cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the cost-quality tradeoff in topology-aware overlay path probing

Path probing is essential to maintaining an efficient overlay network topology. However, the cost of a full-scale probing is as high as O(n/sup 2/), which is prohibitive in large-scale overlay networks. Several methods have been proposed to reduce probing overhead, although at a cost in terms of probing completeness. In this paper, an orthogonal solution is proposed that trades probing overhead for estimation accuracy in sparse networks such as the Internet. The proposed solution uses network-level path composition information (for example, as provided by a topology server) to infer path quality without full-scale probing. The inference metrics include latency, loss rate and available bandwidth. This approach is used to design several probing algorithms, which are evaluated through analysis and simulation. The results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce probing overhead while providing hounded quality estimations for all n /spl times/ (n - 1) overlay paths. The solution is well suited to medium-scale overlay networks in the Internet. In other environments, it can be combined with extant probing algorithms to further improve performance.
Legacies and Traditions of Counseling Psychology: When the Past Is Our Future:

The Legacies & Traditions Forum has a rich past of documenting individual contributions to the profession of counseling psychology. The history of this forum, as well as early contributors and journal articles, are identified.Themes that emerged from a review of past oral biographies include changes in the work setting for counseling psychologists, value of supportive environments, and barriers that early leaders experienced. In general, contributors to the forum have been pioneers in the profession, with many holding leadership roles in governing at the national level, and early involvement in social justice. The two-tier survey process implemented to identify those who most warrant being interviewed at this time for the forum is described. The newest co-editors will continue to invite biographical manuscripts based on the highlighted process, while also expanding the forum to include articles focusing on critical events or historically important topics within the field of counseling psychology.
Analysis of low‐concentration gas samples with continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry: eliminating sources of contamination to achieve high precision

Developments in continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry have made possible the rapid analysis of delta13C in CO2 of small-volume gas samples with precisions of or = 0.2 per thousand). VBF was optimal for the preparation of gas samples, as it yielded faster throughput at similar precision to AFF.
Exploring Cultural Context Using the Contextual Scenario Framework

In applications where individuals in different contexts interact with a technology system, cultural issues present complex challenges for developers attempting to understand context of use. Three features of culture stand out: individuals embody overlapping cultural memberships; cultures and roles interact; and individuals make erroneous assumptions of others' cultural membership. This paper illustrates how the Contextual Scenario Framework (CSF) can address these cultural challenges. The CSF is a tool that supports scenario-based design by structuring, organizing and automatically recalling contextual information. The mechanisms of the CSF enable exploration of human activity in context, linking characters within scenarios to contextual influences discovered in primary field research and secondary analysis.
Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action of Cryptenamine

Cryptenamine, an alkaloidal preparation from Verutrum viride , was investigated for hypotensive activity. Simultaneous bilateral denervation of the carotid sinus-body complex and bilateral vagotomy abolished the effects of cryptenamine. Adrenalectomy or pretreatment of the animals with N , N -di-isopropyl- N ′-isoamyl- N ′-diethyl-aminoethylurea (P-286), bretylium, reserpine, or α methyldopa abolished or markedly inhibited the hypotensive effects of cryptenamine, whereas guanethidine, which does not induce depletion of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, failed to block the hypotensive effects of cryptenamine. Central depressor effects of cryptenamine were not abolished either in dog cross-circulation preparations or in the perfused lateral ventricle preparation of the cat. Although cryptenamine induced a depressor response in the body of the recipient following the administration of the drug into the carotid inflow to the recipient's head in the cross-circulation experiment, these responses were essentially abolished by bilateral denervation of carotid sinus-body complex. Cryptenamine potentiated epinephrine-induced depressor responses in the dog and isoproterenol-induced relaxation of both the cat nictitating membrane and the vasculature of the isolated denervated hind limb of the dog. Pronethalol decreased the duration of the hypotensive activity of cryptenamine. The data suggest that sensitization of β adrenergic receptors, a possible increased release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla, and stimulation of carotid reflex mechanism contribute to the over-all hypotension induced by cryptenamine.
Egg capsule architecture and siting in a leaf-curling sac spider, Clubiona riparia (Araneae: Clubionidae)

Abstract Females of the leaf-curling sac spider Clubiona riparia build three-sided capsules, in which they enclose both themselves and their eggs. A capsule is usually constructed by bending a single blade of grass or other leaf twice, each time causing a fold that is perpendicular to the long axis of the blade, and joining the edges with silk. When constructed with monocot leaf blades, the resulting capsule is roughly triangular in cross section and 2–4 times as long as it is wide. We sampled occupied capsules from a 0.16–hectare marsh in central Ontario, Canada. Although we found capsules built with the leaves of cattails (Typha latifolia), iris (Iris versicolor), a grass (Calamagrostis sp.), and an unidentified willow shrub (Salix sp.), for the current analysis we concentrated on the monocots because of their structural similarity. Capsules built on cattails (2.13 ± 0.14 ml) were more voluminous than those on iris (1.63 ± 0.14 ml), and capsules made of grass blades (0.67 ± 0.08 ml) were the smallest. N...
What's Wrong with the WTO and How to Fix It By Rorden Wilkinson Cambridge: Polity, 2014.

Much of what is today thought of as economic globalization, from complex multisite supply chains in manufacturing to the opening of industrial world markets to products from erstwhile underdevelope...
Problems With Dressing in the Frail Elderly

OBJECTIVE. Dressing is an important activity of daily living, yet many older adults have difficulty due to impairments. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of assistive devices for dressing by older persons with impairments, and to look at differences among frail elders with no dressing difficulty, upperextremity-only dressing difficulty, lower-extremity-only dressing difficulty, and both upper- and lower-extremity dressing difficulty. METHOD. We conducted in-home interviews and functional assessments with 1,101 elderly persons with activities of daily living and/or instrumental activities of daily living limitations in Western New York and Northern Florida. Participants were assigned to one of four groups based on Functional Independence Measure™ item scores for upper-extremity dressing and lower-extremity dressing. Descriptive statistics were used to report results. RESULTS. Compared to women, there were relatively more men with lower-extremity dressing difficulty than with upper-extremity dressing difficulty. The group with both upper- and lower-extremity dressing difficulty reported the highest level of pain and scored lowest on all measures of functional status and mental status. The most commonly used dressing devices were associated with lower-extremity dressing. CONCLUSION. There are differences in gender, health status, functional status, and mental status among elderly persons grouped by upper- or lower-extremity dressing difficulty. Results suggest that therapists should consider such differences as gender and type of difficulty (upper- or lower-extremity dressing) in both therapeutic approaches and recommendations for assistive devices. Pain is another important consideration, but it can often be reduced during dressing by using assistive devices.
The Influence of Mandatory Arrest Policies, Police Organizational Characteristics, and Situational Variables on the Probability of Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases

Prior research into factors predicting arrest in domestic violence cases is limited in three regards: (a) no examination of whether mandatory arrest policies are associated with increased risk of arrest across multiple jurisdictions; (b) little consideration of whether police organizational characteristics influence arrest in such cases; and (c) little examination of whether mandatory arrest policies moderate the influence of extralegal characteristics on arrest risks. Using year 2000 data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System and the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics, a nonlinear hierarchical modeling procedure was employed to evaluate the predictive utility of situational and organizational factors associated with arrest probability in domestic violence cases. The results suggest that, in domestic violence cases, mandatory arrest policies predict arrest and modestly reduce the significance of race as a predictor of arrest. The results are interpreted as supporting a co...
An Assessment of Raptor Hacking During a Reintroduction

As part of a program to recover the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) in the southeastern United States, we assessed procedural and demographic influences on hacking success by evaluating inherent variation and incorporating controlled manipulation in hacking protocol. We examined release age and date, release cohort size and sex ratio, postfledging area occupancy, and feeding regimen. Fourteen peregrines dispersed successfully, 9 dispersed prematurely, and 5 died before dispersal. Generally, these variables were poor predictors of success with release age (t = −1.29, P = 0.25) and feeding regimen (χ2 = 1.32, P = 0.25) showing only weak associations with success. Sex interacted predictably with release age and postfledging area occupancy to influence success; males were more successful when released younger (± SD days = 45.4 ± 2.8 [successful] and 47.1 ± 5.0 [unsuccessful]) onto a postfledging area occupied by few conspecifics (± SD number of peregrines = 0.3 ± 0.4 [successful] and 1.3 ± 1.3 [unsuccessful]), whereas females were more successful when released older (47.0 ± 1.8 [successful] and 44.5 ± 0.7 [unsuccessful]) and were unaffected by postfledging area occupancy (0.9 ± 0.8 [successful] and 1.0 ± 1.4 [unsuccessful]). These results added substantiation to the perception of hacking as a procedurally sound tool in the release of captive-reared peregrines and highlighted some alternate considerations on feeding regimen and release-cohort sex ratio in raptor hacking.
Generalized Granuloma Annulare in a Folliculocentric Distribution

We present a 69-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a five-year history of an eruption of follicular pustules, papules, and nodules, which was identified histopathologically as folliculocentric granuloma annulare (GA). Folliculocentric generalized GA is a rarely reported variant of GA, in which the the palisading histiocytes form focal granulomas in a follicular pattern. In this case, the GA may represent an isotopic phenomenon, with lesions developing in hair follicles that were previously affected by a suppurative folliculitis.
HYBRID BREAKDOWN IN DEVELOPMENTAL TIME IN THE COPEPOD TIGRIOPUS CALIFORNICUS.

Laboratory crosses were carried out among three genetically differentiated Los Angeles populations (all located within approximately 15 km) and one San Diego population (approximately 150 km away) of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus. Despite high levels of allozyme differentiation, all crosses produced viable F1 progeny. Most F1 progeny had shorter developmental times and reduced variance in developmental times compared to the parental populations. Only one pair of populations failed to produce viable F2 progeny; when the central Los Angeles population (AB) was crossed to the San Diego (SD) population, most larvae died during the late naupliar stages. Developmental times in the F2 generation of the other Los Angeles × San Diego crosses were typically 40% longer than developmental times of the parental populations. Among the Los Angeles populations, only one cross (and not its reciprocal) showed a similarly large increase in developmental time. Variance in F2 developmental times was greater than the parental variance in 5 of 10 crosses. These results are discussed with regard to the evolution of coadapted gene complexes and population differentiation in T. californicus.
Book Review: Ethics in International Arbitration

A paradigmatic international commercial arbitration involves two or more opposing teams of lawyers, each member of which may be licensed in a jurisdiction different from that of his counterparts. In turn, none of those participating will necessarily be called to the bar at the seat of arbitration, which may have been chosen for its geographic and systemic neutrality rather than its affiliation with any of the arbitration participants. The arbitral tribunal is ordinarily composed of three law-trained arbitrators, two of whom have had a limited form of ex parte contact with the appointing party’s counsel before receiving their respective appointments. During the arbitration, experts and fact witnesses typically present oral testimony and submit written witness statements or expert reports, as the case may be. In recent years, third-party funders have also become prevalent in international arbitration, most notably in relation to investor-state arbitration; with these nonparties supplying the money, issues related to strategy and control of the arbitration naturally arise. These various players are subject to no single binding source of ethical guidance governing their activities. Under such circumstances, the actors may hold conflicting notions of the strictures applicable to them before, during, and after the arbitration process. Catherine A. Rogers’ Ethics in International Arbitration systematically examines this state of affairs from legal, sociological, and cultural perspectives – and does so in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
35 GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN-AMERICAN LUPUS PATIENTS WITH THYROID DISEASE COMPARED TO MATCHED CONTROLS

Purpose We have studied gene expression in Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cell lines to define differences between SLE patients and matched controls. We used this design to remove, to the extent possible, environmental influences and the secondary changes in gene expression caused by lupus and found in peripheral blood cells from patients who are ill. In the present study, we have focused on gene expression analysis of cell lines derived from European-American lupus patients who also present evidence of thyroid disease compared to unrelated matched controls. Methods 12 European-American SLE patients were selected according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE and their contribution to the 5q14 (lupus affected with autoimmune thyroid disease) genetic linkage. 12 controls were matched by age, sex, race, and state of residence. Human genome U133 plus 2.0 arrays (Affymetrix) were used for each subject. Gene expression differences were evaluated for genes with p 2.0 or Results The affecteds from pedigrees linked at 5q14 differently expressed 191 genes when compared to controls (59 up-regulated, 54 down-regulated, 19 only in lupus patients, and 59 only in matched controls). Two of the differentially expressed genes were located in 5q14 intervals. The differentially expressed genes include members of signal transduction pathways, thyroid hormone receptor, small nuclear ribonucleotide proteins and immune response related genes. Conclusions We identified genes by differential gene expression analysis of cell lines derived from European-American lupus patients with thyroid disease. Two of these genes come from within the genetic linkage interval identified in other studies of this subset of lupus patients.
Abstract 3736: Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) blocks RNA synthesis upon replicative damage, a novel mechanism for killing cancer cells in response to DNA damaging agents

The putative DNA/RNA helicase, SLFN11, is a recently discovered determinant of response to DNA damaging agents including topoisomerase inhibitors (camptothecin, irinotecan, topotecan, doxorubicin and etoposide) and cisplatin. SLFN11 is inactivated in approximately 40% of cancer cell lines (NCI-60 and CCLE). Until now, the molecular mechanisms of SLFN11 action in response to DNA damage have been unknown. Using isogenic SLFN11-knockout cells as well as SLFN11-overexpressing cells, we will show that SLFN11 irreversibly arrests cells in S-phase without cell cycle recovery under camptothecin treatment, whereas SLFN11-negative cells continue cell cycle progression. Notably, the action of SLFN11 is independent of ATR-mediated S-phase checkpoint. Co-immunostaining of 5-Ethynyl Uridine (EU) and gamma-H2AX revealed that SLFN11 blocks RNA synthesis upon replicative damage. Comprehensive analysis of cell cycle genes revealed that genes that drive S-phase progression are selectively turned-off in SLFN11-positive cells, whereas p53-dependent genes remain induced by camptothecin. Accordingly, critical proteins for S-phase progression such as cyclin A, cyclin B, CDK1 and CDK2 were suppressed in SLFN11-positive but not in SLFN11-negative cells, which causality links SLFN11-mediated S-phase arrest in camptothecin-treated cells with inactivation of cell cycle-driving pathways. This mechanism is supported by the fact that the CDK inhibitor roscovitine recapitulates the S-phase arrest even in SLFN11-deficient cells. Finally, by contrast to normal SLFN11, overexpression of SLFN11 helicase-dead mutant failed to block RNA synthesis and to kill camptothecin-treated cells, indicating that the helicase activity of SLFN11 is necessary for its RNA synthesis regulatory function. Our study reveals a novel cell cycle regulation mechanism by SLFN11 that links DNA damage and transcriptional responses in cancer cells with replicative DNA damage. Citation Format: Junko Murai, Sai-wen Tang, Yves Pommier. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) blocks RNA synthesis upon replicative damage, a novel mechanism for killing cancer cells in response to DNA damaging agents. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3736.
Abstract 1630: Dysregulation of Hippo pathway in metastatic prostate cancer

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is prevalently diagnosed and more than 80% of late stage PCa patients develop bone metastases. We hypothesized that the selective lodging of the PCa cells in the bone can be contributed by increased RANK-mediated cell signaling network. Cancer cell-derived RANKL orchestrates a complex bone-remodeling program facilitating PCa bone colonization through the activation of specific transcription factors (TFs) promoting PCa-bone microenvironment interaction through increased epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell growth, and osteomimicry. Overexpression of RNAKL in indolent LNCaP cells drives cancer bone and soft tissue metastases. Methods and Results: Microarray gene expression was performed to compare RANKL- and Neo-vector- transfected LNCaP cells, LNCaPRANKL and LNCaPneo, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to confirm the expression of RANKL-targeted genes in these cells. We found the new extracellular diffusible signal mediated by RANKL, regulating Hippo pathway in the aggressive PCa cells. Recombinant RANKL-treated indolent PCa cells, LNCaP and LAPC4, were shown to gain increased aggressiveness. The RANKL-treated indolent PCa cells exhibited down-regulation of Hippo pathway core kinases (Mst1/2 and Lats1/2) but up-regulation of YAP/TAZ expressions. By deleting downstream effectors of Hippo pathway, YAP/TAZ, interrupted the aggressive PCa cells to migrate, proliferate and invade and reversed their EMT phenotype. Inhibitions of YAP/TAZ in aggressive PCa cells via genetic knockdown approach resulted in E-cadherin increase and Vimentin decrease. With the identification of crosstalk between Hippo and TGF-β, or Wnt pathways, this opened up a new network and targeting opportunity for PCa bone metastasis. The metastatic PCa cells with YAP/TAZ deletions were illustrated for sensitization to other therapeutic agents such as TGF-β inhibitors. These results prompted us to study the mechanism, validate the functional significance, and devise potential targeting strategies of Hippo pathway in PCa bone metastasis. Conclusions: Our results showed that dysregulated Hippo pathway in the aggressive PCa cells. With deletions of YAP/TAZ, PCa metastatic abilities were inhibited. Our findings might explain why PCa cells prefer bone as primary metastatic sites. In addition, targeting YAP/TAZ could be a potential therapy for PCa bone metastasis. Citation Format: Jen-Ming Huang, Gina C-Y Chu, Hyung L. Kim, Haiyen E. Zhau, Leland W.K. Chung. Dysregulation of Hippo pathway in metastatic prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1630.
Profiling the relationship between tumor-associated macrophages and pharmacokinetics of liposomal agents in preclinical murine models

The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) has previously been shown to significantly affect the clearance, tumor delivery, and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs). This study profiled MPS cell infiltration in murine preclinical tumor models and evaluated how these differences may affect tumor disposition of PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in models sensitive and resistant to PLD. Significant differences in MPS presence existed between tumor types (e.g. ovarian versus endometrial), cell lines within the same tumor type, and location of tumor implantation (i.e. flank versus orthotopic xenografts). Further, the differences in MPS presence of SKOV-3 ovarian and HEC1A endometrial orthotopic cancer models may account for the 2.6-fold greater PLD tumor exposure in SKOV-3, despite similar plasma, liver and spleen exposures. These findings suggest that profiling the presence of MPS cells within and between tumor types is important in tumor model selection and in tumor types and patients likely to respond to NP treatment.
Effects of roads and land use on frog distributions across spatial scales and regions in the Eastern and Central United States

Aim Understanding the scales over which land use affects animal populations is critical for conservation planning, and it can provide information about the mechanisms that underlie correlations between species distributions and land use. We used a citizen science database of anuran surveys to examine the relationship between road density, land use and the distribution of frogs and toads across spatial scales and regions of the United States. Location Eastern and Central United States. Methods We compiled data on anuran occupancy collected from 1999 to 2013 across 13 states in the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, a citizen science survey of calling frogs. These data were indexed to measures of land use within buffers ranging from 300 m to 10 km. Results The negative effects of road density and development on anuran richness were strongest at the smallest scales (300–1000 m), and this pattern was consistent across regions. In contrast, the relationships of anuran richness to agriculture and forest cover were similar across local scales but varied among regions. Richness had a negative relationship with agriculture/forest loss in the Midwest but a positive relationship with agriculture in the Northeast. Anuran richness was more closely related to primary/secondary road density than to rural road density, and the negative effects of larger roads increased at smaller scales. Individual species differed in the scales over which roads and development affected their distributions, but these differences were not closely related to either body size or movement ability. Main conclusions This study further refines our understanding of the relationship between roads and amphibian populations and highlights the need for research into the specific mechanisms by which roads affect amphibians. Additionally, we find that relationships between land use and species richness can differ substantially across regions, demonstrating that one should use caution in generalizing from one region to another, even when species composition is similar.
Inhibition of Retinoic Acid Signaling by the cdx-hox Pathway Is Essential for Blood Cell Formation during Embryogenesis.

The zebrafish mutant kugelig (kgg) is caused by a defect in the caudal-related homeobox gene cdx4 and has a deficit in both ‘primitive’ and ‘definitive’ hematopoietic stem cells. The embryonic anemia in the mutants can be rescued by overexpressing hox genes such as hoxb7a and hoxa9a, but not hoxb8a. This suggests that specific hox genes are required to make mesoderm competent to form blood. To further explore this, we undertook a microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed genes in kgg mutants and wild-type embryos. We found that raldh2, an enzyme required for retinoic acid (RA) production, is overexpressed in kgg mutants during the early stages of blood formation. This data led us to hypothesize that RA may act to suppress blood formation and that the cdx-hox pathway functions to limit RA production, thereby permitting blood formation to occur. To test this, we treated wild-type zebrafish embryos with RA and found that they became severely anemic. Treating kgg embryos with DEAB, a chemical that blocks raldh2 activity, restored hematopoiesis in kgg mutants. Expression of hoxa9a was not rescued in these treated embryos, indicating that RA acts downstream of the hox genes. DEAB also induced an expansion of erythroid cells in wild-type embryos, thus supporting the notion that the levels of RA during development are a critical determinant for blood formation. By performing a time-course rescue experiment, we determined that DEAB is effective when scl + hematopoietic progenitors are first formed from mesoderm, suggesting that RA acts upstream of the blood-inducer scl. In support of this, SCL overexpression rescues GATA-1 expression in embryos treated with RA. We next looked at the effects of DEAB and RA on the formation of mouse hematopoietic progenitors arising from ES cell-derived embryoid bodies (EBs). Addition of DEAB to EBs between days 2 to 3 of development resulted in a 5–8 fold increase in ‘primitive’ erythroid colonies (CFU-Ep), analogous to our results in zebrafish embryos. In contrast, RA treatment caused a general inhibition in the growth of all colony types. Taken together, these results suggest a new model in which suppression of RA by the cdx-hox pathway is necessary for yolk sac hematopoiesis to occur. This model provides an explanation for how hox genes control the spatiotemporal formation of hematopoietic tissue during organogenesis and may shed new light on the pathogenesis of leukemias involving translocations of the cdx , hox, and retinoic acid receptors.
The Mobile Phone Revolution: Have Mobile Phones and the Internet Reduced Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Summary There is a growing consensus that information and communication technology (ICT) systems (here mobile phones and the internet) offer remarkable opportunities for promoting good governance, increasing transparency, and reducing corruption. Thus, many development practitioners, policy makers, and various international organizations who are committed to promoting transparency and good governance have embraced the view that mobile phones can be used as a social accountability tool in the fight against corruption. This study empirically investigates the impact of mobile phone penetration, internet adoption, and the interaction effect between the two on corruption, by focusing specifically on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The results reveal that cell phones are powerful tools for reducing corruption. Results of panel Granger causality tests show that there is unidirectional causality from mobile phone penetration to corruption, and from internet adoption to corruption. To deal with the problem of endogeneity, a dynamic panel data (DPD) model is employed.
Endovascular Treatment of Dialysis Access-Induced Hand Ischemia Using a Flared Stent-Graft.

Purpose: To report an investigation of a purely endovascular procedure to address access-induced hand ischemia in dialysis patients. Case Report: Two dialysis patients presented with stage III stea...
Evaluation of the Class Pass Intervention: An Application to Improve Classroom Behavior in Children With Disabilities:

The Class Pass Intervention (CPI) is designed to be implemented within School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) to decrease disruptive behavior and teach replacement beha...
Robotic Transthoracic Primary Repair of a Diaphragmatic Hernia and Reduction of an Intrathoracic Liver

This case involves a 70-year-old woman who presented after a low-speed motor vehicle collision with a traumatic right hemidiaphragm rupture and herniation of the liver into the right chest. She was brought to the operating room for a robotic-assisted minimally invasive transthoracic repair of this hernia with diaphragm plication. The case and video described in this report highlight the utility of the robotic platform in performing a transthoracic diaphragm repair and plication after a right-sided traumatic diaphragm rupture in a patient without concomitant abdominal injuries.
Incompressible Inviscid Rotational Flows

Incompressible inviscid rotational flows are governed by the incompressible Euler equations. This system of equations, in spite of the simplicity of the physical model from which they have been deduced, gives rise to complicated mathematical problems. Many fundamental questions concerning the existence, uniqueness and smoothness of their solutions are still open. The study of these challenging problems is a matter of current research. The discussion of these theoretical problems is beyond the scope of this book. In this chapter we concern ourselves only with the numerical solution of the incompressible Euler equations.
Access to the Neck in Penetrating Trauma

The neck is an incredibly anatomically complex region of the body containing aerodigestive and neurovascular structures. Despite this density of structures, you can access the entire neck by knowing three basic exposures. Description of these exposures is given and their "danger point" are highlighted.
Wave Propagation in a Composite with Wavy Reinforcing Fibers

In the manufacture of composite structures the alignment of the reinforcing fibers can be distorted into wavy patterns due to uneven curing and shrinkage of the resin. Such wavy distortions will reduce both the strength and the stiffness of the composite structure. Yet if the fibers are intentionally formed into wavy patterns in an elastomer matrix a composite material with a stiffness that responds to changing loads and strains is produced. Such materials can be applied to uses were great flexibility is required within a limited range but high stiffness is required outside the range. This is the requirement for athletic knee braces and aircraft arrestor nets to name only two applications. Wave propagation techniques can be used to study the effects of fiber waviness on the stiffnesses of composite materials.
Reversibility of female sterilization.

The discussion considers the current status of reversibility of sterilization in the US and describes clinical and experimental efforts for developing techniques designed for reversibility. It focuses on regret following sterilization reversal potential of current sterilization techniques patient selection current reversal techniques results of sterilization procedures experimental approaches to reversal of current techniques of sterilization and sterilization procedures devised for reversibility in humans and in animals. Request is the 1st stage of reversal but a request for sterilization reversal (SR) does not always mean regret for a decision made at the time. Frequently it is a wish to restore fertility because life circumstances have changed after a sterilization that was ppropriate at the time it was performed. Schwyhart and Kutner reviewed 22 studies published between 1949-69 in which they found that the percentage of patients regretting the procedure ranged from 1.3-15%. Requests for reversal remain low in most countries but if sterilization becomes a more popular method of contraception requests will also increase. The ideal operation considered as a reversaible method of sterilization should include an easy reliable outpatient method of tubal occlusion with miniml risk or patient discomfort that subsequently could be reversed without the need for a major surgical intervention. Endoscopic methods have progressed toward the 1st objective. A recent search of the literature uncovered few series of SR of more than 50 cases. The 767 operations found were analyzed with regard to pregnancy outcome. The precent of live births varied from 74-78.8% and the occurance of tubal pregnancies ranged from 1.7-6.5%. All of the confounding variables in patient selection and small numbers of reported procedures preclude any conclusion about the different techniques or the number of operations that give a surgeon a level of expertise. Few authors classify their results of SR according to the original sterilization procedure. The most commonly performed sterilization (Pomeroy) was the most frequently reported to have undergone a reversal attempt with a 50% success rate based on term or intrauterine pregnancies. Electrocoagulation was the next most frequent technique for reversal with a 41% success rate. The less destrictive mechanical tehcniques clip and band had a reversal rate of 84% and 72% respectively. A table summarizes sterilization procedures devised for reversibility in women. A women seeking sterilization should be advised that sterilization is permanent if no further tubal surgery is performed and that reversal is possible but involves a major and expensive operation.
The Mechanism of Action of Hormones

The ability to receive and process information for initiating metabolic processes and coordinating the activities of the specialized cells comprising an organ is essential to the orchestrated activities of multicellular organisms. Informational molecules can bind at stereospecific receptor sites either on the membrane or within the cell and can start a chain of events eliciting a biochemical response. The endocrine system, with its myriad hormones, provides a level of control of metabolic processes that permits the coordinate responses of many cells, enabling the resultant biochemical response to be expressed at a physiologic level. In this chapter, we will focus on the biochemical activities of hormones.
Sparse Waveform Design for Secure LPD/LPI Underwater Acoustic Communications

Harsh underwater acoustic (UW-A) channel conditions make reliable and secure underwater communications difficult to achieve. It is desirable to improve the physical layer security of the underwater acoustic channel by imparting the eavesdropper’s interception efforts in the first place. In this work, we propose to design LPD/LPI waveforms that minimize the likelihood that a confidential message, transmitted between a pair of trusted underwater nodes, is intercepted by an eavesdropper. In particular, if the location of the eavesdropper is known or can be projected and prior knowledge of the channel channel state information (CSI) is available, we optimize the transmit energy and alphabet of all-spectrum sparse-binary waveforms to minimize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the output of the eavesdropper’s maximum-SINR filter. In more practical applications, where the eavesdropper’s CSI is not available, we design sparse-binary waveforms that maximize the amount of energy available for generating artificial noise (AN) to eavesdroppers. The proposed waveform designs offer enhanced LPD/LPI performance, while at the same time maintain the post-filtering SINR at the intended receiver above a pre-defined threshold level, thus providing quality-of-service performance guarantees. The effectiveness of the proposed security approach is demonstrated with simulation studies over multipath frequency-selective underwater acoustic channels and UW-A noise.
New Dynamic Power MOSFET Model to Determine Maximum Device Operating Frequency

Improved SiC-MOSFETs with high HF-FOMs are enabling unprecedented high frequency MHz-switching. However, other SiC-MOSFET parameters, such as input capacitance and total gate resistance dictate the "theoretical limit" on the maximum switching frequency, and are often not considered. These latter parameters directly influence the "real-time" dynamic on-resistance when the propagation-time of gate voltage approaches that of the switching time period. To properly characterize MHz-switching performance, minimum switching times are calculated using a modified "input RC time constant" analysis that incorporates a time-dependent active area. An empirical comparison is conducted for several SiC-MOSFETs. A novel, equivalent RC ladder and resistor switch network model is proposed to describe the propagation of gate voltage and dynamic activation of unit-cells composing the SiC-MOSFET channel. A time-dependent effective on-resistance, accounting for transition and steady state conduction on-times, is determined and verified in both simulation and experiment. New high-frequency performance metrics for SiC-MOSFETs are proposed to provide greater insight for design engineers, and provide maximum expected operating limits. This will also help guide semiconductor designers to better match device to application.
Molecular Addition Compounds. 13. N,N-Diisopropyl-N-isobutylamine−Borane: The First Highly Reactive Trialkylamine−Borane Reagent for Hydroborations

N,N-Diisopropyl-N-isobutylamine (1) forms a stable liquid borane adduct (4.7 M in BH3), when diborane is bubbled into the neat amine. The adduct thus formed is stable indefinitely at room temperatu...
Design of Cladded Dielectric Rod Antennas

A dielectric rod antenna is designed in Kuband using established principles for designing maximum gain surface wave antennas in free space as in [1]. The design principles are modified to their most general form and applied to the design of three dielectric rod antennas embedded in a dielectric cladding of different dielectric constant: ∊ r = 1.0 (free space ”cladding”), ∊ r = 1.6 (3D printed ABS with 50% in-fill), and ∊ r = 2.6 (3D printed ABS with 100% in-fill). The antennas are simulated and measured to determine agreement between them and thereby validate the design procedure.
Ablation plus Transarterial Embolic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Larger than 3 cm: Science, Evidence, and Future Directions.

Thermal ablation is widely regarded as definitive therapy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, but its efficacy decreases in tumors greater than 3 cm. Extensive clinical studies have supported improved outcomes provided through combining transarterial embolic therapy with ablation in the treatment of larger tumors. This article will provide a survey of the science and data for combination therapy in both thermal and nonthermal ablation modalities, as well as describe emerging applications.
Dashran as Mode and Critique of Perception: Hinduism's Liberatory Model of Visuality

Darshan—as an aid to Hindu liberation—should not be relegated to a religious system, more specifically, to the Hindu, devotional mode of seeing. Rather, using contemporary theorists, this paper argues that darshan provides us with a conceptual model of how ordinary vision, and, more broadly speaking, consciousness, is attained, and conversely, how it may be overcome.
HEPA filtration improves asthma control in children exposed to traffic-related airborne particles.

Traffic-related airborne particles are associated with asthma morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration on the concentrations of traffic particles and the resultant effect on children with asthma. Forty-three children with asthma were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. A HEPA air cleaner or a placebo "dummy" was placed in participants' homes for four weeks, interrupted by a one-month washout period, before crossing over to the other treatment arm for four weeks. Air sampling and health outcomes, including asthma control (ACQ) and quality of life (AQLQ) measures, were completed prior to and at the end of each treatment arm. Indoor concentrations of traffic particles were significantly reduced with the HEPA treatment but not with the "dummy" treatment. In participants with poorly controlled asthma and lower quality of life at baseline, ACQ and AQLQ scores were significantly improved (1.3 to 0.9, P = .003 and 4.9 to 5.5, P = .02, respectively) following the HEPA treatment. In this study, HEPA filtration is associated with improved clinical outcomes and quality of life measures in children with uncontrolled asthma.
Disproportionate Distribution of Stock Owership Among Initial Founders in Startup Ventures: Survey Results and a Ranking of Factors

To date little research has been performed as to how founders of startup ventures determine initial distribution of ownership. In many instances, distribution of ownership is proportionally divided, even though individual contributions to the venture may vary widely. In these circumstances, a disproportionate distribution of ownership would be more reflective of individual contributions to the venture, and more importantly, determine the appropriate incentive (or "reward") for each founder. A survey of business owners was administered, and counter to much of the existing literature, a significant percentage of the respondents divided ownership disproportionately. The survey provides a ranking of factors that can contribute to disproportionate distribution of ownership.
Mobile Imaging Using Acoustic Signals

The ability to image an object has profound applications for society. With the unprecedented growth of smartphone popularity, smartphone-based imaging is very appealing. While smartphone cameras are getting increasingly powerful, they are still lacking in many scenarios, such as imaging in darkness or under obstruction. RF based imaging is an interesting alternative. Recently, [2,3,4] pioneering RF imaging approaches were developed based on mobile devices, such as drones, RFID arrays, and millimeter-wave transceivers. However, it still requires special hardware and significant effort to set up for applying these approaches.
Ethnic Disparities in Imaging Utilization at Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND Prior research demonstrated statistically significant racial disparities related to lung cancer treatment and outcomes. We examined differences in initial imaging and survival between blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites. METHODS The linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database between 2007 and 2015 was used to compare initial imaging modality for patients with lung cancer. Participants included 28 881 non-Hispanic whites, 3123 black, and 1907 Hispanics, patients age 66 years and older who were enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service and diagnosed with lung cancer. The primary outcome was comparison of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with computerized tomography (CT) imaging use between groups. A secondary outcome was 12-month cancer-specific survival. Information on stage, treatment, and treatment facility was included in the analysis. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to evaluate factors associated with imaging use. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios and survival. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS After adjusting for demographic, community, and facility characteristics, blacks were less likely to undergo PET or CT imaging at diagnosis compared with non-Hispanic whites odds ratio (OR) = 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50 to 0.59; P < .001). Hispanics were also less likely to receive PET with CT imaging (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.81; P < .001). PET with CT was associated with improved survival (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.65; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to undergo guideline-recommended PET with CT imaging at diagnosis of lung cancer, which may partially explain differences in survival. Awareness of this issue will allow for future interventions aimed at reducing this disparity.
Modulation of YAP/ TAZ by statins to improve survival in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE).

e23527Background: EHE is a rare soft tissue tumor of endothelial origin. It is distinguished by the pathognomonic WWTR1-CAMTA1 fusion (WWTR1 is the gene symbol for TAZ) seen in 90% of the tumors. Y...
The Potential Contribution of Chronic Pain and Common Chronic Pain Conditions to Subsequent Cognitive Decline, New Onset Cognitive Impairment, and Incident Dementia: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Model for Future Research.

Background Growing evidence suggests that chronic pain and certain chronic pain conditions may increase risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Objective In this systematic review, we critically evaluate available evidence regarding the association of chronic pain and specific common chronic pain conditions to subsequent decline in cognitive function, new onset cognitive impairment (CI), and incident Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD); outline major gaps in the literature; and provide a preliminary conceptual model illustrating potential pathways linking pain to cognitive change. Methods To identify qualifying studies, we searched seven scientific databases and scanned bibliographies of identified articles and relevant review papers. Sixteen studies met our inclusion criteria (2 matched case-control, 10 retrospective cohort, 2 prospective cohort), including 11 regarding the association of osteoarthritis (N = 4), fibromyalgia (N = 1), or headache/migraine (N = 6) to incident ADRD (N = 10) and/or its subtypes (N = 6), and 5 investigating the relation of chronic pain symptoms to subsequent cognitive decline (N = 2), CI (N = 1), and/or ADRD (N = 3). Results Studies yielded consistent evidence for a positive association of osteoarthritis and migraines/headaches to incident ADRD; however, findings regarding dementia subtypes were mixed. Emerging evidence also suggests chronic pain symptoms may accelerate cognitive decline and increase risk for memory impairment and ADRD, although findings and measures varied considerably across studies. Conclusion While existing studies support a link between chronic pain and ADRD risk, conclusions are limited by substantial study heterogeneity, limited investigation of certain pain conditions, and methodological and other concerns characterizing most investigations to date. Additional rigorous, long-term prospective studies are needed to elucidate the effects of chronic pain and specific chronic pain conditions on cognitive decline and conversion to ADRD, and to clarify the influence of potential confounding and mediating factors.