cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Levetiracetam seizure prophylaxis in craniotomy patients at high risk for postoperative seizures.

Background: The risk of developing immediate postoperative seizures in patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery without anti-epileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis is 15-20%. Patients who present with pre-operative seizures and patients with supratentorial meningioma or supratentorial low grade gliomas are at significantly higher risk. There is little data on the efficacy of levetiracetam as a prophylactic AED in the immediate postoperative period (within 7 days of surgery) in these patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 165 adult patients classified as higher risk for postoperative seizures who underwent brain tumor resection at Duke University Hospital between time May 2010 and December 2011. All patients had received levetiracetam monotherapy in doses of 1000-3000 mg/day in the immediate postoperative period. Results: We identified 165 patients with following tumor locations: Frontal 83 (50.3%), Temporal 37 (22.4%), Parietal 30 (18.2%), Occipital 2 (1.2%) and 13 (7.8%) with single lesions involving more than one lobe. Histology revealed: Glioma 98 (59.4%), Meningioma 57 (34.5%) and Brain Metastases 6 (3.6%). Preoperatively, 88/165 (53.3%) patients had presented with seizures. 12/165 patients (7.3%) developed clinical seizures (generalized 10, partial 2) in the immediate post-operative period. Other than somnolence in 7 patients (4.2%), no major side-effects were noted. Conclusions: The incidence of seizures was significantly lower in patients treated with levetiracetam (7.3%) when compared with the expected (15-20%) rate without AED prophylaxis based on the previous literature. Levetiracetam appears effective and safe for seizure prevention in patients undergoing brain tumor resection and who are at significantly higher risk of developing post-operative seizures. These findings warrant confirmation in a prospective randomized trial.
Public perceptions of environmental quality: a survey study of beach use and perceptions in Los Angeles County

Despite documented successes in the battle to clean up the coastal waters of Southern California, Los Angeles County residents continue to view the ocean more as a place of pollution than a vibrant and healthy place for bathing and swimming. This study shows that residents of Los Angeles County tend to hold perceptions of marine water quality that are at odds with data on bacteriological measures of water quality collected by local sanitation districts (and reported by not-for-profit Heal the Bay). Summary results of a survey of 400 randomly chosen households in Los Angeles County are given. Respondents were asked about their beach use and perceptions of environmental quality: both coastal water quality and air quality. The results suggest that perceptions of coastal water quality may be influenced less by "current coastal education campaigns" and more by the media and other factors.
Organically managed coffee agroforests have larger soil phosphorus but smaller soil nitrogen pools than conventionally managed agroforests

The cultivation of crops in the presence of trees (agroforestry) and organic agriculture are man- agement strategies thought to reduce nutrient losses to the environment and increase soil organic matter. Little is known, however, about the differences between organic and conventionally managed agro- forests. This research examines how soil nutrient pools and mechanisms for nutrient retention may vary between these two different types of coffee agrofor- ests. We determined variation in soil nutrient pools and nutrient retention capacity among (1) coffee farms in Costa Rica receiving mineral (conventional man- agement) and organic inputs (organic management) and (2) different combinations of shade tree species. Soil nutrient pools and retention capacity were altered by fertilizer management. Soil nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) pools were significantly larger in conven- tional agroforests, but C:N ratios were similar among agroforests. Soil phosphorus (P) pools were significantly higher in organic agroforests. Overall, C and N concentrations were strongly positively corre- lated with oxalate-extractable aluminum concentra- tions. We did not observe many strong species effects; however, soil cation exchange capacity was higher under Coffea-Musa combinations than under Coffea and N-fixing Erythrina combinations. Thus, mecha- nisms are in place to promote nutrient retention in agroforestry systems, but these mechanisms can be altered by management practices with consequences for long-term nutrient storage.
Bridging the gap: Causality-at-a-distance in children's categorization and inferences about internal properties

Abstract Previous research has shown that preschoolers extend labels and internal properties of objects based on those objects’ causal properties, even when the causal properties conflict with the objects’ perceptual appearance [Nazzi, T., & Gopnik, A. (2000). A shift in children's use of perceptual and causal cues to categorization. Developmental Science, 3 , 389–396; Sobel, D. M., Yoachim, C. M., Gopnik, A., Meltzoff, A. N., & Blumenthal, E. J. (2007). The blicket within: Preschoolers’ inferences about insides and causes. Journal of Cognition and Development, 8 , 159–182]. These studies, however, only presented causal relations that acted on contact. In two studies, contact causality was replaced by distance causality. In contrast to the contact causality case, 4- and 5-year-olds extended labels to objects with similar perceptual properties over objects with similar causal properties when those properties acted at a distance. When children were asked to make inferences about object's internal properties, they were more likely to make causal responses, with 5-year-olds doing so to a greater extent than 4-year-olds. In a second study, 4-year-olds registered causal properties that acted at a distance and used them to make inferences when no perceptual conflict was present. These results support a hypothesis that young children develop an understanding of the specific mechanisms that link causal relations.
New Numerical Method for Radiation Heat Transfer in Nonhomogeneous Participating Media

A new numerical method, called the YIX method, which solves the exact integral equations of distance-angular integration form for radiation transfer, is introduced in this paper. By constructing and prestoring the numerical integral formulae for the distance integral for appropriate kernel functions, this method eliminates the time consuming evaluations of the kernels of the space integrals in the formal computations. In addition, when the number of elements in the system is large, the resulting coefficient matrix is quite sparse. Thus, either considerable time or much storage can be saved. A weakness of the method is discussed, and some remedies are suggested. As illustrations , some one-dimensional and two-dimensional problems in both homogeneous and inhomogeneous emitting, absorbing, and linear anisotropic scattering media are studied. Some results are compared with available data.
GASP-a system for visualizing geometric algorithms

This paper describes a system, GASP, that facilitates the visualization of geometric algorithms. The user need not have any knowledge of computer graphics in order to quickly generate a visualization. The system is also intended to facilitate the task of implementing and debugging geometric algorithms. The viewer is provided with a comfortable user interface enhancing the exploration of an algorithm's functionality. We describe the underlying concepts of the system as well as a variety of examples which illustrate its use. >
WB/UNDP — Integrated Resource Recovery Project: Recycling of Wastes in Developing Countries

One of the ever present facts of human existence is the generation of wastes. People produce wastes in their homes, work places and leisure areas. Collection and disposal of these wastes have always been major concerns of societies, for both health and economic reasons. As global population increases at tremendous rates, waste generation throughout the world has also drastically increased; however, this problem is most acutely felt in the least developed countries (LDCs).
The structural evolution and diffusion during the chemical transformation from cobalt to cobalt phosphide nanoparticles

We report the structural evolution and the diffusion processes which occur during the phase transformation of nanoparticles (NPs), e-Co to Co2P to CoP, from a reaction with tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP). Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) investigations were used to elucidate the changes in the local structure of cobalt atoms which occur as the chemical transformation progresses. The lack of long-range order, spread in interatomic distances, and overall increase in mean-square disorder compared with bulk structure reveal the decrease in the NP’s structural order compared with bulk structure, which contributes to their deviation from bulk-like behavior. Results from EXAFS show both the Co2P and CoP phases contain excess Co. Results from EXAFS, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory calculations reveal that the inward diffusion of phosphorus is more favorable at the beginning of the transformation from e-Co to Co2P by forming an amorphous Co-P shell, while retaining a crystalline cobalt core. When the major phase of the sample turns to Co2P, the diffusion processes reverse and cobalt atom out-diffusion is favored, leaving a hollow void, characteristic of the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. For the transformation from Co2P to CoP theory predicts an outward diffusion of cobalt while the anion lattice remains intact. In real samples, however, the Co-rich nanoparticles continue Kirkendall hollowing. Knowledge about the transformation method and structural properties provides a means to tailor the synthesis and composition of the NPs to facilitate their use in applications.
An Improved Technique for Suppression of Intrachannel Four-Wave Mixing in 40-Gb/s Optical Transmission Systems

This letter presents an efficient method for testing the efficiency of modulation techniques for countering the effects of intrachannel four-wave mixing by calculating the sum of all the contributors at a given resonance position (the position affected by the surrounding pulses). In addition to this method, we are proposing a modulation technique that shows a significant Q-factor improvement of up to 7.5 dB (depending on the number of spans and the phase sequence implemented) over the uncoded return-to-zero on-off keying. Although the implementation of this phase modulation technique is simple, it is still very efficient in extending the nonlinearity tolerance and enhancing the performance of a high-speed optical transmission system
Visual scalability of spatial ensemble uncertainty

Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) models simulate weather conditions by generating 2D numerical weather prediction ensemble members either through perturbing initial conditions or by changing different parameterization schemes, e.g., cumulus and microphysics schemes. These simulations are often used by weather analysts to analyze the nature of uncertainty attributed by these simulations to forecast weather conditions with good accuracy. The number of simulations used for forecasting is growing with the advent of increase in computing power. Hence, there is a need for providing better visual insights of uncertainty with growing number of ensemble members. We propose a geo visual analytical framework that uses visual analytics approach to resolve visual scalability of these ensemble members. Our approach naturally fits with the workflow of an analyst analyzing ensemble spatial uncertainty. Meteorologists evaluated our framework qualitatively and found it to be effective in acquiring insights of spatial uncertainty associated with multiple ensemble runs that are simulated using multiple parameterization schemes.
The Evolution of Human Brain and Body Growth Patterns

mammals typically have a pattern of brain growth that is rapid relative to body growth before birth but slow after birth. human beings are unusual in that rapid brain growth continues after birth for about 7 years, even as rates of body growth are declining. the human pattern of brain–body growth entails a relatively great investment of energy and time by older members of the social group, both for the growing brain and for the care and protection of the dependent infant and child. despite the costs, the evolution of the human pattern of brain–body growth results in enhanced reproductive success for the mothers of these children and for the children themselves when they mature.
Remix Networks in Scratch

Technologies that permit user-generated content can also be extended to permit modification, or remixing, of that content. Sites that encourage remixing often allow for trees of modifications to form: in this way, the evolution of ideas is made explicit. By studying these trees, we may gain insight into social creativity, and may find ways of designing more productive online communities. This work examines a particular community in which programmers, mainly youths, contribute content and extend each other’s work. This community, found at scratch.mit.edu, has been the subject of other research in which the attitudes and processes of the participants have been examined.
Process of foundation of network of services

This contribution deals with the new accesses to solution of the procedure the habitation financing. Nowadays, there are many dynamic changes of market conditions and competition, is characterized by many changes, which can't be foreseen. In the past testified systems of management get old quickly and are not able to solve bigger and bigger problems. The firms, which are not able to react quickly, can't be successful in the competition. The analysis of company General Electric Capital Bank, joint stock company, of team of mortgage services, is realized in the article The traditional product - mortgage - is risky. Therefore the bank provides the global solution and the customer is in the centre of its attention. The key part in this process is played by formation of network. The new organization brings the maximum of the added value for customers and for the participants of the network.
Annapolis: Will It Bear Fruit?

(2008). Annapolis: Will It Bear Fruit? Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 7-12.
Assessing two competing approaches to the psychology of moral judgments

This paper brings together the social intuitionist view of the psychology of moral judgments developed by Jonathan Haidt, and the recent morphological rationalist position of Terry Horgan and Mark Timmons. I will end up suggesting that Horgan and Timmons have offered us a more plausible account of the psychology of moral judgment formation. But the view is not without its own difficulties. Indeed, one of them might prove to be quite serious, as it could support a form of skepticism about understanding our own motivating reasons.
Obstructive sleep apnea pretreatment and posttreatment in symptomatic children with congenital craniofacial malformations.

Study Objectives:Obstructive sleep symptoms are common in children with craniofacial malformations (CFM). However objective data about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is still limited. The aims of th...
Haploid versus Diploid Xyleborus ferrugineus.1 Larval Instars, Development, and Morphogenesis of the Metathoracic Wing2

Measurement of head capsules revealed 3 instars in both haploid and diploid larvae of Xyleborus ferrugineus (F.) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). No significant differences in the time required for development of haploid versus diploid larvae were observed. Initiation of wing formation in larvae of each sex was noted at the beginning of its molt to the pupa. The 1st marked difference in the development of haploid and diploid metathoracic wings was observed in the pupa. The female adult possesses well-developed metathoracic wings and is a strong flyer; the male adult has degenerate metathoracic wings and cannot fly.
Kaysius emersoni (Mallophaga: Menoponidae), a New Genus and New Species of Louse from the Wedge-Billed Woodcreeper (Passeriformes: Dendrocolaptidae) of Peru

A new genus of chewing louse, Kaysius , and new species, K. emersoni , are described and illustrated using specimens collected from the wedge-billed woodcreeper, Glyphorhynchus spirurus (Vieillot), of Peru.
Cluster-and-Connect: An algorithmic approach to generating synthetic electric power network graphs

Generating synthetic network graphs that capture key topological and electrical characteristics of real-world electric power systems is important in aiding widespread and accurate analysis of these systems. Classical statistical models of graphs, such as small-world networks or Erdős-Renyi graphs, are unable to generate synthetic graphs that accurately represent the topology of real electric power networks—they do not appropriately capture the highly dense local connectivity and clustering as well as sparse long-haul links observed in electric network graphs. This paper presents a model that parametrizes these unique topological properties of electrical power networks and introduces a new Cluster-and-Connect algorithm to generate synthetic networks using these parameters. Using a uniform set of metrics proposed in the literature, the accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated by comparing the synthetic models generated for specific real electric network graphs.
Growing Conditions of Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells and Their Transdifferent Identification in Vitro

Objective To observe the growing conditions and transdifferentiation of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cell(AECⅡ) in vitro. Methods Primarily culture AECⅡ were isolated and purified by differential adhesion methods,the cells were divided randomly into 0 day,2 days,4 days,6 days and 8 days groups,respectively.The growing conditions of AECⅡ and the cells number under the inverted microscope were recorded,the growth curve was drawn based on the cells number at every time point.Cell activity was observed with the typan blue dye exclusion method.The flow cytometry assayed the cell cycle and cell apoptosis,and the electron microscope was used to observe ultra cellular structures.The immunity fluorescence technology was used to observe the positive expression of surfactant protein C(SP-C) and aquaporin 5(AQP5) by laser confocal microscopy. Results The cell number at 0 day,2 days,4 days,6 days and 8 days was(4.02±0.99)×108L-1,(10.41±0.24)×108L-1,(27.90±1.91)×108L-1,(27.12±0.85)×108L-1and(26.29±1.59)×108L-1,respectively,the cell number was statistically different compared 2 days with 0 day and 4 days with 2 days(Pa0.05).The cell activity at 2 days,4 days,6 days,8 days was(97.00±0.71)%,(97.20±0.84)%,(95.00±0.71)% and(92.80±1.30)%,respectively,the difference of cell activities was statistical significant compared 6 days with 4 days,8 days with 6 days(Pa0.05).Cell cycle showed that in air group,the cell ratio of G1 phase and S phase were highest partly at 6 days and 4 days,but the ratio at each time spot had no statistical significant difference compared with preceding time spots(Pa0.05).Cell apoptosis showed that in air group,the proportion of Annexin-V+/PI-subgroups was highest at 4 days,but it had statistical significant difference compared with 2 days and 6 days(P0.05).The Annexin-V+/PI+ subgroup cells accounted for the proportion to be highest at 8 days,and the difference had not statistically significant compared with 6 days(P0.05).But the difference was statistically significant between at 6 days and at 4 days(P0.05).Cell cellular structures indicated that there were some cells which were situated between AECⅡ and AECⅠ state.This kind of cells had the microvilli on the cell surface but had no lamellar bodies in intracytoplasm,and some of these cells had lamellar bodies in intracytoplasm but had no microvilli on the cell surface.Immunity fluorescence showed that SP-C positive green fluorescence could be observed in some of cell cytoblastema at 6 days,fluorescence intensity was a little weaken than that at 2 days and 4 days,and the positive red fluorescence AQP5 in these cells could be also observed,whose fluorescence intensity was different to each other,the cells with less AQP5 had more SP-C expression.The fluorescence was strongest at 4 days and decreased gradually afterward. Conclusions Originally cultured AECⅡ has the strongest multiplication ability in the early culture time,and its multiplication and differentiation ability decreased in the late culture time.The AECⅡ cultured in vitro can be transdifferentiated into AECⅠ.
Based on Many Wavelet Adaptive Threshold Image Denoising Method of Earthquake

Combined with the characteristics of seismic image noise,using multi-scale wavelet transform,a new adaptive wavelet threshold denoising algorithm is presented.This algorithm based on wavelet transform each layer,the coefficient matrix of the layer of adaptive optimal threshold,for high frequency sub-band adopts hard threshold denoising,low-frequency subband using threshold value denoising,after denoising and reconstruct wavelet coefficients.Experimental results show that this method can remove most random noise,and reductive real effect for coherent slices image,improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Next Generation Networks: The Demand Side Issues

The demand for next generation networks (NGN) for communications has mostly focused on the trend in technology. Recognizing that communications is a derived demand, we look at the demand for telecommunications services and then overlay these forecasts on the existing information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. We focus on the consumers rather than the technologies. We note that what consumers demand is for communications: The communications may be fixed, mobile, interactive, or unidirectional. With the technology and the move to IP protocol, all of these features can be handled in a few devices and networks – maybe only one. We provide an assessment of the forecast of market trends, and their implications for the regulator. The relevant demand elasticities are nearly unitary. Each of these factors alone implies that the market structure will be monopolist or an oligopoly at best. But amplified in combination, The need for clear, certain regulation of this segment of the ICT sector is an absolute necessity. Demand elasticities must be understood and factored into the consideration of the policy alternatives.
Effect of leakage pathway flow properties on thermal signal associated with the leakage from CO2 storage zone

Temperature can be used to detect the leakage of fluids from the CO2 storage zone. CO2 leakage is accompanied by temperature cooling due to the Joule-Thomson effect. We investigate the strength of the temperature signals for two scenarios in which leakage occurs either through a leaky well or through a leaky fault. In addition, we identify and analyze the major mechanisms contributing to the temperature signal. A larger pressure drop at shallower depths and thinner caprock thickness can induce more cooling and hence a stronger temperature signal. Furthermore, we study the effect of capillary pressure on the temperature signal as it can reduce the Joule-Thomson effect after CO2 leakage. The hydraulic properties of the leakage pathway, being a fractured or non-fractured matrix porous medium, are investigated using dual-porosity/dual-permeability models and considering identical permeability to the single porous medium case. The leakage rate increases significantly for dual-medium models. The further sensitivity analysis contains the effects of leakage pathway flow properties: fracture permeability, fracture spacing, and porosity. We also extend our models to consider the injection zone as a naturally fractured reservoir, and further incorporate an above-zone monitoring interval as another naturally fractured reservoir as well. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proven Leadership = College Credit: Enhancing Employability of Transitioning Military Members Through Prior Learning Assessment

The ProblemAs service men and women transition to the civilian workforce because of a major drawdown of combat forces, many will face challenges with education requirements necessary to gain employ...
The Public Company Whistleblowing Environment: Perceptions of a Wrongful Act and Monetary Attitude

ABSTRACT: The passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and Dodd-Frank Acts created a unique environment for whistleblowing at public companies. SOX requires public companies to establish anonymous repor...
Toward a social psychology of survey methodology: An application of the approach and directions for the future

Survey methodology is a relatively new academic discipline focused on understanding sources of survey errors. As an interdisciplinary field, survey methodology borrows theoretical approaches from other disciplines and applies them to understand how survey respondents answer questions. One field in particular, cognitive psychology, has played a central role in the development of survey methodology. The cognitive approach has focused researchers' attentions on the sources of error at each stage of the cognitive process respondents use to answer a survey question: comprehension of the question, recollection of relevant information, estimation and judgment, and reporting an answer. Although this focus on the cognitive response process has been positive and fruitful, potentially strong social and interactional influences on the response process have been underinvestigated and undertheorized. Thus, this essay argues for a revitalized research program in the sociological social psychology of survey methodology, given its rich body of theory and research. The current strengths of social psychological and interactional approaches are highlighted, focusing primarily on recent work using identity theory to understand social desirability biases. Finally, potentially fruitful future directions for research are proposed, matching sociological social psychological theories to the survey errors upon which they may shed light.
Mediastinal seminoma presenting with superior vena cava syndrome

We present a rare cause of superior vena cava syndrome (SVC) in a previously healthy male aged 31 years. Malignancy was suspected due to unintentional weight loss and childhood exposure to radioactive fallout from a nuclear facility accident. A very large anterior mediastinal mass was identified and demonstrated to be an extragonadal seminoma. Extragonadal germ cell tumours are rare tumours with a high potential for cardiovascular, pulmonary and vascular sequelae. Studies have documented an increased risk of developing seminoma in patients with radioactive exposure. Chemotherapy was initiated, during which the patient experienced progressive and new symptoms, found to be due to extensive thromboembolic disease, which responded well to anticoagulation. Seventy-two months after completing chemotherapy, without need for surgical management, he remains free of the disease.
How the Big Ten West was won: football recruiting

The paper analyses the 2017 Big Ten West Division football cycle models recruiting. The top ten recruit scores [(Rivals.com * 100) + [100 (outside surrounding); 75 (surrounding)] + extra credit walk-ons (100; 75)] allow proper ranking: Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Illinois, Minnesota, and Purdue.
Elección contable para la valoración de las inversiones inmobiliarias. Contribución de las técnicas de minería de datos para determinar patrones de decisión // Accounting Choice for Measuring Investment Properties. Data Mining Techniques Contribution to Determine Decision Patterns

La normativa contable internacional ofrece con la Norma Internacional de Contabilidad 40 (NIC 40) "Inversiones inmobiliarias" un caso referente para investigar la decision que toman las empresas cuando se les ofrece el valor razonable o el coste historico como criterios alternativos de valoracion. En este trabajo aprovechamos la oportunidad que ofrece esta norma para aportar evidencia adicional en un contexto multinacional y multisectorial sobre cuales son los motivos que explican la eleccion contable. Ademas, en este trabajo introducimos y comparamos el uso de las redes neuronales artificiales y los arboles de decision, con el objetivo de evaluar la capacidad predictiva de estas metodologias, frente a la tradicionalmente utilizada regresion logistica para la resolucion de problemas de clasificacion en este area. Los resultados de la clasificacion indican que tanto las redes neuronales como los arboles de decision pueden ser una alternativa interesante a los metodos clasicos estadisticos como la regresion logistica. En particular, las dos metodologias mostraron una mayor capacidad predictiva frente a la regresion logistica aunque no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ambas. ------------------------------------ International Accounting Standard 40 (IAS 40 - Investment properties) offers an ideal setting for research on accounting choice as it represents a paradigmatic case choosing between the fair value and the historical cost as the measurement criteria. In this paper, we take the opportunity of this standard to provide additional evidence in a multinational and multi-context on the determinants that explain the accounting choice. Furthermore, in this paper, we introduce and compare the use of artificial neural networks and decision trees in order to assess the predictive capability of these methodologies, compared to other techniques commonly used to solve classification problems in this area such as the logistic regression. The classification results indicate that both neural networks and decision trees can be an interesting alternative to classical statistical methods such as the logistic regression. In particular, both methods outperformed the logistic regression in terms of predictive ability, although no significant differences were found between both.
Entrepreneurship in digital platforms: A network-centric view

Research summary Research on entrepreneurship has focused primarily on the individual characteristics of founders in driving the success of new ventures offering stand-alone products and/or services. In recent years, we have seen an increase in entrepreneurship in digital platforms—where success requires positioning products and services within dynamic digital networks that depict complex connections among platforms, complementary modules, and consumers. This article introduces key elements of a theory for settings where entrepreneurship success is intricately connected to the moves of other entrepreneurs and coordinated within and across platforms. We introduce a network-centric view to understand how entrepreneurs occupying the role of third-party developers support digital platforms by their choices to link to them. Furthermore, we develop propositions reflecting a dynamic perspective representing two key stages of competition in digital platforms, initial launch, and scale-up. We hope this work guides further theorizing and empirical research in digital platforms and entrepreneurship in general. Managerial summary Over the last decade, we have seen a rise in digital entrepreneurs who support platforms such as Apple iOS, Google's Android, Facebook, Twitter, and others. The success of platforms requires support from applications, and entrepreneurs in such settings play a critical role in making some platforms succeed relative to others. Our study provides insight into how digital entrepreneurs can orchestrate strategic moves that allow them to navigate the complex landscape of linking and adapting to different platforms and how these linkage choices can lead to entrepreneurial success.
Groups and Geometry. By Roger C. Lyndon

(1987). Groups and Geometry. By Roger C. Lyndon. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 94, No. 4, pp. 392-394.
Sensory and memory stimulation as a means to care for individuals with dementia in long-term care facilities.

Objective The primary objective of this study was to identify and further examine the facilitators and barriers of utilizing sensory and memory stimulation as a means to care for individuals with dementia who live in long-term care settings. Materials and methods The authors conducted a literature review of 30 academic articles found using the databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Academic Search Ultimate from the past 15 years. Facilitator and barrier themes were found within each article and analyzed for their relevance to sensory and memory stimulation therapies and their effects on individuals with dementia. Results The most common facilitator was improved communication. The top three barriers were access, staff training, and mixed results. Discussion Reminiscence therapy appears to provide a person-centered method of care for those who otherwise have problems communicating. These implementations will be more effective if they have the support of staff and management. Conclusion The authors conclude that sensory and memory stimulation therapies have the potential to help improve many dementia-specific issues for individuals living in long-term care settings.
High-Power Femtosecond Soft X Rays from Fresh-Slice Multistage Free-Electron Lasers

We demonstrate a novel multistage amplification scheme for self-amplified spontaneous-emission free electron lasers for the production of few femtosecond pulses with very high power in the soft x-ray regime. The scheme uses the fresh-slice technique to produce an x-ray pulse on the bunch tail, subsequently amplified in downstream undulator sections by fresh electrons. With three-stages amplification, x-ray pulses with an energy of hundreds of microjoules are produced in few femtoseconds. For single-spike spectra x-ray pulses the pulse power is increased more than an order of magnitude compared to other techniques in the same wavelength range.
Low-Power and Variation-Tolerant Memory Design

This chapter discusses the impact of process variations on reliability of Static Random Access Memory (SRAM). An overview of SRAM and process variations in the context of SRAM is provided. The mechanisms of SRAM parametric failures are discussed. Models and methods of estimating parametric yield of SRAM array and failure probabilities of SRAM cell under process variations are presented. Design approaches for enhancing the yield of SRAM under process variations are discussed. The design approaches discussed include statistical joint optimization of SRAM cell sizing and redundancy, dynamic circuit techniques, post silicon adaptive repair techniques, and variation-tolerant SRAM peripherals. A self-repairing SRAM is discussed which adaptively adjusts its body bias to improve its reliability. Finally, a discussion on adaptive low-power and variation-tolerant SRAM design for multi-media applications is provided.
Bayesian optimization of generalized data

Direct application of Bayes' theorem to generalized data yields a posterior probability distribution function (PDF) that is a product of a prior PDF of generalized data and a likelihood function, where generalized data consists of model parameters, measured data, and model defect data. The prior PDF of generalized data is defined by prior expectation values and a prior covariance matrix of generalized data that naturally includes covariance between any two components of generalized data. A set of constraints imposed on the posterior expectation values and covariances of generalized data via a given model is formally solved by the method of Lagrange multipliers. Posterior expectation values of the constraints and their covariance matrix are conventionally set to zero, leading to a likelihood function that is a Dirac delta function of the constraining equation. It is shown that setting constraints to values other than zero is analogous to introducing a model defect. Since posterior expectation values of any function of generalized data are integrals of that function over all generalized data weighted by the posterior PDF, all elements of generalized data may be viewed as nuisance parameters marginalized by this integration. One simple form of posterior PDF is obtained when the prior PDF and the likelihood function are normal PDFs. For linear models without a defect this PDF becomes equivalent to constrained least squares (CLS) method, that is, the χ 2 minimization method.
Concerns about "Stress-Induced MazF-Mediated Proteins in Escherichia coli"

In their recent study, “Stress-Induced MazF-Mediated Proteins in Escherichia coli,” Nigam et al. (1) identified 42 Escherichia coli proteins whose expression increased following induction of the MazF RNase toxin by nalidixic acid (NA). Of the 42 corresponding genes, 36 have an ACA sequence, the target site for MazF cleavage, <100 nt upstream of their start codon. Based on this observation, Nigam et al. tested whether NA-dependent changes in the expression of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter were affected by the positions of upstream ACA sequences. The major conclusion drawn by Nigam et al. was that the presence of an ACA sequence <100 nt upstream of a start codon is associated with MazF-dependent regulation of expression for the corresponding gene. As described in detail below, none of the data presented by Nigam et al. support this …
Pulmonary effects of inhaled cannabis smoke

Background: The smoke generated from cannabis delivers biologically active cannabinoids and a number of combustion-derived toxins, both of which raise questions regarding the impact of cannabis smoking on lung function, airway inflammation and smoking-related lung disease.Objectives: Review the potential effects of cannabis smoking on respiratory symptoms, lung function, histologic/molecular alterations in the bronchial mucosa, smoking-related changes in alveolar macrophage function and the potential clinical impact of cannabis smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and pulmonary infections.Methods: Focused literature review.Results: The carcinogens and respiratory toxins in cannabis and tobacco smoke are similar but the smoking topography for cannabis results in higher per-puff exposures to inhaled tar and gases. The frequency of chronic cough, sputum and wheeze and the presence of airway mucosal inflammation, goblet cell and vascular hyperplasia, metaplasia and cellular disorganization are similar between cannabis smokers and tobacco smokers. Cannabis smoke has modest airway bronchodilator properties but of unclear clinical significance. While clear evidence exists for progression to obstructive lung disease and emphysema in chronic tobacco smokers, the effects from habitual cannabis use are less clear. Evidence suggests that alveolar macrophages from cannabis smokers have deficits in cytokine production and antimicrobial activity not present in cells from tobacco smokers.Conclusions: Solid conclusions regarding the respiratory consequences of regular cannabis smoking are difficult to make due to a relative paucity of literature, confounding by concurrent tobacco smoking and reports of conflicting outcomes. Additional well-controlled clinical studies on the pulmonary consequences of habitual cannabis use are needed.
A Framework for Learning From Null Results

A substantial number of randomized trials of educational interventions that have been conducted over the past two decades have produced null results, with either no impact or an unreliable estimate...
Using blockchain to log genome dataset access: efficient storage and query

Genomic variants are considered sensitive information, revealing potentially private facts about individuals. Therefore, it is important to control access to such data. A key aspect of controlled access is secure storage and efficient query of access logs, for potential misuse. However, there are challenges to securing logs, such as designing against the consequences of “single points of failure”. A potential approach to circumvent these challenges is blockchain technology, which is currently popular in cryptocurrency due to its properties of security, immutability, and decentralization. One of the tasks of the iDASH (Integrating Data for Analysis, Anonymization, and Sharing) Secure Genome Analysis Competition in 2018 was to develop time- and space-efficient blockchain-based ledgering solutions to log and query user activity accessing genomic datasets across multiple sites, using MultiChain. MultiChain is a specific blockchain platform that offers “data streams” embedded in the chain for rapid and secure data storage. We devised a storage protocol taking advantage of the keys in the MultiChain data streams and created a data frame from the chain allowing efficient query. Our solution to the iDASH competition was selected as the winner at a workshop held in San Diego, CA in October 2018. Although our solution worked well in the challenge, it has the drawback that it requires downloading all the data from the chain and keeping it locally in memory for fast query. To address this, we provide an alternate “bigmem” solution that uses indices rather than local storage for rapid queries. We profiled the performance of both of our solutions using logs with 100,000 to 600,000 entries, both for querying the chain and inserting data into it. The challenge solution requires 12 seconds time and 120 Mb of memory for querying from 100,000 entries. The memory requirement increases linearly and reaches 470 MB for a chain with 600,000 entries. Although our alternate bigmem solution is slower and requires more memory (408 seconds and 250 MB, respectively, for 100,000 entries), the memory requirement increases at a slower rate and reaches only 360 MB for 600,000 entries. Overall, we demonstrate that genomic access log files can be stored and queried efficiently with blockchain. Beyond this, our protocol potentially could be applied to other types of health data such as electronic health records.
Electronic phenotyping of health outcomes of interest using a linked claims-electronic health record database: Findings from a machine learning pilot project.

Objective Claims-based algorithms are used in the Food and Drug Administration Sentinel Active Risk Identification and Analysis System to identify occurrences of health outcomes of interest (HOIs) for medical product safety assessment. This project aimed to apply machine learning classification techniques to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a claims-based algorithm to predict an HOI in structured electronic health record (EHR) data. Materials and methods We used the 2015-2019 IBM MarketScan Explorys Claims-EMR Data Set, linking administrative claims and EHR data at the patient level. We focused on a single HOI, rhabdomyolysis, defined by EHR laboratory test results. Using claims-based predictors, we applied machine learning techniques to predict the HOI: logistic regression, LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), random forests, support vector machines, artificial neural nets, and an ensemble method (Super Learner). Results The study cohort included 32 956 patients and 39 499 encounters. Model performance (positive predictive value [PPV], sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve) varied considerably across techniques. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve exceeded 0.80 in most model variations. Discussion For the main Food and Drug Administration use case of assessing risk of rhabdomyolysis after drug use, a model with a high PPV is typically preferred. The Super Learner ensemble model without adjustment for class imbalance achieved a PPV of 75.6%, substantially better than a previously used human expert-developed model (PPV = 44.0%). Conclusions It is feasible to use machine learning methods to predict an EHR-derived HOI with claims-based predictors. Modeling strategies can be adapted for intended uses, including surveillance, identification of cases for chart review, and outcomes research.
Differences in Hospital-Based Care for Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Importance The number of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) seeking treatment in non-IDD-specific health care settings is growing. Little is known about how adults with IDD use health care services in specialty settings, including occupational therapy services. Objective To describe adults with IDD in hospitals and identify differences in utilization patterns compared with patients without IDD. Design Descriptive and correlational designs were used. Participants Data were obtained from Vizient (Clinical Data Base/Resource Manager™), a national database of administrative discharge abstracts for adults admitted to hospitals for an orthopedic procedure. From this sample, subsamples of (1) patients diagnosed with IDD and (2) an age- and gender-matched sample of patients without IDD were identified. Results The study cohort with IDD experienced longer lengths of stay, t(2821.5) = -14.2, p Conclusions and relevance Despite similarities in orthopedic procedures, participants with IDD had different use patterns than those without IDD. Differences may be attributed to varying client factors and contexts. The results also indicate that practitioners in non-IDD-specific settings should expect to encounter clients with IDD. Occupational therapy practitioners have an opportunity to be leaders in adapting treatment protocols and providing education to caregivers and health care providers on behalf of people with IDD. What This Article Adds: This article provides novel information about a population that is known to experience disparities in health outcomes. It offers a basis on which future research can build to improve health care delivery and occupational therapy interventions to improve outcomes.
MONTE enables serial immunopeptidome, ubiquitylome, proteome, phosphoproteome, acetylome analyses of sample-limited tissues

Abstract Multiomic characterization of patient tissues provides insights into the function of different biological pathways in the context of disease. Much work has been done to serialize proteome and post-translational modification (PTM) analyses to conserve precious patient samples. However, characterizing clinically relevant tissues with multi-ome workflows that have distinct sample processing requirements remains challenging. To overcome the obstacles of combining enrichment workflows that have unique input amounts and utilize both label free and chemical labeling strategies, we developed a highly-sensitive multi-omic networked tissue enrichment (MONTE) workflow for the full analysis of HLA-I and HLA-II immunopeptidome, ubiquitylome, proteome, phosphoproteome and acetylome all from the same tissue sample. The MONTE workflow enables identification of a median of 9,000 HLA-I peptides, 6,000 HLA-II peptides, 10,000 Ub sites, 12,000 proteins, 20,000 phosphorylation sites and 15,000 acetylation sites from patient LUAD tumors. Because all omes are generated from the exact same tissue sample, there is less biological variability in the data enabling more robust integration. The information available in MONTE datasets facilitates the identification of putative immunotherapeutic targets, such as CT antigens and neoantigens presented by HLA complexes, as well as reveal insights into how disease-specific changes in protein expression, protein degradation, cell signaling, metabolic, and epigenetic pathways are involved in disease pathology and treatment.