cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of sharp and smoothed interface methods for simulation of particulate flows II: Inertial and added mass effects

Abstract This paper studies the robustness of the Smoothed Profile Method (SPM) in fluid-solid interaction problems where inertia and added mass effects are significant. The performance of SPM is compared with that of a Sharp Interface Method (SIM), which is constructed with second-order discretization schemes. The applicability of SPM is extended to the moderate Reynolds numbers regime where the boundary layer and wake dynamics are likely to be influenced by the thickness of the solid-fluid interface. It is shown that SPM is able to correctly predict the drag and surface vorticity for R e O ( 10 4 ) . In comparison with SIM, SPM is more robust on coarse grids for R e O ( 10 4 ) ; however, SPM needs fine grids to produce accurate results when R e ∼ O ( 10 4 ) . SPM and SIM are also applied to fluid structure interaction (FSI) problems using an implicit fluid-solid strong coupling framework. This allows computations of FSI problems with moderate inertia and low particle to fluid density ratios (high added mass effects). The effect of the smoothed interface on accuracy and robustness is assessed for such FSI problems. Results indicate that SPM is more robust than SIM when the density of the particle is comparable to the fluid, i.e. for high added mass effects.
Thoracoscopic, minimally invasive rib fixation after trauma:

Rib fractures and flail chest are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Operative rib fixation has been shown to improve patient outcomes. In an attempt to decrease postoperative pai...
The scaling of the hydraulic architecture in poplar leaves

Summary Although much is known about the hydraulics of xylem, the hydraulic interconnectivity and dimensional scaling of phloem with respect to xylem in leaves has not been adequately studied to test alternative hydraulic architectural rules such as da Vinci's rule or Murray's rule, or physiological models such as Munch's Pressure Flow hypothesis. Using confocal and electron microscopy as well as mathematical analyses, we examined the hydraulic architecture of the mature leaves of the model species Populus tremula × alba across all seven hierarchical orders of the vascular branching. We show that: phloem and xylem conductive areas increase from minor to major veins; the sum of the conductive areas for each vein order increases exponentially from major to minor veins; the volume of individual sieve tube and vessel members increases from minor to major veins; and phloem conductive area scales isometrically with respect to xylem area across all vein orders. The application of first principles to our data shows that conductive areas scale according to da Vinci's rule and not according to Murray's rule, and that the phloem network in poplar leaves can generate the pressure gradient envisioned in Munch's hypothesis.
Probabilistic risk assessment on maritime spent nuclear fuel transportation (Part II: Ship collision probability)

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology to assess and reduce risks of maritime spent nuclear fuel transportation with a probabilistic approach. Event trees detailing the progression of collisions leading to transport casks’ damage were constructed. Parallel and crossing collision probabilities were formulated based on the Poisson distribution. Automatic Identification System (AIS) data were processed with the Hough Transform algorithm to estimate possible intersections between the shipment route and the marine traffic. Monte Carlo simulations were done to compute collision probabilities and impact energies at each intersection. Possible safety improvement measures through a proper selection of operational transport parameters were investigated. These parameters include shipment routes, ship's cruise velocity, number of transport casks carried in a shipment, the casks’ stowage configuration and loading order on board the ship. A shipment case study is presented. Waters with high collision probabilities were identified. Effective range of cruising velocity to reduce collision risks were discovered. The number of casks in a shipment and their stowage method which gave low cask damage frequencies were obtained. The proposed methodology was successful in quantifying ship collision and cask damage frequency. It was effective in assisting decision making processes to minimize risks in maritime spent nuclear fuel transportation.
Abstract 3581: GATK ACNV: allelic copy-number variation discovery from SNPs and coverage data

The presence of somatic copy-number alterations in tumor genomes can be used to predict both patient sensitivity to treatments as well as outcomes. The inclusion of allelic data improves statistical power to detect copy-number events and allows for discovery of copy-neutral events. We present GATK ACNV, an allelic copy-number variation method built on the Genome Analysis Toolkit. ACNV is a tool for detecting somatic copy-number activity from whole exome and whole genome sequencing data by segmenting the genome into regions of constant copy number and estimating copy ratio and minor-allele fraction in those regions. ACNV uses a novel probabilistic model to account for reference bias (optionally using a panel of normals), which improves the estimation of minor-allele fraction. We combine this with the coverage model from GATK CNV by segmenting with a unified hidden Markov model, improving the statistical power to detect copy-number variation. We validate ACNV using a purity series of the cell line HCC1143 and cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Our results show that ACNV is able to discover regions of somatic copy-number activity accurately and with high resolution in both whole exome and whole genome sequencing data. Citation Format: Aaron Chevalier, Lee Lichtenstein, Andrey Smirnov, Samuel K. Lee, Mehrtash Babidi, David I. Benjamin, Valentin Ruano-Rubio. GATK ACNV: allelic copy-number variation discovery from SNPs and coverage data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3581. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3581
Effect of prescription medications on erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects about 50% of men in the USA and is primarily attributed to physiological (organic) and psychological causes. However, a substantial portion of men suffer from ED due to iatrogenic causes. Common medications such as antihypertensives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antacids may cause ED. Physicians should be aware of the various prescription medications that may cause ED to properly screen and counsel patients on an issue that many may feel too uncomfortable to discuss. In this review, we discuss the physiology, data and alternative therapies for the ED caused by medications.
Ultrasound-guided visceral biopsies:: Renal and hepatic

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of visceral organs in the abdomen has been in effect for many years. Paul Ehrlich is credited with performing the first percutaneous liver biopsy in 1883 in Germany. Schupfer in 1907 published the first liver biopsy series. Huard and Baron popularized liver biopsy for general purposes in the1930s. Some of the more contemporary articles reporting ultrasound-guided procedures were written in 1972 by Goldberg and Pollack. The basic approach to planning an ultrasoundguided biopsy is similar to performing any other interventional procedure. However, there are certain complexities specific to biopsy of the liver and kidney that are addressed in this article.
Central line replacement following infection does not improve reinfection rates in pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients receiving intravenous prostanoid therapy.

Treatment of pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) with IV prostanoids has greatly improved outcomes but requires a central line, posing inherent infection risk. This study examines the types of in...
Evaluation and Management of Rotator Cuff Tears: a Primary Care Perspective.

To provide a primary care perspective regarding the evaluation and management of shoulder pain and rotator cuff tears. In the primary care setting, rotator cuff pathology is commonly encountered. Information regarding the risks of oral medications for the management of the associated pain keeps mounting. Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears remain difficult to diagnose with a single imaging modality. Musculoskeletal education in medical schools and non-orthopaedic residency and fellowship training programs continues to be an area for additional improvement. In the primary care office, the initial evaluation of shoulder pain should include a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation in order to identify the source of the pain (e.g., shoulder, cervical spine, chest wall), as well as the development of an initial treatment plan. Access to imaging modalities such as ultrasound and MRI can vary depending on the resources available in the primary care setting. The identification of patients who may benefit from early surgical referral is imperative for optimizing outcomes.
Investigating the Secondary Structure of Membrane Peptides Utilizing Multiple 2H-Labeled Hydrophobic Amino Acids via Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation (ESEEM) Spectroscopy.

An electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) approach was used to probe local secondary structures of membrane proteins and peptides. This ESEEM method detects dipolar couplings between 2H-labeled nuclei on the side chains of an amino acid (Leu or Val) and a strategically placed nitroxide spin-label in the proximity up to 8 A. ESEEM spectra patterns for different samples correlate directly to the periodic structural feature of different secondary structures. Since this pattern can be affected by the side chain length and flexibility of the 2H-labeled amino acid used in the experiment, it is important to examine several different hydrophobic amino acids (d3 Ala, d8 Val, d8 Phe) utilizing this ESEEM approach. In this work, a series of ESEEM data were collected on the AChR M2δ membrane peptide to build a reference for the future application of this approach for various biological systems. The results indicate that, despite the relative intensity and signal-to-noise level, all amino acids share a similar...
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Is Associated with Increased Risk of Parkinson Disease in Military Veterans: A Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Study (P4.322)

Objective: Our aim was to assess risk of Parkinson disease (PD) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among care recipients in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Background: Few studies have assessed the association of mTBI and risk of PD. With the growing number of mTBI-exposed military veterans, it is imperative to quantify the long-term effects of mTBI on neurodegenerative disorders such as PD. Design/Methods: We identified all veterans with a TBI diagnosis plus a 2% random sample of veterans who received care within the VHA between 2002–2014 without PD or dementia at baseline (n= 1,437,368). TBI was identified using ICD-9 codes and classified as mTBI using Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center 2012 criteria. Baseline comorbidities and incident PD were identified using ICD-9 codes. Risk of PD was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. Results: Of the 241,587 veterans with TBI, 110,578 (46%) had mTBI. Compared to veterans without TBI, those with TBI were younger (mean age 46 vs. 61 years) and had higher prevalence of comorbidities including cerebrovascular disease (3.2% vs. 1.8%), depression (14.4% vs. 5.0%), PTSD (19.3% vs. 2.5%), substance abuse (6.2% vs. 2.1%), and tobacco use (4.3% vs. 2.6%). During follow-up, 6,532 veterans were diagnosed with PD. Veterans with any-severity of TBI were significantly more likely to develop PD during follow-up than those with no TBI (0.27% vs. 0.49%; adjusted HR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.41–1.67). Veterans specifically with mTBI were also significantly more likely to develop PD during follow-up than those with no TBI (0.23% vs. 0.49%; adjusted HR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.32–1.72). Conclusions: Among military veterans, mTBI is associated with increased risk of PD, even after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. This result provides support for the importance of primary TBI prevention and efforts to prevent or treat post-TBI PD. Study Supported by: DOD/VA (W81XWH-12-PHTBI-CENC) and NINDS (K23NS095755). Disclosure: Dr. Gardner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Byers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barnes has received research support from Posit Science (San Francisco, CA.) Dr. Barnes has received free copies of its software for use in a research study. Dr. Li has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boscardin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yaffe has nothing to disclose.
Methods for Patient-Centered Interface Design of Test Result Display in Online Portals.

Objectives: Patients have unique information needs to help them interpret and make decisions about laboratory test results they receive on web-based portals. However, current portals are not designed in a patient-centered way and little is known on how best to harness patients’ information needs to inform user-centered interface design of portals. We designed a patient-facing laboratory test result interface prototype based on requirement elicitation research and used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate this interface. Methods: After designing an initial test result display prototype, we used multiple evaluation methods, including focus group review sessions, expert consultation, and user testing, to make iterative design changes. For the user testing component, we recruited 14 patient-users to collect and analyze three types of data: comments made during testing sessions, responses to post-session questionnaires, and system usability scores. Results: Our initial patient-centered interface design included visual ranges of laboratory values, nontechnical descriptions of the test and result, and access to features to help patients interpret and make decisions about their results. Findings from our evaluation resulted in 6 design iterations of the interface. Results from user testing indicate that the later versions of the interface fulfilled patient’s information needs, were perceived as usable, and provided access to information and techniques that facilitated patient’s ability to derive meaning from each test result. Conclusions: Requirement elicitation studies can inform the design of a patient-facing test result interface, but considerable user-centered design efforts are necessary to create an interface that patients find useful. To promote patient engagement, health information technology designers and developers can use similar approaches to enhance user-centered software design in patient portals.
Magmatic Differentiation and Autometasomatism in a Zoned Granitic Batholith from Central Texas, U.S.A.

Abstract Analyses for several elements were performed on seventy-four bulk samples, thirty-two biotites, and thirty K-feldspars from the Enchanted Rock batholith, central Texas, by atomic absorption, gamma-ray spectrometry, emission spectroscopy and X-rays. The batholith is concentrically zoned from leucogranites along the margins to granodiorites toward the center. The average composition of the relatively fine-grained core falls off compositional trends for the other zones. As a result the core is considered to be a separate, later intrusive. There is no consistent gradational variation in composition within any one zone. These features, along with arcuate ribs of quartz monzonite apparently intruding the granites, may be explained by multiple injection of a granitic magma differentiating at depth rather than in situ differentiation from the interior outward. The magma is considered to be derived from material deep in the lower crust or upper mantle. The trace and minor elements analyzed may be considered on the basis of two groups: (1) the mobile elements, exemplified by Rb, U and Li, and (2) the immobile elements, Cr, Sr, Mn, Co, Ni, Ti and V. The immobile elements show the common variation of minimum concentration in the more fractionated rocks and their constituent minerals. The expected parallel decrease of K/Rb and Mg/Li ratios and increasing U concentrations is not observed. Instead the reverse is observed with the minimum K/Rb ratios and maximum U contents occurring in the granodiorites. This trend can be seen in the minerals as well as rocks and is not wholly related to any modal variation within the rocks. The Mg/Li ratios remain essentially constant throughout the batholith. These anomalous trends are explained by selective removal of the more mobile constituents by late-stage hydrothermal solutions or a vapor phase permeating the outer portions of the batholith.
CARLsim 4: An Open Source Library for Large Scale, Biologically Detailed Spiking Neural Network Simulation using Heterogeneous Clusters

Large-scale spiking neural network (SNN) simulations are challenging to implement, due to the memory and computation required to iteratively process the large set of neural state dynamics and updates. To meet these challenges, we have developed CARLsim 4, a user-friendly SNN library written in C++ that can simulate large biologically detailed neural networks. Improving on the efficiency and scalability of earlier releases, the present release allows for the simulation using multiple GPUs and multiple CPU cores concurrently in a heterogeneous computing cluster. Benchmarking results demonstrate simulation of 8.6 million neurons and 0.48 billion synapses using 4 GPUs and up to 60x speedup for multi-GPU implementations over a single-threaded CPU implementation, making CARLsim 4 wellsuited for large-scale SNN models in the presence of real-time constraints. Additionally, the present release adds new features, such as leaky-integrate-and-fire (LIF), 9-parameter Izhikevich, multi-compartment neuron models, and fourth order Runge Kutta integration.
Interfacial reactions of titanium/gold ohmic contacts with Sn-doped β-Ga2O3

Here we investigated interfacial reactions and interdiffusion of titanium/gold ohmic contacts with a tin-doped single-crystal β-Ga2O3 (010) substrate. After annealing at 470 °C for 1 min in N2 to form an ohmic contact, we studied the interface via scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy as well as electron energy loss spectroscopy. At the interface, annealing causes Ti to diffuse and oxidize, reducing Ga2O3 at the interface. This forms a defective β-Ga2O3 layer of 3-5 nm that has a relatively high Ti concentration. Above this is a 3-5 nm layer of Ti-TiOx that is partially lattice matched to the β-Ga2O3 substrate. The thermodynamic favorability of these redox reactions was explained by calculating Gibbs free energies of the reactions. In addition, the anneal causes interdiffusion of Ti and Au, until Au is in contact with the thin Ti-TiOx layer. A layer of Ti-rich nanocrystals, around 5 nm in diameter, is formed within the Au-Ti intermixed matrix, about 3 nm above the Ti-TiOx layer. Based on these observations, the ohmic properties are tentatively attributed to the interdiffusion of Ti and Au and the resulting thin Ti-TiOx layer, which helps band alignment. In addition, lattice matching of the defective Ga2O3 and Ti-TiOx layers to β-Ga2O3 facilitates the transport of carriers. A physical understanding of Ti/Au metallization can provide insights into future materials selection for thermally stable contacts in β-Ga2O3 power devices.
Jammed Machines and Contingent Animals: Psychoanalysis's Biological Paradox

The paper focuses on the relationship between psychoanalysis and biology in Freud and in Lacan. They both see the human organism as a homeostatic device seeking to minimize the pressure exerted by the environment. While Freud argues that ego-based defensive processes are essentially adaptive, Lacan sees human homeostasis as structurally failing. However, they both see animals as perfectly adapted to their environment. I argue that the theoretical difficulties affecting Lacanian theory can be removed by rejecting the thesis of perfect animal fitness shared by Freud and Lacan. It is possible to remove the theory’s incompatibility with evolutionary biology and its promotion of an empty voluntarism of despair by adopting a notion of fitness based upon the essential contingency of adaptation and the possibility of partial or misadaptations as constitutive possibilities of evolutionary history.
School Leader Perceptions: Coaching Tool and Process:

This study extends previous work and builds upon the use of a prescribed coaching tool in an effort to build the capacity of school leaders in the role of instructional coaches. By using a reflecti...
Dynamic Reliability Management for Multi-Core Processor Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning

In this paper, we propose a new dynamic reliability management (DRM) approach with deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for multi-core processors considering device reliability effects (hard error) and transient error of signal (soft error). The proposed method is based on a recently proposed physics-based three-phase electromigration model and an exponential soft error model that considers dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) effects. Our work has been inspired by the recent advancements in DRL for various control and game applications. Compared with the traditional Q-learning based method, DRL has better scalability, lower memory and lower computational complexity. A large class of multi-threaded applications are used as the benchmark to validate and compare the proposed dynamic reliability management methods. Experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly reduces memory footprint and computational time compared to the traditional Q-learning based method. Furthermore, we show that the DRL-based DRM method can save 53.50% more energy than the Q-learning based method and 61.29% more than the simple DVFS based method.
PROMISE: A DIMA-Based Accelerator

DIMA’s benefits have been demonstrated only for a limited set of functions in the previous chapters thereby raising the question: Can DIMA be made programmable without losing much of its energy and throughput benefits over their digital counterparts? This chapter presents a DIMA-based accelerator called PROMISE, which realizes a high level of programmability for diverse ML algorithms without noticeably losing the efficiency of mixed-signal accelerators for specific ML algorithms. PROMISE exposes instruction set mechanisms that allow software control over energy-vs-accuracy trade-offs, and supports compilation of high-level languages down to the hardware.
Improvement of classification performance using harmonization across field strength of radiomic features extracted from DCE-MR images of the breast

Radiomic features extracted from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE-MR) images of breast lesions can be used in computer-aided diagnosis. However, some features depend upon field strength of acquisition. This motivates investigation of harmonizing the features using a method to address this “batch” effect of field strength of image acquisition. In this study, thirty-two radiomic features were extracted from DCE-MR images of 1,164 lesions (264 benign, 900 cancers) of the breast acquired at 1.5 T or 3.0 T, after segmentation using a fuzzy C-means method. ComBat harmonization was applied in terms of feature categories of morphology, enhancement texture, and most kinetic curve features, due to their potential intrinsic dependence upon field strength of image acquisition. The covariate was status of lesions as benign or malignant. Changes to features were investigated with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test statistic and the Davies-Bouldin index for degree of clustering using features reduced from 32 to 2 via t-SNE. Classification performance in the task of distinguishing lesions as benign or malignant was evaluated using ten-fold cross-validation and a random forest classifier. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used as figure of merit, and classification performance using features in their raw form and in a set using some harmonized features was deemed to be statistically significantly different if p < 0.05. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test statistic demonstrated that feature value distributions changed the most in features extracted from images acquired at 3.0 T. The Davies-Bouldin index was 6% and 7% respective for benign lesions and cancers, showing that the features became more similar as a result of harmonization. AUC pre- and post-harmonization [95% CI] was 0.84 [0.81, 0.87] and 0.86 [0.83, 0.88] respectively (p = 0.0012). These results suggest that harmonization of radiomic features across field strength of image acquisition may improve the classification performance of computer-aided diagnosis using datasets acquired at different imaging field strengths.
Encouraging Undergraduate Student Experiential Learning through a Community-Based Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Clinic.

Community engagement provides kinesiology undergraduate students with valuable experience and allows for personal and professional growth. Kinesiology students often seek out opportunities that per...
Afrofuturism as Critical Constructionist Design: Building Futures from the Past and Present.

Society's ability to collectively address global challenges will require efforts to include diverse voices, perspectives, and epistemologies. Building on critical design, which positions these chal...
Chapter 19 – Engine Modeling

To facilitate picoscopic modeling of traffic flow, an engine model is needed to determine the available power and further torque under varying speeds, which serves as an integral part of the vehicle model, which, in turn, determines a vehicle’s acceleration capability. This chapter presents and formulates three candidate engine models (models I, II, and III), among which model I is an existing one and the other two models are new. Their performances are evaluated on the basis of a system of metrics including accuracy, accessibility, computational efficiency, formulation, and the need for calibration. Overall, model II outperforms the other two models and appears promising to fit the need of the particular application.
3 – Bifurcation Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the bifurcation theory. This theory is applicable to nonlinear differential equations. Given a nonlinear differential equation that depends on a set of parameters, the number of distinct solutions may change as the parameters change. Points where the number of solutions changes are called bifurcation points, while bifurcations occur in all types of equations, the chapter focuses on ordinary differential equations. The chapter discusses Abelson’ computer program in LISP that automatically explores the steady-state orbits of one-parameter families of periodically driven oscillators, the program generates both textual descriptions and schematic diagrams. This program is capable of recognizing the different types of bifurcations, including fold bifurcations, supercritical and subcritical flip bifurcations, supercritical and subcritical Niemark bifurcations, supercritical and subcritical pitchfork bifurcations, and transcritical bifurcations.
COVID-19 infection among emergency department healthcare providers in a large tertiary academic medical center following the peak of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread through the US during the last few months exposing healthcare providers to possible infection. Here we report testing of emergency department (ED) healthcare providers (HCP) for exposure to COVID-19 through lateral flow point of care (POC) and lab-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and RTq-PCR for evidence of acute infection. 138 ED HCP were tested between May 26th (approximately one month after the peak of COVID-19 first wave of cases) and June 14th. Enrolled ED HCP represented about 70% of the total ED HCP workforce during the study period. Subjects were tested with a POC COVID-19 antibody test, and standard ELISA performed by a university-based research lab. Subjects also provided a mid-turbinate swab and a saliva specimen for RTq-PCR. All subjects provided demographic information, past medical history, information about personal protective equipment (PPE) use, COVID-19 symptoms, as well as potential COVID-19 exposures during the previous 4 weeks, both in the ED, and outside the clinical setting. None of the HCP had positive RT-PCR results; 7 HCP (5%) had positive IgG for COVID-19; there was strong agreement between the lab-based ELISA (reference test) and the POC Ab test (P ≤ 0.0001). For the POC Ab test there were no false negatives and only one false positive among the 138 participants. There was no significant difference in demographic/ethnic variables, past medical history, hours worked in the ED, PPE use, or concerning exposures between seropositive and seronegative individuals. Moreover, there was no significant difference in reported symptoms between the two groups during the previous four weeks. The rate of COVID-19 seroconversion in our ED was 5% during the month following the pandemic's first wave. Based on questionnaire responses, differences in demographics/ethnicity, medical history, COVID-19 exposures, and PPE use were not associated with ED HCP having been infected with SARS-CoV-2. In the setting of our limited cohort of subjects the COVID-19 POC Ab test performed comparably to the ELISA lab-based standard.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that occurs in older adults. Its cause is unclear but might be autoimmune, autoinflammatory, environmental, or genetic. Patients with PMR have proximal joint pain and stiffness that limit mobility and decrease quality of life. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and blood test results. However, blood tests often are inconclusive, and PMR symptoms overlap those of several other conditions. Medical imaging helps confirm and clarify diagnosis, assess response to treatment, and evaluate for relapses. Many patients respond to long-term, low-dosage oral glucocorticoids. This article describes the epidemiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment options for PMR.
Articles You Might Have Missed.

Article: Schiele F, van Ryn J, Newsome C, et al. A specific antidote for dabigatran: functional and structural characterization. Blood. 2013;121: 3554–3562.
Relating print velocity and extrusion characteristics of 3D-printable cementitious binders: Implications towards testing methods

Abstract This study aims to relate print velocity to critical parameters extracted from a controlled ram extrusion test, towards a test method to expedite the selection of materials and process parameters for 3D-printing of cementitious materials. Higher print velocities, while aiding faster construction, results in a need for higher extrusion pressure, while lower velocities interfere with extrudate quality through effects such as water filtration. Steady-state pressures and dead-zone lengths corresponding to a chosen barrel-die geometry and print velocity are extracted from extrusion force-ram displacement relationships. The steady state pressure increases with print velocity, while the dead-zone length decreases. The deposition pressure between the nozzle exit and the print bed increases with increase in print velocity, and is proportional to the extrusion pressure. These results are used to define a range of desirable print velocities for the chosen geometry and the printer system, so that the extrusion pressure and dead-zone lengths are simultaneously optimized. The lower limit of the print velocity range, steady-state pressure, and dead-zone lengths are all lower when the material microstructural parameter (ratio of particle volume fraction to square of mean size) is higher, indicating the importance of appropriate material design in ensuring efficient 3D printing of cementitious binders.
Identifying areas of potential critical healthcare shortages: A case study of spatial accessibility to ICU beds during the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida

Healthcare resource availability is potentially associated with COVID-19 mortality, and the potentially uneven geographical distribution of resources is a looming concern in the global pandemic. Given that access to healthcare resources is important to overall population health, assessing COVID-19 patients' access to healthcare resources is needed. This paper aims to examine the temporal variations in the spatial accessibility of the U.S. COVID-19 patients to medical facilities, identify areas that are likely to be overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore associations of low access areas with their socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. We use a three-step floating catchment area method, spatial statistics, and logistic regression to achieve the goals. Findings of this research in the State of Florida revealed that North Florida, rural areas, and zip codes with more Latino or Hispanic populations are more likely to have lower access than other regions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach can help policymakers identify potentially possible low access areas and establish appropriate policy intervention paying attention to those areas during a pandemic.
WE‐E‐304‐00: Implementing SBRT Protocols

SBRT is having a dramatic impact on radiation therapy of early-stage, locally advanced cancers. A number of national protocols have been and are being developed to assess the clinical efficacy of SBRT for various anatomical sites, such as lung and spine. Physics credentialing for participating and implementation of trial protocols involve a broad spectrum of requirements from image guidance, motion management, to planning technology and dosimetric constrains. For radiation facilities that do not have extensive experiences in SBRT treatment and protocol credentialing, these complex processes of credentialing and implementation could be very challenging and, sometimes, may lead to ineffective even unsuccessful execution of these processes. In this proposal, we will provide comprehensive review of some current SBRT protocols, explain the requirements and their underline rationales, illustrate representative failed and successful experiences, related to SBRT credentialing, and discuss strategies for effective SBRT credentialing and implementation. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand requirements and challenges of SBRT credentailing and implentation 2. Discuss processes and strategies of effective SBRT credentailing 3. Discuss practical considerations, potential pitfalls and solutions of SBRT implentation
Maps into complex space

If the dimension of M is denoted by 2k - 1 or 2k, then a generic map F: M → C k satisfies dF 1 A... A dF k ≠0, while in certain cases there is no map F: M → C k+1 that satisfies dF 1 A... A dF k+1 ≠ 0.
18-GHz bandwidth long-wavelength MODFET and metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector-based integrated photoreceiver

Summary form only given. In this work, we report a further advance in the implementation of photoreceivers based on MSM-PDs and MODFETs, with a -3-dB bandwidth of 18 GHz and a sensitivity at a low bit-error-rate at 10 Gbit/s inferred from noise power measurements. The integration of MSM-PD and MODFET is done via a vertical integration scheme.
A System on Reconfigurable Chip for Handwritten Digit Recognition

The goal of this work is the design and implementation of a low-cost system-on-FPGA for handwritten digit recognition, based on a relatively deep and wide network of perceptrons. In order to increase the performance of the application on embedded processors whose performances are way below standard general purpose CPUs, a regularization method was used during the training phase of the neural network that allows for the drastic reduction of floating point operations. Our implementation can achieve a 3× speed-up toward a raw implementation without optimization, while keeping the accuracy in acceptable ranges. Our efforts reinforce the fact that FPGAs are suited for deploying complex artificial intelligence modules.
Ecological stability in a changing world? Reassessment of the palaeoenvironmental history of Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

Previous work on the palaeoenvironmental history of Cuatrocienegas, Coahuila, Mexico, suggests that the local environments of the basin have been relatively stable since the last glacial period. Reassessment of the palaeoenvironmental record from Cuatrocienegas, combined with the analysis of a glacial-age packrat midden (∼ 16,900 cal yr bp), shows that this region has experienced substantial climatic and ecological changes during the Late Quaternary. Woodlands occurred near the valley floor until ca. 11,000 years ago, migrating upslope as climate warmed. The apparent lack of change in the flora of the basin floor may be attributable to high soil salinity. This edaphic control led to earlier interpretations that the region was environmentally stable.
Marsh, Othniel Charles

1831–1899 American vertebrate palaeontologist whose fossil excavations shaped the popular understanding and scientific study of dinosaurs and early mammals. Keywords: vertebrate palaeontology; nineteenth-century American science; Darwinism; natural history museums; dinosaurs
Pattern recognition and image analysis

Probability. Statistical Decision Making. Nonparametric Decision Making. Clustering. Artificial Neural Networks. Processing of Waveforms and Images. Image Analysis A: Matrix Algebra. B: SAS.
Low-Temperature Flow and Fracture Behavior of Tantalum

Previous studies on the mechanical behavior of tantalum have dealt with the effects of testing temperature [1–4], alloying elements [5–7], notch sensitivity [8], grain size [9], and twinning [10], These studies have provided extensive information which has been significant toward obtaining a better understanding of the mechanical properties of this metal. However, further studies concentrated upon the basic tensile plastic flow and fracture parameters at low testing temperatures are needed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of such factors as the temperature dependence of flow stress, work-hardening, and fracture behavior. Also, since tantalum appears anomalous because of its lack of low-temperature brittleness compared to other body-centered cubic metals, a comparison of the flow stress and strain parameters with other metals of the same crystal structure may help to explain such an anomaly.
Improved genetic algorithm for minimizing periodic preventive maintenance costs in series-parallel systems

This work presents an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) for minimizing periodic preventive maintenance costs in series-parallel systems The intrinsic properties of a repairable system, including the structure of reliability block diagrams and component maintenance priorities are considered by the proposed IGA The proposed component importance measure considers these properties, identifies key components, and determines their maintenance priorities The optimal maintenance periods of these important components are then determined to minimize total maintenance cost given the allowable worst reliability of a repairable system An adjustment mechanism is established to solve the problem of chromosomes falling into infeasible areas A response surface methodology is further used to systematically determine crossover probability and mutation probability in the GA instead of using the conventional trial-and-error process A case study demonstrates the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed IGA for optimizing the periodic preventive maintenance model in series-parallel systems.
Non-data-aided frequency-offset and channel estimation in OFDM: and related block transmissions

The many advantages responsible for the widespread application of OFDM are primarily limited by its sensitivity to carrier frequency-offsets. Most of the literature dealing with this problem focuses on data-aided frequency-offset estimation only. In this contribution, several non-data-aided frequency-offset and channel estimation schemes are developed for OFDM transmissions over frequency-selective channels. Timing offset is also accounted for because it is incorporated as a pure delay in the unknown channel. The resulting blind estimation methods include subspace based deterministic or statistical algorithms. Simulations illustrate the performance tradeoffs of these schemes.
On processes controlling seasonal North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies in ocean models

Abstract Mechanisms for the winter-to-winter persistence of North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are studied in a one-dimensional Lagrangian upper ocean model. SST is most sensitive to surface heat flux perturbations. Strong end-of-winter sensitivity to heat flux from one year earlier exists in two anti-nodes of the SST tripole associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation: off the east coast of the United States, and in the sub-polar gyre. They are due to the reemergence of temperature anomalies during winter from the seasonal thermocline. The recurrence is weaker in the third tripole anti-node, west of North Africa, because upper ocean seasonality is weaker there. The effects of wind stress and freshwater flux anomalies on SST are less important than heat flux changes but can be of either sign. They depend on the season and the vertical temperature profile at the perturbation time. These results confirm previous findings from a non-eddy-resolving North Atlantic ocean general circulation model (GCM). The implication of this agreement is that the key processes controlling North Atlantic SST over a seasonal cycle in the GCM are the local response to air–sea flux forcing, transport of anomalies through the seasonal thermocline, and subsequent anomaly reemergence into the model mixed layer. The residual SST anomaly left after computing the contribution from the surface flux anomaly in the previous 1–2 years leaves little scope for other dynamical mechanisms, such as ocean circulation changes or planetary waves in the GCM. An extension of the stochastic climate model due to C. Frankignoul and K. Hasselmann [1977. Stochastic climate models, part II: application to sea-surface temperature variability and thermocline variability. Tellus 29, 289–305] is proposed that accounts for these processes. The time evolution of SST anomalies predicted by this simple stochastic delay-differential equation agrees well with results from the Lagrangian upper ocean model and the GCM.
Long-term efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the treatment of biliary dyskinesia

Abstract Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for biliary dyskinesia; however, long-term outcomes remain unclear. Methods A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia and treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single institution between 2001 and 2012 was conducted. Long-term outcome data were obtained by telephonic interview using a modified Likert scale. Results Sixty-seven patients met inclusion criteria, of which 34 patients (51%) had long-term follow-up data. Mean time of follow-up was 65 (range: 6 to 134) months. Long-term follow-up demonstrated symptom response in 88% ( n = 30) of patients (responders), compared to no response in 12% ( n = 4) of patients (nonresponders). Responders underwent a mean of 1.56 preoperative diagnostic procedures, compared to 2.5 for nonresponders ( P = .01). Conclusion This represents the longest mean time of follow-up study demonstrating the success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to improve symptoms in patients with biliary dyskinesia.
Usefulness of dofetilide for the prevention of atrial tachyarrhythmias (atrial fibrillation or flutter) after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Postoperative atrial tachyarrhythmias (POAT) were a common complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and were associated with increased morbidity and hospital length of stay (LOS). Dofetilide is a class III antiarrhythmic that was never tested as a preventative therapy during the perioperative period. The aim of this study was to assess whether perioperative dofetilide is an effective and safe therapy for the prevention of POAT, with a decrease in LOS. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with or without valve surgery was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either dofetilide or placebo. Medication was dosed and administered according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Daily review of cardiac monitoring was performed to assess for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The primary outcome was defined as any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting ≥5 minutes, whereas secondary outcomes included LOS and adverse events attributed to dofetilide. One hundred thirty-three patients were randomly assigned to dofetilide (n = 67) or placebo (n = 66). The incidence of POAT in the placebo arm was 24 (36%), and in the dofetilide arm, 12 (18%; absolute risk reduction 18%; p
Effects of tunneling on an IMPATT oscillator

A phenomenological formulation that incorporates both the tunneling and avalanche mechanisms in an IMPATT diode is presented. The I-V characteristic of a diode where the two mechanisms are present is calculated. The agreement between the predicted I-V characteristics of diodes with both tunneling and avalanche processes and the measured ones indicates the soundness of the formulation presented.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Ponds in the Pyatt, Desoto, and Elkville Strip Mined Areas of Southern Illinois

Abstract The physico-chemical characteristics of ponds of three strip-mine areas in Southern Illinois were observed under both winter and summer conditions. In addition to a general discussion of the areas, a detailed report is made on dissolved oxygen as associated with thermal stratification, and on pH and specific conductance. Observations were also made on the plant life and fishes of the ponds. The more important findings included high concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the thermocline, pH values ranging from 3 to 8, and extremely high specific conductance. Chemical conditions were not associated with the age of the ponds. The ponds have many characteristics of oligotrophic lakes and the possibilities for fish production are limited. The most common fishes of the ponds were the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Some ponds were devoid of fish life.
Plant adaptive systems versus ordinary feedback systems

The limitations in classical feedback that might justify the more complex plant or process adaptive systems are studied. Some of the limitations cited in the adaptive literature apply only to the classical single-degree-of-freedom configuration and not to the classical two-degree-of-freedom structures. Model and conditional feedback configurations are not superior to ordinary two-degree-of-freedom configurations. Time invariant (classical) compensation is adequate for coping with the sensitivity and disturbance problem in lightly damped and drifting plant poles. Two significant limitations in ordinary linear feedback systems that may justify the adaptive approach are: a) Their susceptibility to feedback transducer noise when the plant by itself does not have the loop gain area required for the desired sensitivity properties of the system; b) The limited sensitivity reduction achievable in nonminimum phase and unstable plants. The first of these may be eased by a multiple-loop design and the second by a parallel plant design. However, it has not been shown how the adaptive systems overcome the limitations of ordinary feedback systems.