cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cultural Creativity, Rebellions, and Comparative Questions for Afro-Brazilian Archaeology

This chapter examines a number of Afro-Brazilian cultural innovations uncovered in archaeological and historical studies. A review of recent archaeological studies of escape sites and rebellion communities in North America provides suggestions of interpretative frameworks and methodological strategies that could inform new projects in Brazil. I consider potential research questions and the prominence of Afro-Brazilian sites within current heritage politics in Brazil. The detailed histories of quilombos are particularly poignant today, as the Brazilian government has created new program incentives that have focused Brazilians on their African heritage.
SECLIPS: A Structured English Interface for an Expert System Shell.

This paper describes the SECLIPS system, which provides a restricted English grammar and vocabulary designed to express the facts and rules of a rules-based knowledge base. SECLIPS is an extension of ECLIPS and allows the user to extend a core vocabulary to express a knowledge base of facts and rules for a particular problem domain. SECLIPS employs an LL(1) based translator with the grammar for the restricted English SECLIPS language to perform a translation to the CLIPS expert system language. SECLIPS extends ECLIPS by supporting negative predicates and modifiers, plural verbs, and list structures. SECLIPS provides a mechanism by which knowledge can be expressed in a readable format and translated into a CLIPS format with a readily apparent correspondence between the SECLIPS input and the CLIPS output.
Design, dimensioning, routing, and control of gigabit networks

We re-examine network design, configuration, and routing algorithms for transporting heterogenous services on an integrated broadband network. A layered framework for bandwith management is introduced for path configuration, route planning, dynamic routing, flow control, and cell switching. We then explore the notion of layered equivalent bandwith for meeting simultaneously several grade of service (GOS) bounds on the probability of call, burst, and cell blocking. Using this notion of equivalent bandwidth, we consider path dimensioning and configuration for handling heterogenous and time-varying traffic. Also, we shall demonstrate the real-time CAD tool CANeT developed for the design, control, and simulation of multi-service gigabit networks. The tool is an integrated, graphical, and object-oriented software. Interesting dynamical behavior of high-speed networks can be readily observed through animation and color-coded network statistics.
From “Just Us” to Justice: Connecting the Environment, Community, and Academy

In a recent article, Freudenburg et al. (1995) call for sociologists studying environmental phenomena to move "beyond the society-nature divide." This is a divide that has always haunted environmental sociology in particular and the social sciences in general. For example, as Dunlap and Catton (1979) argued two decades ago, sociologists have long held the implicit view that social (read "human") systems are separate and largely independent of natural or ecosystems. The society-nature divide allows us to maintain the social construction of human control over a world that is
Using focus groups to understand physicians' and nurses' perspectives on error reporting in hospitals.

Article-at-a-Glance Background To increase error reporting, a better understanding of physicians' and nurses' perspectives regarding medical error reporting in hospitals, barriers to reporting, and possible ways to increase reporting is necessary Methods Nine focus groups—four with 49 staff nurses, two with 10 nurse managers, and three with 30 physicians—from 20 academic and community hospitals were conducted in May–June 2002 in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Qualitative analysis of focus group transcripts characterized participants' perspectives. Results Although participants knew they should report errors associated with serious adverse events, there was much uncertainty about reporting less serious errors or near misses. Nurses were more knowledgeable than physicians about how to report errors. All groups mentioned barriers to reporting, such as fear of reprisals and lack of confidentiality, time, and feedback after an error is reported. Some physicians doubted the benefit of reporting errors, but, generally, both physicians and nurses agreed that reporting was intended to change practice and policy to promote patient safety. Conclusions A culture characterized by anonymous reporting, freedom from repercussions, and feedback about error reports should promote error reporting.
Pierre-AndréChiappori. Matching with Transfers: The Economics of Love and Marriage

Family economics is the sub-discipline in labor economics that applies household decision-making processes, household production, and fertility decisionsto understanding the family. Gary Becker’s 1981 seminal Treatise on the Family renewed interest in the study of the economics of the household, and matching has become a foundational topic in family formation. Since Becker’s renewed interest revitalized fertility studies and the New Home Economics, various scholars have extended this work into matching and household formation, and few have advanced the research as much as Pierre-Andre Chiappori.Chiappori has now summarized his and other scholars’ work into his book Matching with Transfers: The Economics of Love and Marriage (2017).
A draft single-cell atlas of human glioblastoma reveals a single axis of phenotype in tumor-propagating cells.

Abstract Tumor-propagating glioblastoma (GBM) stem-like cells (GSCs) of the proneural and mesenchymal molecular subtypes have been described. However, it is unknown if these two GSC populations are sufficient to generate the spectrum of cellular heterogeneity observed in GBM. The lineage relationships and niche interactions of GSCs have not been fully elucidated. We perform single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and matched exome sequencing of human GBMs (12 patients; >37,000 cells) to identify recurrent hierarchies of GSCs and their progeny. We map sequenced cells to tumor-anatomical structures and identify microenvironment interactions using reference atlases and quantitative immunohistochemistry. We find that all GSCs can be described by a single axis of variation, ranging from proneural to mesenchymal. Increasing mesenchymal GSC (mGSC) content, but not proneural GSC (pGSC) content, correlates with significantly inferior survival. All clonal expressed mutations are found in the GSC populations, with a greater representation of mutations found in mGSCs. While pGSCs upregulate markers of cell-cycle progression, mGSCs are largely quiescent and overexpress cytokines mediating the chemotaxis of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. We find mGSCs enriched in hypoxic regions while pGSCs are enriched in the tumor’s invasive edge. We show that varying proportions of mGSCs, pGSCs, their progeny and stromal/immune cells are sufficient to explain the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity observed in GBM. This study sheds light on a long-standing debate regarding the lineage relationships between GSCs and other glioma cell types.
Rab-Effector-Kinase Interplay Modulates Intralumenal Fragment Formation during Vacuole Fusion

Summary Upon vacuolar lysosome (or vacuole) fusion in S. cerevisiae, a portion of membrane is internalized and catabolized. Formation of this intralumenal fragment (ILF) is important for organelle protein and lipid homeostasis and remodeling. But how ILF formation is optimized for membrane turnover is not understood. Here, we show that fewer ILFs form when the interaction between the Rab-GTPase Ypt7 and its effector Vps41 (a subunit of the tethering complex HOPS) is interrupted by a point mutation (Ypt7-D44N). Subsequent phosphorylation of Vps41 by the casein kinase Yck3 prevents stabilization of trans-SNARE complexes needed for lipid bilayer pore formation. Impairing ILF formation prevents clearance of misfolded proteins from vacuole membranes and promotes organelle permeability and cell death. We propose that HOPS coordinates Rab, kinase, and SNARE cycles to modulate ILF size during vacuole fusion, regulating lipid and protein turnover important for quality control and membrane integrity.
Is it time to start using the emoji in biomedical literature

As the emoji continues to gain in popularity, Vikas O’Reilly-Shah and colleagues explore its potential role in scientific communication
Noise Synthesis Technique in Time Domain for Metrology Application

We developed a prototype radiometer system to implement a time-domain noise synthesis technique. A solid-state (SS) switch synthesizes noise signals from the outputs of two synchronized electromechanical (EM) switches. The input ports of EM switches are terminated by one unknown noise source, one known cold noise reference, and two known ambient noise references. The magnitude of the synthesized noise signals can be varied by the duty cycle of the transistor–transistor logic (TTL) pulse that controls the SS switch. By regulating the TTL pulse, a null balance is reached when the power level of the synthesized noise signals equal to that of the ambient noise reference. The noise synthesis radiometer represents a major step forward over the conventional noise-injection radiometer, enabling highly efficient measurements of the noise temperature with improved precision. The uncertainty due to nonidentical input-impedance states is also properly accounted for. Several future works are suggested to further improve the system performance.
Acute crude oil exposure alters mitochondrial function and ADP affinity in cardiac muscle fibers of young adult Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus).

Abstract Mitochondrial function is critical to support aerobic metabolism through the production of ATP, and deficiencies in mitochondrial bioenergetics will directly impact the performance capacity of highly aerobic tissues such as the myocardium. Cardiac function in fish has been shown to be negatively affected by crude oil exposure, however, the mechanism for this adverse response is largely unexplored. We hypothesized that lipophilic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in crude oil disrupt the electron transport system (ETS) ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, mitochondrial respiration and ADP affinity we measured using high resolution respirometery in permeabilized cardiac muscle fibers of young adult Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) after an acute (24 h) whole animal crude oil exposure. Oil exposure reduced both complex I-fueled ADP stimulated respiration (OXPHOSCI) and complex I,II-fueled ADP stimulated respiration (OXPHOSCI, CII) by 33%,while complex II-fueled ADP stimulated respiration (OXPHOSCII) was reduced by 25%. These changes were found without changes in enzyme activity or mitochondrial density between control and oil exposed Mahi. Additionally, mitochondrial affinity for ADP was decreased three-fold after acute exposure to crude oil. We purpose that acute crude oil exposure selectively impairs mitochondrial complexes of the electron transport system and ATP supply to the cell. This limited ATP supply could present several challenges to a predatory animal like the mahi; including a reliance on anaerobic metabolism and ultimately cell or tissue death as metabolic substrates are rapidly depleted. However, the impact of this impairment may only be evident under periods of increased aerobic metabolic demand.
The Beckmann Reactions: Rearrangements, Elimination–Additions, Fragmentations, and Rearrangement–Cyclizations

The Beckmann rearrangement, the acid-mediated isomerization of oximes to amides, was discovered by Beckmann in 1886. As one of the oldest and most familiar transformations in organic chemistry, it has been reviewed several times. What has become known as the Beckmann fragmentation was in fact first observed by Wallach in 1889 but was not developed extensively until the 1960s. It has been referred to by several names over the years and has also been reviewed. The rearrangement cyclization is the intramolecular cyclization of a nitrilium ion generated by Beckmann rearrangement from an oxime. Within the context of an aromatic terminator, the process was first reported by Goldschmidt in 1895. Wallach reported the first case of an aliphatic terminator in 1901, although the reported structure was incorrect, and Perkin was apparently the first to observe a heteroatom terminator, but he also reported an incorrect structure. The process has been exploited only quite recently. This chapter is an update of these reactions, last reviewed in this series in 1960. Not covered are transformations that have been labeled Beckmann-type reactions but are mechanistically unrelated. The most prominent of these is the so-called photochemical Beckmann rearrangement, first observed by De Mayo in 1963 and discussed in a review several years ago. Worthy of mention, however, is the fact that many oximes that suffer fragmentation under acidic conditions undergo rearrangement when photolyzed. Throughout this chapter, the (E) and (Z) nomenclature is used to describe oxime geometry. Keywords: Beckmann reactions; rearrangements; fragmentations; cyclizations; ketoximes; haloimines; nitrones; aldoximes; terminators; mechanisms; scope; limitations; experimental procedures; stereochemistry
The 1998 Southern California Seismic Network Bulletin

INTRODUCTION The Pasadena Office of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), together with the Caltech Seismological Laboratory, operates a network of more than 350 remote seismometers in southern California called the S outhern C alifornia S eismic N etwork (SCSN). SCSN is part of TriNet, a cooperative project between the USGS, Caltech, and the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG). TriNet will upgrade the existing network to digital, add new stations, and develop real-time and early-warning capabilities. Signals from the SCSN sites are telemetered to a central processing location at the Caltech Seismological Lab in Pasadena. These signals are continuously monitored by computers that detect and record thousands of earthquakes each year. Phase arrival times for these events are picked by analysts and archived along with digital seismograms. Data acquisition, processing, and archiving are achieved using the Caltech/USGS Seismic Processing (CUSP) system (Dollar, 1989). These data have been compiled into the SCSN Catalog of...
The Effects of Early Parental Death and Grief on Interpersonal Functioning and Alexithymia in Adults.

Background Empirical evidence suggests that individuals who have experienced the death of a parent early in life endorse interpersonal difficulties in adulthood. However, little is known about the underlying experiences that may lead to such distress. The current study examined whether individuals who experienced early parental death would endorse greater levels of alexithymia than individuals raised in intact families, and whether early parental death and interpersonal distress were linked through alexithymia and grief. Methods A total of 160 participants in a parental death group and 183 in a comparison group completed self-report measures online. Statistical analyses were conducted using ANCOVA, mediation analysis, and regression. Results We observed that the parental death group reported greater levels of alexithymia than the comparison group. Second, alexithymia mediated the relationship between early parent death and global interpersonal distress. Third, greater levels of complicated grief were related to greater levels of alexithymic traits in the parental death group. Conclusion Results suggest that early parental death results in higher levels of alexithymic traits. Furthermore, alexithymia indirectly leads to interpersonal distress in this population. Finally, the link discovered between grief and alexithymia has important clinical implications.
Near-field infrared spectroscopy of monolayer MnPS 3

Author(s): Neal, SN; Kim, HS; Smith, KA; Haglund, AV; Mandrus, DG; Bechtel, HA; Carr, GL; Haule, K; Vanderbilt, D; Musfeldt, JL | Abstract: We measured the near-field infrared response of MnPS3 in bulk, few-, and single-layer form and compared our findings with traditional far-field vibrational spectroscopies, a symmetry analysis, and first-principles lattice dynamics calculations. Trends in the Bu mode near 450cm-1 are striking, with the disappearance of this structure in the thinnest sheets. Combined with the amplified response of the activated Ag mode and analysis of the Au+Bu features, we find that symmetry is unexpectedly increased in few- and single-sheet MnPS3 due to a restoration of the threefold axes of rotation. Monoclinicity in this system is therefore a consequence of the long-range stacking pattern and temperature rather than local structure.
Maternal Fontan procedure is a predictor of a small-for-gestational-age neonate: a 10-year retrospective study

Abstract Background Women with single ventricle cardiac physiology who have undergone Fontan procedures are surviving well into reproductive age and have historically been discouraged from pregnancy despite the paucity of data regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective Our primary objective was to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women in a large cohort who have undergone the Fontan procedure and to understand maternal and neonatal sequelae of their pregnancies. Study Design This single-center retrospective cohort study involves gravidas with a Fontan palliation who delivered at UCLA Medical Center over a ten-year period (2007-2017). All pregnancies were evaluated for differences in maternal and neonatal characteristics. Results We identified 37 distinct pregnancies in 24 women with a Fontan procedure. The physiologic pregnancy-related increase in cardiac output is substantially blunted in Fontan physiology. Third trimester cardiac index positively correlated to birthweight z-score (R2=0.48, p=0.038) but not to SGA (R2=0.13, p=0.339). The most common cardiac complications in pregnancies exceeding 24 weeks’ gestation were sustained arrhythmia (37.5%) and decompensated heart failure (21%). The 37 pregnancies comprised 25 (67.6%) live births, 1 (2.7%) fetal demise, 9 (24%) spontaneous abortions, and 2 (5.4%) pregnancy terminations. Of the live births, 60% were preterm at an average gestational age of 34.9±3.7 weeks. Newborns were delivered via cesarean in 53%, operative vaginal delivery in 28%, and spontaneous vaginal delivery in 20%. Forty percent of neonates were born small (less than the 10th centile) for gestational age, and 44.0% of all neonates were admitted to the NICU. Conclusions Women with a single ventricle and Fontan physiology can have successful pregnancy, although they are at increased risk for arrhythmias and heart failure. The decreased cardiac reserve in these gravidas blunts the normal increase in maternal cardiac output, which is associated preterm delivery and small for gestational age neonates. Further studies are needed to determine to what extent the impaired rise in maternal cardiac output reduces uteroplacental perfusion, placental exchange, fetal growth, and the onset of parturition.
Automated chat transcript analysis using topic modeling for library reference services

Chat reference service has been used in academic libraries to more efficiently serve patrons in the digital age. Identifying question topics on chat can help librarians understand patrons’ needs and improve reference services. Researchers have used qualitative methods to understand question types in chat records; however, these methods are inefficient to analyze large chat datasets. Here, we conducted a novel research using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling to automatically extract topics from chat transcripts generated in 5 years from a large university library. With little human intervention, the model identified major topics based on statistical distributions of terms- document relationships in chat transcripts. We also applied VOSviewer to analyze the same dataset and found consistent results. From these results, we found that the most prominent chat topics were about accessing various library resources. This finding can help libraries allocate resources, design educational materials, and provide trainings for future librarians.
Land Use Inference from Mobility Traces

We show how to infer land use from mobility traces. Instead of using manual surveys or aerial image interpretation, our research shows how to use mobility traces to infer the number of businesses and residences in each cell of a grid on the ground. Our mobility traces give the location of people at different times of day. Using mobility data from 1.8 million users, we build regression models that map from average hourly occupancy in a grid cell to the number of businesses and residences inside the cell. We show which hours of the day are most indicative of the contents of a cell.
Therapeutic Potential of Dupilumab in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Evidence to Date

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is one of the most severe forms of chronic rhinosinusitis. CRSwNP is characterized by nasal and facial congestion, loss of sense of smell, rhinorrhea, and post-nasal drip. Treatments have been ineffective at controlling disease recurrence, despite multiple courses of medical and surgical therapies. Oral glucocorticoid therapy is often used to control exacerbations leaving the patient exposed to steroid-induced adverse effects. Thus, there is a clear unmet need for new treatments to achieve better control of the disease. Advances in understanding Type 2 inflammatory processes that occur in about 80% of the Western world patients with CRSwNP have resulted in new avenues for disease control. Biologics in the form of monoclonal antibodies, which target Type 2 inflammation, have helped control the severest forms of atopic dermatitis and asthma. Treatment regimes for CRSwNP now include biologics. In July 2019, dupilumab was the first monoclonal antibody to gain FDA approval for the treatment of CRSwNP. In this review, we summarize the proof of concept clinical trials and Phase 3 trials leading to approval of dupilumab, an anti-IL4 alpha receptor antagonist that blocks the actions of both IL4 and IL13. These studies show that dupilumab is a proven treatment option to control disease. Collective studies demonstrate a high safety profile. Questions arise as to the best use of dupilumab in the context of current treatment paradigms, and for which sub-population of the varied heterogeneous endotypes of CRSwNP patients. Recognizing the high cost of biologics forces the need for cost-effectiveness analysis.
Circadian Misalignment of the 24-hour Profile of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in Obese Adults

Context The endocannabinoid (eCB) system partly controls hedonic eating, a major cause of obesity. While some studies suggested an overactivation of the eCB system in obesity, peripheral levels of eCBs across the 24-hour cycle have not been characterized in obese individuals despite the fact that in lean adults, levels of the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) vary across the day. Objective We sought to examine 24-hour profiles of serum concentrations of 2-AG in healthy obese and nonobese adults, under well-controlled laboratory conditions. We also simultaneously assessed 24-hour profiles of 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), leptin, and cortisol in each participant. Design With fixed light-dark and sleep-wake cycles, blood sampling was performed over an entire 24-hour period, including identical meals at 0900, 1400, and 1900. Participants Twelve obese (8 women, mean body mass index [BMI]: 39.1 kg/m2) and 15 nonobese (6 women; mean BMI: 23.6 kg/m2) healthy adults were studied. Results We observed a 24-hour variation of 2-AG levels in obese individuals but, relative to nonobese adults, the amplitude was dampened and the timings of the nadir and peak were delayed by 4 to 5 hours. The profile of 2-OG was similarly misaligned. In contrast, when expressed relative to the 24-hour mean level, the 24-hour rhythm of cortisol and leptin were similar in obese and nonobese participants. Conclusions Obesity appears to be associated with a dampening and delay of the 24-hour variation of eCB activity relative to the central circadian signal as well as to the daily leptin rhythm. This misalignment may play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity.
Multi-Access Edge Computing Architecture Optimized for Performance Driven Radio Access Networks in 6G Era

Perspective and challenge of the MEC implementation, merging with the RAN architecture for 6G mobile networks are discussed from futuristic use-cases point-of-view, including mobile operators and application developers. Featuring demonstrations with AI/ML are also highlighted.
Out with the old: A Bayesian approach to estimating product modification rates

Abstract Drawing on the competitive dynamics literature and incorporating the principles of organizational learning, this study introduces an analytical tool to understand the likelihood of major product modifications using Bayesian logit models in the U.S. automotive industry. We develop and test theoretical hypotheses regarding the effects of the brand’s product portfolio size, brand’s product modification dynamism, competitor product proliferation, and competitor product modification rates on a focal product’s modification likelihood. Our results indicate that as the number of products in the brand’s portfolio increases, firms are less likely to modify existing products. Conversely, an increase in previous product modification rates in both the brand and the industry signals that firms are more likely to consider major product modifications soon. This study contributes to the literature by investigating, on a longitudinal basis, the dynamic nature of products through major alterations.
Forging a path to mesoscopic imaging success with ultra-high field functional magnetic resonance imaging

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies with ultra-high field (UHF, 7+ Tesla) technology enable the acquisition of high-resolution images. In this work, we discuss recent achievements in UHF fMRI at the mesoscopic scale, on the order of cortical columns and layers, and examine approaches to addressing common challenges. As researchers push to smaller and smaller voxel sizes, acquisition and analysis decisions have greater potential to degrade spatial accuracy, and UHF fMRI data must be carefully interpreted. We consider the impact of acquisition decisions on the spatial specificity of the MR signal with a representative dataset with 0.8 mm isotropic resolution. We illustrate the trade-offs in contrast with noise ratio and spatial specificity of different acquisition techniques and show that acquisition blurring can increase the effective voxel size by as much as 50% in some dimensions. We further describe how different sources of degradations to spatial resolution in functional data may be characterized. Finally, we emphasize that progress in UHF fMRI depends not only on scientific discovery and technical advancement, but also on informal discussions and documentation of challenges researchers face and overcome in pursuit of their goals. This article is part of the theme issue 'Key relationships between non-invasive functional neuroimaging and the underlying neuronal activity'.
Internship Experiences Among College Students Attending an HBC: A Longitudinal Grounded Theory Exploration:

Internships are a form of experiential learning whereby students can apply and practice their skills in a professional setting while gaining career and life experience. This study explored internsh...
There is nothing to identity

Several have denied that there is, specifically, a criterion of identity for persons and some deny that there are, for any kind, diachronic criteria of identity. I argue, however, that there are no criteria of identity, either synchronic or diachronic, for any kind whatsoever (and could be none). I begin by elaborating the notion of a criterion of identity in order to clarify what exactly is being denied when I maintain there are none. I examine the motivation of those who qualify in some way the general claim that there are synchronic and diachronic criteria of identity for every kind, then present my direct and categorical argument against such criteria. I next evaluate the objections of those who argue that rejecting criteria of identity has untenable results. These objections are ineffective, each based on the incorrect assumption that if there is no criterion of identity for a kind, the identity of an instance of that kind is independent of its qualities. I conclude by considering some of the upshots of rejecting criteria of identity and the insight doing so provides into things in general and the limits of ontological inquiry.
Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and Burnout Among Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Frontline workers have been a bulwark in the fight against COVID-19, while being subject to major unexpected stressors. These include conflicting news, evolving guidelines, perceived inadequate personal protective equipment, overflow of patients with rising death counts, absence of disaster training, and limitations in the implementation of social distancing. This study investigates the incidence and associated factors of depression, suicidal thoughts, and burnout among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a cross-sectional survey-based study of resident, fellow, and attending physicians from a tertiary university hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York from April 24 to May 15, 2020, demographics and practice specialty, attending vs. resident/fellow status, call frequency, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and depression severity were examined. Two hundred twenty-five subjects completed the survey (response rate of 16.3%), with rates of 6.2% depression, 6.6% suicidal ideation, and 19.6% burnout. Depression, suicidal ideation, and burnout were all associated with history of prior depression/anxiety and frequency of on call. Suicidal ideation and burnout were also associated with younger age. There was no difference in rates of depression, suicidal ideation, or burnout between attending and resident physicians. Female physicians reported less work-life balance and more burnout. These findings highlight the importance of considering physician mental health during times of peak stress, such as natural or man-made disasters. The prominence of premorbid depression/anxiety as a relevant factor underscores the need to further understand physician mental health and provide early screening and treatment.
Esophageal infections

Infectious esophagitis is a common problem in immunocompromised patients that can result in prolonged discomfort and malnutrition. Common infectious causes of esophagitis can be confirmed by laboratory testing, but esophagoscopy is often necessary not only to visualize the esophageal mucosa but also to obtain diagnostic biopsies Empiric, systemic antifungal or antiherpetic therapies are often prescribed prior to confirming an etiologic diagnosis in esophagitis. In some cases, however, endoscopy is needed to guide therapy Systemic antifungal therapy is usually superior to topical therapy for Candida esophagitis and the first choice of agent is generally fluconazole. Valacyclovir or famciclovir are the preferred first treatments for herpetic esophagitis because of their clinical efficacy and convenient dosing schedules. Thalidomide may be useful in the management of aphthous ulcerations of the mouth and esophagus in patients with HIV.
Concrete Slab Length and Thickness Optimization for Long-Term Concrete Pavement in Ohio

Transverse cracking of concrete pavement in Ohio has been a major issue in interstate routes that reduces its service life to approximately ten to fifteen years, costing Ohio department of transportation great deal of maintenance funds. Major factors that aggravate slab failure are slab length, axle spacing and permanent built-in curl which are not directly incorporated in the AASHTO 1993 design procedure. The procedure implies an increasing thickness of concrete will be needed as traffic increases. However, fatigue testing of concrete beams has shown concrete can endure an unlimited number of loads if the stress ratio (SR) is kept below a critical value. Therefore, field and experimental data from Ohio concrete pavements were employed to validate a 3D finite element (FE) model with which critical slab stresses were calculated for several slab geometries. Results from stresses and fatigue damage analyses showed slab thickness of 12 in (305 mm) and slab length of 13 ft (3.9 m) were optimum for concrete pavement in Ohio. Long term pavement performance analysis showed the 12 in (305 mm) thick by 13 ft (3.9 m) long slab exhibited superior performance in terms of IRI, faulting, cracking, and cost over a 50-year design life.
Awareness, Clinical Experience and Knowledge of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeons in the United States.

ABSTRACT Objectives : To promote the recognition and care of patients with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), we aimed to evaluate the awareness, clinical experience and knowledge of FGM/C among female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) specialists. FGM/C is a cultural practice whereby there is removal of external female genitalia for non-therapeutic reasons. Despite the high prevalence of urogynecologic complications, there is a paucity of literature discussing FGM/C from the lens of urologists and urogynecologists. Methods : By cross-sectional design, we distributed a 27-item survey via email to members of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. We collected variables pertaining to previous FGM/C education, clinical confidence, cultural and medical knowledge, and desire for future education. Results : A total of 54 US-based, mostly urologists and FPMRS specialists, completed the survey. All providers had heard of FGM/C; however only 13% received formal education during medical training. Over 50% had encountered a patient with FGM/C in clinical practice. Only 19% and 13% felt completely confident recognizing and discussing FGM/C, respectively. Seventy percent believed religious doctrine informed FGM/C practice and 24% correctly identified FGM/C type on clinical representation. Finally, only 17% of respondents were aware of FGM/C guidelines, and providers expressed a desire for increased availability of multimodal resources. Conclusions : Education regarding FGM/C remains sparse and variable for US FPMRS specialists. Cultural and clinical knowledge is also lacking, which is a detriment to patient care. In order to strengthen awareness and knowledge, we must develop high-quality FGM/C educational resources for urologists and gynecologists.
Aspergillus fumigatus: survival and death under stress.

This chapter summarizes some of the remarkable attributes of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus that are important for survival in the environment and highlights their potential for overlapping functions in the host. As a thermotolerant fungus, A. fumigatus is well-equipped for growth on diverse substrates throughout the compost cycle, including the thermophilic phase. In A. fumigatus, two of the signaling pathways that are involved in nitrogen and carbon sensing are the Rheb/TOR and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways. The ability of A. fumigatus to thrive on decaying plant and animal debris requires an enzymatic machinery that can efficiently degrade this material into component molecules. This must be accomplished in the presence of numerous other microorganisms that are also competing for access to the same substrates, making nutrient limitation an important stress encountered by A. fumigatus in nature. Transcription factors such as Skn7 and AfYap1 are downstream effectors of oxidative stress response pathways, resulting in the enhanced expression of antioxidant defenses. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a mechanism of cell removal that eliminates excess or damaged cells and is a universally conserved stress response among metazoans. Organisms with increasing complexity have multiple caspase members, two of which have been identified in the A. fumigatus genome, casA and casB. These metacaspases are required for the externalization of phosphatidylserine that occurs during stationary phase stress in A. fumigatus, suggesting that this well-known marker of apoptotic death is metacaspase dependent in A. fumigatus.
Value of high fiber diets for gravid swine.

SUMMARY An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of roughages on the utilization of dietary nitrogen, energy and fiber by gravid swine. Water consumption, backfat depletion, pregnancy weight gain, and reproductive performance were used as response criteria. Metabolism assays, employing 18 crossbred sows (second or third parity), were initiated at days 0 (prior to breeding), 30 and 80 postcoitum. The pelleted experimental diets consisted of a 97% sun-cured alfalfa (Alf), a 66% tall wheatgrass (WG), and a conventional corn-soybean meal diet (CS). The sows were weighed every 2 weeks and changes in backfat thickness were estimated from ultrasonic determinations. Water consumption was not affected by treatment. The average apparent water intake was 17.5 liters/sow/day with an average spillage of 14.9 liters/day. The CS group gained more weight than those fed high fiber diets during gestation (P<.001), with a tendency for the sows in the CS group to have a greater amount of backfat than those fed the high fiber diets. Metabolizable energy (ME) values were 2,019, 1,874 and 3,733 kcal/kg for Alf, WG and CS diets, respectively. ME value of tall wheatgrass was 597 kcal/kg of dry matter. Sows in the CS group retained more nitrogen (g/day) than those in the Alf and WG groups (P<.001). A period  treatment interaction (P<.05) was observed for dry matter (DM) digestibility. The sows on the Alf and WG diets showed decreased DM digestibility from day 0 to day 30 and then increased 3.0 and 2.8%, respectively, to day 80 of gestation. Conversely, the CS group showed an increase in DM digestibility slightly above the base at 30 days and then a decrease of 2.7%
Chapter 25 An Integrated Approach to the Analysis and Design of Automated Manufacturing Systems

Abstract All organisations should have an information strategy and hence a long term view to prevent the fragmented and unco-ordinated introduction of computer-based production systems. This is especially true when it is recognised that companies successfully using Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM), Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) etc can be considered to be in a minority. Further, the technology employed should be part of a computer-based system that integrates, both vertically and horizontally, the total manufacturing complex. What is perhaps needed is an integrated method applicable to the analysis and design of such automated manufacturing systems.
Benchmarking R&D in the semiconductor industry using DEA

Leading firms in the semiconductor manufacturing industry invest significant capital outlays and other resources in Research and Development (R&D) to attain and retain competitive advantage over their rivals. How effectives and efficient are such massive investments, and do they result in superior outputs that disproportionately enhance the capabilities of the firm for unsurpassed competitive advantage? A review of the academic literature reveals that the R&D efficiency of semiconductor manufacturing firms deserves more attention by researchers. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a comparative benchmark of the efficiency of R&D in semiconductor manufacturing is conducted among the industry's leading firms. Managers in ten semiconductor manufacturing firms are interviewed using a survey instrument to collect data on the relevant measures of R&D productivity. The dataset is analyzed using an output-oriented DEA model with Variable Returns to Scale (VRS). The findings are consistent with expectations: firms that invest in R&D through capital outlays, human resources and development time lead the industry in the generation of intellectual assets and reap the benefits that accrue from such investments. Managerial implications are discussed along with suggestions for further study, including refining the proposed model to yield additional output measures, comparing the efficiency of firms across multiple generations of semiconductor manufacturing process technologies, and updating the model with other measures or parameters of semiconductor manufacturing efficiency based on expert knowledge.
Energetic particle transport in relativistic flows

A discussion is given of pitch angle dependent and diffusive transport equations for cosmic rays applicable for both special relativistic and general relativistic flows, derived from the relativistic Boltzmann equation. As an example of particle transport in a curved spacetime we give a pitch angle dependent transport equation appropriate for radial accretion onto a Schwarzschild black hole. The roles of fluid shear, acceleration and compression on the energy changes of particles in the diffusive transport equations are emphasized. Also discussed are special flows (e.g., rigidly rotating flows) associated with a Killing vector for which a constant of the motion of the particles can be identified, and for which simplified transport equations can be constructed.
Epidemiology of bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at a tertiary care hospital in New York

Background In the United States, bloodstream infections (BSIs) are predominated by Staphylococcus aureus . The proportion of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) BSI is on the rise. The goal of this study is to explore the epidemiology of BSI caused by S aureus within Staten Island, New York. Methods This is a case-case-control study from April 2012-October 2014. Cases were comprised of patients with BSI secondary to MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA). The control group contained patients who were hospitalized during the same time period as cases but did not develop infections during their stay. Two multivariable models compared each group of cases with the uninfected controls. Results A total of 354 patients were analyzed. Infections were community acquired in 76% of cases. The major source of BSI was skin-related infections (n = 76). The first multivariable model showed that recent central venous catheter placement was an independent infection risk factor (odds ratio [OR] = 80.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-3,014.1). In the second model, prior hospital stay >3 days (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 1.5-5.7) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.01-9.2) were uniquely associated with MSSA. Persistent bacteremia, recurrence, and other hospital-acquired infections were more likely with MRSA BSI than MSSA BSI. Conclusion Most infections were community acquired. The presence of a central venous catheter constituted a robust independent risk factor for MRSA BSI. Patients with MRSA BSI suffered worse outcomes than those with MSSA BSI.
Initial Attempt to Characterize Oxidation Damage in C/Sic Composite Using an Ultrasonic Guided Wave Method

An ultrasonic guided wave scan system was used to non-destructively monitor damage over time and position in a C/enhanced SiC sample that was creep tested to failure at 1200°C in air at a stress of 69 MPa (10 ksi). The use of the guided wave scan system for mapping evolving oxidation profiles (via porosity gradients resulting from oxidation) along the sample length and predicting failure location was explored. The creep-rupture tests were interrupted for ultrasonic evaluation every two hours until failure at ∼17.5 cumulative hours.
Sufficient conditions for escape in the three-body problem

Sufficient conditions are given for the escape of a member of a three-body system. The set of conditions are similar to those given previously by Tevzadze (1962). The new set compares favorably in most cases with that of Tevzadze.
Survival results from a phase III study of simultaneous versus 1-hour sequential methotrexate—5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in head and neck cancer

There were 79 patients with squamous cell head and neck cancer randomized to receive simultaneous or 1 hour sequential methotrexate-5 fluorouracil (MTX--5-FU) chemotherapy: 47 patients were previously untreated and 32 patients had recurrent disease. The treatment groups were comparable for important prognostic features. The median survival for the 47 newly presenting patients was 22 months and for recurrent disease patients was 14 months. No difference could be detected in the survival of patients who received simultaneous versus sequential chemotherapy. When only chemotherapy responders were compared, no difference in survival was detected for those who received sequential versus simultaneous therapy. Subsequently, 19 chemotherapy responders received radical radiation therapy, and 15 were rendered disease-free whereas only 4 of 17 chemotherapy nonresponders were rendered disease-free by subsequent radiation (P = .002). The survival of the 19 chemotherapy responders was 34 months compared with 16 months for the 17 chemotherapy nonresponders treated with radiation. We conclude that there is no therapeutic advantage for 1 hour sequential MTX-5 FU chemotherapy compared with simultaneous use of these drugs in squamous cell head and neck cancer. Chemotherapy responders are more likely to respond to radiation therapy.
Random-phase calculation of poly-L-proline II circular dichroism.

Recent experiments have shown that the circular dichroism of poly-L-proline II is negative from 130 to 220 nm. Therefore, calculations based on exciton interactions alone cannot give the observed spectrum. The present calculations were carried out in the framework of the random-phase approximation. It includes exciton coupling of π-π* transitions. It also couples the π-π* transitions to the higher energy density of states (1) of the polymer chain via atomic polarizabilities, and (2) of bound solvent molecules. The relative importance of (1) and (2) is discussed in light of available experimental evidence. Qualitatively, (1) and (2) modify the excition-only results in the same way: the negative band near 200 nm shifts to longer wavelengths and increases in intensity; the crossover near 215 nm shifts to longer wavelengths; and the positive band near 225 nm shifts to longer wavelengths and decreases in intensity.
Spectroelectrochemistry as a strategy for improving selectivity of sensors for security and defense applications

Spectroelectrochemistry provides improved selectivity for sensors by electrochemically modulating the optical signal associated with the analyte. The sensor consists of an optically transparent electrode (OTE) coated with a film that preconcentrates the target analyte. The OTE functions as an optical waveguide for attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy, which detects the analyte by absorption. Alternatively, the OTE can serve as the excitation light for fluorescence detection, which is generally more sensitive than absorption. The analyte partitions into the film, undergoes an electrochemical redox reaction at the OTE surface, and absorbs or emits light in its oxidized or reduced state. The change in the optical response associated with electrochemical oxidation or reduction at the OTE is used to quantify the analyte. Absorption sensors for metal ion complexes such as [Fe(CN) 6 ] 4- and [Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2+ and fluorescence sensors for [Ru(bpy)3] 2+ and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 1-hydroxypyrene have been developed. The sensor concept has been extended to binding assays for a protein using avidin–biotin and 17β-estradiol–anti-estradiol antibodies. The sensor has been demonstrated to measure metal complexes in complex samples such as nuclear waste and natural water. This sensor has qualities needed for security and defense applications that require a high level of selectivity and good detection limits for target analytes in complex samples. Quickly monitoring and designating intent of a nuclear program by measuring the Ru/Tc fission product ratio is such an application.