cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spline-based semiparametric projected generalized estimating equation method for panel count data

We propose to analyze panel count data using a spline-based semiparametric projected generalized estimating equation (GEE) method with the proportional mean model E(N(t)|Z) = Λ(0)(t) e(β(0)(T)Z). The natural logarithm of the baseline mean function, logΛ(0)(t), is approximated by a monotone cubic B-spline function. The estimates of regression parameters and spline coefficients are obtained by projecting the GEE estimates into the feasible domain using a weighted isotonic regression (IR). The proposed method avoids assuming any parametric structure of the baseline mean function or any stochastic model for the underlying counting process. Selection of the working covariance matrix that accounts for overdispersion improves the estimation efficiency and leads to less biased variance estimations. Simulation studies are conducted using different working covariance matrices in the GEE to investigate finite sample performance of the proposed method, to compare the estimation efficiency, and to explore the performance of different variance estimates in presence of overdispersion. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a real data set from a bladder tumor clinical trial.
Topical cathelicidin (LL-37) an innate immune peptide induces acute olfactory epithelium inflammation in a mouse model.

Background Cathelicidin (LL-37) is an endogenous innate immune peptide that is elevated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The role of LL-37 in olfactory epithelium (OE) inflammation remains unknown. We hypothesized that: (1) LL-37 topically delivered would elicit profound OE inflammation; and (2) LL-37 induced inflammation is associated with increased infiltration of neutrophils and mast cells. Methods To test our hypothesis we challenged C57BL/6 mice intranasally with increasing concentrations of LL-37. At 24 hours tissues were examined histologically and scored for inflammatory cell infiltrate, edema, and secretory hyperplasia. In separate experiments, fluorescently conjugated LL-37 was instilled and tissues were examined at 0.5 and 24 hours. To test our last hypothesis, we performed tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) assays for neutrophil activity and immunohistochemistry for tryptase to determine the mean number of mast cells per mm2. Results LL-37 caused increased inflammatory cell infiltrate, edema, and secretory cell hyperplasia of the sinonasal mucosa, with higher LL-37 concentrations yielding significantly more inflammatory changes (p < 0.01). Fluorescent LL-37 demonstrated global sinonasal epithelial binding and tissue distribution. Further, higher concentrations of LL-37 led to significantly greater MPO levels with dose-dependent increases in mast cell infiltration (p < 0.01). Conclusion LL-37 has dramatic inflammatory effects in the OE mucosa that is dose-dependent. The observed inflammatory changes in the olfactory mucosa were associated with the infiltration of both neutrophils and mast cells. Our biologic model represents a new model to further investigate the role of LL-37 in OE inflammation.
Striped tape arrays

How data striping ideas apply to arrays of magnetic tape drives is being investigated. Data striping increases throughput and reduces response time for large accesses to a storage system. Striped magnetic tape systems are particularly appealing because many inexpensive magnetic tape drives have low bandwidth. Striping may offer dramatic performance improvements for these systems. Several important issues in designing striped tape systems are considered: the choice of tape drives and robots, whether to stripe within or between robots, and the choice of the best scheme for distributing data on cartridges. One of the most troublesome problems in striped-tape arrays is the synchronization of transfers across tape drives. Another issue is how improved devices will affect the desirability of striping in the future. The results of simulations comparing the performance of striped-tape systems to nonstriped systems are presented. >
Evidence for Positive Selection at the Pantophysin (Pan I) Locus in Walleye Pollock, Theragra chalcogramma

Nucleotide polymorphism at the pantophysin (Pan I) locus in walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, was examined using DNA sequence data. Two distinct allelic lineages were detected in pollock, resulting from three amino acid replacement mutations in the first intravesicular domain of the protein. The common Pan I allelic group, comprising 94% of the samples, was less polymorphic (π = 0.005) than the uncommon group (π = 0.008), and nucleotide diversity in both was higher than for two allelic lineages in the related Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Phylogenetic analyses of Pan I sequences from these two species did not clearly resolve orthology among allelic groups, in part because of recombination that has occurred between the two pollock lineages. Conventional tests of neutrality comparing polymorphisms within and between homologous regions of the Pan I locus in walleye pollock and Atlantic cod did not detect the effects of selection. This result is likely attributed to low levels of synonymous divergence among allelic lineages and a lack of mutation-drift equilibrium inferred from nucleotide mismatch frequency distributions. However, the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions per site (d N /d S ) exceeded unity in two intravesicular domains of the protein and the influence of positive selection at multiple codon sites was strongly inferred through the use of maximum-likelihood analyses. In addition, the frequency spectrum of linked neutral variation showed indirect effects of adaptive hitchhiking in pollock resulting from a selective sweep of the common allelic lineage. Recombination between the two allelic classes may have prevented complete loss of the older, more polymorphic lineage. The results suggest that recurrent sweeps driven by positive selection is the principle mode of evolution at the Pan I locus in gadid fishes.
State Practices on Inclusion A National Review

Inclusion, which promotes educating all students with disabilities in the general education classroom setting, has triggered an intense debate in the field of special education. the purposes of this study were to highlight issues regarding inclusion, present findings on state practices on inclusion, and explore implications for practice and further research. findings from state surveys indicated great variety in state policy, acceleration in inclusion activity, a commitment to providing inservice and technical assistance, emerging teacher certification guidelines specific to inclusion, and minimal empirical research regarding the benefits of inclusion.
Does Schooling Increase or Reduce Social Inequality

Does experience in school increase or reduce social inequality in skills? Sociologists have long debated this question. Drawing from the counterfactual account of causality, we propose that the impact of going to school on a given skill depends on the quality of the instructional regime a child will experience at school compared with the quality of the instructional regime the child would receive if not at school. Children vary in their benefit from new instruction, and current skill increases this benefit. We hypothesize that the expansion of free, universal schooling promotes social equality in part by equalizing access to school, but also because disadvantaged children benefit more from access. However, we predict that this equalizing effect will be more pronounced for younger children than for older children. To test these hypotheses, we review empirical evidence regarding the impact of (a) increasing access to universal kindergarten and preschool, (b) interrupting schooling with the summer recess, (c...
THE STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF LELY SEEDS DURING THE INITIAL STAGES OF SiC SUBLIMATION GROWTH

The as-grown surfaces of 6H SiC seed crystals grown by the Lely method have been characterized by visible light microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The surfaces were then used to seed the sublimation growth of SiC at 2300°C, in 650 torr of Ar, with a gradient of 8 °C/cm. Repeated observations of the seed surface structure after predetermined intervals in the growth reactor demonstrated that transport starts at less than 2160 °C and that voids are nucleated by heterogeneous material on the original seed surface. Near these voids, the concentration of unit screw dislocations is increased and these defects migrate during growth. Screw dislocations of opposite sign act as step sources and build mesa structures around the heterogeneous material. After only 10 min at the growth temperature, micropipe/super screw dislocation complexes form in the centers of the mesas, possibly by the migration of unit dislocations to the voids.
Correlates of breastfeeding frequency among nomadic pastoralists of Turkana, Kenya: a retrospective study.

Recent research has shown that significant variation in breast feeding behavior exists among natural fertility populations all of whom have been characterized as practicing "on-demand" breast feeding. A number of recent prospective studies have contributed to a better understanding of breast feeding structures and of its consequences for population differences in fertility. Currently there is a growing interest in quantifying the complex environmental and biocultural interactions which influence that structure; in other words in establishing an ecology of breast feeding. In this paper a carefully structured retrospective study of breast feeding among nomadic Turkana is used to identify environmental biobehavioral and socioeconomic factors associated with variation in breast feeding frequency among Turkana women. In agreement with the results of a prospective study conducted as part of the same research the age (growth) and physical development of infants show significant correlations with breast feeding frequency. Maternal physical status the depth of the maternal social network and to a lesser degree rainfall patterns are also significant. All of these factors appear to influence breast feeding through their effects on maternal participation in herding activities and related absences from camp. Finally the study also presents new strategies for collecting and utilizing retrospective data which are notoriously unreliable and difficult to classify according to operational definitions recently developed for prospective studies. Results of the present study suggest methods by which the quality and reliability of recall data may be enhanced. (authors modified)
On embedding 4-manifolds in R7

A compact, connected, combinatorial 4-maifold is embeddable in R^7 if its twisted normal Stiefel-Whitney class in dimension 3 is trivial.
Performance of the Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility Assay in Drug Susceptibility Testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The drug susceptibility testing performance of a broth-based method with microscopic reading of bacillary growth, the microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay, was compared to that of the reference 7H10 agar method of proportion by using 53 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from persons at risk for multidrug-resistant TB. For isoniazid (0.1 μg/ml) and rifampin (2.0 μg/ml), there was 100% agreement between MODS results read at day 11 and the reference method. Levels of agreement for ethambutol tested at 2.5 and 7.5 μg/ml were 70 and 58%, respectively. Levels of agreement for streptomycin tested at 2.0 and 6.0 μg/ml were 77 and 51%, respectively. For isoniazid and rifampin drug susceptibility testing, MODS is as accurate as and more rapid than the reference method.
Flexible simulation of a complex semiconductor manufacturing line using a rule-based system

Rule-based systems have been used to produce fast, flexible simulation models for semiconductor manufacturing lines. This paper describes such a rule-based simulator for a semiconductor manufacturing line, and the language in which it is written. The simulator is written in a rule-based declarative style that uses a single-rule "template" to move thousands of product lots through various process steps; the rule is customized as needed with data for each step, route, lot, tool, manpower skill, etc. Since line or product changes require only reading new data from a database, without reprogramming, this provides a modeling environment that is simple, flexible, and maintainable. The model is implemented in ECLPS (Enhanced Common Lisp Production System), also known as a knowledge-based or expert systems language. It handles very large models (thousands of data elements, or more) well and is very fast. Subsequent changes improved the speed several orders of magnitude over that of an older version of the model, primarily through use of a preprocessor to eliminate duplicate and redundant data, and by enforcing data typing to take advantage of special techniques for very fast processing of extremely large matches (hashed indices). ECLPS also provides a built-in simulated time clock and other constructs to simplify simulation applications. The model runs daily at the IBM semiconductor manufacturing plant in Yasu, Japan, where it has been in use for many years, currently on three different semiconductor manufacturing lines.
Reduction of Acid-Fast and Non-Acid-Fast Bacteria by Point of Use Coagulation-Flocculation-Disinfection

Point of use (POU) household water treatment is increasingly being adopted as a solution for access to safe water. Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are found in water, but there is little research on whether NTM survive POU treatment. Mycobacteria may be removed by multi-barrier treatment systems that combine processes such as coagulation, settling and disinfection. This work evaluated removal of a non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (Mycobaterium terrae) and a Gram-negative non-acid-fast environmental bacterium (Aeromonas hydrophila) by combined coagulation-flocculation disinfection POU treatment. Aeromonas hydrophila showed 7.7 log10 reduction in demand free buffer, 6.8 log10 in natural surface water, and 4 log10 reduction in fecally contaminated surface water. Turbidity after treatment was <1 NTU. There was almost no reduction in levels of viable M. terrae by coagulant-flocculant-disinfectant in natural water after 30 minutes. The lack of Mycobacteria reduction was similar for both combined coagulant-flocculant-disinfectant and hypochlorite alone. A POU coagulant-flocculant-disinfectant treatment effectively reduced A. hydrophila from natural surface waters but not Mycobacteria. These results reinforce previous findings that POU coagulation-flocculation-disinfection is effective against gram-negative enteric bacteria. POU treatment and safe storage interventions may need to take into account risks from viable NTM in treated stored water and consider alternative treatment processes to achieve NTM reductions.
Semi-automated debugging via binary search through a process lifetime

A common programmer experience is to execute a long-running computation only to see a bug crash the program after hours or days. While it is often easy to capture a "buggy" expression value at the point of the crash, it is less easy to discover the point in the program where the expression became buggy. For such "difficult" bugs, this work presents an automated tool based on binary search through a process lifetime. The tool operates both in single-threaded and multi-threaded program. The underlying algorithm depends on on checkpoints, deterministic replay, and decomposition of debugging histories. The tool is scalable in the sense that the running time is a small constant factor beyond the standalone running time. Further, it requires only a logarithmic number of probes of the expression value --- an advantage when the time to execute the expression is large. The algorithm is demonstrated for such real-world programs as MySQL.
Spectral analysis considerations relevant to radiation and leaky modes of open-boundary microstrip transmission line

The continuous radiation spectrum of an open microstrip transmission line and its nonspectral leaky modes are conceptualized through a transform-domain integral-operator formulation and relevant spectral analysis. The radiation spectrum is identified with branch cuts in the axial wavenumber plane, which constrain the migration of branch-point singularities in the transverse wavenumber plane. Leaky-wave modes occur only when the branch cuts in the axial wavenumber plane are violated. The relationship among spectral radiation modes, nonspectral leaky-wave modes, and branch cuts in the axial wavenumber plane is discussed. The influence of branch cuts in the axial wavenumber plane upon the location of branch points in the transverse wavenumber plane is detailed, and a rationale is offered for the choice branch cuts in the latter plane. The formulation is applicable to a wide class of open conducting or dielectric waveguides. >
Heparin inhibits the flow adhesion of sickle red blood cells to P-selectin

The adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to vascular endothelium is important to the generation of vascular occlusion. Interactions between sickle cells and the endothelium use several cell adhesion molecules. We have reported that sickle cell adhesion to endothelial cells under static conditions involves P-selectin. Others have shown that sickle cell adhesion is decreased by unfractionated heparin, but the molecular target of this inhibition has not been defined. We postulated that the adhesion of sickle cells to P-selectin might be the pathway blocked by unfractionated heparin. In this report we demonstrate that the flow adherence of sickle cells to thrombin-treated human vascular endothelial cells also uses P-selectin and that this component of adhesion is inhibited by unfractionated heparin. We also demonstrate that sickle cells adhere to immobilized recombinant P-selectin under flow conditions. This adhesion too was inhibited by unfractionated heparin, in a concentration range that is clinically attainable. These findings and the general role of P-selectin in initiating adhesion of blood cells to the endothelium suggest that unfractionated heparin may be useful in preventing painful vascular occlusion. A clinical trial to test this hypothesis is indicated.
Range of acceptable stimulus intensities: An estimator of dynamic range for intensive perceptual continua

The dynamic range (DR) of a sensory system is the span (usually given in log units) from the lowest to highest intensities over which a continuously graded response is evoked, and may be a distinctive feature of each such system. Teghtsoonian (1971) proposed that, although DR varies widely over sensory systems, itssubjective size (SDR) is invariant. Assuming the psychophysical power law, the exponent for any continuum is given by the ratio of subjective span to DR, both quantities expressed logarithmically. Thus, exponents are inversely related to DR and may be interpreted as indexes of it. Because DR can be difficult or even dangerous to measure directly, we sought to define a smaller range representing some fixed proportion of DR that could be used in its place to test the hypothesis of an invariant subjective range. Observers manipulated the intensities of five target continua to produce the broadest range they found acceptable and reasonably comfortable, a range of acceptable stimulus intensities (RASIN). Combined with an assumed constant SDR (derived from previous research), RASINs accurately predicted exponents obtained by magnitude production from the same observers on the five continua, as well as exponents reported in the literature.
Materials selection and multi-attribute utility analysis

Multi-attribute utility analysis (MAUA) has emerged as a powerful tool for materials selection and evaluation. An operations research technique, MAUA has been used in a wide range of engineering areas, of which materials science and engineering is one of the more recent. Utility analysis affords a rational method of materials selection which avoids many of the fundamental logical difficulties of many widely used alternative approaches. However, MAUA has traditionally been used in materials selection problems only, in which there is certainty regarding the attribute levels of the alternatives. For many new technologies this is not the case. Another operations research technique, subjective probability assessment (SPA), can be used to address this issue. SPA makes it possible to measure a probabilistic distribution describing the confidence of the decision maker in the levels of attributes for which there is a high degree of uncertainty. These probability distributions can be used in conjunction with MAUA to provide a consistent framework for making materials selection decisions. Furthermore, the use of these techniques extends beyond the problem of materials selection into the more speculative areas of materials competitiveness and market demand in cases involving new, unproven technologies.
College Students Must Overcome Barriers to Use Calorie Labels in Fast-Food Restaurants

Abstract Objective To explore predictors of intention of college students to use calorie labels on fast-food menus and differences in calories ordered after viewing calorie information. Design Quasi-experimental design. Participants selected a meal from a menu without calorie labels, selected a meal from the same menu with calorie labels, and completed a survey that assessed demographics, dietary habits, Theory of Planned Behavior constructs, and potential barriers to use of calorie labeling. Setting A southern university. Participants Undergraduate university students (n = 97). Main Outcome Measures Predictors of intention to use calorie labels and whether calories selected from the nonlabeled menu differed from the labeled menu. Analysis Confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression, and paired t tests. Results Participants ordered significantly fewer calories (P = .02) when selecting from the labeled menu vs the menu without labels. Attitudes (P = .006), subjective norms (P Conclusions and Implications If students can overcome barriers, calorie labeling could provide information that college students need to select lower-calorie items at fast-food restaurants.
What Is a Recipe

The ontology of recipes is by and large unexplored. In this paper, I offer a three-steps account. After introducing some key terminology, I distinguish four main options for a theory of recipes: realism, constructivism, existentialism, and the naive approach. Hence, I first argue that recipes are social entities whose identity depends (also) on a process of identification, typically performed by means of a performative utterance on the part of a cook (e.g. “This is fettuccine Alfredo,” “This is falafel”); thus, the best theoretical framework for a theory of recipes is a constructivist. Secondly, I argue that the identity of recipes can be grasped only by being suitably acquainted with the dishes that instantiate them, because of the impossibility to spell out recipes in details that would match a full-fledged dish; hence, the authority to establish the identity of a recipe rests on a process of apprenticeship. Finally, I argue that the identity of recipes and—vicariously—of the dishes that instantiate them, rest on three factors: the expertise required on the part of the cook; authenticity (in turn based on the fit and approval rate of any purported rendering); and the open-ended character of recipes.
Recognizing Depression: A Comparison Of Family Physician Ratings, Self-Report, And Interview Measures

Major depressive disorder is the most common diagnosis encountered in family practice, yet family physicians are relatively unlikely to make the diagnosis. This study compared physician ratings of depression with scores from the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) questionnaire and with telephone interview diagnoses of depression using the 3rd revised edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) criteria for major depressive disorder in a population of 266 patients in community-based family practices. Additional assessments were made of health status, stress, social support, prescribed psychotropic medication, and counseling. The prevalence of positive questionnaire scores in this population was 22.6 percent, and the prevalence of major depressive disorder (based on telephone interview) was 8 percent. Physician ratings of depression were relatively inaccurate when compared with either CES-D scores or telephone interview diagnoses. Optimum specificity (80 percent) and sensitivity (50 percent) with telephone interview diagnoses were achieved when physicians rated the patient as having any depression versus having no depression. Physician ratings of depression were correlated with their assessment of patient stress, social support, and physical health but not with more objective measures of these variables. When compared with telephone interview diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of the CES-D scores were relatively poor, suggesting that the CES-D is not useful as a screening tool for unselected populations. Finally, we found that family physicians base their assessments of depression more on distress than on depressive symptoms. Certain physician myths, barriers, and biases may exist that preclude the effective diagnosis of depression.
The Pitfalls of Interest-Relative Invariantism

In this paper, I present and extend Neta’s (Philosophy and Phenomenological Research LXXV (1): 180–187 2007) counter-example against interest-relative invariantism (IRI hereafter). I first outline IRI, briefly explaining the content of the view and illustrating how it diverges from more classical approaches to epistemology. I then distinguish between two forms the view can take: a strong and a moderate formulation. After this, I argue that Neta’s counter-example only succeeds at undermining the strongest variant, leaving the weaker counterpart unscathed. After all of this is accomplished, I extend Neta-style counter-examples to undermine a more moderate variant. I close the paper by considering and responding to several objections.
The Molecular & Crystal Structures of Polycyclic Energetic Materials

Even before the ‘Buckey-ball’ (or fullerene) era, organic chemists were interested in, and attracted to, the synthesis of compounds containing many rings fused together - especially the symmetric ones. By virtue of their balanced linkages, such compounds may be kinetically stable despite inclusion of massive deviations from normal bond distances and angles. These distortions, in compounds such as cubanes, tetrahedranes, dodecahedranes and prismanes, comprise a storehouse of chemical potential energy known to the chemist as ‘strain energy’ (unrelated to overall crystal strain discussed in many materials studies). Besides the obvious benefit of including more potential energy in an energetic material, the arrangement of atoms in ring assemblies (rather than chains) leads to a material with a high intrinsic crystal density - a sine qua non for an explosive or propellant. It has long been recognized that the next generation of energetics - better in performance and/or safety - will contain many polycyclic compounds. Hundreds of model compounds were synthesized in the last decade, and their molecular structures identified or verified at the Naval Research Lab. Some of the most promising, beautiful, and unusual ones, including many energetic cubanes, will be discussed.
Folding dynamics and pathways of the trp-cage miniproteins.

Using alternate measures of fold stability for a wide variety of Trp-cage mutants has raised the possibility that prior dynamics T-jump measures may not be reporting on complete cage formation for some species. NMR relaxation studies using probes that only achieve large chemical shift difference from unfolded values on complete cage formation indicate slower folding in some but not all cases. Fourteen species have been examined, with cage formation time constants (1/kF) ranging from 0.9–7.5 μs at 300 K. The present study does not change the status of the Trp-cage as a fast folding, essentially two-state system, although it does alter the stage at which this description applies. A diversity of prestructuring events, depending on the specific analogue examined, may appear in the folding scenario, but in all cases, formation of the N-terminal helix is complete either at or before the cage-formation transition state. In contrast, the fold-stabilizing H-bonding interactions of the buried Ser14 side chain and t...
The Effect of Photoreactive Substituents on the Morphological Structure and Properties of BPDA-PPD Based Polyimides

Adding photoreactive substituents onto a biphenyldianhydride (BPDA) and p-phenylene diamine (PPD) poly(amic acid) precursor influences the onset of imidization and the development of anisotropy and crystalline morphology during processing and the resulting morphology and properties of the fully cured films. Amine salts shift the imidization to lower temperatures while the covalently bonded esters shift the imidization to slightly higher temperatures. Anisotropy of the photosensitive polyimides develops at higher cure temperatures compared to the poly(amic acid). The photoreactive substituents do not affect the crystal structure, but do influence the crystallite orientation and morphology. Out-of-plane coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), calculated from the volume expansivities of these systems, are an order of magnitude larger than the in-plane CTEs.
Medical device registration system comparison between China and U.S.A

The paper compares the medical device registration system between China and FDA in U.S.A., with the main focus on the problems of design default of supervision and management in Chinese system. It analyzes the primary elements of substantial equivalence approval in medical device registration, and points out the design defaults of our medical device registration system and the basic points which need to be handled.
Manipulating survival and life quality outcomes in heart failure through disease state management.

Disease state management programs were launched in recent years in an attempt to better manage the health of target patient populations in a cost-effective manner. In heart failure, outpatient disease state management programs have demonstrated improved patient outcomes and robust savings without compromise in quality patient care. The disease state management concept could be incorporated along the continuum of care to promote optimization of heart failure medical therapies that increase survival and quality of life, decrease hospitalized patient length of stay, prevent hospital admissions, and significantly reduce health care expenditures for this costly medical condition. Aggressive, multidisciplinary programs that use pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapeutic guidelines, and expert nurse clinicians to care for clients, may provide the best hope of manipulating current morbidity and mortality statistics.
Silas Weir Mitchell and “The Strange Case of George Dedlow”

It has been said of Silas Weir Mitchell (1829–1914) that as a young man he was first among the physiologists of his day, in middle age first among physicians, and as an older man, one of the most noted novelists of his country. Mitchell's novels were written in his later life as a means to avoid boredom during lengthy summer vacations that were the norm for that time among the affluent members of Philadelphia society. These novels were criticized by some because of poor plots, which in some instances failed to move along, or for text that offered a stereotyped depiction of genteel society and the effects that war or personal disaster had on the characters' behavior The criticism came despite the fact that all critics agreed that Mitchell's portrayals of psychopathology in his fictional characters was unique and accurate. However, in his 30s, Mitchell had written and by chance had published a fictional short story that not only transcended such criticisms but became immensely popular. “The Strange Case of ...
Neurology and diving

Diving exposes a person to the combined effects of increased ambient pressure and immersion. The reduction in pressure when surfacing can precipitate decompression sickness (DCS), caused by bubble formation within tissues due to inert gas supersaturation. Arterial gas embolism (AGE) can also occur due to pulmonary barotrauma as a result of breath holding during ascent or gas trapping due to disease, causing lung hyperexpansion, rupture and direct entry of alveolar gas into the blood. Bubble disease due to either DCS or AGE is collectively known as decompression illness. Tissue and intravascular bubbles can induce a cascade of events resulting in CNS injury. Manifestations of decompression illness can vary in severity, from mild (paresthesias, joint pains, fatigue) to severe (vertigo, hearing loss, paraplegia, quadriplegia). Particularly as these conditions are uncommon, early recognition is essential to provide appropriate management, consisting of first aid oxygen, targeted fluid resuscitation and hyperbaric oxygen, which is the definitive treatment. Less common neurologic conditions that do not require hyperbaric oxygen include rupture of a labyrinthine window due to inadequate equalization of middle ear pressure during descent, which can precipitate vertigo and hearing loss. Sinus and middle ear overpressurization during ascent can compress the trigeminal and facial nerves respectively, causing temporary facial hypesthesia and lower motor neuron facial weakness. Some conditions preclude safe diving, such as seizure disorders, since a convulsion underwater is likely to be fatal. Preventive measures to reduce neurologic complications of diving include exclusion of individuals with specific medical conditions and safe diving procedures, particularly related to descent and ascent.
Security and Privacy in the Computer Forensics Context

Today computers are used in numerous day- to-day activities as a communications tool. In this regard several different applications are used to generate and store important documents. These documents contain vital data to the user and at times to an investigator in the event a crime is committed using that computer. The user would expect reasonable security precautions to be in place to protect the data on the computer, especially when the computer is connected to the Internet. The user with deceptive goals in mind would want to hide information where as a Computer Forensics investigator would want to find out the hidden information for evidence. In this paper we examine several security features that are commonly used and how such precautions are thwarted by Computer Forensics tools and their impact on privacy.
A range muon tomography performance study

Soft cosmic ray tomography has been shown to successfully discriminate materials with various density levels due to their ability to deeply penetrate matter, allowing sensitivity to atomic number, radiation length and density. Because the multiple muon scattering signal from high Z-materials is very strong, the technology is well suited to the detection of the illicit transportation of special and radiololgical nuclear materials. In addition, a recent detection technique based on measuring the lower energy particles that do not traverse the material (range radiography), allows to discriminate low and medium Z-materials. We have demonstrated it first using Monte Carlo simulations. More recently, using a Mini-Muon Tracker developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, we performed various experiments to try out the radiation length technology. This paper presents the results from real experiments and evaluates the likelihood that soft cosmic ray tomography may be applied to detect high-explosives.
Rapid multiphase-field model development using a modular free energy based approach with automatic differentiation in MOOSE/MARMOT

Abstract We present a novel phase-field model development capability in the open source MOOSE finite element framework. This facility is based on the “modular free energy” approach in which the phase-field equations are implemented in a general form that is logically separated from model-specific data such as the thermodynamic free energy density and mobility functions. Free energy terms contributing to a phase-field model are abstracted into self-contained objects that can be dynamically combined at simulation run time. Combining multiple chemical and mechanical free energy contributions expedites the construction of coupled phase-field, mechanics, and multiphase models. This approach allows computational material scientists to focus on implementing new material models, and to reuse existing solution algorithms and data processing routines. A key new aspect of the rapid phase-field development approach that we discuss in detail is the automatic symbolic differentiation capability. Automatic symbolic differentiation is used to compute derivatives of the free energy density functionals, and removes potential sources of human error while guaranteeing that the nonlinear system Jacobians are accurately approximated. Through just-in-time compilation, we greatly reduce the computational expense of evaluating the differentiated expressions. The new capability is demonstrated for a variety of representative applications.
Frequency and Form of Team Communication from the Perspective of Parents of Preschool Children with Disabilities: Implications for Diverse Families.

Effective communication between parents of children with disabilities and other team members positively impacts family-school collaboration. Parents of children with special needs were asked how and how often they communicated with their children's preschool teams. The frequency of both formal and informal meetings varied tremendously. Parents described other ways that they communicated with their teams, and most were satisfied with the amount of information they received. However, parents who completed the survey in Spanish, parents who were Hispanic/Latino or African American, and those with less income reported more scheduled meetings but fewer other means of communicating with teams and were less satisfied with their level of involvement. The findings indicate the need for increasing communication opportunities for diverse families.
Endothelial Luminal Membrane-Glycocalyx: Functionalities in Health and Disease

Abstract This book focuses on the structural, biochemical, and diverse functional properties of the endothelial luminal membrane glycocalyx (ELMG), an organelle which constitutes the endothelial cell “membrane.” It is intended to provide the newcomer with a broad, basic, and brief perspective of the luminal endothelial vascular membrane, and for the more established investigator, a basic overview and integrated perspective of the “universe” we explore. The endothelium is an assortment of heterogeneous regulatory cells whose cytoplasm and cell membranes are joined, forming functional units. There is a tremendous amount of literature on the endothelial cell, constituting seemingly isolated and distinct fields of encapsulated research. However, the multifunctional properties of some molecules give rise to an overlap of findings, frequently ignored between the different fields. The book is divided into three parts. The first part concentrates on the structure of the ELMG, with emphasis on morphological and bi...
Association Between Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Sociodemographic Characteristics Among Mississippi Adults

INTRODUCTION The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is linked to excessive weight gain, diabetes, and risk of cardiovascular disease. We examined the association between SSB consumption and sociodemographic characteristics among Mississippi adults. METHODS We used data from the 2012 Mississippi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which collected information on SSB consumption from 7,485 respondents. We used logistic regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for characteristics associated with SSB consumption. RESULTS In 2012, 40.8% of Mississippi adults reported consuming at least one SSB daily. The likelihood of consuming SSBs at least once daily among respondents aged 18 to 34 years was 2.81 times higher (APR, 2.81; 95% CI, 2.49-3.18) than among those aged 65 years or older. The prevalence among men was 20% higher (APR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.11-1.30) than among women and 23% higher (APR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13-1.35) among black respondents than among white respondents. The prevalence among respondents with less than a high school education was 25% higher (APR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11-1.41) than among those who with more than a high school education and 33% higher (APR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.16-1.52) among those with an annual household income of less than $20,000 than among those with an income of $50,000 or more. CONCLUSION Among Mississippi adults, age, sex, race, education level, and income are associated with an increased likelihood of SSB consumption. Findings highlight the need for policies and interventions to address SSB consumption and promote alternatives to SSBs among Mississippians.
Caregiver Reactions to Dementia Symptoms: Effects on Coping Repertoire and Mental Health

Currently, 15 million informal caregivers, most of whom are women, provide care for older adults with dementia (Alzheimer's Disease Association, 2016). Caregiving for these individuals often create...
Using symbolic learning to improve knowledge-based neural networks

The previously-described KBANN system integrates existing knowledge into neural networks by defining the network topology and setting initial link weights. Standard neural learning techniques can then be used to train such networks, thereby refining the information upon which the network is based. However, standard neural learning techniques are reputed to have difficulty training networks with multiple layers of hidden units; KBANN commonly creates such networks. In addition, standard neural learning techniques ignore some of the information contained in the networks created by KBANN. This paper describes a symbolic inductive learning algorithm for training such networks that uses this previously-ignored information and which helps to address the problems of training "deep" networks. Empirical evidence shows that this method improves not only learning speed, but also the ability of networks to generalize correctly to testing examples.
Outcomes in a System of Care for Youths with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: An Examination of Differential Change Across Clinical Profiles

We assessed the utility of an empirically-derived classification system for youths with emotional and behavioral disorders in a system of care with a strong representation of juvenile delinquents. Eighty-seven youths served in a system of care were categorized by variables related to past history, current behavioral functioning, and current psychological functioning into four clinical clusters. We evaluated preliminary clinical outcomes after six months of interagency involvement for youths within each cluster and across the four clusters. Results indicated that youths in different clusters improved significantly in need-specific areas. Trends in our data indicated differential change in clinical outcomes across clusters. We discuss our findings within the context of emerging outcomes of youths involved in comprehensive community-based programs and consider implications for outcome research, treatment of juvenile delinquents, and mental health policy.
Detection of Minimal Residual Disease Using ctDNA in Lung Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Advances in DNA sequencing methods have significantly expanded the potential clinical applications of analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This genetic information can identify the presence of targetable mutations and has been explored for cancer screening purposes. ctDNA can be obtained without the risks inherent to biopsy, allowing for serial assessments over time. Several studies have additionally suggested that ctDNA can be used to detect the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) after surgical resection in several cancer types, including lung cancer. The ability to detect MRD would allow clinicians to tailor adjuvant therapies, which carry risks of significant toxicities and may benefit only select groups of patients. Here, we review the current state of ctDNA profiling methods and evaluate the evidence supporting the use of ctDNA analysis to assess for MRD. We discuss how MRD detection could help identify patients at increased risk of disease recurrence and thus guide treatment decisions for resectable lung cancer. Finally, we propose future steps to validate such approaches and expand the utility of these rapidly progressing technologies.
Bone Marrow Biopsy Needle Type Affects Core Biopsy Specimen Length and Quality and Aspirate Hemodilution.

Objectives Bone marrow biopsies are essential for evaluating patients with suspected or confirmed hematopoietic disorders or malignancies, but little is known about how biopsy needle type affects biopsy length and/or quality. We sought to compare bone marrow biopsy quality in specimens obtained with two different needles. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on bone marrow specimens obtained with manual single-bevel (n = 114) or triple-bevel (n = 166) needles. The lengths of evaluable marrow, core quality, and aspirate quality were assessed by blinded hematopathologists. Results The triple-bevel needle produced 1.33-mm shorter lengths of evaluable marrow than the single-bevel needle and was five times less likely to produce a specimen rated as "adequate" and 4.2 times more likely to produce crush artifact. The triple-bevel needle was also 2.4 times more likely to produce hemodilute aspirates. Conclusions Bone marrow biopsy needle type affects the length of evaluable marrow and quality of core and aspirate specimens.
Desert Island Conjectures

For decades, Desert Island Discs has been a popular radio program on the BBC. Its format is for a guest to choose a selection of musical recordings that they would like to have with them if they were stranded on a desert island. In this chapter, we will unashamedly imitate that program and select some conjectures that we would like to have with us were we to be stranded on a desert island. Our selections go back about half a century, to when we were first introduced to graph theory. In the first part of this chapter, our conjectures involve drawings and embeddings of graphs on surfaces, but in the second part, we present one on connectivity.
Reliability Limiting Defects in MOS Gate Oxides: Mechanisms and Modeling Implications

Oxygen vacancies in SiO2 and dangling silicon bonds at the Si/SiOΣ2 interface are the most significant gate-dielectric defects that limit the performance, reliability, and radiation response of MOS devices. This paper reviews experimental and computational results that provide insight into the microstructure and formation of defects in SiO 2 . These results are critical to models of MOS total-ionizing-dose radiation response, low-frequency (1/ $f$ ) noise, and bias-temperature instabilities. Complex responses are illustrated for MOS devices with SiO 2 and high-K dielectrics, as well as AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, during simultaneous or sequential irradiation and high-field stress, emphasizing the universality and significance of this issue.