cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards FEA over Tangled Quads

Abstract In finite element analysis (FEA), a mesh is said to be tangled if it contains an element with negative Jacobian-determinant. Tangling can occur during mesh optimization and mesh morphing. Modern FEA unfortunately cannot handle such tangled meshes, i.e., it will lead to erroneous results. While significant progress has been made on untangling, there are no definitive untangling algorithms. Danczyk and Suresh recently proposed a theoretical extension to FEA such that one could accurately solve boundary value problems over such tangled meshes. However, their investigation was limited to simplicial meshes. In this paper we consider the extension of the above framework to tangled quad meshes that pose additional challenges compared to simplicial meshes. These challenges are identified, and a tangling-framework is developed to address explicit quad tangling where quads are allowed to overlap, but are required to be geometrically convex. Numerical examples illustrate the correctness of the proposed framework, opening new opportunities for meshing algorithms.
Myofibril image processing for studying sarcomere dynamics

An image processing method is presented for automatic measurement of sarcomere length from microscopic images of myofibrils in striated muscle. A consistent measurement of populations of sarcomeres is important to the quantitative understanding of the dynamics of sarcomere shortening in response to changes in physicochemical environment. The method developed is a knowledge-based approach consisting of segmentation of individual A-bands and extraction of myofibrils based on the structural alignment of A-bands. Experimental results are given to illustrate its performance. >
High-speed VLSI interconnect modeling based on S-parameter measurements

A first-level-metal single-conductor IC interconnect model is developed for high-speed and high-density VLSI circuit design. The model shows interconnect circuit parameters that vary with frequency. Existing interconnect models exclude effects such as capacitive fringing and the influence of substrate conductance. The new model represents fine-line as well as wide-line interconnect behavior over a 20-GHz frequency range and includes these effects. The model parameters are compared to scattering parameter measurements as well as numerical simulations based on PISCES-II. Excellent agreement is shown with S-parameter measurements. >
Older, wiser, and a bit more badass? Exploring differences in juvenile and adult gang members' gang-related attitudes and behaviors

Concerns regarding older gang members have persisted for nearly a century, and yet, these members have received minimal attention from gang scholars. Drawing conceptually from Thornberry, Krohn, Lizotte, Smith, and Tobin's enhancement model and recent research on gang embeddedness, this study uses data from active gang members (N = 99) to qualitatively compare juvenile and adult gang members' gang-related attitudes and behaviors. This research finds considerable overlap in the responses of juvenile and adult gang members. Both groups defined the gang in social terms and expressed a willingness to violently defend gang turf. Adult members, however, reported greater ownership of multiple firearms, supporting Spergel's contention that lethal violence is more common among adult members due to greater availability of "sophisticated" weapons. The theoretical and policy implications of these findings are discussed. Language: en
Thermo-inspired modeling and analysis of network information flows

The aim of this research is to develop a fundamental thermo-inspired framework for modeling and analysis of network information flows. This framework is partially motivated by the treatment of energy flows in thermodynamic systems and Eulerian modeling of continuum network information flows as well as non-local biological aggregations. Capturing intrinsic energy or information flows inside these network systems is a crucial problem, partly because the energy or information flows within the network systems are the possible way to uncover the essence of stability and other dynamic properties of the network system and will definitely help us understand some fundamental phenomena exhibited by the natural and engineered systems. Furthermore, the existing theories for information flow modeling hardly address any systematic synthesis methods for building engineered complex systems, which may revolutionize the control theory and applications to network analysis and synthesis as well as diffusion processes. The proposed modeling and analysis framework in this paper is based on our recent research related to system thermodynamic theory in which energy flow is the central part of this theory and is consistent with some basic thermodynamic properties such as energy conservation and entropy nonconservation. More specifically, the proposed framework is inspired by the recently developed notion of system thermodynamics which results in model architectures involving the information flow propagated over a phase space according to certain thermodynamic laws.
Predictors of diagnostic success with renal artery duplex ultrasonography.

Background Renal artery duplex ultrasonography (RA-DUS) is commonly used for the evaluation and follow-up of renal artery atherosclerotic disease. In a complete study, renal artery flow is evaluated from the vessel origin to the intraparenchymal branches. The quality of RA-DUS is in part technologist-dependent, but many factors may affect the ability to complete a diagnostic examination. This study evaluated the clinical and technical factors that predict the ability to obtain a complete RA-DUS examination. Methods A prospective evaluation of all patients undergoing RA-DUS between July 2008 and February 2009 was performed. Factors such as patient age, gender, body mass index, technologists’ years of experience, patient care setting (inpatient vs. outpatient), bedside examination, smoking before the examination, fasting status, and recent abdominal surgery were all recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A p value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results During the study period, 250 patients underwent RA-DUS (mean age: 59.9 ± 17.8 years, 57% [143] female). A total of 87 (35%) examinations were incomplete. This included nondiagnostic examinations which did not exhibit any segment of the renal artery. Factors that were associated with an incomplete examination included technologists’ years of experience (OR = 0.92, p = 0.042), bedside examination (OR = 4.17, p = 0.016), and recent abdominal surgery (OR = 3.45, p = 0.047). Body mass index, fasting status, and smoking before the examination did not affect the ability to obtain a complete study. Conclusions One-third of the RA-DUS studies were classified as incomplete by the strict criteria used in this prospective study. An experienced ultrasound technologist is more likely to obtain a complete RA-DUS examination. Recent abdominal surgery and bedside examinations were predictive of a limited examination as well. Vascular laboratories should consider these factors when scheduling examinations so as to obtain complete RA-DUS studies, as well as improve the cost-effectiveness of resource utilization.
PUTTING POLITICAL REFORM IN A PUBLIC POLICY CONTEXT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY GOALS OF POLITICAL REFORM BALLOT MEASURES IN CALIFORNIA

Political reform is a seemingly paradoxical concept, but it also happens to be a category of public policy. Political reform is paradoxical in the sense that political systems are inherently political, so any attempt to make these systems apolitical is fraught with false assumptions. Yet, reformers have advocated for a myriad of public policies they allege would reform our system of democratic governance. While political scientists have studied these policies at the idiosyncratic level, no body of research exists that takes an aggregate view of these policies. I begin to bridge this knowledge gap by distilling the policy goals of modern political reform attempts in California. To accomplish this task, I analyze the arguments in favor of political reform ballot measures placed before voters from 1970 to 2008. I find that the concerns of highest priority to reformers are empowering citizens, reducing the influence of special interests, reducing the disproportionate power of incumbents, political parties, or party leaders, enhancing electoral representation, and promoting more effective policymaking. I then discuss the prospects for achieving these goals through public policy.
AIDS, drought, and child malnutrition in southern Africa.

Objective: To investigate trends in child malnutrition in six countries in southern Africa, in relation to the HIV epidemic and drought in crop years 2001/2 and 2002/3. Design: Epidemiological analysis of sub-national and national surveys with related data. Setting: Data from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe, compiled and analysed under UNICEF auspices. Subjects: Secondary data: children 0–5 years for weight-for-age; HIV prevalence data from various sources especially antenatal clinic surveillance. Results: Child nutritional status as measured by prevalence of underweight deteriorated from 2001 onwards in all countries except Lesotho, with very substantial increases in some provinces/districts (e.g. from 5 to 20% in Maputo (Mozambique, 1997–2002), 17 to 32% in Copperbelt (Zambia, 1999–2001/2) and 11 to 26% in Midlands province (Zimbabwe, 1999–2002)). Greater deterioration in underweight occurred in better-off areas. Areas with higher HIV/AIDS prevalences had (so far) lower malnutrition rates (and infant mortality rates), presumably because more modern areas – with greater reliance on trade and wage employment – have more HIV/AIDS. Areas with higher HIV/AIDS showed more deterioration in child nutrition. A significant area-level interaction was found of HIV/AIDS with the drought period, associated with particularly rapid deterioration in nutritional status. Conclusions: First, the most vulnerable may be households in more modern areas, nearer towns, to whom resources need to be directed. Second, the causes of this vulnerability need to be investigated. Third, HIV/AIDS amplifies the effect of drought on nutrition, so rapid and effective response will be crucial if drought strikes again. Fourth, expanded nutritional surveillance is now needed to monitor and respond to deteriorating trends. Finally, with or without drought, new means are needed of bringing help, comfort and assistance to the child population.
Reproductive Phenology of Three Lizard Species in Costa Rica, with Comments on Seasonal Reproduction of Neotropical Lizards

We quantified reproductive phenology for three lizard species collected in northeastern Costa Rica over a 14-month sampling period from November 1973 to December 1974. Two species, a gecko (Lepidoblepharis xanthostigma) and a skink (Sphenomorphus cherriei), reproduced continuously at this site, whereas an anole (Norops limifrons) showed a slight decline in reproduction during the dry season. The decrease in reproduction of N. limifrons may reflect a response to moisture stress during the driest part of the year. When seasonal patterns of reproduction among 32 populations of Neotropical lizards with small clutch sizes were analyzed with the effect of phylogenetic relatedness removed, we found that seasonality of reproduction was strongly related to mean annual rainfall but not to number of dry season months.
Recent studies of nicotine metabolism in humans.

Abstract Recent studies of quantitative and qualitative aspects of nicotine metabolism, and the use of metabolic data for estimating nicotine intake in humans are discussed. Previously reported methodology for determining nicotine bioavailability has been improved by using stable isotope-labeled nicotine administered intravenously. Combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring has been used to simultaneously determine concentrations of isotopically-labled nicotine and tobacco-derived nicotine in blood. Nicotine intake from cigarette smoking was estimated from clearance of labeled nicotine and blood concentrations of tobacco-derived nicotine. Progress in elucidating the metabolic profile of nicotine in humans, and the use of nicotine metabolites as markers of tobacco smoke consumption is summarized.
Coronary reperfusion in dogs inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxation: role of superoxide radicals.

Previous studies indicate that release of superoxide radicals during coronary reperfusion following occlusion may relate to the loss of endothelium-dependent coronary arterial relaxation. We examined coronary arterial ring relaxation in dogs subjected to temporary circumflex (Cx) coronary artery occlusion and treated with saline or the superoxide radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD). In dogs treated with saline, Cx coronary ring relaxation in response to leukotriene D4 (LTD4) and acetylcholine (ACh) was attenuated (p < 0.01), but coronary relaxation in response to nitroglycerin was preserved, suggesting loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation following coronary reperfusion. In contrast, Cx coronary relaxation in response to LTD4 and ACh was preserved in the SOD-treated dogs (p < 0.01 compared to saline-treated dogs). To further examine the role of superoxide radicals in the loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation, normal nonischemic canine coronary artery and rat aortic rings were exposed to a superoxide radical generating system of xanthine and xanthine oxidase in vitro. Xanthine plus xanthine oxidase treatment caused a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the relaxant effects of ACh. Pretreatment of rat aortic rings with SOD protected against the loss of ACh-induced relaxation. These observations suggest that release of superoxide radicals during reperfusion is the basis of loss of endothelium-dependent coronary arterial relaxation. Treatment with superoxide radical scavengers prior to coronary reperfusion protects against this loss.
Visual Diagnosis: An Infant Who Has Fever and Rash

1. Joseph A. Zenel, MD* 1. 2. *Assistant Professor, Division of General Pediatrics, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR. A 9-month-old girl is brought to the clinic because of worsening fever and rash. Three days ago, she developed a fever of 38.8°C (101.8°F) and pinpoint flesh-colored “bumps” on the abdomen. The rash soon turned red and quickly spread to the entire body, but it was not pruritic. The following day she developed clear rhinorrhea and a cough severe enough to cause posttussive emesis. The fever persisted for the next 2 days despite administration of ibuprofen. The increasing irritability and fever of 40.0°C (104°F) prompted her mother to bring her to the clinic. The child’s appetite is poor, but she does drink, and her urine output has not diminished. There is no diarrhea. Her mother denies administering any medication other than ibuprofen. The child has been healthy previously, and her mother is unaware of any known illness contacts. She has received her primary immunization series for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B. Of note, she and her family traveled cross-country by automobile 2 weeks ago. Physical examination reveals an irritable but consolable infant who has a red rash consisting of raised spots and flat, confluent patches (Fig. 1⇓). She has a temperature of 38.3°C (101.8°F), respiratory rate of 42 breaths/min, and pulse of 152 beats/min. Discrete, intensely red, raised …
Examination of the Validity of a Stages of Exercise Change Algorithm

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of a stages of exercise change questionnaire with self-reported exercise, age, and body mass index (BMI) in 1,034 male and female community residents. It was found that the maintenance stage participants reported more strenuous exercise than did individuals in the other stages; and participants in the action stage reported more strenuous exercise than did individuals in the preparation and contemplation stages. There were no significant group differences among participants in the preparation, contemplation, and precontemplation stages for strenuous and moderate exercise. The maintenance stage participants engaged in more moderate exercise than did the preparation, contemplation, and precontemplation individuals; and the action stage participants reported more moderate exercise than did individuals in the preparation and precontemplation stages. The participants in the maintenance stage were older than were those in the action stage. No significant stage differences were found for mild exercise or BMI. Knowing an individual's stage of exercise change may provide researchers and practitioners with a mechanism for developing, testing, and delivering stage-matched exercise interventions.
Act III. Equivalence, Conservation, Interconvertibility: When and of What?

That heat could sometimes cause mechanical effect, and much of it, had been known since the disaster that befel Strepsiades while he was cooking the haggis for the feast of Zeus, but apparently it was the sooty proliferation of the steam engine in the early nineteenth century that first roused physicists to pay much attention to the phenomenon. As Carnot had seen, and as Clapeyron had made widely known, by absorbing and emitting heat a given body undergoing a cyclic process may do a definite amount of work, and by doing work cyclically a body may absorb and emit definite amounts of heat. Certain ideal bodies, described by the theory of calorimetry, give out in undergoing the reverse of a given process the heat they would gain and the work they would do in the given process.
Hydrogen Regulation and Global Responses to Electron, Carbon and Nitrogen Sources of Methanococcus Maripaludis

Methanogens catalyze the critical, methane-producing step (called methanogenesis) in the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. This project has generated the first predictive model of global gene regulation of methanogenesis in a hydrogenotrophic methanogen, Methanococcus maripaludis. We generated a comprehensive list of genes (protein-coding and non-coding) for M. maripaludis through integrated analysis of the transcriptome structure and a newly constructed Peptide Atlas. The environment and gene-regulatory influence network (EGRIN) model of the strain was constructed from a compendium of transcriptome data that was collected over 58 different steady-state and time course experiments that were performed in chemostats or batch cultures, under a spectrum of environmental perturbations that modulated methanogenesis. Analyses of the EGRIN model have revealed novel components of methanogenesis that included at least three additional protein-coding genes of previously unknown function as well as one non-coding RNA. We discovered that at least five regulatory mechanisms act in a combinatorial scheme to inter-coordinate key steps of methanogenesis with different processes such as motility, ATP biosynthesis, and carbon assimilation. Through a combination of genetic and environmental perturbation experiments we have validated the EGRIN-predicted role of two novel transcription factors in the regulation of phosphate-dependent repression of formate dehydrogenase a key enzyme inmore » the methanogenesis pathway. The EGRIN model demonstrates regulatory affiliations within methanogenesis as well as between methanogenesis and other cellular functions. In addition, we have published an analysis of transcriptome architecture in M. maripaludis and an analysis of the effects of H2 and formate on growth yield and regulation of methanogenesis in M. maripaludis.« less
Total Synthesis of the Terpenoid Buddledone A: 11-Membered Ring-Closing Metathesis

The first total synthesis of buddledone A was accomplished in seven steps from methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). The key step in the sequence featured an 11-membered ring formation by ring-closing metathesis.
Infrared spectra of cerium (Ce I and Ce II) between 0.8 and 2.4 m

The cerium spectrum emitted by an electrodeless lamp has been observed with a SISAM spectrometer in the region from 0.82 to 2.42 μm. Of the 2076 lines observed, about 1100 lines have been classified as transitions in the energy level system of Ce I and 400 lines in Ce II. The average deviation between the observed wave numbers and those calculated from the two energy levels is ±0.023 cm-1.
Bilateral Single Ectopic Ureters: Diagnosis Using Transrectal Ultrasound

AbstractAn unusual case of bilateral, single ectopic ureters inserting into the prostate gland presenting with hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency is reported. The diagnosis was made by transrectal and abdominal ultrasound.
Limited Influence of Urban Stormwater Runoff on Salt Marsh Platform and Marsh Creek Oxygen Dynamics in Coastal Georgia

Oxygen concentrations and oxygen utilization rates were monitored continuously for 23 months on marsh platforms and in small tidal creeks at two sites in coastal Georgia, USA, that receive urban stormwater runoff via an extensive network of drainage canals. These data were compared to nearby control sites that receive no significant surface runoff. Overall, rainfall and runoff per se were not associated with differences in the oxygen dynamics among the different locations. Because of the large tidal range and long tidal excursions in coastal Georgia, localized inputs of stormwater runoff are rapidly mixed with large volumes of ambient water. Oxygen concentrations in tidal creeks and on flooded marsh platforms were driven primarily by balances of respiration and photosynthesis in the surrounding regional network of marshes and open estuarine waters. Local respiration, while measurable, was of relatively minor importance in determining oxygen concentrations in tidal floodwaters. Water residence time on the marshes could explain differences in oxygen concentration between the runoff-influenced and control sites.
Haas, Mary Rosamond (1910–1996)

Mary Rosamond Haas (1910–1996), one of the products of Edward Sapir's Yale years, is best known for her research in four areas: (1) fieldwork, grammars, dictionaries, and diachronic investigations of various American Indian languages, such as Nitinat, Tunica, Biloxi, Choctaw, Creek (Muskogee), Hichiti, Koasati, Mobilian Jargon, etc.; (2) studies on Thai, and to a lesser extent Burmese; (3) general historical linguistic theory and methodology; and (4) applied linguistics.
Performance of the CMS silicon Tracker at LHC

The CMS all-silicon Tracker, comprising 16588 modules covering an area of more than 200m2, needs to be precisely calibrated and aligned in order to correctly interpret and reconstruct the events recorded from the detector, ensuring that the performance fully meets the physics research program of the CMS experiment. The performance has been carefully studied since the start of data taking: the noise of the detector, the data integrity, the S/N ratio, the hit resolution and efficiency have been all investigated with time. In 2010 the Tracker has been successfully aligned using tracks from cosmic rays and pp-collisions, following the time dependent movements of its innermost pixel layers. Ultimate local precision is now achieved by the determination of sensor curvatures, challenging the algorithms to determine about 200000 parameters. Remaining alignment uncertainties are dominated by systematic effects that are controlled by adding further information, such as constraints from resonance decays.
TGF-β Family Signaling in Neural and Neuronal Differentiation, Development, and Function

Signaling by the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family is necessary for proper neural development and function throughout life. Sequential waves of activation, inhibition, and reactivation of TGF-β family members regulate numerous elements of the nervous system from the earliest stages of embryogenesis through adulthood. This review discusses the expression, regulation, and function of TGF-β family members in the central nervous system at various developmental stages, beginning with induction and patterning of the nervous system to their importance in the adult as modulators of inflammatory response and involvement in degenerative diseases.
Nanoparticulate Systems for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications

Abstract Nanoparticle technology has been in the forefront of nanomedicine and innovative healthcare devices. Although the concept is not new, the advances in biomaterials and the equipment necessary to produce such small particles have renewed enthusiasm in the area of drug delivery using such particles. This chapter presents a critical review on the state of the art in production, evaluation, and the use of rigid and nonrigid nanoparticulate systems as potential carriers for therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
Correlation discovery between high school Student Web Queries and their Grade Point Average

In recent years, the K-12 learning space has been utilizing mobile devices to supplement student learning. To support the funding of school-issued mobile devices, the schools are interested in determining the degree to which the students use these devices for school-related activities. This study examined high school student web queries performed on school issued iPads using anonymized data from web filter logs. These web queries were first classified as either school-related or non-school-related using an earlier-developed algorithm. The classification results were then used to examine whether a correlation exists between web queries, especially the school-related ones, and the student's Grade Point Average. Regression analysis found a highly significant correlation (p < 0.00005) between the percentage of school-related web queries and the student's Grade Point Average.
Drug repurposing screens and synergistic drug-combinations for infectious diseases

Infectious diseases account for nearly one fifth of the worldwide death toll every year. Continuous increase of drug-resistant pathogens is a big challenge for treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, emerging outbreaks of infections and new pathogens are potential threats to public health. Lack of effective treatments for drug-resistant bacteria and recent outbreaks of Ebola and Zika viral infections have become a global public health concern. The number of newly approved antibiotics has decreased significantly in the last two decades compared to previous decades. Inversely paralleled with this, is an increase in the number of trend of drug-resistant bacteria. To counter these threats and challenges, new strategies and technology platforms are critically needed. Drug repurposing has emerged as an alternative approach for rapid identification of effective therapeutics to treat the infectious diseases. For treatment of severe infections, synergistic drug combination using approved drugs identified from drug repurposing screens is a useful option which may overcome the problem of weak activity of individual drugs. Collaborative efforts including government, academic researchers and private drug industry can facilitate the translational research to produce more effective new therapeutics such as narrow spectrum antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria for these global challenges.
Advance care planning: challenges at the emergency department of a cancer care center

Code status discussions form an important part of advance care planning (ACP) as it enables physicians to respect the patient’s wishes for end-of-life care. However, in some cases, code status discussions can be challenging causing the physician to go against the patient’s wishes and the code of medical ethics. This is especially true in an emergency setting. In this paper, we will discuss three cases of advanced cancer patients, where code status discussions posed challenges to healthcare providers. In the first case, the patient was a 26-year-old male diagnosed with advanced osteosarcoma. Code status was discussed with him, while he was still functional, wherein he agreed to a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. However, at the time of end-of-life care, despite of previous code status agreement, the patient’s mother insisted on full code. As a result, the DNR order was reverted and the patient was intubated. The second case discusses an 83-year-old female patient with metastatic gastric cancer. Code status was extensively discussed with the patient and her son who agreed to sign a DNR order. This case posed a challenge because when the patient’s condition deteriorated, her son demanded cardioversion and other aggressive treatment measures without any chest compressions or intubation. In the third case, the patient was a 40-year-old woman with advanced metastatic adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine features of the parotid. On admission to the ED, as per the patient’s wishes expressed by her husband, a DNR/DNI order was placed. However, this order had to be reverted when the patient’s aunt and sister opposed vehemently to the DNR/DNI order. The three cases demonstrate the challenges that can arise in the implementation of code status order in the ED as it pertains for end-of-life care. In any scenario, respecting the patient’s wishes and adherence to the code of medical ethics take precedence over any familial objections arising difficulties with coping.
Abstract 14859: Potassium Levels and Mortality in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure: A Nationwide Study if US Veterans

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) are at high risk for hypo- and hyperkalemia. However, their prognostic values in this clinical population have been only investigated in small samples, ...
Endograft rescue of compromised interposition aortic graft in an adult patient with congenital heart disease

In a 19-year-old male with interrupted aortic arch and complex congenital heart disease, we report percutaneous repair of a compromised aortic conduit. The patient had aortic arch repair in childhood utilizing a 12 mm Hemashield Dacron conduit. CT angiography showed multiple segments of this conduit were dilated to 16 mm suggesting conduit degeneration and failure with pseudoaneurysm formation. We utilized a self-expanding aortic endograft supported by internal placement of bare metal stents to repair the conduit. Our repair was guided by 3D rotational angiography. This adult patient with complex congenital heart disease and interrupted aortic arch is an example of patients in whom endograft repair of compromised aortic conduits presents a much lower risk alternative than surgical revision.
Semigroups in Möbius and Lorentzian Geometry

The Mobius semigroup studied in this paper arises very naturally geometrically as the (compression) subsemigroup of the group of Mobius transformations which carry some fixed open Mobius ball into itself. It is shown, using geometric arguments, that this semigroup is a maximal subsemigroup. A detailed analysis of the semigroup is carried out via the Lorentz representation, in which the semigroup resurfaces as the semigroup carrying a fixed half of a Lorentzian cone into itself. Close ties with the Lie theory of semigroups are established by showing that the semigroup in question admits the structure of an Ol'shanskii semigroup, the most widely studied class of Lie semigroups.
Reasons for Opioid Discontinuation and Unintended Consequences Following Opioid Discontinuation Within the TOPCARE Trial.

OBJECTIVE To identify reasons for opioid discontinuation and post-discontinuation outcomes among patients in the Transforming Opioid Prescribing in Primary Care (TOPCARE) study. DESIGN In TOPCARE, an intervention to improve adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines, randomized intervention primary care providers (PCPs) received nurse care manager support, an electronic registry, academic detailing, and electronic tools, and control PCPs received electronic tools only. SETTING Four Boston safety net primary care practices. SUBJECTS Patients in both TOPCARE study arms who discontinued opioid therapy during the trial. METHODS Through chart review, we examined the reason for discontinuation and post-discontinuation outcomes: one or more PCP visits, one or more pain-related emergency department (ED) visits, evidence of opioid use disorder (OUD), and referral for OUD treatment. RESULTS Opioid discontinuations occurred in 83/586 (14.2%) intervention and 42/399 (10.5%) control patients (P = 0.09). Among patients who discontinued opioids, 81 (65%) discontinued for misuse, with no difference by group (P = 0.38). Aberrancy in monitoring (e.g., discordant urine drug test results) was the most common type of misuse prompting discontinuation (occurring in (51/83 [61%] of intervention patients vs 19/42 [45%, P = 0.08] of control patients). Intervention patients who discontinued opioids had less PCP follow-up (65% vs 88%, P < 0.01) compared with control patients. We found no differences between groups for pain-related ED visits, evidence of OUD, or OUD treatment referral following discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS The decreased follow-up among TOPCARE intervention patients who discontinued opioids highlights the need to understand unintended consequences of involuntary opioid discontinuations resulting from interventions to reduce opioid risk.
A convenient synthesis of dinorbile acids: Oxidative hydrolysis of norbile acid nitriles

We report a convenient method for the synthesis of dinorbile acids (23,24-dinor-5beta-cholan-22-oic acids, pregnane-20-carboxylic acids) in fair to good yields from norbile acid nitriles in one step by oxidative hydrolysis with oxygen in the presence of potassium-t-butoxide. The method results in stepwise overall removal of two carbon atoms in bile acid side chains in two steps. Dinorbile acids corresponding to several common bile acids have been prepared and their structures confirmed by spectroscopic methods. This simple method for synthesis of dinorbile acids may facilitate their study metabolically.
Disease Subsets in Clinical Practice

Systemic sclerosis is a heterogeneous disease with a varied clinical presentation and disease course. Classification is vital to grouping patients of similar phenotypes for both clinical care and research purposes. This chapter reviews the currently accepted cutaneous-based classification of patients with an emphasis on staging of disease. We propose that the serologic classification system be used to augment the cutaneous-based classification system. The concept of disease staging within the cutaneous-serologic classification systems is presented and illustrated by patient profile examples. Mixed connective tissue disease as a distinct clinical entity with SSc features is reviewed.
A Study of Software Development for High Performance Computing

Software development in a High Performance Computing (HPC) environment is non-trivial and requires a thorough understanding of the application and the architecture. The objective of this paper is to study the software development process in a high performance computing environment and to outline the stages typically encountered in this process. Support required at each stage is also highlighted. The modeling of stock option pricing is used as a running example in the study.
Helping College Students Claim Ownership of Their Mathematics Learning.

This is an exploratory study about engaging students in mathematics learning both inside and outside of the classroom of an introductory proof course. The Author utilized the framework of scholarship of teaching and learning as a guide to ensure the research process was carried out systematically. This study was conducted through one cycle of scholarly teaching. The implemented teaching strategies showed positive impacts on students’ learning. These strategies can be tested and improved through more cycles of scholarly teaching research in different settings.
Intraindividual variability in neurocognitive performance: No influence due to HIV status or self-reported effort.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are estimated to affect approximately 50% of infected individuals at any one time. Dispersion, a type of intraindividual variability in neurocognitive test performance, has been identified as a potential behavioral marker of HAND; however, the specificity of dispersion to HAND and how it is influenced by participant effort when taking neurocognitive tests remain unclear.Method: Data were analyzed from 996 (474 HIV–, 522 HIV+) men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Dispersion was calculated based on the standard deviation of an individual’s test scores within a single assessment. Effort was determined using the Visual Analogue Effort Scale. Predictors of dispersion were determined using stepwise linear regression. Dispersion was compared between the HIV serostatus groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), considering demographic and psychosocial variables that differed between the groups.Results: Contrary to our hyp...
Eye movement as a mediator of the relationships among time pressure, feedback, and learning performance

Abstract The goal of this study is to examine the effects of time pressure and feedback on learning performance, as mediated by eye movement. Time pressure is one of main causes of human error in the workplace. Providing participants with feedback about their performance before task completion has been shown to reduce human error in diverse domains. Since both time pressure and feedback induce motivation, which is closely related to attention, we measured participants' eye movements to trace their attention and information acquisition coupled with a visual display. Time-to-deadline (long and short) and the presence of feedback were the independent factors used while measuring participants’ performance and eye movements as they learned new information about the subject of project management and answered multiple-choice questions via self-paced online learning systems. Using structural equation modeling, we found a mediating effect of eye movement on the relationships among time-to-deadline, feedback, and learning performance. Insufficient time-to-deadline accelerated the number of fixations on the screen, which resulted in longer task completion times and increased correct rates for participants learning about project management. The models in this study suggest the possibility of predicting performance from eye movement under time-to-deadline and feedback conditions. The structural equation model in the study can be applied to online and remote learning systems, in which time management is one of the main challenges for individual learners.
Democracy, Res Publica, and Reforming 21st Century Classrooms

The authors outline a new approach to introductory political science courses limited exclusively to political science majors that focuses on democratic development and its intersection with concept...
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Antibiotics in Transplant Patients

Transplant infectious diseases are among the most challenging sectors of present-day medicine. Solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants are being performed with increasing frequency, and the threat of infection is ever-present due to a degree of dependence upon potent immunosuppressive agents that ensure sustained engraftment. Accordingly, antibacterial agents will be employed as well. The responses of these patients to bacterial infection can be very different when compared to the immunocompetent host. This lack of intact immune status presents a markedly different patient population and often requires a different approach to the prophylaxis or treatment of infection. Segments of patient populations within transplant medicine, such as cystic fibrosis or elderly patients, pose physiologic challenge to optimizing medication regimens as they also can be taking other medications indicated for chronic underlying conditions that precede or develop following transplantation. Consideration for changes in the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials is critical in achieving adequate serum concentrations while minimizing toxicity. Clinicians must be mindful of drug interactions of antibacterials to immunosuppressive agents as well as these other medications. Despite the fact that ultimately the dynamics of these drug interactions can be crucial and influence the success or failure of the transplanted organ, methodologically solid pharmacokinetic drug interaction trials are lacking for many commonly used antibacterials. A keen awareness of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activities of medications within the transplant recipient is crucial. For example, the anticipated changes of a drug’s concentration or potency with new or sustained exposure to another agent, the relevance of objective measurements of drug concentrations, and the employment of novel routes of administration such as aerosolization to preferentially target pulmonary exposure while minimizing systemic activities must be recognized. There has been considerable interest regarding the influence of several antibacterials on immunomodulation. This chapter will discuss these issues within the context of stewardship and optimization citing the most recent evidence, trends, and controversy. For now, among recipients of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the drug classes of antimicrobials and immunosuppressives remain inextricably woven.
“The doctor said formula would help me”: Health sector influences on use of infant formula in peri-urban Lima, Peru

•Describes rates of unnecessary formula use during infants' first 60 days of life.•Demonstrates how formula companies market products directly to health providers.•Reveals how providers' formula “prescriptions” lead to higher mixed feeding rates.•Describes how poor counseling from nurses hinders mothers' ability to breastfeed.•Shows the need to improve monitoring of legislation to control formula marketing.
Synthesis, Spectral Properties And Anticancer Studies of Novel Hetrocyclic Azo Dye Ligand Derived From 2-Amino-5-methyl thiazole with Some Transition Metal Complexes

This research included preparation of the thiazolyl azo ligand 2-[2-- (5-Methyl thiazolyl)azo]-4-Ethoxy phenol (MeTAEP) and their metal complexes which was prepared by coupling of diazonium salt produced from diazonited 2-amino-5-methyl thiazole and 4-Ethoxy phenol, New series of chelate complexes of Cu(II), Ag(I) and Au(III) metal ions were also prepared by mixing solution of metal salts with solution of ligand at mole ratio[ M:L] [1:2] for Cu(II) and [1:1] for Ag(I) and Au(III) metal ions. The synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurments, magnetic susceptibility, Mass spectrum, 1H- NMR,13C- NMR, FTIR, UV-Visb., (TGA), FESEM and X-ray diffraction studies. The biological activity of thiazolyl azo dye ligand and its complexes were tested against the sensitive organisms Escherichia coli (gram negative), streptococcus (gram positive) as antibacterial and Aspergillus Niger and Penicillium. sp as antifungal, The anticancer activity of the(MeTAEP), Ag(I) and Au(III) complexes were screened for in vitro; antitumor activity against human breast cancer.
Empowering Borrowers in their Choice of Lenders: Decoding Service Quality from Customer Complaints

When shopping for lenders, most consumers choose a financial institution based on just a few key factors: the interest rate, the distance to the lender's nearest branch, an existing relationship with the lender, and the reputation of that lender. But most consumers fail to consider an important element that will be key to their long-term satisfaction: whether the customer service provided by the lender is commensurate with the price. Our underlying assumption in this paper is that a consumer's personality traits are associated with the issues they will face. We use state-of-the-art cross-domain word vector space mapping and representative trait vectors in this space to estimate ten personality traits corresponding to each text and use topic modeling for finding the topics in a complaint. We then use two modified collaborative topic regression methods to create two complaint topic trait spaces for each lender, and test our underlying assumption by using statistical tests for this unsupervised learning problem in three cases: mortgage loans, student loans, and payday loans. We propose that lenders could be recommended for a specific user by analyzing this space, recommending a lender with the fewest number of complaints per retail customer of that lender in the complaint space neighborhood of the customer. We suggest future work that may be undertaken for the three types of loans, including the possibility that lenders evaluate their service from a customer's perspective to track customer satisfaction over time, and extensions to other parts of the service economy.
'We had support from our brothers': a critical race counter-narrative inquiry into second-generation Black Caribbean male youth responses to discriminatory work pathways

Drawing upon interview narratives and analysis based on Critical Race Theory, this manuscript uses a qualitative phenomenological approach to oppose one-dimensional perspectives concerning the social, educational and occupational careers of Black men who are stereotyped as lazy, criminal, dangerous and uncivil. This manuscript examines the counter-narratives of 10 second-generation Caribbean Black Male Youth (CBMY) between the ages of 18-27 currently employed in precarious positions in the City of Toronto. Drawing upon material from one-on-one interviews with the participants, this paper critically examines the lived experiences of CBMY as expressed through their own voices. While the participants offer diverse perspectives on the challenging high school-to-work transition, a common thread of resistance and brotherhood is revealed through the repeating themes of solidarity, compassion, respect, trust and mutual encouragement in the pursuit of full-time employment and a quality life.
Electronic Exchange SAF-T Standard of Data from Organizations to Tax Authorities or Auditors - Situation in the Czech Republic

SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) is an international standard for electronic exchange of reliable accounting data from organizations to a national tax authority or external auditors. The standard is defined by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The aim of this paper is to compare the state of implementation of SAF-T into ERP systems in individual OECD countries and explaining the purpose of SAF-T use. Emphasis is placed on the Czech Republic, where the current state of e-reporting in the area of audit and state control of legal entities is currently represented by the VAT audit report and the electronic cash record system (EET). The paper should be considered as a contribution to the application and development of Enterprise Resource Planning Information Systems in the Czech Republic.
Graphs in which the Maxine heuristic produces a maximum independent set

The residue of a graph is the number of zeros left after iteratively applying the Havel-Hakimi algorithm to its degree sequence. Favaron, Mah\'{e}o, and Sacl\'{e} showed that the residue is a lower bound on the independence number. The Maxine heuristic reduces a graph to an independent set of size $M$. It has been shown that given a graph $G$, $M$ is bounded between the independence number and the residue of a graph for any application of the Maxine heuristic. We improve upon a forbidden subgraph classification of graphs such that $M$ is equal to the independence number given by Barrus and Molnar in 2015.