cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation maps for bias correction in Monte Carlo denoising

A fundamental prerequisite of computer aided radiotherapy treatment is the accurate estimation of the dose distributions so as to deliver a high homogeneous dose volume to the tumor without causing unnecessary side effects for the patient. The Monte Carlo (MC) method is considered the most effective dose distribution computational technique. However, it is too slow and contaminated with noisy degradations that could affect the dose contour visibility and the estimates of dosimetric parameters. Various algorithms for denoising Monte Carlo dose distributions have been proposed. However, they all suffer from the tradeoff between variance reduction and the introduction of bias. We introduce an independent method to estimate the local smoothing bias, thereby generating 'validation maps'. These maps can be used either to tune the aggressiveness of the local smoothing parameters or to directly subtract an estimate of the bias. This technique can be applied in conjunction with any denoising method to control local smoothing parameters. Two different validation map methods were investigated: a generalized cross-validation method and a bootstrapping method. The methods estimate the mean-square-error and the bias. We tested the technique on a challenging 2-D synthetic dataset that simulates charged particle transport, 2-D/3-D phantoms and on full 3-D computed-tomography-based Monte Carlo datasets. The results are promising.
Directly Generated Gaussian-Shaped Optical Frequency Comb for Microwave Photonic Filtering and Picosecond Pulse Generation

Using only electro-optic modulators, we generate a high-quality 41-line 10-GHz Gaussian-shaped optical frequency comb. We use this comb to demonstrate apodized microwave photonic filters with a 40-dB mainlobe-to-sidelobe suppression ratio without the need of a pulse shaper. Further, our Gaussian-shaped comb has an approximately quadratic phase, which allows for compression into a high-quality pulse train via propagation in single-mode fiber.
Impact of Component Sizing in Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Energy Resource and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction

Widespread use of alternative hybrid powertrains currently appears inevitable and many opportunities for substantial progress remain. The necessity for environmentally friendly vehicles, in conjunction with increasing concerns regarding U.S. dependency on foreign oil and climate change, has led to significant investment in enhancing the propulsion portfolio with new technologies. Recently, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to reduce petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. PHEVs are especially appealing for short daily commutes with excessive stop-and-go driving. However, the high costs associated with their components, and in particular, with their energy storage systems have been significant barriers to extensive market penetration of PEVs. In the research reported here, we investigated the implications of motor/generator and battery size on fuel economy and GHG emissions in a medium duty PHEV. An optimization framework is proposed and applied to two different parallel powertrain configurations, pre-transmission and post-transmission, to derive the Pareto frontier with respect to motor/generator and battery size. The optimization and modeling approach adopted here facilitates better understanding of the potential benefits from proper selection of motor/generator and battery size on fuel economy and GHG emissions. This understanding can help usmore » identify the appropriate sizing of these components and thus reducing the PHEV cost. Addressing optimal sizing of PHEV components could aim at an extensive market penetration of PHEVs.« less
A Simple Model of a Convectively Coupled Walker Circulation Using the Weak Temperature Gradient Approximation

An idealized model of a Walker circulation based on the weak temperature gradient (WTG) approximation and a single baroclinic vertical mode for all fields is analyzed. The circulation is forced by a sinusoidal variation of sea surface temperature (SST). A simple feedback of deep convective cloud radiative forcing on tropospheric radiative cooling is included, and a moist convective adjustment is used to interactively specify the location and intensity of deep convection. A goal is to understand how the fraction of the domain undergoing deep convection depends on the SST difference across the domain. The WTG approximation greatly simplifies the calculation of the circulation. For small SST differences, convection occurs everywhere and a fully analytic solution is possible; for larger SST differences, a simple nonlinear algorithm is used to determine the edge of the convective region and the tropospheric temperature. The solution is invariant to changes of domain size. The divergent circulation is independent of the Coriolis parameter as long as the domain is sufficiently narrow so WTG remains accurate. The convective region narrows and intensifies considerably when cloud‐radiation feedbacks are considered. As the SST difference increases, the convective region shrinks and the troposphere warms; simple approximate formulas for these trends in terms of the control parameters are derived. For large SST differences, the convection over the warmest water becomes susceptible to a radiative‐convective instability and there is no steady-state solution.
CENTRAL ADIPOSITY AND GALLBLADDER DISEASE IN MEXICAN AMERICANS

Obesity is widely recognized as a risk factor for gallstones. However, to the authors' knowledge, only one study has examined the effect of body fat distribution on the prevalence of gallbladder disease. Mexican Americans are a population characterized by both a high prevalence of gallbladder disease and an unfavorable body fat distribution. The authors examined whether central adiposity (as measured by the ratio of subscapular-to-triceps skinfold) was related to clinically evident gallbladder disease in 1,202 Mexican Americans and 908 non-Hispanic whites in the San Antonio Heart Study from 1979 to 1982. After adjustment for overall adiposity (as measured by body mass index) and the ratio of subscapular-to-triceps skinfold, an increased prevalence of gallbladder disease was still observed in Mexican-American women. Both body mass index and the ratio of subscapular-to-triceps skinfold were positively and independently associated with gallbladder disease in women, while in men, body mass index, but not the subscapular-to-triceps skinfold ratio, was associated with gallbladder disease. Central adiposity is also related to the adverse pattern of cardiovascular risk factors observed in women with gallbladder disease.
Gammaherpesvirus Infection of Human Neuronal Cells

ABSTRACT Gammaherpesviruses human herpesvirus 4 (HHV4) and HHV8 are two prominent members of the herpesvirus family associated with a number of human cancers. HHV4, also known as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus prevalent in 90 to 95% of the human population, is clinically associated with various neurological diseases such as primary central nervous system lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer9s disease, cerebellar ataxia, and encephalitis. However, the possibility that EBV and Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) can directly infect neurons has been largely overlooked. This study has, for the first time, characterized EBV infection in neural cell backgrounds by using the Sh-Sy5y neuroblastoma cell line, teratocarcinoma Ntera2 neurons, and primary human fetal neurons. Furthermore, we also demonstrated KSHV infection of neural Sh-Sy5y cells. These neuronal cells were infected with green fluorescent protein-expressing recombinant EBV or KSHV. Microscopy, genetic analysis, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analyses for specific viral antigens supported and validated the infection of these cells by EBV and KSHV and showed that the infection was efficient and productive. Progeny virus produced from infected neuronal cells efficiently infected fresh neuronal cells, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, acyclovir was effective at inhibiting the production of virus from neuronal cells similar to lymphoblastoid cell lines; this suggests active lytic replication in infected neurons in vitro. These studies represent a potentially new in vitro model of EBV- and KSHV-associated neuronal disease development and pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE To date, no in vitro study has demonstrated gammaherpesvirus infection of neuronal cells. Moreover, worldwide clinical findings have linked EBV to neuronal pathologies, including multiple sclerosis, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and Alzheimer9s disease. In this study, for the first time, we have successfully demonstrated the in vitro infection of Sh-Sy5y and Ntera2 cells, as well as human primary neurons. We have also determined that the infection is predominately lytic. Additionally, we also report infection of neuronal cells by KSHV in vitro similar to that by EBV. These findings may open new avenues of consideration related to neuronal pathologies and infection with these viruses. Furthermore, their contribution to chronic infection linked to neuronal disease will provide new clues to potential new therapies.
City Advantage: A CEOs for Cities Report

Cities provide big economic advantages for consumers: a wider range of choices, more convenience, greater economic opportunity and discovery. These attributes underpin urban success. Strengthening these assets can help build metropolitan economies.Traditionally, the analysis of city economies has focused on their distinctive advantages in producing goods and services. But increasingly, the economic advantages of cities are driven by their range of choices they offer to consumers. Production and consumption are intertwined, of course; everyone who is a producer is also a consumer. And just as many producers are becoming more mobile and global, much consumption is becoming more intensely local. And as people choose places to live based on local opportunities for consumption, they are, in turn, influencing which places have the human capital needed to be successful in production. Our analysis suggests that there are four key city advantages:Variety: Cities offer a wide range of choices of the goods, services and amenities that people value, raising their satisfaction and standard of living. Well-educated people prefer to live in cities in part because of their greater taste for variety, making cities more attractive to employers needing talented workers.Convenience: In cities, density means more goods, services and people are close at hand, allowing people to travel shorter distances and spend less time searching and traveling to acquire any given set of goods, services and interactions. Higher income households place a higher value on time, giving them incentives to live in cities and raising city incomes and economic activity.Discovery: Cities expose people to more opportunities and helps them discover consumption opportunities. Cities provide markets for new and innovative products that give rise to new industries and drive economic progressOpportunity: Cities offer a wider variety of jobs and easier opportunities to acquire additional skills and to move among jobs. Cities attract young workers looking to upgrade their human capital.
Diversity of palm communities at different spatial scales in a recently fragmented tropical landscape

Habitat loss and landscape fragmentation are often associated with changes in biological communities at different spatial scales. Our goal in this study was to identify fragment characteristics and environmental variables linked to palm species richness, abundance and community similarity at local and landscape spatial scales and to contrast these patterns between adults and juveniles. We sampled palm communities in 22 fragments of Choco rainforest in and around the Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve in north-western Ecuador, where we recorded 9991 individuals of 23 palm species. At the landscape scale, fragment size and surrounding forest cover were not associated with species richness or abundance for either adults or juveniles. However, community similarity of juveniles was related to surrounding forest cover and the abundance of juveniles and adults increased with elevation. At the local scale, adults and juveniles differed in their relationships to environmental variables and distance to fragment edge: juveniles showed reduced species richness and different community composition near fragment edges compared with interior habitat, but adults did not. These results provide baseline information on palm communities in a poorly studied conservation hotspot and highlight the importance of considering multiple spatial scales and life stages in studies of habitat fragmentation.
F18 FDG PET in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa and multifocal squamous cell carcinoma

1054 Learning Objectives We propose to present an unusual case of epidermolysis bullosa undergoing F18 FDG PET scanning. This is a 33-year-old patient who developed multifocal squamous cell carcinomas leading to an above-elbow-amputation of her left upper extremity. Patients with epidermolysis bullosa are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Clinical exam may be challenging because of the underlying skin conditions and manifestations. As in her case, F18 FDG PET was used to attempt to define the areas at highest risk to be cancerous in nature. It showed multifocal cutaneous and subcutaneous FDG-avid lesions as well as pulmonary nodules, left subpectoral, axillary, and internal mammary lymphadenopathy. It also determined the depth of infiltration of the disease in certain areas not distinguishable through clinical exam for example left breast, left axilla, and chest wall. Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare chronic disease involving the skin and mucosal membranes with an increased lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. It is essential to diagnose neoplastic transformation in order to start appropriate treatment in a timely manner. F18 FDG PET may play a role in screening patients with suspicious skin lesions and detecting extent of disease in aggressive forms of this pathology
Blood sugar and sulfhydryl levels in diabetic patients before and during vitamin B12 therapy.

SummaryPlasma and non-protein sulfhydryl levels, blood sugars and serum proteins were determined in normal subjects, in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and in patients with diabetes mellitus. In the latter, determinations were done before and during vit. B12 therapy. In none of the groups was any significant relationship observed in the blood sugar and sulfhydryl levels. In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, the plasma sulfhydryl levels were significantly reduced below the normal level. The plasma sulfhydryl levels were slightly lower in the patients with diabetes mellitus than in the normal subjects. Administration of vit. B12 for long periods of time in patients with diabetes mellitus had no effect on the sulfhydryl levels.
Factors Influencing Cooperation and Conflict in the International System

The complexity of international relations presents perplexing problems to theorists. The unending lists of international relationships and relevant variables seem to defy all simple categorizing schemes. The volume and variety of international interactions, social and cultural differences, and secretive and unobservable government decision processes give rise to an aura of uniqueness which seems to preclude all attempts at generalizing. These obstacles have contributed to the dearth of studies which attempt to generalize and have increased the emphasis on what can be called the descriptive approach-studies of single nations, particular international organizations, selected international conflicts, and the foreign policies of individual nations. More recently, a growing number of theorists are examining international behavior in its common rather than unique aspects for the purpose of developing generalizations and, eventually, theories about the relations among nations. Among the more significant works are Quincy Wright's field theory, Richard Snyder's decision-making approach, Karl Deutsch's propositions about the integration of political communities, and the simulation approach
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Psychiatric Patients With Severe Cardiovascular Disease

Two patients with psychosis and severe cardiac disease in whom electroconvulsive therapy was used successfully are reported, and the interaction of the two illnesses is discussed. Also outlined is the role of the internist or general practitioner in the medical support of psychiatric patients with severe cardiovascular disease for whom electroconvulsive therapy is contemplated.
Numerical analysis to rolling pressure distribution of plane view pattern controlling pass of plate rolling

The plate view pattern controlling pass of plate rolling was simulated with the dynamic explicit elastic-plastic finite element method and the updated geometry technology in this paper. The rolling pressure distribution and the rolling force changing regularity during the three stage of plane view pattern control pass were analyzed, and the good agreement for the rolling force of stabilizationbetween calculated and actual measurement.
Reporting and communications

The future of radiology reporting will be molded by the ever changing health care environment and developments in computer methods. Less reliance on transcription is certain. The challenges of producing faster and more useful reports should be rewarding in a positive sense. The next few years should include many computer approaches to help the radiologist to generate reports directly and to communicate them effectively.
Programs as Products Assessing Television for the New Technology

Since programs will have to be marketed as products under the new TV technology (cable systems, subscription TV, satellite communications, home video systems), it will become necessary to assess viewers’ perceptions and evaluations of them-in addition to their likelihood of viewing them. Moreover, viewer segments will need to be portrayed in far richer terms than the traditional demographic profiles.
The City System Paradigm: New Frontiers

Abstract This chapter provides a survey of recent developments of positive as well as normative theories of city systems. Static theory of city systems emphasizes the factors that result in the formation of cities through the interaction between two opposing forces: (i) agglomeration economy and (ii) agglomeration diseconomy. Furthermore, the theory examines the interaction between cities within the national economy through intercity trade and migration, which shape the internal population composition and the internal industrial structure of cities within the system. New development of this theory has been influenced by industrial organization and economic growth together with the new urban economic paradigm. This chapter focuses on the following questions: what are the factors that lead to the formation of cities? When do cities specialize in production, and when do they diversify? When do both specialized cities and diversified cities coexist? What determines the number and sizes of cities of different types in an economy? What are the factors that determine skill distribution and income disparities among different types of cities? What are the impacts of income inequalities on welfare? What are the tax and/or subsidy schemes that would result in a Pareto-efficient allocation of resources in a system of cities? Do we need the intervention of federal government in order to achieve a Pareto-efficient allocation of resources in a system of cities? These questions are addressed in a spatial general equilibrium model of a closed economy consisting of a system of monocentric cities.
Effective Strategies to Correct Iron Deficiency in Florida Vegetable Crops

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a frequent nutritional problem in Florida vegetable crops because of leaching of Fe fertilizer from the soil, poor soil aeration, low soil organic matter (SOM), temperature, high soil pH and/or water bicarbonate content, and interactions with high levels of manganese (Mn) and calcium (Ca). Most Fe-deficient plants are yellow and stunted, with symptoms on younger leaves near the top of the plant because of Fe immobility and poor translocation resulting in interveinal chlorosis. Iron deficiency in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is characterized by a drastic reduction of leaf chlorophyll content at first at the base of the leaves (bleached leaf) ending in necrotic spots. Iron deficiency can have a significant economic impact depending on the timing of the deficiency during the crop production cycle. Furthermore, crop genotypic variations influence the ability of root systems to acquire Fe. The objective of this article was to describe current methods used by vegetable growers to correct Fe deficiency and to evaluate their effectiveness in tomato, pepper (Capsicum annuum), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and eggplant (Solanum melongena) production in Florida. A survey was conducted in the major vegetable production areas in Florida during 2012. Results from the survey indicated that since Fe availability depends on complex soil and environmental factors, there was no reliable soil test method that can predict Fe deficiency on vegetable crops in Florida. Production areas surveyed with calcareous or alkaline soils that are often due to over-liming, Fe becomes unavailable because of significant reduction of Fe. Production practices for those areas were not to use calcitic lime to raise Ca levels, especially if the pH is adequate (6.5). Instead, gypsum or calcium nitrate was recommended for soil Ca. The survey indicated that Fe sulfate (inorganic form) is the most commonly used Fe fertilizer in Florida. However, chelates of Fe were effective but expensive Fe alternative. Among chelate sources, ferric ethylenediaminediaminedi-o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid was frequently the preferred chelate fertilizer for soil application, but it is an expensive option. Soil acidification to lower the soil pH was also used to improve soil Fe availability. Organic matter in animal manures and composts was used as an effective alternative to increase Fe with positive results in Florida tomato production. However, the survey indicated that Fe applied to the soil was converted into unavailable forms especially under high soil pH, thus foliar application was used if Fe deficiency symptoms were observed early in the production cycle.
Quality Control and Shelf-Life (Stability) Testing

Two routine functions of a sensory department may be quality control testing and the measurement of product stability or shelf life. These activities may involve any of the three main kinds of sensory testing or modifications of them. However, there are unique constraints for these tests, different types of analyses, and specific models for these data. This chapter discusses different procedures for sensory quality control, presents a recommended procedure, and outlines the programmatic requirements for establishing and maintaining a sensory QC function. The second section of the chapter presents an introduction to shelf-life testing, its special considerations, and some of the models used for stability testing data.
Writing Through Partnership: Fostering Translanguaging in Children Who Are Emergent Bilinguals

A critical function of schooling is to provide young writers with opportunities to explore real-life, out-of-school experiences through writing. However, literacy instruction in U.S. schools primar...
“Perioperative surgical home” – We are not out of the woods yet. What has to be done to make this concept viable?☆

Abstract At this stage the "Perioperative Surgical home" (PSH) is just another attempt to reestablish a leading role of Anesthesiology in perioperative management. In order to implement this concept multiple issues must be acknowledged and corrected. Among the most important is formal training of anesthesiologists in the area of communication, leadership and business management. The Department of Anesthesiology at Montefiore Medical Center has developed and implemented a four step approach to a resident's education in perioperative management. The FIRST step is offered to CA-1 and PGY-1 residents and introduces shared leadership as an effective model for teamwork in the contemporary operating room. The SECOND step enhances the surgical residents' understanding of anesthesiologist's approach to perioperative process. This experience facilitates optimization of the preoperative patient, improves OR efficiency and interpersonal relationships among perioperative staff members. The THIRD step allows CA-3 residents to receive a hands-on experience in managing an operating room's daily activities in real time. Residents become more confident in coordinating the entire perioperative process. The Fourth step is a Perioperative Management Fellowship. It consists of comprehensive training in medico-legal and business aspects of OR/Perioperative management. In its current form, this fellowship is offered exclusively to anesthesiologists, but it is our belief that a unilateral approach to OR management training which fails to incorporate advanced surgical residents will be challenged to reach its most optimal level. This is why it would be ideal to offer the same training in advanced OR management to senior surgical residents.
Robotic Radical Left Nephrectomy With Inferior Vena Cava Level III Thrombectomy.

Introduction and Objective We present our robotic approach and technique to manage a large left renal tumor with inferior vena cava (IVC) Level III thrombus. The superior mesenteric artery crossing the left renal vein requires robotic docking from the left, for dissection of the left kidney followed by repositioning and re-docking the robot from the right side for dissection of the right renal vein, distal and proximal IVC, and the remaining left renal vein insertion into the IVC. Methods We present a 53-year-old man with a 10.9-cm left renal mass with IVC level III tumor thrombus. A robotic left radical nephrectomy with lymph node dissection was completed using 4 ports in a midline configuration. The dissection of the left renal vein was taken medially until the superior mesenteric artery. The patient was then repositioned in the right side flank position and the robot was re-docked using the previously placed midline ports. The right renal vein, distal and proximal IVC were then controlled using modified Rummel tourniquets. Results Operative time was 530 minutes which included patient positioning, robot re-docking. The patient did not require a blood transfusion. Hospital stay was 4 days. Final pathology showed pT3bNoM1 renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type grade 4 with necrosis, and focal rhabdoid features measuring 11 cm. The tumor invaded the renal sinus and the renal vein and was metastatic to the ipsilateral adrenal gland. Margins were negative. Conclusion Herein we present a successful outcome of a left-sided robotic radical nephrectomy with IVC level III tumor thrombectomy.
Charge Transport and Rectification in Donor–Acceptor Dyads

Organic, conjugated donor–acceptor (D–A) systems are essential components of photovoltaic devices. Design and optimization of D–A systems is typically based on trial-and-error experimentation methods that would benefit from fundamental physical insights on structure–function relationships at the molecular level. Here, we implement a nonequilibrium Green’s function methodology at the density functional theory (DFT) level and examine charge-transport and rectification properties of a series of conjugated D–A systems. We investigate 42 molecular junctions formed by D–A dyads bridging model gold electrodes, showing clearly how transport properties are determined by chemical composition, symmetry of frontier orbitals, and molecular conformation. Key properties are compared to experimental data. Notably, an inverse correlation between conductance and rectification is found, with relatively large rectification ratios caused by the asymmetry of frontier orbitals near the Fermi level. We discuss design principles ...
Parasite-altered feeding behavior in insects: integrating functional and mechanistic research frontiers

Research on parasite-altered feeding behavior in insects is contributing to an emerging literature that considers possible adaptive consequences of altered feeding behavior for the host or the parasite. Several recent ecoimmunological studies show that insects can adaptively alter their foraging behavior in response to parasitism. Another body of recent work shows that infection by parasites can change the behavior of insect hosts to benefit the parasite; manipulations of host feeding behavior may be part of this phenomenon. Here, we address both the functional and the underlying physiological frontiers of parasite-altered feeding behavior in order to spur research that better integrates the two. Functional categories of parasite-altered behavior that are adaptive for the host include prophylaxis, therapy and compensation, while host manipulation is adaptive for the parasite. To better understand and distinguish prophylaxis, therapy and compensation, further study of physiological feedbacks affecting host sensory systems is especially needed. For host manipulation in particular, research on mechanisms by which parasites control host feedbacks will be important to integrate with functional approaches. We see this integration as critical to advancing the field of parasite-altered feeding behavior, which may be common in insects and consequential for human and environmental health.
Relative infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi in Lewis rats by various routes of inoculation.

Various routes of Borrelia burgdorferi infection were studied in laboratory rats. Three-week-old Lewis rats were inoculated either intradermally (i.d.), intraperitoneally (i.p.), or oronasally (o.n.) with serial 10-fold dilutions of B. burgdorferi. Thirty days later, groups of rats were killed and serology, splenic culture, and histology were used to evaluate infection. Rats were successfully infected i.d. with 10(2-4) organisms or i.p. with 10(4-5) organisms. Neither three-day-old nor three-week-old rats were successfully infected o.n. with up to 10(6) organisms. For contact transmission, three-day-old or three-week-old inoculated rats were housed with unexposed littermates for 30 days. Inoculated rats became infected but contact rats remained free of infection. To study in utero transmission, five pregnant female Lewis rats were inoculated i.p. with 10(6) spirochetes at four days gestation. Although adult females seroconverted or had positive splenic cultures at 20 days gestation, the placentas and fetuses were uniformly culture-negative. Venereal transmission from seven infected females or six infected males to uninfected rats of the opposite sex was not demonstrated.
The influence of query interface design on decision-making performance

Managers in modern organizations are confronted with ever-increasing volumes of information that they must evaluate when making a decision. Data warehousing and data mining technologies have given managers a number of valuable tools that can help them store, retrieve, and analyze information contained in large databases; however, maximizing user performance with these tools remains a challenge for information systems professionals. One important and under-explored aspect of the effectiveness of these tools is the design of the query interface. In this study, we compared the use of visual and text-based interfaces on both low and high complexity tasks. Results demonstrated that decision maker performance was more accurate using the text-based interface when task complexity was low; however, decision makers using the visual interface performed better when task complexity was high. In addition, decision makers' subjective mental workload was significantly lower when using the visual interface, regardless of task complexity. In contrast to expectations, less time was needed to make a decision on low complexity tasks when using the visual interface, but those results were reversed under conditions of high task complexity. These results have important implications for the design of managerial decision-making systems, particularly in complex decision-making environments.
PROTECT in the Ports of Boston, New York and Beyond: Experiences in Deploying Stackelberg Security Games with Quantal Response

The global need for security of key infrastructure with limited resources has led to significant interest in research conducted in multiagent systems towards game-theory for real-world security. As reported previously at AAMAS, three applications based on Stackelberg games have been transitioned to real-world deployment. This includes ARMOR, used by the Los Angeles International Airport to randomize checkpoints of roadways and canine patrols [16]; IRIS, which helps the US Federal Air Marshal Service [22] in scheduling air marshals on international flights; and GUARDS [17], which is under evaluation by the US Transportation Security Administration to allocate resources for airport protection. We as a community remain in the early stages of these deployments, and must continue to develop our understanding of core principles of innovative applications of game theory for security.
Liposome structure and defects

Etablissement de la structure de liposomes individuels d'amphiphiles biologiques et synthetiques, structure sous forme de «cyclides de Dupin» plutot que de spheres concentriques. Formation de dislocations coin a partir de paires de declinaisons de force ±1/2 qui sont des defauts de cristaux liquides. Pas de trace de dislocation vis
Current state of evidence of cannabis utilization for treatment of autism spectrum disorders

The core symptoms and co-morbidities associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect daily living and quality of life. Existing pharmacological interventions are only able to attenuate some related symptoms but are unable to address the underlying etiologies associated with ASD. Anecdotal evidence, which claims benefit from the use of cannabis to treat symptoms among this population, has been gaining popularity as families seek solutions. This paper analyzed recent peer-reviewed literature to identify the current state of evidence regarding cannabis use for the ASD population. Systematic reviews, reports, and experimental studies were assessed to understand the current extent and nature of the evidence on the risks and benefits of cannabis use for ASD. At this time, three large-scale clinical trials are currently at varying stages of progress and publication of results. Only five small studies were identified that have specifically examined cannabis use in ASD. Given the sparse state of evidence directly assessed in this population, studies which examined effects of cannabis on shared pathological symptoms of ASD such as hyperactivity, sleep disorders, self-injury, anxiety, behavioral problems, and communication were also reviewed. Studies revealed mixed and inconclusive findings of cannabis effects for all conditions, except epilepsy. Adverse outcomes were also reported, which included severe psychosis, increased agitation, somnolence, decreased appetite, and irritability. In addition, a wide range of cannabis compositions and dosage were identified within the studies, which impact generalizability. There is currently insufficient evidence for cannabis use in ASD, which creates an urgent need for additional large-scale controlled studies to increase understanding of risks and benefits and also to examine the impact of “entourage effects.” This will support discussions of treatment options between health care providers and ASD patients and their families. Evidence may lead to a desired new line of treatment or prevent adverse outcomes from unsubstantiated use amongst families aiming for symptom reduction.
Baseline tubular biomarkers in young adults with congenital heart disease as compared to healthy young adults: Detecting subclinical kidney injury.

Background There are significant implications for kidney disease in young adults with congenital heart disease. Prior investigations have not focused on the use of urinary tubular biomarkers for the early identification of kidney disease in this growing patient group. Objective Determine if young adults with congenital heart disease have differences in the baseline concentration of urinary tubular biomarkers when compared to healthy young adults. Design/methods In a pilot case control study, 30 patients from 18 to 35 years of age with congenital heart disease and a normal serum creatinine were recruited during a routine follow-up visit. In the same age group, 30 control subjects without history of heart or kidney disease were recruited. Urine samples were obtained to measure beta 2-microglobin, alpha 1-microglobin, N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase, liver fatty acid binding protein, kidney injury molecule-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2. Comparisons were done using Wilcoxon rank-sum or Fisher's exact test. Results No study participants had proteinuria on urine dipstick. Median concentrations of kidney injury molecule-1 were higher (P = .01) and concentrations of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (P = .001) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (P = .009) were lower in the subjects with congenital heart disease when compared to the control subjects. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the other biomarkers. Conclusion Our data suggest that young adults with congenital heart disease may have subclinical kidney dysfunction. Lower levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 may indicate an impaired ability to respond to injury, while higher levels of kidney injury molecule-1 may reflect early tubular injury.
Re-searching spirituality and culture: Transformative pilgrimage learning and living answers into Big Questions

This article explores the notion of transformative pilgrimage learning and what it might mean to deal with the Big Questions of life – such as who we are and what we are doing on the planet – in li...
Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Microinvasive Breast Cancer.

Microinvasive ductal carcinoma (DCISM), defined as DCIS with a focus of invasive carcinoma ≤ 1 mm, can be managed similarly to pure DCIS; however, management of the axilla in DCISM has been a subject of debate. Reports in the literature differ on the utility and necessity of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for DCISM. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for nodal disease in patients with DCISM, which can help develop a selective approach to SLNB in this patient population. The National Cancer Database was used to select patients with DCISM (pT1mi), diagnosed from 2012 to 2015, who underwent SLNB. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine associations between sentinel lymph node metastasis and relevant clinical variables. Our cohort comprised of 2609 patients with pT1mi who underwent SLNB. Of these, 76 (2.9%) were found to have sentinel lymph node metastases on final pathology. Low/intermediate grade tumors were associated with decreased SLN metastasis (OR 0.50, CI 0.28–0.92). Age and receptor status of the tumor did not have a clear association in predicting SLN metastases. The rate of sentinel node metastases in DCISM is low at only 2.9% in this national study. Tumor grade was identified as influencing the risk of SLN metastases. This information can factor into shared decision-making for SLNB in patients with DCISM.
Theoretical description of the preferential hydrolytic deamination of cytosine over adenine

Abstract It has been shown experimentally that the hydrolytic deamination of cytosine in single-stranded DNA occurs significantly more frequently than that of adenine, despite similarities in their structure. To provide insight into this difference, we compute mechanisms for these reactions at the ω B97X-D/pcseg-2 level of theory, and we include quantum tunneling effects of nuclei. We calculate an activation energy of 117.9 kJ/mol for the deamination of cytosine in the presence of three water molecules, and we calculate 147.1 kJ/mol for the analogous process with adenine. The rate-determining step for both cytosine and adenine deamination is the final hydrogen transfer from a water molecule to the amine which results in the formation of ammonia. Tunneling effects lowered the activation energy by only 1–2 kJ/mol, indicating that tunneling of nuclei does not play a significant role in these processes despite the prevalence of hydrogen-transfer steps.
Jazz and the Disconnected: City Structural Disconnectedness and the Emergence of a Jazz Canon, 1897–1933

The study of organizations and markets suffers from the underdevelopment of disconnected producers. This article emphasizes the imputed identities of sources to argue that difficult-to-categorize outputs were appealing when associated with a source high in disconnectedness. Worldwide data on recordings and mobility with detailed data on Midwest recordings provide evidence that jazz from cities high in disconnectedness was rerecorded more often by musicians over time. Moreover, recordings with difficult-to-categorize elements were more likely to be rerecorded when coming from cities high in disconnectedness, despite evidence that original music was paradoxically less likely to come from these cities.
Youth mental health service preferences and utilization patterns among Latinx caregivers

Abstract Latinx caregivers underutilize traditional youth mental health services (MHS) relative to their White counterparts. Disparities may be explained by barriers preventing engagement in traditional MHS. A potential mismatch between available services and preferred culturally appropriate healing practices may also contribute to treatment disparities. The current study examined Latinx caregivers’ perceived need for and utilization of support services in relation to family characteristics, youth problem-type, and barriers to care. Findings were contextualized by assessing caregiver preferences for addressing youth psychopathology. The study consisted of 598 Latinx caregivers from across the United States. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to conduct exploratory analyses. The most frequently used sources of support for youths were medical doctors, school professionals, family or friends, psychological counseling or therapy, and parenting classes. Caregiver perceived need for and utilization of services was generally greater among youths with clinically elevated internalizing or externalizing problems. While Latinx caregivers report needing and utilizing a variety of services to address youth psychopathology, they frequently ranked psychological counseling as their most preferred format. Problem-specific service need and utilization was found for medical (i.e., clinical internalizing problems) and religious services (i.e., minister or faith healer; clinical externalizing problems). Youth and family characteristics and barriers to care were differentially associated with service need and utilization across formats. Our findings suggest a need to increase access to youth psychological counseling services among Latinxs and highlight additional avenues for integrating MHS into formats that caregivers frequently report needing and utilizing.
AI Technologies and Accountability in Digital Health

How to build an ecosystem of trust in digital health? The availability of large amounts of personal data, from multimodal sources, combined with AI and ML capacities, Internet of Things and strong computational platforms have the potential to transform healthcare systems in a disruptive way. The emergence of personalized medicine offers opportunities and raises new legal, ethical and societal challenges. A silent transformation towards a data-driven preventive and personalized medicine may improve diagnosis and therapies while reducing the cost of public health policy. In order to build an ecosystem of trust, the risks of harm and misuses such as data breaches, privacy issues, discrimination, eugenics must be addressed. This chapter presents the disruptive nature of AI and ML technologies in healthcare, and makes specific recommendations to build a trustworthy digital health system. Special attention is given to the governance of AI systems by international institutions (EU Proposal on AI Regulation, OECD, Council of Europe, etc) but also on key principles like transparency, accountability and decision-making processes in a medical context. We will first identify the key parameters to advance the field of digital health in a responsible way. Secondly, we propose possible solutions to shape a sound policy in digital health taking into account a rights-based governance framework. The last part of the chapter will be dedicated to the accountability scheme.
ALMP: a shifting memory architecture for loop pipelining

A multiprocessor architecture called ALMP, which specifically suits loop pipelining, is proposed. The processors in ALMP work like machines in an assembly line in a plant. An assembly line scheduling method (ALMap) has also been developed. ALMP enables processors to communicate with each other through memory modules that shift from processor to processor as if they are on a conveyor belt. The scheduling method is briefly described, and architectural issues are examined. >
The Dynamic Production Axioms and System Dynamics Behaviors: The Foundation for Future Integration

Realistically, organizational and/or system performance is dynamic and non-linear. However, in the efficiency literature, system performance is frequently evaluated considering linear combinations of the input/output variables and without explicitly taking into account the causes of efficiency behavior nor the dynamic behavior of systems. Policy decisions based on these results may be sub-optimized because the non-linear relationships among variables, causal relationships, and feedback mechanisms are ignored. This research takes the initial step of evaluating system performance in a dynamic environment, by relating the factors that effect system performance to the policies that govern it. To accomplish this, this paper extends the concepts of the static production axioms into a dynamic realm, where inputs are not instantaneously converted into outputs. The relationships of these new dynamic production axioms to the basic behaviors associated with system dynamics structures are explored.
A Framework for Spatial Predictive Query Processing and Visualization

This demo presents the Panda system for efficient support of a wide variety of predictive spatio-temporal queries. These queries are widely used in several applications including traffic management, location-based advertising, and store finders. Panda targets long-term query prediction as it relies on adapting a long-term prediction function to: (a) scale up to large number of moving objects, and (b) support predictive queries. Panda does not only aim to predict the query answer, but, it also aims to predict the incoming queries such that parts of the query answer can be precomputed before the query arrival. Panda maintains a tunable threshold that achieves a trade-off between the predictive query response time and the system overhead in precomputing the query answer. Equipped with a Graphical User Interface (GUI), audience can explore the Panda demo through issuing predictive queries over a moving set of objects on a map. In addition, they are able to follow the execution of such queries through an eye on the Panda execution engine.