cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized quantum efficiency analysis for non-ideal solar cells: Case of Cu2ZnSnSe4

Detailed quantum efficiency (QE) analysis of a nanoparticle-based Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) solar cell has been conducted to understand photogenerated carrier collection in the device. Specifically, voltage-dependent analysis has been considered to characterize both diffusion limitations and recombination limitations to carrier collection. Application of a generalized QE model and corresponding experimental and analytical procedures are presented to account for non-ideal device behavior, with specific consideration of photogenerated charge trapping, finite absorber thickness, back-surface recombination, and recombination of photogenerated carriers via interface, space-charge-region limited, and/or band tail limited recombination mechanisms. Analysis of diffusion limited collection results in extraction of the minority carrier diffusion length, mobility, back surface recombination velocity, and absorption coefficient. Additionally, forward bias QE measurements afford analysis of the dominant recombination mechanism for photogenerated carriers. For the analyzed CZTSe device, diffusion limitations are not expected to play a significant role in carrier collection in forward bias. However, voltage-dependent carrier collection, previously identified to contribute to open-circuit voltage limitations, is attributed to high recombination rates via band tail states/potential fluctuations in forward bias. A consideration of the assumptions commonly applied to diffusion length, band gap, and band tail extraction is also discussed.
Network coding based transmission schemes in DTNs with group meetings

Most existing studies on Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTNs) consider pair-wise node encountering that assumes nodes only meet in pairs. In many mobile wireless networks, a group of nodes, instead of only a pair of nodes, may meet each other. In this paper, we study how to effectively transmit a set of packets from a source to a destination in such group meeting scenarios. The optimization goal is to minimize the delay for the packets to reach the destination while limiting the energy consumption. We first assume that node encountering is known beforehand, and develop an algorithm to obtain the minimum delay. We then develop two practical network coding based schemes. Both schemes use a token technique to limit the total number of transmissions, and only incur signaling at the beginning of a group meeting. One scheme requires nodes in a group to exchange their encoding matrices with each other, while the other only requires exchanging rank information. Simulation results demonstrate that both schemes achieve delays close to the minimum delay for moderate number of tokens. They present different tradeoffs in the number of transmissions and the signaling overhead.
Reformulation of ensemble averages via coordinate mapping

A general framework is established for reformulation of the ensemble averages commonly encountered in statistical mechanics. This “mapped-averaging” scheme allows approximate theoretical results that have been derived from statistical mechanics to be reintroduced into the underlying formalism, yielding new ensemble averages that represent exactly the error in the theory. The result represents a distinct alternative to perturbation theory for methodically employing tractable systems as a starting point for describing complex systems. Molecular simulation is shown to provide one appealing route to exploit this advance. Calculation of the reformulated averages by molecular simulation can proceed without contamination by noise produced by behavior that has already been captured by the approximate theory. Consequently, accurate and precise values of properties can be obtained while using less computational effort, in favorable cases, many orders of magnitude less. The treatment is demonstrated using three exam...
Partial or non-union after triple arthrodesis in children: does it really matter?

Purpose Triple arthrodesis is a commonly performed salvage procedure to correct hindfoot deformity. Non-union is considered an undesirable radiographic outcome; however, the clinical ramifications of this are not as well defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of partial or complete radiographic non-union after triple arthrodesis in children and characterize the clinical consequences.
Heien v. North Carolina -- Brief of Amici Curiae

Reasonable suspicion of unlawful activity cannot be predicated on conduct that does not violate the law. Put differently, if reasonableness — or reasonable suspicion — is to mean anything, it means that apparent violations of the law must be based on actual violations of the law. The North Carolina Supreme Court’s decision sends a message to drivers throughout the country that they cannot be wrong about what the law requires, even where law enforcement is wrong — dead wrong — about what the law proscribes.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Ice Formation in Tissues

Freezing is a common technique for preservation of isolated cells, and extending its applications to the preservation of tissues would have important implications for the storage and distribution of tissue engineered products. Unlike isolated cells in suspension, cells in tissue interact with each other, and this interaction is known to affect the outcome of tissue cryopreservation. As a consequence, our knowledge of the cryobiology of isolated cells cannot simply be extrapolated to tissues, and new models, which consider the interaction between cells, need to be developed. The model that we propose is based on previous quantitative analysis of intercellular ice propagation in a micropatterned two-cell system. We used Monte Carlo simulations to extrapolate the results from cell pairs to two-dimensional and three-dimensional tissues. Effects of tissue geometry, cellular connectivity, and degree of intercellular interaction were investigated.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A brief summary of workers' compensation performance improvement projects 2008 to 2012 in the Veterans Health Administration.

BACKGROUND The Veterans Health Administration undertook a series of performance improvement projects (PIP) using local initiatives identified through a national committee of regional workers' compensation representatives. METHODS A steering committee identified five types of risks and interventions that were considered worthwhile. They defined performance metrics as outcome measures and distinguished short-term from long-term disability management success. RESULTS Eight specific PIPs were implemented. No statistically significant differences in the planned outcome metrics were identified, although cost-benefit evaluations did identify a benefit. CONCLUSIONS Conducting quantitative PIPs in a large system requires top management commitment, sequestration of funds, and mature systems.
Expression and function of receptors for stem cell factor and erythropoietin during lineage commitment of human hematopoietic progenitor cells

The aim of the present study was to determine whether stem cell factor (SCF) and erythropoietin (EPO) act differently on defined subsets of progenitor cells, and if potential differences correlate with the receptor density on each subset. To investigate this possibility directly, we optimized conditions for the identification and purification of homogeneous progenitor cell subpopulations from human bone marrow. Populations containing 40% and 44% colony forming cells (CFCs) with 99% and 95% purity for the granulomonocytic and erythroid lineage, respectively, were sorted on the basis of differential expression of CD34, CD64, and CD71. In addition, a population containing 67% CFCs, of which 29–43% were CFU-MIX, was sorted from CD34hi CD38loCD50+ cells. Purified progenitor cell subsets were compared directly for responsiveness to SCF and EPO using a short-term proliferation assay. Expression of the receptors for SCF and EPO were then examined on each subset using a flow cytometer modified for high- sensitivity fluorescence measurements. The results show that EPO induces extensive proliferation of erythroid progenitor cells, but has no effect on the proliferation or survival of primitive or granulomonocytic progenitors, even when used in combination with other cytokines. The majority of erythroid progenitor cells furthermore stained positively with anti-EPO receptor (EPO-R) monoclonal antibodies, whereas other progenitor cells were negative. SCF alone induced extensive proliferation of erythroid progenitor cells, and had a stronger synergistic effect on primitive than on granulo-monocytic progenitors. In spite of these differences in SCF activity, there were no significant differences in SCF-R expression between the progenitor subsets. These results suggest that the selective action of EPO on erythropoiesis is determined by lineage-restricted receptor expression, whereas there are additional cell-type specific factors that influence progenitor cell responses to SCF.
The Effect of Hydrate Saturation on Water Retention Curves in Hydrate‐Bearing Sediments

The experimental measurement of water retention curve in hydrate-bearing sediments is critically important to understand the behavior of hydrate dissociation and gas production. In this study, tetrahydrofuran (THF) is selected as hydrate former. The pore habit of THF hydrates is investigated by visual observation in a transparent micromodel. It is confirmed that THF hydrates are not wetting phase on the quartz surface of the micromodel and occupy either an entire pore or part of pore space resulting in change in pore size distribution. And the measurement of water retention curves in THF hydrate-bearing sediments with hydrate saturation ranging from Sh = 0 to Sh = 0.7 is conducted for excess water condition. The experimental results show that the gas entry pressure and the capillary pressure increase with increasing hydrate saturation. Based on the experimental results, fitting parameters for van Genuchten equation are suggested for different hydrate saturation conditions.
Egg and embryonic extracellular coats: isolation and purification.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses primarily on the methods available for analysis of fertilization membrane assembly—namely, the isolation of precursors, individual components, and intermediates of the assembled fertilization membrane. Isolation of hyalin, the major protein component of the hyaline layer, readily follows as a useful by-product of these methods. All of the methods described pertain (primarily) to Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs and embryos, the species for which fertilization membrane assembly has been most studied. The chapter reviews the methods that are valuable for examining modifications in egg surface coats after fertilization. The chapter discusses a schematic diagram of the several fertilization membrane components and the relationships between them. The applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of the method are also discussed. The chapter demonstrates the purification of proteins from fertilization product, and how the protocols for isolating individual proteins might be integrated to purify several components from the same starting material.
Clinical Experience with a PACS Serving the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Pennsylvania

Since 1985, a PACS has been in operation linking hospital Intensive Care Units with the Radiology Department. Periodic upgrades of equipment are accompanied by evaluations that measure access times, action times, and utilization. Despite a major improvement in the display station, there has been no increase in utilization. This is attributed to difficulties with optimizing the images that are displayed and a perceived need for face-to-face consultation with radiologists.
The Asymptotic Expansion and Numerical Verification of Van der Pol's Equation

A technique is presented in this paper to verify the order of accuracy of asymptotic expansion of Van der Pol's equation. The technique is focused on using numerical solutions as an independent means of verifying the validity of asymptotic expansions.
Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis.

Background: Pain from chronic pancreatitis can be debilitating and have far-reaching personal and societal consequences. These consequences can include patient debilitation, worsening of comorbid conditions, narcotic dependence, and implications for health care policy. A variety of surgical procedures have shown limited efficacy for relieving pain in this cohort of patients, and a highly select subset may benefit from a total pancreatectomy (TP). While a brittle form of diabetes can result from TP alone, when combined with islet cell autotransplantation this procedural complication can be minimized. Further, utilizing a minimally invasive approach may be associated with decreased periprocedural pain and length of hospital stay. Methods: We describe our experience at a single high-volume center in the United States. We present our preferred preoperative evaluation, our updated operative techniques, and the standard perioperative care required following this complex laparoscopic procedure. Results: Between 2013 and 2015, there were 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (LTPIAT). Perioperative mortality was 0%. Conclusions: At a high volume pancreatic center with experienced laparoscopic pancreatic surgeons, LTPIAT is feasible and safe for the management of chronic pancreatitis refractory to prior medical and surgical therapies.
Thermal transient effect of Y-cut langanite and langatate

The thermal transient effect of a Y-cut langanite (LGN) resonator and a Y-cut langatate (LGT) resonator is measured with various rates of linear temperature-time ramp. The resonators are vacuum-sealed in two-point-mounted or four-point-mounted enclosures. The nominal frequency of the resonators is 10 MHz 5/sup th/ overtone (OT) and the modes from the fundamental to the 7/sup th/ OT are measured. The results show an improvement over AT-cut quartz resonators. The dynamic thermal sensitivity coefficient of the 5/sup th/ OT two-point-mounted LGT resonator is only 15% of that of 5 MHz 5/sup th/ OT AT-cut quartz resonators.
Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia and the Risk of Aseptic Loosening in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background It is unknown to what extent diabetes mellitus modifies the long-term risk of aseptic loosening in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We examined the association between diabetes mellitus, perioperative hyperglycemia, and the likelihood of revisions for aseptic loosening. Methods We studied 16,085 primary THA and TKA procedures performed at a large tertiary care hospital between 2002 and 2009. All blood glucose values around the time of surgery (within 1 week) were retrieved. Subsequent revision surgeries and the reasons for revision were ascertained through the institutional joint registry. Multivariate Cox models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for aseptic loosening associated with diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and surgery type. Results A total of 2911 (18%) surgeries had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus at the time of surgery. Glucose testing was performed at least once in 7055 (44%) procedures within ±1 week of surgery. Although diabetic patients did not experience a higher risk of revision for aseptic loosening (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.55-1.38), higher preoperative glucose values on the day before surgery were significantly associated with both the overall risk of revisions (HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.00-7.85) and revisions for aseptic loosening (HR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.26-19.54). Conclusion High preoperative hyperglycemia is a potential risk factor for aseptic loosening in THA and TKA.
Drawings As Identity Data In Elementary Science Teacher Education

Gaining insight and understanding of identity through drawings in science teacher education began with looking at pre and post drawings of the ideal elementary science teacher in the development of the DESTIN, or “Drawing-the-Elementary-Science-Teacher- Ideal Not” procedure (Mensah, 2011). From those drawings, meaning was made about elementary preservice teachers’ past experiences in science education. In so many ways the images revealed stereotypes of science and science teachers, and the images of such were carried into their teacher education program.
Low-energy magnon dynamics and magneto-optics of the skyrmionic Mott insulator Cu 2 OSeO 3

The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is vital in stabilizing the magnetic phases of chiral magnets, but how does this interaction manifest itself in the magnetic excitation spectrum? The authors perform high resolution time-domain terahertz spectroscopy experiments and time-of-flight neutron scattering experiments to investigate the low-energy magnetic response of the newly discovered insulating and magnetoelectric chiral magnet Cu${}_{2}$OSeO${}_{3}$. Transmission and polarimetry experiments performed as a function of magnetic field uncover new magnetic excitations, detect the topologically nontrivial skyrmion phase, and reveal unexpected magnon dynamics. These observations are consistent with the presence of an exceptionally strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in this material and highlight the need for its inclusion if the magnetic response of such chiral magnets is to be completely understood..
Incidence and management of iliac artery aneurysms associated with endovascular treatment of juxtarenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract Background This study reports the clinical impact of iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs) in a population of patients with juxtarenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms being treated with fenestrated or branched aortic endografts. Methods Data from 364 patients with IAA (33%) were extracted from the 1118 patients treated for juxtarenal or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with a fenestrated or branched aortic endograft in a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption trial (2001-2016). IAAs were defined as ≥21 mm in diameter, as measured by an imaging core laboratory. Outcomes were assessed by univariate and multivariable analysis. Results IAAs were unilateral in 219 (60%) and bilateral in 145 (40%) of the 364 patients. Treatment was iliac leg endoprosthesis without coverage of the hypogastric artery (seal distal to the IAA in the common iliac artery), placement of a hypogastric branched endograft in 105 (21%), and hypogastric artery coverage with extension into the external iliac artery in 103 (20%); 67 (13%) were untreated. Procedure duration was longer for those with IAA (5.3 ± 1.79 hours vs 4.6 ± 1.74 hours; P Conclusions IAA management at the time of fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair increases procedure time without increasing hospitalization. The reintervention rate and spinal cord ischemia rate are higher in patients with bilateral IAA compared with those with no IAA.
The role of bone marrow morphology in the diagnosis of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.

We read with interest the recent article by Zhou et al.1 in Leukemia. The authors first demonstrate an almost invariably abnormal multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) when morphologic exam shows relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This low false-negative rate of MFC questions the need for morphologic exam when MFC is negative and if the only question is whether the patient has relapsed.
Association between traumatic stress load, psychopathology, and cognition in the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort.

BackgroundTraumatic stressors during childhood and adolescence are associated with psychopathology, mostly studied in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. We investigated broader associations of traumatic stress exposure with psychopathology and cognition in a youth community sample.MethodsThe Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (N = 9498) is an investigation of clinical and neurobehavioral phenotypes in a diverse (56% Caucasian, 33% African American, 11% other) US youth community population (aged 8–21). Participants were ascertained through children's hospital pediatric (not psychiatric) healthcare network in 2009–2011. Structured psychiatric evaluation included screening for lifetime exposure to traumatic stressors, and a neurocognitive battery was administered.ResultsExposure rate to traumatic stressful events was high (none, N = 5204; one, N = 2182; two, N = 1092; three or more, N = 830). Higher stress load was associated with increased psychopathology across all clinical domains evaluated: mood/anxiety (standardized β = .378); psychosis spectrum (β = .360); externalizing behaviors (β = .311); and fear (β = .256) (controlling for covariates, all p < 0.001). Associations remained significant controlling for lifetime PTSD and depression. Exposure to high-stress load was robustly associated with suicidal ideation and cannabis use (odds ratio compared with non-exposed 5.3 and 3.2, respectively, both p < 0.001). Among youths who experienced traumatic stress (N = 4104), history of assaultive trauma was associated with greater psychopathology and, in males, vulnerability to psychosis and externalizing symptoms. Stress load was negatively associated with performance on executive functioning, complex reasoning, and social cognition.ConclusionsTraumatic stress exposure in community non-psychiatric help-seeking youth is substantial, and is associated with more severe psychopathology and neurocognitive deficits across domains, beyond PTSD and depression.
Three Essays on Informed Trading

This dissertation consists of three essays examining the behavior of informed traders in financial markets and how they affect asset pricing. It examines informed traders’ role in shaping securities prices in three ways. It examines whether on a macro and micro basis insider traders move prices to a different degree than non-insiders. In addition, it uses econometric methods to determine what exchange generates permanent price trends in UK shares. Lastly, it looks at another side effect of fragmentation – how a ‘best execution’ mandate and related market structure changes affect transactions costs in liquid UK, French, and German shares.These studies expand on current literature in various ways – extant insider trading literature has either primarily focused on daily price movement and volume or had consisted of case studies, the conclusions of which may be idiosyncratic and therefore unrepresentative of typical insider behavior. The new phenomenon of multilateral trading facilities (also known as electronic communications networks) and the proliferation of algorithmic or computer-mediated trading had not been examined in price discovery papers, due to their relative novelty. In addition, despite a bevy of literature offering informed insight into the impact of the European Union’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), there has been a dearth of empirical studies assessing its impact on European securities markets. Chapters 2 and 3 examine MiFID and computerized trading from two different perspectives: that of which trades lead to permanent prices, and that of transactions costs.The conclusions drawn in this dissertation will be of interest to regulators, market operators, and traders, as they offer insight into the impact of market structure and how it impacts informed traders who participate in them.
A regional strategy for wetlands protection.

Wetlands occupy 35% of the New Jersey Pinelands which is a 445,000 ha ecosystem that was named as the first National Reserve in the USA in 1978, and as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1983. Wetland types within the Pinelands vegetation mosaic include cedar, hardwood, and pitch pine lowland swamps and scrub-shrub wetlands. In response to national and state legislation, a regional land use planning and management strategy was adopted for protection of the Pinelands ecosystem while also providing for environmentally compatible development. In this paper we report on the various aspects of the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan that contribute to protection of the region’s wetlands. Based on these efforts in the Pinelands, a conceptual approach to regional wetland protection is presented.
Impact on Behaviors

Attitudes do not always predict actions, and it was possible that the Sansei responses to the survey’s attitude questions might differ from their behaviors. For example, it was not clear whether stated preferences for Japanese Americans over Caucasian Americans would translate into lower outmarriage rates or greater participation in Japanese American community groups. Therefore, the analyses presented here explored group differences in Sansei behaviors: their patterns of socialization, dating, and outmarriage; membership in Japanese American groups; and ability to understand the Japanese language.
Abstract TP392: Evaluation of the CHADS 2 , CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc, and R 2 CHADS 2 Risk Assessment Scores in Continuous Flow LVADs

Background: The development of stroke while on continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) remains a source of significant morbidity and mortality. The ability to risk stratify these p...
Change In Guiding Center Position As A Function Of Incident And Scattering Angle In Cross-Field Diode

Cross-field migration of electrons is a problem in high-power microwave sources for relativistic magnetrons, magnetically insulated transmission lines, and Hull thrusters. In theory, the electrons should remain confined near the cathode due to the magnetic insulation, but in practice the electrons leave the hub and cause pulse shortening and the excitation of undesired modes. Our previous work has shown that this cross-field migration occurs even in the absence of ions 1. We use a 1D PIC code (PDP1 2 to corroborate our analytic model of electron-neutral elastic scattering in a diode. For each scattering event, the incident angle of the electron is entirely dependent on its energy and the orbital phase in which the collision occurs. The PIC code then uses the differential cross section to determine the scattering angle for each collision 3. For a given electron energy, we demonstrate that our analytic model can map out a profile of the change in guiding center position over all possible incident and scattering angles. These predictions are corroborated by our PDP1 data. This mapping of the change in guiding center position allows for a ready interpretation of the conditions during which the crossfield migration is the greatest (scattering angles of $180 ^{\circ})$ and the least (scattering angles of $0 ^{\circ})$.
Helping one or helping many? A theoretical integration and meta-analytic review of the compassion fade literature

Abstract Researchers and practitioners in the area of charitable giving have long lamented the tendency to offer greater aid to one person who is suffering rather than to a large group with the same needs. Demonstrations of such compassion fade are common in the literature, although different explanations for these findings exist. To reconcile both past theory and empirical research, we utilized a dual concern framing (De Dreu, 2006; Pruitt & Rubin, 1985) in conducting a meta-analysis of 41 studies (95 independent samples; 13,259 total sample size) on compassion fade. Results suggest that victim group size negatively affects both helping intent and helping behavior, as well as our proposed mediating mechanisms of anticipated positive affect (self-oriented motivation) and perceived impact (hybrid other-/self-oriented motivation). However, significant effects were not found for empathetic concern (other-oriented motivation). Results also showed that the indirect effects of victim group size on helping are stronger through anticipated positive affect and perceived impact than through empathetic concern. Further, as indicated by supplemental analyses, anticipated positive affect and perceived impact likely operate as predictors of empathetic concern in a serial mediation process through which victim groups size affects helping. Finally, we examined calamity scope (number of victims) and event features (certainty, chronicity, and threat severity) as moderators of the observed relationships between victim group size and helping. Theoretical implications and directions for future compassion fade research emanating from these findings are discussed.
Neighborhood sociodemographic effects on the associations between long-term PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular outcomes and diabetes.

Introduction Exposure to PM2.5 air pollution and neighborhood-level sociodemographic characteristics are associated with cardiovascular disease and possibly diabetes. However, the joint effect of sociodemographics and PM2.5 on these outcomes is uncertain. Methods We examined whether clusters of sociodemographic characteristics modified effects of long-term PM2.5 exposure on coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), hypertension, and diabetes. We used medical records data from 2192 cardiac catheterization patients residing in North Carolina and assigned to one of six previously-determined clusters. For each participant, we estimated annual PM2.5 exposure at their primary residence using a hybrid model with a 1 km2 resolution. We used logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status, to assess cluster-specific associations with PM2.5 and to determine if there were interactions between cluster and PM2.5 on outcomes. Results Compared to cluster 3 (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82-1.07; urban, low proportion of black individuals and high socioeconomic status), we observed greater associations between PM2.5 and hypertension in clusters 1 (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.99-1.50, pint 0.03) and 2 (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16-2.32, pint 0.003), which were urban, high proportion of black individuals, and low socioeconomic status. PM2.5 was associated with MI (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16-1.42) but not diabetes, regardless of cluster and was associated with CAD in cluster 3 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00, 1.31) and overall (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.98, 1.17). Discussion Areas of relative disadvantage have a stronger association between PM2.5 and hypertension compared to areas of relative advantage.
Derived ℓ-adic zeta functions

Abstract Let K 0 ( V k ) be the Grothendieck group of k-varieties. Campbell and Zakharevich have constructed a higher algebraic K-theory spectrum K ( V k ) such that π 0 K ( V k ) = K 0 ( V k ) . In this paper we construct non-trivial classes in the higher homotopy groups of K ( V k ) when k is finite or a subfield of C. To do this we give a recipe for lifting motivic measures K 0 ( V k ) → K 0 ( E ) to maps of spectra K ( V k ) → K ( E ) . We consider two special cases: the classical local zeta function, thought of as a homomorphism K 0 ( V F q ) → K 0 ( End ( Q l ) ) , and the compactly-supported Euler characteristic, thought of as a homomorphism K 0 ( V C ) → K 0 ( Q ) . We use lifts of these motivic measures to prove that the Grothendieck spectrum of varieties contains nontrivial geometric information in its higher homotopy groups by showing that the map S → K ( V k ) is nontrivial in higher dimensions when k is finite or a subfield of C, and, moreover, that when k is finite this map is not surjective on higher homotopy groups.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the presence of nonconventional histology

14535 Background: While randomized trials show a survival benefit for cytoreductive nephrectomy in the setting of metastatic conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the benefit of cy...
Radiofrequency and laser vein ablation for patients receiving warfarin anticoagulation is safe, effective, and durable

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, durability, and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) to treat symptomatic venous reflux in patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation. Methods Patients treated at a single institution with RFA or EVLA while receiving warfarin (Coumadin) anticoagulation were identified retrospectively along with a consecutive sample of patients not receiving anticoagulation who were similarly treated. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, procedural details, and follow-up data were obtained from electronic medical records. Outcomes of interest included the rates of persistent vein ablation, bleeding, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and endothermal heat-induced thrombosis. Groups were compared using χ2 tests, Fisher exact test, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazard modeling. Results There were 100 procedures performed in 65 patients receiving anticoagulation and 127 procedures in 89 control patients. Mean follow-up time was 467 days. The most common indications for anticoagulation were atrial fibrillation (52%), remote DVT (29%), and mechanical heart valves (8%). Patients receiving anticoagulation were on average older (67 years vs 52 years), were more likely to be male (51% vs 27%), and had higher rates of coronary disease (9% vs 0%) and hypertension (55% vs 20%), although they were more likely to have never smoked (86% vs 69%). There were 127 RFA procedures (56%) and 100 EVLA procedures (44%); 189 procedures treated the GSV or its tributaries (83%), and 38 treated the SSV (17%). At 1 year, the target vessel remained ablated after 96% of procedures performed with anticoagulation and in 99% of controls; at 18 months, rates were 92% vs 95% (P = .96). Rates of persistent ablation did not differ significantly by vessel treated (P = .28), EVLA vs RFA (P = .36), or use of antiplatelet therapy (P = .92). One patient had bleeding from a phlebectomy site 2 days postprocedurally when supratherapeutic on warfarin; this was controlled with pressure. DVT in the ipsilateral leg occurred within 90 days after 1 of 100 (1%) procedures in patients receiving anticoagulation and 2 of 127 (1.6%) procedures in control patients; endothermal heat-induced thrombosis rates were similarly 1 of 100 (1%) procedures in patients receiving anticoagulation and 1 of 127 (0.8%) in control patients. Conclusions This is the largest series to date reporting >30-day follow-up for patients undergoing venous ablation procedures while receiving anticoagulation and the longest follow-up reported of any series. Durability, safety, and efficacy of vein ablation in patients receiving anticoagulation are comparable to those in control patients. Anticoagulation should not be considered a contraindication to endothermal ablation of the GSV or SSV for symptomatic venous reflux.
Dihydrotestosterone suppression of proinflammatory gene expression in human meibomian gland epithelial cells.

Abstract Purpose We discovered that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) decreases the ability of lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial toxin, to stimulate the secretion of leukotriene B4, a potent proinflammatory mediator, by immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells (IHMGECs). We hypothesize that this hormone action reflects an androgen suppression of proinflammatory gene activity in these cells. Our goal was to test this hypothesis. For comparison, we also examined whether DHT treatment elicits the same effect in immortalized human corneal (IHC) and conjunctival (IHConj) ECs. Methods Differentiated cells were cultured in media containing vehicle or 10 nM DHT. Cells (n = 3 wells/treatment group) were then processed for RNA isolation and the analysis of gene expression by using Illumina BeadChips, background subtraction, cubic spline normalization and Geospiza software. Results Our results demonstrate that DHT significantly suppressed the expression of numerous immune-related genes in HMGECs, such as those associated with antigen processing and presentation, innate and adaptive immune responses, chemotaxis, and cytokine production. DHT also enhanced the expression of genes for defensin β1, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and the anti-inflammatory serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 5. In contrast, DHT had no effect on proinflammatory gene expression in HCECs, and significantly increased 33 gene ontologies linked to the immune system in HConjECs. Conclusions Our findings support our hypothesis that androgens suppress proinflammatory gene expression in IHMGECs. This hormone effect may contribute to the typical absence of inflammation within the human meibomian gland.
Numerical and experimental investigation of damage detection in stiffened composite panels using guided ultrasonic waves

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites have excellent in-plane stiffness and strength properties, and are therefore ideal for usage in panels of aircraft wings or fuselage as well as launch vehicle case segments. Those thin plates or shell structures are often stiffened with many locally increased thickness regions, or beams of various cross-sectional shapes such as flat or T-shaped. Small defects in any of those stiffened regions would greatly reduce the structural performance as a whole. Locating such defects is time consuming because of the large extend of the panels as well as the number of stiffeners. Guided ultrasonic wave-based techniques could be applied for damage detection in large areas. However, the scattering characteristics of stiffeners are complex. In particular, when multiple stiffeners are present, the incident Lamb wave signal is altered with the passing of each stiffener. Thus, the goal of this work is to efficiently model Lamb wave propagation when multiple stiffeners are present, with and without defects, in an effort to identify useful signal features for damage detection. To this end, the so-called global-local method is used for Lamb wave modeling. The global functions are used to represent the nominal composite region – parameters are obtained by means of waveguide finite element (WFE) method – and the stiffened region is represented by finite element discretization. With a recently developed coupling technique, a source problem, representing a surface-mounted transducer is coupled with multiple stiffener-scattering models to examine the transmission characteristics. The global-local model is validated by laboratory waveform measurements on a stiffened composite plate. The results from global-local method can then be used to efficiently determine the maximum number of stiffeners before the transmitted Lamb waves become too weak to identify defects.
ROMAN JAKOBSON 1896–1982: A complete bibliography of his writings. Compiled and edited by STEPHEN RUDY

(1992). ROMAN JAKOBSON 1896–1982: A complete bibliography of his writings. Compiled and edited by STEPHEN RUDY. WORD: Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 459-462.
A multi-wavelength scattered light analysis of the dust grain population in the GG Tau circumbinary ring

We present the first 3.8 micron image of the dusty ring surrounding the young binary system GG Tau, obtained with the W. M. Keck II 10m telescope's adaptive optics system. This is the longest wavelength at which the ring has been detected in scattered light so far, allowing a multi-wavelength analysis of the scattering properties of the dust grains present in this protoplanetary disk in combination with previous, shorter wavelengths, HST images. We find that the scattering phase function of the dust grains in the disk is only weakly dependent on the wavelength. This is inconsistent with dust models inferred from observations of the interstellar medium or dense molecular clouds. In particular, the strongly forward-throwing scattering phase function observed at 3.8 micron implies a significant increase in the population of large (>~1 micron) grains, which provides direct evidence for grain growth in the ring. However, the grain size distribution required to match the 3.8 micron image of the ring is incompatible with its published 1 micron polarization map, implying that the dust population is not uniform throughout the ring. We also show that our 3.8 micron scattered light image probes a deeper layer of the ring than previous shorter wavelength images, as demonstrated by a shift in the location of the inner edge of the disk's scattered light distribution between 1 and 3.8 micron. We therefore propose a stratified structure for the ring in which the surface layers, located ~50 AU above the ring midplane, contain dust grains that are very similar to those found in dense molecular clouds, while the region of the ring located ~25 AU from the midplane contains significantly larger grains. This stratified structure is likely the result of vertical dust settling and/or preferred grain growth in the densest parts of the ring.
Predictor-Corrector(PC) Temporal Difference(TD) Learning (PCTD).

Using insight from numerical approximation of ODEs and the problem formulation and solution methodology of TD learning through a Galerkin relaxation, I propose a new class of TD learning algorithms. After applying the improved numerical methods, the parameter being approximated has a guaranteed order of magnitude reduction in the Taylor Series error of the solution to the ODE for the parameter $\theta(t)$ that is used in constructing the linearly parameterized value function. Predictor-Corrector Temporal Difference (PCTD) is what I call the translated discrete time Reinforcement Learning(RL) algorithm from the continuous time ODE using the theory of Stochastic Approximation(SA). Both causal and non-causal implementations of the algorithm are provided, and simulation results are listed for an infinite horizon task to compare the original TD(0) algorithm against both versions of PCTD(0).
Ventilator Use During In-Hospital Transport of Very Low Birthweight Infants Promotes Stability

Background: In-hospital transport of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants has a high-risk for hypo-hyperventilation, temperature, and blood glucose instability. T-piece resuscitators have been advocated to provide consistent delivery of targeted pressures maintaining steady minute ventilation and lung volume during transfer. We sought to evaluate the stability of VLBW infants transported on a ventilator to the catheterization lab for a novel interventional cardiac procedure. We hypothesize an organized approach using a ventilator for transport and during the procedure results in less pH, CO2, and blood glucose variability. Methods: A respective analysis of VLBW infants transported to the a cardiac catherization lab between December 2019 and May 2021, comparing pre- vs. post-implementation outcomes. Collected variables include demographics, pre- and post-intervention pH, PCO2, temperature, and glucose levels. Categorical variables are presented as n (%) compared using Chi-square analysis and continuous variables were compared via student T-test presented as mean ± standard deviation. Variance was measured as total difference in measured value from pre- to post-procedure. Alpha level of 0.05 is considered significant. The project was approved by the Quality Improvement Review Committee. Results: Twenty-five infants were included for study. For the cohort, age at the time of procedure was 39.4 ± 22.3 d, weight 1.27 ± 0.6 kg, height 36.5 ± 4.2 cm and 13 (52%) were male. Procedure duration was 137.8 ± 28.8 min. Variable distribution among groups are illustrated in Table 1. The ventilator group was younger, smaller, and had lower post-procedure blood glucose levels. Less variance was found in blood glucose level (P = 0.004) and a trend towards less variance was seen in PCO2 (P Conclusions: We describe the use of a ventilator to provide greater physiologic stability during in-hospital transport of VLBW infants. An organized approach using a ventilator for transport and during the procedure resulted in more stability with a trend towards more stable PCO2 and less variance in blood glucose levels, which may be a sign of less stress. Given the small number of subjects, more study is needed to identify the benefit of this approach in VLBW infants.
Recent Advances in Kidney Bioengineering

Kidney disease is an epidemic that affects more than 600 million people worldwide. The socioeconomic impacts of the disease disproportionately affect Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black Americans, making the disease an issue of social inequality. The urgency of this situation has only become worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, as those who are hospitalized for COVID-19 have an increased risk of kidney failure. For researchers, the kidney is a complex organ that is difficult to accurately model and understand. Traditional cell culture models are not adequate for studying the functional intricacies of the kidney, but recent experiments have offered improvements for understanding these systems. Some recent progress includes improved cell culture methods, organoid modeling, the integration of 3D printing, decellularization, and the use of microfluidic chips. Here, we offer a review of the most recent advances in kidney bioengineering.
Humanizing the narcissistic style

It sacrifices fulfillment to driven achievement, self-worth to praise from others, and the joy of human connectedness to superficial, manipulative relationships. Johnson's carefully conceived integrative psychoanalytic developmental theory will enable therapists to make sense of the array of symptoms seen in character disorders and character styles so that an eclectic treatment approach may be pursued with the guidance of a unified theory. This is the second book in a series that began with Characterological Transformation.
SU-E-T-396: Evaluation of Novel Open Face Intracranial Immobilization Devices

Purpose: Focal intracranial treatments, such as stereotactic radiosurgery, require that motion be minimized during treatment. This level of immobilization is typically achieved with custom thermoplastic masks that cover the patient’s face. These masks they do not allow active monitoring of patient position during treatment, and in many cases they induce claustrophobia and anxiety. This work evaluates potential motion using a newly developed faceless mask system designed to reduce anxiety and allow intrafraction monitoring. Methods: Custom masks were created for five healthy volunteers using both the standard mask and the mask with integrated bite system (IBS). Each volunteer was monitored with surface imaging system for 15 minutes to evaluate physiological motion. They were then asked to move as much as possible to evaluate forced motion. The real time surface imaging information was recorded and analyzed off-line. Results: The mean root-mean-square (RMS) of the linear displacements over the 15 minute monitoring periods ranged from 0.3 mm – 0.7 mm with the standard mask and 0.3 mm – 0.5 mm for the mask with IBS. The maximum individual variance was 0.4 mm (2 standard deviations) both with and without IBS. The maximum RMS displacement during forced movements was 9.2 mm without IBS and 4.9 mm with IBS. The mean RMS difference in position before and after forced motion over all patients and movements (with and without IBS) was 0.5 mm +/−0.5 mm (2 SD), i.e. the volunteers were returning to within 0.5 mm of their initial position after forced movements. Conclusion: The intracranial mask system is able to provide sub-millimeter immobilization for resting volunteers, and the system can limit motion to < 5 mm under the adverse conditions, providing adequate immobilization for any type of intracranial treatment while potentially improving patient comfort and reducing anxiety and claustrophobic episodes This work was partially supported by Qfix.
Two-dimensional capillary origami

Abstract We describe a global approach to the problem of capillary origami that captures all unfolded equilibrium configurations in the two-dimensional setting where the drop is not required to fully wet the flexible plate. We provide bifurcation diagrams showing the level of encapsulation of each equilibrium configuration as a function of the volume of liquid that it contains, as well as plots representing the energy of each equilibrium branch. These diagrams indicate at what volume level the liquid drop ceases to be attached to the endpoints of the plate, which depends on the value of the contact angle. As in the case of pinned contact points, three different parameter regimes are identified, one of which predicts instantaneous encapsulation for small initial volumes of liquid.