cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiated reliability (DiR) in wavelength division multiplexing rings

Extant (optical) networks normally offer two degrees of service reliability: full protection in the presence of a single fault in the network, and no protection at all. This situation reflects the historical duality that has its roots in the once divided telephone and data environment. The telephone circuit oriented service requires protection, i.e., provisioning of readily available spare resources to replace working resources in case of a fault. The datagram oriented service relies upon restoration, i.e., dynamic search for and reallocation of affected resources via actions such as routing table updates. The current trend in networking, however, is gradually driving the design of networks toward a unified solution that will jointly support traditional voice and data services, as well as a variety of novel multimedia applications. The growing importance of concepts, such as quality of service (QoS) and differentiated services-which provide multiple levels of service performance in the same network-evidences this trend. Consistently with this evolution, the concept of differentiated reliability (DiR) is formally introduced in the paper and applied to provide multiple reliability degrees (or classes) at the same network layer using a common protection mechanism, i.e., path switching. According to the DiR concept, each connection is guaranteed a minimum reliability degree, or equivalently a maximum downtime ratio, that is chosen by the client. The reliability degree chosen for a given connection is thus determined by the application requirements, and not by the actual network topology, design constraints, robustness of the network components, and span of the connection. An efficient algorithm is proposed to sub-optimally design the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) layer of a ring and illustrate the advantages of the DiR concept.
Performance Assessment in Medical Education Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

The assessment of clinical competence is becoming increasingly complex, patient centered, and student driven. Traditionally, clinical evaluation methods consisted primarily of faculty observations, oral examinations, and multiple-choice tests. Increased faculty work load, discontent with traditional methods of clinical skill assessment, and developments in the fields of psychology and education have led to the formation of new modalities, namely performance assessments. The literature pertaining to the performance assessment with standardized patients is reviewed. Based on this literature, several areas for the future direction of performance assessment are proposed, including (a) toward evidence-based locally developed assessments, (b) toward an understanding of educational outcomes and noncognitive assessment factors, and (c) toward more student-driven assessments.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Bipolar Disorder with Cocaine Dependence vs. a Healthy Control: Preliminary Findings

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has been a useful technology to examine brain anomalies in relation to white matter atrophy in neurologically impaired patient populations. Of particular interest is using DTI to better characterize brain structure in patients with mental illness or addiction. To that end, the available data show white matter atrophy in brain areas that underlie executive functioning, emotion, and memory in those with bipolar disorder. In those with substance use disorders, the current data illustrate white matter atrophy in the corpus callosi. However, studies examining white matter connectivity and atrophy in those with co-occurring bipolar and cocaine use disorders are lacking. Here, an exploratory case series illustrating differences in white matter connectivity among two subjects with co-occurring bipolar and cocaine use disorders in comparison to a healthy control are shown.
A Bilingual Education for a Monolingual Test? The Pressure to Prepare for TAKS and Its Influence on Choices for Language of Instruction in Texas Elementary Bilingual Classrooms.

A tension exists for teachers in Texas bilingual third and fifth grade classrooms between state and local bilingual education policy, which encourages them to transition students gradually from Spanish into English instruction while providing bilingual support; and state and federal accountability policy, which requires them to choose a single language for each child’s high-stakes test. Interview data from teachers in six Texas elementary schools suggest that the high-stakes Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), a test offered in both English and Spanish in 3rd–6th grades and used for school and district rankings at both state and federal levels, drives teachers’ decisions with regards to language of instruction for their students. We argue that children who test in Spanish will be taught in Spanish, with little attention to the transition process until the testing pressures are lifted; children who test in English will be taught in English, with little attention to the support in their primary language that may determine their ability to succeed on a test in their second language.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare small cell carcinoma of the dermis with aggressive clinical features and frequent local recurrence. Intra-abdominal spread of the cancer has previously been noted primarily in the liver and retroperitoneal nodes. We report a patient with previously diagnosed Merkel cell carcinoma of the right buttock with metastases to the stomach and duodenum presenting with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
To Operate or Not to Operate? That Is (Still) the Question

It need hardly be said that the decision whether to operate is the most critical step in treating a patient with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). So why are there only a handful of studies to support an evidence-based approach to this important decision? One reason may be that such studies are so difficult to do well. Randomization is expensive, and it is a considerable undertaking to recruit and retain a representative sample of subjects about whom valid, generalizable conclusions might be drawn. However, without randomization, treatment allocations and outcomes can be confounded by so many sources of bias, on the part of investigators, treating physicians, and subjects alike, that it can be very difficult to sort out fact from fallacy, or valid inference from statistical artifact. Grindem et al. assessed several clinically relevant outcomes in 143 patients who were identified and recruited within three months after an ACL injury. The outcomes that were studied included patient-reported knee function as measured with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 score, isokinetic strength compared with that of the uninjured knee, level of sports participation, and knee reinjuries. All patients underwent an initial period of rehabilitation and education, and this was followed by self-assignment into the operative arm or the nonoperative arm. Strengths of the study design include prospective enrollment, documentation of patients’ motivation for choosing one arm or the other, and use of monthly surveys to document sports participation level, …
The Societal Implications of a Comet/Asteroid Impact on Earth: a Perspective from International Development Studies

It is important not to let the potential magnitude of the impact from a comet or asteroid impact (CAI) skew discussion. Without doubt the energy released, hence consequences, from an ocean or terrestrial impact would be very large (McGuire 1999, pp 231–235; McGuire et al. 2002, pp 133–158). An impact in the world ocean (approximately 71% of our planet’s surface), could affect much of humanity living in large coastal cities and other coastal settlements. Recent trends in urbanization and migration to coastal areas have placed many hundreds of millions of people in harm’s way (Wisner et al. 2004, Chap. 2 and 7). A terrestrial impact on a heavily populated area is highly unlikely since humanity’s cities cover such a very small percentage of the Earth’s surface (only about 2–3%). Yet their “ecological footprint” is many times greater — 15 times as great in the case of greater Vancouver (Canada), 13 times in the case of the whole of the densely populated Netherlands (Wackernagel and Rees 1996). So in both the case of destruction of coastal cities by large tsunami and an impact on a major urban area, there arises the question of providing for survivors and displaced evacuees (if current or future tsunami warning systems can provide sufficient warning). The challenge of immediate relief (provision of water, food, shelter, sanitation, and medical assistance to survivors) following a tsunami produced by a CAI can be imagined by multiplying the logistical efforts required by the Asian tsunami (December 2005) or the impact of hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast (August 2005) by an order of magnitude.
Risk and outcomes of 24-h delayed and weekend appendectomies

Abstract Background Time interval from hospital admission to operative intervention has been suggested as a crucial risk factor for a number of surgical procedures. In this study, we aim to compare postappendectomy outcomes for operations performed 24 h after admission or on the weekend to within 24 h and weekday operations, respectively. Material and methods A cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 2004-2009. The study population included patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Results A total of 265,972 records were identified, of which 221,745 (83.4%) patients had appendectomy on the same day of admission, whereas 16.6% had the procedure the following day. Next day operations were more likely to be associated with postoperative complications (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = [1.19-1.33], P 3 d was also more common for next day interventions (P Conclusions Appendectomies performed 1 d after admission or on the weekend are associated with disadvantageous outcomes. Demographic factors, in addition to hospital attributes, place certain subpopulations at higher risk of next day appendectomies.
Spectroscopic Photoacoustic Imaging for the Detection of Lymph Node Metastases

We demonstrate the ability for spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging to detect the presence of metastases in murine lymph nodes based on functional and, with the introduction of targeted nanoparticle contrast agents, molecular expressions.
An Historical Event and its Interpretation: The Castilian Grain Crisis of 1506-1507 *

We are all familiar with situations in which we study an historical event, think that we understand it, and then, to our surprise, discover that other historians interpret it quite differently. This happened to me recently, and I should like to describe here what happened, meaning my original understanding and then the interpretations of others who had studied it before me but whose works I had not known about, and then try to draw some conclusions from the experience.
Suppressors of cytokine signaling proteins 1 and 3 regulate the immune response to interferon-alpha.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5560 Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are important regulators of cytokine signal transduction and we hypothesized that SOCS proteins modulate IFN-α signal transduction and gene regulation in immune effector cells Increased levels of transcripts for SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, and CIS (> 4.0 fold compared with baseline; p < 0.001) were identified in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells within 1–2 hours of stimulation with IFN-α (102–105 U/ml). Immunoblot analysis confirmed the expression of these factors at the protein level. Consistent with these findings, cells treated with IFN-α exhibited rapid phosphorylation of STAT1 (P-STAT1) at tyrosine 701 followed by a prompt return to baseline levels at 4 hours. Transcripts for SOCS proteins were also rapidly induced in patients with metastatic melanoma following the intravenous administration of high dose IFN-α-2b (20 MU/m2) and exhibited significant interpatient variation (e.g. 8.0 to 160 fold induction for SOCS1). Over-expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3, but not SOCS2 in the Jurkat T cell line significantly inhibited the formation of P-STAT1 (p < 0.001) and the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs; p < 0.045 for IFIT2, ISG20, and OAS1) post-exposure to IFN-α. Transfection of normal T cells with SOCS1 or SOCS3 small interference RNAs led to significantly enhanced generation of P-STAT1 and increased transcription of multiple ISGs in response to IFN-α (all p values < 0.05). The induction of P-STAT1 and subsequent transcription of ISGs in IFN-α-treated splenocytes was significantly greater in SOCS1- and SOCS3-deficient mice than in splenocytes derived from their respective background counterparts (all p values < 0.05). Consistent with this, tumor-bearing SOCS1-deficient mice exhibited prolonged survival in response to treatment with IFN-α as compared to SOCS1-competent mice of the same background (p < 0.01). Of note, 60% of SOCS-deficient mice were routinely cured of their tumors with IFN-α treatment as opposed to 0% of the control group. These results indicate that SOCS proteins are critical negative regulators of IFN-α signal transduction in immune effector cells and that inhibition of SOCS activity significantly enhances the immune response to exogenous IFN-α.
Design of MPEG-4 Video Encoder Based on IP and its Application in Rescue Communication

This paper presents the Standard of MPEG-4 and the principle of video encoding. Based on DSP TMS320C6211, it introduces the hardware and software design of the MPEG-4 video encoder over IP and lists some ways to optimize the code. The performance of the video encoder in mine-multimedia rescue communication is given at the end.
Usefulness of Adrenal Venography and Iodocholesterol Scan in Adrenal Surgery

AbstractAdrenal scintiscanning and venography with sampling of adrenal venous blood are valuable methods to localize adrenal cortical lesions of Cushing’s syndrome and primary aldosteronism. Adrenal scintiscanning with dexamethasone suppression is most useful in differentiating adenoma from hyperplasia of primary aldosteronism.
Strain Engineering to Modify the Electrochemistry of Energy Storage Electrodes

Strain engineering has been a critical aspect of device design in semiconductor manufacturing for the past decade, but remains relatively unexplored for other applications, such as energy storage. Using mechanical strain as an input parameter to modulate electrochemical potentials of metal oxides opens new opportunities intersecting fields of electrochemistry and mechanics. Here we demonstrate that less than 0.1% strain on a Ni-Ti-O based metal-oxide formed on superelastic shape memory NiTi alloys leads to anodic and cathodic peak potential shifts by up to ~30 mV in an electrochemical cell. Moreover, using the superelastic properties of NiTi to enable strain recovery also recovers the electrochemical potential of the metal oxide, providing mechanistic evidence of strain-modified electrochemistry. These results indicate that mechanical energy can be coupled with electrochemical systems to efficiently design and optimize a new class of strain-modulated energy storage materials.
La schizophrénie et les troubles de l’expérience en première personne: convergence et divergence de six points de vue

Les chercheurs contemporains tendent a presenter le mauvais fonctionnement psychosocial dans la schizophrenie comme le resultat de forces biologiques et sociales. Malgre la progression de notre base de connaissances, nous sommes encore dans l’attente de recits complets des dimensions en premiere personne de la maladie. Ainsi, le risque est de ne pas pouvoir saisir la schizophrenie comme un trouble interrompant la vie de personnes qui doivent continuer a lutter pour trouver et creer de la securite et du sens. Alors que la litterature a explore l’experience de soi dans la schizophrenie depuis de multiples sources, une limite a la production d’une synthese plus large et a l’application de ce travail est qu’il reste encore difficile de savoir si, et dans quelle mesure, ces differents points de vue de l’experience de soi sont compatibles. Pour exposer ce probleme, cet article passe en revue six differents types de recit de l’experience de soi, une dimension fondamentale en premiere personne de la schizophrenie. Ces six points de vue sont: la psychiatrie classique, la psychiatrie existentielle, la psychanalyse, la phenomenologie, la rehabilitation sociale et la psychologie dialogique. Apres avoir compare et contraste ces six points de vue, nous concluons qu’il y a un large consensus, bien que partiel, qui suggere que de nombreuses personnes souffrant de schizophrenie s’eprouvent elles-memes comme diminuees comparativement a leur « soi » plus ancien, autrement dit, apres le debut de la maladie, ces personnes font l’experience d’elles-memes comme moins capables de s’engager de facon efficace dans le monde, ce qui accroit leurs angoisses face aux interactions de la vie quotidienne. Cependant, un desaccord significatif existe en ce qui concerne l’emergence et le cours naturel de ces difficultes. Precedent-elles la maladie ? Est-ce que la guerison est possible et si oui, sous quelles conditions ? En conclusion, nous proposons un programme de recherche pour creer une description plus riche de l’experience en premiere personne de la schizophrenie.
A Study of 48 Cases of Incidental Carcinoma of the Prostate Followed 10 Years or Longer

AbstractWe reviewed 48 cases of incidental carcinoma treated conservatively. Patients with poorly differentiated, multiple foci or with well differentiated, multiple foci had a poor prognosis, whereas those with well differentiated, few foci (1 to 3) had a good prognosis. We believe that patients with multiple foci (poorly or well differentiated) should be treated aggressively, either by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. However, we recommend conservative treatment for patients with well differentiated, few foci.
Elastic Net Constrained Stereotype Logit Model for Ordered Categorical Data

Gene expression studies are of growing importance in the field of medicine. In fact, sub-types within the same disease have been shown to have differing gene expression profiles. Often, researchers are interested in differentiating a disease by a categorical classification indicative of disease progression. For example, it may be of interest to identify genes that are associated with progression and to accurately predict the state of progression using gene expression data. One challenge when modeling microarray gene expression data is that there are more genes (variables) than there are observations. In addition, the genes usually demonstrate a complex variance-covariance structure. Therefore, modeling a categorical variable reflecting disease progression using gene expression data presents the need for methods capable of handling an ordinal outcome in the presence of a high dimensional covariate space. We present a method that combines the stereotype regression model with an elastic net penalty as a method capable of modeling an ordinal outcome for high-throughput genomic data sets. Results from the application of the proposed method to gene expression data are reported and the effectiveness of the proposed method is discussed.
Improving Irrigation Water Uses for Agricultural and Environmental Benefits

This working paper summarizes the findings from case studies of projects to improve irrigation water use efficiency in Colorado that also provided stream enhancements and proposes ways to further promote such efforts.
Influence of Recycled Asphalt Pavement on Creep Compliance of Hot Mix Asphalt

This study explored the influence of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) on hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixes. One RAP source was used to design Superpave mixes (Oklahoma S3) with a nominal maximum size (NMS) of 19 mm. A total of two mixes, one containing 25% RAP and the other containing 40% RAP, were designed and tested for creep compliance. It was found that at lower temperature, the mix containing 25% RAP content is stiffer, as indicated by higher creep compliance values. At higher temperature, however, the mix containing 40% RAP is stiffer as compared to that containing 25% RAP.
Super-resolution spectroscopic microscopy via photon localization.

Traditional photon localization microscopy analyses only the spatial distributions of photons emitted by individual molecules to reconstruct super-resolution optical images. Unfortunately, however, the highly valuable spectroscopic information from these photons have been overlooked. Here we report a spectroscopic photon localization microscopy that is capable of capturing the inherent spectroscopic signatures of photons from individual stochastic radiation events. Spectroscopic photon localization microscopy achieved higher spatial resolution than traditional photon localization microscopy through spectral discrimination to identify the photons emitted from individual molecules. As a result, we resolved two fluorescent molecules, which were 15 nm apart, with the corresponding spatial resolution of 10 nm—a four-fold improvement over photon localization microscopy. Using spectroscopic photon localization microscopy, we further demonstrated simultaneous multi-colour super-resolution imaging of microtubules and mitochondria in COS-7 cells and showed that background autofluorescence can be identified through its distinct emission spectra. Photon localization microscopy uses stochastic emission events from fluorescent molecules to enable super-resolution imaging, but spectroscopic information is lost. Here, the authors improve the spatial resolution of this technique with a method that also detects each blink’s fluorescence spectrum.
What’s New in Adaptive Management and Restoration of Coasts and Estuaries?

Adaptive learning about nature, based on observations and continual rethinking, dates back to Native Americans in what we call Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Fast forward to 1950+, when Eugene, Howard, and William Odum promoted sound science and its use in managing ecosystems—called adaptive management (AM). What began as an instinctive way of thinking and deciding how to obtain resources using accumulated information became a structured, science-based process that improves over time, given continual critiques of projects, clarification of definitions, and analyses of outcomes. The basic need is still to sustain ecosystem services despite uncertainties, such as climate change. I report recent innovations in the AM of estuaries and coasts that can add knowledge and improve future efforts. Innovations include new guidelines and approaches to confront uncertainty, engage stakeholders, improve governance, prioritize actions, centralize the role of science, and manage holistically. AM has been effective along the coast of Denmark and in several estuaries, and it is evolving elsewhere. In The Netherlands, Spain, California, and Oregon, large field experiments are generating “learning while restoring” (adaptive restoration, AR). AM and AR can help managers of coastal ecosystems and watersheds mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels, sea storms, and human disturbances. Science-based decision-making will become more nimble and protection/restoration more effective as innovations and model approaches are tailored to individual estuaries and coasts.
Revisiting Multiplicity of Bubble Equilibria in a Search Model with Posted Prices

Multiplicity of equilibria naturally obtains in search models of money with price posting: buyers’ money holdings depend on posted prices, which, in turn, depend on buyers’ money holdings. I show that this multiplicity of equilibria exists in general even when money is replaced with a dividend-bearing asset, as long as the asset is useful as a medium of exchange. If the fundamental value of the asset is sufficiently high, there is a unique equilibrium, in which the price of the asset equals its fundamental value. For lower fundamental values, there is a continuum of bubble equilibria, in which the price of the asset exceeds the fundamental value. For very low fundamental values, the equilibrium is again unique but the asset is not used as a medium of exchange. I characterize the set of symmetric and asymmetric bubble equilibria for both positive and negative fundamental values.
Thermal conductivity of local moment models with strong spin-orbit coupling

We study the magnetic and lattice contributions to the thermal conductivity of electrically insulating strongly spin-orbit coupled magnetically ordered phases on a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice using the Kitaev-Heisenberg model. Depending on model parameters, such as the relative strength of the spin-orbit induced anisotropic coupling, a number of magnetically ordered phases are possible. In this work, we study two distinct regimes of thermal transport depending on whether the characteristic energy of the phonons or the magnons dominates, and focus on two different relaxation mechanisms, boundary scattering and magnon-phonon scattering. For spatially anisotropic magnetic phases, the thermal conductivity tensor can be highly anisotropic when the magnetic energy scale dominates, since the magnetic degrees of freedom dominate the thermal transport for temperatures well below the magnetic transition temperature. In the opposite limit in which the phonon energy scale dominates, the thermal conductivity will be nearly isotropic, reflecting the isotropic (at low temperatures) phonon dispersion assumed for the honeycomb lattice. We further discuss the extent to which thermal transport properties are influenced by strong spin-orbit induced anisotropic coupling in the local moment regime of insulating magnetic phases. The developed methodology can be applied to any 2D magnon-phonon system, and more importantly to systems where an analytical Bogoliubov transformation cannot be found and magnon bands are not necessarily isotropic.
Challenges in Collaborative Governance for Coastal Restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon River Diversion in Louisiana

In an effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, si...
THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON IN-HOSPITAL CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN HISPANICS FOLLOWING SURGICAL AND TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Background: Despite being the largest minority group, reports on the clinical outcomes in Hispanics undergoing either surgical [SAVR] or transcatheter aortic valve replacement [TAVR] is lacking. Method: Using the 2011-2013 National Inpatient Sample [NIS] data, we compared the in-hospital adverse
Big Data's Impact on Privacy for Librarians and Information Professionals

EDITOR'S SUMMARY In a digital age, it is very difficult to maintain complete privacy when posting on social media or making purchases. Individual activity on the internet is increasingly collected by corporations, even with the user's knowledge, and can be used to predict future behavior, purchasing choices or other sensitive subjects. This data analysis is often done without a user's consent and in many cases presents unethical behavior and breaches of privacy. In the world of libraries, the privacy of patrons has been tantamount for decades, but trying to keep up with privacy codes and still make use of this big data can be challenging for librarians. Big data can be beneficial to libraries in many ways, and if pointed at library systems, rather than the habits of patrons, can also keep privacy intact.
Development, Implementation, and Use of an Emergency Physician Performance Dashboard

Abstract Proficient physician performance is crucial to high-quality health care. Physicians must acquire and apply new knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Successful physician performance improvement requires leadership with vision and a strategic plan, engagement of front line providers, resources and support to improve, and feedback and communication that facilitates a culture of learning and improvement. A fluid and balanced performance dashboard, aligned with local improvement efforts, can inform individuals and groups of physicians, ensure the trust of other stakeholders, and improve the quality of patient care. We propose a framework for the development of a performance program for pediatric emergency physicians and share the experience of development and use of the program at a single tertiary care site.
Implementing a Decision-Theoretic Approach to Game Theory for Socially Competent Agents

We describe an implementation of decision-theoretic paradigm of expected utility maximization applied to design rational socially competent agents. Our implementation uses a frame-based knowledge base which explicitly represents what the agent knows about the world, what it knows about the other agents, what it knows about what they know, and so on. We argue that this representation has to include uncertainty, since an agent does not have a direct access to the other agents’ knowledge states. We concentrate on realistic cases of finitely nested knowledge states, and, for these states, we briefly illustrate a dynamic programming solution method for our representation. The solution allows the agent to process the representation of its state of knowledge and arrive at an assignment of expected utilities to physical and communicative actions it can execute. The agent’s executing actions that maximize its expected utility leads to it being rational while coordinating and communicating with the other agents. We briefly summarize results we obtained of coordination and communication in interactions of our agents among themselves and with human subjects.
Vocal Fold Paresis: Incidence, and the Relationship between Voice Handicap Index and Laryngeal EMG Findings.

Summary Objective To determine whether there is a correlation between Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10) and degree of vocal fold paresis as determined by laryngeal EMG. Secondary objective was to determine the incidence of vocal fold paresis in a tertiary laryngology practice. Methods A retrospective chart review of all new voice patients seen by the senior author (RTS) from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Subjects completed VHI at their initial visit. Patients were examined with flexible and rigid laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy and referred for laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) if neuromuscular weakness was suspected. LEMG was used to identify the affected nerves and to quantify subjectively the degree of paresis. Patients who did not complete LEMG and or handicap index were excluded from the correlation analysis. The prevalence of vocal fold paresis was determined by reviewing the records of each subject. The number of patients diagnosed clinically with paresis or paralysis and referred for LEMG was documented. Results The subjects, who had paresis confirmed on LEMG (n = 210) were grouped according to the nerves involved and by the degree of paresis. The unilateral superior laryngeal nerve and ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis group (n = 29) had a reasonably even distribution of patients in each sub-group (n = 11; 12; 6) and was analyzed for correlation. There was a strong positive correlation between the degree of paresis and the VHI score (r = 0.59, P The senior author examined 344 new voice patients during years of 2016 and 2017. Based on laryngoscopy, 335 patients were referred for LEMG (97.4%). Two hundred thirty-seven patients had LEMG performed, and 234 patients confirmed to have vocal fold paresis were confirmed (98.7%.). The incidence of vocal fold paresis in subjects who underwent LEMG or who had normal motion during laryngoscopy was 95.1% (234 out of 246). The incidence in the 98 subjects who did not complete the recommended LEMG is unknown. Conclusion The unilateral superior laryngeal nerve with ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis was the only group that allowed for analysis whether patient's perception of their voice problem as measured VHI-10 correlated with increasing degree of vocal fold paresis. A strong significant positive correlation in this group was identified. Additional studies with a larger patient cohort are recommended.
On the Defense Against Adversarial Examples Beyond the Visible Spectrum

Machine learning (ML) models based on RGB images are vulnerable to adversarial attacks, representing a potential cyber threat to the user. Adversarial examples are inputs maliciously constructed to induce errors by ML systems at test time. Recently, researchers also showed that such attacks can be successfully applied at test time to ML models based on multispectral imagery, suggesting this threat is likely to extend to the hyperspectral data space as well. Military communities across the world continue to grow their investment portfolios in multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing, while expressing their interest in machine learning based systems. This paper aims at increasing the military community's awareness of the adversarial threat and also in proposing ML training strategies and resilient solutions for state of the art artificial neural networks. Specifically, the paper introduces an adversarial detection network that explores domain specific knowledge of material response in the shortwave infrared spectrum, and a framework that jointly integrates an automatic band selection method for multispectral imagery with adversarial training and adversarial spectral rule-based detection. Experiment results show the effectiveness of the approach in an automatic semantic segmentation task using Digital Globe's WorldView-3 satellite 16-band imagery,
Low-rank Estimation Based Evolutionary Clustering for Community Detection in Temporal Networks

Many real-world systems can be represented by networks. One common approach to characterizing the organization of networks is community detection. A lot of work has been conducted in community detection of static networks. However, most real systems are time-dependent and modeled by temporal networks with a structure that evolves across time. In this paper, a low-rank approximation based evolutionary clustering approach is introduced to detect and track the community structure of temporal networks. The proposed approach provides robustness to outliers and results in smoothly evolving cluster assignments through joint low-rank approximation and subspace learning. Moreover, a cost function is introduced to track changes in the community structure across time. The performance of the proposed approach is validated on both simulated and real temporal networks.
Fire behavior of composite beams with simple connections: Benchmarking of numerical models

Abstract This paper focuses on the development and benchmarking of 3D finite element models for predicting the behavior and failure of composite beams with simple (shear) connections subjected to gravity loads and fire conditions, which include both heating and cooling phases. The simple connections included are the shear-tab, single-angle, and double-angle connections commonly used in the U.S. engineering practice. All the structural components including the steel beam, concrete slab, shear connectors, and connection elements (bolts, plates, angles etc.) were modeled in detail using appropriate finite elements, contact interaction models, and material and component behavior at elevated temperature. The detailed finite element models were benchmarked using results from large-scale tests of composite beams and connections subjected to fire loading including heating and cooling phases. The numerical results including the midspan displacement histories and the connection rotation histories were compared with those measured experimentally by the authors. These comparisons indicate that the detailed models reasonably predict the experimental deformation histories and observed failure modes. The models were used to provide additional insight into the axial forces developed in the connections, particularly during the cooling phase, thus enhancing experimental findings. The benchmarked model is recommended for conducting analytical parametric studies to supplement experimental investigations of composite beams and simple connections under fire.
Successful management of the potentially fatal hyperhaemolysis syndrome of sickle cell anaemia with a regimen including bortezomib and Hemopure

What is known and objective Hyperhaemolysis syndrome (HHS) of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a life-threatening condition characterized by accelerated destruction of red blood cells typically following blood transfusions. Optimal treatment strategies have not been determined; therefore, reports utilizing novel therapies are needed. Case description A 19-year-old African American man with SCA experienced HHS following a partial red cell exchange transfusion. He was treated with methylprednisolone, rituximab, darbepoetin, Hemopure and bortezomib, with resolution of the syndrome. What is new and conclusion The HHS of SCA is thought to be immune-mediated even in the absence of detectable red cell alloantibodies. New therapies, including bortezomib and Hemopure, may be useful in this syndrome.
Evaluating Pembrolizumab Interference with Monoclonal Protein Detection By Immunofixation and By MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MASS-FIX)

Introduction: Pembrolizumab is a humanized IgG1-κ monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the PD-1 receptor that is currently evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Similar to other mAbs (e.g. daratumumab), it is important to know if pembrolizumab is identified by immunofixation (IFE) and whether it interferes with the detection of endogenous M-protein of patients with MM. Methods: Waste serum of patients with solid malignancies treated with pembrolizumab per routine clinical practice or on clinical trials was collected prior to their next scheduled treatment cycle (trough). All patients had received at least 4 cycles of therapy to allow the drug to reach steady-state. Samples were tested for the presence of a monoclonal protein using both IFE (Sebia Inc.) and nanobody enrichment coupled to MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MASS-FIX), as previously described (Mils JR, et al, Clinical Chemistry, 2016). IFE gels and MASS-FIX mass spectra were independently interpreted by the authors (TVK, MAW, AD, DLM). Two samples containing pembrolizumab at 0.05 g/dL and 0.025 g/dL, respectively and one normal serum were used as controls. Results: Of 32 patients, 20 were male. Median age was 62 years. The most common indications for treatment were metastatic melanoma (n=17) and colorectal cancer (n=6). Median dose of the drug was 200mg and all patients received one dose every three weeks. No patients had a detectable IgG kappa band or peak by IFE or MASS-FIX. One patient had a small IgG lambda band on IFE that was not detected by MASS-FIX and one patient had a small IgM lambda peak on MASS-FIX that was not detected by IFE. Pembrolizumab controls were barely detectable by IFE at 0.05 or 0.025 g/dL but were detectable by MASS-FIX. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab, at standard doses, should not interfere with monoclonal protein detection by IFE or MASS-FIX. MASS-FIX can identify monoclonal peaks from Pembrolizumab at low serum concentrations better than IFE. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Celgene, Millenium, Pfizer, Janssen: Research Funding.
GP42 Autism and vitamin a – three eye-catching cases

Background We describe 3 cases of young children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who presented with severe visual impairment as a result of vitamin A deficiency, due to highly restrictive diets. A recent study ‘Autism Counts’ by Sweeney and Staines, found the prevalence rate of ASD of 1.0% in the Irish population. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common form of malnutrition leading to ocular disease, and the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Vitamin A deficiency is common in the developing world but is a rare occurrence in our population. In developed countries, the diagnosis of malnutrition leading to eye disorders may be missed or delayed due to its rarity. Ninety percent of children and adolescents with ASD experience more problems with feeding compared to their peers, including a limited food selection often related to aversion and food refusal secondary to sensory disorders.Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is unfortunately common in children with moderate to severe ASD and therefore these children are vulnerable to developing nutritional deficiencies. The Cases The 3 cases presented with a combination of symptoms including intolerance of bright lights, blinking, dry eyes, conjunctival redness and parental concerns of reduced vision. They all had severely restricted diets yet 2 of our 3 patients had growth centiles within the normal healthy range. Vitamin A deficiency was diagnosed on ophthalmology examination and supported by biochemical measurement. Examination demonstrated hazy corneas, xerophthalmia, Bitot’s spots and irreversible optic atropy, all known signs of vitamin A deficiency. Interestingly skull bony thickening was noted in 2 of the 3 cases. This warrants further explanation as it has yet to be reported in children with vitamin A deficiency. Treatment included a combination of topical, oral and intramuscular vitamin A administration. Two of our 3 patients have irreversible visual impairment secondary to vitamin A deficiency. Clinical Lessons From These Cases Evaluation of a child with ASD should include a detailed nutritional history. Children with a normal weight (or overweight) can have a severe nutrient deficiency. Therefore it is important when taking a nutritional history to include the major food groups, vitamins and nutrients in children with ASD. Any eye symptom must prompt an urgent ophthalmology assessment. Consider a visual cause with a change in behaviour or school performance in a child with ASD.
Identifying effective drug combinations for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and the relentless pursuit of quality translational and clinical research allowed us to understand the leukemogenesis driven by recurrent ...
Environmental and Organizational Factors Associated with Hospital Use of GPO Services

Given the potential benefits of Group Purchasing Organizations in cost-containment efforts for hospitals on supplies and purchased services, an important question that remains unanswered is what co...
Active Phase – Week 6

In the Week 6 group session, the knowledge piece focuses on a description of medications for ADHD that is intended to help students become more informed about this form of treatment. Additionally, test-taking strategies and techniques for managing long-term projects and papers are presented. Group participants also receive guidance in using adaptive thinking skills to increase their adherence to ADHD treatments. Mentors review and refine student efforts to create a study schedule, to adjust their study space, and to practice their adaptive thinking skills as applied to emotional distress/risky behavior. Mentors also clarify any questions about the new information presented in group and assist mentees in tailoring strategies for test-taking and long-term projects to their individual needs. Similar assistance is provided with respect to using adaptive thinking skills to increase adherence to treatment.
Redefining a Secondary Education Program Through the Use of Service-Learning Field Experiences:

To expand the field component of our secondary education program, we added service-learning field experiences to three courses. This qualitative study (n = 99) was designed to determine what our st...
Alterations in Permeability Caused by Disease

Changes in permeability are thought to be the earliest host response to pathogenic agents (Thatcher, 1939, 1942, 1943; Gaumann, 1958; Wheeler and Black, 1963). The consequence of permeability changes is the release of large amounts of electrolytes and other substances from cells and the inability of cells to accumulate mineral salts.
Toward a Greater Understanding of the Effects of State Merit Aid Programs: Examining Existing Evidence and Exploring Future Research Direction

In this chapter, we examine the effects of state merit aid programs on student educational decisions and educational outcomes for the policy states. We argue for the need to broaden the perspectives to reflect the interests of students, states, and the country as a whole in order to gain a greater understanding of the effects of state merit aid programs in a context of increasing national need in enhancing student educational attainment and international competitiveness. We discuss some theoretical and methodological issues in studying the effects of state merit aid programs and suggest some future research directions.
Bayesian Analysis of Energy Prices on Irrigation

Recent increases in the price of energy for pumping water and declining aquifers have resulted in a reevaluation of irrigation systems, techniques, and practices. Given various projected energy price increases, the agricultural producer is faced with the problem of selecting that strategy which minimizes the costs of irrigation over the life of the system. The available systems provide a range of choices from energy efficient capital intensive systems to less expensive systems which may utilize more energy. Since future energy costs are unknown, a choice must be made in which one of the variables is stochastic in nature. By considering the probabilities of future energy price increases, an irrigation system can be selected that minimizes long-run expected costs. A decision framework that may be utilized for optimal system selection is based on Bayesian decision theory, a method in which prior information is incorporated with additional information to estimate revised probabilities for decision making.
All Google, All the Time

Google:(gu,gol), vb: To use the Google search engine to locate Internet information on just about anything. E.g. “The anxious Dad googled his daughter’s blind date. Boy was he surprised!”Actually, googling Google anytime over the last several weeks would have brought you a wealth of new developments that have kept the search engine industry’s major player in the public and legal eye. Ever since this summer’s initial public offering, which brought Google over $1.6 billion in new investments, the search engine’s every move has been played out on newspaper front pages, business front pages and countless Web logs. Many of the moves have been of primarily of interest of financial analysts and Google’s new stockholders. However, some of Google’s actions have had or could have significant impact on the information industry as we know it, and the legal principals that we deal with.
ESSAYS ON SCIENCE AND SOCIETY: Making a Bigger Brain by Regulating Cell Cycle Exit

H umans possess an impressive repertoire of mental skills that include the abilities to read, write, and solve intricate problems. These skills are made possible by the cerebral cortex, the thin, layered sheet of neurons on the surface of the brain that underlies our most complex cognitive abilities
Waveform design for wideband beampattern and beamforming

This paper considers wideband beamforming and waveform design for transmission from advanced multiple channel radar systems. Hence, this paper describes the initial designs of a wideband transmit beamformer for a multi-channel high resolution radar, applicable to airborne and spaceborne radars. As a case study for this paper, we use the EcoSAR instrument developed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for the measurement of science parameters. The wideband EcoSAR employs two multi-channel antennas and full transmit and receive digital beamforming to generate high resolution images of the ground features. Maintaining a consistent beampattern when the bandwidth is approximately 50% of the center frequency is a challenge. Breaking this nexus relies on optimum beam weight design and accompanying waveform design; not merely the former as is typically done. The approaches of this paper have shown how the beampatterns can be maintained while meeting beam requirements.