cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Discrete Element Modeling Techniques to Predict the Complex Modulus of Asphalt–Aggregate Hollow Cylinders Subjected to Internal Pressure

An extension of the discrete element modeling (DEM) approach, or clustered DEM, was used to simulate the hollow cylinder tensile (HCT) test, in which various material phases (e.g., aggregates, mastic) are modeled with bonded clusters of discrete elements. The basic principle of the HCT test is the application of internal pressure to the inner cavity of a hollow cylinder specimen, which produces circumferential strain. In the present study an experimental program was conducted to measure the complex modulus of asphalt concrete mixtures at various loading rates and temperatures. The HCT test was then modeled with a two-dimensional, linear elastic DEM simulation. The current approach uses the correspondence principle to bridge between the elastic simulation and viscoelastic response. The two-dimensional morphology of the asphalt concrete mixture was captured with a high-resolution scanner, enhanced with image-processing techniques, and reconstructed into an assembly of discrete elements. The mixture complex moduli predicted in the HCT simulations were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements across a range of test temperatures and loading frequencies for the coarse-grained mixtures investigated. Ongoing work in the area of viscoelastic constitutive modeling, fracture modeling, and three-dimensional tomography and modeling will extend the capabilities of this promising technique for fundamental studies of asphalt concrete and other particulate composites.
Apraclonidine prophylaxis for postcycloplegic intraocular pressure spikes.

Abstract A randomized, prospective, double-masked study was undertaken to determine the risk of postcycloplegic intraocular pressure spikes in patients with open-angle glaucoma and to evaluate apraclonidine prophylaxis in minimizing these spikes. Patients were stratified as miotic treated or untreated and each group was randomized to receive either placebo (artificial tears) or apraclonidine in both eyes before instillation of tropicamide. In both the miotic treated and untreated groups that received placebo, there was a high incidence, (37% and 38%, respectively) of clinically significant (≥ 6 mmHg) intraocular pressure spikes after instillation of tropicamide. In both the miotic treated and untreated groups, there was a statistically significant difference in postcycloplegic intraocular pressure between the subgroup that received placebo and the group that received apraclonidine prophylaxis ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.006, respectively). Additionally, four eyes that received placebo had a spike of over 10 mmHg (range, 12 to 27 mmHg), while only one eye had an increase of greater than 10 mmHg (12 mmHg) in the apraclonidine group. Thus, apraclonidine appears to be a useful agent for minimizing precipitous increases in intraocular pressure after cycloplegia in eyes of open-angle glaucoma patients prone to this complication of cycloplegia.
Ultrahigh-Bandwidth Silicon Photonic Nanowire Waveguides for On-Chip Networks

An investigation of signal integrity in silicon photonic nanowire waveguides is performed for wavelength-division-multiplexed optical signals. First, we demonstrate the feasibility of ultrahigh-bandwidth integrated photonic networks by transmitting a 1.28-Tb/s data stream (32 wavelengths times 40-Gb/s) through a 5-cm-long silicon wire. Next, the crosstalk induced in the highly confined waveguide is evaluated, while varying the number of wavelength channels, with bit-error-rate measurements at 10 Gb/s per channel. The power penalty of a 24-channel signal is 3.3 dB, while the power penalty of a single-channel signal is 0.6 dB. Finally, single-channel power penalty measurements are taken over a wide range of input powers and indicate negligible change for launch powers of up to 7 dBm.
Results of Infrainguinal Revascularization with Reversed Vein Conduits: A Modern Control Series

To determine the outcome of infrainguinal reversed vein bypasses in the modern era, we reviewed the results of 120 consecutive reversed vein grafts performed from March, 1986 to March, 1990. Forty-nine bypasses were to tibial, peroneal, or pedal arteries, 46 grafts to the below-knee popliteal artery, and 25 grafts to the above-knee popliteal artery. Limb salvage was the indication for revascularization in 70% of patients. All grafts were followed with serial, duplex scan, peak-systolic graft flow velocity measurements every three months for one year and every six months thereafter. The primary life table patency rate at 36 months was 67.6% for the entire series; the secondary patency rate was 92.5%. The secondary patency rate reflects the impact of graft revisions resulting from the detection of failing grafts by duplex scanning. Patency rates of reversed vein grafts to the tibial arteries at 36 months (73.8% primary and 89.8% secondary) were equivalent to those performed to the popliteal artery. Our current patency rates with reversed vein grafts are comparable or superior to those reported for in-situ vein conduits and suggest that operative technique and meticulous follow-up are more important with respect to long-term graft durability than whether the vein is used in the in-situ or reversed configuration.
New Resource Control Issues in Shared Clusters

We claim that the renting of machine resources on clusters of servers introduces new systems challenges which are different from those hitherto encountered, either in multimedia systems or cluster-based computing. We characterize the requirements for such "public computing platforms" and discuss both how the scenario differs from more traditional multimedia resource control situations, and how some ideas from multimedia systems work can be reapplied in this new context. Finally, we discuss our ongoing work building a prototype public computing platform.
Testing of compact bolted fasteners with insulation and friction-enhanced shims for NCSX

The fastening of the National Compact Stellarator Experiment's (NCSX) modular coils presented a number of engineering and manufacturing challenges due to the high magnetic forces, need to control induced currents, tight tolerances and restrictive space envelope. A fastening method using high strength studs, jack nuts, insulating spacers, bushings and alumina coated shims was developed which met the requirements. A test program was conducted to verify the design. The tests included measurements of flatness of the spacers, determination of contact area, torque vs. tension of the studs and jack nuts, friction coefficient tests on the alumina and G-10 insulators, electrical tests, and tension relaxation tests due to temperature excursions from room temperature to liquid nitrogen temperatures. This paper will describe the design and the results of the test program.
The Play Experience Scale: development and validation of a measure of play.

Objective: A measure of play experience in video games was developed through literature review and two empirical validation studies.Background: Despite the considerable attention given to games in the behavioral sciences, play experience remains empirically underexamined. One reason for this gap is the absence of a scale that measures play experience.Method: In Study 1, the initial Play Experience Scale (PES) was tested through an online validation that featured three different games (N = 203). In Study 2, a revised PES was assessed with a serious game in the laboratory (N = 77).Results: Through principal component analysis of the Study 1 data, the initial 20-item PES was revised, resulting in the 16-item PES-16. Study 2 showed the PES-16 to be a robust instrument with the same patterns of correlations as in Study 1 via (a) internal consistency estimates, (b) correlations with established scales of motivation, (c) distributions of PES-16 scores in different game conditions, and (d) examination of the aver...
Sensitive and robust luminescent profiling of anti-La and other autoantibodies in Sjogren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) patients often have a variety of extraglandular manifestations including neurological and gastrointestinal involvement. In this study we evaluated the diagnostic performance of luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) that employs mammalian cell-produced recombinant antigens for analyzing SjS autoantibody responses. LIPS testing of mammalian cell-produced La, Ro60 and Ro52 recombinant antigens with defined commercial antibodies demonstrated highly specific immunoprecitation of each antigen without cross-reactivity. Next, sera from 57 SjS and 25 volunteers were evaluated by LIPS against a panel of human autoantigens. LIPS detected robust anti-La antibody levels in 43/57 SjS patients (75% sensitivity) and markedly outperformed an ELISA (46% sensitivity). Profiling of other SjS-associated autoantigens revealed the presence of anti-Ro60, anti-Ro52 in 63% and 61%, of SjS patients, respectively. Interestingly, a C-terminal fragment of Ro52 (Ro52-Δ2), a protein fragment not previousl...
Cost effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination at HIV counseling and testing sites.

Background Despite recent significant achievements in controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, immunizing high-risk groups against the disease remains a public health challenge in the United States. The aims of this article are to evaluate the projected cost effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination of adults attending two major types of publicly funded HIV counseling and testing sites (CTSs)—freestanding HIV CTSs and sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, and to compare the cost-effectiveness of alternative vaccination and testing strategies in different subgroups in this population. Methods A decision model was developed to determine the economic and clinical consequences, from a societal perspective, of the following strategies in two hypothetical cohorts of 100,000 adults attending each type of site: (1) routine vaccination without screening, (2) screening for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen with an initial vaccine dose during the first visit, (3) screening and vaccination based on screening results, and (4) no intervention. Life expectancy, expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and medical care costs were estimated for each strategy and at each site. Results Routine vaccination was both more effective and more cost-effective than either screening strategy; under base-case assumptions, routine vaccination would cost $4400 both per QALY and per life year saved. Results for STD clinics were very similar in magnitude to those for freestanding CTSs. Results were most sensitive to clients’ time and travel costs for return visits and the time-discount rate. Conclusions Routine provision of hepatitis B vaccine at major HIV CTSs would be a highly effective and cost-effective approach to preventing hepatitis B among high-risk adults in the United States.
Isoenzyme and protein profiles of normal, leukemic and fetal mouse tissues.

Electrophoretic characterization of extracts from normal, leukemic and fetal mouse tissues indicated that infection with RLV results in the subsequent emergence of cells having profiles similar to fetal thymus and spleen tissues. Microdensitometric analyses showed diminution of prealbumin and haptoglobin esterase activity with concomitant predominance of postalbumin esterase activity in both fetal and leukemic thymus and spleen tissues. Both JLS V9 and JLS V6 infected cell cultures showed marked enhancement of postalbumin esterase activity. Leukemic and fetal thymus and spleen tissues also showed increased activity in LDH isoenzyme V, relative to the total LDH activity, compared to normal adult tissues. Increased relative activity in Band V LDH was also noted in infected V6 cells compared to uninfected cells. Increased amounts of proteins with electrophoretic mobilities similar to serum albumin and transferrin were evident in extracts of fetal and leukemic thymus and spleen tissues. Protein profiles of purified RLV showed a predominant band migrating similarly to serum albumin with minor bands migrating similarly to serum transferrin and haptoglobin. Profils Proteiques et Isoenzymatiques des Tissus de Souris Normaux, Leucemiques et Fctaux La caracterisation Ciectrophorptique des extraits de tissus de souris normaux, Ieucemiques et fetaux montre que l'infection au VLR entrafne I'apparition de ceiiuies dont le profil est analogue a celui des tissus fetaux de rate et de thymus. Les anaIyses microdensitomttriques ont rkvklk une diminution de l'activitt des esttrases de la prkalbumine et de I'haptoglobine avec une prkdominance concomitante de I'activitt de I'estkrase de la postaibumine dam les tissus de rate et de thymus ieuckmiques aussibien que fitaux. Bans les cultures de cellules infecttes JLS V9 et JLS Vb, on observeune nette intensification de I'activitP de I'esttrase de la postalbumine. Dans Ies tissus de rate et de thymus fitaux et leuctmiques, et par comparaison avec Ies tissusnormaux adultes, on remarque egalement une activite accrue des isoenzymes de la bande V de la LDH par rapport a l'activite totale de la LDH. Les cellules V6 infectees se distinguent des cellules non infectees par une plus grande activite relative dans la bande V de la LDH. On a observe des quantites accrues de proteines dont la mobilite electrophoretique etait analogue a celle de la transferrine et de la serumalbumine dans des extraits de tissus de rate et de thymus leucemiques et faetaux. Les profils proteiques du VLR purifie revelent une bande predominate emigrant comme la serumalbumine et des bandes mineures emigrant comme l'haptoglobine et la transferrine seriques.
Shifting dispersal modes at an expanding species’ range margin

While it is generally recognized that noncontiguous (long-distance) dispersal of small numbers of individuals is important for range expansion over large geographic areas, it is often assumed that colonization on more local scales proceeds by population expansion and diffusion dispersal (larger numbers of individuals colonizing adjacent sites). There are few empirical studies of dispersal modes at the front of expanding ranges, and very little information is available on dispersal dynamics at smaller geographic scales where we expect contiguous (diffusion) dispersal to be prevalent. We used highly polymorphic genetic markers to characterize dispersal modes at a local geographic scale for populations at the edge of the range of a newly invasive grass species (Brachypodium sylvaticum) that is undergoing rapid range expansion in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Comparisons of Bayesian clustering of populations, patterns of genetic diversity, and gametic disequilibrium indicate that new populations are colonized ahead of the invasion front by noncontiguous dispersal from source populations, with admixture occurring as populations age. This pattern of noncontiguous colonization was maintained even at a local scale. Absence of evidence for dispersal among adjacent pioneer sites at the edge of the expanding range of this species suggests that pioneer populations undergo an establishment phase during which they do not contribute emigrants for colonization of neighbouring sites. Our data indicate that dispersal modes change as the invasion matures: initial colonization processes appear to be dominated by noncontiguous dispersal from only a few sources, while contiguous dispersal may play a greater role once populations become established.
Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN causes a tumor-promoting metabolic state

One outcome of activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is increased aerobic glycolysis, but the upstream signaling events that regulate the PI3K pathway, and thus the Warburg effect, are elusive. Increasing evidence suggests that Plk1, a cell cycle regulator, is also involved in cellular events in addition to mitosis. To test whether Plk1 contributes to activation of the PI3K pathway, and thus aerobic glycolysis, we examined potential targets of Plk1 and identified PTEN as a Plk1 substrate. We hypothesize that Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN leads to its inactivation, activation of the PI3K pathway, and the Warburg effect. Our data show that overexpression of Plk1 leads to activation of the PI3K pathway and enhanced aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, inhibition of Plk1 causes markedly reduced glucose metabolism in mice. Mechanistically, we show that Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN and Nedd4-1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase of PTEN, results in PTEN inactivation. Finally, we show that Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN promotes tumorigenesis in both its phosphatase-dependent and -independent pathways, revealing potentially new drug targets to arrest tumor cell growth.
Be aware of bullying: a critical public health responsibility.

The physician’s responsibility to detect acts of bullying and intervenes to help those who bully and are victims of bullies. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Applied Value Investing

Books on Graham and Dodd-based valuation tend to be predominantly introductory in nature, and essentially present different interpretations of value investing, broadly defined. This book takes a different approach; rather than introduce a new variation on the value investing theme, it adopts the modern Graham and Dodd approach and applies it in a variety of unique and practical ways. For example, it evaluates major acquisitions undertaken by noted value investors (such as Warren Buffett and Eddie Lampert) through the lens of Graham and Dodd in formal case studies. It also presents a Graham and Dodd-based catastrophe pricing approach and applies it to an alternative investment-like case study. The book further presents a practical macro-based framework that can be used in a value investing context as an opportunity screening tool. Finally, it presents an integrated business framework that can be used to either assess or manage a franchise (or a firm operating with a sustainable competitive advantage). [Note: The downloadable document is the book’s Preface without endnotes.]
High sample rate array architectures for median filters

Presents high sample rate semi-systolic array architectures for computing 1D and 2D nonrecursive and recursive median filters. A high sample rate is obtained by pipelining the computations in each processor. Although the nonrecursive filters are pipelined by placing latches in the feedforward paths, the recursive filters are restructured to create additional delays in the feedback paths, and then pipelined using the delays as latches. >
Risk marker associations with venous thrombotic events: a cross-sectional analysis.

Objective To examine the interrelations among, and risk marker associations for, superficial and deep venous events—superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting San Diego, California, USA. Participants 2404 men and women aged 40–79 years from four ethnic groups: non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, African-American and Asian. The study sample was drawn from current and former staff and employees of the University of California, San Diego and their spouses/significant others. Outcome measures Superficial and deep venous events, specifically SVT, DVT, PE and combined deep venous events (DVE) comprising DVT and PE. Results Significant correlates on multivariable analysis were, for SVT: female sex, ethnicity (African-American=protective), lower educational attainment, immobility and family history of varicose veins. For DVT and DVE, significant correlates included: heavy smoking, immobility and family history of DVEs (borderline for DVE). For PE, significant predictors included immobility and, in contrast to DVT, blood pressure (BP, systolic or diastolic). In women, oestrogen use duration for hormone replacement therapy, in all and among oestrogen users, predicted PE and DVE, respectively. Conclusions These findings fortify evidence for known risk correlates/predictors for venous disease, such as family history, hormone use and immobility. New risk associations are shown. Striking among these is an association of PE, but not DVT, to elevated BP: we conjecture PE may serve as cause rather than consequence. Future studies should evaluate the temporal direction of this association. Oxidative stress and cell energy compromise are proposed to explain and predict many risk factors, operating through cell-death mediated triggering of coagulation activation.
Efficient computation of multichannel Wiener filters with linear phase

A family of fast-lattice and transversal algorithms for multichannel linear-phase (LP) Wiener filters is developed. Due to the strong symmetry properties imposed by the phase constraints, the proposed computational process involve only one internal filter that propagates according to a Durbin-like recursion, in contrast to unconstrained multichannel Wiener filtering (absence of phase constraints) where both the forward and backward predictors are carried, coupled in a pair of Levinson-like recursions. Normalized lattice realizations are derived using a suitable power-sum normalization and parameterized by internal reflection coefficients with singular values inside the unit circle. >
Sensitization of Campylobacter jejuni to fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics by antisense inhibition of the CmeABC multidrug efflux transporter

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of antisense-mediated gene silencing by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) for specific inactivation of the CmeABC multidrug efflux transporter in Campylobacter jejuni. Methods: PNA was designed to bind to the cmeA transcript and to inhibit the translation of CmeA, the periplasmic component of the RND-type CmeABC efflux transporter of C. jejuni. Inhibition of CmeA production was determined by western blotting. MICs of clinically important antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, were measured in the presence of the CmeA-specific PNA (CmeAPNA). Results: CmeA-PNA greatly reduced the expression level of CmeA. Consistent with the reduced CmeA production, CmeA-PNA rendered C. jejuni strains more susceptible to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. At a concentration of 2 mM, CmeA-PNA resulted in 8- and 4-fold reductions in the MICs of ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, respectively, in C. jejuni NCTC 11168. CmeA-PNA also increased the susceptibility to the antibiotics in C. jejuni strains that were resistant to ciprofloxacin or erythromycin. Conclusions: Antisense technology is a feasible method to suppress the function of the CmeABC multidrug efflux transporter, which may be further exploited to control antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter.
Civil–Military Relations in Brazil: A Reassessment

This article analyzes Brazilian civil–military relations using a framework that directs attention to the institutions of not only democratic civilian control, but also of military effectiveness and efficiency. The article argues that democratic civilian control over the armed forces in Brazil is exercised by a wide variety of mechanisms, many of which are not specifically designed for this purpose, but are instead part of a vast array of institutions that exercise control and oversight over public bureaucracies in general. Military prerogatives that were once high are now moderate or low, and there is currently no question of civilian control of the armed forces. However, several questions remain regarding the effectiveness of the armed forces. The article also emphasizes the importance of civilian staff assuming responsibilities in defense, as they have in virtually all other areas of government policy.
Customer economics of residential photovoltaic systems: Sensitivities to changes in wholesale market design and rate structures

Abstract The customer economics of U.S. residential photovoltaics (PV) often depend on retail electricity rates, because most utilities compensate customer-sited PV generation via net metering. The future bill savings from net metering are uncertain and dependent on retail rate structures, wholesale market design, and renewable penetration levels, among other factors. We explore the impact of the following assumptions on the bill savings from residential PV: a wholesale electricity market design with a price cap (as opposed to an energy-only market); a retail rate with a fixed customer charge (as opposed to a fully volumetric rate); and increasing-block pricing (as opposed to a non-varying flat rate). A wholesale price cap can dampen the expected bill-savings erosion due to moving from a low to a high renewables scenario for customers with time-varying rates and net metering. Moving from a fully volumetric rate to a two-part tariff rate with a fixed customer charge could severely erode the bill savings under net metering, because PV generation could only displace the (reduced) volumetric portion of the rate. Finally, increasing-block pricing might have an even greater impact on the bill savings from behind-the-meter PV than the other uncertainties explored in this paper.
A Simulation of Evolving Sustainable Technology Through Social Pressure

In this paper we develop a model to simulate the evolution of a pollution-free resource gathering technology that is initially less efficient but ultimately reaches parity with polluting technology. We find that for low levels of pollution, pressure exerted by society can indeed encourage the development and use of non-polluting technology, with greater pressure being associated with faster achievement of efficiency parity and lower overall pollution. However, greater pressure is also associated with lower populations and at the highest levels of pressure there are significant risks of population crashes. We find that these results hold for both localized pollution and globalized pollution, with globalized pollution encouraging faster achievement of efficiency parity. For high levels of pollution we find that introducing societal pressure significantly increases the occurrence of population crashes, and thus the strategy is only effective under certain conditions.
Thermodynamics of Hydrochloric Acid in 80 Weight Percent 2-Methoxyethanol and 20 Weight Percent Water From 10 to 50 °C.

Electromotive-force measurements of cells of the type Pt, H2|HCl(m) in 2-methoxyethanol + H2O|AgCl, Ag at nine temperatures ranging from 10 to 50 °C were used to derive (a) the standard emf of the cell in 80 weight percent 2-methoxyethanol (methylcellosolve), (b) the activity coefficient of HCl, (c) the relative partial molal enthalpy and heat capacity of HCl, and (d) the thermodynamic constants for the transfer of HCl from water to 80 weight percent methylcellosolve. The molality of the acid ranged from 0.006 to 0.106 mol kg-1. To obtain the standard emf it was necessary to correct for ion-pair formation and to use the extended terms of the Debye-Hiickel theory. The standard emf varied with temperature (t, °C) according to the equation Et°=0.14382-1.517×10-3t-3.8317×10-6t2-2.3838×10-9t3 . Vapor pressures and dielectric constants for this mixture were measured over the temperature range. At 25 °C the solvent has a vapor pressure of 2506.5 Nm-2 (18.8 mm Hg) and a dielectric constant of 31.5.
Generation and Characterization of Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell for Disease Modeling

One major hurdle to the development of effective treatments to many diseases is the lack of suitable human model systems. The ability to reprogram human somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) offers an excellent opportunity to generate human disease models with primary cells. Currently, several methods to generate iPSC lines exist, and iPSC can be generated from various tissue sources including skin fibroblasts, blood, hair follicles, dental tissue, and urine. In this chapter we describe the generation and characterization of iPSC from blood or fibroblast on a routine base and focus on the integration-free methodologies.
Using Science Fiction in Teaching Artificial Intelligence.

Many factors are blamed for the decreasing enrollments in computer science and engineering programs in the U.S., including the dot-com economic bust and the increase in the use of “off-shore” programming labor. One major factor is also the lack of bold new vision and excitement about computer science, which thus results in a view of computer science as a field wedded to routine programming. To address this concern, we have focused on science fiction as a means to generate excitement about Artificial Intelligence, and thus in turn in Computer Science and Engineering. In particular, since the Fall of 2006, we have used science fiction in teaching Artificial Intelligence to undergraduate students at the University of Southern California (USC), in teaching activities ranging from an undergraduate upper division class in computer science to a semester-long freshman seminar for nonengineering students to micro-seminars during the welcome week. As an interdisciplinary team of scholar/instructors, our goal has been to use science fiction not only in motivating students to learn about AI, but also to use science fiction in understanding fundamental issues that arise at the intersection of technology and culture, as well as to provide students with a more creative and well-rounded course that provided a big picture view of computer science. This paper outlines the courses taught using this theme, provides an overview of our classroom teaching techniques in using science fiction, and discusses some of the lectures in more detail as exemplars. We conclude with feedback received, lessons learned and impact on both the computer science students and noncomputer-science (and non-engineering) students. “Science fiction like Star Trek is not only good fun, but serves a serious purpose, that of expanding human imagination” Physicist Stephen Hawking (from (Krauss 1995))
Upper-extremity Rehabilitation: Conditioning and Orthotics for the Athlete and Performing Artist

Rehabilitation of athletes or musicians with hand injuries begins immediately after injury. Accurate diagnosis of the injury and tissues involved is followed by specific acute and rehabilitative therapies to correct the injury and determine any biomechanical changes that may have occurred. Medication and physical methods aid in decreasing inflammation and pain. Mobility is progressively restored, with the aid of appropriate heating modalities, as soon as signs and symptoms allow. Proprioception and neuromuscular coordination are then retrained. This is followed by balanced muscle strength training. Finally, sport-specific endurance and biomechanical skills are developed. Emotional aspects of the injury may be dealt with by investigating the physical and emotional stresses of the performance, and discussing them with the patient. Some patients may also be helped by psychologic counseling. Orthotics may be used to decrease swelling, decrease pain, and inhibit unwanted motion. Some variations allow for progressive range of motion and strength building. Attention to these details maximizes the chances of successful return to performance in the athlete or performing artist with a hand injury.
Growth of Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Microelectronic Compatible Substrates

Boron nitride has attracted a great deal of attention as a two dimensional (2D) insulator for substrate and gate dielectric applications in 2D electronics. Development of a scalable technique to grow mono- to few-layer h-BN on microelectronics compatible substrates is desirable. Work on the growth of atomically smooth BN and graphene on sapphire and Si is presented in this paper. Two approaches are described: i) growth of h-BN and graphene on Si and sapphire substrates using a catalyzing Cu thin film, and ii) low pressure metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth on sapphire. In approach i) we discuss problems associated with the thermal instability of Cu at the interface with the substrate and show how the stability may be improved through the use of a thin Ni buffer layer or careful substrate selection. The correlation between Cu film morphology and h-BN (and graphene) quality is shown. In approach ii) we find two different growth modes, 3D island growth at low V/III ratios and self-terminating growth at high V/III ratios. Under self-terminating growth atomically smooth few-layer h-BN films are produced. Nitridation of the sapphire surface is found to promote this self-terminating growth by improving nucleation of BN on the substrate. Finally, we present results from the growth of graphene/h-BN on sapphire in a single process.
Bob H. Reinhardt: The End of A Global Pox. America and the Eradication of Smallpox in the Cold War Era : The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 2015, 268 pp., Hard cover, Illustrated, Figure, Maps, Table, Notes, Bibliography, Index., $39.95.

This review examines in detail Bob H. Reinhardt’s meticulous analyses of smallpox eradication within the broad context of American liberalism, Cold War politics, and the exercise of technological, medical, and political power on the part of the United States. As a result, his book provides a unique perspective on the eradication of smallpox.
Synthesis, photophysics and electronic structure of oxobacteriochlorins

Synthetic routes are described to access mono- and dioxobacteriochlorins that lack any peripheral substituents, with the exception of a geminal dimethyl group in each pyrroline ring to stabilize the macrocycle towards adventitious oxidation. The introduction of one or two oxo groups on the pyrroline rings results in hypsochromic shifts of the longest wavelength near-infrared absorption band (Qy) to 690 and 680 nm, respectively, versus the parent bacteriochlorin for which the Qy band is at 713 nm. The position of the Qy absorption band of the oxobacteriochlorin is in the range of that of elaborately functionalized chlorin macrocycles (containing one pyrroline ring versus two in a bacteriochlorin), where the functional groups bathochromically shift the Qy feature from that of unfunctionalized chlorins (typically in the low 600 nm region). The long-wavelength absorption band of synthetic oxobacteriochlorins thus appears in the window defined by simple chlorins to the red and substituted bacteriochlorins to the near-infrared. The ability to access the deep-red (680–690 nm) region via the relatively simple synthetic modification of oxo-group addition to a bacteriochlorin versus the more complex multifunctionalization of a chlorin is attractive for accessing tetrapyrroles for solar-energy conversion and other applications.
Wissen und seine Schattenseite: Die wachsende Bedeutung des Nichtwissens in (vermeintlichen) Wissensgesellschaften

Ansatze zur „evaluationsbasierten Steuerung“ in der Schul- und Hochschulpolitik setzen — bei allen Unterschieden zwischen einzelnen Evaluationskonzepten und -verfahren — im Kern darauf, durch mehr, detaillierteres und starker vereinheitlichtes Wissen zielgenauere Ergebnisse zu erreichen (Altrichter/Heinrich 2006, 56–57). Vor allem mittels regelmasiger externer, standardisierter Tests und Bewertungen sollen die Leistungen von Bildungseinrichtungen vergleichbar gemacht, deren jeweilige Starken und Schwachen aufgedeckt und die verfugbaren Ressourcen effizienter verteilt werden. Zudem soll durch die wiederholte Ergebnismessung der Wettbewerb zwischen den Schulen oder Hochschulen stimuliert werden, um dadurch eine kontinuierliche Verbesserung des gesamten Bildungssystems zu erreichen.1
Pilot Trial of a Home-based Physical Activity Program for African American Women

Purpose This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a Home-based, Individually-tailored Physical activity Print (HIPP) intervention for African American women in the Deep South. Methods A pilot randomized trial of the HIPP intervention (N = 43) versus wellness contact control (N = 41) was conducted. Recruitment, retention, and adherence were examined, along with physical activity (7-d physical activity recalls, accelerometers) and related psychosocial variables at baseline and 6 months. Results The sample included 84 overweight/obese African American women 50-69 yr old in Birmingham, AL. Retention was high at 6 months (90%). Most participants reported being satisfied with the HIPP program and finding it helpful (91.67%). There were no significant between-group differences in physical activity (P = 0.22); however, HIPP participants reported larger increases (mean of +73.9 min·wk (SD 90.9)) in moderate-intensity or greater physical activity from baseline to 6 months compared with the control group (+41.5 min·wk (64.4)). The HIPP group also reported significantly greater improvements in physical activity goal setting (P = 0.02) and enjoyment (P = 0.04) from baseline to 6 months compared with the control group. There were no other significant between-group differences (6-min walk test, weight, physical activity planning, behavioral processes, stage of change); however, trends in the data for cognitive processes, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and family support for physical activity indicated small improvements for HIPP participants (P > 0.05) and declines for control participants. Significant decreases in decisional balance (P = 0.01) and friend support (P = 0.03) from baseline to 6 months were observed in the control arm and not the intervention arm. Conclusions The HIPP intervention has great potential as a low-cost, high-reach method for reducing physical activity-related health disparities. The lack of improvement in some domains may indicate that additional resources are needed to help this target population reach national guidelines.
Minimally invasive hysterectomy surgery rates for endometrial cancer performed at National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Centers.

Abstract Objectives Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a quality measure for endometrial cancer (EC) established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American College of Surgeons. Our study objective was to assess the proportion of EC cases performed by MIS at National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) centers and evaluate perioperative outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent surgical treatment for EC from 2013 to 2014 was conducted at four NCCN centers. Multivariable mixed logistic regression models analyzed factors associated with failure to perform MIS and perioperative complications. Results In total 1621 patients were evaluated; 86.5% underwent MIS (robotic-assisted 72.5%, laparoscopic 20.9%, vaginal 6.6%). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with failure to undergo MIS were uterine size >12cm (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.9), stage III (OR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.49) and IV disease (OR: 0.07, 95% CI 0.02–0.22). For stage I/II disease, complications occurred in 5.1% of MIS and 21.7% of laparotomy cases (p Conclusions At NCCN-designated centers, the MIS hysterectomy rate in EC is higher than the published national average, with low perioperative complications. Previously identified disparities of age, race, and BMI were not observed. A proposed MIS hysterectomy benchmark of >80% in EC care is feasible when performed at high volume centers.
Comparative Environmental Policy and Risk Assessment

Assessment of environmental impacts and risks associated with the implementation of public policy alternatives is a fundamental requirement in the selection of sustainable development strategies. Critical in this process is the identification of comparative risk measures that can be used effectively to communicate public risk, resolve conflict, and promote the selection of acceptable public policies. Under conditions of global market competitiveness, resource scarcity and degradation, and potential state conflicts, it is essential to provide comparative measures that permit policy design that balances socio-economic conditions with environmental stress.
MOLECULAR BASIS FOR SERENDIPITOUS DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIVIRAL AND ANTICANCER AMINONUCLEOSIDES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses molecular basis for serendipitous development of antiviral and anticancer aminonucleosides. The development of antiviral nucleosides may be considered to have gone through three phases. During the first period, it is generally accepted that a nontoxic antiviral agent could not be found, because a virus not only must replicate within a host cell but also in so doing utilizes much of the host cell's metabolic processes. The inhibition of viral replication is assumed to be a consequence of inhibition of the host cell and hence, any antiviral agent would be too toxic for practical use.
Use of a perimeter technique with Mohs micrographic surgery in the resection of a giant basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCC) can demonstrate very malignant behavior and pose a surgical challenge. OBJECTIVE To present a surgical technique utilizing Mohs and the resection of narrow bands of tissue to excise a GBCC that created a large facial defect of 5 cm × 2 cm. METHODS A unique combination of Mohs micrographic surgery and the recently described perimeter techniques used for lentigo maligna were used to resect the tumor. RESULTS This hybrid technique was tissue sparing and therefore helped prevent the complications associated with a larger resection and allowed for an easier reconstruction. At 2 months post resection the patient had no known metastasis or tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of early recognition of basal cell carcinoma and the complications that can arise when lesions are left untreated for a long duration. Also, we describe a surgical technique that could help reduce the complications associated with these large tumors.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome Presenting as Acute Necrotizing Eosinophilic Myocarditis: Concise Review of the Literature.

Background Acute eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare form of heart failure that is characterized by myocardial eosinophilic infiltration usually in association with peripheral eosinophilia. The underlying cause is variable and can include allergic reactions, parasitic infection, idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, malignancy, Loeffler's syndrome, Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), early giant cell myocarditis and malignancy. The course is potentially fatal, and early diagnosis and treatment with steroids is essential. Conclusion Here, we present an illustrative case of eosinophilic myocarditis secondary to CSS followed by a brief review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of both disease entities.
Temporal trends in diagnoses of congenital microcephaly, Texas Hospital Discharge Diagnoses, 2000-2015.

Objective Assess temporal trends in congenital microcephaly. Methods We used Texas inpatient discharge diagnoses between 2000 and 2015, restricting to newborns. Between 2000 and 2003, the maximum number of fields for recording diagnostic codes was eight, and between 2004 and 2015 it was 24. Microcephaly was classified into four subgroups based on co-occurring diagnoses: A (Known Causes), B (Other Birth Defects), C (Preterm Birth or Fetal Growth Restriction) and D (Isolated Cases). Results We identified 2,301 cases of microcephaly or 4.0 cases per 10,000 live births. There was an increase in the prevalence of microcephaly in 2012-2015 compared with 2000-2003, odds ratio = 1.85 (95% CI 1.64-2.10) Significant temporal increases in microcephaly were observed within each of the four microcephaly subgroups and significant temporal increases were also observed for eight other neonatal diagnoses during the same time period. When we restricted our analysis to cases with microcephaly identified using only the eight diagnostic codes available throughout the entire study period, the temporal trend for microcephaly was diminished or absent. Conclusions It remains uncertain whether the observed increases in microcephaly and other neonatal diagnoses are real or an artifact of the change in the number of fields. However, since it is unlikely that there would be a simultaneous increase in microcephaly and eight other neonatal diagnoses, it is likely that some or all of the temporal increases in neonatal diagnoses are artifactual.
Role of dietary lipids on fetal tissue fatty acid composition and fetal survival in swine at 42 days of gestation

Eighty-six crossbred (Duroc×Yorkshire) gilts were used in two trials to assess the effect of supplemental dietary fats during early gestation on fetal survival, fetal development, and fatty acid (FA) composition in gilt plasma and fetal head and body at d 37 to 45 after breeding. Three diets contained 4% (wt/wt) added fat either as coconut, soybean (SO), or menhaden oils (MO). A fourth diet containing corn starch approximately isoenergetic to the quantity of the oils was used as a control. Across both trials, fetal survival percentage did not differ (P>.10) according to treatment, but in Trial 2 fetal survival was higher (P .10) in percentage of fetal survival due to the addition of MO. The high percentage of fetal survival observed in gilts on all the treatments and the unequal ovulation rate in sows on different oil diets precluded definitive conclusions regarding the effects of supplemental oil on fetal survival. Further research is necessary to determine whether an altered dietary FA composition, and the resultant altered FA composition of fetal tissues, contributes to improved fetal survival; however, SO, a supplier of the 18-carbon omega-3 FA α-linolenic acid, did not provide the same FA composition in plasma and conceptus tissue that MO, a supplier of preformed long-chain omega-3 FA (20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3), provided
Generating Diverse and Informative Natural Language Fashion Feedback.

Recent advances in multi-modal vision and language tasks enable a new set of applications. In this paper, we consider the task of generating natural language fashion feedback on outfit images. We collect a unique dataset, which contains outfit images and corresponding positive and constructive fashion feedback. We treat each feedback type separately, and train deep generative encoder-decoder models with visual attention, similar to the standard image captioning pipeline. Following this approach, the generated sentences tend to be too general and non-informative. We propose an alternative decoding technique based on the Maximum Mutual Information objective function, which leads to more diverse and detailed responses. We evaluate our model with common language metrics, and also show human evaluation results. This technology is applied within the ``Alexa, how do I look?'' feature, publicly available in Echo Look devices.
A Multiple Integral Evaluation Inspired by the Multi-WZ Method

We give an integral identity which was conjectured and proved by using the continuous version of the multi-WZ method.
Effect of Chorionicity on Umbilical Cord Blood Acid-Base Analysis of the Second Twin

Our objective was to determine whether chorionicity affects umbilical cord blood acid-base parameters of the second twin. This was a retrospective cohort of twin pregnancies delivered at ≥23 weeks of gestation at a tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2016. Patients were included if arterial and venous umbilical cord gas results were available for both newborns and chorionicity was confirmed histologically. Exclusion criteria included intrauterine fetal demise of either twin prior to labor, major fetal anomalies, monoamnionicity, uncertain chronicity and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The primary outcome evaluated was the umbilical artery (UA) pH of the second twin. A total of 593 dichorionic (DC) and 86 monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies were included. No difference in UA pH was observed between MC and DC twins. Among vaginal deliveries (n = 97), the UA pH of the first twin was higher than the second twin (7.26 vs. 7.24; p = .01). Twin-to-twin delivery interval (TTDI) ≥20 min was associated with a higher UA pH in the first twin compared to the second twin (7.25 vs. 7.16, respectively; p = .006). Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict arterial pH < 7.20 for the second twin; the most predictive factors were arterial pH < 7.20 for the first twin, chronic hypertension and prolonged TTDI. Chorionicity was not associated with any acid-base parameter of umbilical cord blood in either the first or second twin. No differences in neonatal outcomes were observed based on chorionicity or birth order. Populations with a lower cesarean delivery rate may yield different findings.