cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Imaging of Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy in Boston Terriers: A Spontaneous, Canine Model for Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

PURPOSE Boston Terriers (BTs) have a greater prevalence of corneal endothelial dystrophy (CED), in comparison to other canine breeds. Similar to Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), this condition is characterized by endothelial cell degeneration with secondary corneal edema. This study assessed corneal morphology using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) in BTs with and without CED. METHODS The corneas of 16 BTs with CED and 15 unaffected, age-matched BTs underwent clinical evaluation and were imaged using IVCM and FD-OCT. A two-sample t-test or Mann-Whitney rank sum test were used to statistically compare parameters between groups. Data are presented as mean ± SD or median (range). RESULTS Mean age did not significantly differ between affected and unaffected dogs at 10.0 ± 2.0 and 10.6 ± 2.4 years, respectively (P = 0.437). Females (69%) were overrepresented among the CED-affected dogs. In CED patients, IVCM demonstrated endothelial polymegathism and pleomorphism. Corneal endothelial density was significantly less (P < 0.001) in dogs with CED (1026 ± 260 cells/mm2) versus age-matched controls (2297 ± 372 cells/mm2). Fourier-domain OCT demonstrated a significant increase (P < 0.01) in central corneal and endothelium-Descemet's complex thickness in dogs with CED versus age-matched controls at 1019 (485-1550) or 536 (464-650) μm and 32 (22-56) or 25 (15-34) μm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Corneal endothelial dystrophy in BTs is a bilateral, adult-onset condition that shares many similarities with FECD. Thus, CED could serve as a spontaneous disease model to study the pathogenesis of and develop novel treatments for FECD.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Non-Canonical DNA

Many native nucleic acid hairpins contain various non-canonical structures, including mismatches, bubbles and loops. The thermodynamic landscape of these hairpins containing these motifs are not well understood. We combine optical tweezers with an energy based model to reconstruct the energy landscape for DNA hairpin unfolding. Overall hairpin stability, and the unfolding kinetics show the destabilizing effects of non-canonical elements in DNA hairpin structure. Finally, the stabilizing effect of the rhodium coordination complex [Rh(bpy)2(chrysi)]3+ is probed. Rhodium chrysi preferentially binds to defects and mismatches in hairpin stems, enhancing duplex stability. Rhodium chrysi binding thus allows interrupted hairpins to resemble fully formed ones.
Myocardial stunning following coronary vasospasm as a result of anaphylaxis

Myocardial stunning is described as a transient post-ischemic dysfunction of the myocardium after perfusion has been restored. This phenomenon, first described by Braunwald and Kloner in 1982, has been postulated to exist in a variety of clinical situations, including acute myocardial infarction following successful thrombolysis or angioplasty. We describe a patient who developed severe anaphylaxis complicated by transient coronary vasospasm, leading to myocardial dysfunction. The myocardial function recovered slowly even after perfusion was restored to the myocardium. The patient had no biochemical evidence of myocardial damage and had normal coronary anatomy on angiography. Myocardial stunning following vasospasm as a result of anaphylaxis has not been reported.
Statistical comparison of mass spectra for identification of amphetamine-type stimulants

A method for the statistical comparison of mass spectral data is demonstrated for applications in controlled substance analysis. The method uses an unequal variance t-test at each mass-to-charge ratio in the scan range to determine if two spectra are statistically associated or discriminated. If the two spectra are associated, a random-match probability is calculated to estimate the likelihood that the mass spectral fragmentation pattern in question occurs by random chance alone. If the two spectra are discriminated, the fragment ions responsible for the discrimination are determined. In this work, mass spectral data from case samples containing amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), phentermine, and psilocin were investigated. All spectra were collected in an accredited forensic laboratory using routine methods for controlled substance analysis. Using the statistical method, spectra of case samples were statistically associated to the corresponding reference standard at the 99.9% confidence level. In these instances, random-match probabilities ranged from 10-39 to 10-29, indicating the probability that the characteristic fragmentation pattern occurred by random chance is extremely small. Further, spectra of case samples were discriminated from other reference standards at the 99.9% or 99.0% confidence level, with 1-26 ions responsible for discrimination in each comparison.
Safe Practices for Copy and Paste in the EHR. Systematic Review, Recommendations, and Novel Model for Health IT Collaboration.

Background: Copy and paste functionality can support efficiency during clinical documentation, but may promote inaccurate documentation with risks for patient safety. The Partnership for Health IT Patient Safety was formed to gather data, conduct analysis, educate, and disseminate safe practices for safer care using health information technology (IT). Objective: To characterize copy and paste events in clinical care, identify safety risks, describe existing evidence, and develop implementable practice recommendations for safe reuse of information via copy and paste. Methods: The Partnership 1) reviewed 12 reported safety events, 2) solicited expert input, and 3) performed a systematic literature review (2010 to January 2015) to identify publications addressing frequency, perceptions/attitudes, patient safety risks, existing guidance, and potential interventions and mitigation practices. Results: The literature review identified 51 publications that were included. Overall, 66% to 90% of clinicians routinely use copy and paste. One study of diagnostic errors found that copy and paste led to 2.6% of errors in which a missed diagnosis required patients to seek additional unplanned care. Copy and paste can promote note bloat, internal inconsistencies, error propagation, and documentation in the wrong patient chart. Existing guidance identified specific responsibilities for authors, organizations, and electronic health record (EHR) developers. Analysis of 12 reported copy and paste safety events was congruent with problems identified from the literature review. Conclusion: Despite regular copy and paste use, evidence regarding direct risk to patient safety remains sparse, with significant study limitations. Drawing on existing evidence, the Partnership developed four safe practice recommendations: 1) Provide a mechanism to make copy and paste material easily identifiable; 2) Ensure the provenance of copy and paste material is readily available; 3) Ensure adequate staff training and education; 4) Ensure copy and paste practices are regularly monitored, measured, and assessed.
Asteroids : Astronomical and Geological Bodies

Asteroid science is a fundamental topic in planetary science and is key to furthering our understanding of planetary formation and the evolution of the Solar System. Ground-based observations and missions have provided a wealth of new data in recent years, and forthcoming missions promise further exciting results. This accessible book presents a comprehensive introduction to asteroid science, summarising the astronomical and geological characteristics of asteroids. The interdisciplinary nature of asteroid science is reflected in the broad range of topics covered, including asteroid and meteorite classification, chemical and physical properties of asteroids, observational techniques, cratering, and the discovery of asteroids and how they are named. Other chapters discuss past, present and future space missions and the threat that these bodies pose for Earth. Based on an upper-level course on asteroids and meteorites taught by the author, this book is ideal for students, researchers and professional scientists looking for an overview of asteroid science.
Angle and pressure-based volumetric picking on touchscreen devices

The target picking in 3D volumetric data is a common interaction problem in a variety of domains such as medicine, engineering, and physics. When a user clicks on a 2D point on the screen rendering, the ray is cast through the volume at an angle perpendicular to the screen. The problem lies in determining the intended location of picking, that is the end point of the ray. We introduce picking for 3D volumetric data by utilizing pressure and angle of the digital stylus pen on a touchscreen device. We map both pressure and angle of the stylus to the depth of the selector widget to help target acquisition. We evaluate several methods of selection: single finger selection, stylus with pressure but without an angle, and stylus with both angle and pressure. We decouple rotation of the volumetric data, and control for two target sizes. We report significant benefits of digital stylus picking methods and a relation between the methods and target sizes.
Dog park users: An examination of perceived social capital and perceived neighborhood social cohesion

Dog parks have the potential to be sites that engender community benefits. The purpose of this study is to examine whether dog parks, as places providing social interaction opportunities with other...
Structure–Function Studies of Artemisia tridentata Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase and Chrysanthemyl Diphosphate Synthase by Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Morphogenesis

The amino acid sequences of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPase) and chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (CPPase) from Artemisia tridentata ssp. Spiciformis, minus their chloroplast targeting regions, are 71% identical and 90% similar. FPPase efficiently and selectively synthesizes the “regular” sesquiterpenoid farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) by coupling isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) and then to geranyl diphosphate (GPP). In contrast, CPPase is an inefficient promiscuous enzyme, which synthesizes the “irregular” monoterpenes chrysanthemyl diphosphate (CPP), lavandulyl diphosphate (LPP), and trace quantities of maconelliyl diphosphate (MPP) from two molecules of DMAPP, and couples IPP to DMAPP to give GPP. A. tridentata FPPase and CPPase belong to the chain elongation protein family (PF00348), a subgroup of the terpenoid synthase superfamily (CL0613) whose members have a characteristic α terpene synthase α-helical fold. The active sites of A. tridentata FPPase and CPPase ar...
Bed Surface Adjustments to Spatially Variable Flow in Low Relative Submergence Regimes

In mountainous rivers, large relatively immobile grains partly control the local and reach-averaged flow hydraulics and sediment fluxes. When the flow depth is similar to the size of these grains (low relative submergence), heterogeneous flow structures and plunging flow cause spatial distributions of bed surface elevations, textures, and sedimentation rates. To explore how the bed surface responds to these flow variations we conducted a set of experiments in which we varied the relative submergence of staggered hemispheres (simulated large boulders) between runs. All experiments had the same average sediment transport capacity, upstream sediment supply, and initial bed thickness and grain size distribution. We combined our laboratory measurements with a 3D flow model to obtain the detailed flow structure around the hemispheres. The local bed shear stress field displayed substantial variability and controlled the bedload transport rates and direction in which sediment moved. The divergence in bed shear stress caused by the hemispheres promoted size-selective bedload deposition, which formed patches of coarse sediment upstream of the hemisphere. Sediment deposition caused a decrease in local bed shear stress, which combined with the coarser grain size, enhanced the stability of this patch. The region downstream of the hemispheres was largely controlled by a recirculation zone and had little to no change in grain size, bed elevation, and bed shear stress. The formation, development and stability of sediment patches in mountain streams is controlled by the bed shear stress divergence and magnitude and direction of the local bed shear stress field.
A low temperature sacrificial layer based CMUT fabrication process for improved reliability

CMUT efficiency depends on a high electric field over a thin vacuum gap and a dielectric isolation layer. Ideally this high electric field should only exist over the vibrating membrane of the CMUT, but electrical connections between the membranes usually pass over thin dielectric isolation layers (Fig. 1). The resulting high fields on the isolation layer cause charging, dielectric breakdown and reduces CMUT reliability [1, 2]. Although some remedies such as LOCOS regions between the CMUT membranes have been proposed to decouple gap height from isolation layer thickness between membranes, these approaches require high temperatures and thus are not CMOS compatible [3]. In this paper, a simple low temperature solution for reliable sacrificial layer based CMUTs is described.
Kreislaufwirtschaft von MgO-C Feuerfeststeinen

Diese Diplomarbeit beschreibt den Produktzyklus eines MgO-C Feuerfeststeines, begonnen bei der Entstehung des Rohstoffes, uber die Aufbereitung und Steinherstellung, bis hin zur Anwendung und dem Recycling. Die Gewinnung von Magnesit kann aus verschiedenen Rohstoffvorkommen erfolgen und daher wird dieser auch auf unterschiedliche Weise zu Magnesia aufbereitet. Die verschiedenen Rohstoffquellen unterscheiden sich nicht nur in der Aufbereitung, sondern auch in ihren Eigenschaften und somit den Anwendungen der Magnesia. Zum Schluss beeinflussen das Einsatzgebiet sowie die Zusammensetzung des Feuerfeststeines das Recycling. Die praktischen Versuche dieser Diplomarbeit sind Teil eines Forschungsprojektes der RHI Magnesita. Die Versuche sollen die physikalischen Grundlagen fur weitere Versuche in der Recyclingtechnik der Feuerfestindustrie schaffen. MgO-C Feuerfeststeine werden fur Ausmauerungen in Hochtemperaturanlagen eingesetzt. Abhangig von deren Einsatzgebiet erfullen feuerfeste Auskleidungen ihren Zweck zwischen ein paar Wochen bis zu zehn Jahren. Nach Beendigung der Einsatzzeit werden die Steine durch neue ersetzt. Dabei fallt Ausbruchmaterial an, welches zur Ressourcenschonung wieder in Feuerfeststeine recycelt werden soll. Momentan werden gewisse Steinsorten wieder eingesetzt. Bei MgO-C Steinen sind dies jene Steine ohne Antioxidantien. MgO-C Steine mit Aluminium konnen aufgrund einer rissbildenden Reaktion des Aluminiums zu Aluminiumcarbid nicht hergestellt werden. Zusatzlich zu den Versuchen mit Antioxidantien werden allgemeine Versuche ohne Antioxidantien durchgefuhrt. Hierbei sollen Hinweise fur die Graphitverteilung in einem Recyclingstein durch physikalische Untersuchungen bestimmt werden. Die Messung der Graphitverteilung ist allerdings bislang nicht moglich und wurde auch nicht weiter untersucht. Die Ursache fur die Rissbildung der antioxidantienhaltigen Feuerfeststeine wurde untersucht, aber eine Losung fur die Problematik wurde in dieser Diplomarbeit nicht erforscht, denn dies ist Teil des Forschungsprojektes und nicht mehr dieser Arbeit.
Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse among Older Adults: Implications for Clinical Mental Health Counselors

Researchers project a threefold increase in substance abuse, inclusive of alcohol, prescription, and illicit drugs, for adults aged 50 or older by 2020, when an estimated 5 million older adults will need treatment for substance abuse problems (Gfroerer, Penne, Pemberton, & Folsom, 2003). This suggests a need for heightened awareness among clinical mental health counselors as they treat this population. This article (a) discusses the prevalence, vulnerabilities, and consequences of misuse and abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substances; (b) reviews age-specific counseling considerations and approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention; and (c) calls for more attention to the subject in training and research.
HIV-1 Coat Protein GP120 Induces Neuronal Injury to Cultured Dopamine Cells

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection is commonly associated with neurological manifestations that can produce devastating cognitive and motor impairments.1–4 Concomitant with this are CNS disturbances which can include various organic mental disorders.5 These CNS disturbances may occur in the absence of opportunistic infections as well as in the absence of direct infection of neurons by HIV-1.4 In fact, HIV-1 has only been demonstrated in macrophage or microglial cells and not in neurons.6–9 Previous studies have shown that infection with HIV-1 results in neurotoxicity which can be elicited by viral particles, the most likely of which is the glycoprotein, gp120.10–12 This viral protein has been shown to produce neurotoxicity at very low concentrations (pM) in various neuronal culture systems10–19 as well as modify astrocyte function.20–22 The mechanism(s) by which gp 120 induces neurotoxicity are not understood, but there is evidence that NMDA receptors, Ca2+ channels, and nitric oxide (NO) are important mediators.11,13–15,18,19
Developing an Effective Scope of Work (SOW)

Creating an effective scope of work (SOW) document is critical for project success, but many organizations fail to develop SOWs or ensure they contain the needed information. Consequently, project owners face increased project risk in terms of project cost, duration, and quality. This article identifies methods to improve the SOW and, by extension, the vendor-selection process, which leads to improved project results, owner satisfaction, and owner-vendor relations.
Executive Functioning in the Dystrophinopathies and the Relation to Underlying Mutation Position.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate executive skills in children with dystrophinopathy and to examine the association between executive functions and dystrophin gene mutation position. Methods Fifty boys with dystrophinopathy (mean age, 11 years 0 months; ages range, 5 to 17 years) completed measures of intellectual functioning (IF), working memory and executive functioning [including Digit Span (working memory) and measures from the NIH Toolbox (selective attention/inhibitory control, set shifting, working memory, and processing speed)]. Parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Mutation positions were categorized into three groups (upstream exon 30, 31-62, and downstream exon 63). Paired-samples t tests compared performance on executive measures to IF, and a one-way (three-group) multivariate analysis of covariance compared cognitive performance with mutation location controlling for motor functioning. Results Mean performance on all executive measures was significantly lower than IF. Parents were also more likely to rate their child with dystrophinopathy as having clinically significant executive difficulties on the Shift, Emotional Control, and Behavior Regulation indices of the BRIEF. Mutation analyses resulted in small groups limiting power to detect subtle differences. Those with a downstream mutation position had significantly poorer performance on IF and Total Digit Span, but not on other measures of executive function including behavior. Conclusions Individuals with dystrophinopathy have executive skill deficits, but they are not generally associated with more distal mutations. (JINS, 2019, 25, 146-155).
Review of surface water interactions with metal oxide nanoparticles

Surface water can affect the properties of metal oxide nanoparticles. Investigations on several systems revealed that nanoparticles have different thermodynamic properties than their bulk counterparts due to adsorbed water on their surfaces. Some thermodynamically metastable phases of bulk metal oxides become stable when reduced to the nanoscale, partially due to interactions between high energy surfaces and surface water. Water adsorption microcalorimetry and high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry, low-temperature specific heat calorimetry, and inelastic neutron scattering are used to understand the interactions of surface water with metal oxide nanoparticles. Computational methods, such as molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations, have been used to study these interactions. Investigations on titania, cassiterite, and alumina illustrate the insights gained by these measurements. The energetics of water on metal oxide surfaces are different from those of either liquid water or hexagonal ice, and there is substantial variation in water interactions on different metal oxide surfaces.
Bicultural identity harmony and American identity are associated with positive mental health in U.S. racial and ethnic minority immigrants.

Objectives In this study, we examined the association of ethnic and American identity with depression and anxiety and whether this relation is mediated by Bicultural Identity Integration. Method We recruited racial and ethnic minority immigrant college students (N = 766, Mage = 19.89, 60.4% women, 19.8% Black, 34.2% Hispanic, 36.6% Asian, and 9.4% other) who completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Participants answered questions relating to their ethnic and American identities, the degree to which these identities are compatible (i.e., Bicultural Identity Integration; BII), and presence of depression and anxiety symptoms. We conducted hierarchical linear regressions to test the direct relations between ethnic and American identity, BII, and depression and anxiety symptoms. We used bootstrapping to test the mediating role of BII. Results Our analyses showed significant negative associations between American identity and BII cultural harmony with depression symptoms. BII cultural harmony was also negatively associated with anxiety symptoms. BII cultural harmony mediated the relations between American identity and both depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Perceived compatibility between ethnic and American identities is seemingly important for understanding the relation between national identity and mental health among racial and ethnic minority immigrants. However, longitudinal research designs would help assess causality in the relations found herein. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
A Bayesian Subset Analysis Of Sensory Evaluation Data

In social sciences it is easy to carry out sensory experiments using say a J-point hedonic scale. One major problem with the J-point hedonic scale is that a conversion from the category scales to numeric scores might not be sensible because the panelists generally view increments on the hedonic scale as psychologically unequal. In the current problem several products are rated by a set of panelists on the Jpoint hedonic scale. One objective is to select the best subset of products and to assess the quality of the products by estimating the mean and standard deviation response for the selected products. A priori information about which subset is the best is incorporated, and a stochastic ordering is modified to select the best subset of the products. The method introduced in this article is sampling based, and it uses Monte Carlo integration with rejection sampling. The methodology is applied to select the best set of entrees in a military ration, and then to estimate the probability of at least a neutral response for the judged best entrees. A comparison is made with the method, which converts the category scales to numeric scores.
Stress, Depression, Mental Illness, and Men's Health

Abstract Men's health is affected by their self-concept as men. Masculinity is a socially constructed concept with implications for the way men experience stress, depression, and mental illness. It also affects the way men seek help and access resources. A traditional concept of masculinity implies self-sufficiency, physical strength, and mental and emotional toughness. Although men's roles are changing to include more emotionally complex and family-oriented activities, social support for these roles has not yet caught up. This has increased men's stress and possibly increased exposure to health and mental health conditions. Given men's reluctance to seek help for stress and health and mental health conditions, they are experiencing an underrecognized health disparity. Men's own desire to be healthy is expressed through athleticism. The concept of masculinity needs to be expanded to enable men to accept help for coping with stress, mental health, and physical health conditions.
The POU factor Ventral veins lacking regulates ecdysone and juvenile hormone biosynthesis during development and reproduction of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus.

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated endocrine roles for the POU domain transcription factor Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) during larval development of holometabolous insects - insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. In this study, the role of Vvl was examined in the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, a hemimetabolous insect. In the embryos, vvl was found to be expressed in the presumptive prothoracic glands. When vvl expression was knocked down using RNA interference (RNAi), embryos arrested their development after dorsal closure. Vvl double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-injected nymphs failed to molt and had reduced expression of the ecdysone response gene, hormone receptor 3 (HR3), the ecdysone biosynthesis genes, disembodied and spook, and the juvenile hormone (JH) response gene, Kruppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1). Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone rescued the molting phenotype and HR3 expression in vvl knockdown nymphs. In adults, vvl RNAi inhibited egg laying and suppressed the expression of Kr-h1 and vitellogenin in the fat body. Application of JH III or methoprene restored oviposition in vvl knockdown adults, indicating that Vvl regulates JH biosynthesis during reproduction. Thus, Vvl functions as a critical regulator of hormone biosynthesis throughout all developmental stages of O. fasciatus. Our study demonstrates that Vvl is a critical transcription factor involved in JH and ecdysteroid biosynthesis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects.
The circadian clock protects against ionizing radiation-induced cardiotoxicity.

Radiation therapy (RT) is commonly used to treat solid tumors of the breast, lung, and esophagus; however, the heart is an unintentional target of ionizing radiation (IR). IR exposure to the heart results in chronic toxicities including heart failure. We hypothesize that the circadian system plays regulatory roles in minimizing the IR-induced cardiotoxicity. We treated mice in control (Day Shift), environmentally disrupted (Rotating Shift), and genetically disrupted (Per 1/2 mutant) circadian conditions with 18 Gy of IR to the heart. Compared to control mice, circadian clock disruption significantly exacerbated post-IR systolic dysfunction (by ultrasound echocardiography) and increased fibrosis in mice. At the cellular level, Bmal1 protein bound to Atm, Brca1, and Brca2 promoter regions and its expression level was inversely correlated with the DNA damage levels based on the state of the clock. Further studies with circadian synchronized cardiomyocytes revealed that Bmal1 depletion increased the IR-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that the circadian clock protects from IR-induced toxicity and potentially impacts RT treatment outcome in cancer patients through IR-induced DNA damage responses.
Calculation of Intraocular Lens Power

The selection of intraocular lens (IOL) power in pediatric patients is decidedly different and more complex than when making a similar choice in adult patients. The choice of IOL power is driven by many factors such as the patient’s age at cataract surgery, the presence of unilateral or bilateral cataracts, the refractive error of the fellow eye, the physical properties of the eye including corneal size and axial length and the presence and density of preexisting amblyopia. Biometry measurements must be obtained as accurately as possible, and special consideration to the equipment needed may be required. A variety of IOL formulas exist, although none are perfectly suited to use in pediatric eyes. The patient’s age, biometry and other factors will contribute to the choice of formula used in a specific case. It is also important to consider the growing/changing eye in childhood and how these changes will translate into challenges managing resultant refractive error(s) and amblyopia.
Flash ablation metallization of conductive thermoplastics

Abstract Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most widely available 3D printing technology. Recently, a variety of conductive thermoplastic filaments have become commercially available, allowing printing of electronic structures using the technology. However, the contact interface and conductivity of these filaments after printing remains relatively poor, the latter of which is typically at least four orders of magnitude lower than bulk metal conductors. While several post-processing approaches exist to enhance conductivity, they are either user-intensive, time consuming, or cannot easily be integrated in-line with the rest of the printing process. In this work, we demonstrate that exposing conductive composite thermoplastic films (3D printed or solution-cast) to high-intensity pulsed light increases their conductance by up to two orders of magnitude in a manner that is fast, non-contact, and potentially in-line. This process, referred to as flash ablation metallization (FAM), is found to vaporize the thermoplastic matrix on the top surface of a composite film, leaving behind a metal-dense surface layer. The technique was found to be effective for a variety of commercial and custom-made conductive thermoplastic composites, with the largest response found in Electrifi, a commercial filament consisting of copper particle loading in a biodegradable polyester. 3D-printed circuit boards were constructed with and without FAM exposure, with exposed circuits exhibiting reduced operating voltages as well as improvements in reliability.
The Geography of Abortion Rights

Total or near-total abortion bans passed in recent years have garnered tremendous public attention. But another recent wave of more modest-looking abortion restrictions consists of laws regulating the geography of abortion provision through management of spaces, places, and borders. In the 1990s and early 2000s, numerous states adopted laws regulating the physical spaces where abortions can be performed. These laws include mandates that abortions be performed in particular kinds of places, such as ambulatory surgical centers, or that abortion-providing facilities have agreements in place with local hospitals. One consequence of such regulations has been to reduce the availability of abortion services within the geographical borders of a particular state and to require people to travel out of state in order to terminate a pregnancy. Other abortion controversies, too, have foregrounded the significance of state and even national borders, as in the cases of unaccompanied immigrant minors who sought abortions while in the custody of the U.S. Government. Thus, an entire subset of abortion restrictions intentionally targets the geography of abortion provision, inevitably impacts the geographical distribution of abortion services, or both. Yet, the geographical dimension of abortion restrictions has gone largely unappreciated in the legal literature. This Article thus aims to provide an overview of the geography of abortion regulation. It first considers the unique impact and attractiveness of spatial regulations, demonstrating that spatial regulations differ from other forms of abortion regulation in their tendency to exploit and aggravate preexisting social inequality in ways that make it appear natural or unavoidable. Second, this Article considers the jurisprudential implications of this “spatial turn” in three specific areas: the right to travel, private non-delegation doctrine, and the concept of viability in abortion doctrine
Deep learning for robust detection of interictal epileptiform discharges

Objective Automatic detection of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs, short as ``spikes'') from an epileptic brain can help predict seizure recurrence and support the diagnosis of epilepsy. Developing fast, reliable and robust detection methods for IEDs based on scalp or intracortical EEG may facilitate online seizure monitoring and closed-loop neurostimulation. Approach We developed a new deep learning approach, which employs a long short-term memory (LSTM) network architecture (``IEDnet'') and an auxiliary classifier generative adversarial network (AC-GAN), to train on both expert-annotated and augmented spike events from intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) recordings of epilepsy patients. We validated our IEDnet with two real-world iEEG datasets, and compared IEDnet with the support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) classifiers on their detection performances. Main results IEDnet achieved excellent cross-validated detection performances in terms of both sensitivity and specificity, and outperformed SVM and RF. Synthetic spike samples augmented by AC-GAN further improved the detection performance. In addition, the performance of IEDnet was robust with respect to the sampling frequency and noise. Furthermore, we also demonstrated the cross-institutional generalization ability of IEDnet while testing between two datasets. Significance IEDnet achieves excellent detection performances in identifying interictal spikes. AC-GAN can produce augmented iEEG samples to improve supervised deep learning.
On the Robustness to Misspecification of α-Posteriors and Their Variational Approximations.

$\alpha$-posteriors and their variational approximations distort standard posterior inference by downweighting the likelihood and introducing variational approximation errors. We show that such distortions, if tuned appropriately, reduce the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence from the true, but perhaps infeasible, posterior distribution when there is potential parametric model misspecification. To make this point, we derive a Bernstein-von Mises theorem showing convergence in total variation distance of $\alpha$-posteriors and their variational approximations to limiting Gaussian distributions. We use these distributions to evaluate the KL divergence between true and reported posteriors. We show this divergence is minimized by choosing $\alpha$ strictly smaller than one, assuming there is a vanishingly small probability of model misspecification. The optimized value becomes smaller as the the misspecification becomes more severe. The optimized KL divergence increases logarithmically in the degree of misspecification and not linearly as with the usual posterior.
Quantifying nanoscale changes in photoreceptors: a new approach to assessing cell function and health

Vision starts when light is captured by photoreceptors, specialized cells in the retina that set fundamental limits on what we can see and are unfortunately lost in many blinding diseases. While photoreceptors carry considerable clinical and scientific importance in ophthalmology and vision science, means to assess their function and health at the level of individual cells remain limited. Recent advances in adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) imaging systems have enabled photoreceptor cells to be observed and tracked with unprecedented 3D resolution and sensitivity in the living human eye. This imaging capability has allowed the dynamics of these cells to be studied in exquisite detail, in particular nanoscale transients the cells generate after being stimulated by light. These changes have been found to carry fundamental information about the photoreceptor’s physiology. Here, I will describe the capability of AO-OCT to image, track, and quantify these miniscule cell dynamics and how these measurements are being used to study vision and to assess cell dysfunction and health in disease.
Predicting binary phase shift keyed demodulator performance

While the matched filter/equalizer combination has been known for years to produce "optimal" demodulators whose performance is well known, it can be difficult to predict the performance of a "nonoptimal" demodulator suffering from mismatched filtering, or poor synchronization. This paper demonstrates how to use the mean square symbol estimation error as a means of evaluating binary phase shift keyed (BPSK) demodulator performance under "nonoptimal" conditions. By applying the formulas presented, it is possible to predict both mean square error, as well as the signal to noise ratio at the output of the demodulator. These metrics are then used to predict losses caused by nonoptimal filtering, and in some cases to predict bit error performance. In every case, the MSE estimate is shown to correctly predict system performance.
Weak and Strong Theories of Truth

A subtheory of the theory of self-referential truth known as FS is shown to be weak as a theory of truth but equivalent to full FS in its proof-theoretic strength.
Some basic properties of infinite dimensional Hamiltonian systems

We consider some fundamental properties of infinite dimensional Hamiltonian systems, both linear and nonlinear. For exemple, in the case of linear systems, we prove a symplectic version of the teorem of M. Stone. In the general case we establish conservation of energy and the moment function for system with symmetry. (The moment function was introduced by B. Kostant and J .M. Souriau). For infinite dimensional systems these conservation laws are more delicate than those for finite dimensional systems because we are dealing with partial as opposed to ordinary differential equations.
An Analysis of the Movement of Wetting and Nonwetting Fluids in Homogeneous Porous Media

The movement of wetting and nonwetting fluid flow in columns packed with glass beads is used to understand the more complicated flows in homogeneous porous media. The motion of two immiscible liquids (oil and water) is observed with different surfactants. Through dimensional analyses, fluid velocity is well correlated with interfacial tension and less dependent on particle size. In water–oil (W/O) experiments, finger pattern flows are observed if water is the displacing fluid that flows in an oil-filled porous media, whereas oil ganglia tend to form if oil is the displacing fluid in the water-wetted porous media. The results are well described by a simple model based on an earlier theory of flow in a tube.
A Level Set Algorithm for Tracking Discontinuities in Hyperbolic Conservation Laws II: Systems of Equations

A level set algorithm for tracking discontinuities in hyperbolic conservation laws is presented. The algorithm uses a simple finite difference approach, analogous to the method of lines scheme presented in l36r. The zero of a level set function is used to specify the location of the discontinuity. Since a level set function is used to describe the front location, no extra data structures are needed to keep track of the location of the discontinuity. Also, two solution states are used at all computational nodes, one corresponding to the “real” state, and one corresponding to a “ghost node” state, analogous to the “Ghost Fluid Method” of l12r. High order pointwise convergence was demonstrated for scalar linear and nonlinear conservation laws, even at discontinuities and in multiple dimensions in the first paper of this series l3r. The solutions here are compared to standard high order shock capturing schemes, when appropriate. This paper focuses on the issues involved in tracking discontinuities in systems of conservation laws. Examples will be presented of tracking contacts and hydrodynamic shocks in inert and chemically reacting compressible flow.
Theoretical Studies of Molecular Recognition and Catalysis by Enzymes

The procedures used in conformational energy calculations, and some typical results of such computations on model systems and on polypeptides and proteins, are summarized. It is then shown how application of this methodology to two enzyme-substrate systems (α-chymotrypsin plus oligopeptides and hen egg white lysozyme plus oligosaccharides) leads to computed binding modes and energies that agree with experiment. This agreement attests to the validity of the potential functions and methodology used in the computations, and demonstrates the utility of this methodology in providing an understanding of the interactions that lead to molecular recognition.
Device for urine collections.

The recent appearance of several articles showing more or less complex devices for collecting urine from baby boys prompts me to describe a simple and effective technique; this system was devised and used for 2 years at Travis Air Force Base Hospital and has been used on the infants9 ward at the University of California Medical [See FIG. 1. in Source Pdf] Center for 1½ years. The components can be found in any hospital; the apparatus can be assembled and affixed in 10 minutes; it does not leak; no skin irritation has been noted, even with 4-day collection periods; and it can be washed, stored and re-used indefinitely. (See Fig. 1.)
The art of restructuring : integrating art with structural family therapy

Structural family therapy is a popular model of treatment and is used by therapists to treat a wide spectrum of family problems. Some have argued that structural concepts, such as boundaries and enmeshment, are abstract and difficult to conceptualize. This paper suggests that many structural concepts may be readily and vividly portrayed using the art therapy modality. Suggestions for utilizing art to assist in the initial and ongoing assessment process, as interventions, and at termination are suggested. Case examples are given demonstrating the application of structural concepts to family and individual drawings in the assessment and intervention process of therapy. Structural Family Therapy has been used effectively to treat families.
Does Increased Audit Partner Tenure Reduce Audit Quality

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires the lead audit or coordinating partner and the reviewing partner to rotate off the audit every five years so the engagement can be viewed "with fresh and skeptical eyes." Using data obtained from actual audits by multiple U.S. offices of three large international audit firms, we examine whether there is a relationship between evidence of reduced audit quality, measured by estimated discretionary accruals, and audit partner tenure with a specific client. We find that estimated discretionary accruals are significantly and negatively associated with the lead audit partner's tenure with a specific client. Thus, audit quality appears to increase with increased partner tenure. After controlling for client size and engagement risk, we find audit partner tenure significantly and negatively associated with estimated discretionary accruals only for small clients with partner tenure of greater than seven years, regardless of risk level. We also find that tenure is not significantly associated with estimated discretionary accruals for large clients. This suggests that as partner tenure increases, auditors of small client firms become less willing to accept more aggressive financial statement assertions by managers, and that partner tenure does not affect audit quality for large clients or for shorter-tenure smaller clients. Our results relating to audit partner tenure are consistent with the conclusions about audit firm tenure by Geiger and Raghunandan (2002); Johnson, Khurana, and Reynolds (2002);Myers, Myers, and Omer (2003); and Nagy (2005) and extend their findings by focusing on individual audit partners rather than on audit firms.
Analysis of Reflective Cracks in Airfield Pavements using a 3-D Generalized Finite Element Method

Prediction and simulation of load-related reflective cracking in air field pavements require three-dimensional models in order to accurately capture the effects of gear loads on crack initiation and propagation. In this paper, we demonstrate that the Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM) enables the analysis of reflective cracking in a three-dimensional setting while requiring significantly less user intervention in model preparation than the standard FEM. As such, it provides support for the development of mechanistic-based design procedures for airfield overlays that are resistant to reflective cracking. Two gear loading positions of a Boeing 777 aircraft are considered in this study. The numerical simulations show that reflective cracks in airfield pavements are subjected to mixed mode behavior with all three modes present. They also demonstrate that under some loading conditions, the cracks exhibit significant channeling.
Fine Structure of the Zeros of Orthogonal Polynomials: A Review

Zeros of orthogonal polynomials have had a fascination at least since Gauss’ discovery that optimal quadrature for the Ftiemann integral on [-I, 11 involves the zeros of the Legendre polynomials. A special reason for recent interest concerns the fact that zeros are eigenvalues of cutoff finite difference matrices. Explicitly, if P,, p , are the monic orthogonal and orthonormal polynomials for OPRL (RL = real line) and a,, pn for OPUC (UC = unit circle), then
Dexmedetomidine: Clinical Application as an Adjunct for Intravenous Regional Anesthesia

The selective α-2 adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine, has been shown to be a useful, safe adjunct in perioperative medicine. Intravenous regional anesthesia is one of the simplest forms of regional anesthesia and has a high degree of success. However, intravenous regional anesthesia is limited by the development of tourniquet pain and its inability to provide postoperative analgesia. To improve block quality, prolong postdeflation analgesia, and decrease tourniquet pain, various chemical additives have been combined with local anesthetics, although with limited success. The antinociceptive effects of α-2 adrenoceptor agonists have been shown in animals and in humans. However, less is known about the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine when coadministered with local anesthetics in patients undergoing intravenous regional anesthesia. This review examines what is currently known to improve our understanding of the properties and application of dexmedetomidine when used as an adjunct in intravenous regional anesthesia.
Part IV. Neutrino astrophysics

Abstract We discuss how the neutrino material-heating rate and electron fraction in the region above the neutrino-sphere in a nascent type II supernova become very sensitive to neutrino flavor mixings. Matter-enhancement effects would ensure that a v μ or v τ (hereafter, v τ ) neutrino with a vacuum mass of roughly 10 to 100 eV would have a mass-level-crossing with a light v e in this region. Coincidentaly, this is the neutrino mass range which is sometimes conjectured to provide the closure density for the universe. Since the supernova ν τ neutrinos have considerably higher average energies than do the ν e , transformations between these species at the level crossings result in more energetic electron neutrinos. This would imply an enhanced ν e capture rate which, in turn, would result in a higher heating rate and would tend to increase the electron fraction, reducing the neutron excess. For vacuum mixing angle between ν τ and ν e of θ >10 −4 the increase in early heating results in roughly a factor of two increase in supernova explosion energy, which may help solve the explosion-mechanism problem. However, late neutrino flavor conversion will drive the ejected material proton-rich and a promising site for r-process nucleosynthesis may be lost unless it is also true that θ −3 .