cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin Film Growth and Magnetic Properties for Fe/GaAs(100).

Thin Fe films, 1 nm to 90 nm, have been grown on GaAs (100) substrates in ultra high vacuum, base pressure = 2×10−8 Pa. The growth of the films has been followed with Auger electron spectroscopy and a recently developed in-situ UHV M/H hysteresis loop tracer. The Auger signal provides an indication as to when the Fe covers the GaAs substrate or when it clusters into three dimensional islands. The magnetic hysteresis loop tracer provides the coercivity and the saturation magnetic moment, from which the saturation magnetization or average film thickness can be obtained. The coercivity of thin films is sensitive to structure, strain, and to the grain size, in analogy to its sensitivity to particle size for small particles. The data show that the coercivity, Hc, as a function of film thickness, is very sensitive to the annealing procedures and to the resulting morphology, continuous versus local clustering of the iron film. Under proper conditions a clear maximum in Hc versus film thickness is observed for these films near 5 nm thickness, in analogy to three dimensional small particle curves.
An Oriental Taeniothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Infesting Certain Amaryllidaceae

Taeniothrips eucharii (Whetzel), n. comb. (= T. gracilis Moulton, 1928), n. syn., which is unknown in continental North America, is intercepted principally on bulbs of Lycoris from its native Orient. It also occurs on Eucharis in Bermuda and Crinim in Hawaii, where it has been introduced, on Amaryllis, Narcissus , and Lilium , and many kinds of cut flowers. No morphological difference that corresponds to different localities or hosts has been observed. The species is larger and darker than most North American Taeniothrips and differs from all of them in having the combination of the apex of antennal segment III, distal portions of tibiae, and entire tarsi pale.
Qualitative Career Assessment: Research Evidence

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief description of evidence-based practice and thereafter to describe various career qualitative career assessments in association with evidence of their utility. This will be followed by recommendations for qualitative career assessments.
In vitro durability of the resin bond to feldspathic ceramics.

Purpose To measure and compare shear bond strength of three different resin-based composite cements (Panavia 21, Noribond DC, and Variolink II) to two feldspathic ceramic materials (Noritake EX-3 and Ceramco) after 3 days (at baseline) and after 180 days of water storage and repeated thermocycling. Methods Composite cylinders were bonded with Panavia 21, Noribond DC, and Variolink II to the hydrofluoric acid (HF)-etched surfaces of either Noritake Super Porcelain EX-3 (NEX) or Ceramco (CER) following the manufacturers' directions. Subgroups of 15 specimens were stored in distilled water for either 3 days without thermocycling or 180 days with 12,000 thermal cycles. Shear bond strength was measured and compared by loading each specimen in shear to failure in an Instron testing system. Data were analyzed with a three-factor ANOVA model. Post-hoc multiple comparisons of the individual main-effect levels were performed with Tukey's HSD multiple comparison procedure (alpha = 0.05). Results Mean bond strength did not differ for the two ceramic materials. Differences in mean bond strength were found among the bonding systems and between the early and late time points. Panavia exhibited significantly lower bond strength as compared to Noribond and Variolink II for both early and late time points, with a greater difference at 180 days. For all groups, failure modes were almost exclusively cohesive in the ceramic, which indicates sufficient resin-ceramic bonds with all tested materials.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, individuals produce antibodies directed against one of their own erythrocyte membrane antigens. The hemolysis in autoimmune hemolytic anemia is most commonly extravascular rather than intravascular, and the liver and spleen play a major role in the clearance of the antibody-coated cells. The importance of complement in the destruction of IgM-coated cells has also been recognized.
Abstract 94: Increased P450 Aromatase Level in Post-menopausal Women After an Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke is a sexually dimorphic disease. Sex differences in stroke have been attributed to neuroprotective effects of estrogen, yet most clinical trials of estrogen supplementation have shown detrimental effects. The role of sex hormones in stroke is still a subject of debate. Aromatization of testosterone to estradiol in neural tissue leads to sexual differentiation. Emerging data suggests similar aromatase activity in response to brain injury, as increased aromatase expression is seen in ischemic penumbra in animals. Administration of aromatase inhibitors exacerbates damage in experimental stroke models. However, studies on sex steroids in humans are sorely lacking. Objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of sex steroids to the etiology of sex differences in stroke . Methods: 253 patients admitted to Hartford Hospital for focal neurological deficit were consented for 24hour blood draw from symptom onset. Stroke was confirmed by CTscan/MRI brain. Patients with intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage, age Results: In age matched men & women, no difference in estradiol levels was seen. For testosterone, main effect of sex, F(1,3)=26,p Conclusions: Aromatase levels increase in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke. This may indicate increased aromatase activity as testosterone levels also decreased as compared with controls. Local production of estradiol may occur in the injured female brain mediated by aromatase as seen in prior animal studies. Ongoing work will assess functional outcomes and correlation with hormonal levels.
Use of free water by nesting lesser prairie-chickens

Abstract The lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a grassland grouse of semiarid regions. Use of free water has been hypothesized as necessary for egg formation during drought. We assessed the use of hydrogen isotopes (deuterium, δ2H) to determine if female lesser prairie-chickens use and incorporate free water during egg formation by testing the relationship between isotope ratios in available free water and eggshells. We collected eggshells from 124 nests and 282 free water samples from three sites in Kansas in 2013 and 2014. Eggshells had δ2H values similar to free water in the year of severe drought but were dissimilar the year with lessened drought severity. With an established link between lesser prairie-chicken eggshells and free water during severe drought, we have identified a mechanism behind observations of lesser prairie-chicken water use. We have demonstrated that hydrogen isotopes can be used to test research questions related to use of free water.
Issues in the Linkage of Assessment to Intervention

It has been argued that humans are designed to categorize information, that is, it may be part of human nature to attempt to group together disparate arrays of stimuli within a single category, as in the use of a symbolic system. Such an attempt will be made in this summary chapter. Our goal in this summary chapter is to highlight what we regard as the major themes and issued that were raised in this book. Given the diversity of viewpoints and populations discussed, such an effort may seem to some readers to be nothing more then a projective test for the editors. Although some editorial “projection” may be involved, it also seems clear that certain issues were repeatedly discussed in these chapters. What consistencies exist may be due to the fact that, as clinicians and researchers, the chapter authors are struggling with a common set of problems in the assessment of young developmentally disabled children. In attempting to categorize themes, three major issues seem to cut across the majority of chapters in this volume.
Recurrent IgA Nephropathy After Kidney Transplantation

Abstract Background Immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, with a high recurrence rate after kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess allograft survival, impact of recurrence on allograft function, and risk factors for post-transplant IgA recurrence. Methods We identified 104 patients with IgA nephropathy who underwent kidney transplantation at our center between 1993 and 2014. Fourteen patients underwent more than one allograft. Results IgA recurrence was documented in 23 (19%) allografts. Median time to recurrence was 6.75 years (interquartile range, 1.4–9.2 years). Twelve of the 23 recurrences were from living related donors (P = .07), and those with younger age at transplantation (37.7 ± 2.3 vs 44 ± 1.3, P = .05) were at higher risk of recurrence. Mean allograft survival was reduced in those with recurrence (6.5 ± 5.1 years) compared with those without recurrence (10.4 ± 7.5 years). At 6 years after transplant, allograft failure was documented in 52% of the recurrence group compared with 10% in the non-recurrence group (P = .002). Conclusions IgA recurrence after transplant is an important cause of allograft loss. Living related donors and younger age at transplantation are associated with high recurrence rate. Close monitoring and treatment of recurrence are crucial.
Ratio-counter based dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm (RCDBA) extending EFDBA

Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPONS) are a low-cost high-speed broadband access solutions for today's bandwidth hungry applications. While, downstream transmission in broadcast, upstream poses many a problems. The most critical challenge is to be able to allocate bandwidth among contending users while keeping starvation down and giving everyone a chance to transmit if they want. In this paper, we attempt to take forward work done by Byungjoo Park et al. (2008) in presenting EFDBA - dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm. EFDBA fairly allocates bandwidth to users but, in our view, also wastes some time slots since the allocation units are not granular. We have presented a ratio counter based approach that ensures minimum wastage of bandwidth. The basic idea is to divide the available bandwidth pieces equal to the minimum requirement from any ONU. This approach leads to many benefits as presented in later sections of the paper. In the end we present a comparison of RC-DBA with EFDBA along with results of our simulation.
Pharmacokinetic study of aldoxorubicin in solid tumor patients.

e13572 Background: Aldoxorubicin consists of doxorubicin conjugated to a pH sensitive linker that binds covalently to circulating albumin. Previous studies demonstrated that aldoxorubicin can be ad...
Brand Loyalty and Variety-Seeking within a House of Brands

Brand managers are concerned with maintaining customer relationships through brand loyalty. Previous research has shown that customer loyalty is fairly prevalent in the face of competitors (Koschmann and Sheth 2016a) and even when the choice is sibling brands (i.e., a ‘branded house’ in which branded variants share the same core brand name: Koschmann and Sheth 2016b). Given the focus on brand equity – while also appealing to differing consumer segments – the company may launch differently named brands within the same category so as to not diminish any existing brand equity (i.e., a ‘house of brands’). This research examines whether the use of multiple brands maintains consumer loyalty or encourages variety-seeking across brands. Using household panel data of five brands – all owned by the same parent company – in a commonly purchased consumer good (laundry detergent) over a two-year period, the results show that switching rates vary by brand from 41.8% to 90.7% in the next shopping occasion. Furthermore, switching rates are asymmetric: any switching from another brand is most likely to go towards one brand in particular (Tide). The research concludes with implications for managers and academics alike.
Isolation and analysis of microtubule motor proteins.

Publisher Summary Isolation of microtubule motor proteins is needed both for the discovery of new motors and for characterization of the products of motor-related genes. The sequences of motor-related genes cannot be used to predict the mechanochemical properties of the gene products. Two approaches for getting useful quantities of microtubule motor proteins have been used: isolation from cytosol and isolation from bacteria carrying cloned motor protein genes in expression vectors. The progress is expected with the expression of cloned genes from viral vectors in cultured eukaryotic cells. Biochemical isolation of motors from their natural cytosol has some distinct advantages. A given motor can be folded properly and have normal post-translational modifications. If it exists in vivo as a heteromultimer, a microtubule motor isolated from its native cytosol will carry with it a normal complement of associated proteins. Studies of such associated proteins will be important in learning how motors accomplish their tasks in vivo .
Physicians and gumshoes: prescription for bad medicine, or the man who didn't like doctors.

Raymond Chandler, the creator of legendary detective Philip Marlowe and the recipient of increasing literary admiration over the past 40 years, used numerous physicians as minor characters in his novels and short stories. The presence of physicians as minor characters in Chandler's work, though unnoticed by previous critics, is illustrative both of the writer's personal antipathy towards medical doctors and larger societal forces which left medical charlatans free to open “clinics.” Chandler's own chronic health problems and those of his wife Cissy may have contributed to the writer's negative attitude toward medicine and heath care, though little is known of Chandler's personal interactions with physicians prior to his death in 1959.
Abstract 126: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Disposition Improves Odds For Good Clinical Outcome After Endovascular Stroke Reperfusion Therapy

INTRO: A person with stroke has improved outcomes with post-acute care in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) compared to those who are discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Howeve...
Reliability of allergy skin testing

Abstract Background Percutaneous allergen skin testing remains an established benchmark for diagnosing atopic disease. The reliability of skin testing depends greatly on the performance of allergen extracts used, methods used, and the presence of antihistamine medications. Objective To determine the differential effect of cetirizine on 2 different concentrations of histamine control solution and 5 common allergens used for percutaneous skin testing. Methods Twelve individuals underwent skin testing with histamine (1 and 6 mg/mL), control diluent, and 5 common aeroallergens. Wheal and flare measurements were measured in a masked fashion by a single operator. Cetirizine was administered for 4 consecutive days to determine the effect on both histamine and allergen wheal and flare responses. Results A total of 384 skin tests were performed on 12 volunteers. Cetirizine began to suppress wheal and flare responses at 1 hour ( P P Conclusion The use of a 6-mg/mL histamine control for some percutaneous skin test devices may result in more false-negative allergen responses because of the inability to detect the presence of antihistamines.
An Assessment of the Use of Antihistamines in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Background Antihistamines are often used to treat pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) despite lack of evidence for their efficacy. The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend the general use of antihistamines in the management of AD, although the value of short-term sedating antihistamine use for insomnia secondary to itch is recognized. Objective To assess the use of sedating and nonsedating antihistamines for AD in 2003-2012. Methods The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey provided data on physician visits in 2003-2012. Sedating and nonsedating antihistamine use was identified at visits for AD. Results There were 990,000 annual visits for AD. Antihistamines were prescribed for AD in a significant proportion of visits across physician specialties (16%-44%). Dermatologists and pediatricians primarily used sedating antihistamines (58%-70%), whereas the majority of family/general practitioners, internists, and other specialists prescribed nonsedating antihistamines for AD (55%-100%) Limitations We were limited by the accuracy of AD diagnosis and medication recording. Conclusions Antihistamines are widely used for the treatment of AD. There is no high-level evidence to suggest that nonsedating antihistamines reduce itch in patients with AD or that sedating antihistamines provide benefit in controlling AD symptoms (except perhaps sleep and AD comorbidities, such as allergic rhinitis).
Structure of Materials: Additional crystallographic computations

Nature is an infinite sphere of which the center is everywhere and the circumference nowhere. Blaise Pascal In this chapter, we introduce a few important tools for crystallography. We begin with the stereographic projection, an important graphical tool for the description of 3-D crystals. Then, we discuss briefly the vector cross product, which we used in Chapter 6 to define the reciprocal lattice. We introduce general relations between different lattices (coordinate transformations), a method to convert crystal coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, and we conclude the chapter with examples of stereographic projections for cubic and monoclinic crystals. The stereographic projection In Chapter 5, we defined the Miller indices as a convenient tool to describe lattice planes. We also defined the concept of a family . Since real crystals are 3-D objects, we should, in principle, make 3-D drawings to represent planes and plane normals. This is tedious, in particular for the lower-symmetry crystal systems, such as the triclinic and monoclinic systems. Miller devised a graphical tool to simplify the representation of 3-D objects such as crystals. This tool is known as stereographic projection . A stereographic projection is a 2-D representation of a 3-D object located at the center of a sphere. Figure 7.1 shows a sphere of radius R ; to obtain the stereographic projection (SP) of a point on the sphere, one connects the point with the south pole of the sphere and then determines the intersection of this connection line with the equatorial plane. The resulting point is the SP of the original point. The point on the sphere could represent the normal to a crystal plane, as shown in the figure. The stereographic projection itself is then only the equatorial plane of Fig. 7.1. The projection is represented by a circle, corresponding to the equatorial circle. Inside the circle, the projections from points in the northern hemisphere are represented by small solid circles.
Ein neuer Rechtsrahmen für die Europäische Bürgerinitiative

Abstract Seit ihrer Einfuhrung mit dem Vertrag von Lissabon konnen eine Million Unionsburgerinnen und -burger mithilfe der Europaischen Burgerinitiative die Europaische Kommission auffordern, Vorschlage fur Rechtsanderungen innerhalb des europaischen Kompetenzrahmens vorzulegen. Die Europaische Burgerinitiative ist als Instrument partizipativer Demokratie auf europaischer Ebene als Reaktion auf das „Demokratieproblem“ der Europaischen Union zu verstehen, ihr Stellenwert spiegelt sich in ihrer primarrechtlichen Verankerung, Artikel 11 Absatz 4 EUV. Eine uber lange Zeit hohe Ablehnungsquote an Registrierungen fur Burgerinitiativen, komplexe Zertifizierungsverfahren und unterschiedliche Bedingungen in den Mitgliedstaaten haben im Rahmen einer langeren Evaluierung, an der eine Vielzahl an Akteuren beteiligt waren, Verbesserungsbedarf erkennen lassen. Als Ergebnis hat die Europaische Kommission im September 2017 einen Vorschlag fur eine Revision des Sekundarrechtsrahmens vorgelegt, insbesondere der Verordnung ...
Challenge-based instruction promotes students’ development of transferable frameworks and confidence for engineering problem solving

Challenge-based teaching facilitates students’ simultaneous development of content mastery and strategies for applying technical knowledge innovatively. The University of Texas at Austin Department...
Platelet transfusions and mortality in necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND Prior studies have suggested an association between platelet transfusions (PTXs) and worse outcomes among infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), potentially mediated by proinflammatory factors released by platelets. However, the effects of storage on platelet proinflammatory factor release and the confounding role of illness severity on NEC outcomes have not been determined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS First, neuropeptide Y (a potent splanchnic vasoconstrictor released by platelets) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in fresh frozen plasma and in the supernatant of leukoreduced apheresis-derived platelets at different times during storage. Next, we evaluated the relationship between PTX rates and death in a multicenter cohort of very-low-birth-weight infants with NEC, adjusting for illness severity. RESULTS Neuropeptide Y levels increased over time in the supernatant of leukoreduced apheresis-derived platelets and were 4.4-fold and 8.9-fold higher than in fresh frozen plasma on Days 2 and 3 of storage, respectively (p < 0.001). Among 598 very-low-birth-weight infants, 44 developed NEC. In unadjusted analysis, PTX rate was 30.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.5-80.1) per 100 infant-days among infants who died, compared to 6.0 (95% CI, 3.2-11.2) among survivors (incidence rate ratio, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.6-16.2; p = 0.006). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between PTX rate and mortality (incidence rate ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.6-15.0; p = 0.18), although estimation was imprecise. CONCLUSION Proinflammatory mediators accumulate in platelet suspensions during storage. Although PTX rates were not associated with increased mortality among infants with NEC in our study, our estimates suggest the potential for such an association that needs evaluation in larger studies.
Priorities, concerns, and regret among patients with head and neck cancer

Background In the era of deintensification, little data are available regarding patients' treatment preferences. The current study evaluated treatment-related priorities, concerns, and regret among patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Methods A total of 150 patients with HNSCC ranked the importance of 10 nononcologic treatment goals relative to the oncologic goals of cure and survival. The level of concern regarding 11 issues and decision regret was recorded. Median rank was reported overall, and factors associated with odds of rank as a top 3 priority were modeled using logistic regression. Results Among the treatment effects analyzed, the odds of being a top 3 priority was especially high for cure (odds, 9.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.05-16.63), followed by survival and swallow (odds, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.88-1.80] and odds, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.59-1.21], respectively). Prioritization of cure, survival, and swallow was similar based on human papillomavirus (HPV) tumor status. By increasing decade of age, older participants were found to be significantly less likely than younger individuals to prioritize survival (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-1.00). Concerns regarding mortality (P = .04) and transmission of HPV to the patient's spouse (P = .03) were more frequent among participants with HPV-associated HNSCC. Regret increased with additional treatment modalities (P = .02). Conclusions Patients with HNSCC overwhelming prioritize cure, followed by survival and swallow. The decreased prioritization of survival by older age supports further examination of treatment preference by age. The precedence of oncologic over nononcologic priorities among patients regardless of HPV tumor status supports the conservative adoption of deintensification regimens until the interplay between competing oncologic and nononcologic treatment goals is better understood.
Supramolecular Host-Selective Activation of Iodoarenes by Encapsulated Organometallics.

Supramolecular hosts offer defined microenvironments that facilitate selective host–guest interactions, enabling reactivity that would otherwise be challenging in bulk solution. While impressive ra...
The Role of Training and Work-Related Injury on Home Health Workers’ Job Satisfaction: Analysis of the National Home and Hospice Care Survey:

The purpose of this study was to describe personal, job, agency, environmental, and ergonomic factors that affect job satisfaction among home health workers (HHWs). A cross-sectional design was con...
Chromatin restriction by the nucleosome remodeler Mi-2β and functional interplay with lineage-specific transcription regulators control B-cell differentiation

Coordinated induction, but also repression, of genes are key to normal differentiation. Although the role of lineage-specific transcription regulators has been studied extensively, their functional integration with chromatin remodelers, one of the key enzymatic machineries that control chromatin accessibility, remains ill-defined. Here we investigate the role of Mi-2β, a SNF-2-like nucleosome remodeler and key component of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase (NuRD) complex in early B cells. Inactivation of Mi-2β arrested differentiation at the large pre-B-cell stage and caused derepression of cell adhesion and cell migration signaling factors by increasing chromatin access at poised enhancers and chromosome architectural elements. Mi-2β also supported IL-7R signaling, survival, and proliferation by repressing negative effectors of this pathway. Importantly, overexpression of Bcl2, a mitochondrial prosurvival gene and target of IL-7R signaling, partly rescued the differentiation block caused by Mi-2β loss. Mi-2β stably associated with chromatin sites that harbor binding motifs for IKAROS and EBF1 and physically associated with these transcription factors both on and off chromatin. Notably, Mi-2β shared loss-of-function cellular and molecular phenotypes with IKAROS and EBF1, albeit in a distinct fashion. Thus, the nucleosome remodeler Mi-2β promotes pre-B-cell differentiation by providing repression capabilities to distinct lineage-specific transcription factor-based regulatory networks.
The Democratizer Army Paradox: The Role of the Algerian Army in Impeded Democratization:

The main paradox of the civil–military relations theory has been the protection of the political sphere from the military, which is administered by the politicians. The new dilemma lies under the p...
Tipping Points in the Mangrove March: Characterization of Biogeochemical Cycling Along the Mangrove–Salt Marsh Ecotone

Coastal wetland vegetation communities can respond to sea level rise via the encroachment of more salt- and inundation-tolerant species into existing vegetation communities. Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans L.) are encroaching on saltgrass (Distichlis spicata L.) within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in east central Florida (USA). Nine soil cores collected along three transects captured the transitions of both perceived abiotic drivers (salinity and inundation) and vegetation communities during both high- and low-water seasons to investigate patterns in soil biogeochemical cycling of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Results showed no change in soil carbon dioxide production along the ecotone during either season, though changes in enzyme activity and mineralization rates of N and P could indicate changes in C quality and nutrient availability affecting C degradation along the ecotone. All parameters, excluding microbial biomass carbon, showed higher rates of activity or availability during the low-water season. Long-term soil nutrient stores (total C, N, P) were greatest in the saltgrass soils and similar between the mangrove and transition zone soils, indicating a ‘tipping point’ in biogeochemical function where the transition zone is functionally equivalent to the encroaching mangrove zone. Indicators of current biogeochemical cycling (that is, enzyme activity, potentially mineralizable N rates, and extractable ammonium concentrations) showed alterations in activity across the ecotone, with the transition zone often functioning with lower activity than within end members. These indicators of current biogeochemical cycling change in advance of full vegetation shifts. Increases in salinity and inundation were linked to mangrove encroachment.
PRODUCTION OF FAST NEUTRON WITH A PLASMA FOCUS DEVICE

Before its demise DIANA Hi-TECH, LLC, demonstrated the use of two 50 kJoule Plasma Focus devices for the copius production of fast neutrons, x-rays and radio-isotopes. Such a device is suitable for fast neutron non invasive interogation of contra-band materials including hidden nuclear materials. It could be particularly useful for a fast and fail safe interogation of large cargo containers, or in merchant marine port of entries. The performance and fast neutron production (2.5 or 14 MeV at 1011 or 1013 per pulse, respectively) of the two PF50 Plasma Focus devices produced by DIANA HiTECH, LLC, are discussed.
Optical Limiter using Epsilon-Near-Zero Grating

Fast optical limiters are needed to protect sensors from intense short laser pulses. An optical limiter design based on a conducting-oxide grating with a large nonlinear refractive index at the plasma frequency is proposed and investigated.
Enhanced target versus clutter discrimination using time-frequency (LTV) filters

In active sensing such as in sonar and radar, target recognition is adversely impacted by target-like returns from non-target objects (i.e. clutter). Because the target and clutter returns are in general nonstationary, the application of linear time-varying (LTV) pre-filters has been suggested to enhance target classification. We apply a minimum probability of error (MPE) classifier with and without LTV filters to distinguish targets from clutter in active sonar data. Classification performance was improved with LTV filtering.
Ultrasound‐guided arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint in healthy adult horses is equivalent to blind arthrocentesis

Equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are increasingly recognized as a problem for the well-being and performance of horses. Diagnosis is confounded by overlap of clinical signs associated with pathology of the oral cavity, poll, and cervical vertebrae. Arthrocentesis for intra-articular analgesia, sampling of synovial fluid, and medication is needed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ultrasound features of the normal TMJ and a blind arthrocentesis technique have been described, but a systematic approach to ultrasound-guided (USG) arthrocentesis has not been reported. Ultrasound guidance allows visualization of the TMJ that may prove beneficial in cases when pathology, abnormal anatomy, or clinician inexperience make blind arthrocentesis difficult. We hypothesized that USG arthrocentesis would result in fewer needle repositions than blind arthrocentesis. We also aimed to assess synovial fluid parameters for normal equine TMJs. A prospective randomized method comparison with crossover experimental design compared the number of needle positionings required for accurate injection of the TMJ using each technique. Arthrocentesis technique and operator experience were tested using cadavers and two operators. Injection success was confirmed using CT. The radiologist then applied both techniques in normal live horses. No statistically significant difference was noted between arthrocentesis techniques or operators (P > .05). No complications were observed in live horses following either technique. Synovial fluid parameters were largely within the normal range expected for other synovial joints. Either blind or USG arthrocentesis of the equine TMJ can be performed with minimal prior operator experience. Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis is an alternative method and can be considered in cases with altered anatomy.
Trends in reimbursement for primary and revision total elbow arthroplasty.

Background Relative value units (RVUs) are an essential component of reimbursement calculations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. RVUs are calculated based on physician work, practice expense, and professional liability insurance. Procedures that are more complex, such as revision arthroplasty, require greater levels of physician work and should therefore be assigned a greater RVU. The purpose of this study is to compare RVUs assigned for primary and revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to collect all primary and revision total elbow arthroplasties performed between January 2015 and December 2017. Variables collected included age at time of surgery, RVUs assigned for the procedure, and operative time. Results A total of 359 cases (282 primary TEA, 77 revision TEA) were included in this study. Mean RVUs for primary TEA was 21.4 (2.0 standard deviation [SD]) vs. 24.4 (1.7 SD) for revision arthroplasty (P Conclusion The current reimbursement model does not adequately account for increased operative time, technical demand, and pre- and postoperative care associated with revision elbow arthroplasty compared with primary TEA. This leads to a financial advantage on performing primary TEA.
Machine Learning Approach for Flight Departure Delay Prediction and Analysis

The expected growth in air travel demand and the positive correlation with the economic factors highlight the significant contribution of the aviation community to the U.S. economy. On‐time operati...
Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitoring: Promises and Challenges

Current BP measurements are on the basis of traditional BP cuff approaches. Ambulatory BP monitoring, at 15- to 30-minute intervals usually over 24 hours, provides sufficiently continuous readings that are superior to the office-based snapshot, but this system is not suitable for frequent repeated use. A true continuous BP measurement that could collect BP passively and frequently would require a cuffless method that could be worn by the patient, with the data stored electronically much the same way that heart rate and heart rhythm are already done routinely. Ideally, BP should be measured continuously and frequently during diverse activities during both daytime and nighttime in the same subject by means of novel devices. There is increasing excitement for newer methods to measure BP on the basis of sensors and algorithm development. As new devices are refined and their accuracy is improved, it will be possible to better assess masked hypertension, nocturnal hypertension, and the severity and variability of BP. In this review, we discuss the progression in the field, particularly in the last 5 years, ending with sensor-based approaches that incorporate machine learning algorithms to personalized medicine.
Cerebrovascular Complications of COVID-19.

Background and Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) evolved quickly into a global pandemic with myriad systemic complications, including stroke. We report the largest case series to date of...
Human-like Endtip Stiffness Modulation Towards Stable, Dexterous Manipulation

The human hand is capable of successful, stable completion of amazingly complex and dexterous in-hand manipulation tasks through modulation of musculotendon stiffness. Although several studies have evaluated biomechanical stiffness for grasping and manipulation, no prior works have evaluated the effect of anatomical stiffness parameters on complex inhand manipulation performance. In this work, we analyze the passive stiffness boundaries of a biomechanically accurate, tendon-driven human-like index finger to quantify the effect of stiffness parameter modulation on stability within the Cartesian workspace. The passive stiffness model shows that the greatest stiffness ellipsoid volume is aligned with efficient opposition of the anatomical thumb and bounds the conservatively stable region of the 3D workspace. Based on this model, we developed a biomechanically informed stiffness controller which increases the stable manipulation region and trajectory tracking performance within the reachable workspace. The result of this work is a method to quantify the stable manipulation region for tendon-driven systems that operate in a 3D space, enabling biomechanically informed mechanical and control design for stable, dexterous in-hand manipulation.
Trait impulsivity and health risk behaviors: A latent profile analysis

Abstract Substance use and risky sexual behavior are negative health outcomes associated with the heterogeneous construct of impulsivity and emerging adulthood. The present study appears to be the first to examine how different facets of impulsive personality may be used to depict various profiles that differentially predict engagement in substance use and risky sexual behavior. Specifically, this study extends previous research by providing a comprehensive examination of impulsivity profiles in relation to various health risk outcomes via negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, sensation seeking, and positive urgency. Participants (N = 599) completed the Short Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking, and Positive Urgency Scale (SUPPS-P), the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), and the Student Sexual Risks Scale (SSRS). Impulsivity profiles were examined using latent profile analysis in which varying degrees of the SUPPS-P facets were grouped together based on participant response patterns. Results of latent profile analyses indicated an optimal 5-profile solution (low total impulsivity, moderate total impulsivity, high lack of premeditation/lack of perseverance facets, moderate positive urgency/negative urgency/sensation seeking facets, high positive urgency/negative urgency/sensation seeking facets).
What Makes Performance-Related Pay Effective in the Public Sector? Target, Pay Design, and Context:

While performance-related pay (PRP) has been implemented in most OECD countries over the past four decades, its effectiveness is still up for debate. What is under-investigated in the previous lite...
Neonatal brachial plexus palsy: associated birth injury outcomes, hospital length of stay and costs.

To compare the birth injury outcomes and hospital length of stay and costs among newborns delivered at 34–42 weeks with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) versus those without.We conducted a ret...
Clinical Decision Support Systems in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: A State of the Art Review.

ObjectiveTo offer practical, evidence-informed knowledge on clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and their utility in improving care and reducing costs in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery....
Metal complexes for therapeutic applications

Metal complexes have been widely used for applications in the chemical and physical sciences due to their unique electronic and stereochemical properties. For decades the use of metal complexes for medicinal applications has been postulated and demonstrated. The distinct characteristics of metal complexes, including their molecular geometries (that are not readily accessed by organic molecules) as well as their ligand exchange, redox, catalytic, and photophysical reactions, give these compounds the potential to interact and react with biomolecules in unique ways and by distinct mechanisms of action. Herein, the potential of metal complexes to act as components of bioactive therapeutic compounds is discussed.
The Effect of Daily Yogurt Supplementation on Inflammation and Bone Biomarkers

Objectives To evaluate the effect of daily yogurt intake on markers of inflammation and bone turnover in an 8wk RCT among Caribbean Latino adults with low-grade inflammation, at high-risk for osteoporosis (OP).
Male, but not female, Sprague Dawley rats display enhanced fear learning following acute ethanol withdrawal (hangover).

Abstract The present studies investigated the effects of withdrawal from a single binge-like dose of ethanol (hangover) on fear conditioning in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. In Experiment 1, males and females were given 0 or 3.5 g/kg ethanol intraperitoneally (i.p.) and then conditioned to contextual fear 24 h post injection. Withdrawal from acute ethanol enhanced expression of the conditioned freezing response in males, but not in females. Experiment 2 demonstrated that in males, withdrawal from acute ethanol administered 24 h prior to conditioning enhanced contextual fear conditioning, but not auditory-cued fear conditioning. In Experiment 3, male and female rats were given 3.5 g/kg ethanol, and blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) were assessed at various time points for determination of ethanol clearance. Female rats cleared ethanol at a higher rate than males, with 10 h required for females and 14 for males to eliminate ethanol from their systems. Because females cleared ethanol faster than males, in Experiment 4, females were conditioned 18 h after ethanol administration to keep the interval between ethanol clearance and fear conditioning similar to that of males. Withdrawal from acute ethanol given 18 h prior to conditioning did not affect both contextual and auditory-cued fear conditioning in females. In summary, these results highlight sex differences in the impact of withdrawal from acute ethanol (hangover) on fear learning; suggesting that males are more sensitive to hangover-associated enhancement of negative affect than females.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse Revisited

This November marks another anniversary of the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, an example appropriate to introductory science or physical sciences courses from grade school to university. The purpose of this brief submission is to add an element to this story, which, despite having been mentioned before, has not received the prominence it deserves either as explanation for the event or for its cautionary lesson for design engineers. Specifically these are broken cable stays observed on the north side of the bridge prior to the bridge collapse.
Why Winning the War in Afghanistan Meant Losing to the Taliban

The Taliban will seek to run Afghanistan in line with their values and. America will have to stand back and watch.
In Vitro Formation of Nitrate Reductase Using Extracts of the Nitrate Reductase Mutant of Neurospora crassa, nit-1, and Rhodospirillum rubrum

In vitro formation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-nitrate reductase (NADPH: nitrate oxido-reductase, EC 1.6.6.2) has been attained by using extracts of the nitrate reductase mutant of Neurospora crassa, nit-1, and extracts of either photosynthetically or heterotrophically grown Rhodospirillum rubrum, which contribute the constitutive component. The in vitro formation of NADPH-nitrate reductase is characterized by the conversion of the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) stimulated NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, contributed by the N. crassa nit-1 extract from a slower sedimenting form (4.5S) to a faster sedimenting form (7.8S). The 7.8S NADPH-cytochrome c reductase peak coincides in sucrose density gradient profiles with the NADPH-nitrate reductase, FADH(2)-nitrate reductase and reduced methyl viologen (MVH)-nitrate reductase activities which are also formed in vitro. The constitutive component from R. rubrum is soluble (both in heterotrophically and photosynthetically grown cells), is stimulated by the addition of 10(-4) M Na(2)MoO(4) and 10(-2) M NaNO(3) to cell-free preparations, and has variable activity over the pH range from 3.0 to 9.5. The activity of the constitutive component in some extracts showed a threefold stimulation when the pH was lowered from 6.5 to 4.0. The constitutive activity appears to be associated with a large molecular weight component which sediments as a single peak in sucrose density gradients. However, the constitutive component from R. rubrum is dialyzable and is insensitive to trypsin and protease. These results demonstrate that R. rubrum contains the constitutive component and suggests that it is a low molecular weight, trypsin- and protease-insensitive factor which participates in the in vitro formation of NADPH nitrate reductase.
Linking School Level Innovations with an Urban School District's Central Office.

This descriptive study of school principal-central office relations is framed within the context of school restructuring. It specifically looks at leadership perceptions of school level innovations...
Distribution of Neuraminidase among Food-poisoning Strains of Clostridium perfringens

A survey was made to determine the distribution of the enzyme neuraminidase among 76 strains of Clostridium perfringens. Representative strains from each toxigenic type (A to F) and atypical C. perfringens type A food-poisoning strains of both American and English (Hobbs types) origin were tested. Both the American food-poisoning and nonfood-poisoning associated cultures consisted of both neuraminidase-positive and -negative strains. Furthermore, American strains which could not be differentiated from the original Hobbs cultures consisted of both neuraminidase-positive and -negative representatives. In contrast, the English (Hobbs) strains uniformly failed to produce an active intracellular or extracellular neuraminidase. No enzyme activity was detected in these strains when cultures were grown in different growth media, when grown in the presence of substrate (neuraminlactose), or upon extended incubation of enzyme preparations with substrate. With the exception of a type F strain, representative strains of the other toxigenic types (A to F) produced neuraminidase; 85% of the typical type A strains contained the enzyme.
Urbanization: Hydrologic-Hydraulic-Damage Effects

An effective conceptual approach to determining the consequences of land-use changes on flood flows, stages, and damage involves partitioning the watershed land surface into floodland and nonfloodland areas. A hydrologic-hydraulic-flood damage model consisting of a combination of continuous process and steady-state computer programs is presented as a potentially effective analytic tool. The model is used to assess the impact of seven combinations of floodland and nonfloodland development on a 136-sq mile (352 - km²) urbanizing watershed in southeastern Wisconsin. Under conditions of complete urbanization of the presently undeveloped floodland and nonfloodland areas in the watershed the 100-yr flood discharge may be expected to increase, relative to existing conditions, by a median factor of 1.9; the predicted median increase in 100-yr flood stages is 4.5 ft (1.4-m); and average annual flood damage for four flood-prone reaches may be expected to increase by factors of 2.4 to 8.5.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of high Reynolds number fluid flow in two dimensions

Lattice Boltzmann models are used to simulate high Reynolds number fluid flow in two dimensions. These models employ the hexagonal symmetry of the FHP lattice gas models, but dispense with the Fermi restriction on particle populations in order to remedy the lattice gas defects arising from the lack of Galilean in variance. Comparisons are made with a finite difference code in the simulation of a doubly periodic two dimensional jet at Reynolds numbers up to 10,000. The lattice Boltzmann and finite difference codes are seen to agree qualitatively as judged by differences of less than 1% in the kinetic energy dissipated by the flow after two circulation times when smooth transition zones between counterstreaming flows are imposed. For sharp transition zones, however, qualitatively different vorticity patterns appear. Lattice Boltzmann models using fully nonlinear and linearized collision operators are described, and results from these models are found to be in good agreement.