cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Raising the Price of Agreement: Public Commitment and the Lowball Compliance Procedure1

Three studies examined the effect on compliance when a requester raises the price of the request. Participants in Experiment 1 were told that they would receive a free coffee mug for donating money to a fundraiser but were interrupted before they could respond and were told that the fundraisers were out of mugs. These participants were less likely to donate money than a group told nothing about the mugs. Experiments 2 and 3 compared this interruption procedure with the lowball procedure, which also uses a small-to-large price progression. The results from these two studies indicate that allowing people to respond to the initial price is critical for producing the lowball effect. Without a statement of public commitment, the small-to-large price progression led to a decrease rather than an increase in compliance relative to a control group. A chain of art supply stores recently introduced a sale in which the price of the item was lowest during the first hour of the day, and then went up 10% each hour. One can imagine the satisfaction that buyers felt during the initial hour of the sale, but what about subsequent customers? Restaurants often promote grand openings with coupons for remarkably low prices on meals. The bargains probably bring additional diners through the doors, but will these customers return to pay full price for the same meal? Many distributors offer cellular phones for free or extremely low prices. People who fail to read the fine print soon discover that these inexpensive phones come with several additional costs that push the final price far beyond what they expected. Will these surprised customers purchase the phones anyway?
The evolving understanding of small HER2-positive breast cancers: matching management to outcomes

Systemic therapy for small (stage I) HER2-positive breast cancers has long posed a dilemma for clinicians, as the majority of these patients were excluded from the large adjuvant trastuzumab trials. However in the decade since those trials were reported, data have accumulated to suggest that recurrence risk for these small but biologically aggressive tumors is nontrivial. In this review, we summarize data from numerous cohort studies describing the outcomes of small HER2-positive tumors, mostly in the absence of HER2-directed therapy. We then examine the potential impact of HER2-directed treatment in this population, culminating in the recently published prospective study of paclitaxel/trastuzumab therapy. The landscape of next generation anti-HER2 therapies is quickly evolving; a role for some of these agents in the small HER2-positive subpopulation may also be on the horizon.
Quantifying the colour-dependent stochasticity of large-scale structure

We address the question of whether massive red and blue galaxies trace the same large-scale structure at z~0.6 using the CMASS sample of galaxies from Data Release 12 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III. After splitting the catalog into subsamples of red and blue galaxies using a simple colour cut, we measure the clustering of both subsamples and construct the correlation coefficient, r, using two statistics. The correlation coefficient quantifies the stochasticity between the two subsamples, which we examine over intermediate scales (20 0.95 taking into account both statistics and r > 0.974 using the favored statistic.
Analysis of hydrodynamic fluctuations in heterogeneous adjacent multidomains in shear flow.

We analyze hydrodynamic fluctuations of a hybrid simulation under shear flow. The hybrid simulation is based on the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations on one domain and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) on the other. The two domains overlap, and there is an artificial boundary for each one within the overlapping region. To impose the artificial boundary of the NS solver, a simple spatial-temporal averaging is performed on the DPD simulation. In the artificial boundary of the particle simulation, four popular strategies of constraint dynamics are implemented, namely the Maxwell buffer [Hadjiconstantinou and Patera, Int. J. Mod. Phys. C 08, 967 (1997)], the relaxation dynamics [O’Connell and Thompson, Phys. Rev. E 52, R5792 (1995)], the least constraint dynamics [Nie et al.,J. Fluid Mech. 500, 55 (2004); Werder et al., J. Comput. Phys. 205, 373 (2005)], and the flux imposition [Flekkoy et al., Europhys. Lett. 52, 271 (2000)], to achieve a target mean value given by the NS solver. Going beyond the mean flow field of the hybrid simulations, we investigate the hydrodynamic fluctuations in the DPD domain. Toward that end, we calculate the transversal autocorrelation functions of the fluctuating variables in k space to evaluate the generation, transport, and dissipation of fluctuations in the presence of a hybrid interface. We quantify the unavoidable errors in the fluctuations, due to both the truncation of the domain and the constraint dynamics performed in the artificial boundary. Furthermore, we compare the four methods of constraint dynamics and demonstrate how to reduce the errors in fluctuations. The analysis and findings of this work are directly applicable to other hybrid simulations of fluid flow with thermal fluctuations.
The Surgical Management of Extracranial and Intracranial Occlusive Disease

The role of surgery in preventing transient ischemic attacks and stroke in certain occlusive vascular lesions is well-established. This is well-established when carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis with transient ischemic attacks is used. The overall surgical results are best achieved by the frequent performance of the procedure and meticulous attention to technical as well as medical features of this group of patients at risk. Continuing medical care of these patients is essential. The long-term mortality rate is augmented by the high incidence of myocardial infarctions. Complete cardiac evaluation and good medical care, at the time the patient is initially treated, should subsequently minimize this event. Although the microvascular bypass procedures are technically feasible and associated with a low mortality rate, their exact role in the medical management of patients with intracranial occlusive lesions is unproven. However, the procedure offers great promise and an exciting future for neurosurgery in stroke therapy.
Competition Between Beer’s Law and Enhancement in Raman Spectroscopy

Nanoparticles enhance local fields to amplify surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic signals. Field enhancement also increases optical extinction, unexpectedly shifting the maximum Raman scattering away from resonance. Here, we quantify the interplay to predict optimal enhancement.
Are Unclicked Ads Wasted? Immediate and Long-Term Impact of Banner & Pop-Up Ads on Communication Outcomes

Generating long-term memory for an ad and the advertised brand are challenges in natural media environments, especially on the Web where ad avoidance is a norm rather than an exception. Little is known if creative executions like increasing ad sizes and intrusive ad formats that enhance communication outcomes and clickthroughs immediately after ad exposure persist over time. We investigate the role of advertisement size (large vs. small) and ad exposure format (intrusive vs. voluntary) on immediate and delayed brand recall, ad recognition and brand attitude in web-based media. Voluntary exposure ad formats like banners and text ads are more likely to be cognitively avoided since it is an automatic, subconscious process that occurs in parallel with the browsing activity and does not require any behavioral action by the consumer. Intrusive ad formats like pop-ups that interrupt browsing activity and demand immediate response are more likely to be physically avoided by closing them. Prior research on preattentive processing and endurance of implicit/ explicit memory and memory for subgoals supports our findings that gains from using intrusive ads accrue when ad sizes are small and negative impact of intrusiveness decay over time.
Using tweets to support disaster planning, warning and response

Abstract Twitter is increasingly of interest as a social media that can be used to help mitigate disasters. In this paper, we describe the strength and limitations of Twitter in this context, and identify the features needed in a twitter system to support disaster planning, warning and response. To orient the discussion, we describe a local context, Padang Indonesia. We then illustrate the kind of system needed by describing our implementation of TWRsms – a twitter tracking and analysis system for Padang Indonesia. Our implementation collects and analyzes tweets from the shoreline city of Padang Indonesia. This area is exposed to considerable risk from tsunamis, and the purpose of our system is to provide Indonesians information to plan for response to tsunamis, to provide immediate feedback about relevant tweeters in the wake of tsunami warnings, to support an early warning system, and to allow long-term research into how Indonesians tweet about disasters and other topics. We conclude by reviewing ongoing challenges: considering technical, social and policy issues and the challenge for science and the practical challenges of deploying such a system.
Calculation for high-pressure combustion properties of high-energy solid propellant based on GA-BP neural network

A genetic algorithm(GA)-back-propagation(BP)neural network was established.The high-pressure combustion properties of NEPE high-energy solid propellant were simulated and calculated by using the GA-BP neural network.Aiming at calculation requirement,NEPE high-energy solid propellant formulation was characterized,and 13 parameters were put forward.The burning-rate prediction results show that the calculation error of the method is less than 10%,and its accuracy is high;the method can be used for high-pressure combustion property research and formulation design of NEPE high-energy solid propellant.At the same time,the method can reflect essential characteristics of the formulation,and the investigation provides a kind of new method for burning-rate prediction of high-energy solid propellant.
The inherited ataxias

Abstract Of the syndromes constituting the inherited ataxias, some show autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance, and others are caused by mitochondrial mutations and thus show maternal inheritance. Significant progress has been made in defining the molecular basis of these syndromes, so that a genotype classification now supersedes previous ones based on clinical features alone.
Evolving a Low Price Recovery Strategy for Distressed Securities

This paper investigates methods to evolve an automated agent that executes a niche trading stock strategy. Unlike trading strategies that seek to exploit broad market trends, we choose a very specific strategy on the assumption that it will be easier to learn, require less input data to do so, and more straightforward to evaluate the agents performance. In this case, we select a Low Price Recovery Strategy (LPRS), which involves picking stocks that have a high likelihood of quickly recovering after a steep, one day decline in share price. A series of intelligent agents are evolved through the use of a Genetic Programing approach. The inputs to our algorithms included traditional stock performance metrics, sentiment indicators available from online sources, and associated classification rules. The essential aspects of the research discussed include: identification of opportunities, feature selection and extraction, design of various genetic programs for evolving the agent, and testing approaches for the agents. We demonstrate that the evolved agent yields results outperform a randomized version of the LPRS and the benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P500) stock market index.
Deceleration of droplets that glide along the free surface of a bath

A droplet obliquely impacting a bath surface of the same fluid can traverse along the interface while slowing at an exponential rate. The droplet rests on a thin film of air, deforms the bath surface creating a dimple and travels along the surface similarly to a wave pulse. Viscous coupling of the droplet and bath surfaces through the air film leads to viscous drag on the bath and perturbs the wave motion of the otherwise free surface. Even though the Reynolds numbers are greater than unity ( ), we show that the droplet’s deceleration is only due to viscous coupling through the air gap. The rate of deceleration is found to increase linearly with droplet diameter.
Use of Micro-Scenarios to Reduce the Effects of Simulator Sickness in Training Intervention Studies

Older drivers are overrepresented in intersection crashes primarily because they fail to scan for potential threat vehicles after they enter a stop-controlled intersection. Existing simulator-based older driver training programs double the frequency of secondary glances that older drivers take up to two years after training. However, the simulator sickness dropout rate for this training is 40%. Two contributing factors to simulator sickness are 1) configuration of the driving simulator, and 2) duration of continuous simulator training. In this experiment, 91 older drivers were assigned to one of five groups: 3 simulator training groups, one passive training group, and one control group. Simulator training sessions were broken into segments of only 30-45 s in length. The effectiveness of the training was evaluated in the field. The most effective training was on a 3 screen simulator which doubled the frequency of secondary glances in the field and reduced simulator drop-out rates to 14.3%.
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1)

This chapter summarizes the transition of medical care from pediatric to adult providers for adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The chapter includes a patient case, case discussion, and a complete didactic section that covers the definition and epidemiology of the disease and potential microvascular and macrovascular complications of uncontrolled diabetes and their recommended screening. Furthermore, the chapter highlights several common coexisting conditions in emerging adults with diabetes, including mood disorders, disordered eating, and other accompanying autoimmune diseases. Critical issues in caring for emerging adults with diabetes are also discussed, including substance use, sexual health and preconception planning, financial barriers to transition and health insurance, preparation for changing living situations, and entering the work force or college. The chapter also provides multiple resources for the pediatric and adult health care team as well as the patient and family to help prepare and empower the emerging adult with diabetes for the transition to adult medical care.
Simultaneous Independent Control of Tool Axial Force and Temperature in Friction Stir Processing

Maintaining consistent tool depth relative to the part surface is a critical requirement for many friction stir processing (FSP) applications. Force control is often used with the goal of obtaining a constant weld depth. When force control is used, if weld temperature decreases, flow stress increases and the tool is pushed up. If weld temperature increases, flow stress decreases and the tool dives. These variations in tool depth and weld temperature cause various types of weld defects. Robust temperature control for FSP maintains a commanded temperature through control of the spindle axis only. Robust temperature control and force control are completely decoupled in control logic and machine motion. This results in stable temperature, force and tool depth despite the presence of geometric and thermal disturbances. Performance of this control method is presented for various weld paths and alloy systems.
Gastrointestinal manifestations associated with systemic sclerosis: results from the nationwide inpatient sample.

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. The prevalence of different gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations has been investigated in multiple, but mainly small, retrospective studies. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and risk for a broad spectrum of GI disorders and malignancies in a large sample of inpatients with SSc in the United States. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis using the 2010-2011 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS). SSc patients were identified by ICD-9-CM code 710.1. Non-SSc patients (“controls”) were matched to cases 4:1 by age and sex. We examined demographics, clinical characteristics, and a range of GI conditions. Results From 15,824,031 total patients, 13,633 cases of SSc were matched to 54,532 controls. The prevalence of GI manifestations among SSc patients was 59.24% compared to 29.96% for controls (P<0.0001). Significantly elevated GI manifestations in SSc patients included dysphagia (4.3% vs. 1.9%, P<0.0001), esophageal reflux (34.8% vs. 15.4%, P<0.0001), Barrett’s esophagus (1.7% vs. 0.3%, P<0.0001), constipation (6% vs. 4.6%, P<0.0001), diarrhea (4.5% vs. 2.4%, P<0.0001), fecal incontinence (0.4% vs. 0.2%, P<0.0001), and celiac disease (0.2% vs. 0%, P<0.0001). Some GI disorders were significantly lower in SSc patients, including cholelithiasis (1.6% vs. 2.1%, P<0.0001) and GI malignancies (1% vs. 2.2%, P<0.0001). Conclusions Our results emphasize the established association between SSc and esophageal disorders, such as dysphagia and reflux disease. Our analysis indicated a significant positive association between SSc and celiac disease, and a negative association between SSC and cholelithiasis. Keywords Gastrointestinal manifestations, systemic sclerosis, prevalence, HCUP, comorbidities Ann Gastroenterol 2017; 30 (5): 498-503
Hearing loss in children with growth hormone deficiency.

Abstract Objective Although insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been shown to be important for inner-ear development in animal models, little is known about the otologic and audiologic findings of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The goal of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, type, and severity of hearing impairment in children with GHD. Methods Audiologic, otologic, and demographic data were recorded for children with a diagnosis of GHD in the AudGen database. Data for each patient were selected based on the first encounter with available complete audiometric data or the first encounter with a type of hearing loss documented. The patients were then stratified by type and severity of hearing loss, and otologic issues were documented. A separate cohort comprised of children with GHD without hearing loss was compared as a control. Results 209 children with GHD met inclusion criteria. 173 (83%) of these patients had hearing loss. 79% of losses were bilateral and 21% were unilateral (309 total ears with hearing loss). 293 of the 309 ears with hearing loss had audiograms with ear-specific thresholds; 47 had conductive, 24 had sensorineural, 65 had mixed and 157 had undefined hearing loss with incomplete audiograms. Pure-tone averages (PTA) were higher among patients with mixed hearing loss compared to patients with all other loss types. Conclusion Hearing loss is prevalent in children with GHD with a predisposition to be bilateral. These findings suggest the need for increased awareness and routine hearing screening for patients with GHD. Further studies may elucidate the etiology of the hearing impairment in children with GHD to better aid pediatricians, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists and audiologists when assessing and managing these children.
Dissolved organic matter retention in volcanic soils with contrasting mineralogy: a column sorption experiment

There is an increasing recognition that sorption and precipitation reactions between the dissolved phase of organic matter and reactive minerals and metals found in soils are an important carbon stabilization mechanism. We explored the relative importance of this sorption mechanism with pedological shifts in soil properties by conducting a dissolved organic matter leaching/sorption experiment using intact soil cores from a substrate/age gradient in Hawai’i. In the subsurface horizons, sorption of dissolved organic carbon was often positively correlated short-range ordered (SRO) mineral content, with sorption rates approaching 100% when SRO minerals dominated. Dissolved organic matter sorption in the presence of SRO minerals was highly selective towards aromatic compounds, consistent with prior nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy conducted on carbon found in SRO rich mineral soil. In subsurface horizons where SRO content was low (youngest and oldest sites in the chronosequence), sorption was also found to be high but much less selective, more reversible and more degradable indicating that different stabilization mechanisms are operative. These experimental results provide further evidence for a direct mechanism by which volcanic soils are able to store disproportionately high amount of soil organic matter via retention of aromatic acids.
Association Between Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs and Sleep Quality in a Large College Student Sample

ABSTRACTObjective/Background: Poor sleep and nonmedical use (NMU) of prescription drugs (NMUPD) are both common among college students. Since lack of sleep adversely influences academic performance, this study examined the association between NMUPD and subjective sleep quality among college students. Participants: Students who completed the American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment data (Fall 2010, Spring 2011; N = 135,874). Methods: Associations were examined between NMUPD in four classes over the past 12 months (antidepressant, painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants), and five aspects of sleep quality (Enough Sleep, Early Awakening, Daytime Sleepiness, Difficulty Falling Asleep, and Problem With Daytime Sleepiness) in the past seven days. Results: Any NMUPD (at least one class), NMU of stimulants specifically, and NMU of painkillers specifically were associated with getting fewer days of Enough Sleep (OR: 0.86, 0.93, and 0.84 respectively), more days of Early Awakening (OR: ...
Interlayer diffusion of surface segregating additives to improve the isotropy of fused deposition modeling products

Abstract It is well known that 3D printed parts prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM) exhibit large anisotropy of mechanical properties. For instance, the mechanical properties observed of samples printed orthogonal to the print bed (transverse) are significantly weaker than those printed parallel to the bed (longitudinal). This behavior is a result of poor interlayer adhesion from limited diffusion and entanglement of chains across the interlayer interface. To improve the diffusion and entanglement of adjacent layers, our group has implemented a process in which bimodal blends comprised of a parent, high molecular weight polymer blended with an identical but low molecular weight (LMW) polymer is utilized. These bimodal blends lead to significant enhancements in the mechanical properties of samples printed in the transverse orientation. Additionally, the moduli, regardless of print orientation, become nearly identical, indicating a more isotropic part. To more fully understand this behavior, we report the impact of LMW architectures on the improvement of structural properties of 3D printed parts. The decrease in anisotropy of mechanical properties of PLA bimodal blends containing 2-arm (linear), 3-arm and 4-arm PLA stars (Mw of arm- ∼11 k) at loadings of 3, 10, and 15 mol% are tested under the same protocol as previous linear specimens. With the addition of just 3 mol% of each LMW additive, increases in the maximum stress from 15% to 100% are observed for samples printed in the transverse orientation. A significant improvement in layer adhesion and a significantly more isotropic part is thus realized, where the 3-arm star exhibits optimal performance. Interpretation of the data presented leads to the conclusion that this is true because the 3-arm star most efficiently diffuses to the inter-filament interface and entangles with the linear polymer.
Using Test Ranges to Improve Symbolic Execution

Symbolic execution is a powerful systematic technique for checking programs, which has received a lot of research attention during the last decade. In practice however, the technique remains hard to scale. This paper introduces SynergiSE, a novel approach to improve symbolic execution by tackling a key bottleneck to its wider adoption: costly and incomplete constraint solving. To mitigate the cost, SynergiSE introduces a succinct encoding of constraint solving results, thereby enabling symbolic execution to be distributed among different workers while sharing and re-using constraint solving results among them without having to communicate databases of constraint solving results. To mitigate the incompleteness, SynergiSE introduces an integration of complementary approaches for testing, e.g., search-based test generation, with symbolic execution, thereby enabling symbolic execution and other techniques to apply in tandem. Experimental results using a suite of Java programs show that SynergiSE presents a promising approach for improving symbolic execution.
An institution-wide algorithm for direct-stick embolization of peripheral venous malformations.

Abstract Objective No standardized therapeutic algorithm or embolic agent of choice has yet been identified for management of congenital peripheral venous malformations (VMs). Treatment options and reported outcomes therefore vary widely. Herein, we present an institution-wide algorithm for management of symptomatic congenital peripheral VMs using a single embolotherapeutic modality. Methods During 36 months, patients with symptomatic congenital peripheral VMs underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Hematologic monitoring for localized intravascular coagulopathy was performed in all. Perioperative anticoagulation was administered accordingly. When applicable, venous duplex ultrasound was performed to assess for presence and patency of a deep venous system and superficial venous reflux. If superficial venous reflux was identified, radiofrequency ablation was performed per standard protocol before or at the time of initial embolization. Direct-stick embolizations (DSEs) were performed by a single operator using two concentrations (1% and 3%) of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS; Sotradecol; AngioDynamics, Latham, NY) without foam preparation. Patients were followed up clinically for resolution of symptoms, coagulopathic monitoring, and development of complications. All data were prospectively maintained and retrospectively reviewed. Results There were 71 DSEs performed in 40 patients (1.8 procedures per patient [range, 1-8]; 12 male patients; mean age, 22 years [range, 2-53 years]). Mean follow-up was 17.1 months (range, 0.8-31.6 months). Presenting symptoms included pain (n = 40 [100%]), swelling (n = 36 [90%]), and cosmetic disfigurement (n = 32 [80%]). Anatomic distribution was upper extremity (n = 16 [23%]), lower extremity (n = 37 [52%]), head and neck (n = 7 [10%]), trunk (n = 10 [14%]), and visceral (n = 1 [1%]). There were 33 sporadic cases, 4 (10%) Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome cases, 2 (5%) blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome cases, and 1 (2.5%) CLOVES (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevus, and skeletal deformities) syndrome case. Four patients presented with localized intravascular coagulopathy, two of whom required perioperative enoxaparin. Twenty-six patients (65%) required a single DSE session with complete symptom relief. Fourteen patients (35%) required repeated DSE. Two patients (5%) required adjunctive surgical excision. There was one postoperative death (1.4%) secondary to massive pulmonary embolism. Complications were otherwise limited to skin necrosis (n = 2 [3%]). Mean volume of sclerosant per session was 7 mL of 1% STS (range, 3-14 mL), and 15 mL of 3% STS (range, 3-42.5 mL). Conclusions In the absence of allergic reactions, most congenital peripheral VMs can be safely embolized with liquid STS, thereby avoiding the well-documented toxicity of ethanol. Venous thromboembolism remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in this population of patients despite close hematologic scrutiny. Prospective randomized trials are needed for embolotherapeutic standardization.
Use of nanoindentation phase characterization and homogenization to estimate the elastic modulus of heterogeneously decalcified cement pastes

Abstract Nanoindentation phase characterization is used with a homogenization method to estimate the macroscopic response of heterogeneous, multiphase materials with large chemically-induced gradients from their measured micromechanical properties. The method was applied to predict the macroscopic response of a non-uniformly degraded cement paste from leaching-induced decalcification by ammonium nitrate under 3-dimensional exposure conditions. Coupled nanoindentation with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy constitutive phase elemental analysis was used to link the mechanical response at each nanoindentation location to chemical composition and relate the mechanical phases identified statistically by Gaussian deconvolution to the chemical phases present in the microstructure. The nanoindentation phase characterization-based micro-macroscale upscaling method provided quantitative characterization of the relationship between microstructure evolution and mechanical properties as a function of chemical changes. The calculated homogenized elastic moduli of the reference and decalcified cement pastes ranged from 24.2–31.2 GPa and 9.2–11.7 GPa, respectively, and were of similar magnitude to the dynamic elastic moduli measured experimentally (31.1 ± 0.9 GPa and 13.7 ± 1.7 GPa, respectively). Furthermore, the degradation of the cement paste macroscale elastic modulus was controlled by the decalcification of the calcium-silicate-hydrate phases and the mechanical properties of the most prominent zone of the material.
The Physical Examination as Ritual: Social Sciences and Embodiment in the Context of the Physical Examination.

The privilege of examining a patient is a skill of value beyond its diagnostic utility. A thorough physical examination is an important ritual that benefits patients and physicians. The concept of embodiment helps one understand how illness and pain further define and shape the lived experiences of individuals in the context of their race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Understanding ritual in medicine, including the placebo effects of such rituals, reaffirms the centrality of the physical examination to the process of building strong physician-patient relationships.
Animal Models of Muscular Dystrophy

The muscular dystrophies (MDs) represent a diverse collection of inherited human disorders, which affect to varying degrees skeletal, cardiac, and sometimes smooth muscle (Emery, 2002). To date, more than 50 different genes have been implicated as causing one or more types of MD (Bansal et al., 2003). In many cases, invaluable insights into disease mechanisms, structure and function of gene products, and approaches for therapeutic interventions have benefited from the study of animal models of the different MDs (Arnett et al., 2009). The large number of genes that are associated with MD and the tremendous number of animal models that have been developed preclude a complete discussion of each in the context of this review. However, we summarize here a number of the more commonly used models together with a mixture of different types of gene and MD, which serves to give a general overview of the value of animal models of MD for research and therapeutic development.
Effective Gas/Liquid Contact Area of Packing for CO2 absoprtion/stripping

Publisher Summary A typical application of low-pressure absorption using packing columns is carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. CO2 absorption by aqueous solutions occurs by mass transfer with chemical reaction in the liquid boundary layer. In carbon dioxide absorption, the rate of mass transfer primarily depends on the gas/liquid contact area, not on mass transfer rates within the phases. This chapter presents a study that aims to describe a method for measuring directly the interfacial area using a well-known chemical absorption system, air/ CO2/caustic. In this study, an experimental technique has been developed that allows direct measurement of the contact area for gas/liquid contacting. To minimize the effect of gas phase mass transfer resistance and associated errors in the measured contact areas, a dilute caustic (0.1 N NaOH) solution is utilized. Effective gas/liquid contact areas for a variety of commercially significant random and structured packings, obtained from a 42-cm diameter scrubber, have been provided. The effects of liquid and gas rates and their influence on liquid spreading and rivulet formation have also been discussed.
Classification and Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmia using an ECG-based Ensemble Approach

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death, worldwide and in the United States. Approximately 30% of global deaths can be attributed to one form of CVD, including conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmia. In diagnosing CVD, electrocardiograms (ECG) are commonly used to measure and record the electrical activity of the heart. Their non-invasive, informative, and relatively simple nature allows for rapid deployment. However, because analysis of ECGs depends solely on a physician, ECG analysis becomes subjective, adding a potential layer of error to patient healthcare. Studies indicate that physicians often misread ECGs and disagree with each other’s interpretations. In order to develop an accurate and objective method for ECG analysis, this study evaluates various ensemble algorithms to design and create a supervised classification model. Several ensemble models were evaluated to derive one which correctly classifies CVD with sufficiently high accuracy. A boosted decision tree ensemble created to evaluate cardiac condition performs best, with an overall accuracy of 84.6% and an AUC of 0.828.
ADVERSE LIFE EVENTS, PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITY, AND BIOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN AN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE SAMPLE OF POSTPARTUM WOMEN

Background Race, psychiatric history, and adverse life events have all been independently associated with Postpartum Depression (PPD). However, the role these play together in Black and Latina women remains inadequately studied. Therefore, we performed a case-control study of PPD, including comprehensive assessments of symptoms and biomarkers, while examining the effects of genetic ancestry. Methods We recruited our sample (549 cases, 968 controls) at six weeks postpartum from obstetrical clinics in North Carolina. PPD status was determined using the MINI-plus. Psychiatric history was extracted from medical records. Participants were administered self-report instruments to assess depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and adverse life events. Levels of estradiol, progesterone, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), oxytocin, and allopregnanalone were assayed. Principal components from genotype data were used to estimate genetic ancestry and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PPD. Results This population was racially diverse (68% Black, 13% Latina, 18% European). Case status was predicted by a history of major depression (p=4.01E-14), lifetime anxiety disorder diagnosis (p=1.25E-34), and adverse life events (p=6.06E-06). Genetic ancestry was not a predictor of PPD. There were no significant differences between groups in any hormones or neurosteroids. Discussion Psychiatric comorbidity and multiple exposures to adverse life events were significant predictors of PPD in a population of minority and low-income women. Genetic ancestry and hormone levels were not predictive of case status. Increased genetic vulnerability in conjunction with risk factors may predict the onset of PPD, whereas genetic ancestry does not appear predictive.
Reducing the discrepancies between the Aerodynamic Gradient Method and other micrometeorological approaches for measuring fumigant emissions

Abstract Observations of fumigant and pesticide emissions are needed for multiple public health and environmental protection mandates. The aerodynamic gradient method (ADM) is commonly used to measure fumigant and pesticide emissions. However, the ADM may over estimate emissions compared to other micrometeorological and modeling approaches, which would increase uncertainty over the true flux estimate. Different studies with ADM have also used multiple differing transport functions that relate concentration gradients to emissions. Therefore, we tested different and more recent transport functions to try to correct the anticipated observed higher values with ADM using observations from two sites in California, USA. We evaluated different transport functions against eddy covariance observations and found that using the functions developed by Hogstrom (1996) corrected the ADM values to be in line with other observational methods. For the Fresno experiment, cumulative emission masses from the ADM- Hogstrom functions were within 7% of other approaches while the Pruitt function was >15% higher. Applying the Hogstrom functions to a series of previous fumigation experiments in California saw reductions in the ADM observations of >25% for cumulative mass emissions. The results indicate that the Hogstrom functions should be used for future ADM experiments in the absence of more robust transport factors for local meteorological conditions. The results also illustrate how previous ADM observations could be corrected to reduce uncertainty in flux emissions estimates.
Seasonal physiology and growth of planted oaks with implications for bottomland hardwood restoration

Afforestation and reforestation of once dominant bottomland hardwood forests in the southeastern United States can provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. However, challenges of prior site conditions, seasonal flooding, soil texture and lack of nearby seed sources can necessitate planting of seedlings to achieve desirable results, particularly for large-seeded species like oaks. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare growth and survival of two species of oaks common to southeastern and bottomland hardwood forests, cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) and willow oak (Quercus phellos L.) from 1-0 bareroot, conventional container (0.24 L) and large container (3.8 L) planting stocks across two growing seasons. Additionally, we sought to compare physiology across seedling types to determine the underlying differences in functioning that led to the growth responses. Despite above average rainfall, growth was modest particularly at the site that was previously pasture land and for willow oak which also exhibited net dieback. Two-year survival was adequate (> 75%) for bareroot and large container seedlings but was suboptimal (~ 50%) for conventional container seedlings. Large container seedlings had about 40% higher photosynthetic rates and 70% higher water use efficiencies compared to bareroot and conventional container seedlings. Cherrybark oak exhibited greater stomatal regulation across the growing season than willow oak, however all seedling types displayed increased stomatal conductance and decreased water use efficiency throughout the growing season. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of matching species to site conditions and providing competition control particularly on grassland sites and during above average rainfall conditions.
E-Cigarette Use and Future Cigarette Initiation Among Never Smokers and Relapse Among Former Smokers in the PATH Study.

Objectives:Any potential harm-reduction benefit of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) could be offset by nonsmokers who initiate e-cigarette use and then smoke combustible cigarettes. We examined...
Matching Returning Donors to Projects on Philanthropic Crowdfunding Platform

We propose an approach to match returning donors to fundraising campaigns on philanthropic crowdfunding platforms. Our approach is based on a structural econometric model of utility-maximizing donors who can derive both altruistic (from the welfare of others) and egoistic (from personal motivations) utilities from donating--a unique feature of philanthropic giving. We estimate our model using a comprehensive dataset from DonorsChoose.org--the largest crowdfunding platform for K-12 education. We find that the proposed model more accurately identifies the projects that donors would like to donate to on their return in a future period, and how much they would donate, than popular personalized recommendation approaches in the literature. From the estimated model, we find that primarily egoistic factors motivate over two-thirds of the donations, but, over the course of the fundraising campaign both motivations play a symbiotic role: egoistic motivations drive the funding in the early stages of a campaign when the viability of the project is still unclear, whereas altruistic motivations help reach the funding goal in the later stages. Finally, we design a recommendation policy using the proposed model to maximize the total funding each week considering the needs of all projects and the heterogeneous budgets and preferences of donors. We estimate that over the last fourteen weeks of the data period, such a policy would have raised 2.5% more donation, provided 9% more funding to the projects by allocating them to more viable projects, funded 17% more projects, and provided 15% more utility to the donors from the donations than the current system. Counterintuitively, we find that the policy that maximizes total funding each week leads to higher utility for the donors over time than a policy that maximizes donors' total utility each week. The reason is that the funding-maximizing policy focuses donations on more viable projects, leading to more funded projects, and, ultimately, higher realized donors' utility.
Early Parental Death and Cognitive Impairment in Late Life: A Cohort Study.

The burden of dementia in China is expected to increase dramatically. This study aimed to estimate the potential impact of early parental death on cognitive functioning in late life and whether edu...
Wearables Meet IoT: Synergistic Personal Area Networks (SPANs)

Wearable monitoring and mobile health (mHealth) revolutionized healthcare diagnostics and delivery, while the exponential increase of deployed “things” in the Internet of things (IoT) transforms our homes and industries. “Things” with embedded activity and vital sign sensors that we refer to as “smart stuff” can interact with wearable and ambient sensors. A dynamic, ad-hoc personal area network can span multiple domains and facilitate processing in synergistic personal area networks—SPANs. The synergy of information from multiple sensors can provide: (a) New information that cannot be generated from existing data alone, (b) user identification, (c) more robust assessment of physiological signals, and (d) automatic annotation of events/records. In this paper, we present possible new applications of SPANs and results of feasibility studies. Preliminary tests indicate that users interact with smart stuff—in our case, a smart water bottle—dozens of times a day and sufficiently long to collect vital signs of the users. Synergistic processing of sensors from the smartwatch and objects of everyday use may provide user identification and assessment of new parameters that individual sensors could not generate, such as pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure. As a result, SPANs facilitate seamless monitoring and annotation of vital signs dozens of times per day, every day, every time the smart object is used, without additional setup of sensors and initiation of measurements. SPANs creates a dynamic “opportunistic bubble” for ad-hoc integration with other sensors of interest around the user, wherever they go. Continuous long-term monitoring of user’s activity and vital signs can provide better diagnostic procedures and personalized feedback to motivate a proactive approach to health and wellbeing.
DOES A VALUE-ADDED TAX INCREASE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY?

Theory predicts that a value‐added tax (VAT) is an efficient tax system, which is one of the primary reasons for its rapid adoption worldwide. However, there is little empirical evidence supporting this prediction, especially for developing countries. I estimate the efficiency gains of introducing a VAT using the synthetic control method. I find that a VAT has, on average, positive and economically meaningful impact on economic efficiency. This result, however, is driven by richer countries only. There is no significant impact of the VAT on poorer countries. The findings are robust across a series of placebo studies and sensitivity checks. (JEL H20, H25, O40, E6)
The influence of anomalous diffusion on the impedance response of LiCoO2|C batteries

A process model for impedance analysis was developed in the context of reactions and transport processes that were hypothesized to govern the performance of the Li-ion battery. At the carbon electrode, lithium ions and solvent were considered to react to form a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). In addition, lithium ions were assumed to diffuse through the SEI to intercalate into the graphene layers. As these two processes involve an addition of currents, the corresponding impedances were considered to be in parallel. Anomalous diffusion of lithium ions was invoked at the LiCoO2 electrode to account for the low-frequency line that had a slope steeper than that predicted by ordinary diffusion. This model was fit to all impedance data collected. The model provided a good description for impedance of batteries under normal operating potentials and temperatures. The contribution of anomalous diffusion was diminished at elevated temperatures, suggesting that the free-energy well associated with anomalous or sticky diffusion was shallow.
Identifying Habitat Holdouts for High Elevation Tree Species Under Climate Change

High elevation tree species are at great risk of decline under climate change—particularly in ranges below tree line where upslope movement is not possible —as warmer temperatures reduce snowpack and increase evaporative demand. Forecasting future locations of persistence is key to the conservation of those species. In this study, we had two major objectives: 1) to determine the potential decline in the extent of three montane conifers in California, USA, and 2) to assess how model resolution affected our estimates of decline and whether this could inform identifying potential holdouts. To do so, we forecast forest dynamics, disturbances, and future distributions of three montane conifer species under a changing climate in the Klamath Mountains using the LANDIS-II forest simulation model. Simulations were run under two grain sizes, 0.81 ha and 7.29 ha cells, and four GCMs representing three relative concentration pathways. The area occupied by the three montane conifers declined by the end of the 21st century, with only a few areas where the species were able to persist. Higher levels of climate forcing resulted in greater declines. Moreover, higher temperatures reduced tree regeneration although adult populations persisted despite the climate disequilibrium. Model resolution but did not alter the overall trend of decline. These species were projected to remain in only a few limited areas by the end of the century, but because these species are widely dispersed on the larger landscape, managers must consider trade-offs between local and broader conservation efforts and consider the current and potential range of these conifers throughout the west.