cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How to Revitalize a Small Rural Town? An Empirical Study of Factors for Success. University-Community Collaboration with a Small Historic Rural Tourism Town

Since the 2008 downturn in the economy many small rural towns and their business owners have struggled to survive, especially if tourism has been their key economic driver. As a result, many communities are engaged in revitalization efforts to renew and restore their town to its former prominence as a viable community economically. This article examines the strategies and benefits of the formation of a university-community partnership formed to assist a small historic rural tourism town in the southern Appalachian region of the United States that has suffered significantly since the 2008 recession, and the collaboration efforts undertaken to assist town officials in revitalizing their community. The article also discusses revitalization efforts being taken by the town. Keywords: rural towns, small towns, rural tourism towns, rural development, universities-community partnership
Mixing regimes and the scale up problem for multiphase flow in porous media

We examine fluid mixing dynamics for two-phase, immiscible flow in heterogeneous porous media. To assess the combined effect of nonlinear flow instability and heterogeneity, we solve the model problem numerically, using large suites of realizations of stochastically generated permeability fields. Different mixing regimes are identified, depending on the relative importance of nonlinearity in the flow equations and heterogeneity.
The Impact of Demographic Variables on Negotiators’ Problem-Solving Approach: A Two Country Study

The influence of demographic variables on the problem-solving approach in negotiation has been widely supported in the academic literature, but a majority of these studies have been limited to a single-cultural and/or Western-based context. To expand our understanding of this interrelationship at a cross-cultural level, this study examines gender, age, sales negotiation experience, tenure in the organization, and education level and their impact on the problem-solving behaviors of negotiators from two countries – the United States and Philippines. Our findings showed that none of the demographic variables influenced the problem-solving behaviors of Filipino negotiators. Gender, age and education did not affect American negotiators’ problem-solving behaviors. However, a u-shaped effect was found on sales negotiation experience and tenure in the organization for the American sample.
Computer-based information systems models. Perspectives for nursing.

A synthesis of theories from the management information systems (MIS) field provided the conceptual framework to describe how to design and develop effective computer-based information systems. An analysis of activities and interviews with nurse managers in a tertiary care medical center provided the basis for describing five major nursing department functions and the information requirements arising from those functions. The MIS framework was applied to the nursing department information requirements in order to derive MNIS, a normative model of a nursing information system, which was then used to “bench mark” the current status of commercially available nursing information systems. The researchers compared the MNIS with 28 nursing information systems that vendors are currently developing or marketing. The comparison revealed large gaps between nursing department needs and vendor-provided solutions.
Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex in Dyslexics

The prevalence of persistent tonic neck reflex (TNR) and motor difficulties was assessed in three groups of 41 children (aged 9-10 years) attending primary schools in N Ireland and correlated with reading difficulties, at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Intertrial reinforcement: A test of several hypotheses

A rewarded goalbox placement, when given following nonrewarded trials which precede rewarded trials, has been found to eliminate or at least reduce the partial reinforcement effect. While this finding has been taken to support the sequential hypothesis, two similar but independent nonsequential hypotheses have been suggested to explain the placement effect. The rewarded placements were given here so as to provide a test of the sequential vs nonsequential interpretations. The nonsequential view was not supported. It was suggested that on placement trials the S makes an instrumental response. On the basis of this assumption, it was possible to explain a variety of placement findings in sequential terms.
Evaluation of Radiation Exposure from an Automated Tc-99m Dispensing System

Fingertip exposures using mini-thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were obtained from an automated technetium dispenser and were compared to the exposures obtained from manual preparation of doses—including generator elution, kit preparation, syringe filling, and individual dose assays. The automated dispenser reduces radiation exposure four-fold compared to the manual use of syringe shields, and fourteen-fold compared to unshielded syringes. Although the device had some limitations, research into this type of device should be continued.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Argatroban Can Be Differentiated from Other Direct Thrombin Receptors. Experimental and Clinical Observations.

Abstract Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI's) such as the argatroban, bivalirudin and hirudin are currently used in the anticoagulant management of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). All of these agents are administered via parenteral (IV) continuous infusion, to maintain a APTT of 1.5–2.5 times the baseline. The relative potency of these agents is usually expressed in terms of the inhibition of thrombin in the amidolytic and clot based assays. Moreover, some of these agents are also capable of inhibiting thrombin generation in plasmatic and whole blood assays which may of may not be proportional to their antithrombin effects. Because of the structural and molecular differences these DTI's are capable of additional pharmacologic effects such as the vasomodulation, anti-inflammatory and cellular modulatory effects. Previous reports have described the effects of argatroban on the endogenous upregulation of nitric oxide. However, such information on bivalirudin and hirudin is not available. Since endogenously generated nitric oxide (NO) may modulate platelet and cellular activation processes, plasma samples collected from HIT patients treated with standard IV infusion regimen of argatroban (n=10), bivalirudin (n=7) and hirudin (n=14) were profiled for NO levels measured by using a chemilluminescence method (Sievers, Boulder, CO). Such markers of inflammation as the myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD 40 ligand (CD 40L) were also measured using ELISA methods. Blood plasma samples were collected at baseline (pretreatment) and 3 days after treatment. The control group was comprised of 50 adult normal male and female volunteers. The circulating levels of MPO and CD 40L, at baseline, did not significantly differ among the different treatment groups. However, these markers were relatively higher in comparison to the control group. The MPO and CD 40L levels were not significantly decreased after treatment with bivalirudin and hirudin. In the argatroban treated group, these markers were significantly decreased (p Group MPO (ng/ml) CD 40L (pg/ml) NO (μM) Pre Post Pre Post Pre Post Argatroban 98±12 41±9 170±80 90±36 39±12 43±15 Bivalirudin 81±16 66±20 210±60 190±68 46±15 45±16 Hirudin 90±16 75±16 198±12 230±60 37±11 31±12 Normals 27±12 27±12 78±12 78±12 19±16 19±16
Sensor Fusion in Transportation Infrastructure Systems Using Belief Functions

Civil infrastructure systems such as bridges, buildings, highways and dams play a crucial role in today’s socio-economic development. Constructing these exacts a heavy financial toll and even more important is maintaining them at an acceptable level of performance over the design period. Several methods are employed today in infrastructure health monitoring from simple visual inspection to complex image analysis in order to detect flaws in a timely manner and take appropriate steps to mitigate any adverse effects. The present era of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology have the potential to greatly impact infrastructure monitoring even revolutionizing the whole process. Tiny microsensors with remote telemetry capability can be embedded in a structure to monitor its health and performance in real-time or quasi real-time. One of the issues to grapple with is that doing so will generate abundant data from different sources with inherent problems like data conflict, data incompleteness, or other forms of uncertainty which need to be addressed appropriately. The objective of this research is to expound sensors and sensor networks and their impacts on civil infrastructure systems; highlight the strengths of the Belief Function method and its application in sensor fusion for transportation infrastructure systems. This work shows how sensors for monitoring infrastructure can be described in a graphical model framework with the individual sensors representing the nodes. The resulting graphical model is then solved using the Belief Function approach.
Do Educational Seminars for the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Improve Attitudes Toward the Value of Vaccination

Abstract Study Objective This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and effect of educational seminars given at 2 sites in north central Florida on the knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV), perceived barriers to HPV vaccination, and willingness to vaccinate against HPV in eligible patients. Design, Setting, and Participants This study was performed in conjunction with the Committee for the Healthcare of Underserved Women, District XII, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. One hundred participants, ages 18-65 years, were included in the study. Interventions Community outreach educational seminars, approximately 30 minutes in length, were given at 2 sites in Gainesville, Florida. Main Outcomes Measures Before and after seminar surveys were given to evaluate the effect of the seminars on knowledge of HPV, willingness to vaccinate against HPV, and barriers to vaccination. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in the willingness to accept the HPV vaccine and an improvement in knowledge of several HPV-related facts. There was a statistically significant decrease in several perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. Conclusion This study illustrates the utility of educational seminars in patients' acceptance of health care options. Improving the educational opportunities of patients and families in relation to the HPV vaccine has the opportunity to make a significant outcome on vaccination rates.
Pop Goes the Universe.

The article examines astrophysical research as of 2017, including growing evidence disproving the inflationary theory of the early cosmos. Particular focus is given to the big bang theory. Additional topics discussed include how cosmologists might reassess how the universe may have began, results on the topic from the satellite Planck and ramifications of the findings at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Defining the Risk: Benefit Ratio of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Cancer Patients

Abstract Introduction: VTE affects 1.6-1.8/1000 hospitalized patients per year; active cancer increases the rate of VTE 6-fold. Despite the high risk of VTE, studies show cancer patients receive inpatient VTE prophylaxis at a lower rate than general medical patients. In addition, VTE prophylaxis is often held for a platelet value of Methods: The Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium, a 49 hospital quality collaborative, has prospectively collected data on VTE risk factors and outcomes in medical patients > 18 years of age. Exclusion criteria include surgical patients, pregnancy, admission to the ICU or for palliative care, therapeutic anticoagulation, diagnosis of acute thrombus, history of VTE within 6 months, and length of stay Results: Between 7/2012-7/2015, 86,634 admissions were captured in the cohort; 70,086 were eligible for VTE prophylaxis and included in this analysis. 22% of cases had a diagnosis of cancer. Table 1 . Demographics on Admission Cancer (n= 15,166), % General Medicine (n=54,920), % p Race (Caucasian) 82.3 74.3 Age mean yrs (SD) 72.5 (14.4) 63.7 (18.8) Gender (female) 53.6 56.5 Central Line 17.8 4.1 History of VTE 7.6 5.3 Caprini risk score ≥ 5 88.1 35.8 Charleston Index mean (SD) 5.1 (2.5) 2.1 (2.0) Ever Smoked 59.6 56.3 Obese 29.3 37.1 Surgery w/in 30 days 3.6 2.1 Trauma w/in 30 days 0.3 0.4 0.01 Of cancer admissions, 89.5% had solid tumors, 13.5% hematologic malignancies, 3.4% both and 20% metastatic disease. Active treatment for cancer was delivered 12 mo in 44.4% and no treatment or unknown in 20.3%. When compared to general medical admissions, cancer admissions were more likely to receive VTE prophylaxis (72.16% vs 69.21%, p Table 2 . The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) to Prevent One VTE During Admission or 90 Days Post Discharge and Number Needed to Harm (NNH) to Cause One Major Bleed During Admission with Risk:Benefit Ratio (NNH:NNT) General Medicine Cancer NNT 1428 NNT 1000 NNH 2500 NNH 277.9 NNH:NNT 1.75 NNH:NNT 0.28 Conclusions: In this prospective inpatient cohort, we compared general medicine to cancer cases and found cancer admissions received VTE prophylaxis at a higher rate. This is different than previously reported data, likely due to the exclusion of patients with contraindications to prophylaxis. However, despite prophylaxis, cancer patients had a higher rate of VTE during admission and 90 days post discharge as well as more bleeding complications. The risk:benefit ratio of VTE prophylaxis is 6 times worse in cancer patients due to bleeding. While bleeding occurs more frequently in cancer patients with platelet count Disclosures Flanders: Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Society of Hospital Medicine: Consultancy; Wiley Publishing: Patents & Royalties; CDC Foundation: Research Funding; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: Research Funding; Michigan Hospital Association: Research Funding. Sood: Bayer: Research Funding.
Prosthetic reconstruction of the ear

Among the options for the reconstructive surgeon in repairing an auricular defect, prosthetics are often not strongly considered due to unfamiliarity with benefits and outcomes. In many patients who are poor surgical candidates or who do not wish a multistaged reconstruction, auricular prostheses can be an excellent option and should be discussed when counseling patients. Osseointegrated implant-retained prostheses are becoming more popular given the relative simplicity of the surgical procedure, reliable retention and orientation, and low complication rates. Adhesive-retained prostheses provide a nonsurgical option with good esthetic results. Studies have found successful long-term stability and improvements in quality of life.
Effects of piers on assemblage composition, abundance, and taxa richness of small epibenthic invertebrates

We examined the effects of two types of piers on composition, abundance, and diversity of small epibenthic invertebrates and on several taxa known to be important prey for juveniles of three species of Pacific salmon. Using an epibenthic pump, invertebrates were sampled under and away from piers. Piers located within a dense urban aggregation of overwater structures and ferry piers occurring singly in less urbanized landscapes negatively impacted small invertebrates. Except for polychaetes at ferry piers and the harpacticoid copepods Tisbe species at urban piers, taxa richness and densities of invertebrate groupings and several juvenile salmon prey taxa were significantly decreased underneath both pier types and also near the edge of ferry piers. Assemblage structure was also greatly influenced by piers, with under-pier assemblages dominated by Tisbe species and several other taxa, and assemblages outside piers characterized by many taxa. Many of the negatively impacted taxa are associates of algae and seagrasses that were reduced under the piers. For juvenile salmon and other fish, reducing shade under piers by adding light to the environment may improve habitat access and quality in areas where piers decrease fish feeding opportunities.
AppSAT: Approximately deobfuscating integrated circuits

In today's diversified semiconductor supply-chain, protecting intellectual property (IP) and maintaining manufacturing integrity are important concerns. Circuit obfuscation techniques such as logic encryption and IC camouflaging can potentially defend against a majority of supply-chain threats such as stealthy malicious design modification, IP theft, overproduction, and cloning. Recently, a Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) based attack, namely the SAT attack has been able to deobfuscate almost all traditional circuit obfuscation schemes, and as a result, a number of defense solutions have been proposed in literature. All these defenses are based on the implicit assumption that the attacker needs a perfect deobfuscation accuracy which may not be true in many practical cases. Therefore, in this paper by relaxing the exactness constraint on deobfuscation, we propose the AppSAT attack, an approximate deobfuscation algorithm based on the SAT attack and random testing. We show how the AppSAT attack can deobfuscate 68 out of the 71 benchmark circuits that were obfuscated with state-of-the-art SAT attack defenses with an accuracy of, n being the number of inputs. AppSAT shows that with current SAT attack defenses there will be a trade-off between exact-attack resiliency and approximation resiliency.
Absorption Spectra for Disordered Aggregates of Chromophores Using the Exciton Model

Optimizing the optical properties of large chromophore aggregates and molecular solids for applications in photovoltaics and nonlinear optics is an outstanding challenge. It requires efficient and reliable computational models that must be validated against accurate theoretical methods. We show that linear absorption spectra calculated using the molecular exciton model agree well with spectra calculated using time-dependent density functional theory and configuration interaction singles for aggregates of strongly polar chromophores. Similar agreement is obtained for a hybrid functional (B3LYP), a long-range corrected hybrid functional (ωB97X), and configuration interaction singles. Accounting for the electrostatic environment of individual chromophores in the parametrization of the exciton model with the inclusion of atomic point charges significantly improves the agreement of the resulting spectra with those calculated using all-electron methods; different charge definitions (Mulliken and ChelpG) yield s...
Street Culture and Gun Violence: Exploring the Reputation–Victimization Paradox

Anderson’s thesis of a code of the street has been broadly applied to the study of violence, but race- and gender-specific multilevel analyses of gun violence are scant within the literature. An unresolved debate also surrounds the link between violent victimization and adherence to street culture; underscored by an apparent reputation–victimization paradox among those who engage in street behaviors. The current study contributes to the literature by assessing the direct influence of incident setting and victim–offender familiarity on the likelihood of gun use by Black males in the course of aggravated assaults; and the degree to which the confluence of these factors is conditioned by levels of disadvantage and violence in the community. To accomplish this, we apply hierarchical generalized linear modeling to incident-level data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System in conjunction with contextual-level data from the counties in which the incidents are nested. Our findings suggest victim–offend...
The Adaptive Immune System and Liver Toxicity

The liver is continuously exposed to a large number of substances, including pathogens, xenobiotics, tumor cells and harmless dietary antigens. Infectious agents from systemic circulation need to be efficiently removed, whereas tolerance needs to be developed against the large number of antigens derived from the gastrointestinal tract. To respond to these challenges, the adaptive immune responses in the liver favor tolerance rather than immunity. However, when regulation of the immune system goes awry, the delicate balance of immunity and tolerance in the liver is compromised, which can result in immune-mediated liver injury. In this article, we review the current literature in which the pathogenesis of liver injury is advanced by adaptive immunity, specifically in cases of primary biliary cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Polluted Morality: Air Pollution Predicts Criminal Activity and Unethical Behavior

Air pollution is a serious problem that affects billions of people globally. Although the environmental and health costs of air pollution are well known, the present research investigates its ethical costs. We propose that air pollution can increase criminal and unethical behavior by increasing anxiety. Analyses of a 9-year panel of 9,360 U.S. cities found that air pollution predicted six major categories of crime; these analyses accounted for a comprehensive set of control variables (e.g., city and year fixed effects, population, law enforcement) and survived various robustness checks (e.g., balanced panel, nonparametric bootstrapped standard errors). Three subsequent experiments involving American and Indian participants established the causal effect of psychologically experiencing a polluted (vs. clean) environment on unethical behavior. Consistent with our theoretical perspective, results revealed that anxiety mediated this effect. Air pollution not only corrupts people’s health, but also can contamin...
Can we incorporate geriatric assessment in the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in older adults

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an uncommon disease. Approximately 14% of new ALL cases occur in adults aged 60 and over, and the three-year overall survival in this population is poor at 12.8%. Older adults with ALL are heterogeneous in terms of their underlying health status, which can make treatment selection challenging given the disease rarity and limited inclusion of older patients in clinical trials. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a compilation of tools to assess multiple domains such as physical function and cognition, and may assist in guiding treatment selection and supportive care interventions. However, studies on the use of CGA are limited in older adults with ALL. In this review, we discuss the utility of CGA in patients with various hematologic malignancies. Using two patient cases of ALL, we also describe how CGA may be use to guide treatment and supportive care interventions.
Genetic control of the immune response to staphylococcal nuclease in mice.

Genetic control of the immune response to staphylococcal nuclease in mice is detectable at several levels. At least one H-2-linked Ir gene controls 1) the relative proportions of antibodies to different determinants on nuclease when whole nuclease is the immunogen; 2) the immunogenicity of isolated fragments of nuclease, corresponding to the same regions or determinants; and 3) the T-lymphocyte proliferative response to nuclease and to its fragments. It is concluded that a model in which Ir-gene control is determined by the recognition by T lymphocytes of a single “carrier” determinant for the whole molecule does not adequately explain this system. Evidence is presented for the existence of more than one such H-2-linked Ir gene in the T-cell proliferative response. In addition, a non-H-2-linked gene(s) is described which controls the overall level of antibodies to nuclease, i.e., the aggregate of all the antibodies of different subspecificities which have in common that they bind to some part of the nuclease molecule. Evidence is also presented that T lymphocytes, as well as the receptors involved in Ir-gene function (whether or not these are T-lymphocyte receptors), are less sensitive to conformational differences between native nuclease and its isolated fragments than are the antibodies ultimately made. This insensitivity to conformation may reflect the recognition of determinants which are shorter or more flexible in the native state than those recognized by antibodies.
CHAPTER 11 – Ovulation

This chapter provides an overview of ovulation—a complicated path of molecular events initiated when luteinizing hormone (LH) couples with LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors located in the membranes of granulosa cells as well as theca cells of mature ovarian follicles. These G-protein-coupled receptors operate through cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathways to induce the expression of a repertoire of genes in granulosa cells that are associated with the up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Within this inflammatory blitz of up-regulated gene expression is the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, namely COX-2, which catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into several prostanoids including the vasodilatory prostaglandin E 2 . One known, critical site of prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2 ) action occurs during cell-enclosed oocyte complex (COC) expansion where this prostaglandin induces TSG-6, a factor that is obligatory for stabilizing the extracellular hyaluronan-rich COC matrix. A possible additional consequence of the biological action of prostaglandins is the hyperemic response that occurs during the first hours of the ovulatory process.
A new, software design based, financially responsible computer science major at a small liberal arts college

This paper describes a new computer science major at a small liberal arts college. This major emphasizes the theory and practice of software design and includes a two-semester research/capstone course. Given the historically cyclic demand for computer science, the curriculum has been designed to minimize the number of full-time faculty needed to support the program. The rationale for the curriculum decisions made and the challenges that lie ahead are discussed.
Clinical significance of CD34 expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The CD34 antigen was detected on > or = 10% of the blast cells in 235 (70%) of 335 cases of newly diagnosed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated in two consecutive chemotherapy trials. By immunophenotype, the distribution of positive cases favored early pre-B ALL (83%; n = 180) followed by pre-B ALL (61%; n = 89) and then T-cell ALL (46%; n = 61) (P 50 chromosomes or DNA index > or = 1.16). Event-free survival was clearly superior for patients with CD34+ leukemia (P = .01), with an estimated 83% +/- 6% (SE) of the cohort remaining free of adverse events at 5 years post diagnosis, as compared to 63% +/- 10% of the group without this feature. Multivariate analysis showed that the prognostic influence of the antigen was independent of age, leukocyte count, and other well-recognized factors, suggesting that it would add discriminatory power to current systems of risk assignment. Findings in T-cell ALL were the reverse: CD34 expression showed positive correlations with initial CNS leukemia and CD10 negativity but not with any good-risk presenting characteristics. Log-rank analysis indicated no adverse effect on treatment outcome by CD34 antigen expression, although additional patients with need to be studied to obtain a definitive answer. The opposed clinical associations of CD34 expression in B- and T-lineage ALL may reflect fundamental biologic differences between these leukemia species.
Delusions of Parasitosis in Geriatric Patients

Mrs. Jones is a 90-year-old Caucasian female, who was brought in to see you by her son for a 12-month history of chronic biting and stinging sensations all over her body. She had not observed any bugs to bite or sting her skin; however, the sensations she felt are those that could only be created by insects. As a result of being frequently bothered by these sensations, she repeatedly picked at her skin in places she was able to reach. She also reported retrieving several types of “materials” embedded in her skin. They often appeared as insect body parts and clear, coiled fibers, which she claimed “were shed from the bugs.” She had brought some of these objects in plastic zip-lock bags to the dermatology clinic and requested you to examine them as carefully as possible.
Species Distribution of Antigenic Sites on Mouse LDH-C4 Determined by Monoclonal Antibodies

LDH-C4 is the form of lactate dehydrogenase unique to sperm and testes. Antibodies to LDH-C4 do not bind the somatic forms of this enzyme. We are making monoclonal antibodies specific for antigenic determinants of mouse LDH-C4 and are using these antibodies as probes to identify determinants is common among several species. Spleen cells from SJL/J mice immunized with mouse LDH-C4 were fused with P3-X63-Ag8 myeloma cells and four hybrid cell lines generated using cell fusion techniques. Scatchaitf analyses established that the antibodies have high affinities (Ka = 109 M-1) for LDH-C4 and are monoclonal. These antibodies were tested for cross-reactivity with rat, hamster, rabbit and human LDH-C4 using competitive binding assays. Monoclonal antibody (1)B-6:G1 detects a determinant common to all five species. Antibody (3)F-11:F4 is specific for a determinant unique to mouse LDH-C4. Antibody (3)F-12:G8 binds to mouse, rat rabbit and human LDH-C4 and antibody (3)A-8:H10 reacts with LDH-C4 from the mouse, rat, hamster, and rabbit. These results verify that each antibody is directed against a different determinant of LDH-C4 and, in addition, provide useful information for determining the amount of structural homology among different species of LDH-C4. Supported by NIH Grants R01 HD05863 and T32 HD07068.
Why Flexibility Matters: Inequality and Contract Pluralism

In the decade since the Great Recession, various contract scholars have observed that one reason the financial crisis was so “great” was due in part to contract law—or, more precisely, the failures of contract law for not curbing the risky lending practices in the American housing market. However, there is another reason why contracts made that recession so great: contracts furthered inequality. In recent years, when economic inequality has become a dominant national conversation topic, we can see development of that inequality in the Great Recession. And indeed, contract law was complicit. While contractual flexibility and innovation were available to soften the blow of large commercial deals gone wrong during the crisis, residential mortgage defaults across the U.S. were subject to strict contractual formalism that led to severe consequences for those pursuing one of the hallmark prizes of the American Dream, homeownership. Specifically, cases during the Great Recession featured commercial parties relying on the gravity of the Great Recession as the reason why their contract breaches ought to be excused through doctrines such as impracticability. Although impracticability defenses premised on economic changes are usually unconvincing, commercial claimants during the Great Recession had some surprising successes and advantages in taking such positions. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of homeowners, whose abilities to honor their mortgage agreements were also hindered by the economic downturn, could not predicate their defaults on the crisis and get away with it. Instead, they were subject to rigid contract formalism. The entitlement to flexible and innovative excuse arguments seemed particularly exclusive to commercial claimants during the Great Recession. And contract law helped sustain that exclusivity. Therein lies the inequality. This Article’s ultimate goal is not to argue, like others already have, for the efficacy of expanding contract excuse doctrines in significant times of crisis. Instead, the heart of this Article’s investigation examines, using the example of impracticability arguments during the Great Recession, why commercial parties had more access to flexibility in contracts than others in order to point out how it resonates societally for contracts. Modern contract law furthered inequality when it could have been more instrumental in advancing social mobility and economic opportunity. Thus, this Article’s observations ultimately support the idea that rather than formalism, contract pluralism ought to be adopted in order to give contracts a more meaningful role in furthering a fair and just society.
Sarcoidosis of the peripheral nervous system.

AbstractThe clinical and electrophysiologic data of four new patients with sarcoidosis involving the peripheral nerves are presented and the subject is reviewed. Two had a symmetric polyneuropathy and two had polyradiculopathy. These plus the few cases in the literature indicate that the findings on electromyography are most consistent with axonal neuropathy; in a multifocal pattern. Needle electrolyography was more useful than nerve conduction studies in identifying lesions. [Neurol Res 1993; 15: 389-390]
Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Implantation for Vesicoureteral Reflux

Elmore and colleagues from Atlanta recently reported their experience with new contralateral vesicoureteral reflux (NCVUR) after endoscopic treatment of reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA), and another study by this group evaluated success rates after an initial Dx/HA treatment failure.
Introducing RDMA into computer networks course: design and experience

With rapid growth of data processing, computing, and communication in the architecture of High Performance Computing (HPC), traditional TCP/IP network cannot meet the increasing demand for high throughput and low latency, it becomes the bottleneck of the entire system due to data copying, which adds latency and consumes significant CPU usage. In contrast, RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) networks are widely deployed in HPC systems. They are able to move data directly between hosts without kernel intervention and data copying, thereby boosting host performance with high throughput, low latency, and low CPU overhead. Given these changes, it is important for students to understand how to utilize the features of RDMA networks. This paper integrates RDMA into the typical "Computer Networks" course. We emphasize hands-on experience and provide practice on the programming level and simulation level. The programming practice focuses on the data transfer. Students use RDMA APIs to transfer data between hosts, and compare the differences between RDMA and sockets. The simulation practice focuses on the RDMA network internals. Implementations of hardware and/or firmware mechanisms, which are generally opaque to users in the real world, will be explored in the simulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that presents experience with, and curriculum design of, the integration of RDMA into "Computer Networks" course.
Testing the MUSIC Model of Motivation Theory: Relationships Between Students’ Perceptions, Engagement, and Overall Ratings

The purposes of this study were to investigate the extent to which students’ course perceptions of the components of the MUSIC Model of Motivation (Jones, 2009, 2018) were related to their engagement in college courses and their instructor and course ratings. Participants included 285 college students who completed questionnaires once or twice during a course. The self-report scales demonstrated high internal reliability. The findings indicate that students’ MUSIC perceptions (i.e., perceptions of empowerment, usefulness, success, interest, and caring) were significantly related to their effort in the course, both when the variables were assessed at the same time point and when their effort was assessed at a later time point. These findings provide empirical evidence for relationships proposed in the MUSIC Model of Motivation theory. Students’ MUSIC perceptions were also related to their instructor and course ratings, both when the variables were assessed at the same time point and when their instructor and course ratings were assessed at a later time point. These findings are important for instructors because students’ MUSIC perceptions can be linked directly to categories of motivational strategies that can be used by instructors as they design instruction.
MAKING THE GO, NO-GO DECISION BASED ON NON-TRADITIONAL WEATHER PLANNING INFORMATION: THE CHALLENGE OF MEASURING THE IMPACTS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES ON PILOT’S WEATHER RELATED DECISION MAKING IN GENERAL AVIATION

This paper explores contemporary issues regarding the challenges of quantifying improved decision making and situational awareness as it is applied to emerging tools in aviation weather information dissemination. The authors explore the phenomena of increased/improved pilot decision making due to additional visual representation of visual weather data. General concepts such as past and present flight planning tools and procedures are discussed. Additionally, the authors explore the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Alaskan Weather Camera program as a potential case study for future exploration of these concepts. A pilot survey tool was created and administered to a small test population as a part of an undergraduate Aviation Psychology course assignment. Preliminary findings and suggestions for future research are presented.
Microscopic sensors using optical wireless integrated circuits

We present a platform for parallel production of standalone, untethered electronic sensors that are truly microscopic, i.e., smaller than the resolution of the naked eye. This platform heterogeneously integrates silicon electronics and inorganic microlight emitting diodes (LEDs) into a 100-μm-scale package that is powered by and communicates with light. The devices are fabricated, packaged, and released in parallel using photolithographic techniques, resulting in ∼10,000 individual sensors per square inch. To illustrate their use, we show proof-of-concept measurements recording voltage, temperature, pressure, and conductivity in a variety of environments.
Retinal vasculature of the pig. Light and electron microscope studies.

The retinal vasculature of the pig was examined in histological sections, in whole mounts, and by electron microscopy. The pig retina usually has four major retinal arteries and veins and a capillary network in multiple layers similar to those of the human. There is no macula, fovea or tapetum in the pig. The arteries and veins are composed of endothelial cells separated from several layers of smooth muscle fibers by basement membranes. The capillaries consist of endothelial cells which surround a small lumen and are, themselves, surrounded by a complete basement membrane which occasionally splits to surround a pericyte. The structure of the retinal vasculature of the pig is compared with that of the human.
Micro and macro drivers affecting adult literacy proficiency profiles across countries

This article analyses comparative data from the 1994–1998 International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) and the 2012 Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). At the micro level, the author considers factors involved in the development of an individual person’s literacy from a lifecycle perspective. At the macro level, he investigates trends in literacy proficiency profiles for countries that participated in both the IALS and PIAAC studies. In a number of countries, small average declines in literacy were recorded. This apparent stagnation in overall literacy at the population level in so many member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) merits a closer look at the trend data made available from IALS and PIAAC. The aim of this research is to understand the determinants of literacy proficiency in terms of (1) how they may be affecting the development of literacy from an individual lifecycle perspective, and (2) how they may be affecting the development of national profiles of literacy proficiency as countries’ sociodemographic compositions, sociocultural practices and economies change over time. There are few other comparative data like these that can help to improve insights on what drives the development and maintenance of literacy in adult populations. The data suggest that macro trends in literacy practices in work-related contexts may be on the decline, an impression the author discusses in relation to the observed stagnation in literacy profiles across many of the countries for which trend data are available. He considers the implications of his findings in relation to the upskilling and deskilling of occupations, changes in the distribution of work tasks, and the continued measurement of practices in PIAAC.
Critical Conduction Mode Based High Frequency Single-Phase Transformerless PV Inverter

This paper presents critical conduction mode (CRM) single-phase transformerless full-bridge inverter in residential photovoltaic (PV) system. CRM full-bridge inverter with bipolar pulse width modulation (PWM) features inherent zero voltage switching (ZVS) capability for the whole line cycle. This enables the inverter to push switching frequency up to hundreds kHz and achieve high power density with high efficiency. However, CRM operation incurs non-constant common mode (CM) voltage during resonant period causing high frequency leakage current. To minimize the leakage current, a new switching modulation strategy is introduced combining CRM and triangular current mode (TCM). The switching modulation scheme alleviates CM voltage by shortening the resonant period and consequently reduces the leakage current. In this paper, the basic operation principle of CRM full-bridge inverter, impacts of CRM operation on the leakage current, and details of the switching modulation method are discussed. Experimental results with laboratory prototype built with E-mode GaN device validate its performance.
Distinct phenotypic characteristics of normal-weight adults at risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Background The normal-weight BMI range (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) includes adults with body shape and cardiometabolic disease risk features of excess adiposity, although a distinct phenotype developed on a large and diverse sample is lacking. Objective To identify demographic, behavioral, body composition, and health-risk biomarker characteristics of people in the normal-weight BMI range who are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases based on body shape. Methods Six nationally representative waist circumference index (WCI, weight/height0.5) prediction formulas, with BMI and age as covariates, were developed using data from 17,359 non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, and Mexican-American NHANES 1999-2006 participants. These equations were then used to predict WCI in 5594 NHANES participants whose BMI was within the normal weight range. Men and women in each race/Hispanic-origin group were then separated into high, medium, and low tertiles based on the difference (residual) between measured and predicted WCI. Characteristics were compared across tertiles; P values for significance were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results Men and women in the high WCI residual tertile, relative to their BMI and age-equivalent counterparts in the low tertile, had significantly lower activity levels; higher percent trunk and total body fat (e.g. NH white men, X ± SE, 25.3 ± 0.2% compared with 20.4 ± 0.2%); lower percent appendicular lean mass (skeletal muscle) and bone mineral content; and higher plasma insulin and triglycerides, higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (e.g. NH white men, 1.45 ± 0.07 compared with 1.08 ± 0.06), and lower plasma HDL cholesterol. Percent leg fat was also significantly higher in men but lower in women. Similar patterns of variable statistical significance were present within sex and race/ethnic groups. Conclusions Cardiometabolic disease risk related to body shape in people who are normal weight according to BMI is characterized by a distinct phenotype that includes potentially modifiable behavioral health risk factors.
Capturing Clicks: How the Chinese Government Uses Clickbait to Compete for Visibility

The proliferation of social media and digital technologies has made it necessary for governments to expand their focus beyond propaganda content in order to disseminate propaganda effectively. We i...
First-principles study of Xe-vacancy defect clusters in UC

Abstract The formation and binding energetics that control the nucleation behavior of Xe-vacancy defect clusters in uranium monocarbide (UC) is investigated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Based on previous work, assumptions on the effective formation energy of U and C vacancies are made, and the substitutional defect Xe U is considered as the most stable Xe defect under carbon-rich conditions. The DFT calculations for the binding energy indicate that, depending on the non-equilibrium vacancy concentration under the specific irradiation conditions, clusters can grow by absorbing uranium vacancies, while a saturation effect exists for the absorption of carbon vacancies. It is also found that, depending on the supersaturation and correspondingly, the effective formation energy of Xe U under irradiation, the stable nucleus for a Xe bubble consists of a small cluster of 2 or 3 Xe atoms.
Microfracture Augmentation With Trypsin Pretreatment and Growth Factor–Functionalized Self-assembling Peptide Hydrogel Scaffold in an Equine Model:

Background:Microfracture augmentation can be a cost-effective single-step alternative to current cartilage repair techniques. Trypsin pretreatment combined with a growth factor–functionalized self-...
Computation of Gravitational Particle Production Using Adiabatic Invariants

Analytic and numerical techniques are presented for computing gravitational production of scalar particles in the limit that the inflaton mass is much larger than the Hubble expansion rate at the end of inflation. These techniques rely upon adiabatic invariants and time modeling of a typical inflaton field which has slow and fast time variation components. A faster computation time for numerical integration is achieved via subtraction of slowly varying components that are ultimately exponentially suppressed. The fast oscillatory remnant results in production of scalar particles with a mass larger than the inflationary Hubble expansion rate through a mechanism analogous to perturbative particle scattering. An improved effective Boltzmann collision equation description of this particle production mechanism is developed. This model allows computation of the spectrum using only adiabatic invariants, avoiding the need to explicitly solve the inflaton equations of motion.
Shared clinical decision-making on vaccines: out of sight, out of mind

Clinical decision support systems, which provide automated reminders in electronic health systems, are designed to provide physicians and other health professionals support in clinical decision-making. New clinical guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on a new category of recommendations referred to as "shared clinical decision-making" have left providers struggling to interpret how to best implement recommendations for adult vaccines. The issue at hand is how to ensure that a conversation between the patient and provider occurs. While traditional clinical decision support systems have driven immunization for years, these systems support a binary default opt-in process. The goal for shared decision-making is the discussion rather than the vaccination. The recommended provider-patient conversations need to be supported with both provider guidance as well as tools to ensure vaccines are not omitted from the conversations, particularly as future vaccine candidates progress through the vaccine development pipeline.