cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ZnO-Al2O3 and ZnO-TiO2 core-shell nanowire dye-sensitized solar cells

We describe the construction and performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) based on arrays of ZnO nanowires coated with thin shells of amorphous Al2O3 or anatase TiO2 by atomic layer deposition. We find that alumina shells of all thicknesses act as insulating barriers that improve cell open-circuit voltage (VOC) only at the expense of a larger decrease in short-circuit current density (JSC). However, titania shells 10−25 nm in thickness cause a dramatic increase in VOC and fill factor with little current falloff, resulting in a substantial improvement in overall conversion efficiency, up to 2.25% under 100 mW cm-2 AM 1.5 simulated sunlight. The superior performance of the ZnO−TiO2 core−shell nanowire cells is a result of a radial surface field within each nanowire that decreases the rate of recombination in these devices. In a related set of experiments, we have found that TiO2 blocking layers deposited underneath the nanowire films yield cells with reduced efficiency, in contrast to the beneficial...
Compactness versus Sprawl: A Review of Recent Evidence from the United States

In 1997, the Journal of the American Planning Association published a pair of point–counterpoint articles now listed by the American Planning Association as “classics” in the urban planning literat...
Double Taxation: A European 'Switch in Time'?

This article considers whether the fundamental freedoms of the EC Treaty encompass an absolute requirement on the Member States to mitigate double taxation, and it concludes that such a requirement could reasonably be inferred from the goals of the fundamental freedoms and the European Court of Justice's "double burden" jurisprudence. Notwithstanding the reasonableness of that interpretation, in the recent Kerckhaert & Morres case, the Court of Justice seems to have held that juridical taxation does not violate the EC Treaty, even though double taxation distorts the Internal Market. We review the history of the Court's relevant jurisprudence, consider whether the Court has left any room for future rulings proscribing juridical double tax, and compare the treatment of double state taxation in the United States by the Supreme Court under the dormant Commerce Clause.
Method for Derivation and Synthesis of Conducted Susceptibility Limits for System-Level EMC

This paper presents a novel method for the derivation of conducted susceptibility requirement limits for roll up and synthesis into an overall system-level design. If a system-level EMC design is an assemblage of compliant subsystems, then the subsystems should be an assemblage of compliant components or module designs. This approach requires tailoring the system-level requirements through to component- or module-level designs. The method discussed is applicable to a variety of components and implementable early in the design process. The method provides rationale for the derivation limits, while maintaining traceability to system-level requirements. A discussion is included on comparison and margin analysis of input filtering for verifying compliance to conducted susceptibility requirements at the system level. Detailed examples using both commercial and military requirements are included.
Influence of Three Soybean Plant Genotypes and Their F1 Intercrosses on the Development of Five Insect Species

A bioassay technique was used to evaluate soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. plant introduction(s) (PI) 171451, 227687, 229358, F1 plants of their intercrosses, and soybean cv. Davis for relative levels of resistance to velvetbean caterpillar (VBC), Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, soybean looper (SBL), Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), corn earworm (CEW), Heliothis zea (Boddie), tobacco budworm (TBW), H. virescens (F.), and beet armyworm (BAW), Spodoptera exigua (Hubner). Larvae of all five insect species reared on leaves from PI 227687 and 229358 were significantly smaller than those reared on leaves from ‘Davis.’ VBC, SBL, and BAW larvae reared on leaves from PI 171451 were not significantly different from those reared on leaves from ‘Davis.’ Differences among larvae reared on leaves from PI 227687 and 229358 for VBC, SBL, and TBW were not significant. CEW and BAW larvae reared on leaves from PI 229358 were significantly larger than those reared on leaves from PI 227687. Although the same trends observed with larval weights were exhibited by pupal weights, plant genotype influenced pupal weights less than larval weights. Days to pupation were increased, although not always significantly, for larvae reared on the resistant genotypes. Mortality tended to be greater for larvae reared on leaves from resistant genotypes. Weights of larvae reared on leaves from the F1 plants of intercrosses between PI tended to be intermediate to those reared on leaves from the parents. However, CEW larvae reared on leaves from the F1 plants of the PI 171451 × PI 229358 cross were smaller than those reared on leaves from either parent. A strong trend for larvae reared on leaves from F1 plants of the crosses to be smaller than the midparent value was apparent. Also, the trend in days to pupation and pupal weights was very similar to the trend in larval weights. Because larval weight for those reared on leaves from F1 plants tended to be similar to those reared on the most resistant parents, a slight dominance effect for resistance is indicated. The response of insects to the crosses indicates that resistance levels can be increased through a program of intercrossing and selecting.
Some effects of zinc on the utilization of carbon sources by Monascus purpureus.

SUMMARY In Czapek-Dox media (5% D-glucose) zinc uptake by Monascus purpureus was correlated with an increase in both phosphate and D-glucose uptake, increased growth, and increased production of carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol. Added zinc also increased growth and reduced the economic coefficient when either D-arabinose, D-xylose, D-glucose, D-fructose, sucrose, maltose, starch, or ethyl alcohol was the sole carbon source. Fatty acids or amino acids did not serve as sole sources of carbon even in the presence of an otherwise optimum zinc concentration. A particular combination of amino acids (glycine, L-leucine, and L-tryptophan) added as a supplement to media with ethyl alcohol or the carbohydrates listed above stimulated growth to an equal or much greater extent than did the addition of zinc. This combination of amino acids also stimulated growth with D-galactose, glycerol, D-mannitol, D-sorbitol, or DL-glyceric acid, none of which supported growth with added zinc alone. All substrates which supported significant increases in growth over controls when supplemented with glycine, L-leucine, and L-tryptophan, also supported an additional and often dramatic increase in growth when supplied both these amino acids and added zinc. By contrast, neither of six Krebs-cycle acids, seven fatty acids, seven amino acids, dihydroxyacetone, pyruvate, nor DL-lactate served as a sole source of carbon for growth of M. purpureus, with or without the amino acid supplement and added zinc. These data demonstrate zinc involvement in both carbohydrate and amino acid utilization by M. purpureus, and suggest zinc involvement in regulatory processes integrating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism during growth. McHan and Johnson (1970) found that Monascits plurpureus Went grew better in glucose-peptone-yeast extract broth than in any other natural medium tried and did not grow nearly as well in a Czapek-Dox mineral-salts-glucose broth. The zinc ion and a particular combination of amino acids (glycine, L-leucine, and L-tryptophan) were identified as important components in the richer medium responsible for the increased
Notes on the Life Cycle and Habits of Digamasellus quadrisetus (Mesostigmata: Digamasellidae)

Mites of the genus Digamasellus are commonly found under the bark of trees. D. quadrisetus Berlese has been frequently found associated with Ips typographic L. in Europe, and recently with several species of Ips in California. Although it is often encountered in bark beetle galleries, some aspects of its life cycle and feeding habits within the galleries have never been reported.
Can medical record reviewers reliably identify errors and adverse events in the ED

Abstract Background Chart review has been the mainstay of medical quality assurance practices since its introduction more than a century ago. The validity of chart review, however, has been vitiated by a lack of methodological rigor. Objectives By measuring the degree of interrater agreement among a 13-member review board of emergency physicians, we sought to validate the reliability of a chart review–based quality assurance process using computerized screening based on explicit case parameters. Methods All patients presenting to an urban, tertiary care academic medical center emergency department (annual volume of 57,000 patients) between November 2012 and November 2013 were screened electronically. Cases were programmatically flagged for review according to explicit criteria: return within 72hours, procedural evaluation, floor-to-ICU transfer within 24hours of admission, death within 24hours of admission, physician complaints, and patient complaints. Each case was reviewed independently by a 13-member emergency department quality assurance committee all of whom were board certified in emergency medicine and trained in the use of the tool. None of the reviewers were involved in the care of the specific patients reviewed by them. Reviewers used a previously validated 8-point Likert scale to rate the (1) coordination of patient care, (2) presence and severity of adverse events, (3) degree of medical error, and (4) quality of medical judgment. Agreement among reviewers was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each parameter. Results Agreement and the degree of significance for each parameter were as follows: coordination of patient care (ICC=0.67; P P =.001), degree of medical error (ICC=0.72; P P Conclusion Agreement in the chart review process can be achieved among physician-reviewers. The degree of agreement attainable is comparable to or superior to that of similar studies reported to date. These results highlight the potential for the use of computerized screening, explicit criteria, and training of expert reviewers to improve the reliability and validity of chart review–based quality assurance.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Atmospheric Water Vapor and Its Influence on the Retrieval of Land Surface Temperature Based on Remote Sensing Data

Atmospheric water vapor is one of the key factors affecting the retrieval of land surface temperature(LST) from the single-band infrared image.It is conductive to the rational usage of single-band infrared data to find out the influence of spatial heterogeneity of AWV on the retrieval of LST.With the MODIS MOD05_L2 products as data sources,this paper discussed the spatial heterogeneity of AWV at the regional scale and its impact on the retrieval of LST from Landsat image.Firstly,an error model was deduced with regard to the influence of AWV on the retrieval of LST from remote sensing data.Then,in order to explore the retrieval error of LST possibly caused by the spatial heterogeneity of AWV at the regional scale,the authors conducted simulation tests followed by comparative analyses under spatially different distribution conditions of AWV in several regions,particularly for the thermal infrared band of Landsat 5.Results obtained in this paper indicate that the retrieval error of LST caused by the spatial heterogeneity of AWV has to do with the value and the heterogeneity degree of AWV.For example,when AWV had relatively high heterogeneity,an error was relatively great,ranging from 0.5℃ to 2℃ with relative error from 2% to 20% accordingly;by contrast,when AWV was relatively uniform,error was comparatively insignificant and ranged from 0.1℃ to 0.2℃ with relative error from 0.5% to 2% accordingly.In conclusion,with regard to regions with a relatively high degree of atmospheric heterogeneity,it is vital to get atmospheric parameters properly at the regional scale so as to retrieve LST precisely from remote sensing data.
PREPARATION OF Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4 BASED THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS BY SOL-GEL METHOD AND CHARACTERIZATION

Sr, Li and Cu-doped Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4 based thermoelectric materials were prepared by sol-gel process. The phase constitution of Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4 based thermoelectric materials was analyzed by XRD. According to DTA-TG curves, the pre-sintering and sintering temperatures of the materials were obtained to be 450℃and 850℃, respectively. The influences of doping amount on the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and power factor of Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4 based materials were investigated. The results showed that doping Li could decrease the electrical resistivity of Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4 doping Sr and Cu could increase the electrical resistivity. Doping Li and Cu could improve the Seebeck coefficient and power factor of Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4. The improving effect on Na_(1.4)Co_2O_4 by doping Sr is not remarkable but by doping Li is the best. When 0.40 Li was doped, the power factor of Na_(1.0)Li_(0.4)Co_2O_4 at 15℃reaches maximum value of 7444.73μW·m~(-1)·K~(-2).
Multiple Anti-Periodic Solutions to a Discrete Fourth Order Nonlinear Equation

This paper is concerned with the existence of multiple anti-periodic solutions to a nonlinear fourth order difference equation. The analysis is based on variational methods and critical point theory. Clark’s critical point theorem is used to prove the main results. An example illustrates the applicability of the results.
The endocrinology of human chorionic gonadotropin secreting testicular tumors: new methods in diagnosis

AbstractSerum from 59 men with testicular masses was examined for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin-beta. Results indicate: 1) In patients with testicular tumor human chorionic gonadotropin-beta serves as a sensitive and specific marker of tumor activity with an incidence of 28 per cent. 2) Because human chorionic gonadotropin-beta levels correlate with response to therapy this test will be useful in selecting men for adjunctive irradiation or chemotherapy. 3) Radioimmunoassay for human chorionic gonadotropin-beta is far more sensitive and specific than conventional methods for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin production. 4) After unilateral orchiectomy for carcinoma of the testis elevated serum luteinizing hormone levels are common and may be unrelated to the presence or activity of residual tumor. 5) Human chorionic gonadotropin-beta-producing tumors were associated with increased estradiol and testosterone levels and significantly depressed serum follicle stimulating hormone levels in ...
Regression of intimal hyperplasia with restoration of endothelium-dependent relaxing factor-mediated relaxation in experimental vein grafts.

Background. The reversibility of the morphologic and functional alterations that occur in veins transplanted into the arterial circulation was examined in this study. Methods. Common carotid vein bypass grafts (VG) were performed in 20 male New Zealand White rabbits. Ten VG and jugular veins (CV) were harvested after 74 days, and ten VG were reimplanted as venovenous bypass grafts (REV) and harvested after an additional 74 days. Vessels were taken for structural or isometric tension studies to norepinephrine, serotonin, and bradykinin and to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside after precontraction. Results. There was a decrease in the thickness of the intima (p=0.02) and the media (p=0.002) in REV compared with VG
Anchoring protein is required for cAMP-dependent stimulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in rabbit portal vein

Stimulation of cardiac L-type Ca(2+) channels by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) requires anchoring of PKA to a specific subcellular environment by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAP). This study evaluated the possible requirement of AKAP in PKA-dependent regulation of L-type Ca(2+) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells using the conventional whole cell patch-clamp technique. Peak Ba(2+) current in freshly isolated rabbit portal vein myocytes was significantly increased by superfusion with either 0.5 microM isoproterenol (131 +/- 3% of the control value, n = 11) or 10 microM 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP; 114 +/- 1%, n = 8). The PKA-induced stimulatory effects of both isoproterenol and 8-BrcAMP were completely abolished by a specific PKA inhibitor KT-5720 (0.2 microM) or by dialyzing cells with Ht 31 (100 microM), a peptide that inhibits the binding of PKA to AKAP. In contrast, Ht 31 did not block the excitatory effect of the catalytic subunit of PKA when dialyzed into the cells. These data suggest that stimulation of Ca(2+) channels in vascular myocytes by endogenous PKA requires localization of PKA through binding to AKAP.
A comparison of Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) and Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI) strategies at high load, low speed conditions

Abstract Past research has shown that Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) and Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI) combustion are promising approaches to improve efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions. However, the benefits have generally been confined to mid-load operating conditions. To enable practical application, these approaches must be able to operate over the entire engine map. A particularly challenging area is high load, low speed operation. Accordingly, the present work uses detailed CFD modeling and engine experiments to compare RCCI and GCI combustion strategies at a high load, low speed condition. Computational optimizations of RCCI and GCI combustion were performed at 20 bar gross indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and 1300 rev/min. The optimum points from the two combustion strategies were verified using engine experiments and were used to make the comparisons between RCCI and GCI combustion. The comparison showed that both the strategies had very similar combustion characteristics with a near top dead center injection initiating combustion. A parametric study was performed to identify the key input parameters that control combustion for the RCCI and GCI strategies. For both strategies, the combustion phasing could be controlled by the start of injection (SOI) timing of the near TDC injection. The short ignition delay of diesel fuel gave the RCCI strategy better control over combustion than the GCI strategy, but also had a simultaneous tradeoff with soot emissions. With the GCI strategy, the longer ignition delay of the gasoline fuel allowed for more air entrainment, causing lower soot emissions while giving reasonable control over combustion. Cyclic variability can be problematic at the load extremes; accordingly, the sensitivity to fluctuations in operating conditions was evaluated. Both strategies were found to be most sensitive to fluctuations in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate. The GCI strategy was more sensitive to small changes in the charge conditions than the RCCI strategy, indicating that cyclic variability may be more problematic for GCI operation.
A Smarter Grid for Improving System Reliability and Asset Utilization

The power grid is aging and under stress. Unlike other modern networked systems, the grid lacks intelligence and automation. This paper has presented a new look at the way a Smart Grid can be implemented. The conventional approach has been to first obtain real time information on critical parameters, and then by controlling VAR resources, tap changers, and FACTS devices to achieve the desired control. A simpler approach is presented here based on using highly interconnected meshed networks. Such networks have been used in high density urban areas for many years for the high reliability achievable, but suffer from poor line utilization and lack of flexibility under contingency or load growth conditions. The use of a large number of Current Limiting Conductor or CLiC modules provides a simple and cost-effective approach for realizing a controllable meshed network, maximizing network capacity under diverse contingencies and load growth scenarios. Using a low-tech approach, it is seen that basic network performance and reliability are dramatically increased. It is also seen that the distributed nature and inherent redundancy in the deployment of large numbers of CLiC modules, results in high system reliability.
Embarras de richesses - It is not good to be too anomalous: Accurate structure of selenourea, a chiral crystal of planar molecules.

Selenourea, SeC(NH2)2, recently found an application as a derivatization reagent providing a significant anomalous diffraction signal used for phasing macromolecular crystal structures. The crystal structure of selenourea itself was solved about 50 years ago, from data recorded on films and evaluated by eye and refined to R = 0.15 with errors of bond lengths and angles about 0.1 A and 6°. In the current work this structure is re-evaluated on the basis of synchrotron data and refined to R1 = 0.021 with bond and angle errors about 0.007 A and 0.5°. The nine planar molecules of selenourea pack either in the P31 or in the P32 unit cell. All unique molecules are connected by a complex network of Se•••H-N hydrogen bonds and Se•••Se contacts. The packing of selenourea molecules is highly pseudosymmetric, approximating either of the P31(2)12, R3, and R32 space groups. Because the overwhelming majority of diffracted X-ray intensity originates form the anomalously scattering selenium atoms, the measurable anomalous Bijvoet differences are diminished and it was not possible to solve this crystal structure based on the anomalous signal alone.
A computer-aided usability testing tool for in-vehicle infotainment systems

Abstract This paper describes the development of a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software toolkit for designers of in-vehicle infotainment systems to predict and benchmark the system usability, such as task completion time, eye glance behaviors, and mental workload. A digital driver model was developed based on the task-independent cognitive architecture of QN-MHP (Queuing Network-Model Human Processor). At the front end of the software a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed that allows designers to create digital mockups of the designs and simulate drivers performing secondary tasks while steering a vehicle. To validate the software outputs, an experiment using human drivers was conducted on a fix-based driving simulator with a radio-tuning task as a test case. Three typical in-vehicle infotainment systems that have the function of radio tuning were investigated (a touch screen, physical buttons, and a knob). The results show that the software was able to generate task completion time, total eyes-off-road time, and mental workload estimates that were similar to the empirical data. The software toolkit has the potential to be a supplemental tool for designers to explore a larger design space and address usability issues at the early design stages with lower cost in time and manpower.
Microtruss structures with enhanced elasticity fabricated through visible light photocuring

Abstract We report on the fabrication of an open cellular solid structure using visible light photocuring in combination with light-induced self-writing. A visible light sensitive photopolymer is irradiated with multiple arrays of microscale optical beams, which are generated from LEDs. These beams undergo self-trapping and elicit the inscription of microscale, solid struts into the medium. This process creates a structure consisting of multiple, intersecting struts that form a microtruss structure. Such structures retain their elasticity at higher temperatures as compared to a bulk film of the same thickness. This is the first demonstration of visible light photocuring of photopolymers into a microtruss structure, as well as investigation into their elastic properties under tension.
IgD-induced enhancement of the immune response.

Mice bearing IgD-producing myelomas have greatly enhanced primary and secondary immune responses [1]. This enhancement appears to be related to the presence of high levels of serum IgD, since pretreatment of BALB/c mice with IgD-containing ascites fluid or with isolated IgD also causes a marked increase in their primary responses to intravenously injected trinitrophenylated hemocyanin (TNP-KLH) [1]. Ascites fluid from mice bearing myelomas producing other Ig isotypes appears to cause an inhibition rather than an enhancement of immune responses [1,2]. These data suggest an immunoregulatory effect of IgD itself, but do not provide insight into the mechanism of this effect.
Lock free data structures using STM in haskell

This paper explores the feasibility of re-expressing concurrent algorithms with explicit locks in terms of lock free code written using Haskell's implementation of software transactional memory. Experimental results are presented which show that for multi-processor systems the simpler lock free implementations offer superior performance when compared to their corresponding lock based implementations.
Nano-Macro Correlation of Nano-Silica Concrete

Concrete mixes using progressively finer size nano-silica particles (7–150nm) were prepared to study the effect of nano-size pozzolans (nano-silica). Conventional compression tests demonstrated progressively higher strength with finer size of the nano-silica down to 12nm particle size. High-vacuum Scanning Electron Microscope tests revealed that the nano-silica provide nucleation sites for crystal growth thereby changing the structure of the material at the micron to sub-micron level. This paper will describe nano-indentation tests that were subsequently performed on the material. Nano-indentation data was evaluated to determine stiffness, hardness and elastic–plastic work with progressively increasing indentation depth for each material. Results show variability of nano-scale testing in concrete due to inherent lack of homogeneity and also demonstrate that nano-scale tests correlate with the macro-scale mechanical response giving credibility to the hypothesis that alteration of crystal micro-structure (as opposed to void ratio) with nano-silica affects mechanical response at the micro-scale, which translates to improved macro-scale properties.
A Woman and a Writer

This study begins with Reid herself and her words. In this chapter, interviews Reid gave over the course of her career are compiled to reveal her thoughts on a variety of issues that were important to her as a writer and as a woman. In this chapter, the topics are not exhaustive, but highlight themes that emerged again and again in her work.
Management of scleroderma renal crisis.

Purpose of reviewScleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a life-threatening manifestation in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is usually presented by an acute onset of severe hypertension together with an acute kidney injury. We can conceptualize SRC as a systemic syndrome with features that extend beyond the
Los Big Data: conceptos relacionados y algunas aplicaciones en pediatría

Medical technology advances, the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and the complex production of biomolecular data are generating large volumes of information, in various formats and from multiple sources, which are known as “Big Data”. The integrated analysis of these data has opened up a wide possibility to explore answers related to health problems. In pediatrics, there has been an increase in the studies on Big Data, or the computer tools use that have been developed to analyze these data. The purposes of those studies have been diverse, for example, for earlier detection and prevention of a wide range of medical conditions, improvement of diagnoses, to specify treatments or anticipate the outcome of some pathology and so on. For this reason, this contribution aims to review the main concepts involved in the analysis of Big Data or its related computer technologies, as well as to examine their current applications, potentialities, and limitations. This study was carried out based on a non-systematic bibliographical review, focused on the field of pediatrics. In the selection of application examples, it was considered that they were primary sources, published in the last five years and with child and youth populations.
Robotic ventral hernia repair in morbidly obese patients: perioperative and mid-term outcomes

Obesity is a growing epidemic and it has been found to be an independent risk factor for a multitude of perioperative complications. We describe our experience with morbidly obese patients who underwent robotic ventral hernia repair (RVHR), examining factors affecting perioperative and mid-term outcomes. From a prospectively maintained database, all morbid obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) patients who underwent robotic procedures between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively including perioperative outcomes and the mid-term follow-up. Complications were assessed with validated grading systems and index. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the factors associated with the development of any complication. Kaplan–Meier’s time-to-event analysis was performed to calculate freedom-of-recurrence. Fifty patients with median BMI 42.9 kg/m2 were included. The median last pain score before leaving PACU was 4. The mean LOS of all cohorts was 0.32 day. The postoperative complication rate was 46%. The most frequent complication was persistent pain/discomfort (32%) in early postoperative period. Minor complications (Clavien–Dindo grade-I and II) were seen in 40% of patients while major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade-III and IV) were seen in 6%. The maximum comprehensive complication index® score was 42.9. In regression analysis, BMI, adhesiolysis, intraperitoneal mesh placement, and off-console time were found to be significantly associated with postoperative complications. Mean follow-up was 22.7 months. Hernia recurrence was seen in 2% and the mean freedom-of-recurrence was 57.4 months (95% CI 54.6–60.2). To our best knowledge, this study is the first to present outcomes of morbidly obese patients who underwent RVHR. The results indicate the safety and efficacy of RVHR in morbid obesity with a low recurrence rate as well as a long freedom-of-recurrence time. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the role of robotic surgery in morbidly obese patients.
Cultural Adaptation and Training Design

The Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. has dramatically increased bringing with it richness in history, tradition, attitudes, and practices pertinent to STD/HIV prevention. Non-clinical staffs that work with monolingual Spanish speaking clients often face cultural and linguistic challenges when assessing attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of persons at risk for STD/HIV. This article describes the process of adapting an existing curriculum for a training, STD Overview for Non-Clinicians, to design a comparable course for bilingual staff primarily working as health educators, counselors, or outreach workers for Spanish speaking communities. Overall, the two-day Resumen de Enfermedades Transmitidas Sexualmente, as delivered by bilingual and bicultural trainers, embraces Hispanic/Latino beliefs and attitudes about sexuality and STD/HIV while concurrently reinforcing cultural norms that support healthy attitudes and practices. Using a scale from 1-5, 1 representing “poor” and 5 representing “excellent,” the overall rating for pilot training sessions combined was 4.9. Written comments were favorable and reflected an appreciation for the design of the course, the availability of appropriate and technically correct information written in Spanish, and the creation of a training opportunity that fostered camaraderie and networking possibilities for the participants.
Operative Treatment of Acute Patellar Tendon Ruptures.

Background:The gold standard for patellar tendon repair is a transosseous technique. Suture anchor repair has gained popularity, with recent biomechanical studies demonstrating significantly less g...
Predictors of Failure of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is increasingly used as the primary option for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Improved techniques, technologies, and patient selection have resulted in high rates of success after these operations. Despite these improvements, failure is not uncommon, resulting in poor patient outcomes, increased rehabilitative time and costs, and athletic setbacks. Multiple factors may contribute to failure including the patient's anatomy, patient characteristics, and the surgeon's technical performance of the procedure. As many of these factors contribute to failure along a spectrum of risk, it is important for surgeons to optimize risks, limit technical errors, and choose alternative or adjunctive procedures where appropriate. In this article, we discuss the various risk factors associated with failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair, propose solutions and adjustments for modifiable risks, and provide considerations to take for nonmodifiable risk factors.
Translation of Giulio Aleni’s Sizijingwen 四字經文 (Four Character Classic)

This chapter provides a new English translation of the celebrated Chinese Catholic children’s primer, the Three Four Classic (Sizijingwen 四字經文), published in the seventeenth century by the Italian Jesuit missionary, Giulio Aleni. Aleni’s children’s primer not only served to teach young Chinese children how to read, but it sought also to impart the fundamental historical and doctrinal beliefs of Catholic Christianity.
Prospective randomized pharmacogenetic study of topiramate for treating alcohol use disorder.

In a prior study, topiramate reduced heavy drinking among individuals who sought to reduce their drinking, with the effect moderated by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs2832407) in GRIK1, which encodes the kainate GluK1 receptor subunit (Kranzler et al. 2014). The present study sought to replicate prospectively the effect of topiramate and rs2832407 in patients with DSM-5 alcohol use disorder (AUD) who sought to reduce or stop their drinking. We stratified the randomization on genotype (rs2832407*C-allele homozygotes vs. A-allele carriers) and assigned 170 European-American participants (71.2% male) to receive 12 weeks of treatment with topiramate (N = 85), at a maximal daily dosage of 200 mg, or matching placebo (N = 85). At each of nine treatment visits participants received brief counseling to reduce drinking and increase abstinent days. We hypothesized that topiramate-treated patients with the rs2832407*CC genotype would reduce heavy drinking days (HDDs) more than the other three groups. The rate of treatment completion was 91.8% in both groups. The mean number of HDDs per week in the placebo group was 1.67 (95% CI = (1.29, 2.16), p = 0.0001) times greater than in the topiramate group, which was confirmed by the topiramate group’s significantly greater reduction in the concentration of the liver enzyme γ-glutamyltransferase and lower alcohol-related problems score. There was no significant difference in topiramate’s effect on HDDs between genotype groups. Although consistent with other studies showing a reduction in heavy drinking with topiramate treatment, the prior finding of a moderating effect of rs2832407 genotype was not replicated in this prospective trial.
The effect of stacking sequence on the LVI damage of laminated composites; experiments and analysis

Abstract Results of a comprehensive experimental and computational low velocity impact (LVI) damage study are reported for T800s/3900-2B laminated composites with three stacking sequences. The stacking sequences studied are [0/45/0/90/0/−45/0/45/0/−45]s, [45/0/−45/90]3s, and [45/−45/0/45/−45/90/45/−45/45/−45]s, which are [50/40/10], [25/50/25] and [10/80/10] where each number indicates the percentage of zero, 45 and 90 plies. For each layup, three impact energy levels have been examined. After the LVI tests, the induced damage has been characterized with ultrasound C-scanning and high-resolution micro computed tomography (micro-CT). Computational predictions have been conducted using the enhanced Schapery Theory (EST) model. The numerical results are accurate in terms of the impact load responses and induced damage. The physics of the LVI damage of the samples with various stacking sequences and as a function of impact energy has been resolved using the EST model. The damage predicted by the EST model and the revealed damage mechanisms contribute to understanding the physics of the LVI behavior of laminated composites.
Pt-Co@Pt Octahedral Nanocrystals: Enhancing Their Activity and Durability toward Oxygen Reduction with an Intermetallic Core and an Ultrathin Shell.

Despite extensive efforts devoted to the synthesis of Pt-Co bimetallic nanocrystals for fuel cell and related applications, it remains a challenge to simultaneously control atomic arrangements in the bulk and on the surface. Here we report a synthesis of Pt-Co@Pt octahedral nanocrystals that feature an intermetallic, face-centered tetragonal Pt-Co core and an ultrathin Pt shell, together with the dominance of {111} facets on the surface. When evaluated as a catalyst toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the nanocrystals delivered a mass activity of 2.82 A mg-1 and a specific activity of 9.16 mA cm-2, which were enhanced by 13.4 and 29.5 times, respectively, relative to the values of a commercial Pt/C catalyst. More significantly, the mass activity of the nanocrystals only dropped 21% after undergoing 30 000 cycles of accelerated durability test, promising an outstanding catalyst with optimal performance for ORR and related reactions.
Three Applications of Formal Methods at MITRE

The MITRE Corporation has pursued formal methods research and applications over many years. We have found that applying formal methods to a mathematical description at the algorithm level, using ordinary rigorous mathematical methods for proofs, leads to a high level of insight. We discuss three main projects as illustrations. The first produced specifications for the TCP protocol using CSP and state machine methods. The protocol was proved to provide reliable delivery. In the second, we used IMPS, an Interactive Mathematical Proof System, to prove the correctness of a state machine refinement justifying a simple virtual memory scheme. This exercise was part of an effort to provide assurance for the virtual memory system within the Mach microkernel. In the third, called VLISP, we developed a verified implementation of the Scheme programming language, the first for any programming language in widespread use. The techniques we devised can be re-used to verify a wide range of sequential programs.
Use of Transgenic Plants with Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase Antisense DNA to Evaluate the Rate Limitation of Photosynthesis under Water Stress

The biochemical lesion that causes impaired chloroplast metabolism (and, hence, photosynthetic capacity) in plants exposed to water deficits is still a subject of controversy. In this study we used tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) transformed with "antisense" ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) DNA sequences to evaluate whether Rubisco or some other enzymic step in the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle pathway rate limits photosynthesis at low leaf water potential ([psi]w). These transformants, along with the wild-type material, provided a novel model system allowing for an evaluation of photosynthetic response to water stress in near-isogenic plants with widely varying levels of functional Rubisco. It was determined that impaired chloroplast metabolism (rather than decreased leaf conductance to CO2) was the major cause of photosynthetic inhibition as leaf [psi]w declined. Significantly, the extent of photosynthetic inhibition at low [psi]w was identical in wild-type and transformed plants. Decreasing Rubisco activity by 68% did not sensitize photosynthetic capacity to water stress. It was hypothesized that, if water stress effects on Rubisco caused photosynthetic inhibition under stress, an increase in the steady-state level of the substrate for this enzyme, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), would be associated with stress-induced photosynthetic inhibition. Steady-state levels of RuBP were reduced as leaf [psi]w declined, even in transformed plants with low levels of Rubisco. Based on the similarity in photosynthetic response to water stress in wild-type and transformed plants, the reduction in RuBP as stress developed, and studies that demonstrated that ATP supply did not rate limit photosynthesis under stress, we concluded that stress effects on an enzymic step involved in RuBP regeneration caused impaired chloroplast metabolism and photosynthetic inhibition in plants exposed to water deficits.
A Comparison of Gait Characteristics Between Older Women with and Without Peripheral Neuropathy in Standard and Challenging Environments

OBJECTIVES: To compare gait patterns in older women with and without peripheral neuropathy (PN) in standard (smooth surface, normal lighting) and challenging environments (CE) (irregular surface, low lighting). DESIGN: Observational, controlled study of 24 subjects. SETTING: Biomechanical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four older women, 12 with PN and 12without PN (mean age � standard deviation 567.1 � 7.9 and 70.2 � 4.3, respectively). MEASUREMENTS: Gait parameters and, in the 12 PN subjects, neuropathy severity. RESULTS: The CE was associated with increases in step width, step-width variability, step-width range, step width–to–step length ratio, step time and step-time variability, and decreases in step length and speed. The PN subjects demonstrated a greater step width–to–step length ratio and step time and shorter step length and slower speed than the control subjects. In adapting to the CE, the PN subjects demonstrated greater increases in step width–to–step length ratio and step-time variability and a greater decrease in step length than did the control subjects. In the standard environment, only one gait parameter correlated with PN severity, whereas in the CE, four gait parameters did so. CONCLUSION: The subjects demonstrated a gait that was slower, less efficient, and more variable temporally and in the frontal plane in the CE. Control and PN subjects demonstrated similar variability in medial-lateral step placement in the CE but at the cost of speed and efficiency for the PN subjects. Because the CE magnified gait differences between the two groups of subjects and caused gait changes in the PN subjects that correlated with PN severity, the CE may offer improved resolution for detecting gait abnormalities.
A Fixed Effect Model of Endogenous Integration Decision and Its Competitive Effects

This paper studies endogenous integration decisions of firms and its competitive effects in a complementary market setting where downstream firms sell a product which must have a compatible variety of products that are supplied by upstream firms. I present the conditions under which a downstream firm will prefer integrating with an upstream firm, and conditions under a counter merger of firms occur. The analysis shows that a vertical merger is more likely to occur whenever one of the upstream firm is significantly productive than the other. Competitive effect of a integration of two firms can lead to a counter integration of rivals post integration. Counter integration is likely whenever both upstream firms are highly productive. In addition to a vertical merger and two vertical mergers, contracting under independent ownership can also be the method of procuring. As a result, no integration activity can be observed. The results are obtained in a general two downstream firms and two upstream firms market setting that allows efficient compatibility contracts between upstream and downstream producers.
Is Scheduling a Solved Problem

In recent years, scheduling research has had an increasing impact on practical problems, and a range of scheduling techniques have made their way into real-world application development. Constraint-based models now couple rich representational flexibility with highly scalable constraint management and search procedures. Similarly, mathematical programming tools are now capable of addressing problems of unprecedented scale, and meta-heuristics provide robust capabilities for schedule optimisation. With these mounting successes and advances, it might be tempting to conclude that the chief technical hurdles underlying the scheduling problem have been overcome. However, such a conclusion (at best) presumes a rather narrow and specialised interpretation of scheduling, and (at worst) ignores much of the process and broader context of scheduling in most practical environments. In this note, I argue against this conclusion and outline several outstanding challenges for scheduling research.
The Design and Analysis of Parallel Algorithms

Preface. 1: Basic Concepts. 1.1: Introduction. 2: Models of Parallel Computation. 2.1: Generalities. 2.2: The PRAM Model and a Sorting Algorithm. 2.3: Biotonic Sorting Algorithm. 2.4: Appendix: Proof of the 0-1 Principle. 2.5: Relations between PRAM Models. 2.6: Theoretical Issues. 2.7: General Principles of Parallel Algorithm Design. 3: Distributed-Memory Models. 3.1: Introduction. 3.2: Generic Parallel Algorithms. 3.3: The Butterfly Network. 3.4: The Hypercube Architecture. 3.5: The Shuffle-Exchange Network. 3.6: Cube-Connected Cycles. 3.7: Dataflow Computers. 3.8: The Granularity Problem. 4: Examples of Existing Parallel Computers. 4.1: Asynchronous Parallel Programming. 4.2: SIMD Programming: The Connection Machine. 4.3: Programming a MIMD-SIMD Hybrid Computer: Modula. 5: Numerical Algorithms. 5.1: Linear Algebra. 5.2: The Discrete fourier Transform. 5.3: Wavelets. 5.4: Partial Differential Equations. 6: A Survey of Symbolic Algorithms. 6.1: Doubling Algorithms. 6.2: Graph Algorithms. 6.3: Parsing and the Evaluation of Arithmetic Expressions. 6.4: Searching and Sorting. 6.5: Computer Algebra. 7: Probabilistic Algorithms. 7.1: Introduction and Basic Definitions. 7.2: The Class RNC. Appendix A: Answers to Selected Exercises. Appendix B: Index of Notation
De Wied and Colleagues IV: Research into Mechanisms of Action by Which Vasopressin and Oxytocin Influence Memory Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter describes research by De Wied and colleagues on several ways vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) may act in the brain to influence memory processing. These studies investigated (1) the possibility that VP and OT act as precursors of smaller peptides, oligopeptides, that have memory-processing functions, (2) the nature of the receptor sites that may mediate the memory-modulating effects of VP and OT, (3) the influence of VP on hippocampal theta activity, a putative neural correlate of memory consolidation, during paradoxical sleep (PS), and (4) the neuromodulator functions of VP and OT and their relation to the role of the peptides in memory processing in the septal–hippocampus system. The specific propositions derived from these research studies, together with a restatement of findings specifically relevant to each, are also discussed in the chapter. The neuropeptide concept was formulated by De Wied, as findings indicated the neurogenic effects of pituitary hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and related peptides, and it was periodically expanded and updated with continued neuropeptide research.
Regional heterogeneity in the brain's response to hypoxia measured using BOLD MR imaging.

Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is sensitive, in part, to the amount of paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin In a voxel. This project was designed to determine whether there would be differences in the BOLD response between the hippocampus and other brain regions to acute hypoxia. R 2 * was quantified using a multi-echo gradient-echo sequence. The pyramidal CA1 region of the hippocampus showed a reduced response to changes In arterial oxygenation relative to cortex and basal ganglia and white matter. This difference may relate to the relative hypoxia sensitivity of the hippocampus. It also supports the premise that in functional MR imaging, the magnitude of the MR response to a stimulus may vary with the region of the brain.