cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical absorption and electronic excitations in hydrogenated silicon clusters

The study of electronic excitations in hydrogen terminated silicon clusters is important for understanding the optical properties of confined systems such as quantum dots and porous silicon. Here we calculate the excitation energies and absorption spectra for SinHm clusters using linear response theory within the time-dependent local density approximation (TDLDA). We find the computed excitation energies and photoabsorption gaps agree with available experimental data. The TDLDA optical absorption spectra exhibit a substantial blue shift with respect to the spectra calculated within the time-independent local density approximation. This trend is consistent with other theoretical calculations for excited state properties, such as the Bethe-Salpeter technique.
Directions in Conservation Biology: Comments on Caughley

The recent review by Caughley (1994) on approaches used in conservation biology suggested that there are two: the small population paradigm and the declining population paradigm. We believe that this division is overly simplistic and that it should not be perpetuated. Both the deterministic factors that reduce population size and the stochastic factors that lead to the final extinction of a small population are critical to consider in preventing extinction. Only through an overall and comprehensive effort, which we call inclusive population viability analysis, can extinction processes be understood and mitigated. In this context we discuss Caughley’s comments about genetics, demography, and general population viability, with particular attention to cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus sp.). La revision reciente hecha por Caughley (1994) sobre aproximaciones en la biologia de la conservacion sugiere que existen dos de ellas: El paradigma de la poblacion pequena y el paradigma de la poblacion en disminucion. Sentimos que esta division es demasiado simplista y no deberia ser perpetuada. Tanto los factores deterministicos que reducen el tamano poblacional, como los factores estocatisticos que conducen a la extincion de una poblacion pequena son criticos en la prevencion de su extincion. Unicamente a traves de un esfuerzo general y comprensivo, que incluso llamariamos analisis de viabilidad poblacional, se podran entender los procesos de extincion y ser mitigados. En este contexto, discutimos los comentarios hechos por Caughley sobre genetica, demografia y viabilidad poblacional general con particular atencion en los chitas (Acinonyx jubatus) y el salmon del Pacifico (Oncorhynchus sp.)
Does the covariance structure matter in longitudinal modelling for the prediction of future CD4 counts

We investigate the importance of the assumed covariance structure for longitudinal modelling of CD4 counts. We examine how individual predictions of future CD4 counts are affected by the covariance structure. We consider four covariance structures: one based on an integrated Ornstein-Uhlenbeck stochastic process; one based on Brownian motion, and two derived from standard linear and quadratic random-effects models. Using data from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study and from a simulation study, we show that there is a noticeable deterioration in the coverage rate of confidence intervals if we assume the wrong covariance. There is also a loss in efficiency. The quadratic random-effects model is found to be the best in terms of correctly calibrated prediction intervals, but is substantially less efficient than the others. Incorrectly specifying the covariance structure as linear random effects gives too narrow prediction intervals with poor coverage rates. Fitting using the model based on the integrated Ornstein-Uhlenbeck stochastic process is the preferred one of the four considered because of its efficiency and robustness properties. We also use the difference between the future predicted and observed CD4 counts to assess an appropriate transformation of CD4 counts; a fourth root, cube root and square root all appear reasonable choices.
Impact of aging on the biology of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy; its age-specific incidence profile rises exponentially until menopause and increases more slowly thereafter, reflecting the superimposition of early-onset and late-onset breast cancer rates. While early-onset breast cancers largely represent inherited or early life transforming effects on immature mammary epithelium, late-onset breast cancers likely follow extended exposures to promoting stimuli of susceptible epithelium that has failed to age normally. Among stimuli thought to promote late-onset breast tumorigenesis are the altered extracellular matrix and secreted products of senescent fibroblasts; however, the extent to which these senescent influences exist within the aging breast remains unknown. Clinical observations and biomarker studies indicate that late-onset breast cancers grow more slowly and are biologically less aggressive than early-onset breast cancers, even when controlled for hormone receptor (e.g. estrogen receptor, ER) and growth factor receptor (e.g. HER2) expression, supporting the conclusion that the biology of breast cancer is age-dependent.
Mobile gesture-based iPhone user authentication

Efforts have been made to introduce an extra layer of security on mobile devices, including a good amount of research initiated in the behavioral biometrics domain. However, all prior research approaches for mobile gesture-based authentication has been carried out uni-directionally. Despite of the fact that there are many devices with their own configurations, the study of mobile authentication based on behavioral biometrics has been done only with the Android operating system and devices. In this paper, a novel approach to identifying the owner of a mobile device based on Behavioral Biometrics Mobile Gestures Recognition is presented. This research takes the first step towards implementing behavioral biometrics identification for iOS based iPhone devices. In this research work, it is shown that a user can be identified as the true owner or an imposter of such a device based on the interactive behavior and gestures of the user. In this way continuous identification or authentication of an owner can be done based on the interaction of the user and the device. It is shown that a continuous authentication mechanism can be established using a self-learning model based on machine learning classification approaches such as Random Forests, Gradient Boosting Machine, Deep Learning, and Naive Bayes. The results in this paper show that, with behavioral biometrics, automated user authentication mechanism, EER (Equal Error Rate) can be improved to around 27%, clearly demonstrating that the chances of authenticating the user are good.
Developing an Egyptian Arabic Treebank: Impact of Dialectal Morphology on Annotation and Tool Development

This paper describes the parallel development of an Egyptian Arabic Treebank and a morphological analyzer for Egyptian Arabic (CALIMA). By the very nature of Egyptian Arabic, the data collected is informal, for example Discussion Forum text, which we use for the treebank discussed here. In addition, Egyptian Arabic, like other Arabic dialects, is sufficiently different from Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) that tools and techniques developed for MSA cannot be simply transferred over to work on Egyptian Arabic work. In particular, a morphological analyzer for Egyptian Arabic is needed to mediate between the written text and the segmented, vocalized form used for the syntactic trees. This led to the necessity of a feedback loop between the treebank team and the analyzer team, as improvements in each area were fed to the other. Therefore, by necessity, there needed to be close cooperation between the annotation team and the tool development team, which was to their mutual benefit. Collaboration on this type of challenge, where tools and resources are limited, proved to be remarkably synergistic and opens the way to further fruitful work on Arabic dialects.
Quantitative autoradiography of central beta adrenoceptor subtypes: comparison of the effects of chronic treatment with desipramine or centrally administered l-isoproterenol.

This study compares the regulation of the subtypes of central beta adrenoceptors produced by treatment of rats with desipramine (10 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 10 days) to that caused by central infusion of l-isoproterenol (5 micrograms/hr for 7 days). Beta adrenoceptors were measured by quantitative autoradiography of the binding of [125I]iodopindolol ([125I]IPIN) to coronal sections of rat brain as well as the binding of this radioligand to homogenates of certain areas of brain. Administration of desipramine caused significant reductions in the total specific binding of [125I]IPIN in many areas of the brain, including regions of the amygdala, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus. This reduction in the total specific binding of [125I]IPIN was primarily the result of a reduction in its binding to beta-1 adrenoceptors in most brain regions. With the exception of the paraventricular nuclei of the thalamus, no desipramine-induced change in the binding of [125I]IPIN to beta-2 adrenoceptors was observed in any region of the brain. Treatment of rats with desipramine did not alter the binding of [125I]IPIN to the caudate putamen, globus pallidus or the cerebellum. Intracerebroventricular fusion of the nonselective beta adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol, reduced the maximum binding site density of the binding of [125I]IPIN to homogenates of cerebellum and hypothalamus, but not to homogenates of cerebral cortex. Autoradiography of the binding of [125I]IPIN to brain sections from rats treated with isoproterenol revealed reductions in many subcortical areas and the cerebellum. In contrast to the effects produced by treatment with desipramine, reductions in the binding of [125I]IPIN after infusions of isoproterenol were a result of a decrease in the binding of [125I]IPIN to beta-2 adrenoceptors in most brain regions. Infusion of isoproterenol reduced the binding of [125I]IPIN to beta-2 adrenoceptors in 10 areas of brain in which the binding of the ligand to beta-1 adrenoceptors was not affected significantly. Inasmuch as there is a selective regulation of beta-1 adrenoceptors by the norepinephrine uptake blocker, desipramine, it may be inferred that these receptors are under the influence of endogenous norepinephrine. By contrast, the density of central beta-2 adrenoceptors are regulated more easily by an exogenous beta adrenoceptor agonist, even one like isoproterenol which is a full agonist at both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenoceptors.
Design Method of Kitting System in Flexible Assembly Line Based Manufacturing for Mass Customisation Adaptation

This paper describes the design method of kitting systems for variant engine assembly, which contribute to performance of parts assembly flexibility and efficiency. The need for efficient material handling part delivery is higher especially in automotive industry due to extensive product customisation and the small area to keep all the necessary parts at the assembly line. The paper focuses on the suitability of design KS in the essence of reliability, safety and ergonomics of workers. Relatively, the design consider the flexibility of the kit process in engine assembly parts with regard to performance measurement resulting in overall efficiency and accuracy of production line. Associated with Lean approach, KS provide an essential outcome required that avert a non value adding activities to take place in assembly line. It is believed that the findings of this study will provide an optimum efficiency of part feeding process between variant parts model. In particular, KS is cost efficient when extensive sorting process, parts model misplaced and lack of space can be avoided.
Pearl millet and sorghum tolerance to aluminium in acid soil

Root elongation of germinated seeds planted in toxic soils for 72 hours was used as a measure of the physiological tolerance of plants to acidity and their accompanying Al toxicity. The roots of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes showed a range of tolerance to acidic soil when evaluated in a moderately toxic Rarden soil (Typic Hapludult) with a pH of 4.5 and 50% Al saturation. In three other soils of greater Al concentration all sorghums showed severe root damage characteristic of Al toxicity and a range in tolerance among genotypes was no longer distinguishable. The damage consisted of very little root elongation, absence of root hairs and severe browning of the root tissue. In contrast, all pearl millets (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.; syn. P. americanum) showed normal root appearance, including the presence of root hairs in even the most toxic Zanesville (Typic Fragiudult) soil with a pH of 3.2 and 65% Al saturation. The only millet response was a modest decrease (4, 22, 48 and 52%) in root length in the progression to increasingly toxic (moderately toxic, toxic, very toxic and extremely toxic) soils respectively. The greater tolerance of the diverse pearl millet genotypes included in the study suggest that pearl millet is well-adapted and more suitable for cultivation in Al-toxic soils than sorghum cultivars.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Alkyl, Hydride, and Silyl Derivatives of the (Terphenyl)imido Fragments Cp*(ArMesN)Ta (Cp* = η5-C5Me5; ArMes = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)2C6H3) and Cp*(ArTripN)Ta (ArTrip = 2,6-(2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)2C6H3)

The syntheses and reactivities of tantalum alkyl, hydride, and silyl complexes containing a sterically demanding, mixed Cp*-(terphenyl)imido (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) ligand set are reported. The dichloride complex Cp*(ArMesN)TaCl2 (1), prepared by the reaction of ArMesNHLi (ArMes = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)2C6H3) with Cp*TaCl4 in the presence of a large excess of NEt3, was structurally characterized. Complex 1 reacted readily with KSi(SiMe3)3 to give the silyl chloride compound Cp*(ArMesN)Ta[Si(SiMe3)3]Cl (2), and with MeLi (2 equiv) to yield the dimethyl complex Cp*(ArMesN)TaMe2 (4). Compound 2 reacted with PhSiH3 via the intermediate complex Cp*(ArMesN)Ta(SiH2Ph)Cl to give the hydrido chloride complex Cp*(ArMesN)Ta(H)Cl (3). While the analogous compound of the [DippN]2- (Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) ligand is a dimer with bridging hydrides, compound 3 contains a terminal hydride, as indicated by the downfield 1H NMR resonance of the hydride ligand (15.28 ppm). Treatment of 4 with AgOTf (OTf = OSO2CF3) provided the methyl tri...
Modern Analytical Chemistry in the Contemporary World.

Students not familiar with chemistry tend to misinterpret analytical chemistry as some kind of the sorcery where analytical chemists working as modern wizards handle magical black boxes able to provide fascinating results. However, this approach is evidently improper and misleading. Therefore, the position of modern analytical chemistry among sciences and in the contemporary world is discussed. Its interdisciplinary character and the necessity of the collaboration between analytical chemists and other experts in order to effectively solve the actual problems of the human society and the environment are emphasized. The importance of the analytical method validation in order to obtain the accurate and precise results is highlighted. The invalid results are not only useless; they can often be even fatal (e.g., in clinical laboratories). The curriculum of analytical chemistry at schools and universities is discussed. It is referred to be much broader than traditional equilibrium chemistry coupled with a simple description of individual analytical methods. Actually, the schooling of analytical chemistry should closely connect theory and practice.
EVALUATION OF FOLIAR INSECTICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF COLORADO POTATO BEETLE IN POTATOES, 2008

The objective of this experiment was to assess the efficacy of select foliar insecticides for the control of CPB on potatoes. The experiment was conducted at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Painter, VA, and consisted of nine treatments arranged in an RCB design with four replicates. “Superior” potatoes were planted on 6 Apr 2015. Plots were 2 rows wide and 20-ft (6.1 m) long with unplanted guard rows on each side. Rows were planted on a 3-ft row center (0.9 m) with 11 inch (0.3 m) between plants, …
From Framingham to North Karelia to U.S. Community-Based Prevention Programs: Negotiating Research Agenda for Coronary Heart Disease in the Second Half of the 20th Century

In the United States in 1948, the newly formed National Heart Institute (NHI) responded to what its data showed as a rising tide of coronary heart disease (CHD) by underwriting new approaches to the elucidation of chronic disorders. In the process, it funded the application of epidemiology, previously almost exclusively concerned with communicable disease, to study CHD. With federal encouragement, CHD epidemiologists enriched research designs, helped develop the randomized controlled trial, and played a pioneering role in chronic disease prevention at the individual and population levels. While government funding was critical to the evolution of this rich scientific work, a vibrant epidemiological imagination was able to capitalize on decades of national political commitment to chronic disease research. Epidemiologists developed longitudinal studies meant to determine the relationship between well-measured clinical variables and subsequent CHD events. Here, consistent associations within and across populations, eventually reinforced by analyses of pooled data from multiple cohort investigations, demonstrated the existence of well-founded risk factors, but left open the question of causal inference based on observed relationships. After substantial ambivalence, the U.S. government, under pressure from epidemiologists, committed to an agenda of clinical trials to test that proposition. In addition, the results of the cohort studies elicited a demand by epidemiologists for a broader, population-wide approach, testing whether community-level models of risk factor modification through broad cultural change would demonstrate a reduction in the probability of disability and premature death from heart attack. To tell the story of the community studies and to analyze outcomes, we focus on the Minnesota Heart Health Program and the Finnish North Karelia Project. From the North Karelia experience, we find that health promotion campaigns in communities at very high risk of disease, where the population lives in traditional patterns and considerable poverty and is also unsophisticated in health knowledge and behaviors, are more likely to achieve major and measurable population effects. We argue that as chronic disease rates rise globally, and CHD rates increase in lower- and middle-income nations, as they have over the past several decades, population-level prevention interventions have become particularly relevant. But it remains to be seen whether the international community, prodded by its member states, can successfully reproduce the urgency and agenda-setting that sparked the successful epidemiologic and public health interventions in the affluent countries in the decades after World War II.
A Method for Neighborhood Gesture Learning Based on Resistance Distance

Multimodal forms of human-robot interaction (HRI) including non-verbal forms promise easily adopted and intuitive use models for assistive devices. The research described in this paper targets an assistive robotic appliance which learns a user’s gestures for activities performed in a healthcare or aging in place setting. The proposed approach uses the Growing Neural Gas (GNG) algorithm in combination with the Q-Learning paradigm of reinforcement learning to shape robotic motions over time. Neighborhoods of nodes in the GNG network are combined to collectively leverage past learning by the group. Connections between nodes are assigned weights based on frequency of use which can be viewed as measures of electrical resistance. In this way, the GNG network may be traversed based on distances computed in the same manner as resistance in an electrical circuit. It is shown that this distance metric provides faster convergence of the algorithm when compared to shortest path neighborhood learning.
Breath sounds analysis for asthma monitoring: A method for automated detection of flow events from tracheal recordings

Asthma patients often have trouble gaining control of their disease because there is no optimal and reliable method to monitor their progress. While spirometry in the clinic provides adequate information for diagnosis and initial prescription, symptom journals and peak flow meters used at home are not particularly helpful in preventing asthma attacks. The 30-day hospital readmission rate following an asthma attack is 12%. Home spirometers are available, however they can be prohibitively expensive. An affordable, accurate method of monitoring lung function daily at home in concordance with a digital system of communication between physician and patient, may allow earlier changes in management and enable patients to more easily control their asthma. We present the design of a sensor and compatible smart-phone application to monitor lung function by analysis of tracheal breath sound recordings. Human subject testing is pending IRB approval.
Modal Knowledge: Beyond Rationalism and Empiricism

The terms ‘modal’ and ‘modality’ admit of two kinds of qualification. On the one hand, the terms can be qualified by being restricted to the alethic range or to the non-alethic range, such as in the cases of deontic modality and epistemic modality. On the other hand, within the range of alethic uses, the terms can be restricted to the logical, metaphysical, or physical domains. Where the restriction is on alethic metaphysical modality, the two central questions in the epistemology of modality are:The first question admits of four potential answers. It might be the case that we can and do possess knowledge of: (a) the possible, which is also actual; (b) the possible, which is non-actual; (c) the necessary and the impossible; and (d) the essential. A global skeptic argues that we don’t have modal knowledge of any of (a)–(d). A local skeptic only argues that we don’t have knowledge in some of (a)–(d). The second question, both historically and in the contemporary literature, admits of many different responses.
Methylphenidate Enhances Early Stage Sensory Processing and Rodent Performance of a Visual Signal Detection Task.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is used clinically to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and off-label as a performance-enhancing agent in healthy individuals. MPH enhances catecholamine transmission via blockade of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) reuptake transporters. However, it is not clear how this action affects neural circuits performing cognitive and sensorimotor functions driving performance enhancement. The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) is the primary thalamic relay for visual information from the retina to the cortex and is densely innervated by NE-containing fibers from the locus coeruleus (LC), a pathway known to modulate state-dependent sensory processing. Here, MPH was evaluated for its potential to alter stimulus-driven sensory responses and behavioral outcomes during performance of a visual signal detection task. MPH enhanced activity within individual neurons, ensembles of neurons, and visually-evoked potentials (VEPs) in response to task light cues, while increasing coherence within theta and beta oscillatory frequency bands. MPH also improved reaction times to make correct responses, indicating more efficient behavioral performance. Improvements in reaction speed were highly correlated with faster VEP latencies. Finally, immunostaining revealed that catecholamine innervation of the dLGN is solely noradrenergic. This work suggests that MPH, acting via noradrenergic mechanisms, can substantially affect early-stage sensory signal processing and subsequent behavioral outcomes.
Impact of order set use on outcome of patients with sepsis

In an effort to improve outcome of patients with sepsis, we developed and implemented a disease-specific alert and order set for our computerized physician order entry system. This alert and order set were implemented in 2015. We have produced a progressive decrease in mortality for patients at our hospital with diagnosis of sepsis. We see a significant decrease in mortality for patients who had the sepsis order set used compared to those who did not have the order set used. We recommend use of an order set for patients with sepsis.
Using an Internet-Based Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to Improve Social-Cognitive Precursors of Physical Activity.

Background. Internet-based cancer risk assessment tools might serve as a strategy for translating epidemiological risk prediction research into public health practice. Understanding how such tools affect key social-cognitive precursors of behavior change is crucial for leveraging their potential into effective interventions. Purpose. To test the effects of a publicly available, Internet-based, breast cancer risk assessment tool on social-cognitive precursors of physical activity. Methods. Women (N = 132) aged 40–78 with no personal cancer history indicated their perceived risk of breast cancer and were randomly assigned to receive personalized (www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu) or nonpersonalized breast cancer risk information. Immediately thereafter, breast cancer risk perceptions and physical activity-related behavioral intentions, self-efficacy, and response efficacy were assessed. Results. Personalized information elicited higher intentions, self-efficacy, and response efficacy than nonpersonalized infor...
Analysis of Human Genetic Variations Using DNA Sequencing

Abstract Genetic mutations, also termed genetic variations or polymorphisms, alter protein production and are the primary drivers of genetic diseases. DNA sequencing is the gold standard for identifying genetic variations, and has more recently become a tool that allows rapid analysis of whole genomes and rapid targeted sequencing of the small portion of the human genome that contains genes. This chapter will focus on the use of two DNA sequencing methods to identify genetic variations in the human genome: Sanger sequencing and next-generation DNA sequencing.
Marriage as an Intervention in the Lives of Criminal Offenders

Criminology has long been interested in identifying evidence-based interventions that can help redirect criminal pathways. Although not within the purview of the criminal justice system, other nontraditional interventions have also emerged as generally effective desistance-promoting factors. One intervention in particular, marriage, is the focus of this chapter. Herein, we provide a brief overview of some of the main theoretical frameworks that have articulated a “marriage effect” of criminal desistance. Then, we provide a detailed review of the empirical literature assessing the relationship between marriage and crime. The chapter closes by offering summary conclusions as well as highlighting several directions for future research. Identifying the correlates of criminal desistance is important for theory—but is especially important for public policy (Laub and Sampson 2001). To the extent that aspects of offenders’ lives that influence continued offending can be identified and addressed, then evidence-based policies and programs can target at-risk offenders with the hope of helping to foster and/or aid in the desistance process (see Sherman et al. 2002).
Envisioning and implementing sustainable bioenergy systems in the U.S

Recent promotion and development of wood-based bioenergy in the U.S. South have targeted cellulosic liquid fuels for the transportation sector and wood pellets for power generation. Bioenergy development has promised to meet multiple sustainability goals including renewable energy, energy independence, new markets for wood, and rural development. On the other hand, it has garnered opposition from environmental groups for threatening forests and air quality and from conservatives who object to government subsidies and doubt climate science. A team of anthropologists undertook research on narratives, interests, and behaviors of various bioenergy stakeholders. We conducted multi-sited and cross-scale ethnographic research around emerging bioenergy facilities and at extension events, workshops, and conferences attended by landowners, managers, bioenergy industry representatives, and scientists. We also analyzed written materials from websites, news articles, and policy statements. We use the concept of imaginaries to analyze of the promotion of wood-based bioenergy as a new sustainable energy system, while noting the ways the dominant bioenergy imaginary excluded some sustainability goals and voices. As a result, counter-narratives emerged, success was limited, and landowners and communities received few of the expected benefits. This case provides important lessons for envisioning and implementing new sustainability technologies.
Police Evaluations of Intimate Partner Violence in Heterosexual and Same-Sex Relationships: Do Experience and Training Play a Role?

In recent years, law enforcement agencies have enhanced intimate partner violence (IPV) policies and increased the frequency of required training. Yet, there is limited research that addresses how experience and training are related to evaluations of heterosexual and same-sex disputants in an IPV incident. This research investigates how officers perceive heterosexual and same-sex disputants in IPV incidents and examines how officer experience, frequency, and recency of required IPV training affect evaluations. Law enforcement officers (n = 309) across 27 states responded to a hypothetical scenario of an IPV incident between a heterosexual or same-sex couple. Dependent variables included perpetrator and victim arrest, perceived fairness of non-arrest options, willingness to provide referrals for perpetrator and victim, and severity of victim injury. Officers believed that the use of some non-arrest options was fairer when the perpetrator was a gay male or heterosexual female and there were no significant effects for arrest options. Referrals to a domestic violence hotline and injury severity varied by perpetrator and victim gender and sexual orientation. While officer experience played a role in non-arrest options, frequency and recency of officer training were not related to dependent variables of interest. Officers embrace evaluations of IPV that demonstrate differential evaluations of the incident as a result of gender and sexual orientation. These evaluations may have implications for the legitimacy of claims and safety and justice for victims and officers.
Overview of the Odysseus learning apprentice

Human specialists employ impressive learning methods during their apprenticeship training period to augment their fledgling expertise. We describe an apprentice learning system under development that allows an expert system to use some of these same methods. These methods aid an expert system in transferring expertise to and from its knowledge base (i.e., in knowledge acquisition and intelligent tutoring).
Platelet reactivity and genetics down on the pharm.

ABSTRACT It is widely accepted that there is marked inter-individual variation inplatelet function, although this has not been formally studied in largenumbers of subjects. We have recruited and studied three large popula-tions: one to characterize platelet variation and the factors responsible forit; a second to estimate heritabilities of the variation in platelet function;and a third to test for interactions between platelet genes and hormonetherapy in postmenopausal women. We find that platelet variability issubstantial, inherited and can be reproducibly detected. We genotyped2145 women in the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Studyfollowed for coronary heart disease (CHD) events for 6 years and foundthat common combinations of polymorphisms in the genes for GPIb andGPVI were associated with hormone therapy harm, benefit or no effect. Ifcorroborated in future studies, platelet genotyping could be used to predictpostmenopausal hormone safety. Introduction Human blood platelets are two-faced. On the one hand, they arecritical for preventing excessive blood loss after vascular injury. Bloodis not normally supposed to come into contact with the subendothe-lium. Elements present in the extracellular matrix, such as collagen,induce platelet plug formation to stop bleeding and begin the repairprocess. But sometimes platelets do their job too well. In certainsettings, such as atherosclerosis, vascular stenoses or other pathologicshear conditions, platelets can become activated and bind adhesiveplasma proteins. Platelet plug formation in such settings can result inundesirable vessel occlusion with resultant ischemia (1).The steps of platelet thrombus formation are shown in Figure 1.Platelets travel through the blood vessel at rapid rates. Initially,
On vocal registers

Abstract: For a considerable length of time, the concept of vocal registers has been the subject of controversy. Various authors have argued that there are as few as one or as many as seven registers and a considerable number of contradictory and confusing names have been used to identify them. Moreover, to date, agreement cannot be obtained even with respect to a reasonable definition of the nature of registers themselves. Accordingly, this paper first provides a definition of vocal registers, viz. a vocal register is totally a laryngeal event; it consists of a series or range of consecutive voice frequencies which can be produced with nearly identical phonatory quality; that there will be little overlap in fundamental frequency between adjacent registers, and that the operational definition of a register must depend on supporting perceptual, acoustic, physiologic and aerodynamic evidence. On the basis of this definition, it is postulated that three major registers exist; they are the pulse, modal and loft registers. It is contended that these registers can be experimentally defined and demonstrated and, while other registers could exist (at least for some individuals), they cannot be identified and described at levels approaching the precision and understanding of the three proposed. Perceptual, acoustical, physiological and aerodynamic data are presented to support postulations relevant to these three registers, and to differentiate among them.
Comparison of implant survivability in primary 1- to 2-level lumbar fusion amongst opioid abusers and non-opioid abusers.

Background: Primary lumbar fusion (LF) is a treatment option for degenerative disc disease. The literature is limited regarding postoperative complications in opioid abusers undergoing LF. The purpose of this study was to compare 2-year short term implant-related complications, infection rates, 90-day readmission rates, in-hospital length of stay, and cost of care amongst opioid abusers (OAS) and non-opioid abusers (NAS) undergoing primary 1- to 2-level primary lumbar fusion (1-2LF). Methods: A retrospective review was performed using the Medicare Standard Analytical Files from an administrative database. Patients undergoing LF were queried using the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision (ICD-9) procedure codes 81.04–81.08. Patients who underwent 1-2LF were filtered using ICD-9 procedure code 81.62. Inclusion criteria for the study group consisted of patients undergoing primary 1-2LF with a diagnosis of opioid abuse and dependency 90-day prior to the procedure. NAS undergoing 1-2LF served as controls. Patients in the study group were matched to controls according to age, gender, and Charlson-Comorbidity Index (CCI). Two mutually exclusive cohorts were formed and outcome measures analyzed and compared were implant complications, infection rates, 90-day readmission rates, LOS, and cost of care. Results: After the matching process 13,342 patients were identified with equal cohort distribution. OAS had higher odds implant related complications (OR: 2.78, P vs . $121,450.45, P Conclusions: OAS are susceptible to complications following primary 1-2LF. Appropriate patient counseling regarding the effects of opioids on lumbar fusion should be given priority to maximize patient outcomes. Future studies should investigate the impact of pre-operative opioid abuse versus post-operative opioid use.
Against Teleology in the Study of Race: Toward the Abolition of the Progress Paradigm:

We argue that claims of racial progress rest upon untenable teleological assumptions founded in Enlightenment discourse. We examine the theoretical and methodological focus on progress and its hist...
Examining post-fire vegetation recovery with Landsat time series analysis in three western North American forest types

Few studies have examined post-fire vegetation recovery in temperate forest ecosystems with Landsat time series analysis. We analyzed time series of Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) derived from LandTrendr spectral-temporal segmentation fitting to examine post-fire NBR recovery for several wildfires that occurred in three different coniferous forest types in western North America during the years 2000 to 2007. We summarized NBR recovery trends, and investigated the influence of burn severity, post-fire climate, and topography on post-fire vegetation recovery via random forest (RF) analysis. NBR recovery across forest types averaged 30 to 44% five years post fire, 47 to 72% ten years post fire, and 54 to 77% 13 years post fire, and varied by time since fire, severity, and forest type. Recovery rates were generally greatest for several years following fire. Recovery in terms of percent NBR was often greater for higher-severity patches. Recovery rates varied between forest types, with conifer−oak−chaparral showing the greatest NBR recovery rates, mixed conifer showing intermediate rates, and ponderosa pine showing slowest rates. Between 1 and 28% of patches had recovered to pre-fire NBR levels 9 to 16 years after fire, with greater percentages of low-severity patches showing full NBR recovery. Precipitation decreased and temperatures generally remained the same or increased post fire. Pre-fire NBR and burn severity were important predictors of NBR recovery for all forest types, and explained 2 to 6% of the variation in post-fire NBR recovery. Post-fire climate anomalies were also important predictors of NBR recovery and explained an additional 30 to 41% of the variation in post-fire NBR recovery. Landsat time series analysis was a useful means of describing and analyzing post-fire vegetation recovery across mixed-severity wildfire extents. We demonstrated that a relationship exists between post-fire vegetation recovery and climate in temperate ecosystems of western North America. Our methods could be applied to other burned landscapes for which spatially explicit measurements of post-fire vegetation recovery are needed.
Lap Time Variability From a 400-m Walk Is Associated With Future Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether the trajectory of preclinical lap time variability from a 400-m walk differentiates participants with future mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/Alzheimer's disease (AD) from matched controls. Design A case-control retrospective study embedded in a large longitudinal cohort study, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Setting In the BLSA, participants were scheduled for clinical visits, including mobility and cognitive assessments. Data reported here were collected between April 2007 and September 2017 (average follow-up 5.2 ± 2.4 years). Participants 67 participants developed MCI/AD and 134 age- and sex-matched controls remained cognitively normal. Measurements Diagnoses of MCI and AD were adjudicated at a consensus conference. The rate of change in lap time variability between MCI/AD cases prior to symptom onset and controls were compared using mixed effects linear regression, and adjusted for baseline executive function, memory, gait speed, and changes in gait speed. Results Compared to controls, eventual MCI/AD cases had a greater rate of increase in lap time variability prior to symptom onset (β = 0.59, P = .009). This association was independent of baseline cognition, gait speeds at baseline or change over time from a 6-m or 400-m walk. Conclusion/Implications Independent of other early indicators and gait slowing, a greater rate of increase in lap time variability from a 400-m walk differentiates individuals who eventually develop MCI/AD from controls, suggesting that early pathology affects the automaticity of walking. Lap time variability can be assessed during routine clinical practice over time and might help identify individuals at risk for future MCI/AD.
Physiological Closed-Loop Control (PCLC) Systems: Review of a Modern Frontier in Automation

Over the past decade, there has been an unprecedented international focus on improved quality and availability of medical care, which has reignited interest in clinical automation and drawn researchers toward novel solutions in the field of physiological closed-loop control systems (PCLCs). Today, multidisciplinary groups of expert scientists, engineers, clinicians, mathematicians, and policy-makers are combining their knowledge and experience to develop both the next generation of PCLC-based medical equipment and a collaborative commercial/academic infrastructure to support this rapidly expanding frontier. In the following article, we provide a robust introduction to the various aspects of this growing field motivated by the recent and ongoing work supporting two leading technologies: the artificial pancreas (AP) and automated anesthesia. Following a brief high-level overview of the main concepts in automated therapy and some relevant tools from systems and control theory, we explore – separately – the developments, challenges, state-of-the-art, and probable directions for AP and automated anesthesia systems. We then close the review with a consideration of the common lessons gleaned from these ventures and the implications they present for future investigations and adjacent research.
Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation of Opioid Allergy Labels – A Review

While opioids represent one of the most common medication allergy labels, these labels are often unsubstantiated in clinical practice. The removal of erroneous opioid allergy labels has a unique importance in the population with acute or chronic pain. The current approach to patients with pseudo-allergy to opioids is switching to an alternative opioid with less histamine release. Thus, allergy labels to relatively lower potency opioids such as codeine may be feasibly result in the prescription of stronger medications like fentanyl that would otherwise not be indicated.This narrative review provides an overview of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of opioid allergy labels commonly encountered by pain management practitioners along with recommendations for evaluation and management.A literature search of PubMed was performed using the comprehensive MeSH term, "Opioid Allergy".In recent years, it has become apparent that a substantial proportion of patients labeled as opioid allergic are found to be tolerant of these agents. Opioid skin testing and IgE assays are of limited application. DPT is the yet underutilized gold standard for diagnosis. There is also an increasing call for studies evaluating basophil activation testing in opiate allergy.Opioid allergy labels require a closer look especially in view of the current opioid epidemic. The low likelihood of true reactivity, combined with the conceivable clinical relevance of an opioid allergy label, calls for further characterization of this label in populations with acute or chronic pain diagnoses. Future directions should include larger prospective studies with systematic evaluation and classification of opioid allergy labels to determine future viability of opioid use.AbbreviationsEHRelectronic health recordNMBAneuromuscular blocking agentIgEimmunoglobulin EMCmast cellGPCRG-protein coupled receptorMRGPRX2mas-related G-protein receptorQAIquaternary ammonium ionsSCARsevere cutaneous adverse reactionAGEPacute generalized exanthematous pustulosisSDRIFEsymmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthemaBATbasophil activation testingDPTdrug provocation testing.
WHISKiT Physics: A three-dimensional mechanical model of the rat vibrissal array

Rodents tactually explore the environment using ~62 whiskers (vibrissae), regularly arranged in arrays on both sides of the face. The rat vibrissal system is one of the most commonly used models to study how the brain encodes and processes somatosensory information. To date, however, researchers have been unable to quantify the mechanosensory input at the base of each whisker, because the field lacks accurate models of three-dimensional whisker dynamics. To close this gap, we developed WHISKiT Physics, a simulation framework that incorporates realistic morphology of the full rat whisker array to predict time-varying mechanical signals for all whiskers. The dynamics of single whiskers were optimized based on experimental data, and then validated against free tip oscillations and the dynamic response to collision. The model is then extrapolated to include all whiskers in the array, taking into account each whisker9s individual geometry. Simulations of first mode resonances across the array approximately match previous experimental results and fall well within the range expected from biological variability. Finally, we use WHISKiT Physics to simulate mechanical signals across the array during three distinct behavioral conditions: passive whisker stimulation, active whisking against two pegs, and active whisking in a natural environment. The results demonstrate that the simulation system can be used to predict input signals during a variety of behaviors, something that would be difficult or impossible in the biological animal. In all behavioral conditions, interactions between array morphology and individual whisker geometry shape the tactile input to the whisker system.
Narrative persuasion, identification, attitudes, and trustworthiness in crisis communication

Abstract The purpose of this study is to test the effects of narratives in crisis communication. This research assesses how organizations benefit from using stories in their media responses, relative to sharing nonnarrative information. The theory of crisis response narratives (Heath, 2004) holds that ethical narratives are effective because they enhance trustworthiness, attitudes toward the spokesperson, and identification with the spokesperson. Normative crisis communication theory exhorts disclosing truthful information rather than spinning. In an online experiment, participants (N = 365) watched a news interview in which a scandalized company’s spokesperson responded to a journalist’s questions with (a) ethical narratives, (b) unethical (spin) narratives, or (c) nonnarrative information. Multiple mediator modeling assessed identification with the spokesperson, attitudes toward the spokesperson, and perceived trustworthiness of the spokesperson. Results indicate ethical narratives are more effective than unethical narratives. However, nonnarrative information most effectively enhances trustworthiness and bolsters identification.
Body and Brain Temperatures in Pigeons at Simulated High Altitudes

Most birds maintain the brain temperature (Tb) below body-core temperature (Tc), and regulate Tb and Tc independently. During exercise or exposure to high ambient temperature (Ta) the temperature difference between the body core and brain (dT = Tc−Tb) is greater than at rest or thermal neutrality, due mainly to elevated Tc. By keeping stored heat in the body core and away from the brain, birds reduce their water requirements while protecting the brain from thermal damage.