cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unified extensible firmware interface: An innovative approach to DRAM power control

As computing becomes more pervasive across an ever-increasing array of devices and as more complex solutions are integrated in silicon, the role of intelligent firmware is becoming ever more critical for enabling and unleashing advanced platform capabilities. Furthermore, since enterprise servers rarely operate at their peak capacity, efficient power capping is deemed as a critical component of modern enterprise computing environments. In this paper we present the role of platform firmware in DRAM power estimation, optimization and control. We develop firmware assisted smarts that optimizes the DRAM locality as well as enhances the accuracy of the DRAM power limiting (RAPL).
Characterizing variations in variable air volume system controls

Abstract The variable air volume (VAV) system is the most popular form of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system used in commercial buildings. Researchers and engineers often use VAV systems as a reference when evaluating new technologies and systems or comparing design options. However, VAV system performance varies significantly, in part because of variations among VAV system controls, so, when analyzing use cases, it is critical to accurately represent system controls in order to accurately define system performance. Unfortunately, no existing literature documents standard VAV system controls for this purpose. This paper aims to remedy this omission by characterizing the variations in VAV system controls and proposing an approach to representing VAV system baseline performance. We used EnergyPlus to model variation among VAV system controls. We use the medium-size office reference-building model developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to demonstrate the impact of variations among controls in two U.S. climate zones and sort system performance into “good,” “average,” and “poor” categories.
Quality of Life, Perceptions, and Health Satisfaction of Older Adults with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review

Objectives To explore the quality of life (QOL), perceptions, and health satisfaction of older adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT). Design Systematic review of literature. Participants Individuals with ESRD undergoing RRT aged 65 and older. Measurements Articles identified from PubMed database search from January 1994 to December 2014. The methodological quality of each of the selected articles was assessed using eight standards adapted from well-established research quality review criteria. Results Of the initial 1,401 articles identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of study participants examined was 65 to 90. Seventy-eight percent of the studies met six or more of the methodological standards; 47% found overall health-related and mental component summary QOL scores in elderly adults with ESRD to be similar to or higher than those of age-matched controls or younger individuals, although the physical component summary QOL scores tended to be lower in older adults. Only six studies addressed health satisfaction and perceptions of elderly adults with ESRD, with widely variable findings. Conclusion Few studies specifically examine QOL in elderly adults with ESRD undergoing RRT and even fewer address issues of perceptions and health satisfaction. However, the limited data from the QOL studies looks promising with a significant proportion showing similar or higher overall health-related and mental component summary QOL scores in elderly adults with ESRD. The very limited data on perceptions and health satisfaction of elderly adults with ESRD undergoing RRT makes it difficult to make any generalizable conclusions. Overall, more research is needed to examine these factors in elderly adults with ESRD.
Footwear-induced changes in ankle biomechanics during unanticipated side-step cutting in female soccer players

Sex-specific soccer cleats have recently been supported in part due to the overall popularity of soccer and growth of female players worldwide (Althoff & Hennig, 2014). Additionally, sex difference...
Analysis of snowpack dynamics during the spring melt season for a sub-alpine site using point measurements and numerical modeling

Snowpack dynamics through October 2014 – June 2017 were described for a forested, sub-alpine field site in southeastern Wyoming. Point measurements of wetness and density were combined with numerical modeling and continuous timeseries of snow depth, snow temperature, and snowpack outflow to identify five major classes of distinct snowpack conditions. Class (i) is characterized by no snowpack outflow and variable average snowpack temperature and density. Class (ii) is characterized by short durations of liquid water in the upper snowpack, snowpack outflow values of 0.0008-0.005 cm hr-1, an increase in snowpack temperature, and average snow density between 0.25-0.35 g cm-3. Class (iii) is characterized by a partially saturated wetness profile, snowpack outflow values of 0.005-0.25 cm hr-1, snowpack temperature near 0°C, and average snow density between 0.25-0.40 g cm-3. Class (iv) is characterized by strong diurnal snowpack outflow pattern with values as high as 0.75 cm hr-1, stable snowpack temperature near 0°C, and stable average snow density between 0.35-0.45 g cm-3. Class (v) occurs intermittently between classes (ii)-(iv) and displays low snowpack outflow values between 0.0008-0.04 cm hr-1, a slight decrease in temperature relative to the preceding class, and similar densities to the preceding class. Numerical modeling of snowpack properties with SNOWPACK using both the Storage Threshold scheme and Richards’ equation was used to quantify the effect of snowpack capillarity on predictions of snowpack outflow and other snowpack properties. Results indicate that both simulations are able to predict snow depth, snow temperature, and snow density reasonably well with little difference between the two water transport schemes. Richards’ equation more accurately simulates the timing of snowpack outflow over the Storage Threshold scheme, especially early in the melt season and at diurnal time scales.
Hot Carriers versus Thermal Effects: Resolving the Enhancement Mechanisms for Plasmon-Mediated Photoelectrochemical Reactions

Nonradiative decay of localized surface plasmons results in the production of hot charge carriers and the generation of heat, both of which can affect the efficiency of plasmon-mediated photoelectrochemical processes. Unfortunately, decoupling the impact of each effect on measured photocurrents is extremely challenging because the relative contribution of the two plasmon decay pathways cannot be controlled or easily measured. Here, we present a methodology for exploring the roles of hot carriers and heat generation on plasmon-mediated photoelectrochemical processes using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Light is used to drive a redox reaction at a plasmonic substrate, while an ultra-microelectrode tip is positioned close to the substrate to read out both the reaction products and the mass transfer rate of the redox species. By controlling the potential at the tip and substrate electrodes, the roles of photoinduced reactions at the substrate and enhanced mass transport to the tip due to local he...
Reference Work with Children: Sources of Information

"Do you have the recipe for a caveman's meal?The librarian later laughingly repeating the question a child had asked remarked: "Yes, take one club and stir gently." Library reference work with children can have its lighter moments, but on a daily basis, the questions asked are often routine, predictable, though sometimes garbled, and generally school-related, since many children use the public library to supplement and complete homework assignments during after-school hours. At a time when "information" is the password for securing more extensive reference operations and materials in a variety of forms to insure efficient delivery of information services to the inquiring user, work with children poses a unique challenge in the definition and breadth of the term. A folk tale may satisfy, a book of fiction, a picture book as well as the encyclopedia article which the teacher may have mandated. Also, the child independently doing research guided by a sudden interest and curiosity, may find no standard reference tool specifically designed to match hidher reading ability or grade level. Inability to comprehend the material available sometimes imposes a hurdle to the librarian unaccustomed to giving
Cricetulus migratorius (Armenian hamster)

The morphology of the X chromosome and the Y chromosome is very similar, but the Y is usually more heteropycnotic in staining behavior.
A fossil beaked whale (Cetacea; Ziphiidae) from the Miocene of Kenya

A fossil beaked whale was discovered in 1964 in late middle Miocene sediments of northern Kenya. The specimen consists of a weathered rostral fragment, found in association with a freshwater-terrestrial fauna. It is similar to the Miocene genera Proroziphius and Belemnoziphius in lacking premaxillary basining. Those genera appear to be related to such modern forms as Mesoplodon, whereas the remainder of the Miocene ziphiids are probably more closely related to the living Ziphius. Belemnoziphius compressus Huxley, 1865, is designated the type species of the genus Belemnoziphius.
Emerging Multinationals from Emerging Markets: Mexican multinationals: Insights from CEMEX

Since Vernon's seminal work (Vernon 1966; Vernon 1971), international firm expansion has been predominantly portrayed as a phenomenon led by firms located in economically and technologically developed countries in search of new markets, natural resources, knowledge leverage, and/or risk diversification. While venturing abroad is not devoid of obstacles (Hymer 1960; Zaheer 1995; Zaheer and Mosakowski 1997), the general view has been that developed-country MNEs were able to overcome these hurdles as a result of possessing better technologies, superior organizational processes, more financial power, or sounder home-country institutions than their host-country counterparts. The emergence of EMNEs challenges classic theories of the international firm that attempt to explain why multinational enterprises actually exist. In response to this puzzle, a number of studies, including those in this book, have pointed at a combination of environmental and organizational factors that help us understand why EMNEs might enjoy a competitive advantage over developed-country MNEs even when competing with these firms in developed markets – labeled “up-market FDI” by Ramamurti and Singh (Figure 1.1 in this volume). Nevertheless, most of these competitive advantages appear to be temporary in nature and only provide plausible explanations as to how these EMNEs are able to take their first steps into the international competitive arena. However, they are significantly silent when it comes to explaining if and how they can sustain their competitive edge.
Mechanisms of oxidant-mediated microvascular injury following reperfusion of the ischemic intestine.

It is now well recognized that ischemia/reperfusion-induced tissue injury is a major factor in the pathogenesis of certain life threatening diseases such as stroke and coronary artery disease. Studies indicate that this injury occurs at the time of reperfusion rather than during the period of ischemia. There is now a large body of experimental data which suggests that oxy radicals mediate the microvascular and parenchymal cell damage observed during reperfusion of ischemic tissues. Reactive oxygen metabolites have been implicated in ischemia/reperfusion injury in the small intestine, heart, liver, pancreas, and brain.
Strategies for Creating Structure-Switching Aptamers.

Aptamer biosensor that can switch its structure upon target binding offers a powerful strategy for molecular detection. However, the process of converting an aptamer into a “structure-switching” biosensor is challenging and often relies on trial-and-error without established design principles. In this Sensor Issues, we examine a variety of design approaches for incorporating structure-switching functionality into existing aptamers, and provide thermodynamic analyses to highlight the variables that most strongly influence their performance. Finally, we also describe emerging efforts for incorporating the structure-switching functionality directly into the aptamer selection process.
The impact of the reverse prosthesis on revision shoulder arthroplasty: analysis of a high-volume shoulder practice

Background Since the approval of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in 2004, the use of shoulder arthroplasty increased dramatically. Although the success of RSA in the revision setting has been demonstrated, there remains a paucity of studies examining the epidemiology of RSA in revision arthroplasty. This study describes trends of revision arthroplasty during the “era of the reverse,” from 2005 through 2016. Methods In a multicenter retrospective analysis, we analyzed 274 revision shoulder arthroplasties converted to a RSA (n = 182), anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA, n = 68), or hemiarthroplasty (n = 24) from 2005 to 2016. Demographics, surgical indications, and types of prosthesis were analyzed. Results The number of revision arthroplasties increased over 12 years. From 2005 to 2010, TSA (33%) or hemiarthroplasty (16%) were used in similar rates as RSA (51%). From 2011 to 2016, there was a much higher incidence of revision arthroplasty with RSA (78%) compared with TSA (19%) or hemiarthroplasty (3%). Specifically, the number of RSAs increased in 2011 to 2016 compared with 2005 to 2010 in patients aged younger than 60 years, obese patients, patients with indications of glenoid loosening, and those with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions The use of RSA for revision arthroplasty increased over the “era of the reverse” and became the majority by 2016. The reverse prosthesis has had expanding indications regarding both patient demographics and pathology. This study demonstrates the reverse prosthesis has had a similar and even more profound effect on revision shoulder arthroplasty than what has previously been well documented in the primary setting.
Examining differences in empowerment, special education knowledge, and family-school partnerships among Latino and White families of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Compared to White families, Latino families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face systemic barriers when accessing services for their children. Although there is research about syste...
Comparing Reuse Strategies in Different Development Environments

Abstract There is a debate in the aerospace industry whether lessons from reuse successes and failures in nonembedded software can be applied to embedded software. This chapter analyzes and compares reuse success and failures in embedded versus nonembedded systems. A survey of the literature identifies empirical studies of reuse that can be used to compare reuse outcomes in embedded versus nonembedded systems. Reuse outcomes include amount of reuse, effort, quality, performance, and overall success. We also differentiate between types of development approaches to determine whether and how they influence reuse success or failure. In particular, for some development approaches, quality improvements and effort reduction are low for embedded systems. This is particularly relevant to the aerospace industry as it has been subject to reuse mandates for its many embedded systems.
Outcomes After Aortopulmonary Window for Hypoplastic Pulmonary Arteries and Dual-Supply Collaterals.

Background Our institutional approach to tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) emphasizes early unifocalization and complete repair (CR). In the small subset of patients with dual-supply MAPCAs and confluent but hypoplastic central pulmonary arteries (PAs), our surgical approach is early creation of an aortopulmonary window (APW) to promote PA growth. Factors associated with successful progression to CR and mid-term outcomes have not been assessed. Methods Clinical data were reviewed. PA diameters were measured offline from angiograms prior to APW and on follow-up catheterization >1 month after APW but prior to any additional surgical interventions. Results From November 2001 to March 2018, 352 patients with tetralogy of Fallot/MAPCAs underwent initial surgery at our center, 40 of whom had a simple APW with or without ligation of MAPCAs as the first procedure (median age, 1.4 months). All PA diameters increased significantly on follow-up angiography. Ultimately, 35 patients underwent CR after APW. Nine of these patients (26%) underwent intermediate palliative operation between 5 and 39 months (median, 8 months) after APW. There were no early deaths. The cumulative incidence of CR was 65% 1 year post-APW and 87% at 3 years. Repaired patients were followed for a median of 4.2 years after repair; the median PA:aortic pressure ratio was 0.39 (range, 0.22 to 0.74). Conclusions Most patients with tetralogy of Fallot/MAPCAs and hypoplastic but normally arborizing PAs and dual-supply MAPCAs are able to undergo CR with low right ventricular pressure after APW early in life. Long-term outcomes were good, with acceptable PA pressures in most patients.
Impact of protein supplementation on lean muscle mass in adult survivors of childhood cancer engaged in resistance training.

10027Background: Muscle weakness, low lean muscle mass and poor physical performance are prevalent among adult survivors of childhood cancer. We evaluated the effects of resistance training with an...
Infraslow coordination of slow wave activity through altered neuronal synchrony

Slow wave activity (SWA; the EEG power between 0.5 and 4 Hz during non-rapid eye movement sleep [NREM]) is the best electrophysiological marker of sleep need; SWA dissipates across the night and increases following sleep deprivation. In addition to these well-documented homeostatic SWA trends, SWA exhibits extensive variability across shorter timescales (seconds to minutes) and between local cortical regions. The physiological underpinnings of SWA variability, however, remain poorly characterized. In male Sprague-Dawley rats, we observed that SWA exhibits pronounced infraslow fluctuations (~40- to 120-s periods) that are coordinated across disparate cortical locations. Peaks in SWA across infraslow cycles were associated with increased slope, amplitude, and duration of individual slow waves and a reduction in the total number of waves and proportion of multipeak waves. Using a freely available data set comprised of extracellular unit recordings during consolidated NREM episodes in male Long-Evans rats, we further show that infraslow SWA does not appear to arise as a consequence of firing rate modulation of putative excitatory or inhibitory neurons. Instead, infraslow SWA was associated with alterations in neuronal synchrony surrounding "On"/"Off" periods and changes in the number and duration of "Off" periods. Collectively, these data provide a mechanism by which SWA can be coordinated across disparate cortical locations and thereby connect local and global expression of this patterned neuronal activity. In doing so, infraslow SWA may contribute to the regulation of cortical circuits during sleep and thereby play a critical role in sleep function.
Open Educational Resources (OER) and Textbooks: Opportunities for Academic Libraries

Librarians have a role in working with faculty to provide low-cost alternatives to textbooks. Open educational resources (OER) are an alternative to textbooks in college courses, but there can be b...
Comparison of treatment modalities in pancreatic pseudocyst: A population based study.

BACKGROUND Current therapeutic techniques for pancreatic pseudocyst include surgical management with a laparoscopic approach or an open surgical procedure, percutaneous catheter drainage and endoscopic drainage. Yet it remains controversial whether different treatment approaches affect inpatient outcome. AIM To investigate inpatient outcome of different treatment approaches in treating pancreatic pseudocyst. METHODS Here we conducted a retrospective analysis of pancreatic pseudocyst-associated hospitalizations using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample. International Classification of Diseases 10 clinical modification and procedure codes are used. RESULTS A total of 7060 patients meeting the above criteria were identified. Our study revealed laparoscopic approach associated with the lowest rate of red blood cell transfusion (P < 0.001), and it had lower short-term complications including acute renal failure (P = 0.01), urinary tract infection (P = 0.01), sepsis (P < 0.001) and acute respiratory failure (P = 0.01). Laparoscopic surgical approach associated with the shortest mean length of stay (P = 0.009), and it had the lowest total charge (P = 0.03). All three modalities have similar inpatient mortality (P = 0.28). The study also revealed that percutaneous drainage associated with more emergent admission (P < 0.001), rural hospital performs the most open surgical drainage (P < 0.001) and patients who received laparoscopic drainage are more likely to be discharged home (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts associated with the least short-term complications and had better outcomes comparing to percutaneous and open surgical drainage from 2016 National Inpatient Sample database.
Sex may influence motor phenotype in a novel rodent model of cerebral palsy.

Abstract Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of childhood motor disability, manifesting most often as spasticity and/or dystonia. Spasticity and dystonia are often co-morbid clinically following severe injury at term gestation. Currently available animal CP models have not demonstrated or differentiated between these two motor phenotypes, limiting their clinical relevance. We sought to develop an animal CP model displaying objectively identifiable spasticity and dystonia. We exposed rat pups at post-natal day 7–8 (equivalent to human 37 post-conceptional weeks) to global hypoxia. Since spasticity and dystonia can be difficult to differentiate from each other in CP, objective electrophysiologic markers of motor phenotypes were assessed. Spasticity was inferred using an electrophysiologic measure of hyperreflexia: soleus Hoffman reflex suppression with 2 Hz tibial nerve stimulation. Dystonia was assessed during voluntary isometric hindlimb withdrawal at different levels of arousal by calculating tibialis anterior and triceps surae electromyographic co-activation as a surrogate of overflow muscle activity. Hypoxia affected spasticity and dystonia measures in a sex-dependent manner. Males had attenuated Hoffman reflex suppression suggestive of spasticity but no change in antagonist muscle co-activation. In contrast, females demonstrated increased co-activation suggestive of dystonia but no change in Hoffman reflex suppression. Therefore, there was an unexpected segregation of electrophysiologically-defined motor phenotypes based on sex with males predominantly demonstrating spasticity and females predominantly demonstrating dystonia. These results require human clinical confirmation but suggest that sex could play a critical role in the motor manifestations of neonatal brain injury.
Refractory and Super-refractory Status Epilepticus

Context Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) are neurological emergencies with considerable mortality and morbidity. In this paper, we provide an overview of causes, evaluation, treatment, and consequences of RSE and SRSE, reflecting the lack of high-quality evidence to inform therapeutic approach. Sources This is a narrative review based on personal practice and experience. Nevertheless, we searched MEDLINE (using PubMed and OvidSP vendors) and Cochrane central register of controlled trials, using appropriate keywords to incorporate recent evidence. Results Refractory status epilepticus is commonly defined as an acute convulsive seizure that fails to respond to two or more anti-seizure medications including at least one non-benzodiazepine drug. Super-refractory status epilepticus is a status epilepticus that continues for ≥24 hours despite anesthetic treatment, or recurs on an attempted wean of the anesthetic regimen. Both can occur in patients known to have epilepsy or de novo, with increasing recognition of autoimmune and genetic causes. Electroencephalography monitoring is essential to monitor treatment response in refractory/super-refractory status epilepticus, and to diagnose non-convulsive status epilepticus. The mainstay of treatment for these disorders includes anesthetic infusions, primarily midazolam, ketamine, and pentobarbital. Dietary, immunological, and surgical treatments are viable in selected patients. Management is challenging due to multiple acute complications and long-term adverse consequences. Conclusions We have provided a synopsis of best practices for diagnosis and management of refractory/super-refractory status epilepticus and highlighted the lack of sufficient high-quality evidence to drive decision making, ending with a brief foray into avenues for future research.
Feasibility and effects of high-intensity interval training in older adults living with HIV

Adults with HIV on therapy can live a normal lifespan but exhibit advanced ageing which includes reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) in older adults with HIV. We conducted a cross-over pilot study within a randomized exercise trial in sedentary adults with HIV ≥50 years of age. First, participants were randomized to 4 months of continuous high-intensity aerobic exercise (AEX) and RT 3x/week or standard of care control. Then, the control group completed 4 months of HIIT + RT (3x/week). Among the 32 individuals enrolled, 26 eligible participants were randomized. Most participants were African American (63%) and male (95%) with a mean (SD) age of 61.5 (6.7) years and VO2peak of 24.5 (4.9) ml/kg/min. Attendance and adherence to both exercise training interventions were high. The clinically significant increases in VO2peak (ml/kg/min) after HIIT (3.09 ±1.04, p=0.02) and AEX (2.09 ±0.72, p=0.01) represented improvements of 17.1% and 7.7%, respectively. Both groups had improvements in exercise endurance (time on the treadmill) and strength (all p< 0.01). This pilot study supports HIIT as an efficient means to deliver high-intensity AEX to improve cardiorespiratory fitness toward the goal of attenuating the accelerated ageing process in adults with HIV.
Disaster Deaths : Trends, Causes and Determinants

This book conducts a systematic inquiry into the tragic deaths caused by natural disasters at different geographic scales. It employs key disaster concepts and classification of disasters to understand the high mortality rates and the various factors associated with these deaths. Deaths are the direct and immediate impact of disaster events, which have remained a major concern for disaster managers and policy-makers all over the world. Using primary research and secondary data, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of various facets of disaster deaths such as trends, circumstances and causes, and determinants at global, regional, national, and subnational scales. It offers a holistic perspective on disaster mortality, which has been lacking for some time. The book not only fills this research gap but also suggests important policy implications for disaster managers and policy makers working in multilateral, bilateral, local, and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). These policies include effective strategies to significantly reduce the risk of deaths caused by natural disasters, which are explored through chapters written in a clear and accessible style. Drawing together the case studies on past major disasters as well as recent ones, the book provides new and critical insights into deaths precipitated by natural disasters. Suitable for both technical and nontechnical readers, the book has a broader appeal and will thus be useful for practitioners, researchers, students, as well as activists in the area of hazards and disasters who are interested in studying mortality due to extreme natural events.
Coherence-guided InSAR deformation analysis in the presence of ongoing land surface changes in the Imperial Valley, California

Abstract While the quality and availability of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data has dramatically improved in recent years, InSAR analysis and interpretation remain challenging in actively deforming regions with extensive agricultural activities, where vegetation changes and soil moisture variability can degrade data quality or introduce confounding signals. Here we use Sentinel-1 satellite imagery for the Imperial Valley, California, over the period of 2015–2019 to explore how factors specific to land surface changes may impact InSAR time series and to resolve time-varying deformation due to tectonic processes and geothermal energy production. We examine the temporal variability of data quality, via interferometric phase coherence, at high spatial resolution, taking into account the observation that some agricultural fields lie fallow for long time intervals punctuated by periods of cultivation. This strategy allows us to better distinguish signals and noise associated with agricultural activities, shoreline changes, or surface soil conditions. A series of masking, interpolation, and filtering steps facilitate phase unwrapping, and the unwrapped, unfiltered product is then recovered, reducing artifacts from spatial filtering. We adopt model-based tropospheric corrections to improve time series results, particularly in regions with high topographic relief, along with the use of distributed reference points to render a more uniform error structure. We validate InSAR observations with continuous GPS where available and find that the estimates of average line-of-sight (LOS) velocity over the valley from InSAR and GPS agree to ~3 mm/yr in areas with good data coverage. Discrepancies between the two estimates often exist in areas with lower InSAR data quality; in better-constrained areas, they appear to reveal signals attributable to surficial processes occurring in the uppermost soil layers. We observe a diverse suite of natural signals over multiple spatial scales, including steady interseismic deformation, seasonal lake-level-modulated signals at the southeastern Salton Sea shore, and transient slow slip on the Superstition Hills fault. In addition, we observe complex deformation at four geothermal fields within the valley. Extensive subsidence at the Salton Sea geothermal field suggests spatial overlap of anthropogenic and tectonic deformation, interspersed with potential surficial signals. Geothermal sites at East Mesa, North Brawley, and Heber exhibit smaller-amplitude, more localized deformation, often with nonlinear temporal trends. Our analysis demonstrates the need to assess whether InSAR signals result from surficial changes or deeper sources, and produces robust ground deformation data in support of efforts to study subsurface processes, manage geothermal operations, and improve hazard assessments.
Deep Learning applications for COVID-19

This survey explores how Deep Learning has battled the COVID-19 pandemic and provides directions for future research on COVID-19. We cover Deep Learning applications in Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Life Sciences, and Epidemiology. We describe how each of these applications vary with the availability of big data and how learning tasks are constructed. We begin by evaluating the current state of Deep Learning and conclude with key limitations of Deep Learning for COVID-19 applications. These limitations include Interpretability, Generalization Metrics, Learning from Limited Labeled Data, and Data Privacy. Natural Language Processing applications include mining COVID-19 research for Information Retrieval and Question Answering, as well as Misinformation Detection, and Public Sentiment Analysis. Computer Vision applications cover Medical Image Analysis, Ambient Intelligence, and Vision-based Robotics. Within Life Sciences, our survey looks at how Deep Learning can be applied to Precision Diagnostics, Protein Structure Prediction, and Drug Repurposing. Deep Learning has additionally been utilized in Spread Forecasting for Epidemiology. Our literature review has found many examples of Deep Learning systems to fight COVID-19. We hope that this survey will help accelerate the use of Deep Learning for COVID-19 research.
Complications in Pediatric Acute Mastoiditis: HCUP KID Analysis.

ObjectiveA small proportion of children with otitis media develop acute mastoiditis, which has the potential to spread intracranially and result in significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of t...
Review of Ezekiel J. Emanuel. Healthcare Guaranteed: a Simple, Secure Solution for America. 1

The distinguished oncologist and bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuel has authored a short book promoting a plan to reform health insurance in the United States. As plans go, if it could be enacted it would...
Studies on the Biosynthesis and Metabolism of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid in Chlorella

The regulation of chlorophyll synthesis in Chlorella was examined at the level of the formation and metabolism of delta-aminolevulinic acid. delta-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity could not be detected in broken cell preparations, and exogenously supplied delta-aminolevulinic acid was taken up only in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide, with a corresponding production of porphobilinogen.The delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase of Chlorella has a pH optimum of 7.8 and at this pH the Michaelis constant for delta-aminolevulinic acid is 0.13 millimolar.delta-Aminolevulinic acid excretion in the presence of levulinic acid, a competitive inhibitor of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, allowed measurement of the relative rates of delta-aminolevulinic acid synthesis under various growth conditions. A mutant which requires light for chlorophyll synthesis also requires light for delta-aminolevulinic acid accumulation in the presence of levulinic acid. This same mutant has 40% of the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity of the wild-type Chlorella during growth in the dark on glucose.The necessity for protein synthesis during chlorophyll synthesis is due primarily to the requirement for protein synthesis during delta-aminolevulinic acid formation.It is concluded that the rate of chlorophyll formation and the cellular chlorophyll content are regulated by the relative rates of synthesis and breakdown of an enzyme responsible for delta-aminolevulinic acid biosynthesis and that this enzyme has an in vivo lifetime of about 30 minutes.
In vitro culture of pure species non-aspen poplars

Most species in this group, the pure species non-aspen (i.e., non-Leuce Section) poplars of the genus Populus, root very readily as stem cuttings [13]. Therefore, the development of in vitro micropropagation protocols will not be economically competitive for the commercial increase of desirable genotypes, except for the production of virus-free ramets, those few difficult to root species, or for recalcitrant genotypes within easily rooting species. However, in vitro manipulation can be an effective tool for better understanding the differentiation of adventitiously derived organs, the production of haploid plants, protoplasts, and somatic embryos for allied research, and for gene transfer systems. Therefore, the poriton of this chapter dealing with pure species non-aspen poplars of the genus Populus will focus on the development of these research tools and associated basic knowledge.
Successful Bleaching of Teeth with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Discoloration: A Case Report

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is a hereditary condition that can cause discoloration of teeth in addition to other dental abnormalities. Patients often present to the dentist with a main goal of improving their esthetics. A myriad of treatment options have been described for this condition. This clinical report describes the management of a young adult with DI who desired improvement in dental esthetics after orthodontic treatment. As a result of his condition, the patient's dentition exhibited the classic generalized dark amber opalescence. A 14% hydrogen peroxide gel was used for bleaching of the maxillary and mandibular teeth, performed by the patient at home. The patient was followed at different intervals, and the improvement in teeth shade was significant and remained stable at 3.5 years. No adverse effects were observed. This article is the first case report in the literature describing the long-term follow-up of teeth bleaching in a patient with DI. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Teeth bleaching may be considered as the first choice of treatment in dentinogenesis imperfecta patients. If successful, it offers a simple, conservative, and economical solution to satisfy the esthetic requirements of these patients. (J Esthet Restor Dent 23:3–11, 2011)
Porous Polymeric Composite Separators for Redox Flow Batteries

Currently, the most commonly used membranes in redox flow batteries (RFB) are ion-exchange membranes. In particular, in all vanadium flow battery systems (VRB), perfluorinated polymers such as Nafion® are widely used, owing to their high proton conductivity and chemical stability; however, the extremely high cost of currently available membranes has limited the commercialization of VRB technology. Recently, low-cost porous polymeric composite separators (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]/silica), as an alternative to traditional ion-exchange membranes, have attracted a great deal of interest because of their significantly lower cost. Porous separators prepared from various polymer materials and inorganic fillers have demonstrated comparable electrochemical performances to that of Nafion® in flow battery tests with different redox chemistries. This paper provides a review of porous separators for flow battery applications. In addition to discussions of separator material selection and preparation method...
Episomal Maintenance of S/MAR-Containing Non-Viral Vectors for RPE-Based Diseases

The efficacy of non-viral genetic therapies has historically been limited by transient gene expression and vector loss. Scaffold matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) have been shown to augment transcription, promote episomal maintenance, and provide insulator-like function to DNA in in vitro and in vivo systems. Here we explore the ability of S/MAR elements to mediate these effects in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with the eventual goal of improving the persistence of expression of our non-viral gene delivery tools. We engineered an RPE-specific reporter vector with or without an S/MAR immediately downstream of the eGFP expression cassette. We show that the S/MAR vector is maintained as an episome for up to 1 year. Experiments in which rhodamine-labeled DNA was delivered to the subretinal space of mice show better persistence of the S/MAR-containing vector in the RPE than the non-S/MAR vector. These results suggest that inclusion of the S/MAR region promotes episomal maintenance of plasmid DNA in the RPE after subretinal delivery and that inclusion of this DNA element may be beneficial for non-viral ocular gene transfer.
Ectopic Hermaphroditic Gonad in the Cranial Cavity of Japanese Medaka

Abstract Diseases were monitored for 1 year in a cohort of approximately 560 Japanese medakas Oryzias latipes kept in a laboratory at Tulane University. The fish were maintained as part of a breeding colony for embryological studies. Eighty-six fish exhibiting disease or injury during the year were examined histopathologically. Two adult Japanese medakas (one male and one female) had ectopic hermaphroditic gonads in the cranial cavity. The ectopic gonads were bordered by meninges and cranium. The ectopic gonads in both cases consisted mostly of spermatocytes and spermatids with numerous islands of primary germ cells and a few ovarian follicles. An ectopic gonad in the cranial cavity has not been previously reported in vertebrates.
Developmental assets: profile of youth in a juvenile justice facility.

BACKGROUND: Possessing high numbers of developmental assets greatly reduces the likelihood of a young person engaging in health-risk behaviors. Since youth in the juvenile justice system seem to exhibit many high-risk behaviors, the purpose of this study was to assess the presence of external, internal, and social context areas of developmental assets in at-risk youth attending a northeast Missouri juvenile justice center. METHODS: Male and female middle and high school students moved to a residential juvenile justice center voluntarily completed the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP) instrument during a regularly scheduled "intake" session. RESULTS: Most respondents reported lacking risk-protective factors in the internal and social context areas. Respondents noted their lack of community involvement in the social context area and their over-involvement with negative influences in the internal context area. Specifically in the internal and external context areas, most respondents reported having trouble with substance abuse and not having positive peer or parental support. In the social context area, many noted that they wanted to do well in activities and were encouraged to do well; however, they scored service to others and involvement in religious groups or activities as low. CONCLUSIONS: Students who lack protective qualities, especially those who do not feel committed to their community, are more likely to be involved in substance abuse and risky behaviors. School-community partnerships may provide the targeted health protective factors that encourage more community involvement and more positive health behaviors in these youth. Language: en
Future-oriented processes: A foundation for planning behaviour in infants and toddlers

AbstractThe development of planning behaviours is ussually discussed from the perspective of a process that already exists in its full-blown, mature form, whether planning activity is examined in infants, children, or adults. In contrast, we argue that an understanding of the future occurs before planning is possible and is fundamental to skills that are used in planning behaviours throughout development. We introduce the notions of “future-oriented processes” and “partial acomplishments” as a framework for examining the developmental origins of planning behaviours. We provide empirical evidence that 3 to 12 month old infants are able to form expectancies for short-term future events and that such expentancies are among the first type of future-oriented processes to develop. We conclude by suggesting that these and other future-oriented processes serve to lay a developmental foundation from which later planning behaviours evolve
Progression of intermediate age-related macular degeneration with proliferation and inner retinal migration of hyperreflective foci.

Purpose Drusen and migrating retinal pigment epithelium have been associated with hyperreflective foci (HF) detected by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). This study sought to quantify the change in intraretinal HF distribution and its correlation with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease progression. Design Prospective observational study from the multicenter Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Ancillary SD-OCT Study. Participants Patients (n=299) with 1 enrolled eye with intermediate AMD and baseline SD-OCT, followed by SD-OCT imaging at 1-year and 2-year visits. Methods The number and location of HF were scored in SD-OCT scans of all 299 eyes. The change in transverse (horizontal) and axial (vertical) distribution of HF in the macula were evaluated with pairwise signed-rank tests. Two-year inner retinal HF migration was determined by the change in HF-weighted axial distribution (AxD) score calculated for each eye. The correlation of HF with SD-OCT features of AMD progression was evaluated with logistic regression analysis. Main Outcome Measures The mean change in number of HF, transverse and axial distribution of HF in the macula, and AxD per eye. Results In 299 study eyes, the 2-year increase in the number of HF ( P P P P P Conclusions Proliferation and inner retinal migration of SD-OCT HF occurred during follow-up in eyes with intermediate AMD. These characteristics were associated with greater incidence of GA at year 2; therefore, SD-OCT HF proliferation and migration may serve as biomarkers for AMD progression. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Pricing and Incentives in Peer-to-Peer Networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks offer a cost effective and easily deployable framework for sharing user-generated content. However, intrinsic incentive problems reside in P2P networks as the transfer of content incurs costs both to uploaders and to downloaders while the benefit accrues only to downloaders. We investigate the issues of incentives in content production and sharing over P2P networks using a game theoretic model. Peers do not share produced content at all at non-cooperative equilibria whereas Pareto efficiency requires peers to fully share produced content. There is also a divergence in the total amount of produced content between non-cooperative equilibria and Pareto efficiency. By imposing full sharing, we decompose the inefficiency of non-cooperative equilibria into two parts, inefficiency due to no sharing and inefficiency due to underproduction. As a method to remedy the incentive problems in P2P networks, two classes of pricing schemes, MP pricing schemes and linear pricing schemes, are proposed. We show that the proposed pricing schemes can achieve Pareto efficiency as non-cooperative equilibria. We also examine a linear pricing scheme that maximizes the revenue of the network manager.
Electronic health records: effects of clutter and stress on physicians' information search and noticing performance

Electronic health records (EHRs) in emergency departments (EDs) store and display important medical information and thus play a critical role in medical diagnoses. However, current EHR designs often result in display clutter, a condition where a large amount of poorly organized information is displayed. This can cause delays in finding and noticing relevant information. Clutter may be especially problematic under conditions of stress, which is known to degrade people’s perceptual capacities. The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of EHR clutter and stress on physicians’ ability to search for and notice important information during medical diagnosis procedures. Three simulated EHR pages were developed for this study. Participating physicians were presented with typical ED patient scenarios and the relevant EHR page for each patient. They were required to search the EHR displays to answer a specific question related to each patient and, based on their review of the EHR, they had to confirm or refute a proposed diagnosis. Performance measures and subjective feedback were collected. In general, results showed that clutter increased the time to find a given search target and the time to extract important information, as well as the number of missed targets. The effects of clutter were most pronounced for the EHR page that displayed unorganized lists of medical data, where the presence of stress also exacerbated the effects of clutter on response time. These results emphasize the need to develop display countermeasures to overcome the effects of display clutter in hospital as well as other environments.
A review of infrared and submillimeter astronomy with balloon-borne telescopes

Abstract Infrared and submillimeter stronomical observations performed with balloon-borne instruments have produced major contributions to the understanding of many areas of astrophysics. A review of recent results obtained on the cosmic background radiation, galactic structure, star formation processes, the outer planets and the solar atmosphere will be presented.