cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Maintenance Project Selection on a Multimodal Transportation Network

The selection of maintenance projects that require funding is essential to the well-being of the waterway transportation system. This paper develops optimization models and heuristics to maximize the benefits of the maintenance projects selected for funding in a multimodal transportation network. This paper includes a mixed linear integer model to maximize the overall network capacity while allowing for partial funding of each project. The model is further extended to account for the random nature of shoaling and subsequent vessel draft restrictions after dredging to maximize the expected capacity over a multiyear study period. In addition, two heuristics are proposed to provide approximate solutions efficiently. All the models and heuristics are tested on real network examples.
Multi-color spatial solitons through seeded optical parametric amplification tailored with chirped-period quasi-phase-matching gratings

We demonstrate the tailoring of quadratic spatial solitons using chirped gratings of periodically-poled lithium niobate, providing a method for creating solitons at large wavevector mismatch that are difficult to launch in uniform crystals.
Handbook of Gold Exploration and Evaluation.Eoin H. Macdonald. 647 Pp. Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, England. ISBN-10: 1–84569–175-X. ISBN-13: 978–1–84569–175–2. 2007. Price US$370.00.

This lengthy handbook on many aspects of gold geology and mining attempts to address comprehensively most topics that would interest both researchers on gold ores and workers in the gold mining industry. The material appears to represent a summary of knowledge collected by the author over a 65-year-long career as an international mining engineer with an obvious expertise in alluvial gold projects. The text is divided into nine chapters, each about 70 pages in length. The first three chapters of the book focus on the geology of gold and are, by far, the weakest part of the book. The first chapter, “Nature and history of gold,” contains some interesting material on characteristics and formation of placer grains and nuggets. However, discussions of salinity, pH, redox, and metal complexing of gold-bearing fluids are presented without any mention of pressure or temperature, or the use of any phase diagrams, and thus are far too incomplete. Descriptions of gold grains and gold-bearing veins are disappointingly presented as hand sketches that describe textures and colors, rather than showing these in actual photographs. The classification of gold deposits is …
An integrated framework for group decision support systems design

Abstract Proposed approaches for the development of Group Decision Support Systems (gdss) address behavioral and technical aspects of these systems. However, these approaches generally address only one of these aspects at a time. This paper reviews these approaches and suggests a framework for developing gdss based on an integrated perspective. This proposed framework is comprehensive and integrative as it combines the behavioral characteristics of group decision making with the technical specifications that drive gdss. Software design and future research issues are discussed.
The Establishment of Effective Advisory Boards for Promoting Social Justice in the Arts on College Campuses

This paper focuses on some of the important aspects of establishing an advisory board on college campuses for governing arts organizations with social justice missions. In contrast to Boards of Directors of for-profit corporations, the nonprofit advisory board services the needs of organizations by performing services aimed at assisting the activities of the organization. Most boards are made up of people who like the same things and who support the same causes. This is especially true for arts organizations which tend to have a homogeneous board make-up. This paper makes the argument that advisory boards are an important component of arts organizations with a social justice mission and purporting the board members are unique volunteers with a social consciousness which supports efforts to advance the cause of underrepresented and disenfranchised populations. Board members are responsible for some strategic administrative functions which are outlined in this paper. Furthermore, this paper attempts to capture the essence of why advisory boards are necessary for successful arts organizations working on social justice activities.
The Electrolyte Genome project: A big data approach in battery materials discovery

We present a high-throughput infrastructure for the automated calculation of molecular properties with a focus on battery electrolytes. The infrastructure is largely open-source and handles both practical aspects (input file generation, output file parsing, and information management) as well as more complex problems (structure matching, salt complex generation, and failure recovery). Using this infrastructure, we have computed the ionization potential (IP) and electron affinities (EA) of 4830 molecules relevant to battery electrolytes (encompassing almost 55,000 quantum mechanics calculations) at the B3LYP/ 6-31+G⁄ level. We describe automated workflows for computing redox potential, dissociation constant, and salt-molecule binding complex structure generation. We present routines for automatic recovery from calculation errors, which brings the failure rate from 9.2% to 0.8% for the QChem DFT code. Automated algorithms to check duplication between two arbitrary molecules and structures are described. We present benchmark data on basis sets and functionals on the G2-97 test set; one finding is that a IP/EA calculation method that combines PBE geometry optimization and B3LYP energy evaluation requires less computational cost and yields nearly identical results as compared to a full B3LYP calculation, and could be suitable for the calculation of large molecules. Our data indicates that among the 8 functionals tested, XYGJ-OS and B3LYP are the two best functionals to predict IP/EA with an RMSE of 0.12 and 0.27 eV, respectively. Application of our automated workflow to a large set of quinoxaline derivative molecules shows that functional group effect and substitution position effect can be separated for IP/EA of quinoxaline derivatives, and the most sensitive position is different for IP and EA. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Ecomorphological variation in shell shape of the freshwater turtle Pseudemys concinna inhabiting different aquatic flow regimes

Populations of species that inhabit a range of environments frequently display divergent morphologies that correlate with differences in ecological parameters. The velocity of water flow (i.e., flow velocity) is a critical feature of aquatic environments that has been shown to influence morphology in a broad range of taxa. The focus of this study was to evaluate the relationship between flow velocity and shell morphology for males and females of the semi-aquatic freshwater turtle Pseudemys concinna. For both sexes, the carapace and plastron show significant morphological differences between habitats characterized by slow-flowing (i.e., lentic) and fast-flowing (i.e., lotic) water. In general, the most prominent pattern for both sexes is that the shells of individuals from lotic habitats are more streamlined (small height-to-length ratio) than the shells of individuals from lentic habitats. Of the two shell components (carapace and plastron), the carapace shows greater divergence between habitats, particularly for males. These results are consistent with adaptations to flow velocity, and suggest that variation in shape may be more constrained in females. I also provide empirical evidence for an adaptive benefit of the observed shape change (i.e., drag reduction) and a brief comment on the relative roles of genetic divergence and phenotypic plasticity in generating shape differences observed in this species.
Nuclear factor-kappa B in rheumatoid synovium. Localization of p50 and p65.

Objective To identify the cells that express transcription factor NF-kappa B subunits p50 and p65 in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to correlate the distribution of p50 and p65 with CD14 (macrophage lipopolysaccharide receptor) and members of the AP-1 transcription factor family, Jun and Fos. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to identify p50, p65, Jun and Fos in sections of synovial tissue from 13 patients with RA and 4 "normal" control subjects. Double staining for CD14 and each of the transcription factor subunits was performed. Results Subunits p50 and p65 were present in the nuclei of synovial cells in all 13 RA patients, with expression varying from rare cells to more than half of all cells. In most cases, nuclear p50 and p65 were present in approximately one-third of synovial lining cells and in a variable proportion of cells scattered throughout the sublining region, including the endothelium. The distributions of p50 and p65 were similar. Jun and Fos were present in the nuclei of a large proportion of synovial lining cells with significantly less expression elsewhere. In each case the Jun/Fos distribution was clearly different from the p50/p65 distribution, although there was significant overlap in many cases. Cells expressing CD14 were mostly Jun/Fos negative and were predominantly p50/p65 positive. There was negligible staining for p50 or p65 in the 4 normal control synovium samples. Conclusion In most RA patients, the p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kappa B were present in the majority of CD14-positive cells within the lining and sublining regions and in a proportion of other cells throughout the synovium, including endothelial cells. NF-kappa B is likely to play an important role in the expression of macrophage-derived cytokines in rheumatoid synovium. Different but overlapping distributions of nuclear p50 and p65 versus Jun and Fos indicate separate or divergent mechanisms for the activation of NF-kappa B and the expression of AP-1 proteins in rheumatoid synovium.
Intimate partner violence and mental health symptoms in African American female ED patients

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) victims often seek care in the ED, whether for an injury from abuse or other sequelae such as mental health symptoms.
Friction of a Rubber Wedge Sliding on Glass

Abstract The contact width, and hence contact area, for an elastic wedge pressed against a rigid flat surface appears to be proportional to the applied load per unit length. For a particular rubber sample, the reciprocal of the constant of proportionality, i.e., the mean normal pressure, was 130 kPa, i.e., about 7% of the tensile modulus E of the material. It was also independent of sliding speed over the range examined. Thus, a sharp wedge gave a relatively high loading pressure, independent of the applied load. As a result, the coefficient of friction was also independent of applied load over a wide range. The coefficient of friction was measured for a wedge of an unfilled natural rubber vulcanizate over wide ranges of sliding speed (50 µm/s to 100 mm/s) and test temperature (3°C to 63°C). It was found to increase with sliding speed and decrease with temperature over these ranges. The results at different temperatures were superposable using the WLF rate-temperature equivalence to create a master curve ...
The Press and the Dilemma of the Fourth Estate

This article discusses 5 books, all published in 1986, that explore important questions regarding the relationship of the press and the First Amendment. Four of the books discuss the relationship of the press and its First Amendment issues with the public, while the fifth one discusses the relationship of the press with the government.
Universal spine fracture classification.

A prospective, multi-center study was done to establish and evaluate a system for classifying spine fractures. The classification was designed with three goals in mind: 1) that the classification be easy to use and understand, 2) that the classification allow physicians, regardless of specialty, to communicate about spine fracture, 3) and to provide spine surgeons with a standardized tool to track treatment methods vs. outcomes. The classification uses five criteria to classify an injury: 1) columns injured, 2) extent of translatory displacement, 3) extent of angulation, 4) canal compromise, and 5) percent loss of height. Using these five criteria, fractures are classified into categories A, B, or C. After five years of field testing, statistical analysis, and refining, the classification system has proven to be useful and to provide consistent, reliable classification of spine fractures. Language: it
Lee Richmond: A Life Designed to Take the Counseling Profession to New Places

The authors demonstrate the practice of composing a life portrait by conducting a Career Construction Interview (CCI; Savickas, 2011) with Lee Richmond. Counselors conduct a CCI to compose life portraits for clients who are making career transitions. Using client responses to the CCI, counselors compose a biography highlighting themes that show the continuity and coherence in a life story. Clients then use their life portraits to script the next chapter in their careers. The authors chose to interview Dr. Richmond to record her contributions to the discipline of career counseling and highlight her role as a mentor to 3 generations of counselors.
Electric field driven dynamic percolation in electronically phase separated (La 0.4 Pr 0.6 ) 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 3 thin films

Competing ferromagnetic metallic (FMM) and insulating phases in the manganite (La${}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}$Pr${}_{y}$)${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Ca${}_{x}$MnO${}_{3}$ lead to a phase separated state in which micrometer scale FMM regions behave in a fluidlike manner over a narrow temperature range. Here we show that an electric field can realign the fluidlike FMM phases embedded in an insulating matrix, resulting in anisotropic in-plane resistance in microstructures of (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_{3}$ thin films. Time and voltage dependent resistance and magnetization measurements show that the dynamic percolation of the FMM regions leads to an insulator to metal transition due to electric-field induced realignment of the FMM regions, which is analogous to the dielectrophoresis of metallic particles suspended in fluid media. In-plane strain anisotropy plays an important role in determining the speed of dynamic percolation of the FMM regions by modifying the local electric fields in the phase separated state.
Analysis of Clinicopathological Features of Hepatitis B Virus Associated Glomerulonephritis in 74 Children

Objective To explore clinicopathological features of hepatitis B virus associated glomerulonephritis(HBV-GN) in children.Methods Clinicopathological features of 74 children with HBV-GN proved by renal biopsy were analyzed.The clinical manifestation(edema and blood pressure) and laboratory examination data(routine urianlysis,24 h urinary protein excretion,the marker of HBV infection,serum albumn and other) in present were recorded.Pathological types of renal tissue were analyzed under the light microscope and by immunohistochemical methods.Seventy-four children with HBV-GN were divided into the higher viral load group(HBV DNA1.0×108 co-pies/L)and the lower viral load group(HBV DNA1.0×108 copies/L) on the basis of the serum level of HBV DNA.The differences in clini-copathological features between 2 groups were studied.Results Nephrotic syndrome(NS) was the prominent clinical manifestation(52/74,70.3%),followed by hematuria with proteinuria(13/74,17.6%) and proteinuria without hematuria(6/74,8.1%),hematuria without proteinuria was the rarest(3/74,4.1%).The commonest pathological types of HBV-GN were membranous nephropathy(MN)(56/74,75.7%),the second was mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis(MsPGN)(12/74,16.2%),membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis(MPGN) was found in 5 cases(6.6%),only 1 child was endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis(EnPGN).Clinical data in present showed a marked reduction in serum albumin[(22.04±7.69) g/L vs(31.95±5.83) g/L]and C3[(0.759±0.252) g/L vs 0.986±0.330) g/L]in children with the higher level of serum HBV DNA when compared with those with the lower level of serum HBV DNA(Pa0.05).There were variety of pathological types in children with higher viral load,however,MN and MsPGN were mainly found in the lower viral load group.Conclusions HBV-GN in children usually happened to school age children,with a strong male prominance,the commonest histological type being membranous nephropathy.NS was the prominent clinical manifestation.The level of serum HBV DNA in patients closely correlate with the development of HBV-GN.
Development situation and countermeasures of Guangdong rice industry in the first half of 2014

In the first half of 2014, the seeded area of the early season rice were continued slide. The total output of early season rice was excepted to mantain attritute to the high average temperature, long hours sunshine and early seedling time. Besides, due to the planting cost increasing, diseconomies of scale, crumbling infrastructure, wind and rats damage,the second half of the rice development situation could have some pitfalls, to deal with these issues, agriculture policy and financial fund required to further cooperation.
Using Harm-Based Weights for the AHRQ Patient Safety for Selected Indicators Composite (PSI-90): Does It Affect Assessment of Hospital Performance and Financial Penalties in Veterans Health Administration Hospitals?

Objective To assess whether hospital profiles for public reporting and pay-for-performance, measured by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Safety for Selected Indicators (PSI-90) composite measure, were affected by using the recently developed harm-based weights. Data Sources/Study Setting Retrospective analysis of 2012–2014 data from the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Study Design The AHRQ PSI software (v5.0) was applied to obtain the original volume-based PSI-90 scores for 132 acute-care hospitals. We constructed a modified PSI-90 using the harm-based weights developed by AHRQ. We compared hospital profiles for public reporting and pay-for-performance between these two PSI-90s and assessed patterns in these changes. Principal Findings The volume-based and the harm-based PSI-90s were strongly correlated (r = 0.67, p < .0001). The use of the harm-based PSI-90 had a relatively small impact on public reporting (i.e., 5 percent hospitals changed categorization), but it had a much larger impact on pay-for-performance (e.g., 15 percent of hospitals would have faced different financial penalties under the Medicare Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program). Because of changes in weights of specific PSIs, hospital profile changes occurred systematically. Conclusions Use of the harm-based weights in PSI-90 has the potential to significantly change payments under pay-for-performance programs. Policy makers should carefully develop transition plans for guiding hospitals through changes in any quality metrics used for pay-for-performance.
Abstract 1875: Development of a dietary inflammation score and its association with incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma

It is now well established that inflammation is linked to colorectal carcinogenesis and other chronic diseases. The ability to characterize specific dietary and lifestyle components as having pro- or anti-inflammatory effects is a promising area of cancer prevention. We developed a “dietary inflammation score” based on associations of independent dietary components with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) in the combined Markers of Adenomatous Polyps (MAPs) case-control studies, and investigated the association of the score with incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma in the same population. First, we excluded individuals who regularly took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and multivitamins, and among those remaining (n = 369) calculated the multivariable-adjusted associations of the individual dietary components with CRP, used the strengths of associations as weights, and summed the weighted dietary components to create an overall summary dietary inflammation score. Food components were included in the score based on biological plausibility and previous literature, and included four categories of meat, nuts, pepper, coffee, tea, high- and low-fat dairy products, refined and whole grains, and twelve botanical categories. The crude odds ratio (OR) for the association of the highest dietary score tertile with log-transformed CRP was 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13, 3.27); after adjusting for age, sex, total energy intake, and lifestyle inflammation score category, the OR was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.06, 3.36). The association tended to be stronger among older individuals, males, and adenoma cases. The overall score was more strongly associated with CRP than was any individual dietary component. Next, to assess the association of the dietary inflammation score with adenomas, we used the entire MAPs population (n = 188 cases and 325 controls)– including the regular NSAID and multivitamin users. The crude OR for the association of the highest dietary score tertile with incident adenoma was 1.30 (95% CI: 0.84, 2.02), an association that tended to be stronger among men and those who regularly took aspirin or other NSAIDs. Multivariable adjustment did not appreciably change these estimates. The results from this pilot study suggest that diet may contribute to systemic levels of inflammation, and support further investigation of a dietary inflammation score with colorectal neoplasms and other chronic diseases in larger studies. Citation Format: Ashley C. Holmes, Roberd M. Bostick. Development of a dietary inflammation score and its association with incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1875. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1875
Paradox in Psychological Transformations: The Zen Koan and Psychotherapy

Les transformations psychologiques dans les psychotherapie et le paradoxe. Utilisation du modele du «zen koan» pour la comprehension du processus de transformation. Parallele entre la relation therapeutique et la relation du maitre zen a son etudiant
Visual Representations of Disaster

Nepal was struck by two major earthquakes in April and May 2015 which gave rise to much media attention. Because of photographs' power to influence how people perceive significant events, we investigate how these disasters are represented visually through Twitter-shared images in three ways. First, we compare how geotagged image tweets are distributed vis-a-vis the reported damage, to see if a seemingly "objective" method of representation stands up. Second, with an iteratively developed coding scheme, we examine how images are differently produced and shared within global versus local populations and after each earthquake, with the idea that amplification "collectively instructs" what features of the event are most important. Third, we analyze how images from other locations, disasters, and time periods are appropriated as part of the "story" of the disaster event. We found differences in image popularity, with global twitterers emphasizing recovery and relief efforts in their diffusion of images, and locals emphasizing people suffering and major damage in their sourcing and re-sharing. We also found that globals were more likely to appropriate images, evoking lessons from Sontag about "the pain of others" [39].
Caregivers' Advice and Children's Bystander Behaviors During Bullying Incidents.

Many bullying prevention programs take a bystander approach, which encourages children to intervene when they are bystanders to bullying incidents. Little is known about how caregivers’ advice to children might promote or undermine the positive bystander behaviors targeted by these programs. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to investigate relations between caregivers’ advice and children’s bystander behavior during bullying situations. Participants were 106 racially/ethnically diverse 4th- and 5th-grade students (M age = 10.5 years, SD = .71 years), their classmates, and their caregivers. During classroom visits, peers reported on children’s bystander behaviors. During home visits, caregivers and children completed a coded interaction task in which caregivers advised children about how to respond to bullying situations at school. Results suggested that (a) bystander intervention was positively predicted by caregivers’ advice to help/comfort the victim, (b) bystander passivity was positively p...
Deep Learning Bi-telecentric Digital Holographic Microscopy for Aberration Compensation Applied to Cancer Cells

A bi-telecentric DHM configuration is developed to optically mitigate phase aberrations due to MO and tilt due to reference. A novel automatic background area detection based on deep learning for residual phase aberration compensation is also developed.
Verification of Safety

Abstract Safety has often been equated with reliability and robustness. However, safety needs to be treated as a separate and important system quality. In this paper, software safety is distinguished from these other qualities and formally defined. The paper also examines the possibility of using three different verification approaches — state machines, temporal logic, and fault trees — to verify software safety.
The Impact of Premeeting Talk on Group Performance

Interactions that occur prior to a meeting constitute premeeting talk (PMT). Of the different PMT types, research suggests that small talk PMT is especially meaningful. In this study, meeting participants’ interactions both prior to and during the meeting were video recorded, coded into sense units, and classified by coding schemes. This study investigated the influence of small talk PMT on both perceived and objective group performances, as well as the potential for positive socioemotional and problem-focused statements to serve as mediators. The results supported the mediating influence of both types of statements for only perceived performance. Our results suggest that a group-level babble effect can take place in meetings, such that groups who engage in more extensive discussion tend to believe that they achieved high performance, but objective ratings do not support this belief. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations of the study, and future research opportunities are discussed.
Involvement of drugs in sexual assault.

OBJECTIVE To obtain information about the relationship of alcohol and drug usage in victims of sexual assault, including the newly identified "date rape" drugs gamma hydroxybutyrate and flunitrazepam. STUDY DESIGN Analysis of urine samples with gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry can identify alcohol and numerous other drugs with a high degree of specificity. This service was offered to rape treatment centers throughout the United States in May 1996; urine samples obtained from sexual assault victims suspected of drug use by history or physical examination were sent for testing at the discretion of the examiner. RESULTS As of March 1999, a total of 2,003 specimens were analyzed. Nearly two-thirds of the samples contained alcohol and/or drugs; the predominant substances found were alcohol, present in 63%, and marijuana, present in 30%. A substantial subset of the specimens was found to contain other illicit substances, frequently in combination. GHB and flunitrazepam were found in < 3% of the positive samples. Additionally, over the two-year study period, the use of these two drugs appeared to be declining. CONCLUSION These findings support prior data indicating that alcohol, marijuana and/or other drugs are important risk factors in sexual assault. Continued monitoring of drug use by victims of sex crimes is important, and programs that serve victims should modify protocols to reflect this.
Health Information Systems Implementation: A Beforeand- After Observational Study

While technical challenges persist in health information systems, many of these implementations fail because of organizational issues. A major criticism of health information systems, which include electronic health records (EHR) and computerized physician order entry (CPOE), is that their underlying model is too simplistic and does not reflect the complexity and fluidity of healthcare practice. This has led to systems that cannot adequately support the dynamic and contingent nature of clinical work or facilitate communication and collaboration among clinicians. Studies of unexpected consequences of EHR implementations reveal social and political impacts, and that many contextual factors are not well understood or their importance underemphasized. Using a before-and-after observational study design and adopting the sociotechnical systems perspective, this study analyzes impacts of an EHR on clinician workflow, time allocation and communication, and provides useful insight into how such systems affect user work activities, thereby informing future health information system adoptions and implementations.
Pharmacist–Patient Privilege, Confidentiality, and Legally-Mandated Counseling: A Legal Review

Abstract Objective To indicate the necessity for uniform, privileged status of pharmacist-patient communications. Data Sources Publisher cases (LEXIS), literature (NEXIS and MEDLINE), and abstracts available through November 1997. Case Selection and Data Abstraction Selected by the authors for inclusion based on objectives, publication in English, and usefulness of information for practicing pharmacists. Data Synthesis Since pharmacists are now legally required to counsel patients under federal and state laws protection of the confidentiality of such information is of concern. Statutes are largely silent on the issue of pharmacist-patient communications, particularly oral communications. Some states recognize privilege (protection from subpoenas and court orders). othen provide confidentiality only (information must be divulged only upon subpoena or court order), and most states specify neither type of protection for pharmacist-patient communications. An evaluation of case law indicates personal and legal risks, for both pharmacist and patient, associated with unprivileged communications occurring within a counseling situation. Conclusion Pharmacist–patient communications must be granted privileged status, in all states, to protect both pharmacist and patient if pharmacists are to fulfill their legally-mandated counseling responsibilities.
The Fatty Acid Content of Tasmanites

Alaskan tasmanite, an organic-rich sedimentary rock of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age (130 to 190 million years old), is made up almost entirely of compressed discs of Tasmanites , unicellular organisms thought to be fossil green algae with close biological affinities to the present day marine organisms, Pachysphaera pelagica Ostenfeld.
SPINAL NETWORK COMPUTATIONS ENABLE INDEPENDENT CONTROL OF MUSCLE LENGTH AND JOINT COMPLIANCE

Publisher Summary Mathematical analysis shows that if muscle tissue is subject to yielding at high force levels, then achieving a wide force range at each muscle length requires that motor units behave according to the size principle of motor unit recruitment. In a system that obeys the size principle, attempting to vary joint compliance by adding the same co-contractive signal to both opponent muscle control channels disrupts invariant muscle length control, but the disruption may be preemptively compensated by an efference copy feedback pathway. A pathway with appropriate properties is provided in the spinal cord by Renshaw cells and Ia interneurons, and the simulations discussed in this chapter verify the compensatory properties of such a pathway. Further simulations show how a gradual learning process based on stretch feedback can allow the system to achieve feedforward compensation for changes, associated with joint rotations, in muscle mechanical advantage. The factorization of LEngth and TEnsion (FLETE) model explicates the neural bases of compensation for several intrinsic sources of variability in the realization of central motor commands, and thereby provides a rationale for many incompletely understood properties of the neuromuscular system.
A Low Communication Rate Distributed Inertial Navigation Architecture with Cellular Signal Aiding

A distributed, low communication rate architecture is proposed for collaborating vehicles to aid their inertial navigation systems (INSs) with cellular signals. The proposed approach compresses the amount of communicated data between vehicles by invoking mild approximations that reduce the communication rate by 91.7% from an optimal centralized approach, with a negligible impact on performance. Simulation and experimental results are presented demonstrating multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) navigating via the proposed framework, aiding their INSs with cellular pseudoranges in the absence of GPS.
Uncertainty Quantification for a High Temperature Z-Meter Characterization System

Few systems have been developed for simultaneous measurement of thermal, electrical, and thermoelectric properties at high temperatures (> 600K) relevant to high temperature waste heat recovery applications. The Z-Meter approach enables simultaneous measurements of the three thermoelectric properties from which the figure of merit, ZT, is calculated. The method combines an ASTM D5470 reference bar measurement for thermal conductivity (often used for thermal interface materials) with the added functionality of electrical measurements for electrical conductivity and Seebeck Coefficient. Traditionally, this technique has been employed utilizing a very small temperature difference across the sample ($\Delta T \approx 1 - 2K$) and test temperatures between approximately 300–600K, but thermoelectric materials must generally have sizable temperature gradients across them to achieve desirable performance as increased operating temperatures generally allow access to higher grade waste heat, and the relevant properties are also significantly temperature dependent. Here, we design a Z-meter system to evaluate the performance of materials under large temperature differences relevant to such applications. The design of the instrument is driven by uncertainty quantification to minimize measurement error. A detailed design of experiments model enables informed decisions regarding the component and system designs (e.g. placement of the temperature sensors). This design of experiments model includes effects of radiative losses in the meter bars as well as the losses due to the measurement probes installed along the bars. The system as designed is capable of hot side temperatures of 1350K with the thermoelectric material to temperature gradients on the order of 500K. The elevated temperatures are necessary to fill a gap in characterization equipment for very high temperature thermoelectric applications. The measurement system requires vacuum pressure of 1 μTorr for suppression of convection losses and to prevent of oxidation of the hot system components. The system design employs a loading platform that allows the interfacial sample/bar loading to be changed in situ without breaking system vacuum allowing for high measurement throughput. Additionally, a triad of integrated load cells ensure repeatable loading conditions for the sample interface. The combination of simultaneous thermal, electrical, and thermoelectric properties at high temperatures with controlled mechanical loading opens the doors to new understanding of thermoelectrics for high temperature waste heat recovery. Ultimately, this uncertainty analysis coupled with the design process demonstrates the limits of using this system and guides operating conditions for given expected sample properties.
Source Reconstruction in Near Field Scanning using Inverse MoM for RFI Application

Coupling or electromagnetic interference between different components of a complex electronic product is an important challenge for RF designers. Therefore, reconstruction of unknown fields, especially perpendicular to the scanning plane, is an important issue in the design procedure. A Method of Moment (MoM) based current reconstruction technique is used in this work to reconstruct fields in all planes, especially in perpendicular planes, using given scanning information. Two intended radiators (a bowtie and a ring antenna) and one unintended radiator are used to validate the method. To investigate this method’s reaction to noise, all examples have been simulated in a 3D full-wave time domain solver, and white Gaussian noise (SNR =10 dB) is added in a post-processing step. It is shown that this method can accurately predict fields in the direction of given scanning information for any type of source. However, predicted fields in perpendicular planes are only valid for 2D source structures.
Therapeutic Songwriting for Perceived Stigma and Perceived Social Support in Adults with Substance Use Disorder: A Cluster-Randomized Effectiveness Study

Background: Due to negative societal stereotypes associated with substance use disorder (SUD), many people with addictions experience perceived stigma and lack perceived social support. Perceived s...
Continuity and Change in the US–China–Taiwan Relations:

The relations between China and Taiwan (cross-Strait relations) have been a thorny issue for all parties concerned. These relations are one of the flashpoints in the world, which may trigger a seri...
Using Application Programming Interfaces to Access Google Data for Health Research: Protocol for a Methodological Framework.

Background: Individuals are increasingly turning to search engines like Google to obtain health information and access resources. Analysis of Google search queries offers a novel approach, which is part of the methodological toolkit for infodemiology or infoveillance researchers, to understanding population health concerns and needs in real time or near-real time. While searches predominantly have been examined with the Google Trends website tool, newer application programming interfaces (APIs) are now available to academics to draw a richer landscape of searches. These APIs allow users to write code in languages like Python to retrieve sample data directly from Google servers. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel protocol to determine the top queries, volume of queries, and the top sites reached by a population searching on the web for a specific health term. The protocol retrieves Google search data obtained from three Google APIs: Google Trends, Google Health Trends (also referred to as Flu Trends), and Google Custom Search. Methods: Our protocol consisted of four steps: (1) developing a master list of top search queries for an initial search term using Google Trends, (2) gathering information on relative search volume using Google Health Trends, (3) determining the most popular sites using Google Custom Search, and (4) calculating estimated total search volume. We tested the protocol following key procedures at each step and verified its usefulness by examining search traffic on birth control in 2017 in the United States. Two separate programmers working independently achieved similar results with insignificant variation due to sample variability. Results: We successfully tested the methodology on the initial search term birth control. We identified top search queries for birth control, of which birth control pill was the most popular and obtained the relative and estimated total search volume for the top queries: relative search volume was 0.54 for the pill, corresponding to an estimated 9.3-10.7 million searches. We used the estimates of the proportion of search activity for the top queries to arrive at a generated list of the most popular websites: for the pill, the Planned Parenthood website was the top site. Conclusions: The proposed methodological framework demonstrates how to retrieve Google query data from multiple Google APIs and provides thorough documentation required to systematically identify search queries and websites, as well as estimate relative and total search volume of queries in real time or near-real time in specific locations and time periods. Although the protocol needs further testing, it allows researchers to replicate the steps and shows promise in advancing our understanding of population-level health concerns.
Computer-based video training is effective in teaching basic surgical skills to novices without faculty involvement using a self-directed, sequential and incremental program

Abstract Introduction Computer-based video training (CBVT) of surgical skills overcomes limitations of 1:1 instruction. We hypothesized that a self-directed CBVT program could teach novices by dividing basic surgical skills into sequential, easily-mastered steps. Methods We developed a 12 video program teaching basic knot tying and suturing skills introduced in discrete, incremental steps. Students were evaluated pre- and post-course with a self-assessment, a written exam and a skill assessment. Results Students (n = 221) who completed the course demonstrated significant improvement. Their average pre-course product quality score and assessment of technique using standard Global Rating Scale (GRS) were Conclusion Self-directed, incremental and sequential video training is effective teaching basic surgical skills and may be a model to teach other skills or to play a larger role in remote learning.
Abstract 14775: Barriers to Anticoagulation Treatment in Atrial Fibrillation: A Survey of Providers in a Large Rural Healthcare System

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and oral anticoagulants are recommended to reduce risk of thromboembolism for patients with elevated risk. Barriers to anticoagulation are not well ...
Magnetofluidic platform for rapid multiplexed screening of SARS-CoV-2 variants and respiratory pathogens

The rise of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants brings new challenges and concerns with vaccine efficacy, diagnostic sensitivity, and public health responses in the fight to end the pandemic. Widespread detection of variant strains will be critical to inform policy decisions to mitigate further spread, and post-pandemic multiplexed screening of respiratory viruses will be necessary to properly manage patients presenting with similar respiratory symptoms. In this work, we have developed a portable, magnetofluidic cartridge platform for automated PCR testing in <30 min. Cartridges were designed for multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 with either distinctive variant mutations or with Influenza A and B. The platform demonstrated a limit of detection down to 2 copies/µL SARS-CoV-2 RNA with successful identification of B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants. The multiplexed SARS-CoV-2/Flu assay was validated using archived clinical nasopharyngeal swab eluates ( n = 116) with an overall sensitivity/specificity of 98.1%/95.2%, 85.7%/100%, 100%/98.2%, respectively, for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Further testing with saliva ( n = 14) demonstrated successful detection of all SARS-CoV-2 positive samples with no false-positives.
"Hey There, {{YOUR NAME}}": How Mental Health Chatbots Can Address Psychotherapy's Current Distributive System

The current supply-demand issue of psychotherapy has led to the creation of biased distributive systems over treatments, in which resource-poor families are severely neglected when it comes to the provision of proper service. In that regard, mental health chatbots, having already received considerable support for their integration into this field, are examined in this study to determine their ability to address the accessibility issue over resource-poor communities. Choosing chatbots Woebot and Wysa, I performed aspect-based sentiment analysis over the top “Most Helpful” reviews for each app and discovered customer sentiments for specific categories addressing the reasons for neglect resource-poor communities face. Many reviewers agreed that chatbots could be offered as solutions for the financial, accessible, and social reasons for community neglect. Further research, however, must be done to examine the effectiveness of chatbots as potential replacements to traditional psychotherapy, and how they can be improved to fit that niche.
Impact of unequal censoring and insufficient follow-up on comparing survival outcomes: Applications to clinical studies.

Clinical trials with survival endpoints are typically designed to enroll patients for a specified number of years, (usually 2–3 years) with another specified duration of follow-up (usually 2–3 year...
Interventional resealing of preterm premature rupture of the membranes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To compare the effectiveness and outcomes of interventional resealing of membranes, “amniopatch” for spontaneous vs. iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of the membranes (sPPROM and iPPROM).We per...
Assessment of the American Woodcock Wing-Collection Survey

The American Woodcock Wing-collection Survey (WCS) is a cooperative survey (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS], State Wildlife Agencies, and U.S. woodcock hunters) that has been conducted annually since 1963 in the United States. The primary objective of the WCS is to provide an index to the reproductive success of American woodcock (Scolopax minor; hereafter, woodcock) because age and sex of harvested birds can be determined using feather characteristics. Based on recent harvest survey information, U.S. woodcock hunters harvest ≈ 300,000 woodcock per year, whereas hunters participating in the WCS contributed an average of 13,400 wings per year during the 2008–2012 seasons. Based on the sample size and harvest estimate, the WCS currently samples about 4.5% of the harvested woodcock every year, which is a much higher rate than sampled for waterfowl. For example, the Waterfowl Parts Collection Survey sampled ≈ 0.25% of the Mississippi Flyway waterfowl harvest in 2012. My objective was to assess if there were any differences in the proportion of wings by cohort (adult male, adult female, juvenile male, juvenile female) if wing collection was limited to a hunter’s first 5 successful hunts, rather than all of their successful hunts as is currently done. I analyzed WCS data from the 2008–2012 woodcock seasons and used Pearson’s Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test to assess if the proportion of wings for each cohort differed between the full data set and data from a hunter’s first 5 successful hunts. Limiting data collection to the first 5 successful hunts resulted in a 5-year average (2008–2012) of 1,848 fewer envelopes and 4,202 fewer wings being submitted to the survey. Chi-square analysis indicated there was no difference in the proportion of wings by cohort between the full and partial data set. My results indicate that reducing the sample size of woodcock wings would not bias age ratio estimates and would result in considerable cost savings to the WCS. The FWS would realize cost savings through fewer envelopes having to be mailed and less staff time in processing wings when they are received.
A review of the colossal permittivity of electronic conductors, specifically metals and carbons

Abstract The colossal permittivity of electronic conductors (specifically metals and carbons) is reviewed. Relative permittivity (even 108) was predicted theoretically by Jonscher in 1999. The measured values that emerged in 2019 are up to 106. The colossal permittivity is attributed to (i) charge-carrier polarization, and (ii) space charge polarization associated with the carrier-atom interaction at heterogeneities. Due to this interaction, the permittivity is more sensitive to the microstructure than the resistivity is, being increased by grain size reduction or cold work. The fraction of carriers that participate in the interaction under alternating current is low (up to 10−9 for graphite) and even lower (10−16) under direct current. The fraction is higher for carbons than metals. Ferroelectric behavior was not observed in the carbons, but in tin-silver (Sn-4Ag, a metal). The colossal permittivity of electronic conductors is consistent with the dominance of the absorption loss over reflection loss in the radio-wave regime.