cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Unsteady Spray Cooling for High Power Electronics at Microgravity Using NASA Glenn’s Drop Tower

At present, there is little understanding of the application of spray cooling to electronics in the microgravity environment. Typically in closed cycle terrestrial spray cooling systems, since not all of the liquid impinging on a hot substrate is evaporated, some residual liquid is separated from its vapor component by gravity and returned to the pump. This technique of phase separation is not available to spacecraft designers. Methods to predict spray cooling performance for ground systems do exist, but they are absent for the space environment. Particularly for NASA spacecraft, there is a need to design spacecraft that use high power laser systems and other systems that use evaporative spray cooling in microgravity. Such knowledge is very important for the performance and life of the device. Reliable analytical methods of predicting thermal response of a spray cooled substrate when considering a transient heat load, such as that found during start up and shut down of a space-based laser or other high heat flux electronics, do not exist. Our goal was to use NASA Glenn’s 2.2 second drop tower to investigate unsteady heat transfer at low Bond numbers and residual fluid behavior in spray cooling. The work contrasts other experiments aboard the NASA Glenn KC-135 low gravity aircraft [1]. Our future plans are to continue the experimental work and include the use of the NASA Glenn 5 second drop tower. This paper will report on some preliminary results of an interesting experimental study performed at NASA Glenn in the summer of 2004. The high speed camera and specially-designed “S.L.O.B.” drop rig provided video and data to assess the fluid management problems that arise in a microgravity spray environment, for both heated and unheated cases. The data show unexpected residual fluid management issues, such as the development of multiple spherical liquid globs, with apparent ordered and repeatable geometry, at the point of impact. The results of these experiments provide direction for further investigation in the future.© 2005 ASME
The HHS-HCC Risk Adjustment Model for Individual and Small Group Markets under the Affordable Care Act

Beginning in 2014, individuals and small businesses are able to purchase private health insurance through competitive Marketplaces. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides for a program of risk adjustment in the individual and small group markets in 2014 as Marketplaces are implemented and new market reforms take effect. The purpose of risk adjustment is to lessen or eliminate the influence of risk selection on the premiums that plans charge. The risk adjustment methodology includes the risk adjustment model and the risk transfer formula. This article is the second of three in this issue of the Review that describe the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) risk adjustment methodology and focuses on the risk adjustment model. In our first companion article, we discuss the key issues and choices in developing the methodology. In this article, we present the risk adjustment model, which is named the HHS-Hierarchical Condition Categories (HHS-HCC) risk adjustment model. We first summarize the HHS-HCC diagnostic classification, which is the key element of the risk adjustment model. Then the data and methods, results, and evaluation of the risk adjustment model are presented. Fifteen separate models are developed. For each age group (adult, child, and infant), a model is developed for each cost sharing level (platinum, gold, silver, and bronze metal levels, as well as catastrophic plans). Evaluation of the risk adjustment models shows good predictive accuracy, both for individuals and for groups. Lastly, this article provides examples of how the model output is used to calculate risk scores, which are an input into the risk transfer formula. Our third companion paper describes the risk transfer formula.
Characterization of a laccase in the conidial mucilage of Colletotrichum graminicola.

A polyphenol oxidase was demonstrated to be a component of the extracellular conidial mu- cilage of Colletotrichum graminicola. The enzyme was identified as a laccase based on its oxidation of syr- ingaldazine in the absence of hydrogen peroxide and its absorption maximum at 593 nm, that is character- istic of blue, type II copper-containing laccases. The enzyme, purified by DEAE cellulose, Superose and MONO Q Fast Protein Liquid chromatographic pro- cedures, had a molecular weight of 85 kD, a pH op- timum of 6.0, and exhibited K,, and V,,,ax values of 0.214 mmoles and 1.014 mmoles L-' min-~, respec- tively, with syringaldazine as the substrate. The func- tion of the enzyme is discussed relative to its potential role in fungal survival and detoxification of plant phenols.
Brain contusion with aphasia following an ice hockey injury

Head injuries are relatively common in ice hockey, with the majority represented by concussions, a form of mild traumatic brain injury. More severe head injuries are rare since the implementation of mandatory helmet use in the 1960s. We present a case of a 27 year-old male who sustained a traumatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage with an associated subdural hematoma resulting after being struck by a puck shot at high velocity. The patient presented with expressive aphasia, with no other apparent neurologic deficits. Acutely, he was successfully treated with observation and serial neuroimaging studies ensuring an absence of hematoma expansion. After a stable clinical picture following 24 hours of observation, the patient was discharged and managed with outpatient speech therapy with full resolution of symptoms and return to play 3 months later. We will outline the patient presentation and pertinent points in the management of acute head injuries in athletes.
Diversity: So How Is AALL Doing?

This paper describes the possible approaches to encouraging diversity within the workplace that are available to all professional organizations, including the American Association of Law Libraries [AALL]. Part I reviews the basic terms: discrimination, bias, and diversity. Reasons for pursuing diversity in the workplace are discussed in Part II. Two instrumental justifications and one intrinsic rationale reveal the range of motivations behind these projects. Each rationale supports its characteristic form of diversity: reflective, substantive, and cognitive. Because the kind of diversity determines the anticipated outcome, disagreement over progress may be the result of expecting different kinds of diversity. Clarity on goals and means will lead to better communication about results and progress.The data in Part III demonstrate, however, that if reflective diversity is the appropriate standard AALL not only falls short of the goal but is farther behind in 2014 than it was in 2000. Although evaluating AALL in absolute terms shows that it is becoming less diverse with time, that conclusion does not tell us what we should do about it. Part IV compares AALL’s diversity record with those of similar professions of law, general librarianship, and postsecondary teaching. The purpose is to identify to what extent AALL’s performance suggests an unusual obstacle to entering law librarianship, and to what extent it is symptomatic of the society-wide lack of a sizeable pool of suitable candidates for professions of this type.The thesis is that to judge AALL’s diversity efforts we must place law librarianship into broader social contexts so that patterns can be meaningfully interpreted. In order to devise effective remedies we need to know how much of any demonstrated lack of diversity arises out of the intrinsic features of law librarianship. These should be separated from the difficulties situated elsewhere, such as from libraries and library education generally, or in the legal profession with which we are allied. Recognizing these wider patterns will allow us to target limited resources toward factors under our immediate control before moving on to address general societal shortcomings.
Integrating HEC with circuit breakers and multipath RTP to improve RTC media quality

The use of hybrid error correction (HEC) schemes that integrate both, forward error correction as well as negative acknowledgments, has proven to be beneficial in substantially improving reliability while keeping transmission rates under control. In this paper we introduce a framework that combines HEC with circuit breakers and multipath media as a way to increase quality without affecting bandwidth performance. Circuit breakers consist of selectively transmitting media frames based on network measurements in order to minimize congestion. On the other hand, multipath media takes advantage of the fact that most modern mobile devices incorporate multiple network interfaces that can be used to transmit traffic simultaneously through many possible routes. We specifically focus on the aforementioned integration scheme when applied in the context of real time communications and quantify it as a function of network impairments by means of standard quality scores for a wide range of speech and video codecs.
E-090 superior radiation dose reduction in modern siemens bi-plane angiography units

Background and purpose Cerebral DSA is currently the gold standard modality for the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of many cerebrovascular disorders; however, it remains a considerable source of radiation exposure for patients, a topic of increasing patient and regulatory scrutiny. Modern bi-plane angiography units are developed with the aim of reducing radiation exposure dose while preserving image quality in accordance to the ALARA principle. We present a comparison of radiation dose exposure during diagnostic cerebral DSA performed within one hospital system, utilizing Siemens bi-plane angiography units spanning three different generations. Materials and methods Diagnostic cerebral DSA studies performed at 4 neuroangiography units at the main hospital and a peripheral hospital from April to November 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Studies involving imaging of only one vessel or therapeutic interventions were excluded. Four bi-plane rotational fluoroscopy and angiography units (Siemens, Munich, Germany) were involved (from earliest to latest generation): an image intensifier (II)-based Axiom Artis, a digital flat panel (FD)-based Axiom Artis, an FD-based Artis Zee, and an FD-based Artis Q. Up to fifty studies performed on each unit were included. Total radiation dose reported as reference point air kerma (Ka), and total fluoroscopy time were recorded. Total radiation dose was compared across the units using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model, adjusting for body habitus by including patients’ body mass index (BMI) as a covariate. Considering total fluoroscopy time as a surrogate indicator of procedure complexity, average radiation dose over (fluoroscopy) time was also compared in the same manner. Pairwise comparisons were performed with post-test adjustment using the Tukey-Kramer method. Results 42 to 50 cases were included per bi-plane unit, with a total of 190 diagnostic cerebral DSA studies included in the analyzes. Median patient’s BMI ranged from 26–30 kg/m 2 . Total radiation dose decreased with subsequent newer generations of bi-plane unit: mean Ka of 1525 and 1499 mGy for the earliest II-based and FD-based Axiom Artis units respectively, 1184 mGy for the Artis Zee unit, and 973 mGy for the latest generation Artis Q unit. Radiation dose delivered by the latest generation Artis Q is significantly lower than the earliest generation II-based (p = 0.001) and FD-based (p Conclusion Radiation exposure during diagnostic cerebral DSA studies is reduced significantly with the latest generation of Siemens Artis Q bi-plane angiography unit. No significant difference in radiation exposure is observed between an image intensifier and a flat panel-based system. Disclosures C. Chung: None. K. Wunderle: None. S. John: None. F. Hui: None.
Reproductive biology of three Ziziphus species (Rhamnaceae)

The reproductive biology of three Ziziphus species: Z. jujube, Z. mauritiana and Z. spina-christi, with respect to seasonal growth stages, floral biology, pollen performance, fruit set and seed viability were compared. To elucidate the reasons for variations in reproductive success we also estimated the ploidy levels among the genotypes of these tree species. Four genotypes of Z. mauritiana and Z. jujube each, and two natural selections of Z. spina-christi were grown in the Negev highlands at the Sde Boqer experimental plot. Field observations were conducted to determine seasonal growth stages and floral biology; laboratory studies included florescent microscopy, differential interference contrast microscopy, in vitro pollen germination and histological techniques. Seasonal growth stages were similar in Z. spina-christi and Z. mauritiana but distinct in Z. jujube, which was the earliest species. Flower opening stages were similar in all species and genotypes. Anthesis timing was genotype specific and did not depend on species. Anthesis types were subdivided into early and late morning as well as afternoon. We found a wide range of values for the number of flowers per inflorescence between species and genotypes, but all genotypes set one fruit per inflorescence with the exception of Z. jujube genotype Tamar, which set two fruit per inflorescence. Significant variation in fruit weight was observed between species as well as genotypes. Fruit of Z. mauritiana and Z jujube weighed between 9 to 37 g while fruit weight of Z. spina-christi was between 0.5 to 0.7 g. Flowers of all species and genotypes had two ovules but viable seed set per fruit differed dramatically between species under open pollination. Viable seed set was about 18% for Z. mauritiana and Z jujube, while Z. spina-christi, had the highest viable seed set at about 84%. Histological analysis revealed post fertilization embryo abortion which may be responsible for the relatively low reproductive success in Z. mauritiana and Z. jujube. The results obtained in this study provide an important basis for selecting elite complementary genotypes toward the optimization of Ziziphus fruit production in semi-arid regions.
Methyltransferase-like protein 16 binds the 3′-terminal triple helix of MALAT1 long noncoding RNA

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), a cancer-promoting long noncoding RNA, accumulates in cells by using a 3′-triple-helical RNA stability element for nuclear expression (ENE). The ENE, a stem-loop structure containing a U-rich internal loop, interacts with a downstream A-rich tract (ENE+A) to form a blunt-ended triple helix composed of nine U•A-U triples interrupted by a C•G-C triple and C-G doublet. This unique structure prompted us to explore the possibility of protein binding. Native gel-shift assays revealed a shift in radiolabeled MALAT1 ENE+A RNA upon addition of HEK293T cell lysate. Competitive gel-shift assays suggested that protein binding depends not only on the triple-helical structure but also its nucleotide composition. Selection from the lysate using a biotinylated-RNA probe followed by mass spectrometry identified methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16), a putative RNA methyltransferase, as an interacting protein of the MALAT1 ENE+A. Gel-shift assays confirmed the METTL16–MALAT1 ENE+A interaction in vitro: Binding was observed with recombinant METTL16, but diminished in lysate depleted of METTL16, and a supershift was detected after adding anti-METTL16 antibody. Importantly, RNA immunoprecipitation after in vivo UV cross-linking and an in situ proximity ligation assay for RNA–protein interactions confirmed an association between METTL16 and MALAT1 in cells. METTL16 is an abundant (∼5 × 105 molecules per cell) nuclear protein in HeLa cells. Its identification as a triple-stranded RNA binding protein supports the formation of RNA triple helices inside cells and suggests the existence of a class of triple-stranded RNA binding proteins, which may enable the discovery of additional cellular RNA triple helices.
Characterization of Body Composition and Fat Mass Distribution 1 Year After Kidney Transplantation.

Purpose:In some recipients, significant weight gain occurs after kidney transplantation. Weight gain is associated with poor outcomes, particularly increased cardiovascular risk. In this study, we ...
Optimizing Loop Operation and Dataflow in FPGA Acceleration of Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

As convolution layers contribute most operations in convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms, an effective convolution acceleration scheme significantly affects the efficiency and performance of a hardware CNN accelerator. Convolution in CNNs involves three-dimensional multiply and accumulate (MAC) operations with four levels of loops, which results in a large design space. Prior works either employ limited loop optimization techniques, e.g. loop unrolling, tiling and interchange, or only tune some of the design variables after the accelerator architecture and dataflow are already fixed. Without fully studying the convolution loop optimization before the hardware design phase, the resulting accelerator can hardly exploit the data reuse and manage data movement efficiently. This work overcomes these barriers by quantitatively analyzing and optimizing the design objectives (e.g. required memory access) of the CNN accelerator based on multiple design variables. We systematically explore the trade-offs of hardware cost by searching the design variable configurations, and propose a specific dataflow of hardware CNN acceleration to minimize the memory access and data movement while maximizing the resource utilization to achieve high performance. The proposed CNN acceleration scheme and architecture are demonstrated on a standalone Altera Arria 10 GX 1150 FPGA by implementing end-to-end VGG-16 CNN model and achieved 645.25 GOPS of throughput and 47.97 ms of latency, which is a >3.2× enhancement compared to state-of-the-art FPGA implementations of VGG model.
The impact of postcolonial theory on early childhood education

In this paper a key concept in postcolonial theory, an unmasking of the will to power, that essentializes diverse ways of viewing and living in the world, is related to the field of early childhood education. Drawing on the work of such scholars as Young (2001) who suggest that the adopting of an activist position that seeks social transformation is a crucial concept in postcolonial work, this paper briefly reviews the work of various scholars across the globe who have used postcolonial theory in their analyses and reconceptualization of early childhood education. Finally and perhaps most importantly a discussion ensues as to why, despite the powerful nature of the ideas it has to offer, as well as its relevance to the lives of young children, postcolonial thought has had only minimal if any impact on the field of early childhood as an academic discipline and even less on the daily practices of early childhood educators.
Biomechanical stiffening: Slow low-irradiance corneal crosslinking versus the standard Dresden protocol.

Purpose To assess whether full biomechanical stiffening can be achieved with corneal crosslinking (CXL) when applying a reduced ultraviolet (UV) fluence during the standard irradiation time. Setting Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology, Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Design Experimental study. Methods Thirty-four freshly enucleated porcine corneas were deepithelialized and soaked with hypoosmolar riboflavin 0.1% solution for 30 minutes. Slow low-irradiance CXL (30 minutes at 1.5 mW/cm2, fluence 2.7 J/cm2) was compared with standard CXL (30 minutes at 3 mW/cm2, fluence 5.4 J/cm2). The controls were soaked with riboflavin but not exposed to UV light. Elastic (stress–strain) and viscoelastic (stress–relaxation) 2-dimensional testing was performed with a commercial stress–strain extensometer to quantify the biomechanical stiffening. Results Corneas crosslinked with low and standard UV irradiances had a significantly higher mean elastic modulus (65.9 MPa ± 15.7 [SD] and 67.1 ± 15.6 MPa, respectively) than controls (52.4 ± 12.3 MPa) (P Conclusions The UV fluence for CXL might be reduced while maintaining the biomechanical efficacy by using a lower UV irradiance and the same irradiation duration. This might open avenues in the treatment of extremely thin corneas.
Perspectives of Mothers of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study represents findings from interviews at two time points with three mothers of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) children (ages 8 to 12 years at T1) with autism spectrum disorder...
Development of Thermotransformable Controlled Hydrogel for Enhancing Oil Recovery

A novel thermotransformable controlled polymer system (tPPG) is developed that can be injected into fractures or fracturelike features as a millimeter-sized particle gel (100 μm to a few millimeters) and acts as a plugging agent, then dissolves into linear polymer at a designated period (e.g., 6 months), because of the reservoir’s temperature. The dissolved polymer seeps into the depth of the formation and performs as a mobility control agent with high viscosity. Working together with permanent cross-linking the polymer, polyethylene glycol diacrylate 200 (PEG-200) entails the role of controlling dissolution time which has been added into the tPPG as a labile cross-linker. The polymer’s viscosity will not be influenced by the shearing stress during pumping or salinity in the reservoir. The time tPPG requires for transformation is dependent primarily upon the reservoir temperature and labile cross-linker concentration. This strategy offers a facile and economic approach to fabricating a promising dual-func...
Implementation of Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescription Protocol in Geriatric Residents.

Background: Deprescribing is a recommended intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by polypharmacy in older residents. However, a lack of definite deprescription guidelines and eviden...
Colonial Judges in a Fading Empire, 1961–1965

This chapter examines the High Court Bench between 1961 and 1965, when it remained almost entirely populated by colonial judges. The government sought to maintain professional legal standards and thus the dearth of Tanganyikan Africans with legal qualifications prevented it from placing any Africans on the Bench during this period. This chapter argues, paradoxically, that colonial judges remaining on the Bench was a key part of the process of decolonising the Bench because it allowed the government to maintain the standards set out in the Constitution for judicial appointments and gave it time to train African citizens to become judges. This chapter also investigates the motivations of colonial judges and magistrates for remaining on the Bench during the twilight of the British Empire.
Cobblestone Area-forming Cell Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) require bone marrow microenvironment for their maintenance and proliferation. Culture of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) provides appropriate environmental signals for HSCs survival in vitro. Here, we provide a detailed protocol that describes culture conditions for MSCs, flow cytometric isolation of HSCs from mouse bone marrow, and perform co-culture of MSCs and HSCs known as Cobblestone area-forming cell (CAFC) assay. Altogether, CAFC assays can be used as a high-throughput in vitro screening model where efforts are made to understand and develop therapies for complex bone marrow diseases. This protocol needs 3 to 4 weeks starting from culturing MSCs, isolating LSK cells (HSCs), and to performing limited dilution CAFC assay.
Designing High-Quality Surveys for HCI Research

Survey research is widely used in human-computer interaction (HCI) to measure users’ attitudes and collect product feedback. At a glance, survey research seems straightforward: it’s easy to write questions, and there are many inexpensive tools to field surveys. However, there is a wide gap between quickand- dirty surveys and surveys that are properly planned, constructed, and analyzed. This interactive full-day tutorial explains all stages of the survey research life cycle, and examines approaches for surveys to meet specific HCI goals. The tutorial is divided into two parts: During the first half, we discuss the use of surveys in HCI research, and review survey fundamentals (including survey types and examples, a short history of survey research, survey appropriateness in the context of HCI, an overview of the survey life cycle, research goals & constructs, and population & sampling). In the second half, we will examine elements of high quality questionnaire design, including when to use various question types, questionnaire biases and question types to be avoided, considerations for cross-cultural surveys, visual design guidelines, as well as the remainder of the survey life cycle (including testing and optimizing your survey, implementation considerations for online surveys, maximizing response rates, data analysis fundamentals). Interactive exercises and numerous examples are used throughout to engage the audience with the material and to make it immediately applicable to their work. The content of this tutorial is relevant to individuals from academia, industry, and government with a common desire to further their knowledge of survey research and its uses in HCI. The audience may include user experience researchers, designers, and developers, as well as product managers, and analysts, among others. The tutorial targets both those wanting a foundation to start using surveys and other feedback-gathering methods, as well as those looking to refine their existing survey research efforts. Attendees will gain an appreciation for the breadth and depth of surveys in HCI, combined with keys to conducting valid, reliable, and impactful survey research for their own purposes.
Ultrafast carrier transport in van der Waals heterostructures (Conference Presentation)

Since 2012, heterostructures formed by two-dimensional materials have drawn considerable attention due to the potentials of combining their novel properties. In developing these materials, one key issue is to understand and control charge transfer process. In this presentation, latest progress on experimental studies of ultrafast electron transport in van der Waals heterostructures, including both vertical and lateral heterostructures, will be discussed. First, previous studies by several groups on electron transfer in van der Waals vertical hetero-bilayers, such as MoS2/MoSe2 and WS2/graphene, will be reviewed. Secondly, latest results on van der Waals bilayers will be presented, including the demonstration of a structure with type-I band alignment and study of electron transfer in homo-bilayers. Next, new experiments on electron transport in van der Waals multilayers, such as 3 layers and 4 layers, will be presented. The coherent nature of transport and the systematic control of the carrier dynamics by thickness will be demonstrated. Attempts of using band-alignment engineering to control flow of carriers will be discussed. As an example, unipolar optical doping of graphene with significantly extended photocarrier lifetimes were achieved. Finally, latest ultrafast measurements of charge transfer in lateral junctions will be discussed, including a heterojunction formed by connecting monolayers of MoS2 and MoSe2 and a homojunction by varying the bandgap of a region of a MoSe2 monolayer by a dielectric top-layer. In both cases, transient absorption measurements with high temporal and spatial resolution revealed efficient photocarrier transfer across the lateral junctions.
Clinical evaluation of tracheal pressure estimation from the endotracheal tube cuff pressure

Objective. Air flow through an endotracheal tube causes a pressure drop across the tube. This pressure drop creates a difference between air pressure measured in the trachea and the pressure measured in the breathing circuit, which can lead to errors when calculating pulmonary mechanics and when setting ventilators. We have developed a method of estimating tracheal pressure from the pressure in the endotracheal tube cuff and tested this system in clinical trials. Methods. Pressure measurement ports were placed between the Y piece of the ventilator circuit and the ETT connector, in the trachea at the carinal end of the ETT, and in the ETT cuff inflation line. Tracheal pressures and cuff pressures were found at end-inspiration and end-expiration (no flow states) and used to define a linear relationship between cuff pressure and tracheal pressure. Using the estimated tracheal pressure (Ptrach) and the measured pressure at the Y piece of the breathing circuit (PY), the pressure drop across the ETT was found as a function of flow through the tube. Tracheal pressure was then calculated from the flow-dependent pressure drop and PY. Tests of this system were performed in six patients in the operating room and six patients in the intensive care unit. Results. The flow-based tracheal pressure estimates were within 0.7 ± 0.4 cm H2O of actual tracheal pressure (mean ± SD). At peak inspiratory pressure the difference averaged 0.5 ± 0.3 cm H2O. The difference between our estimate of tracheal pressure and actual tracheal pressure was always less than 1 cm H2O. Conclusion. The flow-based tracheal pressure estimates were accurate during intermittent spontaneous breathing, but not during spontaneous breathing or with a poorly inflated cuff. The estimates were more immune to noise than the cuff-based estimates of tracheal pressure. The estimates of tracheal pressure measured from the ETT cuff should be accurate enough for clinical use in the operating room.
The Global Compact : Origins, Operations, Progress, Challenges 1

This paper traces the origins and growth of the Global Compact, the UN’s corporate citizenship initiative, from the time of its launch in June 2000. The Compact aims at making the process of globalisation more inclusive and, consequently, less fragile. The main engagement mechanisms of the Compact—leadership, policy dialogue, learning, partnership projects and outreach activities—are described and analysed. Roles and responsibilities of the central and supporting actors in the Compact— governments, business, civil society and labour—are outlined. The section on Compact governance places particular emphasis on the fact that the Compact is a voluntary initiative and does not intend to either regulate or monitor participant activities. The strategic direction of the Compact in 2003 includes a greater focus on policy dialogues and on increasing accountability and transparency in participants’ Compact-related activities. The Compact’s geographical spread and progress are evaluated. The central challenges the Compact will face as a consequence of multiple forces at play in the global arena are examined.
Taking Care of Business: Caring in Competitive Corporate Structures

“Exactly how can a kindly ethic like caring be highly practical and compatible with standard business practice despite being aimed so high above the bottom line?” In a highly practical, down-to-earth tone this chapter addresses doubts about the application of care to business by suggesting that in fact care ethics does not pose the usual conflict between doing ethics and doing business found in other moral approaches. Care theory views caring and seeking profit as overlapping parts of the same sort of activity: using skills to act competently and even excellently in what businesses do. The chapter offers a practical, accessible means for converting care theory into a usable resource—an ethical “tool box” for fixing personnel problems and conflicts in the office setting as well as more thoughtful business decision making.
Improved 30 day Readmission Rates Following Institution of Heart Failure Treatment Algorithms

Introduction The 30 day readmission rate currently remains the standard by which the quality of heart failure (HF) care is measured by Medicare. In 2013 a HF program was implemented at our institution. As part of this program HF treatment algorithms and processes were revised and promoted (Figure). New concepts included encouraging use of diuretics with higher bioavailability such as bumetanide or torsemide, and confirming adequate urine output (UO) on oral (PO) diuretics for a minimum of 24 hours prior to discharge. Methods Quality dashboard data was collected for 110 patients admitted for HF in 2013 in the 2 months before implementation of the HF program and compared to 80 patients admitted in January and February of 2018. Data was compared using the T-test and Z-score calculators. Results 30 day readmission rates between 2013 and 2017 gradually decreased from 20% to 15%, p=0.019. The proportion of patients who were discharged on either bumetanide or torsemide increased from 20% (2013) to 59% (2018), p 1500 mL in the 24 hours prior to discharge (45% versus 18.3%, p Conclusion Implementation of a HF program resulted in improved 30 day readmissions that were likely the result of promoting and teaching new concepts about diuresis at our institution.
Differential Private-Hilbert: Data Publication Using Hilbert Curve Spatial Mapping

A high demand exists in publishing data that preserves privacy. A common method that ensures privacy is Differential Privacy which perturbs the data based on the Laplace distribution prior to disseminating the data. Proposed techniques suffer from data having many attributes or high dimensional data known as the curse of dimensionality. A problem exists with both, accuracy and processing resources when handling large amounts of high dimensional data. The method, Differential Private-Hilbert, being presented is an initial study whose goal is to achieve Ɛ-differential privacy. An algorithm is proposed for answering range queries over high dimensional data. The data is mapped into 1-dimensional tuples using Hilbert curves and partitioned into groups. The data are stored in a tree structure whose leaf nodes are abstracted to a histogram and calibrated noise is then injected. The clustering property of Hilbert curves is exploited to improve the accuracy of the published data. The tree structure lends itself for efficient access to store and process range-count queries. DP-Hilbert requires minimal computing resources. An accuracy and run-time performance study is done on multi-dimensional data by measuring the Mean Squared Error (MSE) and CPU processing time. Large synthetic datasets having between 3 to 8 dimensions are evaluated.
Circulating Interleukin-6 concentration covaries inversely with self-reported sleep duration as a function of polymorphic variation in the glucocorticoid receptor.

Abstract Growing evidence links extremes of self-reported sleep duration with higher circulating markers of inflammatory disease risk, although not all findings are consistent. Extremes of sleep duration also associate with activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system and the peripheral release of cortisol, a glucocorticoid (GC) important in downregulating transcription of pro-inflammatory molecules. Polymorphic variation in the gene encoding the GC receptor (GR; NR3C1) modulates cellular sensitivity to GC-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling, thereby affecting levels of pro-inflammatory molecules. Thus, we hypothesized that extremes of self-reported sleep duration may covary with circulating levels of inflammatory markers as a function of allelic variation in NR3C1. Specifically, we examine the possibility that a single nucleotide polymorphism of the GR gene—(rs6198), the minor (G) allele of which confers reduced GR sensitivity—moderates an association of sleep duration with interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) among a large sample (IL-6: N = 857; CRP: N = 929) of midlife community volunteers of European ancestry. Findings showed that sleep duration varied inversely with IL-6 (β = −0.087, p = .012), and this association was stronger among individuals homozygous for the rs6198 G-allele compared to alternate genotypes (β = −0.071, p = .039). We also found that sleep duration showed a U-shaped association with CRP (polynomial term: β = 0.093, p = .006), which was not moderated by rs6198 genotype. In conclusion, we show that a common genetic variant in the GR moderates an inverse association of self-reported sleep duration with circulating IL-6, possibly contributing to the increased disease risk observed among some short sleepers.
New Advances in the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis

Despite the increasing incidence of acute pancreatitis, the overall mortality of AP has decreased. The findings of recent studies on fluid therapy, analgesics, antibiotics, and enteral nutrition as well as the management of AP complications have led to improvements in clinical care. However, there are still no pharmacologic treatment(s) for AP. Experimental studies have revealed many potential therapeutic targets, but these will need to be further developed and tested before they can be assessed in randomized controlled trials with important clinical endpoints.
Phenomenological models of two-particle correlation distributions on transverse momentum in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Two-particle, pair-number correlation distributions on two-dimensional transverse momentum (${p}_{t1},{p}_{t2}$) constructed from the particle production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions allow access to dynamical processes in these systems beyond what can be studied with angular correlations alone. Only a few measurements of this type have been reported in the literature, and phenomenological models, which facilitate physical interpretation of the correlation structures, are nonexistent. Ongoing efforts at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) will provide a significant volume of these correlation measurements in the future. In anticipation of these new data, two phenomenological models are developed which describe two-dimensional (2D) correlation distributions on transverse momentum. One model is based on a collision event-by-event fluctuating blast wave. The other is based on event-by-event fluctuations in fragmenting color-flux tubes and in jets. Both models are shown to be capable of accurately describing the measured single-particle ${p}_{t}$ distributions for minimum-bias Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{{s}_{NN}}=200\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GeV}$. Both models are then applied to preliminary, charged-particle correlation measurements on 2D transverse momentum. The capabilities of the two models for describing the overall structure of these correlations, the stability of the fitting results with respect to collision centrality, and the resulting trends of the dynamical fluctuations are evaluated. In general, both phenomenological models are capable of qualitatively describing the major correlation structures on transverse momentum and can be used to establish the required magnitudes and centrality trends of the fluctuations. Both models will be useful for interpreting the forthcoming correlation data from the RHIC.
Risk Factors for Primary Graft Dysfunction in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Receiving Lung Transplants

Purpose The primary driver of poor outcomes in the early stages of lung transplantation is primary graft dysfunction (PGD). Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have unique physiology and demographics compared to other lung transplant recipients. Therefore, we sought to identify risk factors for PGD in the CF patient population undergoing lung transplantation. Methods We utilized clinical data on lung transplant recipients with CF and their donors from the Lung Transplant Outcomes Group cohort, a multi-center prospective cohort study of PGD pathogenesis. The primary outcome was grade 3 PGD within the first 72 hours after transplantation. Potential covariates were identified in univariate analysis and assessed for collinearity. Independent PGD risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression. A sensitivity analysis was performed using grade 3 PGD 48 to 72 hours after transplantation. Results We identified 195 patients with CF who received lung transplants between August 2014 and June 2018 across ten centers. Grade 3 PGD developed in 80 subjects (41%). Risk factors for PGD in CF patients based on the multivariable model were white donor race (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-5.1), any positive panel reactive antibodies (PRA) (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0-4.7), recipient female gender (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-3.9), intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass use (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.2), increasing lung allocation score (LAS) (OR: 1.2 per 10 point increase in LAS, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4), and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) bridge to transplant (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.7). LAS and ECMO were assessed in separate models due to their collinearity. Mean pulmonary artery pressure at the time of transplant was included as a potential confounder. Similar findings were seen in a more severe phenotype of PGD that developed 48 to 72 hours after transplant. Conclusion The CF population is often considered to be at low risk of PGD, however we observed a relatively high rate of PGD in this study. Any positive PRA, female recipient gender, intraoperative bypass, increasing LAS, and ECMO are PGD risk factors that have been identified non-CF transplant populations. We validated these risk factors in recipients with CF. White donor race is a novel risk factor that has not been previously identified in lung transplant recipients with another primary diagnosis.
Individual Type 3: Debtors

Debtors are people who live their lives to diligently pay debts that they believe they have owed since birth. This is the key difference between this type and others, and the nature of debts can differ widely.
Are we on the right path to achieve the sustainable development goals

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call upon all countries to achieve 17 broad development goals by 2030. The SDGs are a central component of many national development plans and foreign aid strategies. While the SDGs have become a central aspect of development planning, how achievable are they under present conditions? This paper explores a dynamic “middle-of-the-road” baseline global development scenario (Shared Socio-economic Pathway 2) using an integrated assessment model (International Futures) to evaluate progress toward target values on nine indicators related to six human development SDGs. We find that, between 2015 and 30, the world will make only limited progress towards achieving those SDGs with our current set of policy priorities. Our study finds that across the variables explored here (nine indicators for 186 countries = 1674 country-indicators), 43 percent had already reached target values by 2015. By 2030, target values are projected to be achieved for 53 percent of country-variables. This paper highlights special difficulty in achieving targets on some SDG indicators (access to safe sanitation, upper secondary school completion, and underweight children) representing persistent development issues that will not be solved without a significant shift in domestic and international aid policies and prioritization. In addition, we highlight 28 particularly vulnerable countries that are not projected to achieve any of the nine human development related target values in a middle-of-the-road scenario. These most vulnerable countries (MVCs) must be the focus of international assistance.
Philosophy and Poetry

Philosophy certainly has connections with science but it is not itself a science. Nor is it literature. But it is related to literature in a way that excessive emphasis on science can obscure. In this paper I defend the rather old-fashioned view that philosophy is essentially linguistic. I also argue, less conventionally, that there is an unavoidable personal aspect to at least some philosophical problems, and in answering them we must speak for ourselves without being able to count on every other speaker of our language agreeing with us or even understanding what we say. Where the rules of our language are not set we must, so to speak, make them up for ourselves as we go. In this way philosophy requires the kind of linguistic creativity more often associated with poetical kinds of literature. Drawing on the work of Cora Diamond and Alice Crary, I argue that philosophy should be regarded as, not identical with, but continuous with
The impact of oil on equity returns of Canadian and U.S. Railways and airlines

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between oil price movements and equity returns of railways and airline in Canada and the U.S. Using a robust set of oil measures, which includes both West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Western Canadian Select (WCS) data, this research finds that railways and airlines react uniquely to oil price movements. Specifically, equity returns of railways in Canada and airlines in the U.S. tend to be negatively impacted by positive movements in WTI. Equity returns of airlines in Canada and railways in the U.S show limited evidence of any impact. Additional estimations suggest that equity returns of airlines react asymmetrically and that information regarding oil price movements may gradually diffuse over time. With the changing North American energy landscape (e.g., oil sands and shale oil), the increased reliance on transporting crude oil via railways should lead academics and practitioners to further research in this area.
Forks in the Road—As Faced by Women in Gastroenterology

Abstract Women in medicine have made substantial strides throughout the years, but continue to face inequities throughout their careers that ultimately limit their ability to achieve personal and profession success. This is particularly true in male dominated fields like gastroenterology. In this article, we explore the various challenges and offer a review of strategies to overcome these challenges at each training and career milestone.
Oral delivery of peptide therapeutics in infants: Challenges and opportunities

The vast majority of drugs are not designed or developed for pediatric and infant populations. Peptide drugs, which have become increasingly relevant in the past several decades, are no exception. Unfortunately, nearly all of the 60+ approved peptide drugs are formulated for injection, a particularly unfriendly mode of administration for infants. Although three peptide drugs were recently approved for oral formulations, this major advance in peptide drug delivery is available only for adults. In this review, we consider the current challenges and opportunities for the oral formulation of peptide therapeutics, specifically for infant populations. We describe the strategies that enable oral protein delivery and the potential impact of infant physiology on those strategies. We also detail the limited but encouraging progress towards 1) adapting conventional drug development and delivery approaches to infants and 2) designing novel infant-centric formulations. Together, these efforts underscore the feasibility of oral peptide delivery in infants and provide motivation to increase attention paid to this underserved area of drug delivery and formulation.