evaluations are crucial for pediatric HSCT patients, the real-life practice of these sun-protection recommendations in this patient population compared to their peers is unknown. Methods A survey-based cross-sectional cohort study was performed in pediatric HSCT patients seen at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital over a 1.5-year period compared with age/sex/Fitzpatrick skin phototype-matched healthy controls. Study participants were surveyed using the validated Glanz survey for pediatric sun protection behavioral research. Results Eighty-five pediatric HSCT patients and 85 controls completed the study. Pediatric HSCT patients more frequently used sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses and obtained full-body skin exams compared to controls. No difference was observed in sun exposure during hours of peak sun intensity, frequency of purposeful tanning, tanning bed use, and the number of painful sunburns received between pediatric HSCT patients and controls. Conclusions Although pediatric HSCT patients practice more sun protection behaviors, they experienced harmful sunburns and intentional tanning behaviors at the same rate as their peers. Patient-directed counseling and strategies to improve patient adherence to optimal sun protection behaviors could have a significant impact on the dermatology quality of life in pediatric HSCT patients.
Surgical techniques for total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation

Abstract Since the first successful total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant (TPIAT) for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis some 40 years ago, the procedure has finally gained more widespread acceptance as the only reliable and effective treatment option to preserve endocrine pancreatic function and improve or cure the associated chronic pain syndrome. TPIAT is a complex procedure with a wide range of potential complications that are intrinsic to its two components: total pancreatectomy (TP) and islet autotransplantation (IAT). Mounting evidence in the literature supports TPIAT as an approach that can be done safely at centers with experience using open, laparoscopic, and/or robotic techniques with little or no morbidity and mortality. From the surgical perspective, the procedure is standardized and can be safely performed in adult and pediatric patients with chronic pancreatitis.