cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the effects of using curved elements in the approximation of the Reissner--Mindlin plate by the p version of the finite element method

We consider the approximation of the Reissner-Mindlin plate model by the standard Galerkin p version finite element method. Under the assumption of sufficient smoothness on the solution, we illustrate that the method is asymptotically free of locking even when certain curvilinear elements are used. The amount of preasymptotic locking is also identified and is shown to depend on the element mappings. We identify which mappings will result in asymptotically locking free methods and through numerical computations we verify the results for various mappings used in practice.
A group for the adult daughters of mentally ill mothers: Looking backwards and forwards

A closed time-limited therapy group was conducted for four women who had all been raised by mentally ill mothers. Themes recurring frequently included hatred of self and mother, current lack of extended family support, current parenting difficulties, ongoing stigma and isolation. All group members perceived themselves as troubled despite others' perceptions of them as resilient. The results for the individuals treated are outlined using clinical material, as statistical analysis was not undertaken. All were able to cease individual therapy. Conclusions focus on the benefits of such a group process of recognition and affirmation of the profound consequences of a mother's mental illness on her daughters and thence to grandchildren. The possibility of primary prevention using techniques from infant-parent and child-group therapy is discussed.
Efficient support for incremental customization of OS services

Efficient, incremental customization of operating system (OS) services can be achieved using a two-fold strategy that consists of (i) an object-oriented architecture that relies on composition to facilitate code reuse and customization, and (ii) an OS implementation that places a minimal set of trusted functions into the kernel (all remaining functions are collocated with application code in user-level protection domains). >
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of lignocellulosic biomass is a pretreatment process to homogenize and densify diverse biomass feedstocks. The solid product is hydrophobic and friable with ultimate analysis similar to that of lignite, and is easily made into durable, dense pellets. Byproducts include aqueous sugars, acids, carbon dioxide, and water. The process consists of treatment in hot (180–280 °C) compressed water for short contact times, and has been demonstrated on woody biomass, agricultural residues, and grasses. HTC reactions include hydrolysis, dehydration, decarboxylation, condensation, polymerization, and aromatization. Nearly all hemicellulose is removed and converted to simple sugars and furfural. Cellulose begins to react at 200 °C, and produces oligosaccharides, glucose, 5-HMF, and organic acids. Lignin is relatively inert. HTC reactions are relatively fast, with reaction times measured in minutes. Both hemicellulose and cellulose degrade by apparent first-order reaction kinetics, where hemicellulose exhibits an activation energy of 30 kJ mol−1, and that of cellulose is 73 kJ mol−1. There has been a flurry of research on HTC published recently, but little commercial activity. Innovative design is required for commercialization, and costs may be high, due to high pressure operation. However, as demand for biomass increases, HTC will surely play a role in enhancing supply chain logistics.
Experimental tests of nutrient limitation in freshwater picoplankton.

On the basis of correlative studies, picoplankton in Calder Lake, New York, are apparently unaffected by seasonal fluxes in nutrient (N and P) levels. In this small eutrophic lake, picoplankton ( 2 μm) predominate. Microplankton (>20 μm) are typically least important. Experiments were conducted in situ to test whether N, P or N/P ratios affect the predominance of these smaller organisms. Manipulations were run in 4-liter microcosms during June, July, and August 1988, corresponding to periods of increasing stratification and nutrient depletion. Following nutrient additions, phytoplankton were harvested and fractionated into three size classes. Microplankton and nanoplankton were significantly stimulated by both N (2.5 to 50 μM) and P (1 to 20 μM) additions. The severity of nutrient limitation was greatest during July. Picoplankton responded less strongly to N additions and were never P limited. These field data support laboratory studies which indicate that bacterium-sized phytoplankton use nutrients more efficiently and are superior competitors within mixed communities.
Conservation and formal thought disorder in schizophrenic and schizotypal children

We studied the conservation scores of 21 schizophrenic and schizotypal children (aged 6;7–12;5 years) and 21 yoked normal mental age matches and their relationship to the Kiddie Formal Thought Disorder Scale measures. Like the normal children, the schizophrenic/schizotypal subjects were able to recognize the invariance of two dimensional space, number, and substance, but not of weight. Unlike the normal children, the schizophrenic/schizotypal children were poor conservers of continuous and discontinuous matter, and this was related to their illogical thinking scores. Age and IQ accounted for the conservation competence of the normal children. The conservation skills of the patients, however, were associated with the severity of their formal thought disorder scores, not with their age or IQ. The developmental approach employed in this study enabled further clarification of the cognitive parameters of formal thought disorder in middle childhood. We discuss the developmental, clinical, and possible information processing implications of these findings.
Oil and Gas Developments in South America, Central America, Caribbean Area, and Mexico in 1985

Exploration activity in South America, Central America, the Caribbean area, and Mexico in 1985 was concentrated in proven petroleum provinces. Successful exploration and development efforts were most intense in Colombia and Venezuela, where activity centered around the Cano Limon field area. Initial production of 30,000 BOPD from Cano Limon started in December, raising Colombia again to the ranks of an exporting nation. Another significant discovery in Colombia was San Francisco field in the Upper Magdalena basin. Argentina reported significant discoveries by YPF in the Northwest Cretaceous and Neuquen basins and by Total offshore Tierra del Fuego. Brazil continued to discover major reserves in the offshore Campos basin in ever-increasing water depths. At year end, Venezu la was drilling Furrial-1 in eastern Venezuela. The well is reported to be the outstanding discovery of 1985, if not of the last 2 decades.
Germs, Dr. Billings, and the Theory of Focal Infection

Our understanding of infectious diseases continues to expand rapidly, and has led to the realization that microorganisms are responsible for, or at least contribute to, numerous diseases that were never before associated with infectious etiologies. However, a review of medical history reminds us that this is not so novel an idea. Not long after the widespread acceptance of bacteriology and the germ theory and with an increased awareness of public hygiene, there was a period during which it seemed that nearly all diseases would prove to be the result of infections. One popular proposal that championed such an idea was the theory of focal infection. This article reviews this theory by considering the key concepts and developments that likely inspired it, and examines the work of the theory's most visible proponent, Dr. Frank Billings.
Predicting Treatment Response of Malignant Gliomas to Bevacizumab and Irinotecan by Imaging Proliferation With [18F] Fluorothymidine Positron Emission Tomography: A Pilot Study

Purpose Evaluation of treatment effects in malignant brain tumors is challenging because of the lack of reliable response predictors of tumor response. This study examines the predictive value of positron emission tomography (PET) using [ 18 F] fluorothymidine (FLT), an imaging biomarker of cell proliferation, in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas treated with bevacizumab in combination with irinotecan. Patients and Methods Patients with recurrent malignant gliomas treated with biweekly cycles of bevacizumab and irinotecan were prospectively studied with FLT-PET at baseline, after 1 to 2 weeks, and after 6 weeks from start of treatment. A more than 25% reduction in tumor FLT uptake as measured by standardized uptake value was defined as a metabolic response. FLT responses were compared with response as shown by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and patient survival. Results Twenty-one patients were included, and 19 were assessable for metabolic response evaluation with FLT-PET. There were nine responders (47%) and 10 nonresponders (53%). Metabolic responders survived three times as long as nonresponders (10.8 v 3.4 months; P .003), and tended to have a prolonged progression-free survival (P .061). Both early and later FLT-PET responses were more significant predictors of overall survival (1 to 2 weeks, P .006; 6 weeks, P .002), compared with the MRI responses (P .060 for both 6-week and best responses).
Places of Protest in Putin’s Russia: Pussy Riot’s Punk Prayer and Show Trial

In spring 2012 the Russian feminist art collective Pussy Riot became world famous when five of its members were arrested for their “Punk Prayer for Freedom” in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in central Moscow. Western media swiftly embraced the group and celebrated it as an icon of youthful female rebellion against Putin’s authoritarian regime. Yet the Western reception largely obscured the “regional accent” of the group’s protest rhetoric. This article seeks to restore this regional accent by foregrounding the rhetorical significance of place in Pussy Riot’s acts of protest.
Pitfalls of using entrenched fracture relationships: Fractures in bedded carbonates of the Hidden Valley Fault Zone, Canyon Lake Gorge, Comal County, Texas

Characterizing natural fracture systems involves understanding fracture types (faults, joints, and veins), patterns (orientations, sets, and spacing within sets), size distributions (penetration across layering, aperture, and trace length), and timing relationships. Traditionally, observation-based relationships to lithology, mechanical stratigraphy, bed thickness, structural position, failure mode, and stress history have been proposed for predicting fracture spacing along with the relative abundance of opening-mode fracture versus faults in fractured rocks. Developing a conceptual fracture model from these relationships can be a useful process to help predict deformation in a fractured reservoir or other fractured rock systems. A major pitfall when developing these models is using assumptions based on general relationships that are often site specific rather than universal. In this paper, we examine a mixed carbonate-shale sequence that is cut by a seismic-scale normal fault where fracture attributes do not follow commonly reported fracture relationships. Specifically, we find (1) no clear relationship between frequency (or spacing) of opening-mode fractures (joints and veins) and proximity to the main fault trace and (2) no detectable relationship between fracture spacing and bed thickness. However, we did find that (1) the frequency of small-displacement faults is strongly and positively correlated with proximity to the main fault trace, (2) fracture networks change pattern and failure mode (extension versus shear fracture) from pavement to pavement through the mechanically layered stratigraphic section, and (3) faults are more abundant than opening-mode fractures in many areas within the fracture network. We interpret that the major fracturing initiated near maximum burial under relatively high-differential stress conditions where shear failure dominated and that mode-1 extension fracturing occurred later under lower differential stress conditions, filling in between earlier formed shear fractures. We conclude that whenever possible, site-specific observations need to be carefully analyzed prior to developing fracture models and perhaps a different set of fracture network rules apply in rocks where shear failure dominates and mechanical stratigraphy influences deformation.
Epigenetic inheritance and the moral responsibilities of mothers.

Epidemiological research demonstrating health inequalities related to socioeconomic status suggests that individuals may be much less responsible for their own health, or the health of their children, than we might have thought.
Reflections on Economic Theory of Local Tax Incentives

The author considers whether tax incentives promote economic development. The economic case against incentives is far from clear, he writes.
Entrectinib is a potent inhibitor of Trk-driven neuroblastomas in a xenograft mouse model

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common and deadly childhood solid tumors. These tumors are characterized by clinical heterogeneity, from spontaneous regression to relentless progression, and the Trk family of neurotrophin receptors plays an important role in this heterogeneous behavior. We wanted to determine if entrectinib (RXDX-101, Ignyta, Inc.), an oral Pan-Trk, Alk and Ros1 inhibitor, was effective in our NB model. In vitro effects of entrectinib, either as a single agent or in combination with the chemotherapeutic agents Irinotecan (Irino) and Temozolomide (TMZ), were studied on an SH-SY5Y cell line stably transfected with TrkB. In vivo growth inhibition activity was studied in NB xenografts, again as a single agent or in combination with Irino-TMZ. Entrectinib significantly inhibited the growth of TrkB-expressing NB cells in vitro, and it significantly enhanced the growth inhibition of Irino-TMZ when used in combination. Single agent therapy resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition in animals treated with entrectinib compared to control animals [p < 0.0001 for event-free survival (EFS)]. Addition of entrectinib to Irino-TMZ also significantly improved the EFS of animals compared to vehicle or Irino-TMZ treated animals [p < 0.0001 for combination vs. control, p = 0.0012 for combination vs. Irino-TMZ]. We show that entrectinib inhibits growth of TrkB expressing NB cells in vitro and in vivo, and that it enhances the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy in in vivo models. Our data suggest that entrectinib is a potent Trk inhibitor and should be tested in clinical trials for NBs and other Trk-expressing tumors.
High performance MEMS tactile sensor array with robustness and fabrication simplicity

This paper presents a MEMS tactile sensor array that employs a PDMS inverted pyramid sensing membrane adhered over a substrate encapsulating an array of sensor electrodes. Under a vertical pressure, the PDMS membrane deflects towards the substrate, thus enhancing the capacitive coupling between each pair of sensor electrodes through the PDMS dielectric layer; hence an increased device capacitance. Due to the electrode array design, each sensor's nominal capacitance and sensitivity are highly tolerant to fabrication misalignment, thus greatly simplifying fabrication process.
The U.S. Military and Human Geography: Reflections on Our Conjuncture

In recent years, the U.S. military-intelligence community has shown a growing interest in human geography. This article examines the available literature to consider this trend. I contend that the growing military-intelligence use of human geography, both as a concept and as a practice, deserves critical scrutiny. Although military involvement in geographical research is a long-standing and well-recognized fact, the growing emphasis on human geography per se marks a notable shift: not only a change in terminology—from anthropology of human terrain to human geography and geospatial intelligence—but also a shift in underlying military strategy and concepts. Because this shift has potentially profound implications for the discipline, substantive debate over the military's employment of human geography is urgently needed.
An Average-Strike Put Option Model of the Marketability Discount

Liquidity is the ability to buy or sell a security quickly with relatively little impact on the price. The most extreme example of an illiquid asset is one that cannot be traded at all, such as restricted stock under SEC Rule 144. The ability to sell a stock is a valuable option, the loss of which should produce a “marketability discount” relative to the same stock without the restriction. Previous work on Rule 144 stock derived an upper bound on the value of the marketability option by modeling it as a put on the maximum stock price over the restriction period. But an investor would require perfect foresight to actually attain that upper bound. Finnerty argues that a better assumption is that the investor has no special timing ability, so the option to sell should be closer to a put on the average price. Using this model, he finds that it tends to understate the observed marketability discount, but the theoretical option value is highly significant in regressions on the discount in over 200 private placements.
Jennifer Utrata, Women without men: single mothers and family change in the new Russia

In his 1987 book Perestroika: New Thinking for Our Country and the World, Mikhail Gorbachev called for promoting women into leadership positions in politics and economics, but also wrote of the nee...
Caffeine stimulation of malignant hyperthermia-susceptible sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel

The altered caffeine sensitivity of malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) muscle contracture is one basis of the diagnostic test for this syndrome. To determine whether the Arg615-to-Cys615 mutation of the porcine sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channel is directly responsible for this altered caffeine sensitivity, the single-channel kinetics of purified MHS and normal pig Ca2+ release channels were examined. Initial studies demonstrated that decreasing the pH of the medium in either the cis- or trans-chamber decreased the Ca2+ release channel percent open time (Po). The half-inhibitory pH of MHS channels (6.86 +/- 0.04, n = 17) was significantly different from that of normal channels (7.08 +/- 0.07, n = 14). At pH 7.4, in either 7 or 0.12 microM Ca2+, MHS channel Po was not significantly different from that of normal channels over the range 0-10 mM caffeine. Although at pH 6.8 in 7 microM Ca2+ MHS channel Po was greater than that of normal channels over the range 0-20 mM caffeine, the difference could be eliminated by dividing each mean MHS Po by a scaling factor of 3.2. Thus the MHS Ca2+ release channel mutation does not appear to be directly responsible for the altered caffeine sensitivity of MHS pig muscle contracture. Rather, this altered caffeine sensitivity may result from an altered resting myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration or the altered pH and Ca2+ sensitivity of Ca2+ release channel Po of MHS muscle.
Resident Versus Non-Resident Employment Impacts Associated with Marcellus Shale Development

There is much debate surrounding the employment effect of shale gas development, especially as it relates to extraction counties. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many jobs are filled by non-resident workers. We examine the impact that shale gas development has had on local employment in Pennsylvania. Using data that links workers to their personal residences we find that Marcellus activity has had a positive, albeit modest, impact on job growth. We also find that the impact is 50 percent lower using data with only county residents suggesting that traditional employment data may overestimate the employment impacts on residents from shale development.
Analysis of malaria prevalence and control in Suizhou city for a period of 62 years

Objective To analyze the prevalence and control of malaria in Suizhou city during last 62 years so as evaluate the control measure and effect in different periods.Methods The data of malaria prevalence and control in Suizhou City from1951 to 2013 including blood examination of feverish cases,treatment of malaria cases,drug prophylaxis,treatment of mosquito nets with insecides,etc.were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Results Marked results were obtained in malaria control in Suizhou city after 62 years of prevention and control,the incidence rate of malaria reduced from 9 013.77/100 000,the highest in 1973 to 0.06/ 100 000 in 2012.No autochthonous malaria cases were detected since 2011 and malaia was basically eliminated in Suizhou city in 2013.Conclusion Anopheles anthropophagus and Anopheles sinensis are the main vector prevalent in Suizhou and comprehensive prevention and control measures be carried out including making effective strategy,strengthening and setting up malaria organizations,intensificating malaria management,conducting joint monitoring and control,stabilizing professionals,prioritizing control actions,especially focusing on the control of imported malaria cases and preventing the occurrence of secondary cases.
Identification of Glu779 as an Essential Part of the Cation Binding Site of the Sodium Pump

The chemical modification of purified renal Na+/K+-ATPase with the fluorescent carboxyl-selective reagent, 4-(diazomethyl)-7-(diethylamino)-coumarin (DEAC), results in enzyme inactivation via disruption of the monovalent cation binding sites and loss of K+ and Na+ binding capacity. Modification of 1 or 2 carboxyl residues in the α-subunit in a K+ or Na+-preventable manner leaves the ATP binding unaltered and the enzyme is still able to undergo E1 ↔ E2 transitions. These characteristics of the DEAC-modified enzyme are evidence that the modified residues are located at the cation binding site (1, 2). Furthermore, the specificity of DEAC to react with carboxyl groups supports the early idea that carboxyl residues, in or near the membrane, would be involved in the cation oclusion and transport by the Na+/K+-ATPase.
Assessing Predictive Properties of Genome-Wide Selection in Soybeans

Many economically important traits in plant breeding have low heritability or are difficult to measure. For these traits, genomic selection has attractive features and may boost genetic gains. Our goal was to evaluate alternative scenarios to implement genomic selection for yield components in soybean (Glycine max L. merr). We used a nested association panel with cross validation to evaluate the impacts of training population size, genotyping density, and prediction model on the accuracy of genomic prediction. Our results indicate that training population size was the factor most relevant to improvement in genome-wide prediction, with greatest improvement observed in training sets up to 2000 individuals. We discuss assumptions that influence the choice of the prediction model. Although alternative models had minor impacts on prediction accuracy, the most robust prediction model was the combination of reproducing kernel Hilbert space regression and BayesB. Higher genotyping density marginally improved accuracy. Our study finds that breeding programs seeking efficient genomic selection in soybeans would best allocate resources by investing in a representative training set.
Effect of Linagliptin on Vascular Function: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study

Context: The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, linagliptin, possesses pleiotropic vasodilatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in animals, independent of its glucose-lowering properties. Although large, randomized clinical trials are being conducted to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin on cardiovascular outcomes, little is known about its effects on vascular function in humans. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effect of linagliptin on surrogates of vascular and mitochondrial function. Design and Setting: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at a tertiary care center with a large type 2 diabetes referral base. Patients and Intervention: Forty participants with type 2 diabetes were included in a 12-wk treatment of either linagliptin 5mg/d or placebo. Main Outcome Measures: Micro- and macrovascular functions were assessed using laser Doppler coupled with iontophoresis and with brachial flow-mediated dilation, respectively. Mitochondrial...
Six sigma: Systematic approach in probe damage reduction

This paper describes how probe damage, the major defect at sort process, was toppled down nearly to ground level using the systematic approach of Six Sigma. A thorough study on the characteristic of the probe damage was made. Using root cause analysis tools, such as process mapping, cause and effect matrix, significance testing, and other useful quality tools, the sources of probe damage were identified, validated and solutions were developed. The PPM level of probe damage was significantly reduced resulting to less wafer scrappage, high yield and improvement on sort process efficiency.
Digitally controllable bi-phase CMOS UWB pulse generator

Digitally controllable bi-phase ultra wideband (UWB) pulse generator is designed with standard 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. Since the phase and amplitude of UWB pulse are digitally controlled, it is able to use bi-phase modulation and control the emission power with several pulse amplitudes. Assuming that FCC emission power limit is maximally used, the proposed pulse generator can be operated with pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 77-MHz. The power consumption is maximally 1.88-mW and proportionally decreased as PRF is smaller. The proposed UWB pulse generator is a good candidate for a low-cost low-power impulse radio (IR).
Traceability Considerations for the Characterization and Use of Measuring Systems

Abstract:There are several different ways that measuring systems (which include measuring instruments) can be characterized, including calibration, adjustment, and verification (or testing). Common elements of such characterizations include comparisons of indicated values with values obtained when using measurement standards, specification of influence quantities and operating conditions, and statements of system resolution and repeatability. Differing elements of such characterizations include whether or how measurement uncertainty is recorded during the characterization, whether any change is made to the measuring system (including in hardware and software) during the characterization process, and whether recording the measured error of indication is part of the characterization process.The way that a measuring system is characterized will typically influence how measurement results are obtained and stated when subsequently using the measuring system to perform measurements. Because a measurement result...
Photonic physical unclonable functions using silicon nitride spiral cavities

We demonstrate an on-chip photonic physical unclonable function using integrated evanescently coupled multimode spiral cavities formed in silicon nitride.
It is possible to determine exact fuzzy values based on an ordering of interval-valued or set-valued fuzzy degrees

In the usual [0,1]-based fuzzy logic, the actual numerical value of a fuzzy degree can be different depending on a scale, what is important — and scale-independent — is the order between different values. To make a description of fuzziness more adequate, it is reasonable to consider interval-valued degrees instead of numerical ones. Here also, what is most important is the order between the degrees. If we have only order between the intervals, can we, based on this order, reconstruct the original numerical values — i.e., the degenerate intervals? In this paper, we show that such a reconstruction is indeed possible, moreover, that it is possible under three different definitions of order between numerical values.
Approximate Bayesian computation for censored data and its application to reliability assessment

Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) refers to a family of algorithms that perform Bayesian inference under intractable likelihoods. It is widely used to perform statistical inference on complex ...
Chapter 22 – Comparative Medical Radiography: Practice and Validation

Abstract This chapter reviews the real-world application of comparative medical radiography via the forensic anthropology laboratory setting at Michigan State University. This method of scientific identification is contextualized within the medicolegal death investigation and existing best practice guidelines. One hundred ninety-three forensic cases from 2002 through 2015 are reviewed in detail. We review research on comparative medical radiography, including recent validation studies that provide support for this method under the Daubert criteria for scientific evidence. Then, a step-by-step approach to procedure is detailed, including postmortem image capture and side-by-side antemortem and postmortem image comparison. Examples of radiographic matches from the most commonly used regions of the body are provided. Finally, possible outcomes of comparisons are discussed, followed by a guide to writing the case report. This chapter is meant to provide practitioners with an overview of practical application and procedures in comparative medical radiography.
Predictors of 30-day readmissions after gastrectomy for malignancy.

Abstract Background The objective of this study is to identify risk factors associated with readmission after gastrectomy to potentially identify potential areas for targeted improvements. Hospital readmission after surgery is a topic of interest in health-care policy among hospitals, payers, and providers. Readmissions are associated with increased costs, morbidity, and mortality. Readmission rates have been proposed as a quality metric for hospitals and quality indicator of individual surgeon's performance. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has reduced payments to hospitals with excessive readmissions for certain diagnoses. Materials and methods All gastrectomy procedures for malignancy in patients aged ≥18 y from 2005 to 2011 were queried from the California State Inpatient Database. Patients who died during index admission were excluded. Descriptive statistics were examined between all baseline variables and readmission status. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, race, sex, and insurance status. Results A total of 6985 patients underwent gastrectomy for malignancy; 16.5% of the patients were readmitted after postoperative discharge. Readmission rate did not change significantly over time. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the occurrence of any postoperative complications, postoperative length of stay greater than 10 d, discharge to skilled nursing facility or home health care, combined resection with distal pancreatectomy and/or splenectomy, and patient comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and renal failure were independently associated with readmissions. Conclusions The findings suggest that focusing on quality improvement efforts by targeting reduction of postoperative complications may reduce readmission rates.
Totally disconnected compact sets in R 2

The main purpose of this section is to show that every homeomorphism between two totally disconnected compact sets in R 2 can be extended so as to give a homeomorphism of R 2 onto itself.
Vulnerability of corneal endothelial cells to mechanical trauma from indentation forces assessed using contact mechanics and fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract Corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss occurs from tissue manipulation during anterior segment surgery and corneal transplantation as well as from contact with synthetic materials like intraocular lenses and tube shunts. While several studies have quantified CEC loss for specific surgical steps, the vulnerability of CECs to isolated, controllable and measurable mechanical forces has not been assessed previously. The purpose of this study was to develop an experimental testing platform where the susceptibility of CECs to controlled mechanical trauma could be measured. The corneal endothelial surfaces of freshly dissected porcine corneas were subjected to a range of indentation forces via a spherical stainless steel bead. A cell viability assay in combination with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize and quantify injured/dead CEC densities before and after mechanical loading. In specimens subjected to an indentation force of 9 mN, the mean ± SD peak contact pressure P 0 was 18.64 ± 3.59 kPa (139.81 ± 26.93 mmHg) in the center of indentation and decreased radially outward. Injured/dead CEC densities were significantly greater (p ≤ 0.001) after mechanical indentation of 9 mN (167 ± 97 cells/mm2) compared to before indentation (39 ± 52 cells/mm2) and compared to the sham group (34 ± 31 cells/mm2). In specimens subjected to “contact only” – defined as an applied indentation force of 0.65 mN – the peak contact pressure P 0 was 7.31 ± 1.5 kPa (54.83 ± 11.25 mmHg). In regions where the contact pressures was below 78% of P 0 (
In-hospital illicit drug use, substance use disorders, and acceptance of residential treatment in a prospective pilot needs assessment of hospitalized adults with severe infections from injecting drugs.

Abstract Objective To conduct a pilot needs assessment of underlying substance use disorders (SUD), motivation for SUD treatment, and willingness to enter residential SUD treatment in hospitalized adults who inject drugs with complex infections requiring intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and to assess the presence of in-hospital illicit substance use. Patients and methods From March 8, 2016 through August 25, 2016 hospitalized, English-speaking, adult patients not currently in SUD treatment with a history of injection drug use and a current infection requiring treatment with IV antibiotics, were prospectively enrolled. Participants were followed weekly during the hospitalization and for 60 days after discharge via interview and medical record review. Results Of the 42 participants, 8 (19.0%) accepted discharge to residential SUD treatment, 16 (38.0%) completed at least one follow-up research visit after hospital discharge, and 3 (7.1%) died during the 5-month study period. The majority (33; 78%) were hospitalized with endocarditis, and 37 (88.0%) had an opioid use disorder (DSM-5). Mean days of self-reported IV opioid use in the 30 days before hospitalization compared to 30 days after discharge decreased significantly (16.5 to 1.5, P = .001) despite not receiving SUD treatment. Illicit in-hospital drug use was identified in 17 (40.5%) participants, with opioids most commonly detected. Conclusion Hospitalization is a ‘reachable moment’ and critical opportunity to initiate evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. The ongoing in-hospital illicit drug use and high short-term mortality observed in this study contribute to the mandate to expand access to effective pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder and integrate it into health care settings.
welcome to the Beatles

Organized, authored, and edited over the course of five months by a class of eighteen Virginia Tech undergraduate students, Welcome to the Beatles represents their collective contribution to the larger scholarship on the most important band in rock history. The chapters build upon the work of noted author and historian Mark Lewisohn and take into account many of the recurring issues in Beatles historiography. The student authors have the advantage of being generations apart from the Beatles and can reexamine the band without any first-hand experience with the Fab Four. The result is a book that raises significant issues about the whole of Beatles history The MARC records for VT Publishing books can be downloaded here .
Journey to Freedom

In my educational journey, I [Greg Wiggan] am still in the first generation of schoolgoers in my immediate family. Globally, in the British colonial system, the British were rather deliberate in denying education to their subjects. This was one of the greatest forms of social control. In this sense, from a very early age I knew that there was something about a true education (as opposed to miseducation) that was powerful and liberating, and that must have been a part of the reason why African descent people where being denied opportunities to learn to read and attend school all around the world.
Data Mining and Database Systems: Where is the Intersection?

The promise of decision support systems is to exploit enterprise data for competitive advantage. The process of deciding what data to collect and how to clean such data raises nontrivial issues. However, even after a data warehouse has been set up, it is often difficult to analyze and assimilate data in a warehouse. OLAP takes an important first step at the problem by allowing us to view data multidimensionally as a giant spreadsheet with sophisticated visual tools to browse and query the data (See [3] for a survey). Data Mining promises a giant leap over OLAP where instead of a power OLAP user navigating data, the mining tools will automatically discover interesting patterns. Such functionality will be very useful in enterprise databases that are characterized by a large schema as well as large number of rows. Data Mining involves data analysis techniques that have been used by statisticians and machine learning community for quite some time now (generically referred to data analysts in this paper). This raises the question as to what role, if any, database systems research may contribute to area of data mining. In this article, I will try to present my biased view on this issue and argue that (1) we need to focus on generic scalability requirements (rather than on features tuned to specific algorithms) wherever possible and (2) we need to try to build data mining systems that are not just scalable, but “SQL-aware”.
Analysis of the Structure, Organization and Role of Cytoskeleton During Pollen Germination and Tube Growth in Pyrus communis L.

Behavior of actin microfilaments and microtubules was followed in the vegetative cell of germinating pollen and pollen tubes of pyrus communis using rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin to visualize actin, indirect immunofluorescence to localize microtubules, and conventional and freeze-substitution electron microscopy. Several previous investigations have focused on the cytoskeleton of pollen tubes at the ultrastructural level (Franke et al., 1972; Miki-Hirosige & Nakamura, 1982; Derksen et al., 1985; Tiezzi et al., 1986 Lancelle et al., 1987) and at the light microscope level (Derksen et al., 1985; Perdue & Parthasarathy, 1985; Pierson et al., 1985; Tiezzi et alata., 1986) using fluorescent probes. However, questions remain about the precise organization of the pollen tube cytoskeleton, and there has been scant attention to dynamics of cytoskeletal elements during the periods of pollen hydration and activation that precede germination. Pollen Activation. By using the actin-specific probe, rhodamineconjugated phalloidin (RP), to study the dynamics of actin microfilaments, we identified several stages of actin organization as dehydrated pollen grains become activated and eventually germinate.
Successes with and barriers to patient-reported outcome deployment at a comprehensive cancer center.

292Background: Routine collection of patient reported outcomes (PROs) reduces hospitalizations and improves quality of life. In the absence of clear implementation guidelines and research guiding deployment, PROs may not have the desired impact on outcomes in routine oncology practice. We share lessons learned from PRO deployment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Methods: We developed a symptom/toxicity assessment tool based on the PRO-CTCAE to capture 15 symptomatic adverse events with a 1-week recall: fatigue/ decreased appetite/insomnia/ shortness of breath/numbness and tingling/concentration, general pain/anxiety/sadness, rash, nausea/vomiting/fever, constipation, and diarrhea. Responses from eligible English-literate patients scheduled for a gastrointestinal cancer center or adult palliative care visit between January 18 to March 22, 2018 were transmitted directly from clinic tablet to the EMR. To evaluate the deployment, we sought qualitative feedback from clinic staff and three multidisciplinary wor...
Metagenomics of pasteurized and unpasteurized gouda cheese using targeted 16S rDNA sequencing

The microbiome of cheese is diverse, even within a variety. The metagenomics of cheese is dependent on a vast array of biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors include the population of microbiota and their resulting cellular metabolism. Abiotic factors, including the pH, water activity, fat, salt, and moisture content of the cheese matrix, as well as environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and location of aging), influence the biotic factors. This study assessed the metagenomics of commercial Gouda cheese prepared using pasteurized or unpasteurized cow milk or pasteurized goat milk via 16S rDNA sequencing. Results were analyzed and compared based on milk pasteurization and source, spatial variability (core, outer, and under the rind), and length of aging (2–4 up to 12–18 months). The dominant organisms in the Gouda cheeses, based on percentage of sequence reads identified at the family or genus levels, were Bacillaceae, Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. More genus- or family-level (e.g. Bacillaceae) identifications were observed in the Gouda cheeses prepared with unpasteurized cow milk (120) compared with those prepared with pasteurized cow milk (92). When assessing influence of spatial variability on the metagenomics of the cheese, more pronounced differences in bacterial genera were observed in the samples taken under the rind; Brachybacterium, Pseudoalteromonas, Yersinia, Klebsiella, and Weissella were only detected in these samples. Lastly, the aging length of the cheese greatly influenced the number of organisms observed. Twenty-seven additional genus-level identifications were observed in Gouda cheese aged for 12–18 months compared with cheese only aged 2–4 months. Collectively, the results of this study are important in determining the typical microbiota associated with Gouda cheese and how the microbiome plays a role in safety and quality.
Kinetics of the Topochemical Transformation of (PbSe)m(TiSe2)n(SnSe2)m(TiSe2)n to (Pb0.5Sn0.5Se)m(TiSe2)n

Solid-state reaction kinetics on atomic length scales have not been heavily investigated due to the long times, high reaction temperatures, and small reaction volumes at interfaces in solid-state reactions. All of these conditions present significant analytical challenges in following reaction pathways. Herein we use in situ and ex situ X-ray diffraction, in situ X-ray reflectivity, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to investigate the mechanistic pathways for the formation of a layered (Pb0.5Sn0.5Se)1+δ(TiSe2)m heterostructure, where m is the varying number of TiSe2 layers in the repeating structure. Thin film precursors were vapor deposited as elemental-modulated layers into an artificial superlattice with Pb and Sn in independent layers, creating a repeating unit with twice the size of the final structure. At low temperatures, the precursor undergoes only a crystallization event to form an intermediate (SnSe2)1+γ(TiSe2)m(PbS...
Erythematous papular rash with sparing of folds.

Author(s): Yale, Katerina; Elsensohn, Ashley N; Shiu, Jessica; Amber, Kyle; Smith, Janellen
Growth Study of New Complex Oxide PbOxSe1–x Thin Films by Oxygen Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy

In this work, we introduce the growth of a new complex oxide lead oxy-chalcogenide (PbOxSe1–x) thin film using an oxygen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy method. Freshly cleaved BaF2(111) wafers were used as the substrates for this growth study. Systematic characterization of X-ray diffraction peaks, Raman shifts, absorption spectra, scanning electron microscopic imaging, and Hall measurements were conducted to elucidate the structural, optical, and electric properties of the as-grown PbOxSe1–x thin films. Specifically, X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that PbOxSe1–x films maintained the same rock-salt crystal structure as the PbSe semiconductor, but a slight shift in the lattice parameter was observed. A blue shift in the optical absorption edge also suggests that the inclusion of oxygen atoms led to the formation of a ternary compound crystal structure. Furthermore, all PbOxSe1–x thin films were observed to be polycrystalline in nature and displayed preferred [100] orientated grains. Slight...
Ornithological Publications: 1780–1800

The accelerating influx of ornithological data after Brisson and Buffon’s time was bound to have a profound impact on the nature of ornithology, although the manifestation of this influence was gradual and therefore undramatic. Natural history collections until roughly the turn of the century retained, for the most part their amateur curiosity cabinet status, and one finds in the ornithological literature a reflection of the patterns established by Brisson and Buffon. Brisson, as was described in chapter two, directed his attention to classification based on external morphological features, whereas Buffon attempted a broader natural history of birds. In a sense they epitomize two traditions in zoology; that of the taxonomist and that of the naturalist. This is not to suggest that zoologists necessarily have followed one approach exclusively; they have most often participated in both traditions, in differing degrees, or in others as well. In the ornithology of the late eighteenth century, the direction given by Brisson and Buffon is particularly evident for most of the literature consists of new editions, popularizations, attempts at updating or detailed investigations of a more narrow focus that supplemented Brisson or Buffon’s ornithology.
Individual Type 4: Climbers

Climbers are people whose life goal is to excel in an area valued by society. This type has three major subtypes. Bureaucrats are those who want to become government officials at the highest possible level. Adoption of this subtype is very much driven by the traditional imperial system, a desire for power and respect, and the traditional aspiration of “below one and above millions.”
Beyond Ḥalāl and Ḥarām: Ghayra (‘Jealousy’) as a Masculine Virtue in the Work of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya

Scholarship on gender in medieval Islam often focuses on the normative rulings of the Sharīʿa, examining rules applying to women through the lens of ḥalāl (‘permissible’) and ḥarām (‘forbidden’). H...
Benefit of inpatients in different economic groups in the new rural cooperative medical scheme(NRCMS)

Objective To evaluate benefit equity of inpatients in different economic groups in the new rural cooperative medical scheme(NRCMS).Methods The rural residents included the five guarantees family,extremely low income households,and the general residents.By calculating the government subsidy in NRCMS among different economic groups,we evaluated the inpatient service and the benefit equity in different groups in Feixi in 2011.Results There were differences in the benefit ratio of inpatient,the actual compensation ratio and the fund utilization ratio among inpatients of different economic levels.Five guarantees family benefited most among all groups.Conclusion Inpatient subsidy benefit of the NRCMS is fair,in which the policy favors the poor community.There still exist some problems including the less utilization of high level health service among poor population and irrational distribution of medical consultation.