cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic determinants of autism in individuals with deletions of 18q

Previous research has suggested that individuals with constitutional hemizygosity of 18q have a higher risk of autistic-like behaviors. We sought to identify genomic factors located on chromosome 18 as well as other loci that correlate with autistic behaviors. One hundred and five individuals with 18q- were assessed by high-resolution oligo aCGH and by parental ratings of behavior on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale. Forty-five individuals (43%) had scores within the “possibly” or “very likely” categories of risk for an autism diagnosis. We searched for genetic determinants of autism by (1) identifying additional chromosome copy number changes (2) Identifying common regions of hemizygosity on 18q, and (3) evaluating four regions containing candidate genes located on 18q (MBD1, TCF4, NETO1, FBXO15). Three individuals with a “very likely” probability of autism had a captured 17p telomere in addition to the 18q deletion suggesting a possible synergy between hemizygosity of 18q and trigosity of 17p. In addition, two of the individuals with an 18q deletion and a “very likely” probability of autism rating had a duplication of the entire short arm of chromosome 18. Although no common region of hemizygosity on 18q was identified, analysis of four regions containing candidate genes suggested that individuals were significantly more likely to exhibit autistic-like behaviors if their region of hemizygosity included TCF4, NETO1, and FBXO15 than if they had any other combination of hemizygosity of the candidate genes. Taken together, these findings identify several new potential candidate genes or regions for autistic behaviors.
The Relationship Among Regional Economic Impact Models: Contingent Valuation Versus Economic Impact in the Case of Cultural Assets

Despite concerns as to its reliability and expense, the contingent valuation method (CVM) of measuring regional economic impacts is rapidly spreading from its traditional base in environmental economics to cultural economics, nearly supplanting the still popular but also flawed economic impact methodology (EIM). While applying multiple approaches to the valuation of quasi-public cultural assets would seem wise, as is common in business valuations, the prohibitive expense of competently conducting either study has made that rare. Furthermore, since the conceptual relationship between these two (or more) approaches has not been systematically explored, it is unclear whether one should sum the valuations of the two approaches to obtain the "full valuation" (the complementary case), or treat those two approaches as alternatives for estimating the same value (the substitution case). Six options for the weighting of the results of CVM and EIM studies are explored, including the possibility that poorly done naive economic impact studies (NEIM) could actually serve as low cost proxies for more conceptually sophisticated CVM studies in the valuation of cultural and other "mixed" goods. Extensions to other regional impact models such as travel cost and hedonics would also be important in fully understanding the relationships among differing approaches to measuring the regional economic impact of institutions and events.
From single core to multi-core to many core: are we ready for a new exponential?

Process technology advancements continue to provide designers with more transistors to utilize. In the past, this took the form of designers seeking novel techniques to support the exponential growth of clock frequency scaling. Today, clock frequency scaling has tapered and yet design is still expected to extract value from these additional transistors in the form of better performance and more functionality while staying within a required power envelope. This talk will discuss these trends including the move towards multi-core designs. This talk will also discuss deficiencies in our current design and test methodologies needed to support this and will conclude with challenges that face industry which could be addressed by university research.
Defect-Aware Configurable Computing in Nanoscale Crossbar for Improved Yield

High defect rate in emerging nano-devices mandates new computational models that can tolerate defects thereby rendering reliability of operation and reasonable manufacturing yield. In a bottom-up system design approach using nano-crossbar applications are typically mapped into a crossbar using either PLA or lookup table (LUT) implementation of a logic circuits. LUT-based implementation has some definite advantages over PLA-based one due its easy reconfigurability. In this paper, we consider a LUT-based logic design paradigm using nano-crossbar and propose a novel application mapping technique that can effectively take advantage of certain defects in the LUTs. The main idea is: 1) to identify and localize the unidirectional stuck-at faults in the LUTs and 2) then map an application in such a way that the a particular defective LUT is used to map a Boolean function which is compatible with the behavior of the LUT. The idea of exploiting certain defects to implement a function (as opposed to discard the defective location as unusable), improves yield considerably in LUT-based configurable nanocomputing. Our simulation with 5times5 and 5times1 LUT shows an average improvement of 87% in number of mapped function over conventional mapping for a defect rate of 10%.
Calix[4]arene-thiacrown-5 di(carboxylic acid) regioisomers as metal ion extractants

A regioisomer of a previously reported p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-thiacrown-5 di(carboxylic acid) is prepared in which the thiacrown ring attachment sites are moved from distal phenolic oxygens of a cone p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene scaffold to proximal phenolic oxygens. The influence of this structural variation in the di-ionizable calixcrown ligand on competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations and of alkaline earth metal cations and single species solvent extractions of Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions into chloroform is evaluated.
Mediators of Depressive Symptoms in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and their Mothers

Objective To examine the relationships among maternal and child depressive symptoms and child and family psychosocial factors. Method Secondary analysis of baseline data for a coping skills intervention for school-age children (ages 8–12) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their mothers. Children and mothers completed measures of depressive symptoms, coping, quality of life, and family functioning. Results There was a strong relationship between maternal and child depressive symptoms (r ¼ .44, p < .001). Maternal depressive symptoms were negatively related to child quality of life, perceptions of coping, and family functioning. Impact of diabetes on quality of life, finding coping with diabetes upsetting, and family warmth mediated the relationship between maternal and child depressive symptoms. Conclusions Maternal depression may negatively affect child adjustment through its influence on quality of life, coping, and family functioning. Implications for interventions to improve psychosocial adjustment in children with T1D are discussed.
A tree structured Bayesian scalar quantizer for wavelet based image compression

Multiresolution image decompositions (e.g., wavelets), in conjunction with a variety of quantization schemes, have been shown to be very effective for image compression. Recently, several promising tree-structured quantization schemes that exploit the correlation across scales have been proposed. In this paper, we present an image compression algorithm based on a multiresolution Markov random field model used to model the correlations of wavelet coefficients across the scales. We also present experimental results obtained using the algorithm. >
5-Amino-2-carbonylthiophene derivatives for use as p38 MAPK inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory diseases

This recent patent application from Astex (WO2004089929) describes p38 inhibitors containing uncyclised amides or ureas. Other urea and amide inhibitors of p38 are in the prior art. The present invention is based on the substitution pattern on a thiophene scaffold to which the amides and ureas are attached. An earlier patent application from Astex (WO2004004720) describes p38 inhibitors in which the generic structures do not require amides or ureas. However, the earlier patent application provides some structure–activity relationships (SARs) in which the most potent analogues are amides or ureas. Common structural features are apparent for the likely potent acyclic amide and ureas in the two Astex patent applications. These features may also connect the functionality in the Astex compounds to similar structures in competitor acyclic amide and urea p38 inhibitors. Crystallography data on two series of competitor acyclic urea and amide analogues have been reported.
Hysteresis compensation in electromagnetic actuators through Preisach model inversion

In this paper, the classical Preisach independent domain model is used to capture the essential characteristics of hysteresis nonlinearity in electromagnetic (EM) actuators made of soft ferromagnetic material. Experimental results demonstrate its ability to accurately model electromagnetic hysteresis for variations in input current, airgap, and orientation. The Preisach model is then inverted and incorporated in an open-loop control strategy that regulates the EM actuator and compensates for hysteretic effects; hysteresis-free regulation of the EM actuator is obtained, for variations in input current, airgap, and orientation. Hysteresis is also effectively compensated for desired force trajectories of frequencies up to 100 Hz. Thus, the experimental results demonstrate consistent performance of the open-loop control strategy based on Preisach model inversion, in satisfactorily regulating the output of the EM actuator to the desired trajectories.
Tuning surface properties of amino-functionalized silica for metal nanoparticle loading: The vital role of an annealing process

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on oxides have been widely used as multifunctional nanomaterials in various fields such as optical imaging, sensors, and heterogeneous catalysis. However, the deposition of metal NPs on oxide supports with high efficiency and homogeneous dispersion still remains elusive, especially when silica is used as the support. Amino-functionalization of silica can improve loading efficiency, but metal NPs often aggregate on the surface. Herein, we report that a facial annealing of amino-functionalized silica can significantly improve the dispersion and enhance the loading efficiency of various metal NPs, such as Pt, Rh, and Ru, on the silica surface. A series of characterization techniques, such as diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), Zeta potential analysis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared analysis (TGA–IR), and nitrogen physisorption, were employed to study the changes of surface properties of the amino-functionalized silica before and after annealing. We found that the annealed amino-functionalized silica surface has more cross-linked silanol groups and relatively lesser amount of amino groups, and less positively charges, which could be the key to the uniform deposition of metal NPs during the loading process. Lastly, these results could contribute to the preparation of metal/oxide hybrid NPs for the applicationsmore » that require uniform dispersion.« less
Factors secreted by untreated and hydrocortisone-treated monocytes that modulate neutrophil function.

When incubated for 1.0 hr with neutrophils isolated from bovine peripheral blood, hydrocortisone (0.05, 0.5, or 5.0 ,�gIml) had no significant effect on their ability to ingest Staphylococcus aureus, to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) or iodinate protein, or to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against chicken erythrocytes. Random migration was significantly enhanced by the highest concentration of hydrocortisone (HC) but was unaffected by the lower concentrations. Resting bovine monocytes were incubated for 24 hr in medium with or without added hydrocortisone (0.05, 0.5, or 5.0 �g/ ml). Purified bovine neutrophils were then incubated for 1.0 hr with the resulting monocyte supernatant (MS). The MS from untreated monocytes significantly enhanced neutrophil ADCC but did not affect the other neutrophil functions evaluated. Supernatants from monocytes incubated wtih 0.5 or 5.0 �.tg/ml hydrocortisone (HG-treated MS) failed to enhance neutrophil ADCC but did enhance neutrophil random migration under agarose. The other parameters of neutrophil function were unaffected. Production of the factors in MS was reduced by inhibition of protein synthesis in monocytes. Their activity was reduced by exposure of MS to proteolytic enzymes, suggesting that the monocyte factors were polypeptides or proteins. Protein synthesis by the neutrophil was not necessary for its response to the monocyte-produced ADCG-enhancing factor but was necessary for its response to the HG-induced monocyte factor. The results suggest that the antiinflammatory effects of glucocorticoids may be partially mediated by factors released by monocytes.
Rotational Constants for C 12 O 2 16 from Beats between Lamb-Dip—Stabilized Lasers

New experimental measurements of the frequency separations of 30 pairs of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$$^{16}\mathrm{O}_{2}$ laser lines in the 10.4-\ensuremath{\mu}m band and 26 pairs in the 9.4-\ensuremath{\mu}m band have been made with Lamb-dip---stabilized lasers. The use of a Josephson junction as the frequency-mixing element simplified the measurements. Uncertainties in existing rotational constants for the laser vibrational levels were reduced 20 to 30 times and an additional rotational constant ${H}_{v}$ was determined for the first time.
A Fixed Point Property for Amenable Locally Compact Groups

Let G be a locally compact group and Γ be any subgroup of G×G,In〔Ⅰ〕Lau and Paterson gave a characterization of inner amenability of G in term of a fixed point property for left Banach G module. In this paper we generalize this result to that of Γ-amenability of G.A new fixed point property for amenable grouops is then obtained.
Fraud, Fakery, and Fudging

The business of scientists is collecting, interpreting, and disseminating data. A difficult business it is, but honorable. Or is it? A look at the historical record might suggest otherwise, for it appears that unethical conduct in the name of science, including the falsification of data, is by no means rare. In fact, myriad cases of apparent fraud are evident in the history of science (Broad & Wade, 1982).
Measuring the Social Impact of Burns on Survivors

Many burn survivors experience social challenges throughout their recovery. Measuring the social impact of a burn injury is important to identify opportunities for interventions. The aim of this study is to develop a pool of items addressing the social impact of burn injuries in adults to create a self-reported computerized adaptive test based on item response theory. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify preexisting items in other self-reported measures and used data from focus groups to create new items. The authors classified items using a guiding conceptual framework on social participation. The authors conducted cognitive interviews with burn survivors to assess clarity and interpretation of each item. The authors evaluated an initial pool of 276 items with burn survivors and reduced this to 192 items after cognitive evaluation by experts and burn survivors. The items represent seven domains from the guiding conceptual model: work, recreation and leisure, relating to strangers, romantic, sexual, family, and informal relationships. Additional item content that crossed domains included using self-comfort and others' comfort with clothing, telling one's story, and sense of purpose. This study was designed to develop a large item pool based on a strong conceptual framework using grounded theory analysis with focus groups of burn survivors and their caregivers. The 192 items represent 7 domains and reflect the unique experience of burn survivors within these important areas of social participation. This work will lead to developing the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation profile, a self-reported outcome measure.
Use of epsilon aminocaproic acid in protracted bleeding from polycystic kidneys: a case report.

AbstractA case is reported in which protracted and massive bleeding from polycystic kidneys was treated successfully with epsilon aminocaproic acid with no adverse effects. Our experience with this case suggests that a short trial with epsilon aminocaproic acid is a reasonable choice before surgical intervention in patients bleeding from polycystic kidneys.
Dorrit C. Cohn, The Sleepwalkers: Elucidations of Hermann Broch’s Trilogy

(1968). Dorrit C. Cohn, The Sleepwalkers: Elucidations of Hermann Broch’s Trilogy. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 316-317.
Implicit Attitudes and Smoking Behavior in a Smoking Cessation Induction Trial.

Introduction Although studies have suggested that implicit attitudes may predict smoking-related decisions, evidence that changes in implicit attitudes toward smoking are related to changes in smoking behavior is lacking. Using data from a trial comparing interventions to induce quit attempts among unmotivated smokers, this study examined whether changes in implicit attitudes were associated with quit attempts and cessation after controlling for explicit motivation. Methods Daily smokers recruited from the community completed measures of implicit attitudes (Implicit Association Test) and explicit measure of motivation to smoke at baseline, mid-intervention (week 12 [W12]) and follow-up (week 26 [W26]). Quit attempts and cessation were assessed at follow-up, and cessation was biochemically verified. Results As hypothesized, Implicit Association Test scores became more negative from baseline to W12, a change that was sustained at follow-up. Logistic regression analyses in which implicit attitudes were used to predict smoking outcomes revealed that negative changes in implicit attitudes from baseline to W12 and from baseline to W26 were significantly related to quit attempts (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.52, 0.97], p < .05 for both) independent of explicit motivation. Negative changes in implicit attitudes from baseline to W26 were significantly related to cessation (OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.25, 1.00], p < .05). Conclusions Negative changes in implicit attitudes were associated with positive changes in smoking behavior independent of explicit motivation. This result indicates that smoking cessation interventions may be enhanced by incorporating strategies to change implicit attitudes, and that changes in implicit attitudes are also potentially important intervention outcomes. Implications Smoking cessation interventions may be improved by going beyond the current focus on explicit psychological constructs and targeting automatic cognitive processes such as implicit attitudes. The results are encouragement to examine how best to manipulate smokers' implicit attitudes as well as to determine the effect on their smoking behavior.
CRT-600.11 Time Out for Contrast: A Straightforward Intervention Resulting in Significantly Reduced Radiocontrast Usage in the Catheterization Laboratory

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common post-procedural complication after cardiac catheterization with total volume of contrast administered directly associated with the incidence of CIN. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of physician behavioral modification in the form of
John Buridan on External and Internal Sensation

Sobol’s chapter builds on the thesis that although medieval scholars inherited a theory of sensation based primarily on visual phenomena from Aristotle and his Islamic commentators, this had yet to be applied to sensation in general. Roger Bacon began the task of elucidating the nature of sensible species (the primary representations of sensible qualities) and their role in sensation, but it was Buridan who devoted a large part of his question commentary to demonstrating that both external and internal sensation relied on species. Buridan departed from Aristotle in asserting a finite speed of light, but on the other side he departed from most of his contemporaries, and remained faithful to Aristotle, by locating the organs of the common sense and the imagination in the heart instead of the head.
Bone cancer: Is the osteosarcoma genome targetable?

The osteosarcoma genome has long been known to be complex, with few common features between tumours. However, a growing number of somatic genome studies, including a recent study by Behjati et al., have identified common themes in subsets of these cancers. The data suggest that subsets of somatic signatures could be therapeutically tractable targets.
Surgical Management of Esophageal Epiphrenic Diverticula: A Transthoracic Approach Over Four Decades

Background Epiphrenic esophageal diverticula are infrequent. Although surgical treatment is generally recommended, technique varies widely and optimal management remains controversial. This study evaluated a single-institution experience for surgical treatment of epiphrenic diverticula. Methods A retrospective review was made of medical records of 31 patients undergoing surgical treatment for epiphrenic diverticula from 1974 to 2016. Results There were 17 men (55%); median age was 65 years. Dysphagia (87%) and regurgitation (71%) were the most common symptoms. Three patients (10%) presented acutely: 2 with ruptured diverticula and 1 with hematemesis. All patients underwent an open transthoracic approach. Diverticulectomy was performed in 28 patients (90%), myotomy in 28 (90%), and a concomitant antireflux procedure in 6 (19%). A total of 22 patients (71%) underwent diverticulectomy and myotomy, 4 (13%) underwent diverticulectomy with myotomy and antireflux procedure, 2 (6%) had myotomy and antireflux, 2 had diverticulectomy alone, and 1 patient had imbrication of the diverticulum after myotomy. Overall, morbidity occurred in 11 patients (35.5%), with major morbidity in 6 (19.4%). There was one postoperative esophageal leak (3%). Ninety-day mortality was zero. Mean follow-up was 30 ± 43 months in 28 patients. Additional procedures (ie, reoperation, balloon dilation) were needed in 7 patients (25%). An excellent outcome (ie, absence of symptoms) was accomplished in 21 patients (75%). Acute presentation was associated with need for further procedures ( p = 0.011) and symptoms at follow-up ( p = 0.011). Conclusions A tailored transthoracic approach to the surgical management of epiphrenic diverticula can provide excellent results. The need for a concomitant antireflux procedure remains controversial and may not be routinely necessary. Acute presentation is associated with poor functional outcome.
Balancing Control and Trust to Manage CSR Compliance in Supply Chains

This study examines how buyers and suppliers balance control and trust to manage compliance with corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements in supply chains (SCs). Two in-depth, qualitative ...
Temporal Analysis of Factors Associated with EAT-10 in Outpatients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia from a Tertiary Care Clinic

Self-perception of disease is increasingly recognized as a determinant of health. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) is a functional health status questionnaire that measures the symptomatic severity of dysphagia from the patient’s perspective. The objective of this work was to identify factors (demographics, clinical variables, swallowing physiology, health-related quality of life) associated with longitudinal change in EAT-10 scores in outpatients with oropharyngeal dysphagia at a multi-disciplinary, tertiary care clinic. All patients with swallowing concerns that were included in the UW Madison Voice and Swallowing Outcomes database from 12/2012 to 04/2015 were invited to complete EAT-10 and a general health-related quality of life survey (SF-12v2) at their initial evaluation and six months later. Forty-two patients were included in analysis (n = 42). Weaning from a gastrostomy tube was significantly associated with EAT-10 improvement. Approximately 70% of the sample had mild dysphagia, and floor effects were observed for all EAT-10 items in this sample subset. Mean SF-12v2 Physical Component Summary score was substantially lower than that of the general population. Significant, weak–moderate correlations were found between EAT-10 and SF-12v2 scores for all comparisons except for Physical Health Composite at six months (rs = = 0.24 to − 0.43). Weaning from a feeding tube appears to meaningfully improve self-perceived symptoms of dysphagia. Given the floor effects observed, validity of EAT-10 for patients with mild dysphagia should be examined. Future research should address contributors to self-perceived symptom change across the range of dysphagia severity.
Other Rh Antibodies That Can Impact Transfusion

The Rh blood group system is comprised of several antigens. In addition to RhD, the main antigens to which patients can develop alloantibodies include anti-E, anti-e, anti-C, and anti-c. Individuals inherit Rh antigens as a haplotype (a combination of proteins from the RhD and RhCE genes). The majority of RhD-negative individuals will inherit a double dose of c and e proteins. Therefore, RhD-negative red cells will most often be incompatible if a patient has developed anti-c or anti-e. When an alloantibody affects transfusion decisions both for the mother and her newborn, it is important for hospitals to have processes that keep blood intended for each recipient distinct.
WHILE A MONKEY WAITS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the frontal origin of the contingent negative variation (CNV). It further discusses the use of the CNV as an index of frontal lobe function in monkeys during various classical delayed response tasks that have or have not produced performance deficits in frontally lesioned animals. To determine the anatomical source of CNV, saggital arrays of transcortical electrodes are implanted in Rhesus monkeys, each of which incorporates a fixed delay interval. The largest and most reliable TNV pattern appears in the postcentral region when a sustained key press is required during the interstimulus interval. Frontal negativity during the holding interval of the signaled double-response task appears to index an orienting reaction. TNV is not an elaboration of late components of an average evoked response to a stimulus, and it is probably associated with the motor response of key pressing. Waveforms—originating in multiple regions of the cortex—summate in the vertex-negative CNV recorded on the human scalp. Differential habituation patterns occur in the frontal cortex relative to task-response parameters. Difficulties inherent in the interpretation of volume-conducted scalp potentials underscore the critical need for chronic intracerebral studies of CNV-related phenomena in laboratory animals to further elucidate the functional significance of the intriguing waveform.
The Screenwriters Taxonomy: A Collaborative Approach to Creative Storytelling

In The Screenwriters Taxonomy, award-winning screenwriter and educator Eric R. Williams offers a new collaborative approach for creative storytellers to recognize, discuss and reinvent storytelling paradigms. Williams presents seven different aspects of storytelling that can be applied to any fictional narrative film—from super genre, macrogenre and microgenre to voice and point of view—allowing writers to analyze existing films and innovate on these structures in their own stories. Moving beyond film theory, Williams describes how this roadmap for creative decision making can relate to classics like Sunset Boulevard, The Wizard of Oz and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as well as such diverse modern favorites like 12 Years a Slave, Anomalisa and Shrek.
Antennal Olfactory Physiology and Behavior of Males of the Ponerine Ant Harpegnathos saltator

In comparison to the large amount of study on the communication abilities of females in ant societies and their associated chemical ecology and sensory physiology, such study of male ants has been largely ignored; accordingly, little is known about their olfactory sensory capabilities. To address this, we explored peripheral odor sensitivities in male Harpegnathos saltator by measuring the electrophysiological activity of olfactory sensory neurons within antennal trichoid and coeloconic sensilla using an extracellular recording technique. In an initial trial of 46 compounds, sensilla trichodea responded strongly to two alarm pheromone components, while a limited number of non-hydrocarbon odorants elicited strong responses in sensilla coeloconica. Both sensillar types responded indifferently to 31 cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) and synthetic long-chain hydrocarbons (HCs) typically found on insect cuticle. In a search for sensilla responding to CHCs and other compounds, we found some sensilla that responded to synthetic HCs and CHCs from virgin queen postpharyngeal glands that are potentially used in close range mate recognition. Olfactometer bioassays of male ants to 15 non-HCs correlated sensory responsiveness to the respective behavioral responses. Comparing olfactory responses between H. saltator males and females, we found that sensilla coeloconica and basiconica of workers showed greater responses and broader selectivity to all compounds. The rarity of CHC-responding trichoid sensilla in Harpegnathos males suggests a more specific role in sexual communication compared to that in females, which use CHCs in a broader communication context.
Fast and Accurate Machine Learning-based Malware Detection via RC4 Ciphertext Analysis *

Recent malware increases its viability by employing ciphers which help to hide malicious intention and/or behavior against detection schemes. So far, many efforts have been made to detect malware and to prevent it from damaging clients by monitoring network packets. However, these conventional detection schemes tend to treat an encrypted packet as legitimate due to the hardness of extracting information from ciphertexts. Cryptoanalysis of each packet flowing over a network might be one feasible solution to the problem. However, this approach is computationally expensive and lacks accuracy, and thus it is consequently not a practical solution. To address the problem, we firstly introduce a discovery that a fixed encryption key generates unique statistical patterns on RC4 ciphertexts. To the best of our knowledge, this unique signature has never been discussed in the literature. Then, we propose a machine learning-based detection scheme that can identify malware packets efficiently and accurately by leveraging the discovery. The proposed scheme directly analyze network packets without decrypting ciphertexts. Moreover, our analysis demonstrates the proposed scheme requires only a tiny subset of the network packet.
Effect of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Order-Writing Privileges on Enteral Nutrition Administration in Selected Intensive Care Units.

BACKGROUND Adequate nutrition is linked to improved patient outcomes during critical illness. Nutrition care is further enhanced by registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) order-writing privileges, which improve the implementation of nutrition interventions. The purpose of this performance improvement project was to evaluate the effect of RDN order-writing privileges on enteral nutrition (EN) order compliance and nutrition delivery in selected intensive care units (ICUs) at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. METHODS Patients admitted to selected ICUs from January 23, 2018, to January 25, 2018, were screened for eligibility. Demographic and nutrition data were collected retrospectively from the electronic health record. Percent of energy and protein needs met were calculated. Data were compared with historical internal controls identified prior to RDN order-writing privileges. RESULTS Fifty adult patients (150 EN days) were included in data analysis, with 93 patients (279 EN days) included in historical data. Compared with historical data, cumulative EN order compliance increased by 17% and tube feed infusion rate compliance by 15% post-RDN order-writing privileges. Mean (± SD) protein needs delivered significantly increased from 72.1 ± 28.6% to 89.1 ± 24.8% after RDN order-writing implementation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS RDN order-writing privileges improved EN order compliance and significantly improved protein delivery in selected ICUs. Future studies are recommended to confirm these results and determine if other variables besides protein delivery are statistically significant with a larger sample size.
Physical Properties and Theoretical Study of Ni x Co 3- x O₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5) Nanostructures as High-Performance Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors

Study evaluates the electrochemical performance of off-stoichiometric NixCo3-xO₄ compounds. The off-stoichiometric samples were prepared via hydrothermal technique by systematically varying Co/Ni molar ratio. Physical and electrochemical properties of NixCo3-xO₄ were observed to be stoichiometry dependent. The increase in Ni/Co ratio in NixCo3-xO₄ leads to the morphological transformation from fibrous bundles to urchin like nanospheres with a concomitant increase in the surface area reaching up to 132 m2/g. The optimal specific capacitance of 225 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g and 524 F/g at 10 mV/s scan rate was observed of x 1.0 sample, with an increased retention capacity ∼120% measured at 2 A/g current density. The hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic density of states identified Ni1.0Co₂O₄ with optimal band-gap of 2.38 eV with an expectation of displaying higher electrocapacitive performance. Experimentally, Ni0.92Co2.08O₄ displayed superior electrocapacitive performance among all Ni/Co ratio in NixCo3-xO₄. The DFT study also predicted Ni preference to the octahedral site, which is in-line with the observed increase in ferromagnetic nature, decreased lattice parameter, and increased structural disorder with increasing Ni/Co ratio. The improved electrochemical performance of NixCo3-xO₄ (x > 0) is attributed to the mesoporous hierarchical structure, with a high electroactive surface which can effectively improve structural stability, and reduce the ionic and electron diffusion length. Compared to the pure Co₃O₄, the reduction of Co content in NixCo3-xO₄ is desired due to the high cost and toxicity of Co element.
An optical-based technique to obtain operating deflection shapes of structures with complex geometries

Abstract The dynamic characteristics of structures are conventionally obtained by exciting the structure using an impulse hammer or a mechanical shaker and measuring the response using uniaxial or multi-axial accelerometers. However, contact-based sensors can mass-load the structure and do not provide full-field data. Hence, obtaining the true dynamics of the structure using conventional sensors can be challenging. That makes test engineers seek different non-contact techniques that can provide full-field data without mass-loading the structure. Recently, stereo-photogrammetry and three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC) have been adopted to collect operating data for structural analysis. These non-contact optical techniques provide a wealth of distributed data over the entire structure. However, the stereo-camera system is limited by the field-of-view of the cameras; a single pair of DIC cameras may not be able to provide deformation data for the entire structure. Hence, it is challenging to obtain the vibration characteristics of the entire structure. In the current work, a multi-view 3D DIC approach is used and validated to predict the vibrational characteristics of an automotive muffler with a complex structure. A pair of DIC cameras travels over the entire structure to capture the deformation of each field of view. The measured data includes the geometry and displacement data, which is later mapped into a global coordinate system. The measured data in the time domain for each field-of-view is transformed to the frequency domain to extract the operational deflection shapes and resonant frequencies for each field of view. The obtained deflection shapes are stitched together in the frequency domain to extract the operating deflection shapes and resonant frequencies of the automotive body panel with a complex structure.
Anticoagulation and hemostasis monitoring during cardiac surgery with a drop of whole blood using a novel optical sensor

Cardiac surgical patients with cardiopulmonary bypass receive large heparin doses to prevent thrombosis during surgery. Activated clotting time (ACT), used to assess anticoagulation, correlates poorly with heparin plasma concentration and lacks information on key coagulation metrics such as fibrin polymerization (α-angle) and clot strength (MA). Here we assess the accuracy and measurement sensibility of our novel optical sensor, iCoagLab, in measuring several coagulation parameters including ACT, α-angle and MA and evaluate its capability to monitor anticoagulation during cardiac surgery. iCoagLab measures anticoagulation by assessing changes in blood viscosity from intensity fluctuations of laser speckle patterns measured from 25μL of blood sample. In this study, blood samples from 9 volunteers spiked with increased concentrations of heparin (1-5USP/mL) and from 30 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were assessed using iCoagLab. Coagulation parameters, including, ACT, α-angle and MA, were extracted and compared with corresponding results obtained from thromboelastography (TEG), ISTAT-kaolin-ACT and Hepcon-HMS-Plus-instruments. In volunteer samples, heparin treatment significantly prolonged the ACT values measured by iCoagLab which correlated closely with TEG (r=0.91, p<0.0001) and ISTAT-ACT (r=0.78, p<0.0001). At high heparin dose, both the iCoagLab and TEG presented a decrease in MA (p<0.01). Similarly, in cardiac surgical samples, iCoagLab-ACT highly correlated with Hepcon (r=0.76 p<0.0001) and TEG-ACT (r=0.86, p<0.0001). Furthermore, the iCoagLab and TEG MA and α-angle were also significantly modulated by surgery (p<0.05-0.0001). In conclusion, iCoagLab accurately measured anticoagulation and global hemostasis using a drop of blood, likely opening the unique opportunity for multifunctional coagulation monitoring at the point-of care during cardiac surgery.
Decentralized Carrier Interleaving in Cascaded Multilevel DC-AC Converters

Cascaded dc-ac converters with interleaved carriers are commonly used in applications where elevated voltages and low-distortion multilevel waveforms are needed. Example applications include modular multilevel converters and solid-state transformers. In such systems, carrier interleaving is generally achieved via communication among the stacked converters or a centralized controller. Due to the large number of converters in such a system, existing approaches entail significant wiring complexity and communication may limit resilience to failures. In this paper, we introduce a control strategy which achieves communication-free carrier interleaving among series-connected converters. The proposed controller is embedded within each converter control loop and only requires measurements available at each set of converter terminals. We formulate a dynamic system model and show that the system converges to the interleaved condition irrespective of the number of converters in the stack. After outlining a practical method for digital implementation, experiments are shown on a hardware-in-the-loop setup.
PARAMETRIC FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF MAGNESIUM-BASED ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INTERFERENCE SCREWS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPTIMIZING SCREW PURCHASE

Purpose: Most interference screws (IFS) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are manufactured from traditional materials like titanium. The advent of degradable metals (i.e. magnesiu...
Coordinated approach to spinal and tracheal reconstruction in a patient with morquio syndrome.

Abstract Morquio syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease with manifestations ranging from mild to severe phenotype. Mechanical spinal cord injury and airway insufficiency are major causes of mortality. A 17-year-old male patient with severe Morquio syndrome presented with cervical and upper thoracic spinal stenosis with spinal cord myelopathy, and progressive severe tracheal stenosis. Coordinated care among otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, cardiovascular surgery, radiology, and pulmonology teams facilitated the successful planning and execution of two major surgical interventions in rapid succession. This is the first description of a successful coordinated spine and airway repair in the literature.
3.12 – Ricin☆

Ricin is a protein toxin produced by the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis. While all parts of the plant contain ricin, the castor bean seed contains the highest concentration, ranging from ∼ 1–5% by weight. Attempts to exploit the poisonous attributes of ricin for use as a chemical/biological warfare agent have prompted enhanced surveillance of the toxin by international government agencies. Thus, ricin is classified as a Schedule 1 toxic chemical under the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2006) and as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category B select agent. Depending on the dose and route of exposure, ricin toxicity can be a result of its direct cytotoxic effect by causing protein synthesis inhibition, apoptosis, or upregulation of inflammatory signaling cascades such as mitogen-activated protein kinases and transcription factors. As a result, tissue damage can occur in several organ systems including the lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen. However, the toxicity of ricin is highest in mucosal regions directly exposed to the toxin. Due to the direct effects of ricin on mucosal cell membranes, the gastrointestinal tract is the most vulnerable site for toxic insult.
Diet of a rare herbivore based on DNA metabarcoding of feces: Selection, seasonality, and survival

In herbivores, survival and reproduction are influenced by quality and quantity of forage, and hence, diet and foraging behavior are the foundation of an herbivore's life history strategy. Given the importance of diet to most herbivores, it is imperative that we know the species of plants they prefer, especially for herbivorous species that are at risk for extinction. However, it is often difficult to identify the diet of small herbivores because: (a) They are difficult to observe, (b) collecting stomach contents requires sacrificing animals, and (c) microhistology requires accurately identifying taxa from partially digested plant fragments and likely overemphasizes less-digestible taxa. The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally threatened in the United States under the Endangered Species Act. We used DNA metabarcoding techniques to identify the diet of 188 squirrels at 11 study sites from fecal samples. We identified 42 families, 126 genera, and 120 species of plants in the squirrel's diet. Our use of three gene regions was beneficial because reliance on only one gene region (e.g., only trnL) would have caused us to miss >30% of the taxa in their diet. Northern Idaho ground squirrel diet differed between spring and summer, frequency of many plants in the diet differed from their frequency within their foraging areas (evidence of selective foraging), and several plant genera in their diet were associated with survival. Our results suggest that while these squirrels are generalists (they consume a wide variety of plant species), they are also selective and do not eat plants relative to availability. Consumption of particular genera such as Perideridia may be associated with higher overwinter survival.
Auto-Ignition and Reaction Front Dynamics in Mixtures With Temperature and Concentration Stratification

In-cylinder thermal and concentration stratification is omnipresent in the operation of internal combustion engines, especially for various types of direct injection engines. Meanwhile, mixture stratification and ϕ-sensitivity is frequently adopted in advanced compression ignition strategies to modulate heat release profile and control combustion phasing, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) with partial fuel stratification (PFS), and premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI). Hence, ignition and combustion mode evolution in a stratified charge are of substantial significance in the understanding and prediction of combustion in advanced compression ignition engines. To probe complex combustion in a stratified charge, we have performed one-dimensional direct numerical simulations with detailed chemistry and transport, using a recently developed open source reacting flow CFD platform based on OpenFOAM. N-heptane is adopted in this work as a typical fuel exhibiting low temperature chemistry. Temperature and equivalence ratio gradients are varied among the simulations to observe ignition and the subsequent combustion development. Three stages of heat release are identified, including the low temperature chemistry chain branching, H2O2 chain branching and CO oxidation, consistent with the recent ignition experiment for lean n-heptane air mixture in a rapid compression machine (RCM). Reaction fronts induced by these oxidation stages are found to be unaffected by diffusion process and exhibit unique propagation features. The results provide useful guidance to the understanding of combustion in a stratified charge and shed light on the development of novel low temperature combustion strategy for advanced compression ignition engines.
Robotic radical nephro-ureterectomy for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Step-by-step illustrative video of surgical technique

Abstract Background The gold standard treatment offered to patients with high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is radical nephro-ureterectomy (RNU). The procedure may be performed open, laparoscopic or with robotic assistance. Herein, we describe our technique of performing robot-assisted RNU. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent RNU for high-risk UTUC from January 2006 to June 2017. Sociodemographic, preoperative, intraoperative, perioperative, outcomes, and pathologic data were recorded. Results and Limitations A total of 90 patients with a mean age of 70.9 and BMI 27.4 underwent robot-assisted RNU with a minimum of 12 month follow-up. Average operative time was 215 min with a mean estimated blood loss of 140 mL. 37% of patients were diagnosed with pT3 or greater disease with a pN+ rate of 17%. We report a 4% Clavien ≥ 3 complication rate. 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival were 42% and 58%, respectively. Conclusions Robot-assisted RNU is an efficacious and technically feasible operation that affords advantages over standard laparoscopic or open approaches. Regardless of approach, sound oncologic principles should be emphasized.