cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eight-Year Latent Class Trajectories of Academic and Social Functioning in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

We examined trajectories of academic and social functioning in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to identify those who might be at risk for especially severe levels of academic and social impairment over time. We estimated a series of growth mixture models using data from two subsamples of children participating in the NIMH Collaborative Multisite Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) including those with at least baseline and 96-month data for reading and mathematics achievement (n = 392; 77.3% male; M age = 7.7; SD = 0.8) or social skills ratings from teachers (n = 259; 74.9% male; M age = 7.6; SD = 0.8). We compared latent trajectories for children with ADHD to mean observed trajectories obtained from a local normative (i.e., non-ADHD) comparison group (n = 289; 80.6% male; M age = 9.9; SD = 1.1). Results indicated six latent trajectory classes for reading and mathematics and four classes for teacher social skills ratings. There was not only a relationship between trajectories of inattention symptoms and academic impairment, but also a similarly strong association between trajectory classes of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and achievement. Trajectory class membership correlated with socio-demographic and diagnostic characteristics, inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptom trajectories, externalizing behavior in school, and treatment receipt and dosage. Although children with ADHD display substantial heterogeneity in their reading, math, and social skills growth trajectories, those with behavioral and socio-demographic disadvantages are especially likely to display severe levels of academic and social impairment over time. Evidence-based early screening and intervention that directly address academic and social impairments in elementary school-aged children with ADHD are warranted. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT00000388.
Answers to Research Questions, and Discussion

Answers to the six main research questions are given, and issues arising from the answers are discussed. Both the quantitative and qualitative analyses have pointed to the success of both the structure and the modeling workshops. Initially, the seventh-grade participants had very little knowledge of the associative and distributive properties—they did not know the definitions, and could not apply the properties to numerical calculations. A similar situation was true so far as modeling was concerned—whereas, initially, some students could identify recursive rules for simple linear sequences, none could identify explicit rules. Relevant algebraic conventions and language were not known. As a result of the students’ active engagement in workshops in which the students learned appropriate language and conventions, and made generalizations in terms of variables, most of the participating students—but not all of them—showed strong improvement in relation to structure and modeling. Students’ knowledge of definitions and skills improved, they developed appropriate imagery, and their self-confidence when asked to answer questions relating to structure and modeling improved. The results are linked to the theories of Charles Sanders Peirce, Johann Friedrich Herbart, and Gina Del Campo and Ken Clements.
Pyro: Thumb-Tip Gesture Recognition Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensing

We present Pyro, a micro thumb-tip gesture recognition technique based on thermal infrared signals radiating from the fingers. Pyro uses a compact, low-power passive sensor, making it suitable for wearable and mobile applications. To demonstrate the feasibility of Pyro, we developed a self-contained prototype consisting of the infrared pyroelectric sensor, a custom sensing circuit, and software for signal processing and machine learning. A ten-participant user study yielded a 93.9% cross-validation accuracy and 84.9% leave-one-session-out accuracy on six thumb-tip gestures. Subsequent lab studies demonstrated Pyro's robustness to varying light conditions, hand temperatures, and background motion. We conclude by discussing the insights we gained from this work and future research questions.
Community Organization Practice: An Elaboration of Rothman's Typology

Four change approaches encompass much purposive social change at the community level: locality development, traditional planning, advocacy planning and social action. Locality development and traditional planning are similar on at least six dimensions, as are advocacy planning and social action. On two other dimensions similarities exist between locality development and social action and between traditional planning and advocacy planning. If social change practitioners are to select the most effective strategies for the situations in which they will act, it is essential that they understand the characteristics and assumptions of these approaches.
Besonderheiten der MRT-Bildgebung bei Kindern mit Epilepsie

Mit dem Nachweis einer epileptogenen Lasion leistet die MRT ihren Beitrag zum besonderen Ziel der Epilepsietherapie bei Kindern: eine von Anfallen ungestorte (fruh)kindliche Entwicklung. Malformationen kortikaler Entwicklung und hemispharale Pathologien kommen bei Kindern mit pharmakoresistenter Epilepsie haufiger vor. Bis zum 24. Lebensmonat verandert die Hirnreifung/Myelinisierung die Kontraste in MRT-Untersuchungen, was den Lasionsnachweis storen kann.
Simultaneous magnetic resonance and optical elastography acquisitions: Comparison of displacement images and shear modulus estimations using a single vibration source.

Abstract The mechanical properties of tissue are sensitive to pathological changes, which is the basis for using dynamic elastography as a diagnostic tool. The purpose of this study is a concurrent cross-modality comparison of two dynamic elastography methods, Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) and Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry (SLDV) using a single vibration source method. Cylindrical soft tissue mimicking specimens of Plastisol and Ecoflex are stimulated with 60, 100, 150, and 250 Hz sinusoidal vibration during imaging. Specimen stiffness was also varied by adjusting the softener amount in each material. Displacement fields acquired using the two methods show similarity in wave front geometry at all frequencies. Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) with 3D inversion and Optical Elastography (OE) with averaged 1D curve fitting were used to derive complex shear moduli from each imaging modality. MRE and OE shear storage modulus (n = 3) results were closest at 150 Hz with Plastisol G’ (MRE) = 9.03 ± 0.43 kPa and G’ (OE) = 8.46 ± 0.14 kPa while Ecoflex was G’ (MRE) = 15.71 ± 0.95 kPa and G’ (OE) = 13.71 ± 0.03 kPa. Correlation between MRE and OE complex shear moduli related by all 36 coupled scans performed during this study yield a Pearson's correlation of ρ = 0.88 with p
Newly Licensed Hepatitis B Vaccine

The recently licensed subunit hepatitis B vaccine (HEPTAVAX-B) is unique among vaccines in that it is manufactured solely from human plasma obtained from asymptomatic individuals with chronic hepatitis B. Plasma from donors selected for manufacturing this vaccine contains high concentrations of noninfectious hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) particles and lower concentrations of infectious hepatitis B virus (HBV). The ratio of HBsAg to HBV can be as great as 10,000:1 (1). From the starting plasma, 22 nm spherical HBsAg particles are separated from HBV by ultracentrifugation. The 22 nm particles are then further purified by digestion with pepsin followed by the addition of 8M urea. Finally, the vaccine is treated with formaldehyde.
Direct cortical stimulation of inferior frontal cortex disrupts both speech and music production in highly trained musicians.

ABSTRACTMusic and speech are human-specific behaviours that share numerous properties, including the fine motor skills required to produce them. Given these similarities, previous work has suggeste...
A Typology of Stress- and Foot-Sensitive Consonantal Phenomena

This article investigates consonantal alternations that are conditioned by stress and/or foot-structure. A survey of 78 languages from 37 language families reveals three types of consonantal phenomena: (i) those strictly motivated by stress (as in Senoufo lengthening), (ii) those exclusively conditioned by foot structure (as in /h/ epenthesis in Huariapano), and (iii) those motivated both by stress and foot structure (as in flapping in American English). The fact that stress-only and foot-only consonantal phenomena are attested alongside stress/foot structure conditioned phenomena leads to the proposal that stress and foot structure can work independently, contradicting the traditional view of foot structure organization as signaled by stress-based prominence. It is proposed that four main factors are at play in the consonantal phenomena under investigation: perception, duration, aerodynamics, and prominence. Duration, aerodynamics and perceptual ambiguity are primarily phonetic, while prominence and other perceptual factors are primarily phonological. It is shown that the mechanism of Prominence Alignment in Optimality Theory captures not only consonantal alternations based on prominence, but can also be extended to those with durational and aerodynamic bases. This article also makes predictions regarding unattested stress/foot sensitive alternations connected to the four factors mentioned above.
The Interlaboratory Study in Pesticide Residue Analysis

Abstract - Interlaboratory studies are usually carried out to validate the performance of a selected analytical method or to check the performance of a group of laboratories. Together, studies with these objectives are the means by which scientists and regulatory authorities determine the overall practical capabilities of pesticide residue analyses, exclusive of sampling. Results of interlaboratory studies are an important factor in the evaluation of data from pesticide residue monitoring and regulatory programs and in decisions based on these data. The significance of study results, their costs, and the limited scientist and laboratory resources available to accept study responsibilities dictate a deliberate effort in deciding on, planning, and conducting the study. Definitions are suggested to encourage consistent use and understanding of terms to describe interlaboratory studies done for different purposes. Cost considerations are covered as an important factor in decisions regarding initiation of the study. Practical matters vital to success are reviewed in detail for studies to validate an analytical method, check laboratory performance, and expand a multiresidue analytical method. A large body of data from interlaboratory performance programs and studies of analytical methods are summarized. Collectively these data show the state-of-the-art for quantitative determination of pesticide residues at 0.05 to several ppm by gas chromatography in experienced laboratories. Recovery of unknowns averaging 90–95 percent with a relative standard deviation of 15 percent or better is suggested as a benchmark against which to evaluate results of interlaboratory studies of analytical methods or performance of a group of laboratories. Precision of repeat determinations by one analyst within a laboratory is one-half to two-thirds of the interlaboratory relative standard deviation.
Ultrasound-Guided Groin Stimulation

Groin neurostimulation or ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerve stimulation offers the potential for a minimally invasive, low-risk, and reversible approach to manage intractable neuropathic pain in the groin and pelvic areas [1]. Recently, the author has been using groin neurostimulation successfully in the treatment of postherniorrhaphy neuropathic pain.
Progress in the Use of Controlled Atmospheres in Actual Field Situations in the United States

ABSTRACT Field research on the use of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) for stored product insect control in the United States in the last 3 years is described. Minor efforts were made in sealing the storage structures studied and in 7 tests in upright concrete silos or welded steel bins containing wheat, maize, rice or sorghum the amount of CO 2 used/1,000 metric tonnes (t) grain ranged from 3.1 to 4.5 t. However, treatment costs/t of grain ranged from 0.23 to 0.39 U.S. $ because of the availability and low costs associated with CO 2 marketing in this country. Additional studies on the use of CO 2 in farm storage situations and in rail hopper cars containing flour are also described. The future of the use of CA in the U.S. is discussed.
Grading facial expression is a sensitive means to detect grimace differences in orofacial pain in a rat model

Although pre-clinical models of pain are useful for defining relationships between biological mechanisms and pain, common methods testing peripheral sensitivity do not translate to the human pain experience. Facial grimace scales evaluate affective pain levels in rodent models by capturing and scoring spontaneous facial expression. But, the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS) has not assessed the common disorder of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. A rat model of TMJ pain induced by jaw loading (1 hr/day for 7 days) was used to investigate the time course of RGS scores and compare them between different loading magnitudes with distinct peripheral sensitivity profiles (0N–no sensitivity, 2N–acute sensitivity, 3.5N–persistent sensitivity). In the 3.5N group, RGS is elevated over baseline during the loading period and one day after loading and is correlated with peripheral sensitivity (ρ = −0.48, p = 0.002). However, RGS is not elevated later when that group exhibits peripheral sensitivity and moderate TMJ condylar cartilage degeneration. Acutely, RGS is elevated in the 3.5N loading group over the other loading groups (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that RGS is an effective tool for detecting spontaneous TMJ pain and that spontaneous pain is detectable in rats that develop persistent TMJ sensitivity, but not in rats with acute resolving sensitivity.
Identifying process scales in the Indian river lagoon, Florida using wavelet transform analysis of dissolved oxygen

Abstract The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) estuary in Florida is experiencing emergent “super” algal blooms in the northern reaches, a complex process occurring within a highly interconnected and complex system. This study describes the spatio-temporal structure of dissolved oxygen observations within the estuary to assist in identification of causes for these emergent conditions. Exploratory data analysis describes the data. Wavelet transform computations describe patterns of stable processes and discontinuities in the expected seasonality of the observations. Dissimilarity analysis describes spatial clusters based on these temporal characteristics. These clusters allow for comparison of the results at multiple spatial scales related to external socio-economic processes. Combined, the results provide multiple, highly localized scale domains and thresholds. This space-time localization allows for synthesis with unexamined variables of similar or different data types to assist in identification of functional relationships or causal mechanisms. The expected spatial relatedness between sampled locations is not present, indicating difficulties for management of the estuary. Our conclusions suggest a shift in focus from restoration of historic waterscapes to restoration of the expected seasonality of dissolved oxygen.
Millisecond Timescale Motions Connect Amino Acid Interaction Networks in Alpha Tryptophan Synthase

Tryptophan synthase is a model system for understanding allosteric regulation within enzyme complexes. Amino acid interaction networks were previously delineated in the isolated alpha subunit (αTS) in the absence of the beta subunit (βTS). The amino acid interaction networks were different between the ligand-free enzyme and the enzyme actively catalyzing turnover. Previous X-ray crystallography studies indicated only minor localized changes when ligands bind αTS, and so, structural changes alone could not explain the changes to the amino acid interaction networks. We hypothesized that the network changes could instead be related to changes in conformational dynamics. As such, we conducted nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation studies on different substrate- and products-bound complexes of αTS. Specifically, we collected 15N R2 relaxation dispersion data that reports on microsecond-to-millisecond timescale motion of backbone amide groups. These experiments indicated that there are conformational exchange events throughout αTS. Substrate and product binding change specific motional pathways throughout the enzyme, and these pathways connect the previously identified network residues. These pathways reach the αTS/βTS binding interface, suggesting that the identified dynamic networks may also be important for communication with the βTS subunit.
Wearable Nail Deformation Sensing for Behavioral and Biomechanical Monitoring and Human-Computer Interaction

The dynamics of the human fingertip enable haptic sensing and the ability to manipulate objects in the environment. Here we describe a wearable strain sensor, associated electronics, and software to detect and interpret the kinematics of deformation in human fingernails. Differential forces exerted by fingertip pulp, rugged connections to the musculoskeletal system and physical contact with the free edge of the nail plate itself cause fingernail deformation. We quantify nail warpage on the order of microns in the longitudinal and lateral axes with a set of strain gauges attached to the nail. The wearable device transmits raw deformation data to an off-finger device for interpretation. Simple motions, gestures, finger-writing, grip strength, and activation time, as well as more complex idioms consisting of multiple grips, are identified and quantified. We demonstrate the use of this technology as a human-computer interface, clinical feature generator, and means to characterize workplace tasks.
The effects of invasive grass on seedling recruitment of native Atriplex polycarpa (Torr.) S. Watson (Chenopodiaceae) shrubs in the San Joaquin Valley of California

Invasive annual grasses are widespread across the arid Western United States, including native saltbush communities in the San Joaquin Valley of California. We hypothesized that the grasses limit saltbush seedling recruitment, leading to persistently invaded grasslands and thereby inhibiting saltbush succession. We predicted that this could happen due to (1), competition for water between grasses and saltbush seedlings and (2), a dense cover of senesced shoots known as residual dry matter (RDM). We conducted an experiment manipulating competition, RDM presence, and shade over a 2-year period. On a seasonal basis, we measured seedling density for the saltbush Atriplex polycarpa. Grass competition and RDM both reduced density, though RDM had a larger treatment effect. Final density was low in all treatments, but it was lowest in the treatment with both competition and RDM. We conclude that invasive grasses can negatively influence the recruitment of A. polycarpa, and that a primary mechanism through which this occurs is through inhibition by a dense cover of RDM. Removal of RDM is a promising technique to mitigate the negative impact on saltbush seedling recruitment.
Using dynamic vascular optical spectroscopy to evaluate peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients who undergo a vascular intervention

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects approximately 12 million people in the US. The disease is caused by an accumulation of plaque in arteries, which leads to stenosis and reduction in blood flow. In advanced cases, surgery or endovascular interventions are required to re-establish blood flow to the extremities. In over 40% of these cases a second intervention is required within 12 months. Therefore, accurate monitoring the blood flow in the feet of these patients is crucial. In this study, dynamic vascular optical spectroscopy was used to assess perfusion in 4 different angiosomes of 25 patients who underwent a surgical intervention. Imaging was performed just before the intervention, 4 hours later and 1 month later. Each optical spectroscopy session consisted in inflating a thigh pressure cuff to 60 mmHg, maintaining the pressure for 60 seconds and releasing it, then repeating the procedure while inflating the cuff to 100 mmHg. Totalhemoglobin [THb] time traces for each angiosome were calculated. We found a strong correlation between the dynamic shapes of the THb-signals obtained before the intervention, 3 hours after the intervention and 1 month later and the longterm outcome of the procedure.
CAN TRIAGE TO CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNITS FOR ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES BE REFINED: DATA FROM THE CRITICAL CARE CARDIOLOGY TRIALS NETWORK (CCCTN) REGISTRY

With improvements in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treatment, routine triage of many pts with ACS to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) may no longer be necessary. The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) is an investigator-initiated multicenter network of 16 advanced CICUs in the
Nitrogen Fertilization of Host Plant Influenced the Nutritional Status and Life History of the Madeira Mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Insect herbivores, especially sap-feeders, are sensitive to host-plant nitrogen quantity. However, past studies present contradicting results on sap-feeder life history traits influenced by plant nitrogen supplementation. This study analyzed the bottom-up effects of below-recommended nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 0.021, 0.048, and 0.091 g N/liter) on life history and total protein and lipid contents of a significant pest species, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (the Madeira mealybug) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Developmental durations and survivorship from egg to adulthood of male and female mealybugs were similar across nitrogen fertilization levels. Females reared on plants fertilized at 0.021, 0.048, and 0.091 g N/liter produced, respectively, 152, 142, and 67% more eggs than females reared on unfertilized plants. Finite and intrinsic rates of increase and net reproductive rates of females were similar among the nitrogen fertilization levels, whereas the generation times of females from fertilized plants were significantly shorter than those from the unfertilized plants. Lipid contents of adult females and eggs, and average adult female protein content were similar across the nitrogen treatments. Average egg protein content increased with increasing host-plant fertilization rate. These results suggest that the response of the female Madeira mealybug to nitrogen fertilization is complex and may involve trade-offs and nutrient re-allocation.
Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Risk, Outcomes, Treatment, and Prevention

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is a common adverse event associated with TAVR. Patient-specific factors that indicate an elevated risk of CIAKI include increasing age, female gender, and antecedent chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as factors that may confer renal dysfunction such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. Procedure-related factors that increase the risk of CIAKI include increasing contrast volume, hemodynamic instability, atheroemboli, and concomitant exposure to other nephrotoxins including additional contrast loads.
ICU admission following an unscheduled return visit to the pediatric emergency department within 72 hours

The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic characteristics and prognosis of children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after a pediatric emergency department (PED) return visit within 72 h. We conducted this retrospective study from 2010 to 2016 in the PED of a tertiary medical center in Taiwan and included patients under the age of 18 years old admitted to the ICU after a PED return visit within 72 h. Clinical characteristics were collected to perform demographic analysis. Pediatric patients who were admitted to the ICU on an initial visit were also enrolled as a comparison group for outcome analysis, including mortality, ventilator use, and length of hospital stay. We included a total of 136 patients in this study. Their mean age was 3.3 years old, 65.4% were male, and 36.0% had Chronic Health Condition (CHC). Disease-related return (73.5%) was by far the most common reason for return. Compared to those admitted on an initial PED visit, clinical characteristics, including vital signs at triage and laboratory tests on return visit with ICU admission, demonstrated no significant differences. Regarding prognosis, ICU admission on return visit has a higher likelihood of ventilator use (aOR:2.117, 95%CI 1.021~4.387), but was not associated with increased mortality (aOR:0.658, 95%CI 0.150~2.882) or LOHS (OR:-1.853, 95%CI -4.045~0.339). Patients who were admitted to the ICU on return PED visits were associated with an increased risk of ventilator use but not mortality or LOHS compared to those admitted on an initial visit.
dbgap2x: an R package to explore and extract data from the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP).

Summary Based on the Genomic Data Sharing Policy issued in August 2007, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has supported several repositories such as the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP). dbGaP is an online repository that provides access to large-scale genetic and phenotypic datasets with more than 1000 studies. However, navigating the website and understanding the relationship between the studies are not easy tasks. Moreover, the decryption of the files is a complex procedure. In this study we propose the dbgap2x R package that covers a broad range of functions for searching dbGaP studies, exploring the characteristics of a study and easily decrypting the files from dbGaP. Availability and implementation dbgap2x is an R package with the code available at https://github.com/gversmee/dbgap2x. A containerized version including the package, a Jupyter server and with a Notebook example is available at https://hub.docker.com/r/gversmee/dbgap2x. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Self-Questioning Strategy for Struggling Readers: A Synthesis:

This review examined the effects of self-questioning (SQ) strategy instruction on reading comprehension outcomes for students with learning disabilities and struggling readers in Grades K-12. Our l...
Familial influences on ambulatory blood pressure: studies of normotensive twins

As a follow-up to a twin study of cardiovascular reactivity to laboratory stress, we are evaluating familial influences on the lability of blood pressure measured in naturalistic environments. Adolescent and young adult twins, differentiated by zygosity and familial history of essential hypertension, are trained to monitor their casual pressures 6 times daily for 3–4 weeks. In addition, co-twins concurrently wear ambulatory monitors for one 18–24 hour period. Preliminary data analyses indicate that lability, as well as level, of blood pressure is a stable characteristic of individuals, and that it exhibits significant familial aggregation due, in part, to genetic factors. Initial analyses suggest that increased lability may be associated with a parental history of hypertensive disease.
Children’s Intergroup Attitudes: Insights From Iran

Children generally favor individuals in their own group over others, but it is unclear which dimensions of the out-group affect this bias. This issue was investigated among 7- to 8-year-old and 11- to 12-year-old Iranian children (N = 71). Participants evaluated in-group members and three different out-groups: Iranian children from another school, Arab children, and children from the United States. Children?s evaluations closely aligned with the perceived social status of the groups, with Americans viewed as positively as in-group members and Arabs viewed negatively. These patterns were evident on measures of affiliation, trust, and loyalty. These findings, which provide some of the first insights into the social cognition of Iranian children, point to the role of social status in the formation of intergroup attitudes.
Marine Parasites and Disease in the Era of Global Climate Change

Climate change affects ecological processes and interactions, including parasitism. Because parasites are natural components of ecological systems, as well as agents of outbreak and disease-induced mortality, it is important to summarize current knowledge of the sensitivity of parasites to climate and identify how to better predict their responses to it. This need is particularly great in marine systems, where the responses of parasites to climate variables are less well studied than those in other biomes. As examples of climate's influence on parasitism increase, they enable generalizations of expected responses as well as insight into useful study approaches, such as thermal performance curves that compare the vital rates of hosts and parasites when exposed to several temperatures across a gradient. For parasites not killed by rising temperatures, some simple physiological rules, including the tendency of temperature to increase the metabolism of ectotherms and increase oxygen stress on hosts, suggest that parasites' intensity and pathologies might increase. In addition to temperature, climate-induced changes in dissolved oxygen, ocean acidity, salinity, and host and parasite distributions also affect parasitism and disease, but these factors are much less studied. Finally, because parasites are constituents of ecological communities, we must consider indirect and secondary effects stemming from climate-induced changes in host-parasite interactions, which may not be evident if these interactions are studied in isolation.
NOise Reduction with DIstribution Corrected (NORDIC) PCA in dMRI with complex-valued parameter-free locally low-rank processing

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) has found great utility for a wide range of neuroscientific and clinical applications. However, high-resolution dMRI, which is required for improved delineation of fine brain structures and connectomics, is hampered by its low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Since dMRI relies on the acquisition of multiple different diffusion weighted images of the same anatomy, it is well-suited for denoising methods that utilize correlations across the image series to improve the apparent SNR and the subsequent data analysis. In this work, we introduce and quantitatively evaluate a comprehensive framework, NOise Reduction with DIstribution Corrected (NORDIC) PCA method for processing dMRI. NORDIC uses low-rank modeling of g-factor-corrected complex dMRI reconstruction and non-asymptotic random matrix distributions to remove signal components which cannot be distinguished from thermal noise. The utility of the proposed framework for denoising dMRI is demonstrated on both simulations and experimental data obtained at 3 Tesla with different resolutions using human connectome project style acquisitions. The proposed framework leads to substantially enhanced quantitative performance for estimating diffusion tractography related measures and for resolving crossing fibers as compared to a conventional/state-of-the-art dMRI denoising method.
Firm Categorization and IPO Price Formation: Evidence From Unicorns

We use the introduction of the Unicorn label to reference venture-backed firms with valuations above $1 billion to examine how firm categorization influences investor demand and retail trade activity during IPO price formation. Our findings suggest that the positive appeal associated with an IPO firm’s Unicorn categorization increases investor demand, particularly among retail investors. We find also that Unicorn categorization relates negatively to post-IPO stock performance, and that it increases the sensitivity of post-IPO stock performance to pre-IPO accounting performance. Together, our findings provide evidence that firm categorization hides category members’ individual value-relevant characteristics and causes them to assume the category’s affective tone.
Experimental study of photon-counting CT neural network material decomposition under conditions of pulse pileup.

Purpose: We investigated the performance of a neural network (NN) material decomposition method under varying pileup conditions. Approach: Experiments were performed at tube current settings that provided count rates incident on the detector through air equal to 9%, 14%, 27%, 40%, and 54% of the maximum detector count rate. An NN was trained for each count-rate level using transmission measurements through known thicknesses of basis materials (PMMA and aluminum). The NN trained for each count-rate level was applied to x-ray transmission measurements through test materials and to CT data of a rod phantom. Material decomposition error was evaluated as the distance in basis material space between the estimated thicknesses and ground truth. Results: There was no clear trend between count-rate level and material decomposition error for all test materials except neoprene. As an example result, Teflon error was 0.33 cm at the 9% count-rate level and 0.12 cm at the 54% count-rate level for the x-ray transmission experiments. Decomposition error increased with count-rate level for the neoprene test case, with 0.65-cm error at 9% count-rate level and 1.14-cm error at the 54% count-rate level. In the CT study, material decomposition error decreased with increasing incident count rate. For example, the material decomposition error for Teflon was 0.089, 0.066, 0.054 at count-rate levels of 14%, 27%, and 40%, respectively. Conclusions: Results demonstrate over a range of incident count-rate levels that an NN trained at a specific count-rate level can learn the relationship between photon-counting spectral measurements and basis material thicknesses.
A Data-Informed Approach to Targeting Social Determinants of Health as the Root Causes of COVID-19 Disparities.

Racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes have called renewed attention to addressing systemic racism and health inequities in the United States. The drivers of these inequities have been debated but include social determinants of health (SDOH) such as poverty, employment in low-wage but essential worker occupations, crowded housing, and lack of access to regular medical care.1 For those in the public health community, the importance of addressing both upstream and midstream SDOH to achieve health equity has been long recognized and discussed. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 28, 2021: e1-e3. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306085).
Symphysiotomy for Shoulder Dystocia

Letter to the Editor explaining the reasons why symphysiotomy may be lifesaving for the baby, the mother, or both.
Real-time locating systems to improve healthcare delivery: A systematic review.

Objective Modern health care requires patients, staff, and equipment to navigate complex environments to deliver quality care efficiently. Real-time locating systems (RTLS) are local tracking systems that identify the physical locations of personnel and equipment in real time. Applications and analytic strategies to utilize RTLS-produced data are still under development. The objectives of this systematic review were to describe and analyze the key features of RTLS applications and demonstrate their potential to improve care delivery. Materials and methods We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and IEEE following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles that utilize RTLS to evaluate or influence workflow in a healthcare setting. We summarized aspects of relevant articles, identified key themes in the challenges of applying RTLS to workflow improvement, and thematically reviewed the state of quantitative analytic methodologies. Results We included 42 articles in the final qualitative synthesis. The most frequent study design was observational (n = 24), followed by descriptive (n = 12) and experimental (n = 6). The most common clinical environment for study was the emergency department (n = 12), followed by entire hospital (n = 7) and surgical ward (n = 6). Discussion The focus of studies changed over time from early experience to optimization to evaluation of an established system. Common narrative themes highlighted lessons learned regarding evaluation, implementation, and information visibility. Few studies have developed quantitative techniques to effectively analyze RTLS data. Conclusions RTLS is a useful and effective adjunct methodology in process and quality improvement, workflow analysis, and patient safety. Future directions should focus on developing enhanced analysis to meaningfully interpret RTLS data.
An Interprofessional, Multimodal, Family-Centered Quality Improvement Project for Sleep Safety of Hospitalized Infants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics published expanded guidelines for infant safe sleep in 2011, expanding the definition from “back to sleep” to “safe to sleep,” more fully describing risk factors ...
Emotional processing writing and physiological stress responses: understanding constructive and unconstructive processes.

Writing about emotions related to a life stressor is thought to promote coping via emotional processing. However, all styles of emotional processing may not be beneficial to managing stress. Such s...
Rare silent ischemic ventricular septal aneurysm and rupture: A multimodality diagnostic approach

A multimodality approach in addition to high level of clinical suspicion and thorough physical examination is important in the diagnosis and management of left ventricular aneurysm and rupture after a silent inferior infarction.
Evaluation of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) integrated sensor for physiological temperature detection

In the human body, maintaining the core body temperature (CBT) is vital to ensure proper cellular and body functions. The temperature of 37°C (98°F) is the well-established baseline for CBT, but si...
Intraseasonal Oscillations Over South America: A Study with a Regional Climate Model

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) regional climate model version 2 (RegCM2) is used to investigate the observed characteristics of intraseasonal oscillations over South America. Our study is mainly concentrated on an intraseaonal mode, which is observed to account for a large portion of the intraseasonal variation, to have a standing feature and to be independent of the MJO. The NCEPDOE AMIP-II reanalysis is utilized to provide initial and lateral boundary conditions for the RegCM2 based upon the OOZ, 062, 122 and 182 data.Our results indicate that the intraseasonal oscillation still exists with time- averaged lateral boundary condition, which prevents the MJO and other outside disturbances from entering the model's domain, suggesting a locally forced oscillation responsible for ths intraseasonal mode independent of the MJO. Further experiments show that the annual and daily variabilities and a radiative-convective interaction are not essential to the locally forced intraseasonal oscillation. The intraseasonal oscillations over Amazon in our model essentially result from interactions among atmospheric continental- scale circulation, surface radiation, surface sensible and latent heat fluxes, and cumulus convection. The wavelet analyses of various surface energy fluxes and surface energy budget also verify that the primary cause of intraseasonal oscillation is the interaction of land surface processes with the atmosphere.
Power Flow Optimization

In the basic load flow problem, the so-called control variables are specified, permitting the feasibility of solution. We recall that the control variables consist of real power generation at all generation busses except the slack bus, and voltage magnitudes at all generation busses. The specification of these control variables is not arbitrary. It is based on several considerations. The first major consideration is that of satisfying all power demands within the acceptable tolerances for voltage levels, without violating the limits on generation levels, transmitted currents, and powers. (These demands and limits are normally referred to as the equality and inequality constraints, respectively.) There are usually wide ranges of control variable values for which all of these constraints are satisfied. As a result, one selects those control variable values which will minimize (or maximize) a desired performance index. One possible performance index can be the total losses in the transmission network. Another one can be the cost of generation needed to meet the demand. Yet a third performance index may reflect a combination of operating cost, security considerations, and possibly pollution levels.
Characterizing Intimate Mixtures of Materials in Hyperspectral Imagery with Albedo-based and Kernel-based Approaches

Linear mixtures of materials in a scene often occur because the pixel size of a sensor is relatively large and consequently they contain patches of different materials within them. This type of mixing can be thought of as areal mixing and modeled by a linear mixture model with certain constraints on the abundances. The solution to these models has received a lot of attention. However, there are more complex situations, such as scattering that occurs in mixtures of vegetation and soil, or intimate mixing of granular materials like soils. Such multiple scattering and microscopic mixtures within pixels have varying degrees of non-linearity. In such cases, a linear model is not sufficient. Furthermore, often enough, scenes may contain cases of both linear and non-linear mixing on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This study considers two approaches for use as generalized methods for un-mixing pixels in a scene that may be linear (areal mixed) or non-linear (intimately mixed). The first method is based on earlier studies that indicate non-linear mixtures in reflectance space are approximately linear in albedo space. The method converts reflectance to singlescattering albedo (SSA) according to Hapke theory assuming bidirectional scattering at nadir look angles and uses a constrained linear model on the computed albedo values. The second method is motivated by the same idea, but uses a kernel that seeks to capture the linear behavior of albedo in non-linear mixtures of materials. The behavior of the kernel method is dependent on the value of a parameter, gamma. Furthermore, both methods are dependent on the choice of endmembers, and also on RMSE (root mean square error) as a performance metric. This study compares the two approaches and pays particular attention to these dependencies. Both laboratory and aerial collections of hyperspectral imagery are used to validate the methods.
Abortable reader-writer locks are no more complex than abortable mutex locks

When a process attempts to acquire a mutex lock, it may be forced to wait if another process currently holds the lock. In certain applications, such as real-time operating systems and databases, indefinite waiting can cause a process to miss an important deadline [19]. Hence, there has been research on designing abortable mutual exclusion locks, and fairly efficient algorithms of O(logn) RMR complexity have been discovered [11,14] (n denotes the number of processes for which the algorithm is designed). The abort feature is just as important for a reader-writer lock as it is for a mutual exclusion lock, but to the best of our knowledge there are currently no abortable reader-writer locks that are starvation-free. We show the surprising result that any abortable, starvation-free mutual exclusion algorithm of RMR complexity t(n) can be transformed into an abortable, starvation-free reader-writer exclusion algorithm of RMR complexity O(t(n)). Thus, we obtain the first abortable, starvation-free reader-writer exclusion algorithm of O(logn) RMR complexity. Our results apply to the Cache-Coherent (CC) model of multiprocessors.
An Internet Tea Party

The Diagnosis . Alan Lightman. Pantheon, New York, 2000. 381 pp. $25, C$36. ISBN 0-679-43615-4. Bloomsbury, London, £16.99. ISBN 0-7475-4932-X. A professor of humanities at MIT, Lightman has created a fascinating novel from a mysterious neurological disease, the hyperreality of the internet, and the story of Socrates' death.
In Search of a Caring Community

ABSTRACT This paper describes the establishment of a support group for gay, lesbian and bisexual students at a counseling center at a suburban state college in the Northeast. A rationale for offering group therapy is examined, as well as how to manage issues of safety and homophobia and their impact on the group's development and process. Stories from group members are used to illustrate salient issues regarding the need for family support, peer socialization, and interaction with positive adult role models. For many group members, their search for a caring community led them to the Counseling Center, where their participation in this group might ideally help them adjust to being part of a socially stigmatized minority group, and help them find a community with which to identify.
Validation of a gastric cancer nomogram using a cancer registry

Background A Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSKCC) nomogram predicts disease specific survival (DSS) for gastric adenocarcinoma. The goal of this study is to use a cancer registry to compare nomogram predicted survival with actual survival in the general population. Methods All patients undergoing surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1988–2012) were studied. Results 6954 patients were identified. Majority of cancers were in the antrum (30.2%), and had intestinal histology (73.7%). Median follow-up was 8.2 years. Five year DSS for nomogram risk groups (0–25%, 26–50%, 51–75%, and 76–100%) was 23%, 48%, 57%, and 81% respectively. Actual DSS was 7–15% lower than nomogram predicted DSS. Relative to patients in the 76–100% 5-year DSS risk group, patients in the 0–25%, 26–50%, and 51–75% groups had significantly higher risks of death with hazard ratios of 6.84 (95%CI 6.12–7.65), 3.30 (95%CI 2.83–3.86), and 2.64 (95%CI 2.30–3.03), respectively (all P < 0.001). The concordance index for 5-year nomogram predicted DSS was 0.68 (95%CI 0.67–0.69). Conclusions The MSKCC gastric cancer nomogram over-estimates DSS from gastric cancer in the general population and has a moderate concordance index. Predictive tools generated at specialized institutions may not perform as well in the general population. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:377–380. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
It’s No Game: The Practice and Process of the Law in Baseball, and Vice Versa

It is a commonplace that the relationship between baseball and the law is a long and close one. But, first, is it true? And, second, if it is, just how long and how close? Strangely, given the large amount of good work produced by able scholars of baseball and the law, concrete answers to these basic questions are not readily available. This article is a first step toward filling that gap. It is a sketch of the length, breadth, and depth of the relationship between baseball and the law. (In order to tell a less-than-interminable tale, this article mostly tilts back and forth between recent years – evidence of the vibrancy of the baseball-law relationship today – and the late 19th and early 20th centuries – evidence that it has been vibrant for a long time – and deals only sketchily even with those periods. This should not be taken to mean that the baseball-law relationship was any less interesting at other times, or that there isn’t much more to be said about all times.) As should be clear by the end of this article, the answer to the first question is an emphatic and certain “Yes”: baseball and the law are close and have been for a long time. The answer to the second question, however, is an equally emphatic but far less certain “Very”: while there surely are both unrecognized extents and unmarked limits to the law-baseball relationship, we cannot define them without a fuller inventory and chronology – an old-fashioned digest – of the thousands upon thousands of events that make up the history of baseball and the law. Perhaps this article can serve as the kernel of such a project.