cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Multilayer Approach of Anomaly Detection for Email Systems

Many techniques have been applied to anomaly detection to detect novel attacks, such as statistical analysis, clustering, support vector machines, neural networks and etc. Although the results are promising, theres still a serious problem, high false positive rates, which make anomaly detection systems practically unusable. We observe that most network Intrusion Detection systems (IDSs) work on information that is only available on lower layers of the network or on higher layers, but not on both. We argue that by correlating the information on different layers, we can have a more efficient anomaly detection system. We introduce an anomaly detection system based on the layer correlation. Bayesian networks and statistical analysis are used to build normal system models for the anomaly detection engine. The prototype system is tested on tcpdump traces including normal and anomalous email activities. Our experimental results show that our proposed solution is capable of reducing false alarm rates.
An adaptive backpropagation through time training algorithm for a neutral controller

An adaptive method is proposed for choosing the time length (or number of time steps) used in the standard backpropagation through time (BTT) algorithm. BTT is commonly used in training neurocontrollers to perform control actions for a given cost function. Traditionally, the time length of BTT is chosen based on experience, and sometimes unnecessary calculations are performed because the time length is too large or too small. The adaptive backpropagation through time (ABTT) algorithm proposed is a technique for finding a minimum time length required to train a controller successfully to achieve its objective using the BTT algorithm. A DC motor controller is used as an example to demonstrate its feasibility. The performance of adaptive and standard BTT is compared in terms of objective achievement, cost function and computation requirements. >
Improving Schooling for Language‐Minority Children: A Research Agenda.*

How do we effectively teach children from homes in which a language other than English is spoken? In Improving Schooling for Language-Minority Children, a committee of experts focuses on this central question, striving toward the construction of a strong and credible knowledge base to inform the activities of those who educate children as well as those who fund and conduct research. The book reviews a broad range of studies--from basic ones on language, literacy, and learning to others in educational settings. The committee proposes a research agenda that responds to issues of policy and practice yet maintains scientific integrity. This comprehensive volume provides perspective on the history of bilingual education in the United States; summarizes relevant research on development of a second language, literacy, and content knowledge; reviews past evaluation studies; explores what we know about effective schools and classrooms for these children; examines research on the education of teachers of culturally and linguistically diverse students; critically reviews the system for the collection of education statistics as it relates to this student population; and recommends changes in the infrastructure that supports research on these students.
Diffusion Thermopower Of Bismuth Nanowires And The Role Of Carrier's Boundary Scattering. Doping, Pressure and Magnetic Field Studies

Bulk Bi and Bi-Sb are of interest for solid state cooling applications. Composites of these materials may show to be superior to bulk materials in these applications, because of quantum confinement and phonon scattering. Also, there is an interested in miniature devices and nanoscale coolers that interface with them. We have studied the thermopower of single Bi nanowires of diameters in the range 50-500 nm. The nanowires are fabricated as single strands of thermoelectric material, that are monocrystalline, in a glass envelope (a fiber). We observe that the thermopower peaks of around +90 muV/K at around 50 K. These values are the largest for any electrical-conductor in this temperature range. We interpret these effects in terms of a phenomenological model where boundary scattering is more effective for electrons than for holes. The temperature and the value of thermopower maximum depend sensitively with magnetic fields and Te doping. Also, stretching the fibers cause uniaxial stresses similar to that of "negative pressure" [Hicks, LD, et. al., 1993] that drives an electron topological transition, similarly to the case of Bi-Te [Lin, Y-M, et. al., 2000]. Near the ETT point we recorded very large oscillations of the thermopower, that are associated with the Landau levels in the nanowires. Our work focuses in the development a mathematical model to optimize the thermoelectric figure of merit considering magnetic field, doping, and pressure
Trust, Reciprocity, and a Preference for Economic Freedom: Experimental Evidence

Do those who prefer economic freedom behave differently than those who prefer public intervention to perceived problems? Experiments of the Trust Game and Dictator Game are employed to measure an individual’s behavior. Additionally, a quiz assessing an individual’s preference for private solutions to potential market failures is administered. While trusting investments are driven mostly by one’s preference to reciprocate, it is found that the reciprocation is highest for those who score both very high and very low on the economic freedom assessment. In the Dictator Game, there is a strong inverse relationship between one’s preference for economic freedom and altruistic giving. Thus, those with a strong preference for government intervention in markets exhibit altruism and inequality aversion in their behavior, while those with a strong preference for economic freedom give only in response to trusting, wealth-generating investments.
Nonantecedent Development of Truckee River Canyon, Northern Carson Range, Nevada and California

Truckee River crosses northern Carson Range in a gorge 3000 ft deep, passing east from Truckee Valley, elevation 6400 ft, to Truckee Meadows, elevation 4400 ft. A suggested nonantecedent origin for this gorge is based on headward erosion in the easily eroded pyroclastic rocks which lie on the resistant Sierran basement intrusive rocks. Headward erosion, associated with stream capture of northward- and northwestward-trending drainage from a high volcano enabled Truckee River to extend west of the original range divide, where it incorporated drainage of the western flank and continued by headward erosion into Truckee Valley, thus crossing the Carson Range nonantecedently. Therefore, Truckee River Canyon may not be evidence of postandesite uplift, either by warping or faulting, of the Carson Range.
USE OF SOUNDING OUT TO IMPROVE SPELLING IN YOUNG CHILDREN

We examined the effects of teaching 5 typically developing elementary students to sound out their spelling words while writing them using the cover-copy-compare (CCC) method to practice spelling. Each student's posttest performance following practice with sounding out was compared to that student's posttest performance following practice with no sounding out. For every student, posttest accuracy was higher following practice with sounding out, indicating that it is an effective and easily implemented strategy to improve spelling instruction.
Supraventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Reports on arrhythmias in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are limited. Four CF patients treated at our center had recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Three had cor pulmonale, as evidenced by echocardiogram, and all had baseline tachycardia. Twenty-four hour Holter monitoring in three patients showed ectopic atrial pacing and premature atrial and ventricular contractions in one patient, rare PVCs in another, and SVT in all three. All patients had significant bronchospasm requiring the use of theophylline, prednisone, and frequent daily doses of beta-2 adrenergic agonists; two also used nebulized atropine. Average theophylline level for the group was 13.4 μg/ml during SVT. There was no correlation between pulmonary obstruction and the frequency of SVT. Factors such as cor pulmonale, ectopy, hypoxia, infection, intensive combination bronchodilator therapy, and corticosteroids probably interacted to precipitate SVT. Altered autonomic responses and a myocardial infiltrative process noted in some patients with CF may also play a role in causing arrhythmias.
Social Isolation: A Predictor of Mortality Comparable to Traditional Clinical Risk Factors

Objectives. We explored the relationship between social isolation and mortality in a nationally representative US sample and compared the predictive power of social isolation with that of traditional clinical risk factors.Methods. We used data on 16 849 adults from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Death Index. Predictor variables were 4 social isolation factors and a composite index. Comparison predictors included smoking, obesity, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Unadjusted Kaplan–Meier tables and Cox proportional hazards regression models controlling for sociodemographic characteristics were used to predict mortality.Results. Socially isolated men and women had worse unadjusted survival curves than less socially isolated individuals. Cox models revealed that social isolation predicted mortality for both genders, as did smoking and high blood pressure. Among men, individual social predictors included being unmarried, participating infrequently in r...
Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Information Provided by Different Structural Load Path Definitions

The structural mechanics community has developed several methods to identify and visualize load paths in structures. There is no single accepted approach or method to characterize, quantify, visualize and tailor load paths. This paper compares various methods proposed to characterize and visualize load paths. The comparison is performed for a two- dimensional (2-D) rectangular plate under plane stress conditions arising from different loading and boundary conditions. The effectiveness of each method is compared. The comparisons shows the methods provide different results and insights into the load transfer mechanisms. No single method appears to emerge as a clear choice for characterizing load paths. However, some methods provide more qualitative and quantitative information on the trajectory and efficiency of load transferred along load paths.
Neighborhood Influences on Late Life Cognition in the ACTIVE Study

Low neighborhood-level socioeconomic status has been associated with poorer health, reduced physical activity, increased psychological stress, and less neighborhood-based social support. These outcomes are correlates of late life cognition, but few studies have specifically investigated the neighborhood as a unique source of explanatory variance in cognitive aging. This study supplemented baseline cognitive data from the ACTIVE (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly) study with neighborhood-level data to investigate (1) whether neighborhood socioeconomic position (SEP) predicts cognitive level, and if so, whether it differentially predicts performance in general and specific domains of cognition and (2) whether neighborhood SEP predicts differences in response to short-term cognitive intervention for memory, reasoning, or processing speed. Neighborhood SEP positively predicted vocabulary, but did not predict other general or specific measures of cognitive level, and did not predict individual differences in response to cognitive intervention.
Microbial size spectra from natural and nutrient enriched ecosystems

Microbial size spectra, including bacteria through nanophytoplankton, were measured by use of how cytometry across the western north Atlantic Ocean and during two nutrient enrichment studies: bottle enrichments in the Sargasso Sea and an in situ iron enrichment in the equatorial Pacific (IronEx II). Spectral shapes, or the relative conformity to a function described by a power law, ranged from smooth and log linear during the spring bloom in the Sargasso Sea to being distinctly non-log linear in coastal waters. Overall, the individual spectra within large regions characterized by similar ecological conditions showed remarkable consistency, inviting speculation that powerful organizing mechanisms are at work in these communities. Moreover, the ensemble average of all of the spectra along the transect displays clear power-law behavior. Slopes ranged from -1.0, in which biomass was equally distributed between all size classes, to -1.4, in which proportionally more biomass was contained in smaller size classes; there was no clear relationship between nutrient concentrations and spectral slopes over the entire data set. Species succession in nutrient-enriched bottles caused spectra to evolve from relatively smooth power laws to distributions showing preferred sizes (i.e., nonlinear on a log-log plot). The IronEx II spectra, however, remained similar over the course of the experiment. It could be that the elimination of bottle effects in this experiment buffered the system in ways that maintained the size structure of the microbial community over the size range we measured. Our results suggest conditions that lead to log-linear size distributions; these should be verified over a broader range of scales and environments.
QoS considerations in wireless sensor networks for telemedicine

The integration of telemedicine with medical micro sensor technology (Mobile Sensor Networks for Telemedicine applications -- MSNT) provides a promising approach to improve the quality of people’s lives. This type of network can truly implement the goal of providing health-care services anytime and anywhere. Our research in this field generates the following outcomes that are reported in this paper: (1) We propose a mobile sensor network infrastructure to support the third-generation telemedicine applications; (2) An energy-efficient query resolution mechanism in large-scale mobile sensor networks is used for critical medical data collections; (3) To provide the guaranteed mobile QoS for arriving multimedia calls, a new multi-class call admission control mechanism is proposed which is based on dynamically forming a reservation pool for handoff requests. We used discrete-event-based simulation model using OPNET to verify our scheme. The simulation results show that our system can satisfy the adaptive QoS requirements in large-scale telemedicine sensor networks.
Population and Bandwagon Effects on Local Team Revenues in Major League Baseball

Panel models are used to estimate the determinants of local revenues in Major League Baseball. This article updates a previous study by Burger and Walters (2003) with additional data and panel techniques. Consistent with their results, this study finds that market size does matter as a determinant of team marginal revenues when using panel techniques. However, two important differences surface when estimating the bandwagon effect. First, performing well in the postseason is much more important to marginal revenues than having a good regular-season win—loss record. Second, there are spillover effects associated with postseason wins, implying that misspecification arises in models where performance and revenue are only contemporaneously related.
2D Cryogenic Dusty Plasma: A Suggestion

Summary form only given. Dusty or complex plasmas are plasmas containing micron-sized charged solid particulates (dust grains). Highly charged dust confined in low temperature laboratory plasmas can form two-dimensional (2D) or quasi-2D crystalline or liquid-like structures because of their mutual Coulomb repulsion. Because the structures can be easily visualized by light scattering, such strongly coupled complex plasmas are used to investigate many physics issues intrinsic to strongly coupled Coulomb systems. We propose and discuss theoretically a novel type of 2D complex plasma formed by positioning charged dust grains on the surface of liquid helium (He). Liquid He provides a nearly ideal flat substrate, has very low polarizability and conductivity, and has been used previously to study 2D systems of electrons, ions, and charged clusters. The 2D cryogenic complex plasma has possible advantages compared with traditional 2D complex plasmas. These include: (1) a more controlled environment, (2) an unscreened Coulomb interaction between the grains, (3) the possibility' that new-types of strongly coupled systems could be studied, including (a) systems composed of nanoparticles in addition to those composed of micron-size particles, (b) systems of grains placed in a strong external magnetic field, (c) systems of grains with intrinsic magnetic dipole moments, and (d) binary mixtures of grains with different charges and masses. These features could lead to new basic physics studies of new phenomena that could be explored with the 2D cryogenic complex plasma. At the same time, there are issues that require further investigation: (i) the type of grain to use, (ii) the possible use of other cryogenic liquids, (iii) methods for charging and discharging, (iv) means of confinement, (v) possible diagnostic methods, (vi) possible He transmitted damping mechanisms.
Flight and fight: a comparative view of the neurophysiology and genetics of honey bee defensive behavior.

Honey bee nest defense involves guard bees that specialize in olfaction-based nestmate recognition and alarm-pheromone-mediated recruitment of nestmates to sting. Stinging is influenced by visual, tactile and olfactory stimuli. Both quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and behavioral studies point to guarding behavior as a key factor in colony stinging response. Results of reciprocal F1 crosses show that paternally inherited genes have a greater influence on colony stinging response than maternally inherited genes. The most active alarm pheromone component, isoamyl acetate (IAA) causes increased respiration and may induce stress analgesia in bees. IAA primes worker bees for ‘fight or flight’, possibly through actions of neuropeptides and/or biogenic amines. Studies of aggression in other species lead to an expectation that octopamine or 5-HT might play a role in honey bee defensive response. Genome sequence and QTL mapping identified 128 candidate genes for three regions known to influence defensive behavior. Comparative bioinformatics suggest possible roles of genes involved in neurogenesis and central nervous system (CNS) activity, and genes involved in sensory tuning through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as an arrestin (AmArr4) and the metabotropic GABAB receptor (GABA-B-R1).
A Scanline Data Structure Processor for VLSI Geometry Checking

This paper proposes an architecture to support VLSI geometry checking tasks based on scanline algorithms. Rather than recast the entire verification task in hardware, we identify primitives around which geometry checking tools can be built, and examine the feasibility of accelerating two of these critical primitives. We focus on the operations of Boolean combinations of mask layers, and region numbering within a mask layer. Unlike previous proposals for special hardware (e.g., bit map processors), this architecture operates on a more realistic representation of masks: a sorted stream of possibly oblique edges. The architecture can be viewed as directly interpreting the operators that manipulate the relevant scanline data structures. We show how the edge computations in these two algorithms can be restructured into the form of a single, shared hardware pipeline. Data from a simulation of this processor suggests that, relative to the specific software functions it is intended to replace, the scanline processor can reduce computation time significantly. In particular, simulations of one possible implementation for this processor yield speedups of three orders of magnitude for Manhattan mask data, degrading gracefully to speedups of two orders of magnitude for highly oblique mask data.
Consumer use of the Internet and the Knowledge Gap in Healthcare

Researchers believe that consumer-driven healthcare, which emphasizes the active role of patients, results in a leveling of the asymmetrical relationship between physicians and general consumers in terms of healthcare information and knowledge (Goldsmith 2000). The Internet has clearly facilitated the dramatic change in consumers searching, acquiring, and seeking for health information (Calabretta 2002; Cullen 2006). Despite the dramatic increase in health information available through the Internet and many health opinion leaders’ positive expectations about the role of health information on the Internet (Goldsmith 2000), it has been reported that “;nearly half of all American adults—90 million people—have difficulty understanding and acting upon health information”; (IOM 2004, 1). More importantly, underserved populations such as ethnic minorities, lower socioeconomic groups, and less educated people have limited access to Internet health information, not only because of limited access to Internet services and computers but also because of lack of technology, communication, physical, and/or literacy skills (Eng et al., 1998). In order to explore this possible disparity, the present study explores whether inequalities in levels of health knowledge are reduced or exacerbated by personal (motivation) and contextual factors (Internet use and trust in the Internet).
Structural Survey of the Peroxiredoxins

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitous proteins that use an active site Cys residue to reduce hydroperoxides. Structural studies since the first Prx structure was determined in 1998 have produced 35 crystal structures of wild type and mutant Prxs with at least one representative structure from each of the five major evolutionary subfamilies of Prxs. These structures have yielded a great deal of knowledge about Prx structure and structure-function relations, revealing fascinating variations in quaternary structure and details of the fully-folded and locally-unfolded conformations that are involved in the catalytic cycle of all Prxs
Modeling Culminating in an Improved Tomographic Image of a Complex Near-Surface

Tomographic modeling of the near-surface velocity field is now achievable, even with large 3D surveys. This paper describes the modeling of a difficult area from its first detection on 2D time sections to a final 3D time image. The tomographic model has evolved with greater understanding of the near-surface. The Generalized Reciprocal Method yielded information about the variable characteristics of shallow refractor representing the base of low velocity layer. Analysis and understanding of ray tracing lead to multi-stage tomographic modeling. The resulting model demonstrates evidence of deep narrow channels under sand dunes.
Biology of airway smooth muscle. Conference summary.

The 1998 Transatlantic Conference was dubbed by one of its participants as the symposium on a tissue that has no useful role. Perhaps so, but undaunted by the futility of discovering a function for airway smooth muscle, the participants dissected the challenging subject of the function of airway smooth muscle as a tissue and the potential mechanisms by which it plays a role in airway disease. Four major areas of focus emerged.
A TAXONOMY OF HOSPITAL GOVERNING BOARDS.

This article examines the taxonomy of hospital governing boards. An understanding of hospital governing boards and their performance and roles is offered. A study is presented from a configurationa...
Lagged response of tropical tropospheric temperature to solar ultraviolet variations on intraseasonal time scales

Correlative and regression analyses of daily ERA-Interim reanalysis data for three separate solar maximum periods confirm the existence of a temperature response to short-term (mainly ∼27 day) solar ultraviolet variations at tropical latitudes in both the lower stratosphere and troposphere. The response, which occurs at a phase lag of 6–10 days after the solar forcing peak, consists of a warming in the lower stratosphere, consistent with relative downwelling and a slowing of the mean meridional (Brewer-Dobson) circulation, and a cooling in the troposphere. The midtropospheric cooling response is most significant in the tropical Pacific, especially under positive El Nino–Southern Oscillation conditions and may be related to a reduction in the number of Madden-Julian oscillation events that propagate eastward into the central Pacific following peaks in short-term solar forcing.
Measurement of Mammary Tumor Blood Flow in Unanesthetized Rats

Blood flow to mammary tumor MT-W9B in minimally disturbed, unanesthetized inbred WF rats was measured with radioactively labeled 25-mu (diameter) microspheres. The distribution of the blood flow estimates was not described by a normal probability density function but could be normalized with a natural log transformation of the data. The relative blood flow to the tumor tissue was always greater than that to the surrounding normal tissue and was dependent on the tumor size, transplantation site (axillary vs. inguinal), and physiologic state of the animal. The growth of this tumor did not alter the blood flow to the adjacent normal tissues. However, the cardiac output and coronary blood flow increased with increasing tumor size. Two blood flow estimates could be performed on the same animal within a time-span of 15 minutes.
Modified Mollard procedure for congenital high anorectal malformations via rectal muscle sheath of blind bag out of previous sagittal approach

Objective To explore the efficacies of treating infants with congeniital anorectal malformation by drawing from rectal muscle sheath of blind bag out of previous sagittal approach (modified Mollard procedure).Methods Retrospective analyses of postoperative anus control and bowel movements were conducted for 172 patients with high anorectal malformation.The procedures included modified Mollard (n =68,modified group),Pena (n =64,Pena group) and abdominal perineal anus forming (n =40,abdominoperineal group).The tensions of external sphincter and puborectalis were gauged by digital rectal examination and the perianal degree of fecal pollution was assessed by defecography.Results Among them,28 boys and 18 girls had a good postoperative control of defecation in the modified group(P =0.004).The ratios of postoperative external anal sphincter was strong were 73.5％ (50/68) and 85.9％ (55/64)respectively in the modified and Pena groups and they were higher than that of abdominal perineal group at 55.0％ (22/40) (both P ＜ 0.05).The difference in the former two groups was not statistically significant (P =0.196).The incidence of constipation in the modified group was less than that in the Pena group (13.2％ (9/68) vs 31.3％ (20/64),P =0.012).Conclusion Modified Mollard procedure may avoid repeated operations,offer a better control of bowel function,ease patient suffering and improve their postoperative quality-of-life. Key words: Anus, imperforate; Digestive system surgical procedures; Pena; Mollard
Prescribing patterns in the treatment of hypertension among underserved African American elderly.

Introduction : Hypertension among African Americans is higher compared to Whites and has an early onset, greater severity, and is associated with more organ damage. We examined whether pharmaceutical treatment of hypertension among underserved African American elderly is consistent with the current treatment guidelines and whether treatment variations occur due to existing co-morbidities among the hypertensive. Methods: Our study surveyed 400 African Americans, aged $65 years, recruited from 16 predominantly African American churches located in South Los Angeles. The study used face-to-face interviews which documented type, frequency, and dosage of all medications used by participants. Label information of each drug was recorded. Results: Our data indicate: 1) 29% were on one anti-hypertensive medication; 60% were taking 2–3 medications; and 9% were on four classes of anti-hypertensive medication; 2) among the elderly taking a combination of two or more drugs, ACE or ARB was used 76% in combination of agents, diuretics 60%, calcium channel blockers 63%, and betablocker 61%; and 3) 26% of the elderly were taking $3 medications including a diuretic. Conclusions: Treatment of hypertension appears to be inconsistent with the prevailing treatment guidelines for nearly one-third of the aged African Americans. Further investigation is needed to determine why a significant number of individuals from this under-served population are not receiving care based on established clinical guidelines. ( Ethn Dis . 2014;24[4]:431–437)
Clinical presentation of CAD and myocardial ischemia in women

Angina is the most frequent initial and subsequent manifestation of ischemic heart disease in women. Women with stable ischemic heart disease have a more diverse symptom presentation than men, with prominent anginal equivalents; symptoms are more often precipitated by emotional or mental stress. Women, especially at younger age, whose acute myocardial infarction presentation is without chest pain have higher mortality rates than men without chest pain.
Inhibition of miR-21 rescues liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in ethanol-fed rats

Liver regeneration is a clinically significant tissue repair process that is suppressed by chronic alcohol intake through poorly understood mechanisms. Recently, microRNA-21 (miR-21) has been suggested to serve as a crucial microRNA (miRNA) regulator driving hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy (PHx) in mice. However, we reported recently that miR-21 is significantly upregulated in ethanol-fed rats 24 h after PHx, despite inhibition of cell proliferation, suggesting a more complex role for this miRNA. Here, we investigate how inhibition of miR-21 in vivo affects the early phase of liver regeneration in ethanol-fed rats. Chronically ethanol-fed rats and pair-fed control animals were treated with AM21, a mixed locked nucleic acid-DNA analog antisense to miR-21 that inhibited miR-21 in vivo to undetectable levels. Liver regeneration after PHx was followed by cell proliferation marker and gene expression analysis, miRNA profiling, and cell signaling pathway analysis. Although liver regeneration was not significantly impaired by AM21 in chow-fed rats, AM21 treatment in ethanol-fed animals completely restored regeneration and enhanced PHx-induced hepatocyte proliferation to levels comparable to those of untreated or chow-fed animals. In addition, a marked deposition of α-smooth muscle actin, a marker of stellate cell activation, which was evident in ethanol-treated animals after PHx, was effectively suppressed by AM21 treatment. Gene expression analysis further indicated that suppression of stellate cell-specific profibrogenic profiles and the Notch signaling contributed to AM21-mediated rescue from deficient hepatocyte proliferation in ethanol-fed animals. Our results indicate that the impact of miR-21 balances proproliferative effects with antiproliferative profibrogenic actions in regulating distinctive regenerative responses in normal vs. disease conditions.
Delirium After Spine Surgery in Older Adults: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

Objectives To characterize the incidence, risk factors, and consequences of delirium in older adults undergoing spine surgery. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Individuals aged 70 and older undergoing spine surgery (N = 89). Measurements Postoperative delirium and delirium severity were assessed using validated methods, including the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), CAM for the Intensive Care Unit, Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98, and chart review. Hospital-based outcomes were obtained from the medical record and hospital charges from data reported to the state. Results Thirty-six participants (40.5%) developed delirium after spine surgery, with 17 (47.2%) having purely hypoactive features. Independent predictors of delirium were lower baseline cognition, higher average baseline pain, more intravenous fluid administered, and baseline antidepressant medication. In adjusted models, the development of delirium was independently associated with higher quintile of length of stay (odds ratio (OR) = 3.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.48–9.04, P = .005), higher quintile of hospital charges (OR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.35–9.00, P = .01), and lower odds of discharge to home (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07–0.69, P = .009). Severity of delirium was associated with higher quintile of hospital charges and lower odds of discharge to home. Conclusion Delirium is common after spine surgery in older adults, and baseline pain is an independent risk factor. Delirium is associated with longer stay, higher charges, and lower odds of discharge to home. Thus, prevention of delirium after spine surgery may be an important quality improvement goal.
Case study evaluating Just-In-Time Teaching and Peer Instruction using clickers in a quantum mechanics course

A set of in-class reading quizzes and clicker questions leads to improved student learning in a quantum mechanics course.
An ideal disorder? Autism as a psychiatric kind

In recent decades, attempts to explain autism have been frustrated by the heterogeneous nature of its behavioral symptoms and the underlying genetic, neural, and cognitive mechanisms that produce them. This has led some to propose eliminating the category altogether. The eliminativist inference relies on a conception of psychiatric categories as kinds defined by their underlying mechanistic structure. I review the evidence for eliminativism and propose an alternative model of the family of autisms. On this account, autism is a network category defined by a set of idealized exemplars linked by multiple levels of theoretically significant properties. I argue that this network model better captures the empirical phenomena, the historical growth of the category, and the ways the category has been shaped by social norms and interests. Finally, I defend a realist interpretation of network categories against the challenge from eliminativists.
Molecular Biology of Parathyroid Hormone

Abstract Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates extracellular calcium and phosphate homeostasis in a negative-feedback manner. Decreases of serum calcium or increases of phosphate stimulate PTH release, which restores calcium and phosphate balance through direct and indirect effects on the kidney and bone. PTH inhibits phosphate absorption by proximal renal tubules and stimulates calcium absorption by distal tubules. PTH actions are mediated by the PTH receptor (PTHR). PTHR signaling at cell membranes is transient, while persistent signaling arises from PTHR trafficking to endosomes. Adapter proteins may coordinate cell-specific responses to PTH and its peptide fragments. The normal, negative-feedback relations between extracellular calcium and PTH secretion are disrupted in chronic kidney disease in this process and, if untreated, lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy. This chapter presents an overview of the components of these regulatory systems, including the measurement of PTH, and the behavior of the PTHR and other elements in normal conditions and when impaired.
Smooth sailing for immunotherapy for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer: the PACIFIC study.

The tumor microenvironment, the soil in which tumors grow in the body, has become a rich source of potential therapeutic intervention. Tumor cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells, and numerous other cell types collaborate to create a protumorigenic environment. Initial attempts to alter the microenvironment focused on endothelial cells and angiogenesis, but there is now a growing appreciation of the complex contributions of each cell type to tumor growth.
Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals

The alkali and alkaline earth metals comprise the first two columns of the periodic table, traditionally referred to as Groups IA and IIA, respectively (Figure 1). Although H is technically considered a member of Group IA, it is not an alkali metal like the rest of the elements in this column; rather, H is a highly volatile non-metal and the smallest and lightest atom of them all. From lithium (Li) through francium (Fr) in Group IA, and beryllium (Be) through radium (Ra) in Group IIA, the rest of the alkali and alkaline earth metals share a number of physical characteristics, such as: malleability, ductility, electrical/thermal conductivity, and reactivity at standard temperature and pressure. Although often associated with biological systems and dietary supplements, alkali and alkaline earth metals represent an extraordinarily important and versatile suite of elements that can be applied as geochemical tracers for a multitude of planetary processes. Moreover, many of these elements are extraordinarily common in geological materials; for example, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) represent the 5th, 6th and 7th (respectively) most abundant elements in the Earth’s continental crust (Rudnick and Gao, 2003).
Prepulse Inhibition of Startle in Humans and Laboratory Models

Prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI) is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating that is studied across species as a basic feature of information processing, a means to understanding the basis of gating deficits in brain disorders, and a model for drug development. PPI is regulated by forebrain circuitry connecting the limbic cortex, striatum, pallidum, and thalamus with the pontine tegmentum. Multiple neurotransmitters and neuropeptides impact PPI, with dopamine D2 family receptors playing a potent regulatory role. PPI has been particularly informative regarding the pathophysiological models of and treatment for schizophrenia. Its broader applications may range from identifying vulnerability genes for brain disorders to elaborating the biology of sex differences in cognition.
CVD in Cutting-Tool Applications

Coatings play an important part in the cutting-tool industry and so, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology has made some of its most important gains like: the CVD films of titanium carbide on cemented carbide tools are very useful. The percentage of the tools that are coated by either physical vapor deposition (PVD) or CVD depends on the type of the tool. Another application is the usage of diamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. Coatings of polycrystalline CVD-diamond and DLC have entered the market of cutting and grinding applications. One of the applications is the coating of tungsten-carbide substrate. Adhesion can be a problem if cobalt, the binder material, is present on the surface as in its presence graphite may be formed instead of diamond. Reducing the amount of cobalt in the tungsten carbide (WC) compact has the capability to eliminate this problem. These coatings improve the flank wear of tools by a factor of 2–5 with the initial use being: the cutting of aluminum and reinforced plastic. Diamonds are also deposited on bulk silicon-nitride tools with an improved performance.
Walking on myeloma

![Figure][1] A 60-year-old man who had had immunoglobulin G κ multiple myeloma since 2008 underwent 2 melphalan 200 mg/m2–based autologous transplantations. Initial genomic analysis revealed translocation (4;14). He had received 12 lines of therapy, including all US Food and Drug
Diagnostic aspects of peptic ulcer. 3. Endoscopy in diagnosis of peptic ulcer

1. Peptic ulceration of the esophagus is probably best diagnosed and evaluated by means of endoscopy. The more widespread use of the “flexible” esophagoscope has led to improved appreciation of pathology of the esophagus. Biopsy under direct vision is relatively simple and rewarding, since good specimens are obtained, and the nature of ulcerations determined accurately. 2. A new, completely flexible endoscope, the “Fiberscope,” composed of bundles of glass fibers, may in the future allow the visualization of the interior of the duodenum. The diagnosis of duodenal ulcer should be greatly enhanced by this instrument, when perfected, since many of such lesions are still missed on x-ray examination. 3. Gastroscopy with the flexible gastroscope is of special value in the diagnosis of ulcers not seen on x-ray examination and in confirmation and evaluation of those visualized by x-ray. In both cases the ulcer should be followed to complete healing by gastroscopy. Gastroscopic biopsy of ulcers under direct vision is so far unsatisfactory but may in the future be improved by the use of better instruments. 4. Gastroscopic photography is now feasible and is useful in evaluation of ulcerations as well as in teaching. Several cases have been described and illustrated to demonstrate characteristics of gastric ulcerations.
Effects of child restraint misuse on dynamic performance.

AbstractObjective: Estimates of child restraint misuse rates in the United States range from 49% to 95%, but not all misuse modes have similar consequences in terms of restraint effectiveness. A se...
Recruitment and reach in a pragmatic behavioral weight loss randomized controlled trial: implications for real-world primary care practice

Obesity is a major risk factor behind some of the most common problems encountered in primary care. Although effective models for obesity treatment have been developed, the ‘reach’ of these interventions is poor and only a small fraction of primary care patients receive evidence-based treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that impact the uptake (reach) of an evidence-based obesity treatment program within the context of a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial comparing three models of care delivery. Recruitment and reach were evaluated by the following measures: 1) mailing response rates, 2) referral sources among participants contacting the study team, 3) eligibility rates, 4) participation rates, and 5) representativeness based on demographics, co-morbid conditions, and healthcare utilization of 1432 enrolled participants compared to > 17,000 non-participants from the clinic-based patient populations. Referral sources and participation rates were compared across study arms and level of clinic engagement. The response rate to clinic-based mailings was 13.2% and accounted for 66% of overall program recruitment. An additional 22% of recruitment came from direct clinic referrals and 11% from media, family, or friends. Of those screened, 87% were eligible; among those eligible, 86% enrolled in the trial. Participation rates did not vary across the three care delivery arms, but were higher at clinics with high compared to low provider involvement. In addition, clinics with high provider involvement had a higher rate of in clinic referrals (33% versus 16%) and a more representative sample with regards to BMI, rurality, and months since last clinic visit. However, across clinics, enrolled participants compared to non-participants were older, more likely to be female, more likely to have had a joint replacement but less likely to have CVD or smoke, and had fewer hospitalizations. A combination of direct patient mailings and in-clinic referrals may enhance the reach of primary care behavioral weight loss interventions, although more proactive outreach is likely necessary for men, younger patients, and those at greater medial risk. Strategies are needed to enhance provider engagement in referring patients to behavioral weight loss programs. clnicialtrials.gov NCT02456636. Registered May 28, 2015, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=RE-POWER&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=.
Imaging in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: PET/CT

In the last two decades, the development of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and then PET with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging, has had a large impact on the management of a number of cancer types. PET/CT imaging benefits from the possibility of obtaining both structural (CT) and functional (PET) cancer information at the same time. PET obtains images of the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals that can be designed to target different biological processes. In current clinical cancer imaging, most PET imaging studies are performed using an analog of glucose, fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), labeled with the radioactive Fluorine-18. Imaging with FDG is particularly useful because following malignant transformation, various tumors are characterized by increased glucose utilization that is reflected by increased uptake and accumulation of FDG. In oncology, PET imaging with FDG often provides more sensitive and more specific information about the extent of disease than morphologic/anatomic imaging alone. PET also offers an earlier and often better assessment of response to treatment and an overall better accuracy to restage disease after completion of a treatment course. This in turns results in an overall improved prognostic evaluation during and after treatment. Although the role of PET/CT is limited in patients with HCC, the current status of this imaging technology is reviewed.
‘We acted like ELLs’: A pedagogy of embodiment in preservice teacher education:

Many US K-12 teachers in ethnolinguistically homogenous, rural areas are not adequately prepared to meet the needs of their English language learner (ELL) students. Such educators often lack concep...
Medication management in dialysis: Barriers and strategies

People with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who require chronic dialysis are often reliant on complicated medication regimens to manage their health conditions. Due to the complexities of the advanced kidney disease, underlying comorbidities, and special instructions, medication regimens for patients on dialysis put patients at high risk for medication therapy problems related to safety, effectiveness, appropriateness, and adherence. This article explores the factors that affect optimal medication use for people on dialysis, including the broader drug use system, and offers recommendations around medication reconciliation, medication review, deprescribing, and considering social determinants of health to improve medication management among patients with ESKD.
Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and angiotensin2 target calcitonin gene-related peptide family peptides in maternal vascular smooth muscle cells in pregnancy†.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CALCB), adrenomedullin (ADM), and adrenomedullin2 (ADM2) are hypotensive peptides that belong to CALCB family of peptides. Goal of this study was to identify the effect of fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFLT-1) and angiotensin2 (Ang2) on the function of these peptides in OA smooth muscle cells (OASMC) and assess the sensitivity of OA for these peptides in preeclampsia (PE) and normotensive pregnancy. METHODS Peptide function was assessed by Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assays and wire myograph; mRNA expression by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and protein-protein interaction by proximity ligation assay and co-immunoprecipitation. FINDINGS All three peptides increased cAMP synthesis in the order of efficacy CALCB > ADM = ADM2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA in OASMC (P < 0.05); sFLT-1 mediated decrease in cAMP synthesis (P < 0.05) is differentially rescued by all three CALCB family peptides in OASMC (P < 0.005); sFLT-1 decreased receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP)1 and RAMP2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05); Ang2 decreased the expression of calcitonin-receptor-like receptor and RAMP1 mRNA and desensitized CALCB and ADM2 receptors in OASMC (P < 0.05); sFLT-1 increased RAMP1and Ang2 type 1 receptor (AT1R) interaction in OASMC which is inhibited in presence of all three peptides; and all three peptides relax OA in PE with enhanced ADM2 response (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION sFLT-1 and Ang2 impair OASMC mediated functional responses of CALCB family peptides which can be inhibited by respective peptide treatment. The sensitivity of OA for CALCB, ADM, and ADM2-mediated relaxation is retained in PE.
A revisit to Bennett’s goodness-of-fit statistic for comparing two predictive values

Bennett (Statistics in Medicine 4 (1985), 535-539) proposed a goodness-of-fit statistic to compare two predictive values in an attempt to improve upon its earlier version he derived in 1976. Howeve...