cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of Kinect applications in elderly care and stroke rehabilitation

In this paper we present a review of the most current avenues of research into Kinect-based elderly care and stroke rehabilitation systems to provide an overview of the state of the art, limitations, and issues of concern as well as suggestions for future work in this direction. The central purpose of this review was to collect all relevant study information into one place in order to support and guide current research as well as inform researchers planning to embark on similar studies or applications. The paper is structured into three main sections, each one presenting a review of the literature for a specific topic. Elderly Care section is comprised of two subsections: Fall detection and Fall risk reduction. Stroke Rehabilitation section contains studies grouped under Evaluation of Kinect’s spatial accuracy, and Kinect-based rehabilitation methods. The third section, Serious and exercise games, contains studies that are indirectly related to the first two sections and present a complete system for elderly care or stroke rehabilitation in a Kinect-based game format. Each of the three main sections conclude with a discussion of limitations of Kinect in its respective applications. The paper concludes with overall remarks regarding use of Kinect in elderly care and stroke rehabilitation applications and suggestions for future work. A concise summary with significant findings and subject demographics (when applicable) of each study included in the review is also provided in table format.
Thermodynamics of Solid-Solution Formation in NiO-CuO

Samples in the (NixCu1-x)O system, 0.5 ≤x≤ 1.0, have been examined using powder X-ray diffraction and high-temperature Solution calorimetry. According to the X-ray characterization samples form a one-phase rock salt solid solution up to x= 0.30, and crystallize with a tetragonal structure at x= 0.35. The enthalpies of mixing in the rock salt region of the system show large negative deviations from ideal mixing. The tetragonal compound does not show a large increase in enthalpic stability relative to the rock salt solid solutions. The variation of stability with composition is complex and suggests that substantial stabilization occurs at Ni-rich compositions. The thermodynamic mixing properties have been interpreted in terms of cation order between the Ni and Cu ions. The degree of cation order appears to increase up to the composition x= 0.65 at which a compound with substantial cation order crystallizes with a tetragonally distorted structure. The calorimetric results correlate well with TEM observations of a complex microstrueture.
Topological design of loss-free switch-based LANs

The paper presents a new design methodology and tools to construct a switch-based LAN with (i) scalable throughput, (ii) no loss due to congestion, and (iii) two routing modes: FIFO or non-FIFO. More specifically, given a bounded degree (number of switch ports) at each node, the design is based on the construction of multiple virtual rings under the following constraints: (i) the virtual rings are pairwise edge-disjoint, and (ii) there is at least one virtual ring between any pair of nodes. The target topology is obtained from the edge union of the multiple virtual rings. The objectives of the above two constraints are (i) to ensure no loss due to congestion inside the network of bursty traffic sources, and (ii) to ensure convergence of packets/cells to their destinations. The virtual rings are constructed by a new methodology that employs combinatorial block designs together with a new algorithm for realizing any size networks. It is shown that the bound on the maximum route length, under the two constraints, is O(/spl radic/N) for an N-node network.
A test harness for maintaining unfamiliar software

A process is described that uses the existing code, in a maintenance/test harness, to guide the unfamiliar maintainer through a maintenance activity efficiently. This process uses the code and test cases that execute correctly on the code to build a database of interlocking module tests before maintenance is begun. The maintenance activity is defined by making the changes or additions to the test cases used to build the database thereby defining the desired modification of the software's function. This is quite different from the conventional, documentation-oriented approach. A description is also given of an existing test harness which implements many of the features of the proposed maintenance/test harness. This implementation has demonstrated feasibility and has provided the experience to establish the software tools required to support the proposed maintenance approach. >
Performance of Piezoelectric Power Generator in Environmental Conditions

Piezoelectric power generators can be effective power suppliers for small devices by collecting energy from ambient vibration and converting it into electrical energy. Since such small devices are usually mobile, their operation environments can vary widely. For example, the conditions such as vibration frequency and temperature energy highly affect harvesting efficiency of piezoelectric power generators. If the ambient vibration frequency is away from the resonance frequency, there will be a decrease of output power. The ambient temperature can be a possible factor to change the resonance frequency of the power generating device since temperature influences material constants of the constituent components in a power generator such as dielectric constant, piezoelectric strain coefficient, and the stiffness Therefore, the effect of temperature on output power is studied. Since the common piezoelectric material is PZT and it is known that hard- or soft-type PZT exhibits different dependence of materials properties as a function of ambient temperature, this paper investigates the output power of the soft and hard PZTbased power generator depending on ambient temperature.
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among US Adolescents and Young Adults and Risk of Early Mortality

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of mortality associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in a national sample of adolescents and young adults. METHODS: Prospective study of participants in the third NHANES (1988–1994), aged 12 to 39 years at the time of the survey ( n = 9245). Risk factors included 3 measures of adiposity, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, self-reported smoking status, and cotinine level. Death before age 55 ( n = 298) was determined by linkage to the National Death Index through 2006. Proportional hazards models, with age as the time scale, were used to determine the risk of death before age 55 years after adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, and presence of comorbid conditions. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity, results of categorical analyses showed that current smokers were at 86% greater risk for early death than those classified as never smokers; that those with a waist-to-height ratio >0.65 were at 139% greater risk than those with a WHR 6.5% were at 281% greater risk than those with an HbA1c level CONCLUSIONS: Our finding that risk for death before age 55 among US adolescents and young adults was associated with central obesity, smoking, and hyperglycemia supports reducing the prevalence of these risk factors among younger US residents.
Novel G-protein-coupled receptor-like proteins in the plant pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe grisea

The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the largest protein families in human and other animal genomes, but no more than 10 GPCRs have been characterized in fungi. Do fungi contain only this handful or are there more receptors to be discovered? We asked this question using the recently sequenced genome of the fungal plant pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. Proteins with significant similarity to fungus-specific and other eukaryotic GPCRs were identified in M. grisea. These included homologs of known fungal GPCRs, the cAMP receptors from Dictyostelium, and a steroid receptor mPR. We also identified a novel class of receptors typified by PTH11, a cell-surface integral membrane protein required for pathogenicity. PTH11 has seven transmembrane regions and an amino-terminal extracellular cysteine-rich EGF-like domain (CFEM domain), a characteristic also seen in human GPCRs. Sixty-one PTH11-related proteins were identified in M. grisea that shared a common domain with homologs in Neurospora crassa and other fungi belonging to this subphylum of the Ascomycota (the Pezizomycotina). None was detected in other fungal groups (Basidiomycota or other Ascomycota subphyla, including yeasts) or any other eukaryote. The subclass of PTH11 containing the CFEM domain is highly represented in M. grisea. In M. grisea we identified homologs of known GPCRs and a novel class of GPCR-like receptors specific to filamentous ascomycetes. A member of this new class, PTH11, is required for pathogenesis, thus suggesting roles in pathogenicity for other members. The identified classes constitute the largest number of GPCR-like proteins reported in fungi to date.
The promoter of the mouse odorant receptor gene M71.

From a repertoire of ∼2000 odorant receptor (OR) alleles in the mouse genome, a mature olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) is thought to choose only one functional allele of one OR gene for expression. OSNs that express a given OR gene are scattered throughout an epithelial region that is gene specific. The DNA sequences that enable OR gene choice and specify the epithelial pattern are not known. Within the upstream regions of several mouse, rat, and human OR genes, we have previously recognized putative homeodomain and O/E-like binding sites in proximity to each other. Here, we define a minimal promoter region for expression of the mouse OR gene M71 with small transgenes. This region contains a homeodomain and an O/E-like binding site. Combined mutations in both sites abolish transgene expression. When identical mutations are introduced at the endogenous M71 locus by gene targeting, the number of M71-expressing OSNs is reduced by a factor of three and the epithelial pattern is ventralized. The stronger impact observed with the mutant transgenes compared to the targeted mutations may reflect a multiplicity of regulatory sites within the OR gene cluster. We propose that these homeodomain and O/E sites regulate the probability of M71 gene choice differentially across the olfactory epithelium.
Indirect Measurement of Leaf Area Index in Sagebrush-Steppe Rangelands

Leaf area index (LAI) is defined as the one-sided area of leaves above a unit area of ground. It is a fundamental ecosystem parameter that is a required input of process-based plant growth and biogeochemical models. Direct measurement of LAI is the most accurate method, but is destructive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. LAI is highly variable in time and space on sagebrush-steppe rangelands, and a rapid, nondestructive method is desirable to understand ecosystem processes. The pointintercept method is nondestructive and has been demonstrated to provide accurate LAI estimates, but the method is timeconsuming. LAI measurement with the Accupar ceptometer (Decagon Devices, Pullman, WA) is nondestructive and faster than the point-intercept method, but has not been evaluated on sagebrush-steppe rangelands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ceptometer for measurement of LAI in sagebrush-steppe rangelands. Ceptometer and point-intercept LAI data were collected at six sites in sagebrush-steppe rangelands and the values were compared. We found that 1) ceptometer LAI data were consistently greater than point-intercept LAI data, 2) ceptometer data were much more variable than the point-intercept data based on standard deviations, and 3) the overall correlation between the two methods was very weak (r 2 50.15). The much greater ceptometer LAI values were, at least partly, due to the large woody component of the vegetative cover. We attribute the high variability of ceptometer-measured LAI to high instrument sensitivity of the angle of the instrument relative to the sun.
Alteration of immature sedimentary rocks on Earth and Mars: Recording aqueous and surface–atmosphere processes

The rock alteration and rind formation in analog environments like Antarctica may provide clues to rock alteration and therefore paleoclimates on Mars. Clastic sedimentary rocks derived from basaltic sources have been studied in situ by martian rovers and are likely abundant on the surface of Mars. Moreover, how such rock types undergo alteration when exposed to different environmental conditions is poorly understood compared with alteration of intact basaltic flows. Here we characterize alteration in the chemically immature Carapace Sandstone from Antarctica, a terrestrial analog for martian sedimentary rocks. We employ a variety of measurements similar to those used on previous and current Mars missions. Laboratory techniques included bulk chemistry, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), hyperspectral imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Through these methods we find that primary basaltic material in the Carapace Sandstone is pervasively altered to hydrated clay minerals and palagonite as a result of water–rock interaction. A thick orange rind is forming in current Antarctic conditions, superimposing this previous aqueous alteration signature. The rind exhibits a higher reflectance at visible-near infrared wavelengths than the rock interior, with an enhanced ferric absorption edge likely due to an increase in Fe3+ of existing phases or the formation of minor iron (oxy)hydroxides.more » This alteration sequence in the Carapace Sandstone results from decreased water–rock interaction over time, and weathering in a cold, dry environment, mimicking a similar transition early in martian history. This transition may be recorded in sedimentary rocks on Mars through a similar superimposition mechanism, capturing past climate changes at the hand sample scale. These results also suggest that basalt-derived sediments could have sourced significant volumes of hydrated minerals on early Mars due to their greater permeability compared with intact igneous rocks.« less
Housing Tenure and Neighborhood Activism

In the literature on neighborhood activism, common hypotheses are that home ownership is a major explanatory variable, and that this is due to a concern for the home as an investment. The first hypothesis is validated but the second is not. Rather, the greater activism of homeowners when confronted by problems in the neighborhood stems in all likelihood from transaction cost barriers to relocation. Concern for the home as an investment, on the other hand, has little to do with the emergence of neighborhood problems and seems to be mainly a function of length of residence.
Recovery from clearing, cyclone and fire in rain forests of Tonga, South Pacific: Vegetation dynamics 1995-2005

In late 2001 a category 3 cyclone impacted forest plots that were established in Tonga in 1995, and additionally, one plot was accidentally burned by an escaped land-clearing fire. Subsequent surveys provide observations of 10 years of forest dynamics in this poorly studied region, and the first reported observations of large interannual variation in juvenile (seedling and sapling) abundance in the western tropical Pacific. The severely disturbed (burned) plot was initially colonized by a non-native early pioneer, Carica papaya L., but 3.5 years later a native pioneer, Macaranga harveyana (Muell. Arg.) Muell. Arg., was the most abundant tree species. The seedling layer included some long-lived pioneers and shade-tolerant species. Two mature forest plots affected only by the cyclone changed very little over a decade. Late-successional shade-tolerant species that dominated the overstory were also abundant as seedlings and saplings. This is in contrast with a 30- to 40-year-old, formerly cultivated, secondary forest plot that still shows no recruitment of late-successional dominants, in spite of the proximity of remnant forest patches. This study suggests differing pathways of succession following shifting cultivation versus cyclone and fire disturbances in Tonga. Land use legacies appear to have a long-lasting effect on community composition.
The ups and downs of lexical acquisition

We have implemented an incremental lexical acquisition mechanism that learns the meanings of previously unknown words from the context in which they appear, as a part of the process of parsing and semantically interpreting sentences. Implementation of this algorithm brought to light a fundamental difference between learning verbs and learning nouns. Specifically, because verbs typically play the predicate role in English sentences, whereas nouns typically function as arguments, we found that different mechanisms were required to learn verbs and nouns. Because of this difference in usage, our learning algorithm formulates the most specific hypotheses possible, consistent with the data, for verb meanings, but the most general hypotheses possible for nouns. Subsequent examples may falsify a current hypothesis, causing verb meanings to be generalized and noun meanings to be made more specific. This paper describes the two approaches used to learn verbs and nouns in the system, and reports on the system's performance in substantial empirical testing.
A new general construction for generalized bent functions

A simple, yet general method of constructing bent functions is presented. For certain applications it is of interest to minimize the size of the image of a bent function. In this study a tight lower bound on the number of elements in the image is established under certain conditions. >
pDindel: Accelerating indel detection on a multicore CPU architecture with SIMD

Small insertions and deletions (indels) of bases in the DNA of an organism can map to functionally important sites in human genes, for example, and in turn, influence human traits and diseases. Dindel detects such indels, particularly small indels (> 50 nucleotides), from short-read data by using a Bayesian approach. Due to its high sensitivity to detect small indels, Dindel has been adopted by many bioinformatics projects, e.g., the 1,000 Genomes Project, despite its pedestrian performance. In this paper, we first analyze and characterize the current version of Dindel to identify performance bottlenecks. We then design, implement, and optimize a parallelized Dindel (pDindel) for a multicore CPU architecture by exploiting thread-level parallelism (TLP) and data-level parallelism (DLP). Our optimized pDindel can achieve up to a 37-fold speedup for the computational part of Dindel and a 9-fold speedup for the overall execution time over the current version of Dindel.
Olfactory responses of the hemlock woolly adelgid predator, Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), to natural and synthetic conifer volatiles

Abstract Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) is a specialist predator of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), native to the Pacific Northwest. It has been introduced into the eastern United States for biological control of exotic hemlock woolly adelgid populations that threaten native hemlock. The possible role of olfactory cues in host finding by this predator has received little study. We used gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) to test adult L. nigrinus olfactory sensitivity to volatiles from foliage of both adelgid-infested and uninfested eastern hemlock [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere] and western hemlock [Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.], and two hemlock woolly adelgid nonhost species (eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L., and western white pine, Pinus monticola Douglas ex D. Don). Adelgid infestation did not alter L. nigrinus EAD response profiles to volatiles from either hemlock species. In total, antennal preparations...
The Electoral Foundations of Japan's Financial Politics: The Case of Jusen

This paper locates Japan's financial policies in the context of electoral incentives. The collapse of Japan's economic bubble in 1990 exposed the rot in the banking system, hidden for decades by a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) government intent on maintaining favor with local support groups, and protecting inefficient small banks. In a move wholly uncharacteristic of Japan's postwar politics, the LDP ultimately forced the banks to absorb huge losses rather than require taxpayers to bail out their mortgage-lending subsidiaries (jusen). We compare the government's subsequent bank bailout scheme with past government action and find that the government's objectives have shifted from boosting bank profits to ensuring their prudential regulation. We conclude on an optimistic note about the prospects for more public-goods oriented politics in Japan.
Time-resolved, nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in Si-on-glass thin films for photovoltaic cells

Here, a femtosecond pump–probe spectroscopy method was used to characterize the growth process and transport properties of amorphous silicon-on-glass, thin films, intended as absorbers for photovoltaic cells. We collected normalized transmissivity change (ΔT/T) waveforms and interpreted them using a comprehensive three-rate equation electron trapping and recombination model. Optically excited ~300–500 nm thick Si films exhibited a bi-exponential carrier relaxation with the characteristic times varying from picoseconds to nanoseconds depending on the film growth process. From our comprehensive trapping model, we could determine that for doped and intrinsic films with very low hydrogen dilution the dominant relaxation mode was carrier trapping; while for intrinsic films with large hydrogen content and some texture, it was the standard electron–phonon cooling. In both cases, the initial nonequilibrium relaxation was followed by Shockley–Read–Hall recombination. An excellent fit between the model and the ΔT/T experimental transients was obtained and a correlation between the Si film growth process, its hydrogen content, and the associated trap concentration was demonstrated.
In Defense of Evidence-Based Wealth Management: Where’s the Beef?

Wealth management is a profession that bridges the art and a science of the discipline and practice. It is argued that wealth management must be built upon a solid theoretical and empirical foundation, similar to that used in the medical profession, that guides practitioners to implement evidence-based wealth management recommendations. A client presenting the same financial/ wealth management data to two wealth managers should generally be given a similar set of recommendations. Public trust and the credibility of the wealth managementprofession depends upon a core body of knowledge, assessment of competency, upholding the ethics of the profession, and increasingly utilizing theory and empirical evidence from the academic literature of wealth management, financial planning, finance, economics, behavioral finance, communication, and other related disciplines, given the interdisciplinary nature of wealth management. After reading and reflecting upon this article, the reader should be able to articulate the case that wealth management is a profession and not simply a trade or craft; to define evidence-based wealth management andoffer an example; to list the characteristics of evidence-based wealth management; to differentiate between data and opinion; to identify the levels of analysis; and to differentiate between two wealth management practice models.In conclusion, the decision to practice evidence-based wealth management is not a matter of personal preference, but is an ethical choice that can also serve as the basis for an effective business model.
Changing epidemiology and management of infectious diseases in US EDs.

Abstract Background The rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is believed to have influenced the emergency department (ED) epidemiology and management of infectious diseases (IDs) since 2000. Methods Data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2000 to 2010 were used to examine temporal trends in the incidence of IDs presenting to EDs. Outcome measures included national visit rates, visit proportions, and antimicrobial prescriptions for all ID primary diagnoses, as well as for specific organ systems of interest (respiratory tract, skin/soft tissue, and urinary tract). Results An ID-related primary diagnosis was given in 18.3% (95% confidence interval, 17.9%-18.8%) of all ED visits during the study period. The hospitalization rate for these conditions is 7.8% (95% confidence interval, 7.3%-8.3%). The share of macrolide prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections increased by 34% and 46%, respectively, and that of quinolone prescription for lower respiratory tract infections doubled from 9% to 18.4% during the study period. Management of skin and soft tissue infections shifted from predominant use of cephalosporins to sulfonamides. For UTIs, quinolones were most commonly prescribed, with an increasing use of third-generation cephalosporins. Antibiotics were more frequently prescribed to patients who are white compared with (white: 60%, black: 57%, other races: 52%, P Conclusion The changing epidemiology of IDs diagnosed in US EDs reflects national trends in emerging pathogens and drug resistance. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are being prescribed at increasing rates. There are significant demographic disparities in nationwide antibiotic prescription practices.
Sexual Segregation in Ungulates: A Comment

Main et al. (1996) synthesized evidence that supported or refuted three hypotheses that have emerged as the most common explanations for sexual segregation in ungulates. They provided new insights by evaluating a broad range of studies, and they identified promising topics for future research. However, Main et al.'s (1996) analyses may lead to further confusion about important links between foraging by ungulates and mechanisms that can account for sexual segregation. To clarify those links, I summarize information on foraging processes central to understanding and evaluating hypotheses on diet selection, habitat use, and sexual segregation by ungulates. I reevaluate evidence presented by Main et al. (1996) and identify key differences in feeding by browsers and grazers that affect the interpretation of morphological characteristics. To improve future studies of sexual segregation, I provide additional suggestions that incorporate recent findings on feeding by ungulates.
A safety evaluation of pirfenidone for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Pirfenidone is a novel oral anti-fibrotic agent approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Since IPF is a chronic and progressive disease most commonly encountered in an older population, therapeutic options should be not only effective, but also free from drug interactions and as safe and tolerable as possible.Areas covered: Comprehensive data from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, safety studies, and post-marketing data are available to assess the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone in the treatment of IPF. Information on efficacy, adverse events, drug tolerability and discontinuation rates both in clinical trials and real-world clinical experiences are reported.Expert opinion: Pirfenidone has an abundance of data supporting its use in mild-to-moderate IPF. Observational evidence suggests a similar efficacy in severe IPF. In clinical trials, observational studies and real-world use, adverse events are frequent, though generally mild and well tolera...
Improved Outcome with using a Pulsed-Dye Laser and Local Injection of Cidofovir for the Treatment of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

Introduction Although it's benign nature, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) has difficulties in medical cure due to its clinical symptoms and frequent recurrence. Laser ablation under laryngomicrosurgery has been the treatment of choice up to now, however, several other additional treatment modalities are attempted. On this study, cidofovir, a nucleoside analogue which inhibits the viral DNA replication, was injected intralesionally after primary excision of RRP using CO2 laser and/or pulsed dye laser (PDL), and its efficacy was evaluated.Method and Materials Thirtyseven patients of laryngeal papilloma from age of 4 to 68 were selected from July 2006 to August 2008, and after the lesion was removed using CO2 LASER or PDL, diluted cidofovir (7.5 mg/ml initially, increased to 15 mg/ml from February 2008) was injected intralesionally from 2 to 4 ml. After the first cidofovir injection, planned second injection was done 2-8 weeks afterwards (mean interval : 3.3 week). Patients were followed up regularly on outpatient basis, and additional procedure was done according to the extent of recurred lesion.The severity score was measured using Derkay grade system on OPD basis, and when score 0 maintained more than 6 months, we defined it as complete remission. The ones, who reached 0, but recurred, classified as recur cases, and the ones who not reach score 0 were classified as therapeutic resistant cases.Result The average follow up term after first cidofovir injection is 15 months and 11 out of 26 presented with complete remission (42.4%). There were 8 recur cases (30.7%) and 7 therapeutic resistant cases (26.9%). In the case of juvenile-onset type RRP, 5 out of 12 showed complete remission, and 6 out of 14 showed complete remission in the case of adult-onset type RRP. When the interval between surgical procedures before and after cidofovir injection was compared, the interval demonstrated a tendency to increase after the injection.Conclusion Removal of lesion using CO2 laser and/or PDL and topical injection of cidofovir, seem to be effective for the treatment of RRP. The interval between surgical procedures increased even in recurrent cases and some patients maintained complete remission. Further studies with larger subjects and long-term follow-up are necessary.
Brief paper: Diagonal dominance for multivariable nyquist array methods using function minimization

A new method of achieving diagonal dominance for Nyquist array design methods is presented. The technique utilizes a conjugate direction function minimization algorithm to obtain dominance over a specified frequency range by minimizing the ratio of the moduli of the off-diagonal terms to the moduli of the diagonal terms of the appropriate open loop transfer matrix. The new dominance algorithm is easily implemented in either a batch or interactive computer mode and will yield dominant compensators when alternative methods fail. Several concepts new to the Nyquist array methods are also presented. The proposed method is applied to the control system design for a sixteenth order state model of the Pratt-Whitney F-100 turbofan engine with three inputs.
The Benacerraf Dilemma Extended and Generalized

These considerations bring us up to the problem: In what sense is logic something sublime? For there seemed to pertain to logic a peculiar depth — a universal significance. Logic lay, it seemed, at the bottom of all the sciences. For logical investigation explores the nature of all things. It seeks to see to the bottom of things and is not meant to concern itself whether what actually happens is that or that. It takes its rise, not from an interest in the fact of nature, nor from a need to grasp causal connexions: but from an urge to understand the basic, or essence, of everything empirical.
Light chain Fanconi syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

Proximal tubules are a target for paraproteinemic diseases. Cast nephropathy, light chain deposition diseases, and amyloidosis are frequently encountered in patients with multiple myeloma. Rarely, a subset of patients develop light chain Fanconi syndrome (LCFS). LCFS has been reported with multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS), chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. No cases have been described with other hematologic malignancies. We report the first case of lambda LCFS in a patient with both acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
Leukocytosis at Diagnosis and the Risk of Subsequent Thrombosis in Low-Risk Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera.

Background: Leukocytosis has recently been implicated as an adverse prognostic feature for thrombosis in both ET and PV. Such an association would be therapeutically most relevant in the context of “low-risk” disease. In the current study, we sought to clarify the relationship between leukocytosis at diagnosis and the subsequent occurrence of either arterial or venous thrombosis, in “low-risk” patients with ET or PV. Methods: Data was abstracted from the medical records of a consecutive cohort of patients with WHO-defined ET or PV seen at the Mayo Clinic. Low-risk disease was defined by the absence of both thrombosis history and age 3 60 years. Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to determine the impact of clinical and laboratory variables on thrombosis-free survival (TFS). Arterial- or venous-specific TFS curves were constructed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: i) Patient characteristics and outcome A total of 407 “low-risk” patients were studied; 153 had PV (median age 48 years; females 43%) and 254 ET (median age 42 years; females 71%). A total of 46 thrombotic events (22 arterial and 24 venous) were recorded in 41 (27%) patients with PV during a median follow up of 130 months (range 2–562 months). The corresponding figures in ET were 54 total thrombotic events (41 arterial and 14 venous) in 47 (19%) patients at a median follow up of 104 months (range 0.25–424 months). Cytoreductive therapy was avoided in the presence of 9 /L platelet count but, at the discretion of the treating physician, some patients with higher platelet counts received prophylactic cytoreductive therapy. ii) Correlation between leukocytosis and thrombosis A leukocyte count of 3 15 x 10 9 /L at diagnosis was documented in 42 (27%) patients with PV and 21 (8%) patients with ET; 102 patients (40%) with ET had > 9.4 x 10 9 /L leukocyte count. Leukocyte count considered as either a continuous or categorical variable (using cutoff levels of 15 x 10 9 /L for PV and either 15 x 10 9 /L or 9.4 x 10 9 /L for ET) was not significantly associated with either arterial or venous thrombosis (Figure 1). iii) Correlation between other risk factors and thrombosis In univariate analysis, presence of the JAK2 V617F was significantly associated with arterial thrombosis in ET (p=0.049) but significance was lost during multivariable analysis that included age as a covariate. Only advanced age was found to be significantly associated with arterial thrombosis in PV (p=0.04) and higher hemoglobin level with venous thrombosis in ET (p Conclusion: The current study does not identify leukocyte count at diagnosis as a marker of increased thrombosis risk in low-risk patients with either ET or PV. Instead, the study found an association between arterial thrombosis and advanced age in PV and venous thrombosis and higher hemoglobin level in ET.
Weight loss drugs and lifestyle modification: Perceptions among a diverse adult sample

Abstract Objectives Explore how adults from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds perceive the use of weight loss drugs (prescription, over-the counter, herbals and supplements) and lifestyle modification. Methods Individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with persons presenting to an academic hospital-affiliated outpatient pharmacy serving ethnic minorities and low income individuals. Results Fifty persons were interviewed, including 21 African Americans, 11 Hispanics and 17 low-income individuals (annual income Conclusion A range of concerns related to the safety and efficacy of weight loss drugs were expressed by this lower income, ethnically diverse population of underweight to obese adults. Practice implications There is need and opportunity for healthcare providers to provide weight loss advice and accurate information regarding the safety and efficacy of various types of weight loss approaches.
Identification of MDMB-FUBINACA in commercially available e-liquid formulations sold for use in electronic cigarettes.

Abstract MDMB-FUBINACA (aka MDMB(N)-Bz-F), chemical name Methyl ( S )-2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1 H -indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate, a designer drug or a new psychoactive substance (NPS), was identified in three commercially available e-liquids formulated for electronic cigarette use. The e-liquids were evaluated using direct analysis in real time ion source attached to a time of flight mass spectrometer (DART-MS) and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC–MS) to identify active ingredients/drugs, flavorants, and other possible constituents. The e-liquids were also evaluated for alcohol content by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (HS-GC–FID). The aerosol produced from the e-liquids by use of an e-cigarette was analyzed by solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS) to ensure delivery of the active ingredient/drug. Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, MDMB-FUBINACA, alcohol content and a flavor profile were determined for each of the e-liquids. MDMB-FUBINACA was determined to be the major active ingredient in all three e-liquids and was successfully detected by SPME–GC–MS in the aerosol generated by a KangerTech Aerotank clearomizer/electronic cigarette.
Step-up MMC with staircase modulation: Analysis, control, and switching strategy

Modular multilevel converters (MMC) provide a low-harmonic output voltage without needing several isolated power sources. This multilevel converter can use either half-bridge or full-bridge submodules with PWM or staircase modulation techniques. This paper analyzes the full-bridge MMC, which is called step-up MMC because of its boosting capability, using the staircase modulation. Different operational modes of the step-up MMC are studied, and a generalized control and switching algorithm is proposed. This algorithm ensures the capacitor charge balance while providing the required high-quality output voltage. Compared to a half-bridge MMC with a similar investment in capacitor and switches, the step-up MMC shows a superior performance as it has 1) low total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output waveform, 2) high output voltage with a low input DC voltage, and 3) the possibility to provide different achievable output voltages using submodules with negative voltage at their terminals. The performance of the proposed step-up MMC with staircase modulation and presented theories are validated by simulation case studies.
Gravity-assisted arteriography in cerebral arterial pseudo-occlusion.

To improve opacification of intracerebral arteries in instances of arterial pseudo-occlusion, we have performed arteriography in the “hanging-head” position for lateral and basal projections. This position provides gravity-assisted arteriography, since the intracranial vessels are below the level of the internal carotid arteries. Two patients are reported who had arterial pseudoocclusion. In both, this technique resulted in a more accurate arteriographic diagnosis.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Rh and RhAg Alloy Nanoparticle Catalysts Enables Scalable Production and Improved Morphological Control

The pursuit of scalable methods for the preparation of well-defined metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) is addressed in this work via a novel microwave-assisted continuous flow synthesis technique. It is shown that single- and two-phase flow synthesis methods provide access to morphologically well-defined and near-monodisperse RhNPs. The RhNPs can be prepared in shorter reaction times and at lower temperatures than are commonly required in conventional batch reactions. Under single-phase flow conditions, in which Rh(III) is reduced in ethylene glycol, near-monodisperse cuboctahedral RhNPs are obtained; the average NP size can be controlled as a function of the residence time of the reactant stream within the microwave cavity. In contrast, a two-phase microfluidic droplet flow method leads to the highly selective formation of Rh multipods. When compared to cuboctahedral RhNPs of comparable size, the Rh multipods are found to exhibit significantly higher catalytic activity in the vapor-phase hydrogenation of cycl...
Benign Hamartomatous Proliferations

Accessory tragus and supernumerary nipple are relatively common benign hamartomatous lesions that do not easily fit within previous chapters and are described in this chapter.
Equity and Access in Charter Schools: Identifying Issues and Solutions.

School choice exists in American public schooling, even where official school choice policy is absent. Parents with means can elect to live in neighborhoods zoned for desirable schools, whereas parents without means are locked out of that opportunity. In their ideal, charter schools have the ability to expand access to desirable schools to families who previously had little choice in their children’s schools. However, issues of equity and access often limit options for the very families who are seeking them. This paper examines four such issues in charter schools—school diversity, access to transportation, application processes, and access to quality teachers as equity and access. The issues are problematized and case studies that have worked towards resolving these issues are examined.
Effects of Ad libitum Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Dieting in Middle-Age Male Runners.

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study examined the effects of a 3-wk ad libitum, low-carbohydrate (<50 g·d−1) high-fat (~70% of calories) (LCHF) diet on markers of endurance performance in middle-age, recreationally competitive male runners.MethodsAll subjects (n = 8) after their normal high-carbohydrate (HC) d
Breakout Session: Leveraging Licensing to Increase Access

The Affordable Course Materials Initiative (ACMI) is a library-driven program established by University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), designed to leverage existing library resources, encourage open educational resources (OER) content creation, identify cost-effective digital projects and modify existing license agreements in order to create reduced cost course materials for students, as an alternative to rising commercial textbook costs. The faculty incentivized program encourages instructors to partner with the library to leverage free or low-cost resources, adjusting syllabi and assignments as needed. ACMI’s two-year pilot resulted in convincing evidence that the service supported a broad and diverse range of campus disciplines, achieved substantial cost savings, served as a catalyst for community building with multiple stakeholders, and gained campus administration recognition with an ongoing commitment of financial support to permanently integrate the initiative as an ongoing component of library services.
The Impact of Natural Disasters on Education in Indonesia

Indonesian government data on enrollment in primary and lower secondary school are used with data from the DesInventar database on natural disasters to explore the ways natural disasters influence district level enrollment in education. The paper employs regional fixed effects models, beginning with a simple model controlling for time and region and then exploring the inclusion of poverty, literacy, and interaction terms in the regression. The first regression’s estimated coefficients suggest that disasters are generally (but not always) associated with lower enrollment. An additional twelve people reported missing in the average district was associated with a decrease in primary school enrollment of 0.2% while damage to 22,323 ha of plantation/forest is associated with a 1.69% decrease in secondary school enrollment. The regressions also indicate that higher poverty exacerbates the negative impact of disasters on enrollment and that the way disasters affect primary and secondary school enrollment may be quite different.
Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Eosinophilic Gastritis and Gastroenteritis: A Qualitative Assessment

Eosinophilic gastritis (EG) and eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) are chronic immune-mediated conditions of the digestive tract, which affect the stomach only, or the stomach and small intestines, respectively. Though these disorders are uncommon, they are being increasingly recognized and diagnosed. While health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been evaluated in other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, this study is the first to describe HRQOL impacts unique to EG/EGE. This study aims to qualitatively describe experiences of adults diagnosed with EG and EGE. We aim to identify impacts on HRQOL in this population in order to inform clinical care and assessment. Seven patients diagnosed with EG or EGE participated in semi-structured interviews assessing common domains of HRQOL. Four distinct themes emerged from qualitative analyses, which represent impacts to HRQOL: the psychological impact of the diagnosis, impact on social relationships, financial impact, and impact on the body. These generally improved over time and with effective treatment. This study demonstrated that patients with EG/EGE experience impacts to HRQOL, some of which differ from HRQOL of other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. These results support the development of a disease-specific measure, or adaptation of an existing measure, to assess HRQOL in EG/EGE.
3D Computational Cytology Using Dual-view Inverted Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy (diSPIM)

To overcome the current limitations of cytopathology, 3D cytological imaging has been tested using dual-view inverted selective plane illumination microscopy (diSPIM) on human buccal cells, which shows the potential of diSPIM for high-throughput 3D cytology.
Modeling and Simulation Analysis of the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH)

This paper examines the performance of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) in out-of-coverage (OOC) device- to-device (D2D) communication scenarios. We develop a closed form expression for the distribution of the number of User Equipments (UEs) that successfully decode a message sent on the PSSCH, given the number of UEs that received the transmitter's Sidelink Control Information (SCI) message over the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). We validate our results using Monte Carlo simulations of the PSSCH and network simulations in ns-3, and discuss some of the effects of system parameters on performance.
A Test for the Hypothesized Adult Male-Child Bond

The previous chapters suggest that the form and texture of a human social bond are consistently and meaningfully influenced by genotypic information which blueprints an active motivational system (the central nervous system and the endocrine system). The evidence adduced for this position was consistent behavioral patterns found in different cultures.
Photochromic behavior of spiropyrans in glass thin films formed by the sol-gel method

The photochromic glass thin films using 1′-butyl-3′, 3′-dimethyl-6-nitro-spiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2, 2′-indoline] (1) dispersed in the sol in the sol-gel processing were prepared. Photochromic behavior of this transparent glass film was examined.