cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PRINS: Optimizing Performance of Reliable Internet Storages

Distributed storage systems employ replicas or erasure code to ensure high reliability and availability of data. Such replicas create great amount of network traffic that negatively impacts storage performance, particularly for distributed storage systems that are geographically dispersed over a wide area network (WAN). This paper presents a performance study of our new data replication methodology that minimizes network traffic for data replications. The idea is to replicate the parity of a data block upon each write operation instead of the data block itself. The data block will be recomputed back at the replica storage site upon receiving the parity. We name the new methodology PRINS (Parity Replication in IP-Network Storages). PRINS trades off highspeed computation for communication that is costly and more likely to be the performance bottleneck for distributed storages. By leveraging the parity computation that exists in common storage systems (RAID), our PRINS does not introduce additional overhead but dramatically reduces network traffic. We have implemented PRINS using iSCSI protocol over a TCP/IP network interconnecting a cluster of PCs as storage nodes. We carried out performance measurements on Oracle database, Postgres database, MySQL database, and Ext2 file system using TPC-C, TPC-W, and Micro benchmarks. Performance measurements show up to 2 orders of magnitudes bandwidth savings of PRINS compared to traditional replicas. A queueing network model is developed to further study network performance for large networks. It is shown that PRINS reduces response time of the distributed storage systems dramatically.
Hip Fracture Management for the Hospital-Based Clinician: A Review of the Evidence and Best Practices

Hip fracture is an unfortunate and common health problem in the elderly that is associated with a 1-year mortality of 10% to 35%. Further, only 50% of these patients regain their pre-fracture level of mobility and functional status. Hospital-based clinicians are increasingly asked to comanage these patients. The purpose of this article is to summarize evidence-based clinical management practices that are relevant to hospitalist clinicians who manage hip fracture patients, and to highlight the current evidence for implementing a formal hospitalist and orthopedic comanagement care model.
Rank-aware query optimization

Ranking is an important property that needs to be fully supported by current relational query engines. Recently, several rank-join query operators have been proposed based on rank aggregation algorithms. Rank-join operators progressively rank the join results while performing the join operation. The new operators have a direct impact on traditional query processing and optimization.We introduce a rank-aware query optimization framework that fully integrates rank-join operators into relational query engines. The framework is based on extending the System R dynamic programming algorithm in both enumeration and pruning. We define ranking as an interesting property that triggers the generation of rank-aware query plans. Unlike traditional join operators, optimizing for rank-join operators depends on estimating the input cardinality of these operators. We introduce a probabilistic model for estimating the input cardinality, and hence the cost of a rank-join operator. To our knowledge, this paper is the first effort in estimating the needed input size for optimal rank aggregation algorithms. Costing ranking plans, although challenging, is key to the full integration of rank-join operators in real-world query processing engines. We experimentally evaluate our framework by modifying the query optimizer of an open-source database management system. The experiments show the validity of our framework and the accuracy of the proposed estimation model.
Expectations and rankings of Web site quality features: results of two studies on user perceptions

In the emerging electronic environment, the creation of customer-centered Web sites is becoming increasingly important. We report on two exploratory studies on user perceptions of using Web sites. We first use Kano's (1984) Model of Quality to conduct an investigation of quality features in the Web environment. An independently conducted study later expands the first study by addressing several limitations. The results of both studies suggest that: the Kano quality model can be used as a framework to control Web site quality in terms of three quality types and the time transition of the quality nature; not every feature is regarded as equally important within a Web domain; and different domains have different rankings of important features, although there are certain features that are regarded as highly important among domains studied. These studies provide some empirical evidence on user perceptions of Web site quality features and lead to further theoretical investigations.
The influence of negative air ions on human performance and mood.

An empirical study investigating the influence of negative air ions on human performance and mood is described. The results indicate that people have faster reaction times and report feeling signif...
Thallium chondrodystrophy in chick embryos. An histological and biochemical investigation.

The gross, histological, and selected chemical effects on developing chick embryos resulting from injection of thallous salts into the yolk sac have been described. A specific time-related and dose-related alteration of the embryonal cartilage of the long bones follows this treatment and results in a characteristic skeletal deformity. In the chick embryo, the skeletal cartilage appears to have a tissue-specific susceptibility to certain dosages of thallous salts. Chondrocyte necrosis, defective chondrocyte maturation, and, perhaps, an alteration in the metabolic pathways of mucopolysaccharide synthesis appear to be caused by a direct cytotoxic effect of thallous salts under the conditions of these experiments.
Empirically constructed dynamic electric dipole polarizability function of magnesium and its applications

The dynamic electric dipole polarizability function for the magnesium atom is formed by assembling the atomic electric dipole oscillator strength distribution from combinations of theoretical and experimental data for resonance oscillator strengths and for photoionization cross sections of valence and inner shell electrons. Consistency with the oscillator strength (Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn) sum rule requires the adopted principal resonance line oscillator strength to be several percent lower than the values given in two critical tabulations, though the value adopted is consistent with a number of theoretical determinations. The static polarizability is evaluated. Comparing the resulting dynamic polarizability as a function of the photon energy with more elaborate calculations reveals the contributions of inner shell electron excitations. The present results are applied to calculate the long-range interactions between two and three magnesium atoms and the interaction between a magnesium atom and a perfectly conducting metallic plate. Extensive comparisons of prior results for the principal resonance line oscillator strength, for the static polarizability, and for the van der Waals coefficient are given in the Appendix.
Evolving African attitudes to European education: Resistance, pervert effects of the single system paradox, and the ubuntu framework for renewal

This paper is a reflection that critically examines the dynamics of education and the struggle by African people for freedom, control of the mind, self-definition and the right to determine their own destiny from the start of colonial rule to the present. The primary methodological approach is historical structuralism, which stipulates that social reality and facts are determined and created by social agents within structural and historical contingencies. It addresses some of the most powerful challenges and contradictions that explain the ineffectiveness of numerous post-independence reforms, and presents the arguments for relevance and use of African languages, for instance, that have been made since the 1960s. The first section of the paper deals with the colonial imperatives for setting new education systems in the colonised societies of Africa and the initial attitudes of the Africans towards colonial education. The second section critically examines the evolving meanings of Western education in Europeanising African societies, the articulation of their rationale and the mechanism for resistance. It analyses the turning point when Africans began to embrace European education and demand it in the colonial and post-independence era. The third section addresses the roots of the inadequacies of received post-colonial education and the imperative of deconstruction and re-appropriation of African education using an ubuntu framework for an African renewal.
Generation of expression constructs to identify ER retention motifs in the Human Herpesvirus 7 U20 protein

The long coevolution of β-herpesviruses with humans has resulted in the acquisition of a large variety of immune evasion strategies by these viruses. Presumably immune evasion genes are necessary for each herpesvirus to establish a life-long infection in their host. Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) is a relatively understudied virus, likely because it does not typically pose significant health concerns. HHV-7 establishes a life-long infection in approximately 90% of the population before the age of 3 suggesting it likely possesses significant immune evasion strategies. Several genes found in a cluster near a known immune evasion gene, U21, may possibly encode novel immune evasion proteins. In an attempt to determine the function of one of these genes, U20, we previously expressed the protein in a variety of cell types. As predicted, U20 is a type I membrane protein targeted to the secretory system through a predicted N-terminal signal sequence. Interestingly, although U20 does not possess any predicted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motifs, the exogenously expressed protein remained localized to the ER in all cell types examined. Here we describe a cloning project to generate constructs that will be used to examine the role of each domain (lumenal, transmembrane, or cytoplasmic) of U20 in ER retention.
Espiritualidade responsável: teologia prática sacramental wesleyana

The sacramental spirituality of John and Charles Wesley has not been well debated in Brazil. Five primary sources of the Wesleyan sacramental tradition are the reference to awaking interest and access to this segment of the Methodist liturgical theology and praxis.
Attachment Style: A Risk for Multiple Marriages?

Individuals remarrying following divorce have a greater probability of a subsequent divorce than those marrying for the first time. Societal factors, unequal exchanges, and personality traits have been identified as risk factors for this higher probability. Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1983) suggests attachment style, as a personality trait, has implications for the higher divorce rate. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between attachment style and marrying multiple times. The findings indicate that multiple marriers are more likely to be avoidantly attached and less likely to be anxiously attached. Additionally, those marrying for the first time to a previously married person have similar insecure attachment Styles.
Hydrogen Peroxide Stability in Silica Hydrogels

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) entrapment in silica hydrogels has potential to be used in various industrially important applications to increase H2O2 stability. In this study, optimum conditions for hyd...
An analytical model of photothermal optical coherence tomography to predict signal intensity with depth

We present the first analytical model of photothermal optical coherence tomography to replicate an experimental A scan. We also present the PT-CLEAN algorithm to remove two imaging artefacts: phase accumulation and shadowing.
Efficient solving of string constraints for security analysis

Motivation The security of software is increasingly more critical for consumer confidence, protection of privacy, protection of intellectual property, and even national security. As threats to software security have become more sophisticated, so too have the techniques developed to ensure security. One basic technique that has become a fundamental tool in static security analysis is symbolic execution. There are now a number of successful approaches that rely on symbolic methods to reduce security questions about programs to constraint satisfaction problems in some formal logic (e.g., [4, 5, 7, 16]). Those problems are then solved automatically by specialized reasoners for the target logic. The found solutions are then used to construct automatically security exploits in the original programs or, more generally, identify security vulnerabilities.
Local To Global: Transnational Networks And Indian Women's Grassroots Organizing

By focusing on grassroots groups of the Indian women's movement, we suggest that localglobal linkages often involve several intermediary levels—specifically levels below the nationstate. Grassroots organizing in India illustrates how a variety of intermediary networks are complexly intertwined within the nation state and beyond. Grassroots groups are localized, rural- or urban-based, and can be informal (such as in Bada Bhilwara and the case of MSK) or formal in character (such as Sanlaap). These groups actively build lateral and vertical networks. Austerity and structural adjustment programs have placed pressures on Third World women, forcing them to devise survival strategies to meet basic needs that combine efforts to change gender relations. Grassroots groups are built around daily needs and survival, and often challenge economic liberalization policies that have negative consequences for women—especially poor women.
Evaluation of urine pneumococcal antigen test performance among adults in Western Kenya.

Abstract When used in an area of rural western Kenya, the BinaxNOW® urine antigen test had a sensitivity of 67% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 43–85%) among 21 adults ≥15 years old with acute respiratory illnesses and pneumococcal bacteremia and a specificity of 98% (95% CI: 96–99%) among 660 adults ≥15 years old without fever or cough. The specificity of the test was not significantly affected by pneumococcal colonization, regardless of patients’ HIV status, age, or sex. Use of the pneumococcal urine antigen test in clinical assessments of adults in Africa with acute respiratory illness is a viable option regardless of whether a patient is colonized by pneumococci, even among HIV-infected adults, although the moderate sensitivity of the urine antigen test indicates that the test is probably best used clinically as part of a panel with other tests that can detect pneumococci.
Performance analysis and improvement of parallel molecular dynamics algorithm based on OpenMP

To enhance the computing speed of the molecular dynamics simulations on the shared memory servers,the performance of parallel molecular dynamics program based on Open Multi-Processing(OpenMP) approach with the critical section method was analyzed and improved.After testing performance on a multi-core server,as well as the calculations of speedup and parallel efficiency,an optimized triangle method was developed.In this method,stationary atom sets were assigned to threads respectively,and the number of atoms increased stepwise,which made the threads arrive at critical sections at different time.The triangle method can efficiently halve the idle time in critical sections and therefore can significantly enhance the parallel performance.
The Hall effect in a-GdxSi1−x at the metal–insulator transition

Abstract We have measured the Hall effect in 3-d amorphous Gd x Si 1− x films in the critical regime of the metal–insulator transition (MIT) at T=400 mK . a-Gd x Si 1− x exhibits a large negative magnetoresistance which is independent of the orientation of the magnetic field H with respect to the film and allows an in situ tuning of the conductivity through the MIT with H . We find an electron-like Hall coefficient R H . As the material becomes less metallic, R H increases. We find that R H is a critical quantity with critical exponent ∼−1 (R H ∼(H−H C ) −1 ) .
The Influence of Electric Railway Load on the Power Quality of Power Grid and Countermeasure

The connection of electric railway traction load to power system may cause the power quality problems.This paper introduces the measured results in which the major power quality problems caused by the traction load of Beijing-Shanghai electric railway are harmonics and negative sequence,and analyzes their influence on power grid.Also the description and the investigation of typical cases are given and solutions to power quality problems for different traction supply systems are proposed.
The Meaning of Health.

PURPOSE: To consider an integrated, holistic Western and nonsWestern approach to health. METHODS: Western and indigenous Asian and Pacific Islander concepts of health and illness are reviewed and compared. FINDINGS: Westerners separate three main classes or factors as the determinants of healthc genetic, lifestyle, and environmental. Specific diseasescausing factors are the basis for specific therapy directed to identified causal factors after a disease becomes manifest and diagnosed. Indigenous nonsWesterners, such as Asians and Pacific Islanders, however, tend to view humankind as belonging to a timeless cosmos. Misfortune, such as illness, results from the loss of balance between complementary opposites. Effective therapy requires restoring proper relationships. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Modern Asian and Pacific Islanders might consider returning to their own traditional cultures for clues to providing integrated complementary, holistic, and thus, more effective, approaches to health and illness and life and death as an endless continuum.
Cyclosporin A therapy for Wegener's granulomatosis.

Five patients with active Wegener’s granulomatosis were treated with the immunosuppressive agent Cyclosporin A, along with low dose prednisone. All five patients had previously taken cyclophosphamide, but further treatment with this agent was not desired, either due to patient choice, drug toxicity or malignancy. In initial doses of up to 5mg/kg/day, CyA showed efficacy but when lowered to 1–2mg/kg/day, mild disease flares occurred. CyA may provide an alternative to traditional therapy in selected patients with WG.
Microstructural Evolution Of Iron Oxyfluoride/Carbon Nanocomposites Upon Electrochemical Cycling

High electrochemical performance iron oxyfluoride conversion electrode undergoes complex electrochemical reaction mechanisms upon cycling. In this work, a combination of selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM/EELS) analysis techniques have been used to understand the conversion-reconversion mechanisms of FeO0.7F1.3/C upon cycling. Considerable changes have been observed with cycling. For the fully delithiated electrodes, the nanometer scale intermixing of amorphous rutile and nanocrystalline rocksalt phases is stable up to 20 cycles; however, upon further cycling the amount of amorphous rutile phase decreased and amount of rocksalt phase increased gradually, implying incomplete reconversion reactions with increasing cycle number. In addition, a progressive growth of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer was observed with cycling, which is mainly composed of LiF. Interestingly, Fe2+ and Fe nanoparticles were found t...
The Role of Interleukin-23 in the Early Development of Emphysema in HIV1+ Smokers

Rationale. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression is upregulated in alveolar macrophages (AM) of HIV1(+) smokers who develop emphysema. Knowing that lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of HIV1(+) smokers contains increased levels of inflammatory cytokines compared to HIV1(-) smokers, we hypothesized that upregulation of lung cytokines in HIV1(+) smokers may be functionally related to increased MMP-9 expression. Methods. Cytokine arrays evaluated cytokine protein levels in ELF obtained from 5 groups of individuals: HIV1(-) healthy nonsmokers, HIV1(-) healthy smokers, HIV1(-) smokers with low diffusing capacity (DLCO), HIV1(+) nonsmokers, and HIV1(+) smokers with low DLCO. Results. Increased levels of the Th17 related cytokine IL-23 were found in HIV1(-) smokers with low DLCO and HIV1(+) smokers and nonsmokers. Relative IL-23 gene expression was increased in AM of HIV1(+) individuals, with greater expression in AM of HIV1(+) smokers with low DLCO. Infection with HIV1 in vitro induced IL-23 expression in normal AM. IL-23 stimulation of AM/lymphocyte cocultures in vitro induced upregulation of MMP-9. Lung T lymphocytes express receptor IL-23R and interact with AM in order to upregulate MMP-9. Conclusion. This mechanism may contribute to the increased tissue destruction in the lungs of HIV1(+) smokers and suggests that Th17 related inflammation may play a role.
Size of Markets, Scale of Firms, and the Character of Competition

Economic theorists attempt to make the term ‘market’ one of precision, pertaining to a single commodity and to a community of buyers and sellers who are so intimately associated with one another that a single price emerges from their bargaining. Even small countries are large enough to contain, for most commodities, more than one market thus defined. Presumably we are not concerned here with the variety of market magnitudes to be found within a single country and the influence of this variety upon industrial organization. Our interest is in differences from country to country in the size of business enterprises and the vigour of competition. Accordingly, I shall discuss the effect upon these, not of the size of the market, but of the size of the national economy.
Low-cost grass restoration using erosion barriers in a degraded African rangeland

Rangeland degradation, typified by extensive bare ground and soil erosion, is a serious problem around the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, rangeland degradation threatens the food security of millions of people who depend on livestock and the region's large mammalian wildlife diversity. We tested the ability of five simple, low-cost erosion barriers to promote grass and forb establishment in a bare ground-dominated rangeland in Kenya. These treatments were: (1) trenches with small berms; (2) bundles of branches; and bundles of branches with (3) elephant dung balls, (4) burlap sacking, or (5) nylon mesh sacking inside them. We also tested whether barrier performance depended on (1) supplemental seeding with the grass Cenchrus ciliaris and (2) whether a barrier was located next to existing vegetation patches versus in the open. Within months, the trench and nylon mesh barriers had accumulated 20–50% more sediment than other treatments and had greater grass and forb seedling establishment. Seeding with Cenchrus resulted in higher herbaceous cover but was not necessary for other grasses to establish. After 3 years, the trench and nylon mesh barriers had created patches of new vegetation averaging 18–63% larger than patches created by the other treatments. Barriers that were initially adjacent to existing vegetation had created new vegetation patches averaging 65% larger than those created by solitary barriers. Results suggest that all barrier types increase grass cover but that trenches—especially if placed next to existing vegetation patches—are a particularly cost-effective way to reduce bare ground and erosion in degraded rangelands.
Observation of Self-Cavitating Envelope Dispersive Shock Waves in Yttrium Iron Garnet Thin Films.

The formation and properties of envelope dispersive shock wave (DSW) excitations from repulsive nonlinear waves in a magnetic film are studied. Experiments involve the excitation of a spin wave step pulse in a low-loss magnetic Y_{3}Fe_{5}O_{12} thin film strip, in which the spin wave amplitude increases rapidly, realizing the canonical Riemann problem of shock theory. Under certain conditions, the envelope of the spin wave pulse evolves into a DSW that consists of an expanding train of nonlinear oscillations with amplitudes increasing from front to back, terminated by a black soliton. The onset of DSW self-cavitation, indicated by a point of zero power and a concomitant 180° phase jump, is observed for sufficiently large steps, indicative of the bidirectional dispersive hydrodynamic nature of the DSW. The experimental observations are interpreted with theory and simulations of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
The ongoing debate regarding optimal nutritional routes following esophagectomy.

A significant amount of debate remains regarding optimal post-esophagectomy nutrition. It is well established that enteral nutrition is associated with fewer complications compared to parenteral nutrition, and thus feeding is typically initiated distal to the anastomosis, either via jejunostomy or nasojejunal tube (1,2). It is also common practice to keep esophagectomy patients nil per os for a period of several days to theoretically avoid anastomotic leak and aspiration pneumonia. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal timing or route of enteral nutrition after esophagectomy.
An Initiative to Standardize the Identification of and Acute Response to Postoperative Lower-Extremity Neurological Deficits: Effects on Provider Knowledge, Confidence, and Communication Skills

Background: Although relatively uncommon, neurological deficits following hip and knee arthroplasty can have permanent and debilitating consequences. This study was conducted to quantify the effectiveness of an educational curriculum aimed at standardizing the identification of and acute response to postoperative neurological deficits in the inpatient setting, specifically with respect to improvements in clinician knowledge, confidence levels, and communication skills. Methods: A multidisciplinary committee at a single, high-volume academic institution created an algorithm delineating the appropriate clinical actions and escalation procedures in the setting of a postoperative neurological deficit for each clinical practitioner involved in care for patients who undergo arthroplasty. An educational curriculum composed of online learning modules and an in-person “boot camp” featuring simulations with standardized patients was developed, along with assessments of clinician knowledge, confidence levels, and communication skills. Nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants, residents, fellows, and attending surgeons were encouraged to participate. The intervention spanned a 5-month period in 2015 with a mean time of 18.4 weeks between baseline assessments and the time of the latest follow-up. Results: Online modules were completed by 322 individuals, boot camp was completed by 70 individuals, and latest assessments were completed by 38 individuals. The percentage correct on the knowledge assessment increased from 74.5% before the learning modules to 89.5% immediately after (p < 0.001) but degraded over time such that there was no significant difference between baseline and the latest follow-up scores (p = 0.11). Over the course of the boot camp, physician assistants and residents successfully performed approximately 91% of the indicated actions on the scoring rubric; physical therapists and nurses successfully performed 78%. Scores on the communication skills assessment showed a significant mean increase (p = 0.02) over the course of the intervention from 30.32 to 32.50, and the mean self-assessed confidence survey scores increased by 16.7%, from 7.2 to 8.4 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A multimodality educational curriculum aimed at quality improvement can produce significant knowledge improvements, but these gains may not be maintained over time without further instruction. Gains in confidence and communication skills appear to be more long-lasting.
Optical Fabrication Science & Technology for High Energy Laser Optics

Optical fabrication Science & Technology (specifically sub-surface damage, surface figure, & roughness) and its impact on fabricating economical high quality, laser damage resistant optics for use in high energy, high power lasers are reviewed.
Speech-Language Pathology Education and Training for Rural Areas: A State and University "Goodness of Fit" Model.

This paper describes the 3-years Summer-Only Master of Arts Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology of a culturally diverse university in a rural state. The program was designed to address prob...
Radionuclide evaluation of tubal function

The tubal capacity to transport radioactively labeled human albumin microspheres deposited in the vaginal fornix and cervical canal and to concentrate them on the ovarian surface was evaluated in a group of 34 patient-volunteers. One millicurie of technetium-99 was used to label human albumin microspheres of 20 μ in diameter, suspended in 1ml of saline. The distribution of the radioactive material was imaged on a gamma camera at different intervals between 15 and 240 minutes. The radiation dose to the ovaries was estimated to be similar to that of a hysterosalpingogram. The results of the radionuclide evaluation were compared with the surgical findings at the time of laparoscopy or laparotomy performed for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. The overall correlation was 87.1%. It would appear that as opposed to the traditional hysterosalpingogram, a radionuclide test may give a better understanding of the functional capacity of the tube and may also prove a useful method in the evaluation of the results of tubal microsurgical procedures.
The Policy Consequences of Term Limits on the U.S. Supreme Court

For decades, the question of whether United States Supreme Court justices should be subject to term limits has been persistently raised by legal scholars, commentators, and politicians alike. For the most part, these debates have been normative, centering around whether term limits are an appropriate way to reform the country’s most powerful and unelected institution. This project seeks to provide an empirical perspective to this debate. Using what political scientists know about the patterns in the nomination and confirmation process, we present data on how term limits might have altered the composition of the Court during the last half-century. We then consider how a policy of term limits would have impacted the nature of legal policy established by the Court during the same time period.
Patients at Risk: Large Opioid Prescriptions After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Opioids are an effective, and often necessary, treatment of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it is often difficult to know how much medication patients will need after discharge. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients discharged with greater quantities of opioids after TKA are more likely to request refills. Methods This is a retrospective review of 105 primary TKAs performed with at least 1 year of follow-up. Exclusion criteria included bilateral TKA, preoperative opioid use, or reoperation within the first 3 months. Data collected included opioid refills, Knee Society Score, and total and daily morphine equivalent dose (MED) prescribed. Results Patients were most commonly discharged on oxycodone (90%), hydromorphone (5%), and hydrocodone/acetaminophen (1%). The average total prescribed MED was 1405 ± 616 mg (range, 273-3250 mg). Patients requiring refills did not differ in the total prescribed MED (1521 ± 624 vs 1349 ± 609 mg; P = .1), daily prescribed MED (153 ± 10 vs 155 ± 7 mg; P = .8), or preoperative Knee Society Score (63 ± 16 vs 60 ± 13; P = .3). Average follow-up time was 2.4 ± 0.5 years. Conclusion The quantity of opioids prescribed after TKA varied widely, ranging from a total MED of 273-3250 mg. The refill rate did not differ between large prescriptions (≥1400 mg) and smaller prescriptions. Excessive opioid prescriptions should be avoided as they did not decrease the number of refills and pose the risk of divergence and subsequent abuse.
Avoiding the serpent's tooth: predator–prey interactions between free-ranging sidewinder rattlesnakes and desert kangaroo rats

Many species perform complex antipredator displays that deter attacks by informing predators that continued attempts at prey capture will be costly. However, because of the difficulties in studying the behaviour of free-ranging predators, we have a limited understanding of how predators respond to those signals. Here, we took advantage of our ability to quantify predatory behaviours of free-ranging sidewinder rattlesnakes, Crotalus cerastes , to examine the influence of anti-snake behaviours performed by desert kangaroo rats, Dipodomys deserti . We recorded natural encounters and quantified the predator-deterrent behaviours displayed by the kangaroo rats, as well as any strikes performed by the rattlesnakes and whether the strikes were successful. We found that predator-deterrent signalling significantly reduced the probability that a rattlesnake would strike. This was most likely due to the ability of kangaroo rats to mobilize extremely rapid evasive leaps; even rats that appeared unaware of the snakes were almost always able to avoid rattlesnake strikes. The degree of effectiveness of this evasive leaping in countering rattlesnake predation was unexpected and indicates that this may be a rich system for exploring the biomechanics of extreme physical performance in a naturalistic context.
Guidelines for Synthesis and Processing of Two-Dimensional Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx MXene)

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (MXenes) were discovered in 2011. Since the original discovery, more than 20 different compositions have been synthesized by the selective etching of MAX phase and other precursors and many more theoretically predicted. They offer a variety of different properties, making the family promising candidates in a wide range of applications, such as energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, water purification, electrocatalysis, and medicine. These solution-processable materials have the potential to be highly scalable, deposited by spin, spray, or dip coating, painted or printed, or fabricated in a variety of ways. Due to this promise, the amount of research on MXenes has been increasing, and methods of synthesis and processing are expanding quickly. The fast evolution of the material can also be noticed in the wide range of synthesis and processing protocols that determine the yield of delamination, as well as the quality...
On the prevalence of indirect function calls in middleware software systems

An empirical study investigating the pervasiveness and distribution of indirect function calls via function pointers and virtual methods in middleware software systems is presented. The study encompasses a broad gamut of software systems that range from high-performance, distributed real-time embedded systems, to fully-featured professional 3D game engines; comprising in aggregate nearly five million lines of code and nine software systems. The systems were inter-procedurally statically examined to determine the distribution of function pointers and virtual method calls; function pointers were further segregated by type and complexity. Results indicate that function pointers are typically utilized in situations that make static analysis costly and impractical to conduct. A five-year analysis of archived data shows an increase in the usage of both calls using function pointers and virtual methods over the lifetime of open-source middleware systems, thus posing additional obstacles for inter-procedural analysis.
The Dynamic Landscape of Open Chromatin during Human Cortical Neurogenesis

Non-coding regions comprise most of the human genome and harbor a significant fraction of risk alleles for neuropsychiatric diseases, yet their functions remain poorly defined. We created a high-resolution map of non-coding elements involved in human cortical neurogenesis by contrasting chromatin accessibility and gene expression in the germinal zone and cortical plate of the developing cerebral cortex. We link distal regulatory elements (DREs) to their cognate gene(s) together with chromatin interaction data and show that target genes of human-gained enhancers (HGEs) regulate cortical neurogenesis and are enriched in outer radial glia, a cell type linked to human cortical evolution. We experimentally validate the regulatory effects of predicted enhancers for FGFR2 and EOMES. We observe that common genetic variants associated with educational attainment, risk for neuropsychiatric disease, and intracranial volume are enriched within regulatory elements involved in cortical neurogenesis, demonstrating the importance of this early developmental process for adult human cognitive function.
Perfusion Model to Quantify Blood Flow in Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

We propose a perfusion model that can quantify blood flow in relation to arterial occlusion due to plaque accumulation in peripheral arterial disease patients. Model parameters can be of help to PAD diagnosis.
How to break a mended heart.

Abstract Thoracic trauma poses a risk of injury to the thoracic organs and great vessels, including the coronaries. We present an interesting case of occult, life-threatening coronary bypass graft injury resulting from thoracic trauma. In this case, the diagnosis and management were contingent on understanding the nature of the bypass graft, which was not apparent at the time of presentation in extremis. Ultimate hemostasis required cardiac catheterization and placement of an exclusionary stent. Though there are several case reports describing native coronary injury resulting from thoracic injury, we found a single case of thoracic trauma-associated coronary bypass graft injury, which was managed medically. The case we present here demonstrates that though coronary bypass graft injuries are life-threatening and rare, they can be managed with techniques utilizing cardiac catheterization if accompanied by a high index of suspicion. This case further demonstrates that additional cardiac studies for patients who present with high-impact thoracic injuries and a history of coronary bypass grafts may facilitate expeditious diagnosis and effective management.
Calcium-Activated Protease and the Regulation of the Axonal Cytoskeleton

The synthesis, assembly, and intracellular dissemination of a prominent and elaborate cytoskeleton are basic properties of neurons that enable these cells to establish and maintain a highly asymmetric cell form. Variations in size and shape among different neurons are determined by the quantity and quality of their cytoskeletal components. A complex interplay among cytoskeletal elements undoubtedly underlies the formation of growth cones and their transformation into neurites as well as the subsequent maintenance of established neuritic processes. Similar interactions of cytoskeletal components are probably also rcponsible for the regeneration of cell processes that occurs following injury to the axonal extension of the cell.
Germ-Cell-Related and Nervous-System-Related Differentiation and Tumor Antigens

In recent years increasing attention has been given to the cell surface as an important functional part of the cell. Its component molecular structure and the mechanisms for its involvement in the interactions of cells with their environment are currently the subject of intensive study. Considerable evidence suggests that important aspects of many complex cell-environment interactions involve specific components of the cell surface. A graphic example of this is the species-specific aggregation factors of sponge (Frazier and Glaser, 1979). The factor (molecule), eluted from the sponge cells in Ca2+, Mg2+-free seawater, will cause species-specific aggregation of dissociated sponge cells. While the role of this molecule in the intact sponge is unknown, it may function as one part of the complex system that maintains the cellular associations of the live sponge. Examples of specific surface function in higher organisms are tissue-specific aggregation of cells (Culp, 1978), the sorting out of cells from different tissues (e.g., mesonephric and chondrogenic cells) in cultures (Steinberg, 1978), and the requirement in kidney tubule induction for cell-surface contact between meta-nephrogenic mesenchyme and ureteric bud cells (Wartiovaara et al, 1974; Leh-tonen et al., 1975). Several mechanisms for cell-surface interactions have been proposed, but few of the interactions are well understood.
An analysis of program evaluation course content in CSHSE–accredited human services baccalaureate programs

Abstract This study examines evaluation course content for undergraduate Human Services programs. Evaluation is not generally considered to be an undergraduate topic, and as a result, there is limited understanding of evaluation course content for undergraduate programs. The increased focus on evaluation in the human service field warrants a targeted review of the preparation and training provided to potential members of the profession, particularly at the baccalaureate degree level. This research examines syllabi for program evaluation courses in baccalaureate level Human Services Programs accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) to determine whether there is alignment between professional evaluation competencies and human services program evaluation course content. Content analysis of program evaluation course syllabi and cross-case analysis reveals how Human Services program evaluation course content compares with Essential Competencies for Program Evaluators (ECPE)-based standards for professional program evaluators. Implications for education, practice and future research are discussed.
Altered soil microbial community composition and function in two shrub-encroached marshes with different physicochemical gradients

Abstract Important wetland functions, including regulating soil carbon (C) storage and water quality, are linked to biogeochemical processes mediated by soil microbes. Vegetation shifts such as shrub encroachment may alter the soil microbial community and result in changes in important biogeochemical processes, although few studies have examined this in subtropical marshes. Here, we used in-situ litter decomposition experiments, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and laboratory assays on soil respiration, extracellular enzyme activity, and denitrification potential to determine differences in C storage and nitrogen (N) cycling between willow-encroached and non-encroached plots in two subtropical marshes (Moccasin Island and Lake Apopka, FL, USA). In both regions, encroached (willow or adjacent marsh) and non-encroached plots had distinctively different microbial communities, which were correlated with soil temperature and nutrient content. Greater enzyme activity, denitrification, and CO2 production were observed in willow and/or adjacent marsh plots compared to control marsh plots at Moccasin Island. Conversely, lower enzyme activity, denitrification, and CO2 production were detected in willow and/or adjacent marsh plots compared to control marsh plots at Lake Apopka. Despite differences in the response of biogeochemical processes and microbial community structure in the two study regions, in-situ decomposition rates were halved in willow litter compared to herbaceous litter in both regions, which was correlated with greater recalcitrant lignin content in willow litter. Ultimately, greater short-term litter C storage was observed in both study regions, but soil N cycling changes differed by region, potentially due to unique site characteristics such as hydroperiod and nutrient availability.
Decentralized Cooperative Localization with Relative Pose Estimation for a Spacecraft Swarm

This paper presents a decentralized cooperative localization approach to relative state estimation for a team of spacecraft to estimate inertial position, orientation, velocity, and angular velocity of each spacecraft. The solution uses an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) running on each spacecraft to estimate the full state of every other spacecraft in the swarm. A Multiplicative EKF is used to address limitations of quaternion representation of attitude; non-quaternion states are estimated by a standard EKF. Each spacecraft is equipped with a gyroscope, a star tracker, and a relative pose measurement sensor. Only pose measurements between spacecraft are shared among the team. Simulation results are provided which demonstrate an improvement in state estimation for the swarm when shared relative pose measurements are incorporated into the filters running on each spacecraft. Estimation performance in various sensing graph configurations is also explored. The methodology and results presented in this paper provide a foundation for future research by introducing the concept of cooperative localization into spacecraft swarm state estimation.
Coordinating AV Dispatch with Smart Remote Parking

Increased growth of public spaces often results in the increase in vehicular traffic. This is a particular concern for dense spaces like college campuses that facilitate a growing student population and for parking complexes dedicated to expanding organizations like commercial companies and military facilities. Mass transit solutions must evolve by incorporating new technology to leverage autonomy and reduce carbon footprints while simultaneously incentivizing travelers to increase their use. We present an extension of our previous smart parking and Autonomous Vehicle tasking work by integrating the two with a vehicle advanced warning system based on Bluetooth technology and a self forming mesh network. By detecting and authenticating vehicles bound for parking lots prior to their arrival, we can transact with an AV route planning and tasking system earlier than a vehicle's arrival at the parking facility, thereby reducing traveler wait times at the transfer point to an AV. Consequently, our system encourages parking in more remote lower traffic areas, thereby reducing localized problematic traffic congestion when coupled with maximal occupancy of automated shuttles. We deployed our Bluetooth sensor nodes to an off-site parking lot on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus, and conducted feasibility experiments to explore our proof- of-concept. We also outline a constraint-based shuttle assignment algorithm that minimizes traveler wait times while maintaining consistent AV service. By utilizing systems like these, densely utilized spaces such as college campuses, are enabled with new technology for combating traffic without significant cost.
Breast magnetic resonance imaging.

The indications for MRI breast imaging and terminology for classifying the report findings. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Witnessing Intimate Partner Violence Across Contexts: Mental Health, Delinquency, and Dating Violence Outcomes Among Mexican Heritage Youth:

Immigrant Mexican American (MA) youth are at greater risk for violence exposure due to risk factors associated with migration–postmigration processes and as they settle into urban U.S. communities ...