cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unsuspected bladder carcinoma in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy

AbstractUnsuspected synchronous transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was discovered between January 1991 and June 1993 in 4 patients who were candidates for radical prostatectomy. Each of these patients had multiple urinalyses that did not demonstrate hematuria. During the 2½-year period these patients represented 1.2% of all radical prostatectomies with cystoscopy performed preoperatively. Using the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data the expected number of bladder neoplasms was estimated. The occurrence of synchronous bladder carcinoma observed in our prostatectomy group compared with age-matched population-based SEER data demonstrates a statistically significant difference as analyzed by the chi-square test (p <0.001). Management of these superficial bladder tumors included transurethral resection before radical prostatectomy. All patients were free of prostatic and urothelial malignancy at 6 to 24 months. The finding of an unsuspected bladder malignan...
Microscale Purification Systems for Biological Sample Preparation

This work is focused on the development of miniaturized instrumentation formats for integrated biochemical and biological sample preparation. In particular, the paper is focused on microfluidic systems for the purification of cells, uncoated nano particles, and surface coated nano particles. Microfluidic systems will be described for purifying cells from whole blood, sorting of blood cells based on their electrophysiological characteristics, and separating and purifying the components of a blood cell homogenate. Additionally, the microscale sample preparation systems will be shown to be effective in purifying complex samples of nano particles based on the particles physical size and effective electrical charge. The microsystems will be demonstrated for the purification of samples containing polystyrene nano particles with multiple diameters as well as for samples containing a mixture of uncoated and surface coated nano particles. The formats discussed in this work include the micro-electrophysiological characterization (μ-EPC) system; the micro-thermal field flow fractionation (μ-TFFF) system; and the micro-electrical field flow fractionation (μ-EFFF) system. The microscale cellular electrophysiological characterization system is used for cell sorting and selection. The cell sorting and selection is accomplished using impedance spectroscopy on single cells. The system has been shown to be effective in sorting blood cells by cell type (i.e., red, white) and by sub populations (e.g., viable leukocytes, non viable leukocytes). The μ-TFFF system is a chromatographic separation technique for fractionating particle samples based on the heat capacity, thermal conductivity and physical size of the particles. The μ-EFFF system fractionates particle samples based on the physical size and zeta potential (effective electrical charge) of the particles within the sample. The electrical and thermal FFF systems are capable of separating particle samples with constituents in the diameter range from approximately 1 nm to 1 μm. The separation and purification of a variety of nano particles will be demonstrated in the field flow fractionation systems including cells, cellular sub-components, uncoated polystyrene nano particles, and protein coated (Protein A) polystyrene nano particles.
Mechanical Response of DNA–Nanoparticle Crystals to Controlled Deformation

The self-assembly of DNA-conjugated nanoparticles represents a promising avenue toward the design of engineered hierarchical materials. By using DNA to encode nanoscale interactions, macroscale crystals can be formed with mechanical properties that can, at least in principle, be tuned. Here we present in silico evidence that the mechanical response of these assemblies can indeed be controlled, and that subtle modifications of the linking DNA sequences can change the Young’s modulus from 97 kPa to 2.1 MPa. We rely on a detailed molecular model to quantify the energetics of DNA–nanoparticle assembly and demonstrate that the mechanical response is governed by entropic, rather than enthalpic, contributions and that the response of the entire network can be estimated from the elastic properties of an individual nanoparticle. The results here provide a first step toward the mechanical characterization of DNA–nanoparticle assemblies, and suggest the possibility of mechanical metamaterials constructed using DNA.
Intergenerational Relations, Inequality, and Social Justice

Various authors have recently begun to connect the literatures on intergenerational relations and gerontology with the work on social justice (e.g., Norris, 1987). This chapter attempts to relate two specific literatures within this broader field of current research. We take one of the dominant theoretical perspectives in Sociology, social exchange theory, and extend it to apply to intergenerational relations.
Interlimb coordination and academic performance in elementary school children

Background The specific mechanisms linking motor ability and cognitive performance, especially academic achievement, are still unclear. Whereas the literature provides an abundance of information on fine and visual–motor skill and cognitive attributes, much less has been reported on gross motor ability. This study examined interlimb coordination and its relationship to academic performance in children aged 8–11 years. Methods Motor and academic skills were examined in 100 Brazilian children using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Academic Performance Test. Participants were grouped into low ( 75%) academic achievers. Results There was a significant difference between groups for Total Motor Composite (P < 0.001) favoring the high group. On regression analysis there was a significant association between academic performance and Body Coordination. Of the subtests of Body Coordination (Bilateral Coordination and Balance), Bilateral Coordination accounted for the highest impact on academic performance. Of interest here, that subtest consists primarily of gross motor tasks involving interlimb coordination. Conclusion Overall, there was a positive relationship between motor behavior, in particular activities involving interlimb coordination, and academic performance. Application of these findings in the area of early assessment may be useful in the identification of later academic problems.
An unusual presentation of a rare soft tissue tumor in the tongue: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Abstract Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of intermediate biologic potential. Here, we describe an unusual presentation of IMT in the oral tongue of a pediatric patient. In contrast to other presentations in the literature suggestive of a malignant process, the presentation seen here appears benign. However, unlike the more common benign pediatric tongue lesions, IMT does have aggressive and even mortal potential. Though rare, it is important to keep in mind atypical presentations like the one described here and consider IMT on the differential diagnosis of a tongue lesion in a pediatric patient.
183. Elucidation of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Levels in Human Infant Blood Samples

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a serum anti-protease that is produced in the liver and secreted into the circulation to function in the lung, protecting the alveolar interstitium from degradation by neutrophil elastase. AAT deficiency is a monogenic disease that results from mutations to the AAT gene. In the case of the PiZ mutation, the mutant Z-AAT produced in the liver undergoes loop-sheet polymerization inhibiting the secretion of AAT from the hepatocytes into the blood stream. Since AAT is sequestered in the liver, the protein is incapable of inhibiting neutrophil elastase's destruction of the alveolar epithelium, resulting in progressive lung disease. Accumulation of Z-AAT within the hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum leads to hepatocellular stress, which can result in acute or chronic liver disease. About 5% of children afflicted with AAT deficiency develop acute liver failure within the first year of life. The cause for this acute liver failure in young patients has not yet been elucidated. Previous analysis of AAT levels in a mouse model expressing human Z-AAT from the endogenous AAT promoter has shown a considerable increase in hAAT concentration within the first few weeks of life, peaking at about 8.0*106 ng/mL at eight weeks, followed by a decrease in AAT concentration leveling out at 4.0*106 ng/mL at eighteen weeks of age. If the AAT promoter is regulated in a similar fashion in humans, one might predict that higher AAT expression in the early neonatal period may lead to increased accumulation of mutant AAT within the hepatocytes and precipitate fulminant liver disease early in life. In order to investigate this possibility, AAT levels were measured in healthy human infants over the course of the first two years of life. AAT levels were determined using a modified sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Infant AAT levels demonstrate a biphasic trend with an initial increase to a maximum mean level of 2.8*106 ng/mL at five months, followed by a gradual decreasing trend. Mean levels remain higher than mean adult levels (1.3*106 ng/mL) up to twenty-four months of age and higher than previously reported infant levels (0.93*106 - 2.51*106 ng/mL) up to thirteen months of age.
Advanced Laboratory Projects for Control Theory, Fruits of a University-Industry Cooperation

Abstract Significant innovations have been made in the teaching of Control Systems both at the graduate and undergraduate levels at Southern Polytechnic State University. This paper focuses on a number of realistic, hands-on, new technology laboratory projects for a graduate course in Control Theory. Projects, which have been developed and made possible as a result of a program of direct cooperation between National Aeronautics and Aerospace (NASA) and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). The objective is to underline the role and importance of university -industry cooperation in making Control Theory a hands-on engineering course. The program known as NASA-ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship has been briefly introduced. The nature, scope and the details of implementation of each project have been discussed.
Western Oregon forest landowner beliefs about the outcomes of mandatory riparian buffer regulations

Research about nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners’ perspectives on voluntary conservation-based programs continues to proliferate. However, there is a gap in understanding NIPF landowne...
Effects of Strain Rate on Deformation-Induced Martensite in 304 Stainless Steel

Sheet specimens of 304 stainless steel were tested in uniaxial tension over a temperature range of −173 to +100°C at low strain rate (10−3/s) and high strain rate (103/s). Two shook loading experiments were conducted; one at −105°C and one at ambient temperature. The amount of strain-induced α′ martensite was measured magnetically, the temperature increase during deformation was measured with a thermocouple, and the substructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy. At room temperature and small strain levels, more α′ martensite was produced at high rate than at low rate. At strains >0.25, low-rate deformation produced significantly more α′ martensite. Tests over a range of temperatures showed that the decrease in α′ at large strains and high strain rates resulted from an increase in temperature due to adiabatic heating. Micro structurally, we found that α′ nucleates at shear band intersections. At high rate, there are more shear bands, but the growth of the α′ embryos is restricted by the temperature increase. During shock loading, α′ martensite formed at both test temperatures, thereby demonstrating that transformation is possible at such high rates, and under the predominantly compressive stress state.
Emotional Scaffolding: The Emotional and Imaginative Dimensions of Teaching and Learning

We suggest that teachers regularly think about how to scaffold students’ emotional response to the subject matter they teach. We further makes the case that when teachers think deeply about how students emotionally encounter their subject matter they are inevitably led to reflection on the social and cultural context of their students’ lives. Thinking about students’ emotions thus becomes one of the primary ways through which the specifics of a given subject matter and the broader sociocultural influences on student learning become intertwined in teacher thinking. This connection is illustrated with several case vignettes. In examining these cases, a second point is made: Teacher reflection on students’ emotional response to the subject matter frequently elicits emotional responses from the teachers. These emotional responses, argue, are not excessive, but are necessary components of teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge.
How should costs and cost-effectiveness be considered in prenatal genetic testing?

Abstract In January 2017, a group of experts in prenatal genetics attended a workshop at the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine meeting to review the evidence behind the costs and cost-effectiveness of prenatal genetic testing. Over the past decade, prenatal genetic testing options have dramatically expanded to include additional options with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening, as well as increased diagnostic abilities through chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), gene panels, whole exome sequencing, and other tests. With these expanding technologies, it is important to consider the options available as well as the cost effectiveness of their use. Other important considerations are the effects of movements toward value-based health care; the role of professional societies, commercial laboratories, and insurers; disparities that exist in prenatal genetic testing; and outcomes for both patients and health care systems. Workshop participants identified key areas of research to advance our understanding of the costs and cost-effectiveness of prenatal genetic testing, which include (1) understanding the short- and long-term costs to patients and to health care systems with prenatal genetic tests; (2) elucidating the short- and long-term health outcomes for parents and children that are important to consider when comparing one testing strategy to another; (3) understanding the value underlying prenatal genetic testing to individuals and health care systems; and (4) identifying disparities in prenatal genetic testing, reasons for these disparities, and how to minimize them.
Modeling of cadmium and nickel release from different soils

Abstract Cadmium and Ni chemical reactivities in soils are highly dependent on various soil properties. In this study, batch sorption-desorption experiments were carried out to quantify the potential of different soils to retain and release of Cd and Ni. Results revealed that several soil characteristics control Cd and Ni sorption-desorption where, the mutual effects of pH, CEC, soil carbon, clay, silt, and CaCO3 contents govern their behavior in soils. Sorption of Cd and Ni was found to be concentration dependent. The studied soils exhibited higher Ni sorption capacities than Cd (Ni-Smax > Cd-Smax). Statistical relationships between soil properties and Langmuir parameters were achieved by stepwise regression analysis. Simulations of Cd and Ni kinetic reactions were performed using a multireaction model (MRM). Cadmium and Ni exhibited sorption-desorption kinetics and hysteresis in the soils and were well simulated by MRM. The highest reversible reaction rate and low hysteresis for Cd and Ni were associated with the low soil sorption capacities. Whereas, a strong nonsingularity of sorption-desorption isotherms was observed for soils with high CaCO3 contents.
Incorporating Observed Physiological Data to Personalize Pediatric Vital Sign Alarm Thresholds.

Bedside monitors are intended as a safety net in patient care, but their management in the inpatient setting is a significant patient safety concern. The low precision of vital sign alarm systems l...
SAT-336 Time Restricted Feeding Delays Breast Cancer Initiation and Growth in a Mouse Model of Postmenopausal Obesity

Background: The prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increased dramatically in developed countries over the last three decades (Flegal et al., 2012). Numerous studies indicate that adiposity and the MetS are independent risk factors for multiple diseases including cancer, particularly postmenopausal breast cancer (Kim et al., 2018). Therefore improving the metabolic health of obese postmenopausal women may mitigate their risk for breast cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that time-restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting in which food intake is limited to a defined period during the normal active phase, can have a positive influence on metabolic health. Importantly, interventional studies in obese mice and small clinical studies in humans have demonstrated that TRF can improve metabolic health even though obesity is maintained (Sutton et al., 2018). Time restriction rather than calorie restriction is thus a promising method to control the negative sequelae of obesity, due to the hunger and irritability that reduces compliance with long-term calorie restriction. The objective of this study was to investigate whether TRF attenuates breast cancer in a mouse model of postmenopausal obesity and whether this effect is mediated by reducing the hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity. Methods: Ovariectomized mice were used as postmenopausal mice model. The ovariectomized mice were initially made obese by feeding 60% high fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks and then grouped into a continued ad libitum group (24 h access to food) or a TRF group (8 h access to food during active phase). For an orthotopic tumor model, mice were injected with E0771 breast cancer cells into four mammary fat pads per mouse three weeks following the start of TRF. As a tumor initiation model, transgenic PyMT mice were used to assess tumor onset and growth following the same TRF or AL access to the HFD. The insulin dependency of tumor growth was studied by increasing insulinemia using an implanted insulin pump, or by reducing insulin secretion using diazoxide. Insulin effects on tumor cell proliferation and migration was further validated in vitro. Results and Conclusion: TRF had a dramatic effect, reducing tumor growth in obese mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) to levels seen in lean mice. Tumor growth and initiation was also delayed in the transgenic PyMT model of mammary tumorigenesis. Our results further suggest that the antitumor effect of TRF is at least partially mediated by reducing hyperinsulinemia, suggesting that this intervention may be effective in breast cancer prevention and therapy. References: • Flegal, K. M. et al., (2012), JAMA 307, 491-497. • Kim, N. H. et al. (2018). Dig Dis Sci 63, 3126-3133. • Sutton, E. F. et al. (2018). Cell Metab 27, 1212-1221 e1213.
Blockchain-Based Corporate Governance

Corporations and other forms of business organizations can be supplemented with blockchain-based agency constructs. Blockchain-based decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) expand the definition of the firm. On-chain DAO governance enables dynamic regulatory features that facilitate unprecedented decentralized regulatory solutions.
Unconscious Weight Bias Among Nursing Students: A Descriptive Study.

There has been both an increase in obesity and anti-obesity bias in the United States. The Harvard Weight Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a reliable, valid test that can measure unconscious weight bias. First semester Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students were surveyed anonymously mid-semester and at the end of the semester after completing the Harvard Weight IAT. Sixty-nine out of 77 students completed pre- and post-surveys. Weight preference towards others was not shown to be related to the respondent’s own self-reported body mass index (BMI). The majority of respondents exhibited more weight-related bias on the IAT than they realized. The three qualitative themes that emerged included Awareness of Personal Beliefs and Stereotypes, Reminder to be Impartial, and Skepticism about the IAT. It is important for undergraduate nursing students to be aware of possible unconscious weight bias in order to provide high-quality care to patients.
The UN Security Council and Non-state Actors

Since the end of the Cold War it has become clear that non-state actors (NSA)1 can have a substantial impact on situations affecting international peace and security.2 Although the authority of the Security Council to directly address NSA is not uncontroversial, it is clear that as a practical matter the Council does exercise this authority regularly.3 My remarks will address this practice and explain its legal significance.
Governance of Payments for Ecosystem Ecosystem services influences social and environmental outcomes in Costa Rica

Abstract Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs are used to achieve both ecosystem services and human well-being objectives. PES employs various governance structures, from top-down, national programs to local, community-managed initiatives. We compare the land use, ecosystem services and human well-being impacts of Costa Rica's national PES program with local PES programs in the Bellbird Biological Corridor. We found no difference in well-being between local PES participants and the control group; however, national PES participants had significantly larger properties and incomes than non-participants. Although many of the national PES sites contain large forested areas, the program did not incentivize changes in land use and therefore did not generate additionality. Reforestation activities are widespread in the study area and have generated locally-important ecosystem services; however, these activities cannot be attributed to current local PES due to widespread reforestation within the control group. Nonetheless, participants in local PES have planted a greater diversity of tree species, suggesting reforestation under local PES may have improved ecological benefits. Our findings suggest that while the additional, non-economic benefits of PES in this region are limited, local PES has more effectively engaged with those who are less economically prosperous, and reforestation has improved ecosystem services provisioning.
Chapter 6 – Electronic Flash

This chapter explains the need to use the camera's designated sync shutter speed. It explains various techniques by which a crime scene photographer can control the flash output. It also explains bracketing with flash. It concludes with the benefits of bounce flash and the ways to use this technique. Many flash units allow the crime scene photographer to choose from the manual, automatic, or dedicated flash exposure modes. The more controls that any photographer has at his or her disposal, the more precision that can be expected in the final product: a well-exposed photograph. Some techniques may work under certain circumstances, and others may work better in other conditions. The common exposure errors that may be encountered were pointed out. When wide extremes of light are in the scene, ranging from extremely bright areas to very dark areas, the sensor, by itself, will not be able to capture details in both of these extremes. Details will be lost either in the highlight areas or in the shadow areas. Some areas will be either overexposed or badly underexposed. Rather than lose potentially important information in either area, photographer can use fill-in flash to ensure that details in both exposure extremes are captured. Certain types of evidence are best lit with the light coming from the side. Reflectors can also be used to soften the hard shadows cast by oblique flash and illuminate evidence hidden in the shadow area.
Heterogeneous CO 2 and CH 4 content of glacial meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet and implications for subglacial carbon processes

Abstract. Accelerated melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet has increased freshwater delivery to the Arctic Ocean and amplified the need to understand the impact of Greenland Ice Sheet meltwater on Arctic greenhouse gas budgets. We evaluate subglacial discharge from the Greenland Ice Sheet for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) concentrations and δ13 C values and use geochemical models to evaluate subglacial CH 4 and CO 2 sources and sinks. We compare discharge from southwest (a sub-catchment of the Isunnguata Glacier, sub-Isunnguata, and the Russell Glacier) and southern Greenland (Kiattut Sermiat). Meltwater CH 4 concentrations vary by orders of magnitude between sites and are saturated with respect to atmospheric concentrations at Kiattut Sermiat. In contrast, meltwaters from southwest sites are supersaturated, even though oxidation reduces CH 4 concentrations by up to 50 % during periods of low discharge. CO 2 concentrations range from supersaturated at sub-Isunnguata to undersaturated at Kiattut Sermiat. CO 2 is consumed by mineral weathering throughout the melt season at all sites; however, differences in the magnitude of subglacial CO 2 sources result in meltwaters that are either sources or sinks of atmospheric CO 2 . At the sub-Isunnguata site, the predominant source of CO 2 is organic matter (OM) remineralization. However, multiple or heterogeneous subglacial CO 2 sources maintain atmospheric CO 2 concentrations at Russell but not at Kiattut Sermiat, where CO 2 is undersaturated. These results highlight a previously unrecognized degree of heterogeneity in greenhouse gas dynamics under the Greenland Ice Sheet. Future work should constrain the extent and controls of heterogeneity to improve our understanding of the impact of Greenland Ice Sheet melt on Arctic greenhouse gas budgets, as well as the role of continental ice sheets in greenhouse gas variations over glacial–interglacial timescales.
Biomechanical Study of Patellar Component Fixation with Varying Degrees of Bone Loss.

Abstract Background The decision as to whether or not to resurface the patella in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is affected by the amount of patellar bone stock remaining; however, the impact of the cancellous bone status on patellar component fixation has not been studied. Therefore, we conducted a biomechanical study of patellar component fixation with varying degrees of cancellous bone loss. Methods Sixty pairs of cadaveric patellae were randomly assigned between 3 groups and prepared in similar manner to a TKA with the standard 3-hole configuration. A control patella and an experimental patella were designated in each pair. To simulate bone loss in the experimental patellae, 1, 2, and 3 of the standard drill holes were uniformly enlarged to 12 mm in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively. Afterward, an all-polyethylene patellar component was cemented to each patella, as done intraoperatively. Patellar components were then sheared off using a materials testing system. The resulting mean offset yield force was analyzed within each group using paired t-tests. Results The mean offset yield force for the control patellae was greater than the experimental patellae in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, the experimental patellae produced a greater mean offset yield force than the control patellae. Comparison within each group did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference. Conclusion Bone loss with enlargement of the patellar fixation holes, as is frequently seen in revision TKA, with holes up to 12 mm, does not significantly decrease patellar component fixation shear strength in this biomechanical cadaveric study.
Cloud Dynamics Revealed by a G-band Humidity-Sounding Differential Absorption Radar

VIPR, Vapor Inside-cloud Profiling Radar, is a low peak power cloud radar operating over 167-174.8 GHz, which is on the flank of the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line. VIPR's primary purpose is to measure absolute humidity by using the frequency dependence of water vapor absorption along the radar beam's path. Here we describe an additional capability of VIPR, which is to reveal internal cloud dynamics from the power ratio of range compressed spectra from long-duration linear-frequency-modulated pulses with opposite chirp directions. While the measurements are qualitative, relying on differences of incoherently averaged cloud reflectivity that arise from the Doppler-shift induced range migration of spatial reflectivity gradients, we show that they can reveal the location of wind shear in a cloud system.
Maximizing object detection using sUAS

This paper examines optimal look-angles for a camera which is mounted on a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS), that provides for maximized object detection on the ground. Using a generic convolutional neural network (CNN), this research identifies the best angle for detecting a ground target from an aerial perspective. The study involves altering camera angles on an sUAS that is flown along a fixed trajectory and then determining the angle which provides the highest detection rate of predefined objects, which are emplaced at known locations on the ground. The experiment is conducted in simulation and validated on a physical quadcopter. The results of this paper directly influence the U.S. Army’s research efforts on training neural networks and developing object detection algorithms.
Cost analysis of primary single-level lumbar discectomies using the Value Driven Outcomes database in a large academic center.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Improving value is an established point of emphasis to reduce the rapidly rising health care costs in the United States. Back pain is a major driver of costs with a substantial fraction caused by lumbar radiculopathy. The most common surgical treatment for lumbar radiculopathy is microdiscectomy. Research is sparse regarding variables driving cost in microdiscectomies and often limited by cost data derived from payer-based Medicare data. PURPOSE To identify targets for cost reduction by determining variables associated with significant cost variation in microdiscectomies, using cost data derived from the Value Driven Outcomes tool and actual system costs. STUDY DESIGN Single-center, retrospective study of prospectively collected registry data. PATIENT SAMPLE Six hundred twenty-two patients identified by CPT code and manually screened for initial, unilateral, single-level lumbar discectomy performed between 2014 and 2018 at a single institution. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measures include total direct cost, clinical length of stay, and OR minutes. Total Direct Cost was further differentiated into facility and nonfacility costs. METHODS Univariate and multivariate generalized linear models (GLM) were used to identify variables associated with variation in primary outcome measures. Costs were normalized by mean cost for patients with normal body mass index (BMI) and a healthy American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. Average marginal effects were reported as percentage of normalized costs. RESULTS Advanced age, male gender, Hispanic, black, unemployment, obesity, higher ASA class, insurance status, and being retired were positively associated with costs in univariate analysis. Asian, Native American, outpatient procedures, and being a student were associated with decreases in costs. In multivariate analysis, we found that obesity led to higher average marginal total direct (9%), total facility (15%), and facility OR costs (22%), as well as 24 more OR minutes per surgery. While being overweight was not associated with greater total direct costs, it was associated with higher total facility (8%), and facility OR costs (12%), with 11 more OR minutes per surgery. Age was associated with a longer LOS but not with OR costs. As expected, outpatient surgical costs, LOS, and OR time were significantly lower than inpatient procedures. Severe systematic disease was associated with greater total and nonfacility costs. In addition, Medicare patients had higher facility costs (14%) compared to privately insured patients. CONCLUSIONS Significant drivers of total direct cost in multivariate GLM analysis were obesity, severe systemic disease and inpatient surgery. Average LOS was increased due to age and inpatient status, conversely it was decreased by unemployment and retirement. Significant variables in OR time were male sex, Hispanic race and both obese and overweight BMIs.
EUS-guided stent placement for afferent limb and gastrojejunal obstruction in a patient with pancreatic cancer

Video 1EUS-guided stent placement for afferent limb and gastrojejunal obstruction in a patient with pancreatic cancer.
Analysis of Strain Sensor using Millimeter Wave Chipless RFID Tag

This paper presents a strain sensor using millimeter wave chipless RFID tag. The chipless RFID is composed of several tags and a reader. The reader reads the data from the resonant frequency of the tag's backscattered wave. The resonance frequency of presented strain sensor tag is depended on tag shape changing by strain. The shape of strain sensor tag is optimized by the finite-difference time-domain method and micro genetic algorithm in order to maximize variations of resonance frequencies. The optimization results show that the desired resonant frequencies and large variations are obtained.
Disruption avoidance via radio frequency current condensation in magnetic islands produced by off-normal events

This paper discusses the use of radio frequency (RF) current drive to stabilize large islands, focusing on nonlinear effects that appear when relatively high powers are used to stabilize large islands. We are interested in developing a capability to stabilize large islands via RF driven currents to avoid the need for mitigation to the extent possible. As tokamaks are designed and built with increasing levels of stored energy in the plasma, disruptions become increasingly dangerous. It has been reported that 95% of the disruptions in the Joint European Torus tokamak with the ITER-like wall are preceded by the growth of large locked islands. These large islands are mostly produced by off-normal events other than neoclassical tearing modes. This paper presents theory and modeling for a nonlinear “RF current condensation” effect that can concentrate the RF driven current near the center of a large island, thereby increasing the efficiency of the stabilization. A nonlinear shadowing effect can hinder the stabilization of islands if the aiming of the ray trajectories does not properly consider the nonlinear effects.
Asymptotic Distribution of Time-Series Intermittency Estimates: Applications to Economic and Clinical Data

The intermittency of a time series can be defined as its normalized difference in scaling parameters. We establish the central limit theorem for the estimates of intermittency under the null hypothesis of a random walk. Simulations of random walks indicate that the distribution of intermittency estimates is slightly negatively skewed and positively biased, but that the skewness and bias approach zero as the length of the random walks increases. We provide a formula by which the sample variance of the intermittency estimates of these simulations can be used to approximate the standard error of the intermittency for any large . These results can be used to test whether the intermittency estimate of an observed long time series is significantly greater than zero, the intermittency of a random walk. This test reveals that the intermittency estimates of the S&P 500 index and of the heart rate of a human adult are significantly positive. The hypothesis testing proposed in this paper can also be applied to other observed time series to determine whether their intermittency estimates are sufficiently high for the series to be considered intermittent, or whether their estimates are small enough to be consistent with a random walk.
Hemodynamic performance of tissue-engineered vascular grafts in Fontan patients

In the field of congenital heart surgery, tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are a promising alternative to traditionally used synthetic grafts. Our group has pioneered the use of TEVGs as a conduit between the inferior vena cava and the pulmonary arteries in the Fontan operation. The natural history of graft remodeling and its effect on hemodynamic performance has not been well characterized. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of the first U.S. clinical trial evaluating TEVGs in the treatment of congenital heart disease. We show two distinct phases of graft remodeling: an early phase distinguished by rapid changes in graft geometry and a second phase of sustained growth and decreased graft stiffness. Using clinically informed and patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, we demonstrate how changes to TEVG geometry, thickness, and stiffness affect patient hemodynamics. We show that metrics of patient hemodynamics remain within normal ranges despite clinically observed levels of graft narrowing. These insights strengthen the continued clinical evaluation of this technology while supporting recent indications that reversible graft narrowing can be well tolerated, thus suggesting caution before intervening clinically.
Standardized Classification of Lumbar Spine Degeneration on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reduces Intra- and Inter-subspecialty Variability.

Abstract Background and Purpose To determine the efficacy of standardized definitions of degenerative change in reducing variability in interpretation of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging within and between groups of subspecialty-trained neuroradiologists (NR) and musculoskeletal radiologists (MSK). Materials and Methods Six radiologists, three from both NR and MSK groups were trained on a standardized classification system of degenerative change. After an 11-month washout period, they independently re-interpreted fifty exams at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. Responses were converted to a six-point ordinal scale for the assessment of neural foraminal stenosis and spinal canal stenosis (SCS), three-point scale for lateral recess stenosis, and four-point scale for facet osteoarthritis (FO). Intra-subspecialty and inter-subspecialty analysis was performed using the weighted Cohen's kappa with a binary matrix of all reader pairs. Results Inter-subspecialty agreement improved from k=0.527 (moderate) to k=0.602 (substantial) for neural foraminal stenosis, from k=0.540 (moderate) to k=0.652 (substantial) for SCS, from k=0.0818 (slight) to k=0.337 (fair) for lateral recess stenosis, and from k=0.176 (slight) to k=0.495 (moderate) for FO. The NR group demonstrated improved intra-subspecialty agreement for the assessment of SCS, from k=0.368 (fair) to k=0.638 (substantial). The MSK group demonstrated improved intra-subspecialty agreement for the assessment of FO, from k=0.134 (slight) to k=0.413 (moderate). Intra-subspecialty agreement was similar for other parameters before and after training. Conclusions As result of the standardized definitions training, the NR and MSK groups each improved in one of the four parameters, while inter-subspecialty variability improved in all four parameters. These definitions may be useful in clinical practice across radiology subspecialties.
Heightened Sexual Misconduct Victimization Rates among Reserve Officers' Training Corps Women: Results From a Campus Climate Survey.

Sexual assault, harassment, and stalking are commonplace among college students, with identified subgroups being particularly at risk (e.g., Greek-life organizations and intercollegiate athletics)....
Accurate motion capture at high rotational rates using the CORDIC algorithm

In this paper, we describe a method for computing orientation and other navigational and positional tracking information when angular rate inputs vary over a wide range of values. Closed form solutions for the differential equations that characterize rotational motion involve transcendental functions whose values are obtained by approximation methods. Standard Taylor series or Runge-Kutta approximations are not accurate, for large angle inputs. We describe a multiCORDIC architecture that can compute an improved approximation method for the closed form. Attitude update techniques are compared for a system using data from three orthogonally mounted MEMS gyroscopes.
Simulating Hospital Merger Simulations

We assess the performance of recently developed hospital merger simulation methods in a Monte Carlo setting. We specify a theoretical model of hospital markets and generate true price eects of mergers by solving a simultaneous Nash bargaining game between the hospitals and MCOs for pre- and post-merger cases. We then take the data generated by the theoretical model that would be available in a real-world prospective merger analysis to the merger simulation methods and compare their predictions to the true price eects. We perform this exercise for multiple parameterizations, including dierent levels of competition in the hospital and insurance markets. We examine two related merger simulation methods and nd that both are preform well, although each exhibits some tendency to under- or over-predict merger price eects. We also nd some sensitivity to variation in the model parameters that govern consumer preferences over hospital networks and the division of the joint surplus in the bargaining game. 1
Protecting intellectual property rights on the information superhighway: A review of protecting intellectual property rights on the information superhighway, by Joseph L. Ebersole (Washington, D.C.: Information Industry Association, 1994). 99p. $95.00

Abstract This is a report commissioned by the Information Industry Association, drafts of which were reviewed at two meetings that included people from industry, government, and the academic world. Ebersole is a practicing lawyer who has worked closely with the information industry as emerging electronic publishing and networking have increased the challenges for intellectual property. The author of this review participated in both meetings that reviewed drafts of Ebersole's report.
Ideas That Work! The Midnight Audit

ABSTRACTThe midnight audit provides valuable insight toward identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption—insight that can be easily overlooked during the normal (daytime) energy auditing process. The purpose of the midnight audit is to observe after-hour operation with the mindset of seeking ways to further minimize energy consumption during the unoccupied mode and minimize energy waste by reducing unnecessary operation. The midnight audit should be used to verify that equipment is off when it is supposed to be, or operating in set-back mode when applicable. Even a facility that operates 2 shifts per day, 5 days per week experiences fewer annual hours in occupied mode than it does during unoccupied mode. Minimizing energy loads during unoccupied hours can save significant energy, which is why the midnight audit is an idea that works.
Novel closed-form Green's function in shielded planar layered media

A new method is proposed for the construction of closed-form Green's function in planar, stratified media between two conducting planes. The new approach does not require the a priori extraction of the guided-wave poles and the quasi-static part from the Green function spectrum. The proposed methodology can be easily applied to arbitrary planar media without any restriction on the number of layers and their thickness. Based on the discrete solution of one-dimensional ordinary differential equations for the spectral-domain expressions of the appropriate vector potential components, the proposed method leads to the simultaneous extraction of all Green's function values associated with a given set of source and observation points. Krylov subspace model order reduction is used to express the generated closed-form Green's function representation in terms of a finite sum involving a small number of Hankel functions. The validity of the proposed methodology and the accuracy of the generated closed-form Green's functions are demonstrated through a series of numerical experiments involving both vertical and horizontal dipoles.
Instability of Taylor-Couette Flow Subjected to a Coriolis Force

Taylor-Couette flow subjected to a Coriolis force is a rich pattern-forming system.1–5 The Coriolis force is applied by rotating a Couette apparatus so that the axis of rotation for the system is. orthogonal to the common axis of the cylinders (see figure 1). This orientation produces a nonaxisymmetric Coriolis force through the interaction of the rotation of the system with the (primarily) azimuthal base flow. Experimentally, a small Coriolis force is found to stabilize the base flow against Taylor vortex formation. In other words, the Coriolis force increases the critical value of the Reynolds number R c for the onset of instability in the base flow. At the transition to secondary flow, the Taylor vortices are tilted out of the plane normal to the cylinders’ axis. But the flow is still time-independent. This tilted Taylor vortex flow is an example of a novel pattern which arises as a result of the nonaxisymmetric Coriolis force. Several other novel patterns also arise. At somewhat large system rotation rates, there is a direct transition from the base flow to strong spatiotemporal turbulence. At small values of Ω (where Ω is a dimensionless measure of the angular frequency of the rotating system) there is nonhysteretic re-emergent order at Reynolds numbers not far from the threshold for instability.3 In a medium gap system, there is a Hopf bifurcation from the base flow to axially travelling tilted Taylor vortices.4
Study of Diet-Induced Changes in Lipoprotein Metabolism in Two Strains of Golden-Syrian Hamsters

The objective of this study was to characterize two strains of Golden-Syrian hamsters for use in the study of diet-induced changes in lipoprotein metabolism. In Experiment 1, the time course and response to dietary saturated fat was investigated for serum lipoprotein profiles and aortic lesion formation in Golden-Syrian hamsters from Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA (CR) and Bio Breeders, Watertown, MA (F(1)B). Hamsters were fed a nonpurified diet containing 10 g/100 g saturated fat and 0.1 g/100 g dietary cholesterol. After 12 wk, CR hamsters had significantly lower serum total and non-HDL cholesterol (TC and nHDL-C) levels, but higher aortic cholesteryl ester (CE) than the F(1)B hamsters (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, CR hamsters were fed a nonpurified diet containing 10 g/100 g saturated fat and 0.1, 0.5 or 1 g/100 g dietary cholesterol. After 10 wk of dietary intervention, TC and nHDL-C levels were significantly higher in the 0.5 and 1.0 g/100 g cholesterol groups than in the 0.1 g/100 g cholesterol group. These levels declined after 20 wk of dietary intervention in all groups, potentially reflecting the toxic effect of high cholesterol intakes. CR hamsters fed a 10 g/100 g saturated fat containing 0.1 g/100 g dietary cholesterol for 10 wk appear to be a good model for investigating diet-induced change in plasma lipids.
Natural antisense and noncoding RNA transcripts as potential drug targets

Information on the complexity of mammalian RNA transcription has increased greatly in the past few years. Notably, thousands of sense transcripts (conventional protein-coding genes) have antisense transcript partners, most of which are noncoding. Interestingly, a number of antisense transcripts regulate the expression of their sense partners, either in a discordant (antisense knockdown results in sense-transcript elevation) or concordant (antisense knockdown results in concomitant sense-transcript reduction) manner. Two new pharmacological strategies based on the knockdown of antisense RNA transcripts by siRNA (or another RNA targeting principle) are proposed in this review. In the case of discordant regulation, knockdown of antisense transcript elevates the expression of the conventional (sense) gene, thereby conceivably mimicking agonist-activator action. In the case of concordant regulation, knockdown of antisense transcript, or concomitant knockdown of antisense and sense transcripts, results in an additive or even synergistic reduction of the conventional gene expression. Although both strategies have been demonstrated to be valid in cell culture, it remains to be seen whether they provide advantages in other contexts.