cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography Features Preceding the Onset of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease with multifactorial etiology. There is a need to identify clinical features that are harbingers of advanced disease. We evaluated morphologic features of the retina and choroid on optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine if they predict progression to advanced disease. Methods Progressors transitioned from early or intermediate AMD to advanced disease (n = 40 eyes), and were matched on baseline AMD grade and follow-up interval to nonprogressors who did not develop advanced AMD (n = 40 eyes). Features of the neurosensory retina, photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroid were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate univariate associations between features and progression to overall advanced AMD, geographic atrophy (GA), and neovascular disease (NV). Multivariate associations based on stepwise regression models were also assessed. Results Ellipsoid zone disruption was associated with progression to overall advanced AMD and NV (odds ratios [ORs]: 17.9 and 30.6; P < 0.001), with a similar trend observed for GA. Drusenoid RPE detachment, RPE thickening, and retinal pigmentary hyperreflective material were significantly associated with higher risk of progression to advanced AMD (ORs: 5.0-8.5) and NV (ORs: 10.8-17.2). Pigmentary hyperreflective material was associated with progression to GA (OR: 7.5, P = 0.009). Total retinal thickness, pigmentary hyperreflective material, nascent GA features, and choroidal vessel abnormalities were independently associated with progression to advanced AMD in a multivariate stepwise model. Conclusions Abnormalities in the photoreceptors, retinal thickness, RPE, and choroid were associated with higher risk of developing advanced AMD. These findings provide insights into disease progression, and may be helpful to identify earlier endpoints for clinical studies.
Process Intensification through Continuous Spherical Crystallization Using an Oscillatory Flow Baffled Crystallizer

Drug substance purification by crystallization is a key interface in going from drug substance synthesis to final formulation and can often be a bottleneck in process efficiency. There has been increased importance in the development of continuous crystallization systems of active pharmaceutical ingredients to produce crystals with targeted physical and biopharmaceutical properties. Continuous spherical crystallization (CSC) is a process intensification technique that can address many of the present flaws (e.g., size distribution, downstream processing efficiency) of traditional crystallization systems. In this study, a novel concept and method in the field of process intensification through continuous spherical crystallization is proposed. This study is based on performing crystallization/spherical agglomeration in an oscillatory flow baffled crystallizer (OFBC). OFBCs are comparable to plug flow crystallizers (PFCs) in that they are both tubular crystallizers; however, the OFBC has periodically spaced o...
Patch size influences perceived patch quality for colonising Culex mosquitoes

Colonisation is a critical process driving the abundances and diversity of species in spatially discrete communities. Although patch size and patch quality are well known as determinants of post-colonisation species richness and abundance, less is known about how patch size affects colonisation. Patch size and quality may not be independent, so assessment of potential interactions is necessary for understanding patterns of species abundance in natural systems. In freshwater systems, presence and identity of predators is a dominant determinant of patch quality, with larger habitat patches often supporting larger and more diverse predator assemblages. To examine potential interactions, we manipulated patch size and quality (fish presence/absence) using naturally colonised experimental landscapes and assayed oviposition by Culex mosquitoes. Culex restuans selected patches that were smaller, did not contain fish, and had higher temperatures. We demonstrate that patch size, along with patch quality, can generate patterns of abundance at the colonisation stage that are contradictory to traditional patch size-based models of species distributions.
Tunable confinement of charges and excitations.

Electrical control over quantum confinement opens a new avenue for spatial manipulation of charge carriers and bound excited states for quantum opto-electronics.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with enhanced hippocampal functional connectivity in healthy young adults

Consistent associations have been found between higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and indices of enhanced brain health and function, including behavioral measures of cognition as well as neuroimaging indicators such as regional brain volume. Several studies have reported that higher CRF levels are associated with a larger hippocampus, yet associations between volume and memory or functional connectivity metrics with the hippocampus remain poorly understood. Using a multi-modal framework, we hierarchically examine the association between CRF and hippocampal volume and resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) in younger adults (ages 22–38), as well as the relationship between these imaging markers and memory function. We conducted theoretically driven rsFC and volumetric analyses with seeds in the anterior and posterior portions of the hippocampus, as well as control seeds located in the caudate nucleus. We tested (1) whether hippocampal connectivity with prefrontal cortical regions was associated with CRF in an adult sample much younger than traditionally tested, (2) whether associations between CRF and rsFC remains significant after adjusting for hippocampal volume, and (3) whether volume and rsFC are related to memory performance. We found that higher CRF levels were associated with larger left anterior hippocampal volume, as well as stronger, more positive rsFC of the (bilateral) anterior hippocampus to several regions including the prefrontal cortex. In addition, rsFC accounted for significant variance in CRF, above and beyond hippocampal volume. Higher CRF can thus be independently linked to increased anterior hippocampal volume, as well as stronger hippocampal rsFC in a population much younger than those typically tested. This suggests that CRF may be a critical factor for maintaining multiple aspects of brain health in younger adults, as well as in older adults, the population most often studied in the context of CRF and brain health.
A MAPP Network study: overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α in mouse urothelium mimics interstitial cystitis.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a chronic bladder condition associated with pain and voiding dysfunction that is often regarded as a neurogenic cystitis. Patient symptoms are correla...
Molecular Conductance of Nicked Nucleic Acid Duplexes

This work investigates how the conductance of a nucleic acid duplex with a “nick” in its backbone compares with that of a duplex with a fully covalent backbone. Statistical analyses of the single-m...
A crash course in basic single-scan target tracking (abridged)

This talk goes through the components in generic single-scan target tracking algorithms from filtering to data association, track initiation, and termination. In many areas, reference is made to functions in the open-source copyleft-free Tracker Component Library (available online) so that attendees can rapidly apply the algorithms that are discussed.
Outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock treated with TandemHeart ® percutaneous ventricular assist device: Importance of support indication and definitive therapies as determinants of prognosis

Objectives The objective of this study was to review the characteristics of patients in cardiogenic shock treated with TandemHeart® percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) to determine influential predictors of survival. Background The TandemHeart® pVAD is used in the management of patients with cardiogenic shock resulting from a variety of conditions. Several studies have documented the efficacy of this therapy and outlined its complications. Still, there is little data to guide the effective and appropriate use of this resource. Methods Patients referred for TandemHeart® pVAD implant for refractory cardiogenic shock at the University of Virginia between September 2007 and October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality. Results Fifty-five patients underwent successful TandemHeart® implant. Hemodynamics significantly improved following TandemHeart® implant. Cardiac index increased from 1.8 ± 0.6 to 3.1 ± 1.0 L/min/m2 (P = 0.007) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased from 30. 5 ± 9.9 to 19.6 ± 7.4 mmHg (P =0.0007). Survival was significantly influenced by implant indication with 23.8% surviving in bridge to recovery vs. 51% in bridge to LVAD or surgery (P = 0.04). In patients who did not receive definitive therapy, only 4 (13.8%) were weaned from TandemHeart® support and survived to hospital discharge. Only younger age, 51.8 vs. 62.7 years, predicted survival to hospital discharge (P = 0.004). Conclusion Mortality from refractory cardiogenic shock is high even with TandemHeart® support. Our study found that patients with an exit strategy with either cardiac surgery or durable LVAD implant significantly influenced survival to hospital discharge.
Quality Job Indicators for Individuals with Learning Disabilities.

AbstractThis study identifies the quality job indicators and employer training required to provide appropriate support for students with learning disabilities (LD) to obtain and maintain employment. A consortium of collaborators was established from a university and state workforce commission grant project, a school district and 55 employers. Employers were trained to implement the quality indicators identified in literature found to support students with LD in paid employment while attending high school. The methodology consisted of gathering qualitative data from employer surveys and interviews reporting experiences and examining data results. Participants included 56 students with LD placed with 55 employers who had been trained in implementing the identified quality job indicators. Fourteen of the 21 quality job indicators were reported to be implemented by at least 90% of the employers. The quality indicators implemented are related to time expectations, on-the-job training, retraining, problem solvi...
Structural and Practical Identifiability Analysis of Zika Epidemiological Models

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic has caused an ongoing threat to global health security and spurred new investigations of the virus. Use of epidemiological models for arbovirus diseases can be a powerful tool to assist in prevention and control of the emerging disease. In this article, we introduce six models of ZIKV, beginning with a general vector-borne model and gradually including different transmission routes of ZIKV. These epidemiological models use various combinations of disease transmission (vector and direct) and infectious classes (asymptomatic and pregnant), with addition to loss of immunity being included. The disease-induced death rate is omitted from the models. We test the structural and practical identifiability of the models to find whether unknown model parameters can uniquely be determined. The models were fit to obtain time-series data of cumulative incidences and pregnant infections from the Florida Department of Health Daily Zika Update Reports. The average relative estimation errors (AREs) were computed from the Monte Carlo simulations to further analyze the identifiability of the models. We show that direct transmission rates are not practically identifiable; however, fixed recovery rates improve identifiability overall. We found ARE is low for each model (only slightly higher for those that account for a pregnant class) and help to confirm a reproduction number greater than one at the start of the Florida epidemic. Basic reproduction number, $$\mathcal {R}_0$$ , is an epidemiologically important threshold value which gives the number of secondary cases generated by one infected individual in a totally susceptible population in duration of infectiousness. Elasticity of the reproduction numbers suggests that the mosquito-to-human ratio, mosquito life span and biting rate have the greatest potential for reducing the reproduction number of Zika, and therefore, corresponding control measures need to be focused on.
SYNAPTIC ORGANIZATION OF THE STRIATUM AND PALLIDUM IN THE MONKEY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses new information on the components and synaptology of the globus pallidus. It presents a diagram of the second type of spiny neuron in the striatum, the Spiny II. It differs from the Spiny I in that the spine density is considerably lower, and spines in Spiny II are present not only on the distal branches but on the proximal dendrites and the soma. A common feature is the long axon that shows extensive collateralization of the proximal portion. These neurons vary greatly in size, some elongated ones reaching 60 m in the long axis. The axon hillock and the initial segment of the Aspiny I neuron also receives synaptic input, although less commonly than in the case of spiny cells. Axosomatic synapses are rare; however, proximal and distal dendrites are contacted by numerous profiles that contain small round vesicles and make both symmetric and asymmetric synapses.
Vaccine Barriers, Vaccine Refusals: Situated Vaccine Decision-Making in the Wake of the 2017 Minnesota Measles Outbreak

In April 2017, Minnesota experienced the state’s largest measles outbreak since 1990. The outbreak primarily affected Somali children and was attributed to declining vaccination rates in Minnesota’s Somali population, specifically. Examining empirical data from ethnographic interviews with Somali parents who experienced the outbreak, this article identifies four themes that shaped participants’ vaccination decision-making: 1) an experience-informed belief in vaccine effectiveness, 2) concerns about non-inclusive clinical research, 3) belief in personalized, flexible immunity, and 4) experiences of structural vulnerability. Findings show that race and ethnicity, migration history, and structural precarity in resettlement influence Somali parents’ vaccination decisions and should inform existing explanations for vaccine hesitancy and models for responsive public health outreach. Participants’ practices of vaccine hesitancy are often refusals: constrained and embodied acts of resistance and generative openings to collaboratively re-envision healthcare relationships and communication. Refusals can redirect public health efforts from vaccine compliance toward institutional change and resource redistribution as means of disease prevention. This possibility has yet to be fully explored, and this article uses rhetorical publics theory to study medical refusal as a public participation strategy.
A Distributed, Asynchronous, and Incremental Algorithm for Nonconvex Optimization: An ADMM Approach

The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) has been popular for solving many signal processing problems, convex or nonconvex. In this paper, we study an asynchronous implementation of ADMM for solving a nonconvex nonsmooth optimization problem, whose objective is the sum of a number of component functions. The proposed algorithm allows the problem to be solved in a distributed, asynchronous, and incremental manner. First, the component functions can be distributed to different computing nodes, which perform the updates asynchronously without coordinating with each other. Two sources of asynchrony are covered by our algorithm: One is caused by the heterogeneity of the computational nodes and the other arises from unreliable communication links. Second, the algorithm can be viewed as implementing an incremental algorithm where at each step the (possibly delayed) gradients of only a subset of component functions are updated. We show that when certain bounds are imposed on the level of asynchrony, the proposed algorithm converges to the set of stationary solutions (resp. optimal solutions) for the nonconvex (resp. convex) problem, with a global sublinear rate.
Scripts we live by: on inheriting canonical texts

In this article, I theorize the interpretation of harmful canonical texts with special reference to John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. As a result of the actions and rhetoric of so...
Technical Note: Proof of concept for radiomics-based quality assurance for computed tomography

Purpose Routine quality assurance (QA) testing to identify malfunctions in medical imaging devices is a standard practice and plays an important role in meeting quality standards. However, current daily computed tomography (CT) QA techniques have proven to be inadequate for the detection of subtle artifacts on scans. Therefore, we investigated the ability of a radiomics phantom to detect subtle artifacts not detected in conventional daily QA. Methods An updated credence cartridge radiomics phantom was used in this study, with a focus on two of the cartridges (rubber and cork) in the phantom. The phantom was scanned using a Siemens Definition Flash CT scanner, which was reported to produce a subtle line pattern artifact. Images were then imported into the IBEX software program, and 49 features were extracted from the two cartridges using four different preprocessing techniques. Each feature was then compared with features for the same scanner several months previously and with features from controlled CT scans obtained using 100 scanners. Results Of 196 total features for the test scanner, 79 (40%) from the rubber cartridge and 70 (36%) from the cork cartridge were three or more standard deviations away from the mean of the controlled scan population data. Feature values for the artifact-producing scanner were closer to the population mean when features were preprocessed with Butterworth smoothing. The feature most sensitive to the artifact was co-occurrence matrix maximum probability. The deviation from the mean for this feature was more than seven times greater when the scanner was malfunctioning (7.56 versus 1.01). Conclusions Radiomics features extracted from a texture phantom were able to identify an artifact-producing scanner as an outlier among 100 CT scanners. This preliminary analysis demonstrated the potential of radiomics in CT QA to identify subtle artifacts not detected using the currently employed daily QA techniques.
Development of a parametric model for the prediction of concrete railway crosstie service bending moments

Concrete crosstie usage in North America continues to increase for rail transit and heavy axle load freight railroad applications. As such, it is important to design optimized crossties to save bot...
A Low-Cost Camera-Based Ultrasound Probe Tracking System: Design and Prototype

Real-time probe motion information may enhance the information gathered by ultrasound probes and permit the use of artificial intelligence or computer vision to reduce dependence upon a sonographers’ knowledge and skill in the performance of ultrasound studies. Multiple types of tracking sensors and their combinations are integrated with ultrasound machines to provide real-time six degree of freedom (6-DOF) probe motion information. The accuracy and the precision of the tracking data are significant to the quality of obtained frames for all image dimensions. In this study, we proposed a system that integrates the camera-based tracking with an ultrasound device for obstetric ultrasound imaging. The tracking resolutions for position and orientation were evaluated to be less than 1 mm and 1°, respectively. Imaging tests with a fetus phantom was further conducted to verify the feasibility of camera-based probe tracking in obstetric ultrasound. The scanning frames were found to be repeatable with the aid of real-time probe motion.
Average nonlinear dynamics of particles in gravitational pulses: Effective Hamiltonian, secular acceleration, and gravitational susceptibility

Particles interacting with a prescribed quasimonochromatic gravitational wave (GW) exhibit secular (average) nonlinear dynamics that can be described by Hamilton's equations. We derive the Hamiltonian of this ``ponderomotive'' dynamics to the second order in the GW amplitude for a general background metric. For the special case of vacuum GWs, we show that our Hamiltonian is equivalent to that of a free particle in an effective metric, which we calculate explicitly. We also show that already a linear plane GW pulse displaces a particle from its unperturbed trajectory by a finite distance that is independent of the GW phase and proportional to the integral of the pulse intensity. We calculate the particle displacement analytically and show that our result is in agreement with numerical simulations. We also show how the Hamiltonian of the nonlinear averaged dynamics naturally leads to the concept of the linear gravitational susceptibility of a particle gas with an arbitrary phase-space distribution. We calculate this susceptibility explicitly to apply it, in a follow-up paper, toward studying self-consistent GWs in inhomogeneous media within the geometrical-optics approximation.
Hierarchical metal-organic frameworks constructed from intergrowth for the adsorption of light hydrocarbons

Hierarchical metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a type of MOF material with both micropores and mesopores. In this work, we demonstrate heterometallic hierarchical MOF particles formed by intergrowth of pillared MOFs. Pillared MOF MI2(ndc)2(dabco) (MI = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, ndc = naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) particles were synthesized with various morphologies, on which MII2(ndc)2(dabco) (MII = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) particles were intergrown. The intergrown particles preserved the structure, crystallinity, and morphology of their respective primary particles, while creating additional mesoporosity for gas adsorption. Adsorption of hydrocarbons (CH4, ethane, ethene, propane, and propene) at pressures up to 10 bar (absolute) was performed on the MOFs. Hierarchical MOFs have shown increased adsorption of hydrocarbons at low pressures, and IAST selectivity of propane/methane as high as 53 was observed (total pressure 1 bar, CH4 mole fraction: 0.8), suggesting that the hierarchical materials can be used for adsorptive removal of natural gas liquids from crude natural gas.
Phases of flavor broken QCD 3

We map out the phase diagram of QCD3 with a product flavor group of the form U(f ) × U(F ). We find interesting structures emerge when f + F > k depending on the relative sizes of f, F and k. In particular, there exists phase transitions in which a Grassmannian phase will disappear and reappear in a different part of the phase diagram.
Absence of a Dirac gap in ferromagnetic Crx(Bi0.1Sb0.9)2−xTe3

Magnetism breaks the time-reversal symmetry expected to open a Dirac gap in 3D topological insulators that consequently leads to the quantum anomalous Hall effect. The most common approach of inducing a ferromagnetic state is by doping magnetic 3 d elements into the bulk of 3D topological insulators. In Cr 0.15 ( Bi 0.1 Sb 0.9 ) 1.85 Te 3, the material where the quantum anomalous Hall effect was initially discovered at temperatures much lower than the ferromagnetic transition, T C, the scanning tunneling microscopy studies have reported a large Dirac gap of ∼ 20 – 100 meV. The discrepancy between the low temperature of quantum anomalous Hall effect ( ≪ T C) and large spectroscopic Dirac gaps ( ≫ T C) found in magnetic topological insulators remains puzzling. Here, we used angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to study the surface electronic structure of the pristine and potassium doped surface of Cr 0.15 ( Bi 0.1 Sb 0.9 ) 1.85 Te 3. Upon potassium deposition, the p-type surface state of the pristine sample was turned into an n-type, allowing the spectroscopic observation of Dirac point. We find a gapless surface state, with no evidence of a large Dirac gap reported in tunneling studies.
Public Interest Comment on the Department of Energy’s Proposed Process Rule

The George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center improves regulatory policy through research, education, and outreach. As part of its mission, the Center conducts careful and independent analyses to assess rulemaking proposals from the perspective of the public interest. This comment on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) proposed Process Rule for establishing new or revised energy conservation standards and test procedures does not represent the views of any particular affected party or special interest, but it is designed to evaluate the effect of DOE’s proposal on overall consumer welfare.
Analiza studium przypadku choroby Parkinsona

Young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) is defined as idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPPD) affecting people between the ages of 21 and 40 years old; it makes up approx. 5% of all Parkinson’s Disease patients. The quicker onset of motor complications is what makes YOPD different than the later onset of Parkinson’s Disease. The quicker onset of the motor complications and progression of the disease are what make this disease have a very high morbidity rate. Technology and research have provided the ability to improve motor complications dramatically and extend the ability to maintain function and live a meaningful life. Due to the specificity of the progression of YOPD, nurses and medical staff need to base the care and treatment of the patient on the patient rather than follow a standard protocol for everyone. The University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) symptom management theory and the theory implication for persons with neurological disorders/diseases can provide the basis on how to effectively develop a care plan for these patients. Nurses can have a significant impact on how the disease can affect the patient on the long-term through education, support and advocacy. This case history documents the course of a YOPD patient with unusually severe motor complications. This case study is presenting a 38-year-old male patient that has developed rhabdomyolysis due to dyskinesia. This article aims to help provide context and information pertaining to the usage of simulations when educating both undergraduate and graduate nursing students. (JNNN 2021;10(2):71–76)
Integrating Computational Thinking in STEM Education: A Literature Review

Research focusing on the integration of computational thinking (CT) into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education started to emerge. We conducted a semi-systematic literature review on 55 empirical studies on this topic. Our findings include: (a) the majority of the studies adopted domain-general definitions of CT and a few proposed domain-specific CT definitions in STEM education; (b) the most popular instructional model was problem-based instruction, and the most popular topic contexts included game design, robotics, and computational modelling; (c) while the assessments of student learning in integrated CT and STEM education targeted different objectives with different formats, about a third of them assessed integrated CT and STEM; (d) about a quarter of the studies reported differential learning processes and outcomes between groups, but very few of them investigated how pedagogical design could improve equity. Based on the findings, suggestions for future research and practice in this field are discussed in terms of operationalizing and assessing CT in STEM contexts, instructional strategies for integrating CT in STEM, and research for broadening participation in integrated CT and STEM education.
Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Abstract Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) was first performed in 1970 and has since become a standard procedure in interventional radiology practices. TJLB can be used when a percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated, such as patients with ascites, coagulopathy, congenital clotting disorders or for patients undergoing concurrent evaluation for portal hypertension. While TJLB specimens tend to be smaller with less complete portal triads numerous studies have shown the samples to be adequate for diagnosis and staging. This article will review what the interventional radiologist needs to know about TJLB including indications/work-up, technical details, tips and tricks, and complications.
Subsynaptic Localization of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the Basal Ganglia

The first evidence that glutamate may serve as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system was published in the late 1950’s. It is now well established that glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate CNS. Until the middle of the 1980’s, it was thought that the excitatory effects of glutamate were mediated exclusively through activation of ligand-gated cation channels. However, in 1985, Sladeczek and colleagues (1985) showed that glutamate could stimulate phospholipase C (PLC) in cultured striatal neurons via a receptor subtype that did not belong to the ionotropic receptor family. Similar findings were, then, found in hippocampal slices (Nicoletti et al., 1986, cultured cerebellar neurons (Nicoletti et al., 1986b) and cultured astrocytes (Pearce et al., 1986). These findings opened up the possibility that glutamate, like many other neurotransmitters, activates both ligand-gated ion channels and G-protein-coupled receptors, now called metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs).
Laminate Strength—A Direct Characterization Procedure

Laminate failure surface is represented by a third-order tensor polynominal. Experimental determination of the strength coefficients (the failure tensors) is aided by a hybrid approach which utilizes an estimate of failure surface determined from a lamina failure criterion and laminated plate theory. The estimated laminate failure surface in turn identifies the necessary critical experiments with the consequence of minimizing experimental permutation and maximizing the reliability of laminate failure thus determined.
Comparison of Autoregressive Curves Through Partial Sums of Quasi-Residuals

This chapter discusses the problem of testing the equality of two nonparametric autoregressive functions against two-sided alternatives. The heteroscedastic error and stationary densities of the two independent strong mixing strictly stationary time series can be possibly different. The chapter adapts the partial sum process idea used in the independent observations settings to construct the tests and derives their asymptotics under both null and alternative hypotheses. Then, a Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to study the finite sample level and power behavior of these tests at both fixed and local alternatives.
One-Step-Ahead Controller Design using Neural Networks

A one-step-ahead adaptive controller for nonlinear systems using the back-propagation network is presented. At each point of time, the nonlinear relationship between the output and the latest control input of the system is replaced by its first-order approximation. In other words, the nonlinearity is considered to be linear time-varying at each sampling interval, and consequently, one-step-ahead adaptive control can be applied to the nonlinear system considered.
Discussion: Alternatives to the Local Property Tax for Educational Finance

Dr. Hady's paper begins by noting why some practical alternatives to the local property tax may soon become very urgent in all parts of the United States. The California Supreme Court decision in the case of Serrano v. Priest, which Hady cites, constituted the first ruling by a major appellate court that disparities in the property tax bases of school districts render that tax invalid as a basis for financing public schools. The applicable constitutional provision is the “equal protection” clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and similar provisions of State constitutions. The fact that the United States Supreme Court is reviewing a decision of a three-judge Federal court of appeals in a Texas case, Rodriquez v. San Antonio Independent School District, rather than the California case may be of considerable importance to possible future changes in educational finance.
Discussions with healthcare providers about prostate-specific antigen testing: evidence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in the USA

Objectives To explore (1) effect of socio-demographic and personal characteristics on extent of discussions between men and healthcare providers about prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and (2) effect of discussions on PSA testing. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data collected from the 2012 wave of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. A discussion with healthcare providers about PSA testing was considered as a dependent variable. Baseline category logistic model was used to measure the effect of socio-demographic, personal variables on three levels of discussions (complete, partial and none). Logistic regression was used to test association between levels of discussion and whether a person had PSA test. Key findings Among 133 040 men, 84 996 (63.9%) said their providers discussed advantages of PSA with them, 94 818 (71.3%) said providers never discussed disadvantages of PSA testing. Highest level of educational attainment, age, health insurance, recommendation for a PSA test and having a unique personal provider were associated with discussing about PSA testing. Odds of not having a PSA test was at least 6.84 times more for those who had no discussion compared with those who had discussed either advantages or disadvantages and was less by at least 81.4% for those who discussed both advantages and disadvantages compared with those who discussed nothing. Conclusions Most men and providers did not discuss the disadvantages of PSA testing. Men with higher educational attainment, being older and having a unique personal provider were more likely to have discussed PSA testing with their providers. Discussions with providers had a positive impact on PSA testing.
Analysis of Self-Injurious Behavior by the LERS Data Mining System

A large number of individuals with disabilities engage in problem behaviors which are influenced by environmental and social factors [16]. A smaller, but significant, proportion of problem behaviors appear to maintained by physiological events [4], [11], [16]. Over time, problem behavior maintained primarily by physiological events may be influenced by environmental factors [3]. For these reasons, a more sophisticated assessment approach that considers the interrelation between physiological and environmental factors is needed [9], [16].
Long-term observations of Her X-1 with BATSE

Pulsed emission from Her X-1 has been observed by BATSE during each Main High state throughout the CGRO mission. This long observation set by a single instrument provides new information on long-term behavior of the Her X-1 system. The pulsed emission varies by more than a factor of 3 between different Main High states. Frequency and flux histories do not show a simple relationship between the source intensity and spin behavior, but do show that the source is normally in spinup, and spindown episodes occur at all source flux levels. Orbital analyses are presented, including determination of the orbital period derivative, which is in agreement with Deeter et al. (1991).
Load-Deflection Analysis of Fibers with Three-Dimensional Crimp

This paper formulates, in concise style, the differential equations and the boundary conditions describing the deformed shape of a three-dimensional crimped fiber subjected to end loads; a more complete analysis may be found in [1] and [3]. Bending and twisting effects are taken into account, but stretching of the axis and the deformation due to cross shear are neglected. An example, for which an exact solution is possible, is included and a simple experiment, providing limited experimental confirmation, is reported.
New Legal Realism and the Ethnography of Transnational Law

The new legal realism builds on the strengths of the legal realism of the early twentieth century, viewing law as a set of social processes embedded in historical and political contexts. As it addresses sociolegal phenomena of the early twenty-first century, however, the new legal realism is more attentive to the effects of transnationalism, legal culture, and legal consciousness, and the way ideas and norms travel and are adopted around the world. Asking questions of this kind requires new, more multi-sited or deterritorialized methods of scholarship. This article explores these new perspectives and their methodologies through an examination of the use of human rights in the international movement against violence against women.
Fluvial landscape models and catchment-scale sediment transport

Abstract The need for the ability to make quantitative predictions regarding the transport of sediment within watersheds and from watersheds to the sea has never been more important than it is today. Sediment transport is at the heart of a surprising number of practical problems, ranging from the prevention of soil loss to the tracking of contaminants, and this has resulted in a rich but scattered literature. In many of these contexts, observational data has been used to develop empirical sediment transport laws. For example, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) has been developed for use at the farm-plot scale, and the equation of Syvitski et al. [Water Resour. Res. 36(9) (2000) 2747] was developed for the world's largest river basins. In the context of fluvial geomorphology, several different but closely related sediment transport laws have been used to construct fluvial landscape models. The sediment transport formulas used by these models are a generalized form of several physically based bed-load transport formulas. Based on studies of fluvial landscape models, we now know that many measurable attributes of channelized landscapes, such as junction angles, Horton ratios, hydraulic geometry exponents, valley geometry, and longitudinal profiles, vary in a predictable manner with a few well-constrained, physical parameters. One important consequence of this success in forward modeling is that it is now feasible to solve the inverse problem of calculating regional sediment transport parameters from measurements (such as long profiles) that can easily be made from digital elevation models (DEMs). This may also make it possible to make a rational selection between alternate sediment transport laws. Since fluvial landscape models represent the state of the art in catchment sediment transport modeling, the three-fold purpose of this paper is to: (1) explain the key concepts and simplifying assumptions that are common to these models; (2) explain how several current models differ from one another; and (3) highlight a few of the significant results that have been obtained in recent years. While serving mostly as an expository or overview paper, some new results for a steady state fluvial landscape model are also included.
Tumor-Associated Lymphatic and Venous Vessels in Medullary Thyroid Carcinomas

Objective: Medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) invade local lymph node through lymphatic vessels and metastasize to distant organs hematogenously and account for a significant mortality. There are possibly increased lymphatic and venous vessels, through which the tumor spreads to lymph nodes and distant organs. Materials and Methods: By immunocytochemical staining for lymphatic and venous vessels, MTC lesions with adjacent normal thyroid and both normal and metastatic lymph nodes were studied for the peritumoral lymphatic and venous vessels, which were morphometrically compared with those of normal thyroid and lymph nodes. Sixteen cases of MTC cases with adjacent thyroid tissues and attached lymph nodes were immunocytochemically stained for lymphatic vessels using lymphatic vessel hyaluronan receptor (LYVE-1) and venous vessels for factor VIII (F-8). The immunostained sections of MTC lesions and metastatic lymph nodes were morphometrically compared for the number and sizes of the vessels with those of normal thyroid tissues and lymph nodes. Results: Significantly increased lymphatic vessels and markedly increased blood vessels were identified in many MTC cases at the peritumoral tissues and metastatic lymph nodes whereas a few lymphatic vessels and no venous vessels were identified in midst of MTCs. The irregular peritumoral lymphatic vessels resembled that of immature lymphatic vessels observed in papillary thyroid carcinomas and increased irregularly, entrapped venous vessels in peritumoral tissues resembled those observed in follicular thyroid carcinomas. Conclusion: The significantly increased lymphatic vessels and markedly increased venous vessels in the peritumoral thyroid tissue support a propensity of MTCs for providing an easy access of tumor cells to both lymphatic spread to the regional lymph nodes and venous spread to distant organs with further tumor spread through metastatic lymph nodes by moderately increased lymphatic and venous vessels.
Evaluation of the effects of oral colostrum supplementation during the first fourteen days on the health and performance of preweaned calves

Increasing concerns about antimicrobial resistance have led to the development and implementation of alternatives to antimicrobial use in animal production. The objective of this clinical trial was to determine the effect of colostrum supplementation of the milk replacer ration on morbidity, mortality, feed intake, and weight gain of preweaned calves. Ninety 1-d-old calves on each of 3 commercial calf ranches were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups. Treatment-group calves received 10 g of supplemental immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the form of 70 g of colostrum powder in the milk replacer twice daily for 14 d. The placebo-group calves received a nutritionally equivalent supplement lacking IgG in the milk replacer twice daily for 14 d. Control calves received milk replacer without supplements twice daily. Calves were housed in individual hutches and were weighed on d 1, 28, and 60. Serum was collected on d 2 for serum IgG determination. Daily health evaluations for the first 28 d of life were performed by study personnel blinded to treatment group assignment. Observed illness was treated based on health assessment, rectal temperature, and specific calf ranch protocols. Feed consumption (milk and grain) was recorded. Calves receiving supplemental colostrum had less diarrhea and received fewer antimicrobial treatments than control and placebo calves. The results indicated that calf diarrhea was associated with low serum IgG levels and low-weight calves. Grain consumption and weight gain over the first 28 d of life were significantly greater in colostrum-supplemented calves compared with control calves. No differences in mortality or respiratory disease incidence among groups were detected. Supplemental colostrum during the first 2 wk of life can reduce diarrheal disease in preweaned calves on calf ranches and thereby reduce the amount of antimicrobial treatments needed.
SCREENING OF MUTATIONS IN THE NPHS2 GENE IN GREEK PATIENTS WITH AUTOSOMAL-RECESSIVE STEROID-RESISTANT NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

INTRODUCTION: Mutations in the NPHS2 gene, encoding podocin, are a major cause of autosomal-recessive steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in childhood and have been observed in 6.4% to 30% of sporadic and 20% to 40% of familial cases. OBJECTIVE: We investigated mutations in the coding region of the NPHS2 gene in Greek patients with SRNS and identified a novel A295T mutation. METHODS: The study included 16 child patients with SRNS (14 families); 11 cases were sporadic, and 5 (from 3 families) were familial. All 8 exons of NPHS2, including intron boundaries, were screened for sequence variations by using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis followed by specific characterization using direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The results revealed 2 pathogenic genotypes in 2 patients with sporadic SRNS (R138Q/R138Q and R229Q/A295T). In addition, 3 previously described NPHS2 intronic polymorphisms (IVS3–46C→T, IVS3–21C→T, and IVS7+7A→G), 1 thus-far-unreported intronic variant (IVS3–17C→T), and 4 known silent mutations (G34G, S96S, A318A, and L346L) were detected in sporadic and familial cases as well as in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that NPHS2 mutations are not a frequent cause of familial SRNS in Greek patients. Among patients with sporadic SRNS, the genotypes R138Q/R138Q and R229Q/A295T account for an allelic frequency of 18.2%. The R138Q mutation is well characterized. The novel mutation, A295T (883G→A), is predicted in silico to cause a structural alteration in the cytoplasmic domain of podocin (see the PolyPhen database at http://genetics.bwh.harvard.edu/pph). This is the first report of NPHS2 mutations in the Greek population and the first description of the A295T amino acid substitution.
The Cultural Aspects of Home Care Delivery

The home care therapist must create an occupational therapy program that stimulates the participation of the patient and the caretakers. This case study demonstrates the pervasive influence of culture on the patient's volitional, habituation, and performance subsystems. Careful analysis of human and nonhuman cues guide the therapist's goal and treatment decisions. As a participant observer, the therapist has the opportunity to enter the patient's world, adapt treatment to suit the patient's needs, and make occupational therapy a vital part of the recovery process.
Improving progression-free and overall survival in patients with cancer: a potential role for bisphosphonates

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are a well-established therapy for patients with multiple myeloma or bone metastases from advanced cancers and are used routinely to delay the onset and reduce the risk of skeletal-related events. Emerging evidence indicates that they also may provide additional anticancer benefits. These developments warrant reappraisal of their role in patients with cancer and reevaluation of optimal therapeutic regimens. Areas covered: This article reviews the evidence of the anticancer activity of bisphosphonates in patients with solid tumors or multiple myeloma. The underlying mechanisms of the anticancer activity of bisphosphonates are elucidated from preclinical and translational data that show that bisphosphonates suppress tumor growth and survival, inhibit tumor-mediated angiogenesis, or stimulate host anticancer immune response. These data also provide insights into the potential for therapeutic combinations. Preclinical and clinical data relating to the anticancer effects of bispho...
Growing Diversity among America’s Children and Youth: Spatial and Temporal Dimensions

This study documents the changing racial and ethnic mix of America's children. Specifically, we focus on the unusually rapid shifts in the composition and changing spatial distribution of America's young people between 2000 and 2008. Minorities grew to 43 percent of all children and youth, up from 38.5 percent only eight years earlier. In 1990, this figure stood at 33 percent. Among 0–4-year-olds, 47 percent of all children were minority in 2008. Changes in racial and ethnic composition are driven by two powerful demographic forces. The first is the rapid increase since 2000 in the number of minority children—with Hispanics accounting for 80 percent of the growth. The second is the absolute decline in the number of non-Hispanic white children and youth. The growth of minority children and racial diversity is distributed unevenly over geographical space. Over 500 (or roughly 1 in 6) counties now have majority-minority youth populations. Broad geographic areas of America nevertheless remain mono-racial, where only small shares of minorities live.