cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust fault detection of robotic systems: new results and experiments

This paper proposes a new approach, called robust nonlinear analytic redundancy (RNLAR) technique, to sensor and actuator fault detection for input-affine nonlinear multivariable dynamic systems that include most robotic systems. In this approach, both model-plant-mismatch (MPM) and process disturbance are considered during fault detection. The proposed RNLAR can be used to design primary residual vectors (PRV) for nonlinear systems to detect faults. A nonlinear PRV design method to detect sensor and actuator faults is proposed where the PRVs are made highly sensitive to the faults and less sensitive to the MPM and process disturbance. Experimental results on a PUMA 560 manipulator are presented to justify the effectiveness of the proposed RNLAR technique
A molecular beam millimeter-wave optical pump/probe study of the X 1Σ+ state of yttrium monofluoride

Abstract The J =4-3, J =5-4, and J =6-5 pure rotational transitions in the ground X 1 Σ + state of yttrium monofluoride, YF, have been recorded by molecular beam millimeter-wave optical pump/probe spectroscopy. This study demonstrates that high resolution ( B =8683.65 (1) MHz, and D =0.0079 (2) MHz.
Laser beam propagation in an evaporating polydisperse aerosol

The effect of polydispersity on laser beam propagation through an evaporating aerosol is studied theoretically in the single scattering approximation. The general theory is discussed. Evolution of the size distribution due to laser-induced evaporation in a spatially homogeneous system is then examined. The character of a polydisperse aerosol’s evolution due to laser-induced evaporation is shown to differ markedly from that found in ordinary thermal evaporation; among other unusual features, at higher beam intensities, the size distribution is found first to narrow and subsequently to broaden. Laser beam propagation in a polydisperse aqueous fog is simulated. The penetration time through a fog for a model monodisperse fog is found to be substantially larger than that found for the correct polydisperse fog. A temperature pulse has been shown to propagate through a fog with a maximum value asymptotically decreasing with time to a constant value.
Multi-Gaussian phase function model for off-axis laser beam scattering

Within the small-angle approximation, a multi-Gaussian phase function model provides a new description of the multiple-scattering process and leads to improved agreement with experimental data. A general formula for the off-axis laser beam irradiance is given explicitly for a two-component Gaussian phase function. The predictions of the theory are compared with both the calculations based on the Mie scattering phase function and the results of measurements. It appears that the best fit of the model to experimental results requires an adjustment of the weight factors of the component phase functions. The solution, written in the form of a multiple-scattering series, allows one to interpret individual terms of the scattering series as scattering events of different orders.
Resonant Generation and Energetics of Wind-Forced Near-Inertial Motions in a Geostrophic Flow

A slab mixed layer model and two-dimensional numerical simulations are used to study the generation and energetics of near-inertial oscillations in a unidirectional, laterally sheared geostrophic current forced by oscillatory winds. The vertical vorticity of the current zg modifies the effective Coriolis frequency f ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi1zg/f p , which is equivalent to the local resonant forcing frequency. In addition, the resonant oscillatory velocity response is elliptical, not circular, because the oscillation periodically exchanges energy with the geostrophic flow via shear production. With damping, this energy exchange becomes permanent, but its magnitude and sign depend strongly on the angle of the oscillatory wind vector relative to the geostrophic flow. However, for a current forced by an isotropic distribution of wind directions, the response averaged over all wind angles results in a net extraction of energy from the geostrophic flow that scales as the wind work on the inertial
Dlx5 regulates regional development of the branchial arches and sensory capsules.

We report the generation and analysis of mice homozygous for a targeted deletion of the Dlx5 homeobox gene. Dlx5 mutant mice have multiple defects in craniofacial structures, including their ears, noses, mandibles and calvaria, and die shortly after birth. A subset (28%) exhibit exencephaly. Ectodermal expression of Dlx5 is required for the development of olfactory and otic placode-derived epithelia and surrounding capsules. The nasal capsules are hypoplastic (e.g. lacking turbinates) and, in most cases, the right side is more severely affected than the left. Dorsal otic vesicle derivatives (e. g. semicircular canals and endolymphatic duct) and the surrounding capsule, are more severely affected than ventral (cochlear) structures. Dlx5 is also required in mandibular arch ectomesenchyme, as the proximal mandibular arch skeleton is dysmorphic. Dlx5 may control craniofacial development in part through the regulation of the goosecoid homeobox gene. goosecoid expression is greatly reduced in Dlx5 mutants, and both goosecoid and Dlx5 mutants share a number of similar craniofacial malformations. Dlx5 may perform a general role in skeletal differentiation, as exemplified by hypomineralization within the calvaria. The distinct focal defects within the branchial arches of the Dlx1, Dlx2 and Dlx5 mutants, along with the nested expression of their RNAs, support a model in which these genes have both redundant and unique functions in the regulation of regional patterning of the craniofacial ectomesenchyme.
An open-source pose estimation system for micro-air vehicles

This paper presents the implementation of an open-source 6-DoF pose estimation system for micro-air vehicles and considers the future implications and benefits of open-source robotics. The system is designed to provide high frequency pose estimates in unknown, GPS-denied indoor environments. It requires a minimal set of sensors including a planar laser range-finder and an IMU sensor. The code is optimized to run entirely onboard, so no wireless link and ground station are explicitly needed. A major focus in our work is modularity, allowing each component to be benchmarked individually, or swapped out for a different implementation, without change to the rest of the system. We demonstrate how the pose estimation can be used for 2D SLAM or 3D mapping experiments. All the software and hardware which we have developed, as well as extensive documentation and test data, is available online.
Efficiency improvement of straight-bladed vertical-axis wind turbines with an upstream deflector

The effect of an upstream flat deflector on the power output of two counter-rotating straight-bladed vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) was investigated experimentally. Although many studies on the deflector effect have been done for a drag-based Savonius VAWT, there is little information on the performance of a lift-based VAWT with a deflector. If a flat vertical plate is normal to the free-stream wind direction, the local wind speed outside the near-wake region of the plate is larger than the free-stream velocity. Thus, when each of the counter-rotating turbines is positioned outside the near-wake region, its power output increases significantly. The power output increase with the deflector installed is dependent on the width and height of the deflector and the turbine position relative to the deflector.
Purification from Bovine Serum of a Survival-Promoting Factor for Cultured Central Neurons and Its Identification as Selenoprotein-P

We purified from bovine serum a glycoprotein that promotes the survival of rat embryonic neurons cultured from septum and other brain regions. A 40,000-fold purification was achieved by using a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, Zn 2+ affinity chromatography, Cibacron blue 3-GA dye affinity chromatography, ABx ion exchange chromatography, and preparative PAGE. The active protein had an apparent molecular weight of 50–60 kDa. The concentration required for half-maximal survival (EC 50 ) was 12 ng/ml (∼200 pm) for the final fraction. Amino acid sequencing after cyanogen bromide cleavage yielded two sequences that are homologous to regions of deduced sequence of the selenoprotein-P (SPP) family in bovine, rat, and human. Antibodies against a synthetic peptide within the bovine SPP sequence immunoprecipitated and inhibited the survival-promoting activity of a partially purified serum fraction. The purified protein supported neuronal survival more effectively than inorganic selenium. These results suggest that SPP or an SPP-like protein contributes to the neuronal survival-promoting activity of serum.
Host Shutoff Is a Conserved Phenotype of Gammaherpesvirus Infection and Is Orchestrated Exclusively from the Cytoplasm

Lytic infection with the two human gammaherpesviruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), leads to significant depletion of the cellular transcriptome. This host shutoff phenotype is driven by the conserved herpesviral alkaline exonuclease, termed SOX in KSHV and BGLF5 in EBV, which in gammaherpesviruses has evolved the genetically separable ability to target cellular mRNA. We now show that host shutoff is also a prominent consequence of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) infection, which is widely used as a model system to study pathogenesis of these viruses in vivo. The effector of MHV68-induced host shutoff is its SOX homolog, here termed muSOX. There is remarkable functional conservation of muSOX host shutoff activities with those of KSHV SOX, including the recently described ability of SOX to induce mRNA hyperadenylation in the nucleus as well as cause nuclear relocalization of the poly(A) binding protein. SOX and muSOX localize to both the nucleus and cytoplasm of infected cells. Using spatially restricted variants of these proteins, we go on to demonstrate that all known host shutoff-related activities of SOX and muSOX are orchestrated exclusively from the cytoplasm. These results have important mechanistic implications for how SOX and muSOX target nascent cellular transcripts in the nucleus. Furthermore, our findings establish MHV68 as a new, genetically tractable model to study host shutoff.
Dalfampridine for the treatment of ambulatory impairment in multiple sclerosis

Dalfampridine is a potassium-channel blocker that is approved by the US FDA as 10 mg extended-release tablets to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. Approval is currently pending in Europe. This is the first pharmacological symptomatic treatment approved for multiple sclerosis patients of any type with walking difficulties. Relative to an immediate-release formulation, the extended-release formulation of dalfampridine lowers peak serum concentrations that contribute to toxicity while maintaining a comparable amount of total drug exposure. Several studies show the efficacy and tolerability of dalfampridine. The pivotal published clinical trial demonstrated a treatment–responder rate of 35% compared with an 8% placebo–responder rate (p < 0.0001). The subjects who responded to treatment had an average improvement in their 25-foot walking test time of 25.2% (95% CI: 21.5–28.8) compared with an average improvement of 4.7% (95% CI: 1.0–8.4) in subjects who responded to placebo. Seizures are the...
Development of layer I and the subplate in the rat neocortex

Abstract Development of layer I and the subplate of the rat neocortex was examined with [3H]thymidine autoradiography. The experimental animals used for neurogenesis were the offspring of pregnant females injected with [3H]thymidine on 2 consecutive days: Embryonic Day (E) 13–E14, E14–E15, … E21–E22, respectively. On Postnatal Day 5, the proportion of layer I and subplate cells originating during 24-h periods were quantified at three anteroposterior levels. Presumptive Cajal-Retzius cells (large horizontal cells) are generated mainly on E14 and subplate cells on E14 and E15 (“outside-in” gradient). Both populations are generated earlier than cells in the cortical plate, which has an “inside-out” gradient. The subplate also has a ventrolateral/older to dorsomedial/younger neurogenetic gradient. The small- to medium-sized horizontal cells in layer I have an extensive period of neurogenesis with an “outside-in” gradient. To study morphogenesis, pregnant females were given single injections of [3H]thymidine during gestation and embryos were removed in successive 24-h intervals (sequential-survival). On E15 and E16, cells accumulate outside the neuroepithelium in the primordial plexiform layer with older presumptive Cajal-Retzius cells superficial and younger presumptive subplate cells deep. The Cajal-Retzius cells permanently settle superficially among a first system of extracellular channels that appears on E14. Before reaching their final settling sites, subplate cells form the incipient cortical plate in the ventrolateral neocortex on E16. On E17, a second system of extracellular channels appears below the cortical plate. On E18 and E19, subplate cells leave the cortical plate and permanently settle among the deep extracellular channels in a separate layer.
Malware examiner using disassembled code (MEDiC)

Current static malware detection techniques have serious limitations, and sandbox testing also fails to provide a complete solution due to time constraints. In this paper, we present a robust assembly language signature-based malware detection technique, with emphasis on detecting obfuscated (or polymorphic) malware and mutated (or metamorphic) malware. The hypothesis is that all versions of the same malware share a common core signature that is a combination of several features of the code. After a particular malware has been first identified, it can be analyzed to extract the signature, which provides a basis for detecting variants and mutants of the same malware in the future. Given that the technique uses disassembled code, it can be used on any operating system. Encouraging experimental results on a large set of recent malware are presented.
Numerical Simulation of Deposition of Calcium Carbonate Particles Suspended in the Turbulent Cooling Water Flow

Calcium carbonate is predominantly present in cooling tower’s water and is usually the principal cause of hard water. This paper applies the modeling technique typically used for aerosol deposition to simulate the deposition process of calcium carbonate nano- and micro-particles suspended in turbulent cooling water flows. The mean turbulent velocity field and the fluctuating velocities are determined by the k-e and RSM turbulence models by simulating the water flow in a typical heat exchanger horizontal tube. Commercial software (ANSYS FLUENT™ 12.1.4) is used for turbulence mean flow modeling and the simulation of turbulence fluctuations is performed by stochastic models. Particle deposition velocities are obtained for the particles with diameters in the range 0.01–50 μm by the k-e and RSM models and compared to the deposition velocities calculated from semi-empirical correlations to investigate the effect of the turbulence model on the deposition velocity. Results show that the proposed numerical model can predict deposition velocity of micro-particles in water accurately and can be useful in determining the range of particle diameters in which the highest deposition velocity occurs. However, for nano-particles, the model’s results do not agree with the correlations due to the higher lateral turbulence fluctuations calculated by ANSYS FLUENT™ code. The proposed model can be useful for predicting fouling in industrial heat exchangers, for planning operations and cleaning schedules, and proposing efficient filtering processes for lowering deposition rate and cleaning costs.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Modulation Theory for Self-Focusing in the Nonlinear Schrödinger–Helmholtz Equation

The nonlinear Schrodinger–Helmholtz (SH) equation in N space dimensions with 2σ nonlinear power was proposed as a regularization of the classic nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. It was shown that the SH equation has a larger regime of global existence and uniqueness of solutions compared with that of the classic NLS . In the limiting case where the Schrodinger–Helmholtz equation is viewed as a perturbed system of the classic NLS equation, we apply modulation theory to the classic critical case (σ = 1, N = 2) and show that the regularization prevents the formation of singularities of the NLS equation. Our theoretical results are supported by numerical simulations.
Identifying untestable transition faults in latch based designs with multiple clocks

This work presents a novel technique to identify functionally untestable transition faults in latch based designs with multiple clock domains, bringing to light unaddressed issues related to untestable fault identification in such design environments. We also introduce and provide a solution to a new variant of un-testability analysis wherein "architectural constraints'' are absorbed during the analysis. We give our tool the capability of handling transition faults resulting from defects of varying sizes, and evaluate our tool for various industrial circuits. The proposed algorithm is compared with a state-of-the-art sequential ATPG tool, and our method has shown much better performance both in the context of scan ATPG and functional test development. Results indicate that the proposed technique identifies considerably more untestable transition faults than those that can be deduced from the knowledge of untestable stuck-at faults. Additional insights from our results point to a greater need to eliminate untestable transition faults as compared to stuck-at faults, for more efficient test pattern generation and accurate coverage computation.
Effect of Father Engagement on Child Behaviors

Using longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Survey (FFS), we examine the engagement patterns of fathers and mothers in married and cohabiting households to determine whether father engagement is associated with childhood behaviors independent of the mother’s characteristics and her level of engagement. Engagement activities were measured when the child was 5 years old with a behavioral outcome when the child was 9 years old. We found significant and negative associations between father engagement and children’s behavioral problems, independent of maternal engagement.
Spectrum analysis and counting efficiency of Ra-223 chloride

2731 Objectives Radium-223 chloride is an alpha emitting therapeutic radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of bone metastases from prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to obtain a gamma spectrum analysis and counting efficiency on three specific counting instruments to comply with NRC and DOT regulatory requirements. Methods A Radium-223 chloride patient dose was assayed (93.6 μCi, 18.15 μCi/mL). An aliquot (0.085 μCi) was pipetted into a counting vial and spot samples of 0.033 μCi and 0.085 μCi were generated. Using Atomlab 500 and 960 counting systems, the counting vial was placed in a NaI (Tl) well detector to obtain an appropriate gamma counting window. One minute counts (CPM) were obtained with the counting vial utilizing the counting window. Three, one minute counts (CPM) were obtained by placing the respective spot samples in the sliding tray of an Inspector beta counter. Calculations were performed to determine counting efficiency, lower limit of detection, and trigger levels for each counting system. Results Gamma spectrum analyses were obtained on the AtomLab 500 and 960 systems on windows of 0-800 keV and 0-1000 keV, respectively. On both systems, a counting window of 40-430 keV was established. Percent efficiency and lower limit of detection for the AtomLab 500 and 960 systems were 138.0% and 128.1%, and 33 dpm and 41 dpm, respectively. Trigger levels for the AtomLab 500 were 2760 cpm and 9108 cpm for NRC and DOT, respectively. Trigger levels for the AtomLab 960 were 2562 cpm and 8455 cpm for NRC and DOT, respectively. Mean percent efficiency and lower limit of detection for the Inspector were 41.6% and 72 dpm, respectively. Trigger levels for the Inspector were 832 dpm and 2747 dpm for NRC and DOT, respectively. Conclusions Gamma energy spectrums were obtained for AtomLab counting systems and counting efficiencies determined for all three specific counting systems. Lower limit of detection and trigger levels were calculated from counting efficiencies. Calculated lower limits of detection for all counting instruments were acceptable for NRC and DOT removable contamination regulatory limits.
The vocabulary of manga: Visual morphology in dialects of Japanese Visual Language

Abstract The visual representations of non-iconic elements in comics of the world often take diverse and interesting forms, such as how characters in Japanese manga get bloody noses when lustful or have bubbles grow out their noses when they sleep. We argue that these graphic schemas belong to a larger “visual vocabulary” of a “Japanese Visual Language” used in the visual narratives from Japan. Our study first described and categorized 73 conventionalized graphic schemas in Japanese manga, and we then used our classification system to seek preliminary evidence for differences in visual morphology between the genres of shonen manga (boys’ comics) and shojo manga (girls’ comics) through a corpus analysis of 20 books. Our results find that most of these graphic schemas recur in both genres of manga, and thereby provide support for the idea that there is a larger Japanese Visual Language that pervades across genres. However, we found different proportions of usage for particular schemas within each genre, which implies that each genre constitutes their own “dialect” within this broader system.
Disproportionation and Spin Ordering Tendencies in NaxCoO2 AT x = 1/3

The strength and effect of Coulomb correlations in the (superconducting when hydrated) x ≈ 1/3 regime of NaxCoO2 have been evaluated using the correlated band theory LDA+U method. Our results, neglecting quantum fluctuations, are: (1) there is a critical Uc = 3 eV, above which charge ordering occurs at x = 1/3, (2) in this charge-ordered state, antiferromagnetic coupling is favored over ferromagnetic, while below Uc, ferromagnetism is favored; and (3) carrier conduction behavior should be very asymmetric for dopings away from x = 1/3. For x < 1/3, correlated hopping of parallel spin pairs is favored, suggesting a triplet superconducting phase.
Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Adolescents from Bahia, Brazil

This study examines the associations between sociodemographic and family environment factors, and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems in a socioeconomically disadvantaged community in the northeastern state of Bahia, Brazil. Three-hundred and forty-four adolescents, age 11 to 18 (mean age = 13.6 years) responded to a school-based survey that assessed sociodemographic indicators of risk (e.g., race, parental marital status, parental education, parental employment), intrinsic religiosity, family conflict, and family cohesion. Results indicate that high family cohesion and low family conflict are associated with lower risk for probable internalizing and externalizing disorders among girls but not boys. This gender difference is particularly important as it suggests that mechanisms of risk and protection vary for boys and girls. These findings shed light on risk factors in adolescence in the context of vast socioeconomic disparity found in Brazil.
A Real World Application of Investment Theory

Making the assumptions used within a financial plan explicit is very important to the CPA planners' and the clients' understanding of the mechanisms of the plan. No one doubts - and professional standards require, that economic and personal assumptions be stated explicitly in a financial plan. However, in the plan there are many suppositions that do not constitute personal or economic assumptions, which should be made explicit, at least in the CPA planner's mind. Many of these suppositions or assumptions are related to investment theory. It is the goal of this paper to provide a real world application to theory, isolate the importance of investment assumptions and theories and to organize them into a cohesive model that lets a planner evaluates their benefits in a manner that is beneficial to the planning process. I will review a number of investment decisions that may result in a CPA planner and client's agreement on investment strategies. None of these decisions should be new to the planner. However it is my intention contribution to the academic literature to create an organized environment within which the planner can make these assumptions regarding a real world application of investment theory.
China's Military Modernization: International Implications

Introduction by Larry M. Wortzel Problems of Modernizing the PLA: Domestic Constraints by Chong K. Yoon The Nuclear Industry in China by Bradley Hahn China's Nuclear Forces and Policies by Robert E. Johnson China's Military Modernization: A Ten Year Assessment by Lonnie D. Henley Sino-Soviet Tensions and China's Military Modernization by Robert C. Dabling China's Response to the Strategic Defense Initiative by John W. Garver United States Export Control Policies and Modernization of China's Armed Forces by Larry M. Wortzel Selected Bibliography Index
Case Study: Relationships of Scrotal Circumference and Scrotal Volume to Growth and Semen Traits in Beef Bulls

ABSTRACT Breeding soundness examinations ( BSE ) were performed on 327 bulls at three locations in Wyoming and Montana. Scrotal circumference ( SC ), scrotal volume ( SV ), and body condition score ( BCS ) data were also collected. The animals were classified as yearlings, 2-yr-olds, or mature bulls. Age class and BCS had significant (P PA ) were measured and adjusted for age on the 139 yearling bulls at Location 1 ( MT ) to allow comparison with other age-adjusted traits. The linear regression of SC on age was 0.023 cm/d (P PH ), and percentage of MOT than Red Angus yearling bulls. The simple correlation between adjusted SC and adjusted yearling BW was 0.33 (P HH ), and percentage of MOT. Scrotal volume and percentage of MOT were positively correlated (0.22) (P
Characteristics and Illuminations of Laws and Regulations of Taiwan Leisure Agriculture

In this paper,the laws and regulations system of Taiwan leisure agriculture were briefly elaborated from the aspects of special regulations and other related regulations.Furthermore,the analysis on the characteristics of the laws and regulations system of Taiwan leisure agriculture indicated that the laws and regulations system exhibited three characteristics,that is,clear law concepts,comparatively perfect special regulations and a strongly supported external environment.Finally,based on the above-mentioned characteristics,the illuminations on the development of mainland leisure agriculture were put forward.
Study on a novel high efficiency foamer PAS-12 and its foam fluid.

To fulfill the requirements of foam-flooding technology, an anionic surfactant foamer PAS-12 with excellent properties was developed. Taking lauryl alcohol and phthalic anhydride as raw materials, the foaming agent was compounded by etherification and neutralization in sequence. Properties such as brine tolerance and oil resisting abilities were evaluated by Rose-Mile and Warring Blender methods. Results showed that the foamer PAS-12 scarcely adsorbs on the oil sand surface and the foaming ability is better than that of SDS and ABS. At 70 ℃,when the PAS-12 content is only 0.20%, the foam height is more than 180 mm. Besides, the foam fluid works well at temperature of more than 90 ℃ and the salt-bearing capacity is 5.15%. When the oil content is as high as 20%, the fluid remains stable at static state. It fits for slightly acidic and strong basic formation. The foam fluid with PAS-12 in is an candidate for tertiary oil recovery (EOR) in high temperature and high salinity reservoir.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Distal Ureteral Stones

AbstractA retrospective analysis of distal ureteral calculi treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL**Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia.) as the primary mode of therapy was performed. Using the Dornier HM3 unit 312 patients underwent a total of 326 ESWL procedures. Several pretreatment procedures, including placement of ureteral catheters, were used to help with stone localization. Early fragmentation and 3-month stone-free rates were analyzed. Of the patients 81% were stone-free at 3 months. We reviewed 27 failures, revealing a higher incidence of impacted stones and stones greater than 1cm. Complications were few and minor. ESWL is a safe and effective treatment option for distal ureteral calculi.
Nanoparticles, Nanomaterials and Nanocarriers

Nanoparticles have been considered for a while as unlikely to penetrate healthy (undisrupted) skin [1]. It is universally accepted now that their size is an important factor which determines their absorption into the skin. In 2008 a European forum, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, made public their opinion about interactions between nanostructures and the skin. Their statements were made based on the sizes involved [2] and showed that only for particles smaller than 10 nm there is evidence of penetration as far as the dermis. For particles of 20 nm or larger there is no evidence of penetration into viable (undisrupted) skin layers. The conclusion summarizes experiments done on both human and porcine skin. The same document states that the situation is different for hair follicles which allow deep penetration of particles 20 nm or larger and can function as reservoirs for nanoparticles. Mechanical effects on the skin (e.g. wrinkles, flexing) affect (modulate) penetration as well.
Immediate or Delayed Repair for Bile Duct Injury Recognized Postoperatively

Bile duct injuries occurring during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are rare, but result in considerable morbidity, rare mortality and major health care costs. Significant debate and controversy, however, remains regarding the optimal timing of repair of bile duct injury recognized in the postoperative period. Delayed bile duct injury repair has been associated with superior clinical outcomes when compared to immediate repair. Repair via a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy approach has been shown to have higher success rates when compared to direct repair of these injuries. Repair of bile duct injuries is feasible with no long-term physical quality of life impairments, but with deterioration in mental health that improves over time after repair.
The G8’s Minor Comeback and the Real Politics of the West

Analyses of international cooperation often make misleading claims to objectivity. Commentators attempt to chart the distribution of power in the international system and then opine “impartially” on what structures (the Security Council, the Group of Eight, Group of Twenty and so on) accurately represent the state of the world. Very few, if any, observers would now argue that the G8 does a better job than the G20 of representing the real balance of global economic and political influence after the financial crisis. Some argue that this means that the G8 is objectively obsolete. T is misses the point of the G8.
‘Cold cuts’ added to the circadian smorgasbord of regulatory mechanisms

In mammals, rhythms in body temperature help to entrain and synchronize circadian rhythms throughout the organism, and the cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) is one of the mediators of these daily temperature changes. Cirbp mRNA expression is regulated by the daily subtle rhythms in body temperature, and a new study by Gotic and colleagues (pp. 2005-2017) reveals a surprising and novel mechanism that involves temperature-dependent enhancement of splicing efficiency.
Timing of upper endoscopy influences outcomes in patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding.

Background and Aims Current guidelines advise that upper endoscopy be performed within 24 hours of presentation in patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding (UGIB). However, the role of urgent endoscopy ( Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients admitted to an academic hospital with nonvariceal UGIB. The primary outcome was a composite of inpatient death from any cause, inpatient rebleeding, need for surgical or interventional radiologic intervention, or endoscopic reintervention. The Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) was calculated; lower risk was defined as a GBS Results Of 361 patients, 37 patients (10%) experienced the primary outcome. Patients who underwent urgent endoscopy had a greater than 5-fold increased risk of reaching the composite outcome (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-11.4; P P = .008). However, in the high-risk patients, time to endoscopy was not a significant predictor of the primary outcome (adjusted OR, 0.93 per 6 hours; 95% CI, 0.77-1.13; P = .47; adjusted P for interaction = .039). Conclusion Urgent endoscopy is a predictor of worse outcomes in select patients with acute nonvariceal UGIB.
Anthropology of law, fear, and the War on Terror

Since 9/11, the US government has arrested hundreds of people, mainly American Muslims and Middle Easterners. Such arrests grow out of control and accusations become the same as guilt. Mob mentality becomes a state of mind, a sociopolitical phenomenon that periodically erupts, fuelled by right-wing Christian religious extremists and frequent malicious government prosecutions. A key characteristic of interest to anthropologists who study law is that the accused is presumed guilty without due process.
Jitter-Trace: a low-overhead OS noise tracing tool based on Linux Perf

Operating System (OS) noise is a well-known phenomenon in which OS activities interfere with the execution of large-scale parallel applications. Due to OS noise, feature-rich software environments such as Linux can seriously affect scalability. Kernel tracing can be used to identify OS noise sources, but until recently it required substantial OS modifications. This paper presents Jitter-Trace, a low-overhead tool that identifies and quantifies jitter sources. Jitter-Trace calculates the jitter generated by each OS activity, providing a complete set of task profiles and histograms of OS noise. This data is essential to implement OS noise mitigation strategies and reduce its impact on scalability. Jitter-Trace leverages the tracing and profiling capabilities of Linux Perf, which is widely available in current Linux distributions. Perf is tightly integrated in the Linux kernel and features a lightweight implementation.
Vitamin D, Sunlight and Colon Cancer: The Implications for the Presence of the 1α-Hydroxylase in Normal and Malignant Colon Cancer Tissue

Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a possible factor in the development of many cancers including cancer of the prostate, breast and colon 1, 2. Garland & Garland reported that mortality rates due to colorectal cancer in the United States are highest in areas with the least amount of solar radiation 3. Countries with the lowest prevalence of colon cancer are located within 20 degrees of the equator 4. Increasing latitude increases the risk of developing colon cancer with the exception of Japan where the diet is high in vitamin D from ingestion of fatty fish 5. A prospective cohort study of 1954 men determined that men who ingested more than 150 IU of vitamin D had a 50% lower incidence of colon cancer than those who consumed less than 150 IU of vitamin D 6. A twelve-year prospective study of over 89,000 female nurses found that the highest quintile of vitamin D intake was associated with a relative risk of 0.42 (95% CI 0.19 – 0.91) of developing colon cancer when compared to the lowest quintile of vitamin D intake 7. A 6 year prospective study of almost 48,000 men revealed that men in the highest quintile of vitamin D intake had half the incidence rate of colon cancer than men in the lowest quintile of vitamin D intake 8. A case-control study of 25,620 adults revealed that individuals with 25(OH)D levels greater than 20 ng/ml had one-third the risk of colon cancer compared to subjects who were vitamin D insufficient9.
A novel use of coblation in the treatment of subglottic stenosis.

Abstract Bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) technology has recently been described in the treatment of airway stenosis. In these small case series and case reports, the mucosal and submucosal tissues have been removed. We describe a novel use of coblation technology, in which a coblation needle was used to submucosally ablate subglottic stenosis in a 9 month-old girl with grade II subglottic stenosis who had previously undergone multiple balloon dilations. This technique spared the overlying mucosa, similar to that utilized in coblation turbinoplasty. She experienced objective clinical improvement after the intervention and has not required additional airway interventions to date.
Cocoa Butter Biosynthesis Cocoa Seed Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase: Studies on the Microsomal Bound Enzyme

Triacylglycerols make up about 96% of mature cocoa (Theobroma cacao) seed lipid, more than half the seed dry weight, and thus are the major storage products of the seed. These storage products are a mixture of glycerol esters of oleic, palmitic, stearic, and much smaller amounts of linoleic acid. The collection of esters is called cocoa butter, a solid fat, and, at more than $4 a pound, is the most expensive edible fat in the world. Annual world production of cocoa butter is more than 2 billion pounds.
Body fat distribution, blood pressure, and hypertension: A prospective cohort study of men in the normative aging study☆

The relation between the abdominal accumulation of body fat, blood pressure, and hypertension was assessed prospectively among 1972 male participants in the Veterans Administration Normative Aging Study. Body mass index (BMI = weight [kg]/height [m]2) and the ratio of abdominal circumference to hip breadth (AC/HB), measured at regular exams, were used as indices of total adiposity and body fat distribution, respectively. Considering blood pressure as a continuous outcome variable (in models that allowed for intraclass correlation), the AC/HB ratio was significantly positively associated with both diastolic and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), adjusting for age and BMI. Blood pressure was dichotomized and hypertension risk was assessed using the proportional hazards model, adjusting for age and BMI. Seven hundred cases of hypertension were recorded by study physicians during 35,496 person-years of follow-up. The risk of hypertension increased approximately three-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 5.2) with a change of one unit in the AC/HB ratio. These estimates were little changed when the effects of smoking and alcohol intake were considered. Thus, the abdominal accumulation of body fat, apart from overall level of adiposity, was associated with both increased blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension.
Chapter 18 – Didactics

Publisher Summary This chapter describes didactics as pedagogical activities intended to have a direct effect on the student, as opposed to diagnostic activities. Didactics is usually construed more generally as the art or science of teaching, which does not exclude diagnostic activities. A didactic operation is defined as a unit of decision in a didactic process. It is more general than a didactic intervention in that it does not necessarily correspond to actions visible to the student. The chapter focuses on gaining some understanding of the importance of diagnosis as a design and research concern by considering its role in didactic processes. When diagnosis provides constraints for didactic deliberation and resources for constructing tailored didactic operations, there is no simple relation of subordination in either direction; both processes work in synergy. Because didactic capabilities are not fixed but can be enriched by diagnostic resources, they do not rigidly limit the relevance of diagnosis.
Feasibility of non-linear beamforming ultrasound methods to characterize and size kidney stones.

Purpose Ultrasound methods for kidney stone imaging suffer from poor sensitivity and size overestimation. The study objective was to demonstrate feasibility of non-linear ultrasound beamforming methods for stone imaging, including plane wave synthetic focusing (PWSF), short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) imaging, mid-lag spatial coherence (MLSC) imaging with incoherent compounding, and aperture domain model image reconstruction (ADMIRE). Materials and methods The ultrasound techniques were evaluated in an in vitro kidney stone model and in a pilot study of 5 human stone formers (n = 6 stones). Stone contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), sizing, posterior shadow contrast, and shadow width sizing were compared among the different techniques and to B-mode. CT imaging within 60 days was considered the gold standard stone size. Paired t-tests using Bonferroni correction were performed to evaluate comparing each technique with B-mode. Results Mean CT measured stone size was 6.0mm (range 2.9-12.2mm) with mean skin-to-stone distance 10.2cm (range 5.4-16.3cm). Compared to B-mode, stone contrast was best with ADMIRE (mean +12.2dB), while SLSC and MLSC showed statistically improved CNR. Sizing was best with ADMIRE (mean +1.3mm error), however this was not significantly improved over B-mode (+2.4mm). PWSF performed similarly to B-mode for stone contrast, CNR, SNR, and stone sizing. In the in vitro model, the shadow contrast was highest with ADMIRE (mean 10.5 dB vs 3.1 dB with B-mode). Shadow sizing was best with SLSC (mean error +0.9mm ± 2.9), however the difference compared to B-mode was not significant. Conclusions The detection and sizing of stones are feasible with advanced beamforming methods with ultrasound. ADMIRE, SLSC, and MLSC hold promise for improving stone detection, shadow contrast, and sizing.
Detailed modeling of fission with FREYA

Abstract For many years, the state of the art for treating fission in radiation transport codes has involved sampling from average distributions. However, such “average” fission models have limited interaction-by-interaction capabilities. Energy is not explicitly conserved and no correlations are available because all particles are emitted isotropically and independently. However, in a true fission event, the energies, momenta and multiplicities of emitted particles are correlated. Such correlations are interesting for many modern applications, including detector development and detection of small amounts of special material. Recently, several Monte Carlo codes have become available that calculate complete fission events. Event-by-event techniques are particularly useful because it is possible to obtain the fission products as well as the prompt neutrons and photons emitted during an individual fission process, all with complete kinematic information. It is therefore possible to extract any desired correlation observables. Such codes, when included in broader Monte Carlo transport codes, such as MCNP, can be made broadly available to the community. One such code, F R E Y A (Fission Reaction Event Yield Algorithm), is particularly fast and can readily generate large samples of complete fission events. We briefly describe the physics in F R E Y A and compare our results with relevant available data on prompt neutron and photon emission. We discuss correlated measurements in particular for validation.
Home Oxygen Use for Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in California

Objectives To identify predictors of home oxygen use in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in a statewide cohort, identify hospital variation in home oxygen use, and determine the relationship between home oxygen use and neonatal intensive care unit discharge timing. Study design This was a secondary analysis of California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative data. Infants were born Results Of 7846, 3672 infants (47%) with BPD were discharged with home oxygen. Higher odds of home oxygen use were seen with antenatal steroids, maternal hypertension, earlier gestational age, male sex, ductus arteriosus ligation, more ventilator days, nitric oxide, discharge from regional hospitals, and PMA at discharge (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve 0.85). Of 92 hospitals, home oxygen use ranged from 7% to 95%; 42% of observed home oxygen use was significantly higher or lower than expected given patient characteristics. The 67 community hospitals with higher observed rates of home oxygen had earlier median PMA at discharge (correlation −0.27, P = .024). Conclusions Clinical and hospital factors predict home oxygen use. Home oxygen use varies across California, with community centers using more home oxygen having a shorter length of stay.
Gynecologic oncology care in the world of accountable care organizations

Abstract Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are an example of alternative payment models that are becoming increasingly common in our healthcare system. ACOs focus on increasing value through cost reduction and improved outcomes, and historically focus on Medicare patients within primary care practices. As ACOs grow, attention will likely turn to costly subspecialty care as an area for improvement and standardization. This brief communication addresses the potential benefits and consequences of ACOs on Gynecologic Oncologists and for patients with gynecologic malignancies.
Parent Encouragement and Young Adult Voting Behavior: A Potential Outcomes Approach:

Although previous research consistently finds a strong relationship between parent and child voting, the role of parent encouragement, or verbal instruction, remains less clear. In addition, few st...
Food Fit for a King: Exploring Royal Recipes in Francisco Martínez Montiño’s 1611 Cookbook

This article analyses data drawn from the 508 recipes published in Francisco Martinez Montino’s 1611 cookbook, Arte de cocina, pasteleria, vizcocheria y conserveria, to gain a deeper understanding ...
Community And Well-Being: A Qualitative Study Of How Youth Experiencing Homelessness Define Community And Its Relations To Their Well-Being

Prior research with youth experiencing homelessness suggests that community experiences can play an important role in their resilience and well-being. This literature suggests that a sense of community (SOC) and social support may be two key interpersonal factors related to the well-being of this population. However, quantitative research exploring these relationships has resulted in inconsistent findings, which may be due to a lack of understanding regarding youth's definitions of and experiences with community. This study utilized semistructured qualitative interviews with 24 youth experiencing homelessness to explore their definitions of community, how it is important to them, what communities they are a part of, and how these communities contribute to their well-being. Overall, findings suggest that (a) youth generally define community in ways that align with current theory on SOC, (b) youth view community as important, and (c) their experiences within community settings promote their overall well-being in various ways. However, the findings also suggest that community is not always a positive experience for these youth. This study has implications for how to promote the well-being of youth experiencing homelessness, as well as how SOC and social support may relate to the well-being of this population.