cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Built-in self-diagnostic by space-time compression of test responses

Presents two different methodologies for built-in self-diagnostic of boards and systems by space-time compression of test responses. The first method, soft decision, uses nonbinary multiple error-correcting codes to obtain space-time signatures. These obtained signatures and the corresponding precomputed references are compared and magnitudes of distortions in signatures are analyzed to identify faulty components. The second method, hard decision, makes use of the information indicating whether the corresponding signatures are distorted or not. Both approaches show considerable savings in hardware overheads when compared with a straightforward approach where a separate signature is required for every component. A transition from the soft to hard decision approach results in an increase in the number of signatures required for diagnostic but at the same time it results in a decrease in the complexity of a fault locating algorithm. Results pertaining to VLSI implementations are presented where the hardware overhead is estimated in terms of two-input equivalent gates. >
One-dimensional fluid and circuit simulation of an AC plasma display cell

A one-dimensional multispecies model of a helium filled AC plasma display cell is described. The model includes a continuity equation for each species. Poisson's equation and a circuit equation. The fill gas is helium for which the cross sections for ionization and excitation for the various atomic states are well known. The reaction rates for the different species were parametrized as functions of E/N using a zero-dimensional spatial and two velocity multispecies Boltzmann kinetic code. Calculations are performed using address and sustain voltages operating at a frequency of 50 kHz to model the pulse behavior of a dielectric barrier discharge which occurs over a time scale on the order of 200 ns or less. The code simulates multipulse behavior and shows reasonably good agreement with experimental data. The simulations show that the circuit filters out the discharge dynamics and that the pulse width of the discharge current depends on the circuit RC time constant. Using a 123 V sustain voltage, the calculated discharge current is 0.4 A with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 28 ns. Experimental values using a 120 V sustain voltage are 0.32 A discharge current and 42 ns FWHM. >
Economic evaluation of algae biodiesel based on meta-analyses

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study is to elucidate the economic viability of algae-to-energy systems at a large scale, by developing a meta-analysis of five previously published economic evaluations of systems producing algae biodiesel. Data from original studies were harmonised into a standardised framework using financial and technical assumptions. Results suggest that the selling price of algae biodiesel under the base case would be $5.00–10.31/gal, higher than the selected benchmarks: $3.77/gal for petroleum diesel, and $4.21/gal for commercial biodiesel (B100) from conventional vegetable oil or animal fat. However, the projected selling price of algal biodiesel ($2.76–4.92/gal), following anticipated improvements, would be competitive. A scenario-based sensitivity analysis reveals that the price of algae biodiesel is most sensitive to algae biomass productivity, algae oil content, and algae cultivation cost. This indicates that the improvements in the yield, quality, and cost of algae feedstock coul...
Theory of spontaneously generated spin coherence in nanodots

A physical picture of spontaneously generated spin coherence is given, based on the spin vector model. The theory underlying the experiment, which recently established this spontaneously generated coherence in a semiconductor nanodot is sketched.
THE EFFECTS OF GRAZING BY SEA URCHINS, STRONGYLOCENTROTUS SPP., ON BENTHIC ALGAL POPULATIONS1

A series of shallow intertidal pools at Mukkaw Bay, Washington, ranging in height from −0.3 to +0.6 m had the urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus removed from them. Subtidal rocks at Friday Harbor, −7.3 to −8.2 m, were either caged or had Strongylocentrotus fransiscanus removed at monthly intervals. Observations of the rate and pattern of algal succession for periods of up to three years showed that following an initial establishment of new species, brown algae began to dominate. The rate of domination is related to the area’s tidal height, with succession most rapid in the lower intertidal areas or subtidally. After a variable period, the majority of the algal biomass was vested in a single perennial brown algal species, Hedophyllum sessile in the inter tidal and Laminaria complanata or Laminaria groenlandica subtidally. These plants existed neither in the control areas throughout the study, nor in the experimental pools and rocks before urchin removal. Intermittent urchin browsing could make a major contribution to the variety of algae coexisting within limited areas on these rocky shores.
Three dimensional circuit oriented electromagnetic modeling for VLSI packaging

Summary form only given. Circuit-oriented approaches for the solution of interconnect problems were considered. Issues for partial element equivalent circuit modeling, such as retardation and dielectrics, were examined. This corresponds to a full wave electromagnetic solution of the problem. A further issue discussed was potential circuit solver methods for the solution of these problems. The solution of these problems is very time consuming due to the couplings, and exact as well as approximate solution techniques may be appropriate in some cases. >
The Association of Divorce and Extramarital Sex in a Representative U.S. Sample

Few studies provide specific rates of marital divorce or separation in association with a history of infidelity. Research based primarily from clinical or help-seeking populations suggests that most couples who have experienced infidelity do not divorce within the time frames assessed. Using self-reported history of extramarital sex (EMS), divorce, and separation data from 16,090 individuals assessed between 1991 and 2008 as part of the General Social Survey (GSS), the authors found that, relative to married (and never divorced) individuals, a history of EMS raised the likelihood of being currently divorced but remarried (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6), divorced and not remarried (OR = 4.1), and separated (OR = 5.8). While there are interpretive limitations, the data from the GSS suggest that more than half of men and women who engage in EMS also separate or divorce from their spouse. Results are discussed in terms of methodological differences among studies as well as clinical implications.
Comparison of diffusion approximation and higher order diffusion equations for optical tomography of osteoarthritis

In this study, a simplified spherical harmonics approximated higher order diffusion model is employed for 3-D diffuse optical tomography of osteoarthritis in the finger joints. We find that the use of a higher-order diffusion model in a stand-alone framework provides significant improvement in reconstruction accuracy over the diffusion approximation model. However, we also find that this is not the case in the image-guided setting when spatial prior knowledge from x-rays is incorporated. The results show that the reconstruction error between these two models is about 15 and 4%, respectively, for stand-alone and image-guided frameworks.
Automated template-based metadata extraction architecture

This paper describes our efforts to develop a toolset and process for automated metadata extraction from large, diverse, and evolving document collections. A number of federal agencies, universities, laboratories, and companies are placing their collections online and making them searchable via metadata fields such as author, title, and publishing organization. Manually creating metadata for a large collection is an extremely time-consuming task, but is difficult to automate, particularly for collections consisting of documents with diverse layout and structure. Our automated process enables many more documents to be available online than would otherwise have been possible due to time and cost constraints. We describe our architecture and implementation and illustrate the effectiveness of the tool-set by providing experimental results on two major collections DTIC (Defense Technical Information Center) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
Developing and Rejuvenating Relationships

For some people, developing personal relationships is very difficult. Equally as difficult for some is maintaining a continued interest in an old relationship. As Peck (1978) describes, relationships go through various stages, and hard work is necessary for relationships to flourish. An ideal time to learn about relationships and their intricacies is during the developmental period of adolescence, when teenagers are very concerned about establishing ties with their peers and are testing their independence from the immediate family (Erickson, 1982). Yet, while the new relationships are being developed, old relationships need to be maintained and nurtured. By participating in the following activity, one is able to experience caring for several different types of relationships in his life. The activity works well with teenagers but is applicable to anyone who desires renewal in a relationship. College students, whose ages range from 18 to elderly, have benefited from the experience. In health education classes, the activity integrates well into the human sexuality section, where a major emphasis is learning how to develop and appreciate a variety of relationships with family and friends (Educational Development Center, lnc., 1983). The overall goal of the activity is to help an individual experience development and nurturing of a relationship. Specifically, the participant will renew a relationship with himself, a loved one, and one or more other people he does not know very well. The time allotted for the activity is
Mo1442 Pancreatic Cystic Lesions Referred for Surgery Based on EUS Criteria: Correlation With Surgical Pathology

The objective of this study is to determine how often EUS and EUS-FNA changed management of these lesions. Methods: Four gastroenterologists and four surgeons from 4 tertiary hospitals were asked to independently report their diagnosis and management recommendations of 49 patients with PCL at three different levels of information: 1. clinical and CT findings 2. EUS findings 3. result of EUS -FNA ( cytology and biochemistry) . Results: Cystic lesions that were studied were: IPMT (41.9%), mucinous cystadenoma (22.5% ), serous cystadenoma ( 11.7%), pseudocyst (10 %), neuroendocrine (2.3% ) tumor, cyst nonspecific (11.6%). Gold standard was surgical specimen or follow up and cytology . The results of EUS induced a change in the diagnosis and management in 32 % and 20% of cases respectively. The change was towards a more interventionist attitude (for example from surveillance to surgery) in 50% of cases. EUS-FNA caused a change in the diagnosis and management of 41 % and 21 % of cases respectively. Agreement between specialists was low for diagnosis and treatment (kappaZ0,32 and 0,21 respectively); diagnosis agreement improved with EUS-FNA additional information (KappaZ0,43). Among specialists, agreement was greater for gastroenterologist (step 1: 0,47; step 2: 047; step 3: 0,51) than surgeons (Step 1: 0,21; step 2: 0,35; step 3: 0,39). Conclusion: EUS and EUSFNA have a significant impact on the management of pancreatic cystic lesions . The agreement between specialists is low, but increases with the result of FNA.
CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS OF A RECOMBINANT BOVINE STRESS-INDUCIBLE 70 KDA HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN (HSP70) MIMICS HSP70 ISOFORMS FROM TISSUES

A cDNA clone for the stress-inducible 70 kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp70) has been isolated from a bovine skeletal-muscle cDNA library. This mRNA encodes a protein with a calculated molecular mass of 70250 Da. The cDNA has one continuous open reading frame capable of encoding a 641-amino-acid protein. Expression of this cDNA in a bacterial expression system produced a protein with a mobility identical with that of the inducible Hsp70 protein from bovine skeletal muscle as determined by SDS/PAGE. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis demonstrated this protein to have focusing properties identical with that of a minor isoform from bovine skeletal muscle. Upon carbamylation of this bacterially expressed protein, a train of charged proteins with charge differences of -1 were produced. These carbamylated proteins were shown to have similar focusing mobilities to the Hsp70 isoforms isolated from bovine skeletal muscle. These results demonstrate the identification of a skeletal-muscle inducible Hsp70 gene and suggest that the presence of multiple Hsp70 isoforms may be the product of post-translational modifications to the Hsp70 proteins.
The value of nonhuman primate animal models in anti-HIV drug studies

Nonhuman primate animal models are widely used in HIV research.SIV/macaque models and SHIV/macaque models have been used extensively for studies.Besides playing an important role in the research for AIDS pathogenesis and anti-HIV vaccines,they displayed a more practical and adaptable application in evaluation of anti-HIV drug:the efficacy of drug therapy,the exploitation of new drugs,the researches of drug-resistant and the role of antiviral immune responses during drug therapy.The research of antiviral efficacy and mechanism in vivo will lead to further recognitions for current drug therapy,guide future human clinical trials,and lead to new consideration for antiretroviral drug therapy principle and drug evaluation standard.
The Individual in Leibniz’s Philosophy, 1663–1686

Lucio Mare and Roger Ariew (University of South Florida, USA) in The Individual in Leibniz’s Philosophy, 1663–1686 show that the notions of being and unity are mutually supporting; as Leibniz said to Arnauld “I hold this identical proposition, differentiated only by the emphasis, to be an axiom, namely, that what is not truly one being is not truly one being either.” The authors shed light on Leibniz’s changing notions of substance and being by concentrating on his changing views about unity and the individual, from his early Bachelor’s thesis (Disputatio Metaphysica de Principio Individui, 1663), to his middle period treatise Discours de Metaphysique (1686). In the process, the authors also discuss Leibniz’s views about individuation in De Transubstantiatione (1668), Confessio Philosophi (1672–1673?), Meditatio de Principio Individui (1676), some of his correspondence with Jakob Thomasius (1668–1669), Notationes generales (1683–1685?) and his Notes on Cordemoy (Ex Cordemoii Tractatu de Corporis et Mentis Distinctione, 1685), among others. Along the way, the authors discuss the relation of Leibniz’s views with those of others, especially seventeenth-century Scholastics.
MPTH-16GENOMIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NF1-MUTATED GLIOBLASTOMA (GBM)

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) tumor suppressor gene are common in GBM. We sought to characterize the mutational and clinical landscape of these NF1-mutated GBMs. METHODS: IRB approval was granted to collect clinical information on GBMs with NF1 and EGFR alterations (control group) identified by hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing. Progression free survival (PFS) was based on the Macdonald criteria. RESULTS: 35 GBMs harboring a NF1-mutation were identified in 17 men and 18 women. Median age was 57 (range 33-76); 9% underwent biopsy and 91% resection. All patients received radiotherapy, 97% received concurrent temozolomide, and 88% received adjuvant temozolomide. Genomic alterations in NF1 were evenly distributed throughout the gene without hot spot mutations. Associated genetic alterations occurred in PTEN (60%), TERT promoter (60%), CDKN2A/B locus (51%), TP53 (31%), PIK3CA (20%), RB1 (14%), and STAG2 (11%). Contrast enhancement during the first three months post-radiotherapy was identified in 74% of NF1-mutated GBMs and 57% of EGFR-altered GBMs, resulting in a difference in PFS: 3.3 vs. 4.8 months (p = 0.018)–without a difference in overall survival (OS), p = 0.61. Furthermore, a shorter PFS was identified in NF1-mutated GBMs with a loss of CDKN2A/B (3.2 vs 5.1 mo, p = 0.006) with a trend towards shorter survival (p = 0.14). There was no difference in PFS in EGFR-altered GBMs with a loss of CDKN2A/B (p = 0.71). 7/7 tumors with NF1 mutations and early contrast enhancement were hypermetabolic on PET and 17/18 tumors with early contrast enhancement were hyperperfused on MR perfusion–there was no difference in OS when patients with early contrast enhancement were continued on temozolomide rather than changed to salvage therapy (p = 0.76). CONCLUSION: NF1-mutated GBMs are associated with PTEN, CDKN2A/B, and TP53 mutations and have a higher rate of early contrast enhancement post-radiotherapy, particularly the tumors with associated loss of the CDKN2A/B locus.
Miconazole represses CO2-induced pial arteriolar dilation only under selected circumstances

Previous experimental findings have led to the suggestion that guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) plays a permissive role in hypercapnic cerebral vasodilation. However, we recently reporte...
Nectar-Foraging Characteristics of Africanized and European Honeybees in the Neotropics

SummaryAfricanized and European honeybees (Apis mellifera) responded differently to daily fluctuations in nectar resources. In side-by-side comparisons, the relative energy content of the nectar loads collected by the two geographical types varied with day. Daily variation was found in the volume of nectar collected but not in its concentration. Africanized bees collected more highly concentrated nectar. The success rates of foragers of the two types differed considerably. European bees generally were more successful in securing a load of nectar but their percentage of successful foragers tended to be either high or low. Africanized bees returned more often to their nest without a nectar load but had intermediate as well as high and low percentages of successful foragers. Finally, European colonies had greater numbers of foragers under the nectar-resource conditions of the study.
Mind Your P’s and E’s

In its report, “Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators: Identifying and Developing our Nation’s Human Capital”, the National Science Board (2010) of the National Science Foundation clearly states that “the U.S. education system too frequently fails to identify and develop our most talented and motivated students who will become the next generation of innovators” (p. 2).
Pharmacist impact on time to antibiotic administration in patients with sepsis in an ED

Abstract Purpose The purpose was to determine if the physical presence of a clinical pharmacist in the emergency department (ED) would decrease antibiotic order to administration time in adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of adult patients presenting to the ED between January and December 2014 with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock who required intravenous antibiotics. Results A total of 186 patients (92 patients when an ED pharmacist was present and 94 when no ED pharmacist was present) were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. When a pharmacist was present, patients received antibiotics sooner (median 0.61 vs 0.88 hour, P =.001), Surviving Sepsis Campaign goals for antibiotic administration time were more likely to be met (88% vs 72%, P =.0097), and initial antibiotics were appropriate more often (97% vs 81%, P =.0008). No significant differences were noted in intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, ventilator days, or in-hospital mortality. Conclusions Physical presence of a clinical pharmacist in the ED decreased time to administration and increased appropriateness of intravenous antibiotics for adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock.
Written-Language Disorder and ADHD

Researchers at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, and Children's Hospital Boston, MA evaluated the incidence rates of written-language disorder (WLD), with and without reading disability (RD), according to gender, among children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a population-based birth cohort.
A triple lens measurement of host–guest perceptions for sustainable gaze in tourism

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates perception of self and others by hosts and guests, which may be critical for sustainability of a destination receiving tourists with different cultural backgrounds. Specifically, the study investigates self-perception of hosts and reciprocal perception between hosts and guests on several service personnel characteristics using importance and performance analysis. Thus, a triple lens of hosts’ evaluation of self, hosts’ evaluation of the guests, and hosts’ evaluation by the guests is involved in a multi-cultural tourism experience context. Results report differences between the lenses, hosts’ self-evaluation being harsher than guests’ evaluation of hosts. Suggestions are provided for destination marketing and management organizations to design effective tourism experiences for both hosts and guests for a more sustainable gaze between hosts and guests.
Comparison of biodistribution data from animal sacrifice and small animal imaging

325 Objectives: Traditionally, drug pharmacokinetics is obtained by biodistribution studies in which organs are harvested, weighted and counted following the injection of a radio-tracer. This technique requires several trained personnel as well as the use of many animals. A non-invasive technique would allow for a more rapid measurement of the pharmacokinetics of a radio-tracer in a living animal. This can now be provided by small animal imaging. This method is attractive as it allows for less inter-subject variability and the use of a smaller number of animals. However, can imaging provide the same level of accuracy as biodistribution studies in spite of the imaging issues of recovery coefficients and spill-over? This work addresses this issue in a comparative study between small animal PET and animal-sacrifice measurements. Methods: 5 mice and 5 rats (2 fed/3 fasted) were injected with ~300 uCi of 18F-FDG and imaged 1hr post injection in a microPET-F120. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation immediately before microPET and microCT imaging followed by organ dissection. The organs were weighted, counted and the biodistributon was calculated. The images were reconstructed with OSEM and MAP algorithms. Attenuation correction was measured with either the 57Co transmission point source or with co-registered microCT images scaled to match soft-tissue attenuation coefficient at 511keV. Region of interests (ROIs) were traced using the microCT images and using the PET images only. Results: The average activity concentration in the animal’s heart, liver, kidneys and lungs were measured with ROIs traced on 3 adjacent planes and decay corrected to the injection time. No significant differences on quantitation accuracy were found depending on the method of attenuation correction. CT-based ROI led to organ activity concentrations that were in general larger than the biodistribution values while the PET-based drawn ROIs provided organ activity concentration in closer agreement. MAP reconstruction led to slightly larger activity concentration than OSEM due the resolution recovery algorithm for small organs like the heart myocardium (+14%). Liver and kidney activity when measured with microCT based ROIs are larger than bio-distribution due to inclusion of the diaphragm which showed high uptake or urine in collecting duct in the kidneys. Conclusions: Noticeable difference between bio-distribution and microPET images could be observed which could be explained by either the uncertainty or organs delineation or even the presence of body fluids with is present in the small animal images but drained out prior to counting. CT-based ROIs may include neighboring organs or unwanted activity and as such PET-only based are more accurate and leads to valuable bio-distribution data.
Perioperative Management of the Esophageal Growth Procedure

Pediatric patients with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) pose a series of problems from the perioperative management of the growth procedure through the surgical repair and later in learning to eat. What constitutes LGEA is not precisely defined but is at least a gap of 2–3 cm or greater. Ultimately, of course, it is in the eye of the beholder who must accomplish the anastomosis initially or first grow the esophageal ends. The growth approach to long-gap esophageal atresia has the goal of a primary esophageal repair and to ultimately achieve normal esophageal eating and drinking, avoiding a “chronic illness” syndrome [1, 2]. This process, however, can be long and sometimes difficult and is best achieved through a collaborative approach among dedicated surgeons, anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, social services, and the family.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005: consent in young people with learning difficulties

Abstract A review and discussion of the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (the Act) within the context of the treatment and consent thereto by young people with learning difficulties focussing on the following: (i) analysis of the term “young person” within the context of the Act; (ii) discussion of the key principles: Sections 1–4 of the Act; (iii) statutory defence to liability under section 5; (iv) Independent Mental Capacity Advocate; (v) the new Court of Protection. Reference to the Code of Practice and its application and significance for practitioners.
Seeking rhythm in white noise: working with whiteness in English education

Purpose The authors of this paper are both white English education scholars with antiracist agendas. This conceptual manuscript aims – in part – to better understand the backlash both of them have faced in trying to contribute to antiracist teaching and research in English education. Design/methodology/approach This manuscript uses practices of narrative inquiry to tell and interpret stories about the authors’ work. Findings The authors hope to critique traditional notions of white resistance in favor of more careful theorizations of whiteness that can be helpful for teachers and scholars in English education and English Language Arts (ELA)with an interest in facilitation antiracist pedagogy. Originality/value Ultimately, with this work, the authors hope to provoke readers to consider how work with whiteness is processed by white people, especially in terms of teaching and learning in English education and ELA. They believe the field of English education should begin to discuss this issue.
Rethinking self-reported measure in subjective evaluation of assistive technology

Self-reporting is used as a subjective measure of usability study of technology solutions. In assistive technology research, more than often the ‘a coordinator’ directly assist the ‘subject’ in the scoring process. This makes the rating process slower and also introduces bias, such as, ‘Forer effect’ and/or ‘Hawthorne’ effect. To address these issues we propose to use technology mediated interaction between the ‘subject’ and ‘the coordinator’ in evaluating assistive technology solutions. The goal is to combine both the qualitative and quantitative scores to create a relatively unbiased rating system. Empirical studies were performed on two different datasets in order to illustrate the utility of the proposed approach. It was observed that, the proposed hybrid rating is relatively unbiased for usability study.
Design Basis for the ITER Plasma Shape and Position Control Reflectometer System

A fundamentally new approach to plasma position control is required on ITER as a consequence of the anticipated long pulse lengths. The error in conventional magnetic plasma position control systems accumulates with time (due to drifts, etc.), such that magnetic systems are not expected to provide accurate control for discharge lengths in excess of ∼1000 s.1 ITER will have pulse lengths exceeding 1000 s, and potentially up to 10,000 s long, such that an alternative plasma position and shape control system will be essential. The concept that edge density profile measurements via reflectometry at multiple poloidal positions could provide a position control capability emerged through the ITER design process, and was briefly discussed at the time of the 1995 Varenna conference on ITER diagnostics.2 In this concept a poloidally distributed set of edge gap measurements (specifically the distance from the first wall (blanket face) to the location of a density layer lying at or inside the separatrix) will be used as an estimator of the plasma boundary shape, and utilized for feedback control. In the two years since 1995 the US Home Team has worked to investigate how this concept would work in practice, as well as to provide detailed design calculations. The conclusion of these studies is that a plasma position control system for ITER based on a poloidal set of edge density profile measurements appears to be viable, with performance levels at or close to requirements. As described in the body of this paper, this conclusion is based on: (1) a proven methodology for the design of profile reflectometer systems, (2) demonstrated performance levels of current reflectometer systems, and (3) specific design and modeling for ITER. Recent descriptions of the use of reflectometer systems for density profile measurements are available,2,3 while a detailed design methodology for optimal system performance has also been developed.2
Strategies for Providing Nutritional Therapy and Education to Stone-Forming Patients

The AUA guidelines on the medical management of kidney stones specify that when obtaining a dietary history from a patient, one should elicit “their daily intake of fluids (amount and specific beverages), protein (types and amounts), calcium, sodium, high oxalate-containing foods, fruits and vegetables and over-the-counter supplements” [1]. Approximately three-quarters of urologists (72%) believe that they are able to provide effective dietary recommendations [2]. At the same time, urologists and other providers have identified lack of time, nutrition knowledge and dietary assessment, and interviewing skills as barriers to providing tailored nutritional counseling [3]. Patients’ understanding of dietary recommendations may improve when they are given personalized or tailored recommendations [4]. Registered dietician nutritionists (RDNs) are trained to take detailed dietary histories utilizing food intake questionnaires and generally have more time to obtain this information from patients than a practicing urologist or nephrologist as well as provide a more customized nutritional counseling plan [5]. Thus having an RDN can further augment one’s ability to identify dietary factors implicated in stone recurrence and provide customized nutritional counseling [5]. A multidisciplinary approach to nutritional counseling may also be more effective due to an observed phenomenon called the stone clinic effect [6]. Jhagroo et al. developed a shared medical appointment model to improve access as well as patient education and exposure to multidisciplinary care [7]. By incorporating presentations and multidisciplinary rounding in a group setting, patients’ post-tests revealed that the patients in shared medical appointments had superior knowledge (p < 0.02) as well as higher patient satisfaction than the control patients. Another effect of the shared medical appointment was a decrease in appointment wait time and an increase in the number of patients seen per month (43% increase) [7].
Using deep learning for SAR image optimization

The objective of this project is to apply Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to optimization based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging to learn good parameter choices that enhance desirable features while suppressing undesirable properties of the SAR images of tactical ground vehicles. Specifically, the combined CNN and imaging algorithm are designed to achieve a sharper shadow feature and to reduce the speckle noise in the SAR image. A convolutional neural network is a subset of machine learning based on artificial deep neural networks which are inspired by the biology of the brain. The significance of deep networks over previous work in artificial neural networks is the use of large number of layers as compared to the standard 3 layer network. The CNN is trained in a supervised regression setting where a human operator provides the truth which pairs desired parameter values with each image in the training set. These learned parameters are then predicted by the CNN for each test image and the parameters are fed to an optimization based image formation algorithm that is regularized by an edge detection term based on polynomial annihilation.The optimization is then solved using an alternating minimization approach. Several experiments are run comparing different networks, different learning algorithms (adagrad, adadelta and rmsprop), and different input normalization techniques (variable scaling and z-score). Comparisons between the human optimized images and the learned CNN images were compared with subjective visual comparisons and with objective measures including Mean Squared Error (MSE) and the correlation coefficient of both the predicted image and its inverted amplitude image. Using this approach, the adagrad normalized input network performed the best with a MSE of 0.0013 and a correlation coefficient of 0.9667 (un-inverted image) and 0.9772(inverted image).
High energy AlxGa1−xAs (0⩽x⩽0.1) quantum‐well heterostructure laser operation

Besides high pressure or bulk crystal composition change, a size‐determined direct‐indirect transition can be obtained in an AlxGa1−xAs (0⩽x⩽0.1) quantum‐well heterostructure (QWH), in fact, at higher energy (E∼2.05 eV) than in bulk AlxGa1−xAs (∼1.98 eV). Laser operation is demonstrated at 6700–6500 A on a QWH grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).
The Second Main Theorem via Negative Curvature

Shortly after R. Nevanlinna’s first proof of the Second Main Theorem, Nevanlinna’s brother, F. Nevanlinna, gave a “geometric” proof of the Second Main Theorem. In this chapter, we give a geometric proof of the Second Main Theorem based on “negative curvature,” which broadly speaking, has the same overall structure as F. Nevanlinna’s proof, although in terms of details, the proof we present here bears much greater resemblance to the work of Ahlfors [Ahlf 1941]. In Chapter 4, we will give another proof of the Second Main Theorem that is closer to R. Nevanlinna’s original proof. Of course, neither the Nevanlinna brothers nor Ahlfors were interested in the exact structure of the error term. The error term we will present here is essentially due to P.-M. Wong [Wong 1989].
Time Series Distance Density Cluster with Statistical Preprocessing

Previous Distance Density Clustering has shown some promising results for univariate time series datasets. However, due to the nature of time series data and from using Dynamic Time Warping algorithm as the distance measure; Distance Density Clustering is not an efficient heuristic with larger datasets. In this paper we propose a preprocessing step that could augment the algorithm to the parallel case, and speed up the Distance Density Clustering process considerably. We use time series sequence feature: peak numbers, to prune impossible matchings. By doing so, we are able to form preliminary feature clusters, and further clustering is applied within each feature cluster individually. This can narrow down the amount of time series distance computations, and make Distance Density Clustering scalable.
Erroneous Rates and False Statistical Confirmations from Infrequent Metadynamics and Other Equivalent Violations of the Hyperdynamics Paradigm.

Recent combinations of hyperdynamics and adaptive biasing potentials or free-energy-based bias potentials introduce an implicit assumption: the bias potential needs only be zero on the prominent fr...
Standing acoustic waves in microfluidic channels for enhanced intracellular delivery of molecular compounds

Intracellular delivery of molecular compounds is required for many in vitro research applications. Ultrasound-induced cavitation has been shown to enhance intracellular delivery of molecular compounds via mechanisms that may include sonoporation or endocytosis. Recently, acoustofluidic approaches have been developed to utilize standing acoustic waves (SAW) for cell manipulation in microfluidic channels. In this study, the effect of SAW on fluorescein release from perfluorocarbon double emulsion droplets in microfluidic channels was explored. Vaporization of perfluorocarbon double emulsion droplets induced by SAW may potentially enhance intracellular delivery of molecular compounds. In this study, fluorescein-loaded double emulsions were passed through a microfluidic device and exposed to 8-MHz SAW. Fluorescein release was quantified by measuring the change in fluorescence of the supernatant before and after treatment. Treatment with SAW in microfluidic channels increased the fluorescence by 8.8-fold compared to the baseline level. Fluorescein release was also higher after treatment with SAW compared to samples that passed through the microfluidic device without exposure to SAW (p = 0.03). These results suggest that SAW and perfluorocarbon double emulsions in microfluidic channels could potentially enhance the efficiency and consistency of intracellular molecular delivery in vitro.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS program recipients more likely than non-recipients to be retained in care using six different retention measures.

Retention in care (RiC) is crucial for maintaining HIV health. We examined the relationship between receipt of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) supplementary services and six different measures of RiC among 2,288 adults living with HIV who received HIV primary care services at a large, academically-affiliated HIV/AIDS clinic in the southeastern United States in 2016. The independent variable of interest was RWHAP supplementary services, which referred to whether patients received documented non-medical wraparound supplementary services. The outcome was six different measures of RiC: the Institute of Medicine (IOM) indicator, 6-month gap, 4-month constancy, missed visits dichotomous, missed visits count, and visit adherence. Separate multivariable models were fit for each RiC outcome. Receipt of supplementary RWHAP services was significantly (p < .05) and positively associated with RiC across all six measures (test statistic, 95% confidence interval): IOM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.88, 2.16-3.83), 6-month gap (aOR = 1.76, 1.48-2.09), 4-month visit constancy (aOR = 2.03, 1.72-2.39), missed visits dichotomous (aOR = 1.40, 1.16-1.68), missed visit count (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 0.77, 0.67-0.88), and visit adherence (adjusted beta coefficient (adjβ) = 0.05, 0.02-0.06). Our findings suggest that receipt of RWHAP services is important for retention in care, regardless of the measure employed.
Generalized Linear Bandits with Safety Constraints

The classical multi-armed bandit is a class of sequential decision making problems where selecting actions incurs costs that are sampled independently from an unknown underlying distribution. Bandit algorithms have many applications in safety critical systems, where several constraints must be respected during the run of the algorithm in spite of uncertainty about problem parameters. This paper formulates a generalized linear stochastic multi-armed bandit problem with generalized linear safety constraints that depend on an unknown parameter vector. In this setting, we propose a Safe UCB-GLM algorithm for which we provide general and problem-dependent regret bounds.
Chemical facility risks to natural flooding hazards in the United States.

Abstract Toxic release inventory (TRI) facilities contain chemicals, most must be kept in process equipment, otherwise leaks are possible. An analysis of the National Flood Hazard Layer and TRI facilities within ArcGIS. The national analysis included TRI facilities intersecting the 100-year floodplain based on the National Flood Hazard Layer. The frequency which TRI facilities are impacted by flooding was analyzed with federal declarations data. We were able to determine what percentage of each state's facilities fall into the floodplain and calculate and assign a risk number to each state.
Gender and Craft Beer: Participation and Preferences in Pennsylvania

Gender roles and stereotypes relating to alcohol use and consumption have been widely studied. Most of this research has focused on how gender roles influence consumption patterns and binge drinking, or identifying double-standards associated with the act of drunkenness (which has historically been associated with masculinity). While binge drinking and inebriation have obvious negative consequences, responsible use of alcohol remains an important part of contemporary life and is worth studying from a variety of perspectives. The craft beverage industry has grown tremendously in the U.S. over the last two decades, and several sources suggest that this growth is likely to continue. Consumption of craft beverages is an important component of travel and tourism and, for some, may even represent the primary reason for leisure travel. This paper examines gender differences in participation and attitudes towards craft beer among Pennsylvania craft beer patrons. More specifically, it examines how gender relates to craft beer consumption/participation, beer-related travel and tourism, social worlds engagement, knowledge, economic activity, psychological involvement, and support for brewery engagement with environmental activism and localism in contemporary society. Data were collected from patrons of 11 different craft beer venues in Pennsylvania. Though more similarities than differences were found between men and women, results suggested that males make up the majority of craft beer consumers and are more committed to craft beer drinking both behaviorally and psychologically. However, an examination of current trends suggests that female participation in the craft beer world is increasing. Further, there appears to be a commitment to environmental activism and localism among many craft breweries, which has been positively received by both male and female patrons (but perhaps to a greater degree by females). Implications for the craft beverage industry and future researchers are discussed.
The Port of Santo Domingo: Tidal Debris, Metal Pollution, and the Perils of Poverty where the Caribbean Meets the Ozama

On the occasion of the 37th Annual West Indian Literature Conference held at the University of Miami in 2018, Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert engages an ecocritical analysis of Santo Domingo’s fraught environmental history in dialogue with Dominican writers and artists.
Benign longitudinal T2-hyperintense signal in the lateral cord in infancy: a cross-sectional study of spinal cord white matter maturation on magnetic resonance imaging

Longitudinal T2-hyperintense signal is commonly seen in the spinal cord of infants and likely reflects normal unmyelinated white matter tracts, but it can be mistaken for pathology. Autopsy studies have described incomplete myelination of spinal cord in early childhood; however, the maturation timeline of the spinal cord has not been described on imaging. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the maturation timeline of the spinal cord on MRI to provide a baseline for image interpretation. We retrospectively reviewed axial T2-W images of the spinal cord acquired on 1.5-tesla (T) and 3.0-T MRI in children ages 0–2 years for presence of longitudinal T2-hyperintense signal, and we subjectively graded this signal as 0 (absent) to 3 (pronounced). Further, we reviewed a summary of medical records for confounding pathology in the brain or spine. Cord signal was interpreted as normal in the clinical report by subspecialized pediatric neuroradiologists for all included children. We reviewed 437 MRI exams from 409 children and included 189 studies in the analysis. Longitudinal T2-hyperintense signal in the lateral cord was seen in 95% (19/20) of subjects <1 month of age and was not seen in subjects ages 21–24 months (0/15). Grade 3 signal was seen in 22% (11/50) of infants ages 0–2 months and was not seen infants older than 5 months. Characteristic symmetrical longitudinal T2 hyperintensity in the lateral spinal cord is common in infants and should not be mistaken for pathology, and it was not seen in children older than 21 months.
Autonomous Fail-Normal Switch for Hybrid Transformers

Large power transformers (LPTs) are critical components affecting grid resiliency in high-intensity, low probability events. Hybrid transformers (HTs), consisting of standard transformers integrated with series-connected fractionally-rated converters, have been proposed to improve the resiliency and functionality of LPTs. However, when integrating with relatively less reliable power electronics, it is critical not to impact the reliability of otherwise highly reliable passive transformers. Simultaneously, the power electronics must be protected from system transients such as high fault currents (1020 kA in 13 kV applications). This paper proposes a Fail-Normal Switch (FNS), which will be an integral part of the transformer and bypasses the power electronics to retain the basic transformer functionality in the case of system or converter faults. The FNS consists of a combination of anti-parallel SCRs and a normally closed mechanical switch. The FNS is a fully autonomous unit embedded with local intelligence, making it unaffected by the converter controller failures. In addition to the capability of handling high fault currents with a sub-cycle response, various failure modes under practical scenarios, such as control power failure, communication failure, SCR gate drive failure, and the corresponding failure handling methods using a multi-layered protection scheme, are presented. An FNS prototype to be used with a 24 kV, 5 MVA HT is built and tested experimentally for reliable operation under various failure modes.