cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Full-view coverage holes detection and healing solutions

In this paper, we address the full-view coverage holes detection problem and healing solutions. Among many problems confronted in designing camera sensor networks (CSNs), the coverage challenge stands out as one of most fundamental problems. Some CSNs applications such as environment monitoring and animal tracking require covering each point of the target area. However, even if we can deploy camera sensor nodes to make the entire target region fully full-view covered at the very beginning, the nodes can die due to battery drain or environmental causes, which may generate full-view coverage holes in the region. Also, nodes may deviate from their initially assigned locations due to uncontrollable elements, leaving some areas not full-view covered. Full-view coverage holes reduce the ability of CSNs to detect events and network reliability. Consequently, it is critical to equip sensor nodes with efficient hole detection and recovery capabilities to ensure whole full-view coverage of the target field. We develop a novel full-view coverage analytical theory to address the full-view coverage holes detections problem, where coordinate system is applied to manipulate equations for fullview covered points, curves, and area. On the other hand, fullview coverage holes can be detected by this theory. The hole's boundary can be represented precisely by coordinates and the area of holes can be calculated quantitatively. This theory can also be utilized to study the relationship between the sensing range or the effective angle of cameras and full-view coverage area, therefore, it can serve as a guideline for designing full-view coverage camera sensor networks.
Improving the Communication of Emergency and Disaster Information Using Visual Analytics

Technological advances in communication and the ubiquity of mobile devices have changed the role of emergency information during disasters. Information can now be easily shared between disaster managers, first responders, government agencies, and the public via websites and social media. However, is it unclear how the emergency information is accessed, understood, trusted, and used. This paper first reports on case studies of how disaster information is currently communicated in Queensland, Australia. Second, we propose concepts from visual analytics to improve the quality and effectiveness of communicating information. Third, we propose metrics and situation awareness experiments to measure the quality and effectiveness of new systems.
Endocide-Induced Abnormal Growth Forms of Invasive Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the most noxious invasive species in the world. The fern is known to have primary, secondary, and tertiary growth forms, which are also commonly hypothesized as growth stages. The identification of these forms is primarily based on the size and folding status of the floating leaves. However, we identified 12 forms in the greenhouse and the field. Our experiments showed that the folding of floating leaves is a reversible trait dependent on water access. The floating leaves quickly fold in response to water shortage, reducing water loss and needs, decreasing growth, and avoiding trichome damage. The leaves re-open to allow trichomes repel water and enhance growth when having adequate water supply. Larger secondary or tertiary forms do not produce small-leaf primary forms without high intensity stress. These results do not support the hypothesis that three growth forms represent sequential growth stages. The abnormal small-leaf forms are the result of endocide-induced autotoxicity and some of them never grow into other forms. The development of abnormal forms and reversible leaf folding strategy in response to high stress along with rapid asexual reproduction are major adaptive traits contributing to the invasiveness of S. molesta.
Effects of morphine given in the brain stem on the activity of dorsal horn nociceptive neurons.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of morphine given in the brain stem on the activity of dorsal horn nociceptive neurons. Morphine activates descending systems of inhibition, and contributes to the analgesia produced. Whether given intracerebroventricularly or intracerebrally, morphine inhibits responses to nociceptive stimuli, including nociceptive withdrawal reflexes organized segmentally, consistent with the activation by morphine of a descending system(s) of inhibition. Microinjection of morphine into the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) or medullary nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), two sites in the brain stem considered important to endogenous systems of pain control, inhibits responses in analgesiometric tests organized either spinally or supraspinally. Bulbospinal monoaminergic systems are activated by morphine microinjected into either the PAG or NRM and antinociceptive effects of the morphine, whether given systemically or intracerebrally, are attenuated by lesions in the medulla or spinal cord and by receptor antagonists administered into the intrathecal space.
Soft Power as a Component of Russian and Chinese Discourse and Strategy Constructivist and Realist Interpretations

This paper compares Russian and Chinese approaches to soft power (as conceived by Joseph Nye) through the lens of classical realist and constructivist analysis. Nye himself has concluded that soft power is a component of the realist perspective, an assessment that conforms with prevalent aspects of Russian and Chinese discourse and practice: i.e. a state centric approach to implementing a soft power strategy and a shared conviction in the relevance of the realist belief in the international system as characterized by anarchy and the struggle for power. However, I argue that constructivism provides additional insight into Russian and Chinese perceptions of soft power that are not accessible through the realist framework. These include, in particular, the constructivist emphasis on the role of ideas in the international system, and the hegemonic position of the West in shaping international norms and values.
The Pursuit of Student Success: The Directions and Challenges Facing Community Colleges

Community colleges are the postsecondary entry point for a diverse set of students including many students of color, those from low-income backgrounds, as well as students with postsecondary dreams but with academic records that will not merit admission to the nation’s elite universities. Using a framework based on the social theories of immigration this chapter shows how community colleges have been an alienated subclass among postsecondary institutions. This chapter argues that the twenty-first century community college must emerge as a respected institution with a unique identity while continuing the types of programs and support structures designed to bolster the success of students who face multiple barriers and stumbling blocks on their path to success.
In-Vial Extraction Large Volume Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Volatile PFASs on Papers and Textiles

Volatile per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are found in consumer goods that contribute to human exposure to PFASs. Volatile PFAS precursors transform to perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) and sulfonates (PFSAs) in both humans and the environment. Established methods for volatile PFASs in consumer goods exist, but higher sample throughput and greener sample preparation methods are needed to minimize analyte loss, while maintaining sensitivity. New analytical methodology was developed where a 1.5 × 1.5 cm piece of paper or textile is placed into an autosampler vial with solvent and mass-labeled internal standards, sonicated for 30 min, and directly injected without removal of material from the autosampler vial. Large volume injection (20 μL) gas chromatography mass spectrometry was applied for the quantification for 21 individual PFASs from five classes: fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), fluorinated sulfonamides (N-MeFASA, N-EtFASA), and fluorinated sulfonamidoethanols (N-MeFASE, N-EtFASE). N...
Midfacial changes in the coronal plane induced by microimplant-supported skeletal expander, studied with cone-beam computed tomography images

Introduction Our objectives were to evaluate midfacial skeletal changes in the coronal plane and the implications of circummaxillary sutures and to localize the center of rotation for the zygomaticomaxillary complex after therapy with a bone-anchored maxillary expander, using high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography. Methods Fifteen subjects with a mean age of 17.2 ± 4.2 years were treated with a bone-anchored maxillary expander. Pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography images were superimposed and examined for comparison. Results Upper interzygomatic distance increased by 0.5 mm, lower interzygomatic distance increased by 4.6 mm, frontozygomatic angles increased by 2.5° and 2.9° (right and left sides), maxillary inclinations increased by 2.0° and 2.5° (right and left sides), and intermolar distance increased by 8.3 mm (P 0.05). Conclusions A significant lateral displacement of the zygomaticomaxillary complex occurred in late adolescent patients treated with a bone-anchored maxillary expander. The zygomatic bone tended to rotate outward along with the maxilla with a common center of rotation located near the superior aspect of the frontozygomatic suture. Dental tipping of the molars was negligible during treatment.
A simple method to co-purify genomic DNA, RNA, and proteins for functional studies

Understanding the regulation of gene expression, from the epigenetic modifications on genomes to posttranscriptional and translational controls, are critical for elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying distinct phenotypes in biology. With the rapid development of Multi-Omics analyses, it is desirable to minimize sample variations by using DNA, RNA, and proteins co-purified from the same samples. Currently, most of the co-purification protocols rely on Tri Reagent (Trizol as a common representative) and require protein precipitation and dissolving steps, which render difficulties in experimental handling and high-throughput analyses. Here, we established a simple and robust method to minimize the precipitation steps and yield ready-to-use RNA and protein in solutions. This method can be applied to samples in small quantity, such as protoplasts. We demonstrated that the protoplast system equipped with this method may facilitate studies on viroid biogenesis. Given the ease and the robustness of this new method, it will have broad applications for plant research and other disciplines in molecular biology.
Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing with a circulating dual-channel nozzle

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a promising technique for additive manufacturing of high-resolution features with low cost and high efficiency. One of the major issues in EHD printing is nozzle clogging, which often occurs in the printing of colloidal inks with high concentrations. We proposed a new EHD printing nozzle configuration with dual channels to enable ink flow circulation to resolve the above issue. In this study, we focused on the meniscus dynamics and jetting characteristics of this new EHD printing process. Various jetting modes, i.e. continuous jet, pulsating jet, and pulsating droplet, as a function of the electric field intensity and nozzle configuration, were discussed. Dot patterns on a flexible substrate have been demonstrated via the new EHD printing process when operated at the pulsating droplet mode.
Cues play a critical role in estrous cycle-dependent enhancement of cocaine reinforcement

While preclinical work has aimed to outline the neural mechanisms of drug addiction, it has overwhelmingly focused on male subjects. There has been a push in recent years to incorporate females into existing addiction models; however, males and females often have different behavioral strategies, making it important to not only include females, but to develop models that assess the factors that comprise female drug addiction. Traditional self-administration models often include light or tone cues that serve as discriminative stimuli and/or consequent stimuli, making it nearly impossible to disentangle the effects of cue learning, the cues themselves, and acute effects of psychostimulant drugs. To disentangle the interaction between drug-associated cues and the consummatory and appetitive responding driven by cocaine, we have developed a new behavioral procedure that combines Pavlovian-instrumental transfer with behavioral economic analysis. This task can be completed within a single session, allowing for studies looking at estrous cycle stage-dependent effects in intact cycling females, something that has been difficult in the past. In this study, we found no differences in self-administration across the estrous cycle in the absence of cues; however, when cues were introduced, the cues that acquired value during estrus—but not during diestrus or in males—increased motivation. Cues paired during estrus also increased c-fos expression to a greater extent in striatal regions, an effect that may underlie the observed increases in seeking induced by these cues, even weeks later. Together, these data suggest that fundamental differences in the motivational properties of psychostimulant drugs between males and females are complex and are driven primarily by the interaction between drug-associated stimuli and drug effects.
Abstract TP525: Pharmacological Smoking Cessation Therapies for Patients With Cerebrovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Recent studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of pharmacological smoking cessation therapy for patients with heart disease. Similar data are lacking for patients with cerebrovas...
A Phase I Randomized Clinical Trial of Evidence-Based, Pragmatic Interventions to Improve Functional Recovery After Hospitalization in Geriatric Patients.

BACKGROUND Physical function declines during hospitalization in geriatric patients, increasing the risk of loss of independence. There is a need for evidence-based, pragmatic interventions to improve functional recovery of older adults following acute hospitalization. Here, we report the results of a Phase I randomized clinical trial designed to determine safety and effect size of protein supplementation, exercise, and testosterone interventions on 30-day post-discharge functional recovery and readmissions in geriatric patients. METHODS A total of 100 patients admitted to the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital for an acute medical illness were randomized to one of five intervention groups: isocaloric placebo, whey protein supplement, in-home rehabilitation + placebo, in-home rehabilitation + whey protein, or testosterone. Primary outcome measure was the change from baseline in short physical performance battery score at 1 and 4 weeks post-discharge. Secondary outcomes were changes in body composition, activities of daily living, and 30-day readmissions. Comparisons were made across study groups and between placebo and all active intervention groups. RESULTS Four weeks post-discharge, the short physical performance battery total score and balance score increased more in active intervention groups than placebo group (p < .05). There were no significant differences in change in body composition or activities of daily living across groups or between active intervention groups and placebo group. Readmission rates were highest in placebo (28%), followed by rehabilitation + placebo (15%), whey protein (12%), rehabilitation + whey protein (11%), and testosterone (5%). There was a trend for lower readmission rates in all active intervention groups (11%) versus placebo group (28%). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this Phase I clinical trial suggest that pragmatic, evidence-based interventions may accelerate recovery from acute hospitalization in geriatric patients. These data provide essential information to design larger randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness of these interventions.
Association of early bone metastases and outcomes of the bone predominant metastatic urothelial carcinoma (BP mUC) phenotype.

e16016Background: Prior analyses demonstrated worse outcomes with the BP mUC clinical phenotype. UC molecular subtypes that may correlate with the BP phenotype have been defined, however molecular ...
CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR FROM Streptococcus uberis

S. uberis, a causative agent of bovine mastitis, has been reported to activate bovine plasminogen2. The protein responsible appeared to differ from streptokinase isolated from Lancefield Group A5; C3 and G6 streptococci. In addition, a gene probe based on the skc gene from S. equisimilis H46A failed to hybridize with the chromosomal DNA from S. uberis 1 although it did hybridize with the plasminogen activator genes from S. pyogenes, a human Lancefield Group G streptococcus and the equine S. equisimilis isolate 87-542-W.
Minimizing buffered probability of exceedance by progressive hedging

Stochastic programming problems have for a long time been posed in terms of minimizing the expected value of a random variable influenced by decision variables, but alternative objectives can also be considered, such as minimizing a measure of risk. Here something different is introduced: minimizing the buffered probability of exceedance for a specified loss threshold. The buffered version of the traditional concept of probability of exceedance has recently been developed with many attractive properties that are conducive to successful optimization, in contrast to the usual concept, which is often posed simply as the probability of failure. The main contribution here is to demonstrate that in minimizing buffered probability of exceedance the underlying convexities in a stochastic programming problem can be maintained and the progressive hedging algorithm can be employed to compute a solution.
No evidence of sex ratio manipulation by Galápagos mockingbirds in response to environment

Birds can adjust investment in reproduction by altering the sex ratios of their broods. When one sex is more costly to raise than the other, producing either more male or female offspring can lower the costs of reproduction. Biasing sex ratios can also be advantageous if the expected fitness of male versus female offspring differs. Here, we investigated whether Galapagos mockingbirds Mimus parvulus bias sex ratios in response to variation in rainfall. Female mockingbirds are smaller and thus females may reduce the costs of reproduction by biasing sex ratios in favor of female offspring. We quantified sex ratios in 131 mockingbird broods over four years with variable rainfall (2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016). We found no evidence that mockingbirds adjusted sex ratios in response to environmental conditions. Mockingbirds may not adjust sex ratios either because they lack the ability to do so, or because the costs of manipulation outweigh its benefits.
Reinforcing the Impact of Statistics on Society

What does statistics have to offer science and society, in this age of massive data, machine learning algorithms, and multiple online sources of tools for data analysis? I recall a few situations w...
Penta-Modal Imaging Platform with OCT- guided Dynamic Focusing for Simultaneous Multimodal Imaging

A simultaneous multimodal optical imaging system with OCT-guided dynamic focusing is developed in a single platform. The imaging system integrates photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical Doppler tomography, OCT angiography, and confocal fluorescence microscopy.
C6-Substituted methanopyrrolidine β-amino acid: synthesis and characterization of oligomeric foldamers

Abstract Highly conformation constrained β-proline based methanopyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acids (6, MetPyr-5-acids, or MetPyr-β-amino acids) derivatives were designed, synthesized, and investigated to control peptide conformation and oligomer folding. Enhanced order of folding uniformity correlated with length of the prepared homo-oligomers as characterized by circular dichroism (CD). The octamer (34) exhibited minimal solvent effects and was stable with increasing temperature up to 80 °C. Substitutions on C6 of the 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1] hexane structure could modulate the amide cis/trans conformation.
Economizing on Precious Metals in Three-Way Catalysts: Thermally Stable and Highly Active Single-Atom Rhodium on Ceria for NO Abatement under Dry and Industrially Relevant Conditions*.

We show for the first time that atomically dispersed Rh cations on ceria, prepared by a high-temperature atom-trapping synthesis, are the active species for the (CO+NO) reaction. This provides a direct link with the organometallic homogeneous RhI complexes capable of catalyzing the dry (CO+NO) reaction. The thermally stable Rh cations in 0.1 wt % Rh1 /CeO2 achieve full NO conversion with a turn-over-frequency (TOF) of around 330 h-1 per Rh atom at 120 °C. Under dry conditions, the main product above 100 °C is N2 with N2 O being the minor product. The presence of water promotes low-temperature activity of 0.1 wt % Rh1 /CeO2 . In the wet stream, ammonia and nitrogen are the main products above 120 °C. The uniformity of Rh ions on the support, allows us to detect the intermediates of (CO+NO) reaction via IR measurements on Rh cations on zeolite and ceria. We also show that NH3 formation correlates with the water gas shift (WGS) activity of the material and detect the formation of Rh hydride species spectroscopically.
Potential cross-talk between muscle and tendon in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

To describe potential signaling (cross-talk) between dystrophic skeletal muscle and tendon in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Review of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and associated literature relevant to...
Development of Job Exposure Matrices to Estimate Occupational Exposure to Solar and Artificial Ultraviolet Radiation.

Objectives Job exposure matrices (JEMs) are important tools for estimating occupational exposures in study populations where only information on industry and occupation (IO 20 to low under normal conditions. Discrepant ratings were resolved via consensus. Results After excluding IO this group included 45 occupations in varied industries. Construction and extraction occupations represented most of the occupations (n = 20; 44%), followed by farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (n = 6; 13%). For artificial UVR, 87 IO these comprised a single occupation (welding, soldering, and brazing workers) in diverse industries. Conclusions JEMs for solar and artificial UVR were developed for a broad range of I&O pairs in the US population and are available for use by researchers conducting occupational epidemiological studies.
Solar distillation of highly saline produced water using low-cost and high-performance carbon black and airlaid paper-based evaporator (CAPER).

Abstract The current technologies to treat hypersaline produced water (PW), such as thermal evaporation, are usually energy-intensive and cost-prohibitive. This study developed a low-cost, robust, solar-driven carbon black and airlaid paper-based evaporator (CAPER) for desalination of PW in the Permian Basin, United States. The study aims to better understand the removal of aromatic organic compounds and heavy metals during solar distillation, water output, and heat transfer. Outdoor experiments using CAPER assisted with polystyrene foam in a single slope, single basin solar still achieved an enhanced average evaporation rate of 2.23 L per m2 per day, 165% higher than that of a conventional solar still. Analysis of heat transfer models demonstrated that CAPER solar evaporation achieved an evaporative heat transfer coefficient of ∼28.9 W m−2·K−1, 27.9% higher than without CAPER. The maximum fractional energy of evaporation and convection heat transfer inside the solar still with and without CAPER was ∼81.4% and ∼78.2%, respectively. For the PW with a total dissolved solids concentration of 134 g L−1, solar distillation removed 99.97% salts and over 98% heavy metals. The high removal efficiency of 99.99% was achieved for Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Sr, and V. Organic characterization revealed that solar distillation removed over 83% aromatic compounds. Solar desalination using CAPER provides a low-cost and high-performance process to treat PW with high salinity and complex water chemistry for potential fit-for-purpose beneficial uses.
Outside monitoring and CEO compensation in the banking industry

Abstract We hypothesize that CEO compensation is optimally designed to trade off two types of agency problems: the standard shareholder-management agency problem as well as the risk-shifting problem between shareholders and debtholders. Analyses in this setup produces two predictions: (1) the pay-for-performance sensitivity of CEO compensation decreases with the leverage ratio; and (2) the pay-for-performance sensitivity of CEO compensation increases with the intensity of outside monitoring on the firm's risk choice. We test these two hypotheses for the banking industry where regulators and nondepository (subordinated) debtholders provide outside monitoring on the risk choice. We construct an index of the intensity of outside monitoring based on three variables: subordinated debt rating, non performing loan ratio and examination rating assigned by regulators. We find supporting evidence for both hypotheses.
Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome: A Unique Presentation.

Celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS), also known as median arcuate ligament syndrome, celiac axis syndrome, and Dunbar Syndrome, is a rare disorder that results from compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. The following is a case that depicts an interesting presentation of a patient diagnosed with this rare condition. A 44-year-old male with a history of mutism was brought in by his family for weight loss of 100 lbs with intermittent abdominal pain, weakness and lethargy over a period of five years. His family reported that he had poor nutritional intake, and could only eat a small amount before he seemed to be in pain, and eventually refused to eat. He had no other prior medical history except for mutism, no family history of malignancy, no history of trauma, surgeries, smoking or substance use, and did not take any medications. Physical exam was largely unremarkable. Mesenteric vascular duplex demonstrated severe grade stenosis of the celiac trunk with post-stenotic velocity of 520 cm/sec. Contrast enhanced computed tomography angiography revealed acute angle J-configuration of the takeoff of the celiac axis, with stenosis at its origin and focal post-stenotic dilatation, confirming the diagnosis of CACS. CACS is an elusive diagnosis that should be considered in patients where other causes of abdominal pain and weight loss have been ruled out. The disease can present with the classic triad of post-prandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and an abdominal bruit. Imaging modalities including mesenteric vascular duplex, computed tomography abdominal angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and celiac artery angiography can help make the diagnosis. Treatment involves surgical decompression via division of the median arcuate ligament, with most patients experiencing significant and long-lasting relief from their symptoms.
Changes in Prescribing by Provider Type Following a State Prescription Opioid Restriction Law

BACKGROUND Many states have implemented opioid days' supply restriction policies, leading to reductions in opioid prescribing. Although research within certain provider types exist, no study has evaluated a restriction policy by various provider types. OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in opioid utilization following a days' supply restriction policy stratified by provider type: surgery, emergency medicine, primary care, specialty care, and dentistry. DESIGN Interrupted time series (ITS) PARTICIPANTS: Opioid prescription claims of patients in a private health plan serving a large Florida employer from 1/1/2015 to 3/31/2019. Provider types were determined using the Healthcare Provider Taxonomy Code associated with the national provider identifier (NPI). INTERVENTIONS Florida's opioid restriction policy implemented on July 1, 2018. MAIN MEASURES Changes in mean morphine milligram equivalent (MMEs), mean days' supply, and mean number of units dispensed per opioid prescription before and after policy implementation. KEY RESULTS There were 10,583 opioid initial prescriptions dispensed. Treating providers were classified as surgery (16.4%; n = 1732), emergency care (14.3%; n = 1516), primary care (21.2%; n = 2241), specialty care (11.4%; n = 1207), and dentistry providers (23.7%; n = 2511). Significant reductions in mean days' supply were observed across most provider types ranging from 14% reduction for dentistry providers to 41% reduction for specialty care providers. Significant changes were observed for emergency care and specialty care providers with a 30% (p = 0.001)and 29% (p < 0.001) reduction in mean MME, respectively, and a 27% (p = 0.040) reduction in mean number of units dispensed in emergency care providers, after implementation. Pre-implementation trends in opioid prescribing varied by provider type impacting the effects of the opioid days' supply restriction policy. CONCLUSIONS Pre-policy opioid prescribing varied by provider type with a differential impact on mean MMEs, mean days' supply, and mean number of units dispensed per prescription following implementation.
Long-Term Opioid Use Following Surgery for Symptomatic Neuroma

Background Identifying patients at risk for prolonged opioid use following surgery for symptomatic neuroma would be beneficial for perioperative management. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with postoperative opioid use of >4 weeks in patients undergoing neuroma surgery. Methods After retrospective identification, 77 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic neuroma of the upper or lower extremity were enrolled. Patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score, and a custom medication questionnaire at a median of 9.7 years (range: 2.5–16.8 years) following surgery. Neuroma excision followed by nerve implantation (n = 39, 51%), nerve reconstruction/repair (n = 18, 23%), and excision alone (n = 16, 21%) were the most common surgical treatments. Results Overall, 27% (n = 21) of patients reported opioid use of more than 4 weeks postoperatively. Twenty-three patients (30%) reported preoperative opioid use of which 11 (48%) did not report opioid use for >4 weeks, postoperatively. In multivariable logistic regression, preoperative opioid use was independently associated with opioid use of >4 weeks, postoperatively (odds ratio [OR] = 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–14.3, p = 0.013). Conclusion Neuroma surgery reduces opioid use in many patients but patients who are taking opioids preoperatively are at risk for longer opioid use. Almost one-third of patients reported opioid use longer than 4 weeks, postoperatively.
A Matter of Time: Emotional Responses to Timed Mathematics Tests.

This study examines the emotional responses of three individuals to timed mathematics tests. We examine the emotional responses of two adult women who look back to timed skills-tests in elementary school and the emotional response of a grade-three girl currently taking timed skills-tests. To interpret the individual reactions, we use a non-Newtonian view of time and draw on Mandler's insights into the nature of emotional responses. We examine the implications of these emotional responses for equitable assessment practices.
The Error Distribution of BATSE GRB Location

We develop empirical probability models for BATSE GRB location errors by a Bayesian analysis of the separations between BATSE GRB locations and locations obtained with the InterPlanetary Network (IPN). Models are compared and their parameters estimated using 394 GRBs with single IPN annuli and 20 GRBs with intersecting IPN annuli. Most of the analysis is for the 4B (rev) BATSE catalog; earlier catalogs are also analyzed. The simplest model that provides a good representation of the error distribution has 78% of the locations in a 'core' term with a systematic error of 1.85 degrees and the remainder in an extended tail with a systematic error of 5.36 degrees, implying a 68% confidence region for bursts with negligible statistical errors of 2.3 degrees. There is some evidence for a more complicated model in which the error distribution depends on the BATSE datatype that was used to obtain the location. Bright bursts are typically located using the CONT datatype, and according to the more complicated model, the 68% confidence region for CONT-located bursts with negligible statistical errors is 2.0 degrees.
An adaptive, multi-level method for elliptic boundary value problems

Subroutine PLTMG is a Fortran program for solving self-adjoint elliptic boundary value problems in general regions ofR 2. It is based on a piecewise linear triangle finite element method, an adaptive grid refinement procedure, and a multi-level iterative method to solve the resulting sets of linear equations. In this work we describe the method and present some numerical results and comparisons.
Renorming for Elastic Systems with Structural Damping

We consider a model of an elastic system with so-called structural damping. The operator associated with such models is known to generate an analytic semigroup, but it is neither sectorial nor associated with a coercive sesquilinear form. We show that these properties can be obtained by using an appropriate inner product other than the usual energy inner product.
Pyrrole-Based Anion Sensors, Part I: Colorimetric Sensors

This chapter focuses on chemo-sensing aspects of pyrrole and oligopyrrole-based colorimetric receptors for anions. Since pyrroles can play the role of a receptor as well as a signal transducer very efficiently and because of the focus on anion sensing, they can be organized following the modes of signal transduction such as colorimetry, fluorescence, and electrochemistry rather than structural features of the receptors. This chapter focuses on colorimetric sensors and in particular those based on pyrrole, polypyrrole, and pyrrole benzo-analogs, i.e., indole and carbazole-based sensors for anions.
The Totem system

The Totem system supports fault-tolerant applications in which distributed processes cooperate to perform a common task and in which replicated data must be updated consistently in the presence of asynchrony and faults. Reliable totally ordered delivery of messages to processes within process groups is provided on a single local-area network or over multiple local-area networks interconnected by gateways. Message ordering is consistent across the entire network, despite processor and communication faults, without requiring all processes to deliver all messages. The Totem system handles processor failure and recovery, as well as network partitioning and remerging, and provides membership and topology maintenance services. >
Chapter 10 – Simian Retroviruses

Animal retroviruses are classified within seven different genera, of which members of five genera are present in primates C-type virus, D-type virus, human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV), simian T-cell lymphotropic virus (STLV), bovine leukemia virus (BLV), lentiviruses, and spuma or foamy viruses. This chapter reviews the salient biology of each of these five viral groups. Emphasis is placed on the D-type simian retroviruses (SRVs) and lentiviruses (SIVs) because of their etiologic association with simian AIDS (SAIDS). Humans also harbor retroviruses: two strains of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) with simian counterparts (STLV-1 and STLV-2) and two major strains of lentivirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2), which also have simian counterparts (SIVs). In the natural African simian hosts, SIV does not cause any disease, but experimental infection of captive macaques with certain SIV strains, especially from the sooty mangabey, produces a progressive and fatal immunodeficiency syndrome similar to AIDS in humans, making this primate lentivirus model very useful for research into AIDS pathogenesis, vaccines, and antiviral therapy.
A drift-diffusion model for spin-polarized transport in a two-dimensional non-degenerate electron gas controlled by spin–orbit interaction

We apply the Wigner function formalism to derive drift-diffusion transport equations for spin-polarized electrons in a III?V semiconductor single quantum well. The electron spin dynamics is controlled by the spin?orbit interaction which is linear in the momentum. In the transport regime studied, the electron momentum scattering rate is appreciably faster than the spin dynamics. A set of transport equations is defined in terms of a particle density, a spin density, and the respective fluxes. The model developed allows study of the coherent dynamics of a non-equilibrium spin polarization. As an example, we consider a stationary transport regime for a heterostructure grown along the (0, 0, 1) crystallographic direction. Due to the interplay of the Rashba and Dresselhaus spin?orbit terms, the spin dynamics strongly depends on the transport direction. The model is consistent with the results of pulse?probe measurements of the spin coherence in strained semiconductor layers. It can be useful in studying properties of spin-polarized transport and modelling spintronic devices operating in the diffusive transport regime.
The Meteors of Biela's Comet

WITH your permission I should like to call attention to the possibility of a return of the Andromedes meteors on or about November 23. A consideration of the period of the shower, as deduced from all its known returns, had some time back led me to the conclusion that this year was more likely to be favoured with it than last. The fact that it was not seen last year is, as far as it goes, in support of my contention. But, of course, the stream may take less than a year to pass the point of the intersection of the orbits, in which case the earth may very possibly not pass through it at this return of the meteors.
Anaphylatoxin in Its Relation to the Complement System

The fifth component of complement that reacts hemolytically in the guinea pig or rat complement system, C'3b, is intimately associated with the generation of anaphylatoxin. Anaphylatoxin was formed (i) if this purified component reacted with a washed, intermediate complex consisting of antigen, antibody, and the first four components of complement; (ii) if the component was treated with trypsin; or (iii) if the component was incubated with a material isolated from cobra venom together with a fraction from serum other than complement. The significance of this fifth component as anaphylatoxinogen is discussed, and a common mechanism is proposed for the generation of anaphylatoxin in whole serum.
Quantum efficiencies of bacteriorhodopsin photochemical reactions

Determination of quantum efficiencies of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) photoreactions is an essential step toward a full understanding of its light-driven proton-pumping mechanism. The bR molecules can be photoconverted into and from a K state, which is stable at 110 K. I measured the absorption spectra of pure bR, and the photoequilibrium states of bR and K generated with 420, 460, 500, 510, 520, 540, 560, 570, 580, 590, and 600 nm illumination at 110 K. The fraction of the K population in the photoequilibrium state, fk, is determined by AbR and AK the absorbances of the bR and K states at the excitation wavelengths, and also by phi 1 and phi 2, the quantum efficiencies for the bR to K and K to bR photoconversion: fK = phi 1 AbR/(phi 1AbR + phi 2Ak). By assuming that the ratio phi 1/phi 2 is the same at two different but close wavelengths, for example 570 and 580 nm, the value of phi 1/phi 2 at 570 and 580 nm was determined to be 0.55 +/- 0.02, and the spectrum of the K state was obtained with the peak absorbance at 607 nm. The values of phi 1/phi 2 at the other excitation wavelengths were then evaluated using the known K spectrum, and show almost no dependence on the excitation wavelength within the main band. The result phi 1/phi 2 = 0.55 +/- 0.02 disagrees with those of many other groups. The advantages of this method over others are its minimal assumptions and its straightforward procedure.
Retail Niche Domination Among African American, Jewish, and Korean Entrepreneurs : Competition, Coethnic Advantage and Disadvantage

Do immigrant entrepreneurs who open businesses in predominantly Black neighborhoods take business opportunities away from African Americans in the community? Given the prevalence of immigrant-owned businesses, one may assume that immigrant groups such as Koreans, Jews, Chinese, and Asian Indians compete with African American entrepreneurs, thereby inhibiting African American small-business development. However, immigrant groups enter and dominate retail niches different from those of African Americans, and because ethnic groups cluster in different industries, competition is more likely to be intra-ethnic. However, competition is more nuanced and manifests in subtle ways. Entrepreneurship is embedded in ethnic networks that act as coethnic advantages for some and blocked opportunities for others. The article examines why African Americans, Jews, and Koreans enter different retail niches and explores the coethnic advantages and disadvantages of niche domination. The article also illustrates how niches rema...
Expanded Host Range Testing for Verticillium nonalfalfae: Potential Biocontrol Agent Against the Invasive Ailanthus altissima.

The naturally occurring Verticillium nonalfalfae has been proposed as a biocontrol agent against the highly invasive Ailanthus altissima in the eastern United States. We tested 71 nontarget woody species for susceptibility to the potential biocontrol agent. In the field, only devil’s walkingstick (17% incidence) and striped maple (3%) acquired infections through natural spread from infected A. altissima (100%). Staghorn sumac (16% incidence) also exhibited wilt in close proximity to diseased Ailanthus, although V. nonalfalfae was never recovered. Stem inoculations, which are highly artificial in that they bypass root defenses and flood the xylem with millions of conidia, induced varying levels of wilt and mortality in 10 nontarget species from which V. nonalfalfae was reisolated, although recovery and crown rebuilding occurred following initial wilt in several species including sassafras and northern catalpa. Thirty-seven of the 71 inoculated species exhibited vascular discoloration, although 23 of these ...
Color Research for Visual Displays

The experimental literature on the effects of color on visual search and identification performance was reviewed. Forty-three studies published between 1952 and 1973 were located that gave results which could be used to determine the effectiveness of color codes relative to various types of achromatic codes. Quantitative analyses of these results indicated that color may be a very effective performance factor under some conditions, but that it can be detrimental under others. Tentative conclusions about the nature of these conditions were derived from the results. A guide for design decisions and an indication of knowledge gaps are also provided.
Adjuvant Therapy for HER2+ Breast Cancer: Practice, Perception and Toxicity

Multiple adjuvant regimens are used for HER2+ breast cancer, but experience in routine practice is not reported. We evaluated whether oncologists' perceptions of these regimens matches clinical experience. We surveyed Wisconsin medical oncologists throughout the state regarding factors impacting selection of TCH (docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab) or anthracycline-based therapy. We also reviewed 200 cases of HER2+ breast cancer treated at the University of Wisconsin and the Marshfield Clinic and collected data on patient and tumor characteristics, chemotherapy regimen, and toxicities. Two-thirds of surveyed oncologists prefer anthracycline-based therapy, particularly for node-positive cancers. However, TCH was preferred for early-stage (T1a-bN0) tumors. Half of oncologists use prophylactic G-CSF with TCH. In the 200 cases reviewed at our centers, acute toxicity occurred more frequently with TCH. There were fewer dose modifications or delays for AC-TH (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, and trastuzumab) than TCH (31% vs. 47%, P = 0.07), possibly due to higher use of prophylactic G-CSF with AC-TH (77% vs. 34% with TCH, P < 0.001). Fifteen patients received prophylactic G-CSF during TCH; none developed neutropenic fever. In contrast, 25% developed neutropenic fever during TCH without G-CSF. There were modest declines in median left ventricular ejection fraction reaching 9% with AC-TH and 3% with TCH at 12 months, but early cessation of trastuzumab was similar for both regimens. We conclude that TCH and AC-TH are common adjuvant regimens used for HER2+ breast cancer. The preference of TCH for early-stage disease and anthracycline-based therapy for node-positive disease suggests that many oncologists perceive that TCH is safer and AC-TH more effective. Myelosuppression from TCH is greater than AC-TH, but can be mitigated with routine G-CSF.
Economic Analysis for Health Service Efficiency: A Review Article

(1970). Economic Analysis for Health Service Efficiency: A Review Article. Applied Economics: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 293-305.
A View from Elsewhere: Locating Difference and the Politics of Representation from a Transnational Feminist Perspective

Globalization urges self-reflection by introducing new challenges to our research practices and theorization. Intellectual challenges posed by feminist, postmodern, and postcolonial thought have created new locations within the communication discipline from where to critique the production of knowledge. Central to the feminist agenda today is the understanding of difference and critically accounting for these inequalities. This essay attempts to move feminist theory in communication to a global context. A critique of traditional modernist approaches and the obstacles posed for feminist crosscultural communication scholarship is advanced. It is argued that some major assumptions of postmodern and postcolonial thought will extend the representational possibilities of feminist communication theory in order to make it transnationally responsive and more politically engaged with issues of difference.
A new look at shear correction factors and warping functions of anisotropic laminates

Abstract Shear warpings of a composite laminate are shown to be functions of its stacking sequence, its ply angles, and the material properties of layers. Moreover, a new formulation of shear correction factors is derived by matching the exact shear stress resultants and shear strain energy with those of the equivalent first-order shear deformation theory. Without solving a plate problem with specified loading and boundary conditions, approximate analytical shear warping functions of a composite laminate can be derived by using the continuity conditions of in-plane displacements and interlaminar shear stresses and the free shear stress conditions on the bonding surfaces. The approach results in a layerwise higher-order shear deformation theory that contains most shear deformation theories as special cases and reveals the shear coupling effect of angle-ply laminates. A combination of the present method of deriving shear warping functions and the new formulation of shear correction factors can be used to obtain fairly accurate a priori estimates of shear correction factors for the use of the first-order shear deformation theory in analyzing highly anisotropic laminates. For isotropic plates, the shear correction factor obtained is 5/6. For orthotropic laminates, the shear correction factors obtained are compared with those results in the literature that are obtained by using predictor-corrector procedures. Shear correction factors for some symmetric and asymmetric angle-ply laminates, of which the shear correction factor accounting for the shear coupling effect is non-trivial, are also presented.