cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Control of Open-Channel Flow Using Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis

An optimal flow control methodology based on adjoint sensitivity analysis for controlling nonlinear open channel flows with complex geometries is presented. The adjoint equations, derived from the nonlinear Saint-Venant equations, are generally capable of evaluating the time-dependent sensitivities with respect to a variety of control variables under complex flow conditions and cross-section shapes. The internal boundary conditions of the adjoint equations at a confluence (junction) derived by the variational approach make the flow control model applicable to solve optimal flow control problems in a channel network over a watershed. As a result, an optimal flow control software package has been developed, in which two basic modules, i.e., a hydrodynamic module and a bound constrained optimization module using the limited-memory quasi-Newton algorithm, are integrated. The effectiveness and applicability of this integrated optimal control tool are demonstrated thoroughly by implementing flood diversion controls in rivers, from one reach with a single or multiple floodgates (with or without constraints), to a channel network with multiple floodgates. This new optimal flow control model can be generally applied to make optimal decisions in real-time flood control and water resource management in a watershed.
Implications and cost of pancreatic leak following distal pancreatic resection.

Objectives Pancreatic stump leak (PL) after elective distal pancreatic resection significantly impacts cost and increases subsequent health care resource utilization. We sought to provide an economic framework for potential interventions aimed at reducing its occurrence. Design Retrospective case series and economic evaluation. Setting University-affiliated, tertiary care referral center. Patients Sixty-six patients undergoing elective distal pancreatectomy. Main Outcome Measures Postoperative complications; hospital and professional costs. Results Overall postoperative morbidity occurred in 34 patients (52%) with no deaths. The total number of patients with complications directly related to PL was 22 (33%). The mean ± SD number of total hospital days for the no-PL group was 5.2 ± 1.7 days (range, 3-12 days) vs 16.6 ± 14.6 days (range, 4-49 days) for the PL group ( P = .001). The average patient with PL-related problems incurred a total cost that was 2.01 times greater than the average patient in the no-PL group. A decision analytic model developed to evaluate threshold costs showed that a hypothetical intervention designed to reduce the complication rate of distal pancreatectomy by one third would be financially justifiable up to a cost of $1418 per patient. Conclusions Complications derived from PL following distal pancreatectomy double the cost and dramatically increase health care resource utilization. There is an urgent need to develop strategies that reduce the incidence of this common complication. Interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of PL should take into account this cost differential. We provide an economic model to serve as a guide for developing these technologies.
GENERAL ANAESTHETIC MODIFICATION OF SYNAPTIC FACILITATION AND LONG-TERM POTENTIATION IN HIPPOCAMPUS

The synaptic integrative properties of facilitation and potentiation are important determinants of cortical neurone excitability. The present study measured the effects of halothane and methoxy-flurane on synaptic facilitation, paired-pulse potentiation, and long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA 1 pyramidal neurones of rat hippocampal slices. Methoxyflurane 0.16vol% and halothane 1.2 vol% depressed population spike amplitudes by approximately 100%, but halothane did so with relatively little ( r = 0.92); methoxyflurane did not block LTP. The results suggest that these agents affect cortical excitability by multiple actions, the distribution of actions being specific to each agent.
Antagonizing cAMP-dependent protein kinase A in the dorsal CNS activates a conserved Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a significant role in defining the polarity of a variety of tissue types along the anterior/posterior and dorsal/ventral axes in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. The pathway through which Hh transduces its signal is still obscure, however, recent data have implicated the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A as a negative regulator of the Hh signal transduction pathway. One of the vertebrate Hh family members, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), can induce ventral neural cell types both in vivo and in vitro; high concentrations induce floor plate and lower concentrations motor neurons. To investigate whether PKA plays an active role in the suppression of ventral neural differentiation, we generated transgenic embryos expressing a dominant negative form of PKA (dnPKA) in primarily dorsal aspects of the mouse CNS. Similar to our earlier results with Shh, we observed the induction of floor plate and motor neuron markers in embryos expressing the dominant negative PKA transgene and the loss of dorsal gene expression at rostral levels. Thus suppression of PKA activity is sufficient to activate targets of the Shh signaling pathway in the vertebrate CNS suggesting that induction of ventral cell types occurs via the antagonistic action of Shh on PKA activity. Two mammalian target genes that are strongly expressed in ectopic dorsal locations in response to dnPKA are Ptc and Gli. As both of these are targets of Drosophila Hh signaling, our data point to an evolutionary conservation in both the mechanisms of signaling and the effectors of the signaling pathway.
Quantum Yang-Mills-Weyl Dynamics in the Schrödinger paradigm

Inspired by F. Wilczek’s QCD Lite, quantum Yang-Mills-Weyl Dynamics (YMWD) describes quantum interaction between gauge bosons (associated with a simple gauge group $$\mathbb{G}$$ ) and larks (massless chiral fields charged by an irreducible unitary representation of $$\mathbb{G}$$ ). Schrodinger representation of this quantum Yang-Mills-Weyl theory is based on a sesqui-holomorphic operator calculus of infinite-dimensional operators with variational derivatives. The spectrum of quantum YMWD in a compact bag is a sequence of eigenvalues convergent to +∞. The eigenvalues have finite multiplicities with respect to a von Neumann algebra with a regular trace. The spectrum is inversely proportional to the square of the running coupling constant. The rigorous mathematical theory is nonperturbative with a running coupling constant as the only ad hoc parameter. The application of the first mathematical principles is based on the properties of the compact simple Lie group $$\mathbb{G}$$ .
Symmetry constraints for feedforward network models of gradient systems

This paper concerns the use of a priori information on the symmetry of cross differentials available for problems that seek to approximate the gradient of a differentiable function. We derive the appropriate network constraints to incorporate the symmetry information, show that the constraints do not reduce the universal approximation capabilities of feedforward networks, and demonstrate how the constraints can improve generalization. >
The California School Psychologist becomes Contemporary School Psychology: CSP Continues to Link Theory and Practice

This first volume of Contemporary School Psychology marks yet another important milestone in the efforts of the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) to provide its members and the profession with timely and practical scholarship. As we celebrate this accomplishment, it is important to acknowledge that this inaugural issue builds on the significant accomplishments of The California School Psychologist and the work of past editors and associate editors Shane Jimerson, Michael Furlong, Brent Duncan, Stephen Brock, Kristin Powers and Marilyn Wilson. Their efforts have provided the foundation on which this inaugural issue of Contemporary School Psychology builds. In June of 2010, the current editorial team, Kelly Kennedy, Brian Leung and I, proposed that CASP change the name of The California School Psychologist to Contemporary School Psychology. The goal was to give the journal a name that would both reflect its breadth of scholarship - many authors outside of California have often contributed articles - and enhance the ability of the journal to attract high quality scholarship from a wider pool of authors. Ultimately, this is in service of the journal's prime goal of continuing to be, as Shane Jimerson put it in his introduction to the 2009 issue of the California School Psychologist, an "...invaluable resource for faculty, students, and practitioners in school psychology across the state of California." (Jimerson, 2009, p.3). Our new name communicates our commitment to continue this tradition and our aspiration to become a valuable resource for faculty, students, and practitioners nationwide. Contemporary School Psychology is devoted to current issues in school psychology with the goal of publishing high-quality articles that make explicit the connection between theory and practice. The journal seeks to provide a venue for articles that: (1) critically review research on topics of general interest to school psychologists nationwide, (2) report research relevant to practicing school psychologists, (3) present promising practices or programs that address the needs of children and youth, and (4) critically reflect on the profession of school psychology and the challenges faced by the profession. As before, the intent of the journal is to highlight the diversity of viewpoints in the field and of the students, parents, and communities we serve. This first issue of Contemporary School Psychology begins with a special topic section that includes five articles that address innovative applications of a public health approach to school psychology practice. These innovations include how directors of special education view Response to Intervention (RtI) at the secondary level, applications of RtI to promoting mental health and positive behavior, prevention and treatment of selective mutism, and applications of a problem-solving model to struggling readers who need intense interventions. …
Evolution of Tertiary Mammals of North America. Volume 1: Terrestrial Carnivores, Ungulates, and Ungulatelike Mammals

C. M. Janis, K. M. Scott, L. L. Jacobs (eds.). 1998. Evolution of Tertiary Mammals of North America. Volume 1: Terrestrial Carnivores, Ungulates, and Ungulatelike Mammals. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 691 pp. ISBN 0-521-35519-2, price (hardback), $260.00. This book has undertaken a huge task, that of bringing order to the information available for the diverse assemblage of terrestrial mammals that appeared, diversified, and sometimes became extinct over the last 65 million years. The editors' goal did not stop there, however. This book goes further, providing similar kinds of information for each taxon in a similar format. Having chapters contributed by researchers specializing in each group ensures thoroughness of coverage, up-to-date citation of the pertinent primary literature, and the most contemporary interpretations of evolutionary patterns among the taxa. The introductory chapters of Part I serve well to set the stage of the evolution of Tertiary mammals. It is critical in an attempt to understand the biology of a species, and even more so for a lineage, whether living or extinct, to know at least basic data about conditions that drove their selection. Each of the factors covered in Chapter 1, chronologic, climatic, and paleogeographic, adds depth to biologic interpretations. With the addition of Chapter 2, discussing the vegetation of the North American Tertiary, the context essential to explaining why Tertiary mammals evolved in directions revealed by the fossil record is presented. Chapter 3 demonstrates how these different kinds of information can be used to interpret North American faunal assemblages. Even more importantly, this chapter places animals and their ecologies in a climatic framework, simplifying the understanding of how natural selection pressures are correlated with those of climatic change. Although the chapters on each …
A Comparison of Perceived Stress Levels and Coping Styles of Non-traditional Graduate Students in Distance Learning Versus On-campus programs

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in perceived stress and coping styles among non-traditional graduate students in both on-campus and distance-learning programs. The study employed a quantitative causal-comparative design that involved collecting survey data. The sample consisted of 36 non-traditional graduate students who enrolled in distance learning classes along with 36 non-traditional students attending traditional on-campus courses in a graduate program. For statistical analyses, t-test and multiple linear regressions were conducted to simultaneously assess the effects of group membership and all demographic variables on each of the dependent variables (stress level and coping style). An alpha level of .05 was used to test statistical significance. Overall, there is no significant difference between the coping styles and the perceived stress levels of non-traditional graduate students who enrolled in distance-learning and on-campus programs.
An entropy-based evaluation method for knowledge bases of medical information systems

Development of an entropy-based evaluation method to evaluate ontology strength.Evaluation an ontological semantic ontology using the evaluation method.Evaluation of the backbone of the UMLS with this method. In this paper we introduce a method to develop knowledge bases for medical decision support systems, with a focus on evaluating such knowledge bases. Departing from earlier efforts with concept maps, we developed an ontological-semantic knowledge base and evaluated its information content using the metrics we have developed, and then compared the results to the UMLS backbone knowledge base. The evaluation method developed uses information entropy of concepts, but in contrast to previous approaches normalizes it against the number of relations to evaluate the information density of knowledge bases of varying sizes. A detailed description of the knowledge base development and evaluation is discussed using the underlying algorithms, and the results of experimentation of the methods are explained. The main evaluation results show that the normalized metric provides a balanced method for assessment and that our knowledge base is strong, despite having fewer relationships, is more information-dense, and hence more useful. The key contributions in the area of developing expert systems detailed in this paper include: (a) introduction of a normalized entropy-based evaluation technique to evaluate knowledge bases using graph theory, (b) results of the experimentation of the use of this technique on existing knowledge bases.
Herbicide residues in soils and their phytotoxicities to crops grown in rotations

Herbicide residues in soils pose four potential problems or hazards:(1) injury to sensitive plants grown in rotations with sprayed crops, (2) accumulation of residues from application rates which exceed rates of dissipation, (3) unlawful residues in crops grown in rotations with treated crops, and (4) inhibition of beneficial soil microorganisms. The purpose of this review is to assess hazards of persistence and accumulation of herbicides in soils and to discuss phytotoxicity of herbicides to crops in rotation systems.
Biological Roots of Ethical Principles

In his exciting if controversial book “Chance and Necessity,” Jacques Monod suggested that an important source of ethical values was what he called the “Ethics of Knowledge,” that is, the commitment to the scientific exploration of natural phenomena. This suggestion was made within the intellectual framework of an existential ethics that denies the existence of absolute, ultimate values. In this framework, values are not given but chosen, partly consciously, partly unconsciously, and are adhered to or modified or abandoned in the continuing effort of each individual to create a moral identity ‐‐ what we may call a moral self. In this light, the ethics of knowledge is the commitment to face factual reality as intelligently as possible ‐‐ essentially, the value of intellectual integrity.
The New Nexus

United States asylum law provides protection to individuals fleeing their home countries due to “persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.” While significant scholarly and judicial attention has been paid to the interpretations of the five grounds — in particular to the “political opinion” and “particular social group” categories as they pertain to gender-based claims and claims involving private harms — relatively little debate has focused on the proper formulation of the “on account of,” or “nexus,” requirement. Yet, scant guidance exists (whether by statute, regulation, or case law) as to the standards that should apply when determining whether causation has been established. This Article argues that the lack of guidance has led to an improper focus on the intent or motivation of the persecutor (as opposed to the status of the victim), as well as inconsistent interpretation of the requirement, in large part to the detriment of applicants seeking protection from gender-based persecution or other private harms.The Article further argues that a new nexus formulation in refugee law is sorely needed, and that the standard that should apply in most cases is the “but-for” standard commonly used in tort law and sometimes used in United States anti-discrimination law.In making the argument that but-for causation should be applied in refugee law, the Article examines the current analysis of the nexus requirement in several different contexts: forced sterilization, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, trafficking, forced marriage, religion, homosexuality, gangs, and membership in a family. The Article concludes that application of the but-for standard would lead to more consistent and fair results in the adjudication of refugee claims. It further concludes that shifting the focus from the intent of the persecutor to the status of the victim more effectively carries out the goal of refugee law: to provide surrogate protection to individuals who face persecution because of a characteristic they cannot or should not be required to change and who are unable to receive protection from their home countries.
Incentives, Quality, and Risks: A Look Into the NSF Proposal Review Pilot

The National Science Foundation (NSF) will be exper- imenting with a new distributed approach to reviewing proposals, whereby a group of principal investigators (PIs) or proposers in a subfield act as reviewers for the proposals submitted by the same set of PIs. To encourage honesty, PIs chances for getting funded are tied to the quality of their reviews (with respect to the reviews provided by the entire group), in addition to the quality of their proposals. Intuitively, this approach can more fairly distribute the review workload, discourage frivolous proposal submission, and encourage high quality reviews. On the other hand, this method has already raised concerns about the integrity of the process and the possibility of strategic manipulation. In this paper, we take a closer look at three specific issues in an attempt to gai n a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of the new process beyond first impressions and anecdotal evidence . We start by considering the benefits and drawbacks of bundling the quality of PIs reviews with the scientific merit of their prop osals. We then consider the issue of collusion and favoritism. Finally, we examine whether the new process puts controversial proposals at a disadvantage. We conclude that some benefits of using revie w quality as an incentive mechanism may outweigh its drawbacks. On the other hand, even a coalition of two PIs can cause signifi cant harm to the process, as the built-in incentives are not strong enough to deter collusion. While we also confirm the common suspicion that the process is skewed toward non-controversial proposals, the more unexpected finding is that among equally controversial proposals, those of lower quality get a leg up through this process. Thus the process not only favors non-controversial proposals, but in some sense, mediocrity. We also discuss possible ways to improve this review process.
Topology implications in cyber-physical software-defined optical transmission networks

We identify logical topologies for software-defined optical transmission control plane that reduce cascading failures due to cyber-physical interdependency, taking into account the significance of optical layer agility.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Central Neurocytoma (P3.274)

Objective: To describe clinical outcomes in patients with central neurocytoma at a tertiary hospital. Background: Central neurocytomas are uncommon primary tumors that occur in extraventricular or intraventricular locations. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective review of clinical records of 13 patients with central neurocytoma managed at a tertiary hospital from 1997-2015. Results: The median age of diagnosis was 22.8 years (range 18.6 - 60.1). Eleven tumors were intraventricular and two were extraventricular. Headaches were the most common clinical presentation (84.6[percnt]). Focal neurologic deficits occurred in 7.7[percnt] of patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 53.8[percnt] of patients and sub-total resection in 38.5[percnt]. Among the population where a MIB-1 index was obtained, 66.7[percnt] had an elevated index > 3[percnt]. 30.8[percnt] of patients had post-operative, focal neurological deficits including hemiparesis. In this population, 23.1[percnt] of patients progressed with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 13.6 months. All patients with progressive disease underwent subsequent resection, followed by proton beam radiation. 76.9[percnt] of patients have been recurrence-free with median PFS of 110 months. Conclusions: Central neurocytomas are slow-growing tumors with low rates of recurrence. Genomic characterization of these tumors is needed to identify the molecular features that correlate with recurrence. Disclosure: Dr. Chukwueke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Batchelor has received personal compensation for activities with Merck, Roche, Foundation Medicine, Proximagen/Upsher, Oxigene, Oakstone Publishing, Champtions Biotechnology as a presenter, consultant and lecturer. Dr. Batchelor has received personal Dr. Brastianos has nothing to disclose.
Reduction of Normal Flora by Irradiation and Its Effect on the Ability of Listeria monocytogenes to Multiply on Ground Turkey Stored at 7°C When Packaged under a Modified Atmosphere†

Listeria monocytogenes did not multiply faster during storage at 7°C on irradiated than on nonirradiated raw ground turkey, and there was a concentration-dependent inhibition of its multiplication by CO2. Ground turkey was gamma irradiated at 5°C to 0, 1.5, and 2.5 kGy and inoculated (∼100 CFU/g) after irradiation with a cocktail of L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, 15313, 49594, and 43256. The meat was then packaged in air-permeable pouches or under atmospheres containing 30 or 53% CO2, 19% O2, and 51 or 24% N2 and stored at 7°C for up to 28 days. A dose of 2.5 kGy extended the time for the total plate count (TPC) to reach 107 CFU/g from 4 to 19 days compared to that for nonirradiated turkey in air-permeable pouches. Following a dose of 2.5 kGy at the end of the 28-day study, the TPCs were 106.42 and 104.98 under 25% and 50% CO2 atmospheres, respectively. Under air, 30% CO2, and 53% CO2 atmospheres, the populations of L. monocytogenes after 19 days incubation were 104.89, 103.60, and 102.67 CFU/g. The populati...
Direct time-domain observation of attosecond final-state lifetimes in photoemission from solids

Attosecond spectroscopic techniques have made it possible to measure differences in transport times for photoelectrons from localized core levels and delocalized valence bands in solids. We report the application of attosecond pulse trains to directly and unambiguously measure the difference in lifetimes between photoelectrons born into free electron-like states and those excited into unoccupied excited states in the band structure of nickel (111). An enormous increase in lifetime of 212 ± 30 attoseconds occurs when the final state coincides with a short-lived excited state. Moreover, a strong dependence of this lifetime on emission angle is directly related to the final-state band dispersion as a function of electron transverse momentum. This finding underscores the importance of the material band structure in determining photoelectron lifetimes and corresponding electron escape depths.
Ecosystem structure and function in two branches of an eastern Minnesota, USA, trout stream

ABSTRACTAmong freshwater systems, coldwater habitats are among the most threatened by climate change. Examining the impacts of increasing water temperature requires the use of both traditional biomonitoring efforts and measures of ecosystem function and structure. We examined fish and macroinvertebrate communities, leaf decomposition rates, periphyton production, and ecosystem metabolism to compare two branches of a trout stream in Minnesota with differing thermal regimes. The cooler South Branch had more coldwater fish, a higher index of biological integrity for fish but a lower index for macroinvertebrates. There were no differences in leaf decomposition rates between branches, although non-native buckthorn leaves decomposed faster than native black cherry leaves. Periphyton production was higher in the North Branch than the South Branch. Both branches had high nitrogen but low phosphorus levels. Nutrient enrichment with phosphorus enhanced periphyton production in both branches. Measures of stream meta...
Rhabdovirus Cytopathology: Effects on Cellular Macromolecular Synthesis

Viruses belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae are widely distributed throughout the animal and plant kingdoms and cause severe diseases in mammals, fish, and plants. The economic impact of the rhabdovirus diseases of plants and fish are quite considerable. The major diseases of mammals are vesicular stomatitis of cattle and swine with man as in incidental host and rabies, which affects domestic and wild mammals and is an ancient scourge of man. The rhabdoviruses generally cause acute infections but can persist under certain conditions for long periods (Wagner et al., 1963; Youngner and Preble, 1980; Holland et al., 1980). Rabies and possibly other rhabdoviruses of mammals have a particular predilection for infection of the central nervous system (Murphy, 1977). Two extremely virulent viruses of man, Marburg and Ebola viruses, which cause almost uniformly fatal infections, are similar in many respects to rhabdoviruses but may eventually be classified in a separate family (Kiley et al. 1982).
A methodology for determining proper institutionalization of an expert system within an organization

The model and methodology presented should prove useful in assessing whether an expert system is ready for deployment. The criteria provided by this model are important factors in considering proper expert system institutionalization. These factors should be considered when planning the expert system's development. For example, the skills of the person or group performing the maintenance of the expert system may affect the selection and ease of use of the expert system shell, if applicable. Additionally, if a shell is used, distribution issues of the expert system should be considered up front in terms of the costs of run-time licenses and other related considerations. >
PANDA: A simple, portable seismic array for local- to regional-scale seismic experiments

Abstract A portable array for numerical data acquisition (PANDA) was designed and built in-house at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), Memphis State University. The design goal was a transportable set of instruments that could record high-quality seismic data. By making modifications to traditional seismic network technology and using a super-microcomputer workstation for digital data acquisition, this array provides a set of reliable and cost-effective instruments for the collection and analysis of high-resolution seismic data. The field equipment and central recording system are designed to overcome several major limitations in existing seismic network technologies, such as low dynamic range, single-component recording, lack of a common time base between stations, topographic constraints in radio telemetry, and lack of field processing capabilities. PANDA overcomes these limitations. To increase the dynamic range and record full three-component data, each PANDA station has six channels divided into two three-component sets. One set is operated at high gain and the other at low gain, giving a minimum of 90 dB dynamic range. Modular design of the PANDA station electronics facilitates field maintenance and also permits the stations to be run in several additional modes (e.g., with both sets of three channels operating at high gain) or with different sensors on each set. Each telemetry link to the central recording site carries data from two stations (12 channels) by repeating data from an “outer” seismic station through an “inner” seismic station and repeater combination. In addition, several repeat-only stations were built. This ability to repeat signals increases the aperture of PANDA to more than 150 km and overcomes topographic limitations on station locations. Other design features include low power consumption, solar power operation, and transmission of daily calibration and diagnostic signals. These features enable the stations to operate unattended for long periods and provide verification of station performance from the central recording site. The central recording system is based on a high-performance super-micro-computer workstation with a 256 channel A/D front end, which allows both real time digital recording with a common time base and immediate processing of the data. A 40-station network with 6 channels per station uses 240 channels, leaving 16 channels for auxiliary inputs such as time codes and spares. PANDA was field tested in the Arkansas earthquake swarm region from October 1986 to April 1987. It was then deployed in San Juan, Argentina, from August 1987 to May 1988, and in Jujuy, Argentina, from September 1988 to May 1989. A total of more than 20,000 earthquakes were recorded during the two Argentina experiments.
Finger tapping impairments are highly sensitive for evaluating upper motor neuron lesions.

Identifying highly sensitive and reliable neurological exam components are crucial in recognizing clinical deficiencies. This study aimed to investigate finger tapping performance differences between patients with CNS demyelinating lesions and healthy control subjects. Twenty-three patients with multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome with infratentorial and/or cervical cord lesions on MRI, and 12 healthy controls were videotaped while tapping the tip of the index finger against the tip and distal crease of the thumb using both the dominant and non-dominant hand. Videos were assessed independently by 10 evaluators (three MS neurologists, four neurology residents, three advanced practice providers). Sensitivity and inter-evaluator reliability of finger tapping interpretations were calculated. A total of 1400 evaluations (four videos per each of the 35 subjects evaluated by 10 independent providers) were obtained. Impairments in finger tapping against the distal thumb crease of the non-dominant hand, identified by neurologists, had the greatest sensitivity (84%, p < 0.001) for detecting impairment. Finger tapping against the thumb crease was more sensitive than the thumb tip across all categories of providers. The best inter-evaluator reliability was associated with neurologists’ evaluations for the thumb crease of the non-dominant hand (kappa = 0.83, p < 0.001). Impaired finger tapping against the distal thumb crease of the non-dominant hand was a more sensitive technique for detecting impairments related to CNS demyelinating lesions. Our findings highlight the importance of precise examinations of the non-dominant side where impaired fine motor control secondary to an upper motor injury might be detectable earlier than the dominant side.
Global volcanic earthquake swarm database and preliminary analysis of volcanic earthquake swarm duration

Global data from 1979 to 1989 pertaining to volcanic earthquake swarms have been compiled into a custom-designed relational database. The database is composed of three sections: 1) a section containing general information on volcanoes, 2) a section containing earthquake swarm data (such as dates of swarm occurrence and durations), and 3) a section containing eruption information. The most abundant and reliable parameter, duration of volcanic earthquake swarms, was chosen for preliminary analysis. The distribution of all swarm durations was found to have a geometric mean of 5.5 days. Precursory swarms were then separated from those not associated with eruptions. The geometric mean precursory swarm duration was 8 days whereas the geometric mean duration of swarms not associated with eruptive activity was 3.5 days. Two groups of precursory swarms are apparent when duration is compared with the eruption repose time. Swarms with durations shorter than 4 months showed no clear relationship with the eruption repose time. However, the second group, lasting longer than 4 months, showed a significant positive correlation with the log10 of the eruption repose period. The two groups suggest that different suites of physical processes are involved in the generation of volcanic earthquake swarms.
The effects of superovulation and reproductive aging on the epigenome of the oocyte and embryo

A societal preference of delaying maternal age at first childbirth has increased reliance on assisted reproductive technologies/therapies (ART) to conceive a child. Oocytes that have undergone physiologic aging (≥35 years for humans) are now commonly used for ART, yet evidence is building that suboptimal reproductive environments associated with aging negatively affect oocyte competence and embryo development-although the mechanisms underlying these relationship are not yet well understood. Epigenetic programming of the oocyte occurs during its growth within a follicle, so the ovarian stimulation protocols that administer exogenous hormones, as part of the first step for all ART procedures, may prevent the gamete from establishing an appropriate epigenetic state. Therefore, understanding how oocyte. Therefore, understanding how hormone stimulation and oocyte physiologic age independently and synergistically physiologic age independently and synergistically affect the epigenetic programming of these gametes, and how this may affect their developmental competence, are crucial to improved ART outcomes. Here, we review studies that measured the developmental outcomes affected by superovulation and aging, focusing on how the epigenome (i.e., global and imprinted DNA methylation, histone modifications, and epigenetic modifiers) of gametes and embryos acquired from females undergoing physiologic aging and exogenous ovarian stimulation is affected.
High Order Conformable Fractional Approximation by Max-Product Operators Using Convexity

Here we consider the approximation of functions by a large variety of Max-Product operators under conformable fractional differentiability and using convexity. These are positive sublinear operators. Our study relies on our general results about positive sublinear operators. We derive Jackson type inequalities under conformable fractional initial conditions and convexity. So our approach is quantitative by obtaining inequalities where their right hand sides involve the modulus of continuity of a high order conformable fractional derivative of the function under approximation. Due to the convexity assumptions our inequalities are compact and elegant with small constants. It follows Anastassiou (Conformable fractional approximations by max-Product operators using convexity, 2017, [5]).
A Random Algorithm for Semidefinite Programming Problems

We introduce a first-order method for solving semidefinite programming problems. This method has low computational complexity per iteration and is easy to implement. In each iteration, it alternates in two steps: gradient-descent to optimize the objective function, and random projection to reduce the infeasibility of the constraints. Due to its low computational complexity per iteration, it can be scaled to large problems. We also prove the algorithm's convergence and demonstrate its performance in numerical examples.
Multimodal neuroimaging study of cerebrovascular disease, amyloid deposition, and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease progression.

Abstract Introduction Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is not currently considered a core pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but mounting evidence suggests that concurrent CVD may exacerbate AD progression. The purpose of this study was first to examine the relationship among amyloid, CVD, and neurodegeneration and second to examine the extent to which amyloid and CVD pathology drive subsequent neurodegeneration over time. Methods Six hundred eight (224 normal controls, 291 mild cognitive impairment, 93 AD) subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative with longitudinal AV45 positron emission tomography imaging and MR imaging were investigated. Results Amyloid and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden increased across clinical diagnosis groups (normal control Discussion CVD and AD may be etiologically independent, but our findings suggest that CVD should be considered explicitly for its effect on AD progression.
Lewis acid-base adducts of zwitterionic alkali metal methanides and silanides with BH3

Abstract The synthesis, structures and spectroscopic properties of M(MeOCH2CH2OMe2Si)3C BH3 (M-1-BH3) and M(MeOCH2CH2OMe2Si)3Si BH3 (M-2-BH3) (M = Li, Na, K) derived from reactions of BH3 with the alkali metal zwitterions [M(MeOCH2CH2OMe2Si)3C] (M-1) and [M(MeOCH2CH2OMe2Si)3Si] (M-2) (M = Li, Na, K), resp., are reported. X-ray analysis and DFT calculations reveal discrete zwitterionic structures with the octahedral alkali metal cations rigidly locked and charge separated from the BH3 units via pendant donors groups. Solution experiments with the hydride acceptors B(C6F5)3 and [Ph3C]2[B12C12] indicate that Na-1-BH3 can donate hydrides to form cations of formula [Na(MeOCH2CH2OMe2Si)3C BH2]+.
Criminal Records, Positive Credentials and Recidivism: Incorporating Evidence of Rehabilitation Into Criminal Background Check Employment Decisions

Decision makers increasingly incorporate “evidence of rehabilitation” into criminal background checks. Positive credentials can decrease criminal record stigma and improve employment outcomes, but ...
On the high-temperature crushing of metal foams

Abstract This work focuses on understanding and quantifying the effect of high temperatures on the compressive response of open-cell aluminum foams. Foam specimens with different cell-size are compressed within an environmental chamber under a range of temperatures 20 °C ≤ T ≤ 300 °C. The localization and evolution of collapse is monitored and analyzed using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and the overall force–displacement response is measured. The results indicate that increasing temperatures significantly affect all mechanical properties of the foam. Both the limit and plateau stresses were found to decrease linearly with temperature. More importantly, their drop does not follow directly with the corresponding one in the base material's yielding stress. The densification strain, that is a measure of the plateau extension, also follows a linear trend albeit in an increasing manner. This increase is attributed to changes of the collapse mechanism, which at high temperatures involves localization in different zones within the foam, as well as increased compaction at the cell-level caused by the base material softening. Finally, we measure the reduction in the strain energy absorption capacity of the foam caused by high temperatures.
The Skene's gland cyst that was not: an atypical presentation of a leiomyoma.

Skene’s glands exist in females as analogous structures to the male prostate. Although their exact purpose remains debated, the current consensus is that these structures both lubricate the urethra...
A 114GHz Biosensor with Integrated Dielectrophoresis for Single Cell Characterization

A 114GHz permittivity biosensor for characterization of single biological cells is demonstrated. Integrated high-voltage (5.4V) dielectrophoresis (DEP) for precise sample positioning enhances the sensitivity. The sensor detects a 0.73% change in the permittivity in a 1 KHz BW and is capable of identifying cells in their different stages of division as well as differentiating various cell lines.
Podocyte NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Formation by Adipokine Visfatin.

Background/aims NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been reported to be an early mechanism responsible for glomerular inflammation and injury in obese mice. However, the precise mechanism of obesity-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains unknown. The present study explored whether adipokine visfatin mediates obesity-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and consequent podocyte injury. Methods Inflammasome formation and immunofluorescence expressions were quantified by confocal microscopy. Caspase-activity, IL-1β production and VEGF concentrations were measured by ELISA. Results Confocal microscopic analysis showed that visfatin treatment increased the colocalization of Nlrp3 with Asc or Nlrp3 with caspase-1 in podocytes indicating the formation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. This visfatin-induced NLRP3 inflammasome formation was abolished by pretreatment of podocytes with Asc siRNA. Correspondingly, visfatin treatment significantly increased the caspase-1 activity and IL-1β production in podocytes, which was significantly attenuated by Asc siRNA transfection. Further RT-PCR and confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that visfatin treatment significantly decreased the podocin expression (podocyte damage). Podocytes pretreatment with Asc siRNA or caspase-1 inhibitor, WEHD attenuated this visfatin-induced podocin reduction. Furthermore, Asc siRNA transfection was found to preserve podocyte morphology by maintaining the distinct arrangement of F-actin fibers normally lost in response to visfatin. It also prevented podocyte dysfunction by restoring visfatin-induced suppression of VEGF production and secretion. Conclusion Visfatin induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation in podocytes and thereby resulting in podocyte injury.
Cold Microscopy Solves Hot Problems in Energy Research.

Many material systems and phenomena elude nano- and atomic-scale characterization through electron microscopy due to the impact of the high energy beam that is employed. Cryogenic microscopy methods pioneered in structural biology offer a way to overcome this limitation by enabling the formation of images with an extremely low dose of electrons using automated data acquisition and advanced detectors. These methods are just beginning to be applied to non-biological materials, and their utility is demonstrated in a pair of recent papers by Cui and colleagues.
A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis of Postoperative Major and Minor Complications in Patients with Spinal Metastatic Disease.

Background Major complications after spine metastasis surgery are prioritized in the literature with little consideration of the more frequent minor events such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection. We analyzed incidence and risk factors of postsurgical complications in patients with spinal metastasis extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). We also developed a useful predictive model to estimate the probability of occurrence of complications. Methods A total of 1176 patients diagnosed with spinal metastasis were extracted from NSQIP. Variables screened included age, sex, tumor location, patient’s functional status, comorbidities, laboratory values, and case urgency. Two multivariate logistic regression models were designed to evaluate risk factors and likelihood of event occurrence. Results Minor events occurred twice as frequently compared with major complications (36% vs. 18% of patients). The most common major event was death (10%); the most frequent minor event was need for postoperative transfusion (29.4%). In the multivariate analysis, elderly age, emergency case, preoperative leukocytosis, and smoking status retained significance for major complications; American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 4–5, low hematocrit levels, and intradural extramedullary location of the tumor retained significance for minor complications. The predictive models designed explained 72% of the variability in major complications occurrence and 67% for minor events. Conclusions Smoking status and emergent surgery were found to be the strongest independent predictors of major complications, whereas higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class showed a greater association with minor events. The predictive models produced can be a useful aid for surgeons to identify those patients who are at greater risk of developing postoperative adverse events.
The Influence of School-Based Family Counseling on Elementary Students and Their Families:

A family counseling intervention grounded in systemic family therapy was conducted in a Title I school-based setting with (N = 48) kindergarten through sixth-grade student-clients and their primary...
PedAMINES: a disruptive mHealth app to tackle paediatric medication errors

Medication errors are among the most common medical adverse events and an important cause of patient morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. This problem is especially acute in paediatric settings, where most drugs given intravenously to children are provided in vials prepared for the adult population. This leads to the need for a specific, individual, weight-based drug-dose calculation and preparation for each child, which varies widely across age groups. This error-prone process places children at a high risk for life-threatening medication errors, particularly in stressful and critical situations, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation. To limit and mitigate the likelihood of their occurrence, hospitals are increasingly adopting eHealth interventions aimed at supporting and securing each individual stage along the whole medication process, but there is mixed evidence regarding their positive contribution. These technologies are helpful as long as they are used within the scope of their application and users are aware of their limitations, as their introduction has sometimes led to new, often unforeseen, types of errors. The aim of the present work is to provide an overview of some of the main eHealth interventions used across the various stages of the medication process and to highlight areas that require attention in order to implement successful digital technologies. More specifically, the contribution of eHealth technologies in paediatrics is discussed, including the out-of-hospital setting, as well as barriers to their implementation in low- and middle-income countries. Finally, we describe our own work in this field with regards to the development and use of an innovative, evidence-based mobile device application (PedAMINES) to address the unmet need of reducing paediatric medication errors, especially during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The PedAMINES app has also the potential to make a very effective contribution to the goals of the Third World Health Organization Global Patient Safety Challenge to reduce severe, avoidable medication-associated harm by 50% in all countries over the next 5 years, including low- and middle-income countries.