cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation approaches of adaptive algorithms for crosscorrelation effect compensation in weak signal conditions

In this paper we propose reduced complexity adaptive methods for compensating cross-correlation interference in global positioning system (GPS) receivers operating in weak signal conditions. The idea is to use modified codes in GPS receivers which minimize the mean squared error (MSE) during signal tracking process. In addition, complexity reduction constraints are also included such as autocorrelation thresholding, autocorrelation quantization and so-called group-weighting of modified code elements. The new methods improve the robustness of the system in weak signal conditions while the complexity of the implementation can be traded against the performance.
A study of the effect of solid particle impact and particle shape on the erosion morphology of ductile metals

Impulsive versus steady jet impingement of spherical glass bead particles on metal surfaces was studied using a gas gun facility and a commercial sand blasting apparatus. Crushed glass particles were also used in the sand blasting apparatus as well as glass beads. Comparisons of the different types of erosion patterns were made. Scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were used to characterize erosion patterns. The nature of the wear can be divided into cutting and deformation, each with its own characteristic features. Surface chemistry analysis indicates the possiblity of complex chemical and/or mechanical interactions between erodants and target materials.
Peripheral nerve toxic effects of nitrofurantoin.

Objective To investigate the role of skin biopsy in nitrofurantoin peripheral neuropathy. Design We describe the clinical features and skin biopsies of 2 cases of non–length-dependent small-fiber neuropathy/ganglionopathy attributable to nitrofurantoin. Setting Clinical evaluation and skin biopsies were performed at a tertiary teaching hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Patients A 59-year-old woman with disabling generalized dysesthesia and a 53-year-old woman with progressive burning pain in the perineum and extremities. Main Outcome Measures Slow or incomplete recovery and possibly irreversible damage. Results The neuropathy was neither dose dependent nor associated with impaired renal function. Results from nerve conduction studies were normal. Skin biopsies revealed distinctive morphologic changes with clustered terminal nerve swellings without evidence of nerve fiber degeneration. Conclusions These distinct morphologic changes associated with nitrofurantoin have not been previously reported to our knowledge. Skin biopsy appears to be helpful in confirming the diagnosis in these patients.
Aging and Implicit Learning of an Invariant Association

We investigated whether there is an age-related decline in implicit learning of an invariant association. Participants memorized letter strings in which a given letter always occurred in the second position (see Frick & Lee, 1995). Experiments 1 and 2 showed that young and older adults learned this regularity implicitly, with no significant age differences, even when a perceptual feature of the stimuli changed between encoding and test. Experiment 3 confirmed that learning had occurred during encoding, in that learning increased with the number of encoding presentations. We conclude that implicit learning of this invariant association is largely preserved in healthy aging, revealing another avenue by which older people continue to adapt efficiently to environmental regularities.
Application of mass spectrometric isotope dilution methodology for 90Sr age-dating with measurements by thermal-ionization and inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry

Application of an isotope-dilution method for determining 90Zr and 90Sr in a 90Sr source material spiked with 86Sr and 92Zr is described. A miniature gas pressurized extraction chromatography (GPEC) system with a column containing Eichrom Sr Resin™ was used for separating the elements so isobaric isotopes could be measured by mass spectrometry. Zirconium was rinsed through the column with 3 M HNO3/trace HF and strontium was eluted with 1% acetic acid. Two mass spectrometric techniques, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), were used for measuring isotope ratios. Data were obtained with 90Sr from a blood-irradiator source. Results from the TIMS measurements gave a decay time of 45.16 ± 0.26 years, and those from the ICP-MS gave 45.24 ± 0.20 years (uncertainties are expanded uncertainty, k = 2). Quadrupole ICP-MS is preferable to TIMS in this application if the ICP-MS data are suitably corrected for non-linearity and mass discrimination.
Application of QuikSCAT radiometer rain rates to near-real-time global precipitation estimates: a global precipitation mission pathfinder

The SeaWinds scatterometer onboard the QuikSCAT satellite simultaneously measures the polarized microwave brightness temperature of the ocean/atmosphere. QuikSCAT Radiometer (QRad) brightness temperatures are used to infer instantaneous oceanic rain rates using a statistical retrieval algorithm that has been developed using collocated QRad brightness temperatures with TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) rain rate measurements. The algorithm produces earth-located instantaneous rain rate binned in 0.5 hour universal time windows and produced on a 50-km earth grid. The orbit of QuikSCAT allows independent rain temporal sampling that can be used to improve the estimation of global rainfall in 3 hour windows, which is a goal of the future Global Precipitation Mission (GPM). In this work, QRad retrieved rain rate examples are presented and comparisons are made with the TRMM 3B42RT near real time product. Results demonstrate that QRad rain measurements agree well with these independent microwave rain observations and superior to the visible/infrared rain estimates, which demonstrates the utility of adding QRad to the 3B42RT product.
Rotation and gray-scale transform invariant texture recognition using hidden Markov model

In the first stage of the proposed scheme the quadrature mirror filter (QMF) bank is used as the wavelet transform to decompose the texture image into subbands. Gray scale transform invariant features are then extracted from each subband image. In the second stage, the sequence of subbands is modeled as a hidden Markov model (HMM), and one HMM is designed for each class of textures. During recognition, the unknown texture is matched against all models. The best matched model identifies the texture class. The angles of rotation in the experiments are selected randomly in between -90 degrees and 90 degrees . Up to 95% classification accuracy is reported. >
Pairing an epsilon-negative slab with a mu-negative slab: resonance, tunneling and transparency

Here, we analyze the transverse-magnetic (TM) wave interaction with a pair of slabs, one being an epsilon-negative (ENG) layer in which the real part of permittivity is assumed to be negative while its permeability has positive real part, and the other being a mu-negative (MNG) layer that has the real part of its permeability negative but its permittivity has positive real part. Although the wave interaction with each slab by itself has predictable features, we show that the juxtaposition and pairing of such ENG and MNG slabs may, under certain conditions, lead to some unusual features, such as resonance, complete tunneling, zero reflection and transparency. The field distributions inside and outside such paired slabs are analyzed, and the Poynting vector distributions in such structures are studied. Using equivalent transmission-line models, we obtain the conditions for the resonance, complete tunneling and transparency, and we justify and explain the field behavior in these resonant paired structures. Salient features of the tunneling conditions, such as the roles of material parameters, slab thicknesses, dissipation, and angle of incidence are discussed. The analogy and correspondence between the ENG-MNG pair and the pair of a slab of conventional material juxtaposed with a "double-negative" medium is also discussed. Finally, a conceptual idea for a potential application of such a "matched" lossless ENG-MNG pair in "ideal" image displacement and image reconstruction is proposed.
Assessing the Exchange Rate Sensitivity of U.S. Bilateral Agricultural Trade

This paper uses an autoregressive distributed lag approach to cointegration to examine the short- and long-run effects of exchange rate changes on bilateral trade of agricultural products between the United States and its 10 major trading partners. Results show that, in the long run, while U.S. agricultural exports are highly sensitive to bilateral exchange rates and foreign income, U.S. agricultural imports are mostly responsive to the U.S. domestic income. In the short run, on the other hand, both the bilateral exchange rates and income in the United States and its trading partners are found to have significant impacts on U.S. agricultural exports and imports. Dans le present article, nous avons utilise un modele autoregressif a retards echelonnes (autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration) pour examiner les effets a court et a long terme des variations de taux de change sur le commerce bilateral des produits agricoles entre les Etats-Unis et ses dix principaux partenaires commerciaux. Les resultats ont montre que, a long terme, bien que les exportations agricoles des Etats-Unis soient tres sensibles aux taux de change bilateraux et au revenu etranger, les importations agricoles des Etats-Unis sont principalement sensibles au revenu interieur des Etats-Unis. A court terme, par contre, les taux de change bilateraux et le revenu des Etats-Unis et de ses partenaires commerciaux ont des repercussions considerables sur les exportations et les importations agricoles des Etats-Unis.
Contrast enhancement in photoacoustic imaging

To increase specific contrast over background absorption in photoacoustic (PA) imaging, absorbing contrast agents can be functionalized to target specific cells. However, contrast may be severely limited because of PA signals from finite intrinsic background absorption. If background signals can be suppressed, the molecular dynamic range of contrast agents can be greatly expanded, enhancing contrast and therefore the sensitivity and specificity of PA imaging. We propose differential-absorption photoacoustic (DAPA) imaging for contrast enhancement based on suppressing undesired objects. A pump beam illuminates the imaged object, changing absorption from ground-state absorption to transient absorption. Conventional PA imaging measures ground-state absorption, while DAPA imaging detects the difference between transient and ground-state absorption by subtracting the conventional PA image from a transient PA image taken after pump beam illumination. When parameters are properly chosen so that a region of interest has finite change in absorption whereas the background has negligible change, the DAPA image will provide high contrast between the region of interest and the background. Finite changes in absorption can be obtained using photoluminescent contrast agents. Two tubes were imaged. One contains a Pt(II) octaethylporphine (PtOEP) dye solution and serves as an object of interest while the other contains an IR-783 (from Sigma-Aldrich) dye solution and serves as an object to suppress. Although the IR-783 tube dominates the conventional PA image, it is significantly overwhelmed by the PtOEP tube in the DAPA image. Analysis on excitation probability suggests that DAPA imaging has the potential to provide sufficient imaging depths for biomedical applications.
Demonstrating parasitic water mite-induced mortality in natural host populations

The truncated negative binomial distribution is used to demonstrate water mite-induced mortality in a field population of the mosquito host Anopheles crucians . Consistent changes in the parameters of this distribution and in the number of hosts expected in higher mite load classes as truncation is applied to successively lower mite load classes suggest that many heavily parasitized individuals were missing from field samples. These changes are not observed in distributions derived from an association between parasitic larvae of another water mite, Hydrachna conjecta , and the insect Sigara ornata , which is apparently immune to this parasite. Although the method discloses parasite-induced mortality that is non-linearly related to parasite load, it fails to reveal linear parasite-induced mortality in a hypothetical example.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a contraindication to gastric bypass in veterans with morbid obesity

The veteran population is routinely screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The prevalence of obesity in this population continues to increase. We examined whether weight loss outcomes in veterans with PTSD is comparable to results in veterans who do not suffer from PTSD, after gastric bypass. We also examined the effect of bariatric surgery on PTSD symptoms. This retrospective review of prospective data compares veterans with and without PTSD who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. Differences between the means of age, initial BMI, and percent excess weight loss were compared between the groups using a Student’s t test. Pearson’s χ2 was used to evaluate the relationship between a diagnosis of PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and other Axis I psychiatric disorders. A similar analysis was done to assess for a relationship between PTSD and obesity-related comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia, and GERD. We identified 24 patients who had gastric bypass and a diagnosis of PTSD before surgery and compared them to those without PTSD. Both groups had a similar mean age and initial BMI. There was no significant difference between the percent excess weight lost after 1 year follow-up between the PTSD group (66%) and the non-PTSD group (72%) (p = 0.102). In assessing comorbid conditions, we found a significant association between the diagnosis of PTSD and MDD (p = 0.002), PTSD and other Axis I disorders (p = 0.004), and PTSD and GERD (p = 0.002). However, we saw no significant association between PTSD and DM (p = 0.977), HTN (p = 0.332), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (p = 0.676). The severity of PTSD symptoms fluctuated in the postoperative period. Veterans with PTSD have comparable weight loss to those without PTSD after gastric bypass. In addition, surgery does not seem to have an adverse effect on PTSD symptoms, although PTSD symptomatology tends to fluctuate over time. Further study in this patient population is warranted.
Viope as a Tool for Teaching Introductory Programming: An Empirical Investigation

In this paper we describe the use of a tool from Viope for teaching introductory programming. We have noticed in our previous courses that the students often have trouble connecting the small classroom exercises with the larger laboratory projects. This tool allows the students to get extra practice with those concepts to help ensure they are understood. In this study data was collected using a survey. We surveyed students at the end of a semester in which the tool was not used to gather information about where the tool might be useful. Then we had students in a second semester use the tool and complete a similar survey. The results of our study showed that while there were some consistent complaints about the tool, overall the students found it useful enough to indicate they would like to use something similar in later semesters.
Disaster imminent--Hurricane Hugo.

Response to a disaster situation depends upon the type of circumstances presented. In situations where the disaster is the type that affects the hospital as well as a wide surrounding area directly, the hospital and pharmacy itself may be called upon to continue functioning for some period of time without outside assistance. The ability to function for prolonged periods of time requires the staff to focus on the job at hand and the administrative staff to provide security, compassion, and flexibility. Plans for a disaster of the nature of a hurricane require that attention be paid to staffing, medication inventories, supplies, and services being rendered. Recognition of the singular position occupied by a hospital in the community and the expectations of the local population require that hospitals and the pharmacy department have the ability to respond appropriately. Language: en
Evaluation on Activity of Ceramic Polishing Powder and Its Effect on Compressive Strength of Concrete

The activity of ceramic polishing powder was tested and evaluated by activity test.Taking ceramic polishing powder as supplementary cementing materials for concrete,the effects of the ceramic polishing powder on concrete compressive strength was studied.It is showed that the ceramic polishing powder possesses reaction activity,it can interact with Ca(OH)_2,i.e.,secondary hydration reaction.The development trend of compressive strength of ceramic polishing powder concrete with age is similar to that of plain concrete.The concrete compressive strength at different ages declines with increasing mass fraction of cement replaced with ceramic polishing powder.If the mass fraction of replacement is not more than 30%,the strength grade of concrete can be at the level of C30 or C40.Finally,with the same mass fraction of replacement,the compressive strength of ceramic polishing powder concrete approximates to fly ash concrete at different ages.
Abstract B1-38: PARADIGM-SHIFT: Predicts the functional impact of ‘driver modules’ in multiple cancers using pathway impact analysis

The major mechanism by which cancer arises is through genomic alterations. These alterations can lead to changes in gene regulation, protein structure, and function. Individual tumors can contain hundreds to thousands of alterations. It is critical to distinguish alterations that have an important role defining the cancer – drivers – from alterations that are unimportant to the tumor – passengers. Driver genes can lead to significant changes in their pathways; however, alterations in a single gene may not be sufficient to explain all the pathway perturbations across patients. Additional alterations could range from DNA copy number changes, gene-fusions, or even lesser understood non-coding mutations. Identifying these ‘driver modules’ is essential for understanding cancer disease mechanisms, which can help guide treatment decisions as well as identify novel targets for treatment. We have developed a functional impact prediction method called PARADIGM-SHIFT based on integrated pathway analysis to discriminate loss-of-function, neutral, and gain-of-function alterations. Utilizing the set of regulatory interactions annotated for a given gene, we can detect a shift in the downstream effects of an altered gene compared to what is expected from its upstream influences. Additionally, since these shifts in pathway signal can be detected for all samples, PARADIGM-SHIFT can be used to identify additional genomic alterations that lead to similar changes to the altered pathway to form ‘driver modules.’ Application of our method to the TCGA Pan-Cancer cohort identifies many genes with significant alterations that lead to loss- and gain- of function. PARADIGM-SHIFT then identifies several additional genomic alterations, including non-coding mutations variants, which are significantly implicated in these pathway changes. This analysis offers insight into the mechanism of non-coding mutations orthogonal to sequence-based methods by interpreting the pathway consequences of these variants. Citation Format: Sam Ng, Christopher Benz, David Haussler, Joshua M. Stuart. PARADIGM-SHIFT: Predicts the functional impact of ‘driver modules’ in multiple cancers using pathway impact analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Computational and Systems Biology of Cancer; Feb 8-11 2015; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(22 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B1-38.
Characterization of Primate Antibody Responses to Administered Murine Monoclonal Immunoglobulin

Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAb) are currently being assessed for their utility as tools in cancer management. Anti-murine immunoglobulin responses have been observed in many patients receiving monoclonal antibody treatment. In this study, we evaluated the response of primates to the administration of a monoclonal antibody. MAb B6.2, an antibody generated against a human breast tumor metastasis, was used as a prototype MAb. Baboons were inoculated with MAb B6.2 whole IgG, Fab', or F(ab')2 fragments. Blood samples were drawn at periodic intervals post-inoculation and the sera collected. Anti-murine immunoglobulin responses were detected using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. The specificity of the antibody response was analyzed to determine if the response was directed against the species of origin of the MAb (species specificity), against the class of the MAb (isotype specificity), or against the hypervariable region of the MAb (idiotype specificity). We found that primates develop a humoral immune response against all three forms of the monoclonal antibody [IgG, Fab', and F(ab')2]. Furthermore, this antibody response demonstrated a high degree of specificity for the antigen binding site suggesting an idiotypic specificity. Using a competitive radioimmunoassay, the antibody response was found to interfere with antigen binding of MAb B6.2. These studies suggest that monoclonal antibody treatment can generate an anti-idiotypic response which may alter the efficacy of this mode of treatment.
Scaling up HIV testing: ethical issues.

H 1IV testing is not an end in itself. It is instead a means to an end, in which the ethically acceptable ends are care and access to treatment for people found to be infected and access to adequate preventive means for those who are uninfected. It is obvious that testing is required in order to know who is eligible for treatment. Critical to the testing process, however, is systematically linking testing with existing or planned treatment or prevention programs. Failure to do so would be to treat the individuals tested "merely as a means," which would be a violation of the ethical principle of respect for persons. When individuals consent to undergo HIV testing, and their consent appears to be both voluntary and properly informed, the situation seems to be one in which they are serving their own ends by agreeing to be tested. In principle, that may well be true, but additional conditions have to be met. These include adequate information provided in pretest counseling; full voluntariness of consent to be tested; and accurate understanding and expectations on the part of individuals tested. If these conditions are fulfilled, then individuals are serving their own ends in agreeing to be tested. These conditions are necessary for testing to be ethically sound, but they are not sufficient. The major benefit to individuals' learning that they are HIV-positive is access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), if they meet the medical eligibility criteria and if ART is available. Without the likelihood of receiving treatment, however, being informed of an
When Is Genetic Reasoning Not Fallacious

Attempts to evaluate a belief or argument on the basis of its cause or origin are usually condemned as committing the genetic fallacy. However, I sketch a number of cases in which causal or historical factors are logically relevant to evaluating a belief, including an interesting abductive form that reasons from the best explanation for the existence of a belief to its likely truth. Such arguments are also susceptible to refutation by genetic reasoning that may come very close to the standard examples given of supposedly fallacious genetic reasoning.
Solving optimization problems with coupled dynamical elements

We propose a new approach to solve optimization problems using Generalized Lotka-Volterra with global inhibition. Stability criteria ensure the convergences of valid solutions are obtained and the solution is given by the switching time of the network elements. A network of coupled lasers is proposed.
Prenatal Etiologies of West Syndrome

The etiology of West syndrome (WS) with special reference to prenatal factors was investigated in 180 patients admitted between 1969 and 1990 to the Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Consistent XVA Metrics Part I: Single-Currency

We present a consistent framework for computing shareholder and firm values of derivative portfolios in the presence of collateral, counterparty risk and funding costs in a single currency economy with stochastic interest rates and spot assets with local volatility. The follow-up paper Kjaer extends this setup to a multi-currency economy and the resulting valuation adjustments have been implemented in the forthcoming Bloomberg MARS XVA product.
Sacred rice: an ethnography of identity, environment, and development in rural West Africa

Much of my academic research has focused on the history of the Balanta of Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. In my studies, I have stressed the extent to which rice has long dominated the working lives of...
Ki67 Proliferative Index in Carcinoid Tumors Involving Ovary

Primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are rare neoplasms that constitute less than 0.1% of all ovarian carcinomas. However, carcinoid tumors metastatic to ovaries are more common. Cell proliferative rate is an important factor in the determination of neuroendocrine tumor prognosis. Limited data are available as regards Ki67 proliferation index in predicting the physiological features of carcinoid tumors involving the ovary. Pathology files of Mayo Clinic Rochester (1995–2014) were searched, and clinical information was collected from medical records. All cases were stained with an antibody against Ki67, and digital analysis was performed with digital imaging analysis. A total of 36 cases (median age 64 years, range 33–83 years), including 9 primary (median age 68 years, range 33–73 years) and 27 metastatic carcinoid cases (median age 64 years, range 36–83 years), were investigated in the current study. Seven out of nine (77.8%) primary ovarian carcinoids are associated with mature teratoma. Twenty two metastatic carcinoids (81.5%) were from the GI tract, four (14.8%) from the pancreas, and one (3.7%) from the posterior thorax location. There was significant difference of Ki67 index between primary (median 2.3%, range, 0.6–8.4%) and metastatic carcinoid tumors (median 9.7%, range, 1.3–46.7%) (p = 0.002). The survival time is much shorter among patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor (median survival 5.8 years) comparing to primary ovarian carcinoid tumor (median 14.2 years) (p = 0.0005). A strong association between Ki67 index and patient survival time was identified (Hazard ratio for 1-percentage point increase 1.11, p = 0.001). Comparing to primary ovarian carcinoid tumor, metastatic carcinoid usually exhibits a higher Ki67 index and a worse outcome.
An analysis of the differentiation rules and influencing factors of venture capital in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration

Under China’s innovation-driven development strategy, venture capital has become an important driving force in urban agglomeration integration and collaborative innovation. This paper uses social network analysis to analyze spatiotemporal differences of venture capital in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration for the period 2005–2015. A gravity model and panel data regression model are used to reveal the influencing factors on spatiotemporal differences in venture capital in the region. This study finds that there is a certain cyclical fluctuation and uneven differentiation in the venture capital network in the Beijing- Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration in terms of total investment, and that the three centers of venture capital (Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Tangshan) have a stimulatory effect on surrounding cities; flows of venture capital between cities display certain networking rules, but they are slow to develop and strongly centripetal; there is a strong positive correlation between levels of information infrastructure development and economic development and venture capital investment; and places with relatively underdeveloped financial environments and service industries are less able to apply the fruits of innovation and entrepreneurship and to attract funds. This study can act as a reference for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration in building a world-class super urban agglomeration with the best innovation capabilities in China.
Veterans Health Administration's Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) Training Evaluation: Potential Implications for Disaster Health Care Volunteers.

ObjectiveThe US Veterans Health Administration’s Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) is a team of employee disaster response volunteers who provide clinical and non-clinical staffing assistance when local systems are overwhelmed. This study evaluated attitudes and recommendations of the DEMPS program to understand the impact of multi-modal training on volunteer perceptions.MethodsDEMPS volunteers completed an electronic survey in 2012 (n=2120). Three training modes were evaluated: online, field exercise, and face-to-face. Measures included: “Training Satisfaction,” “Attitudes about Training,” “Continued Engagement in DEMPS.” Data were analyzed using χ2 and logistic regression. Open-ended questions were evaluated in a manner consistent with grounded theory methodology.ResultsMost respondents participated in DEMPS training (80%). Volunteers with multi-modal training who completed all 3 modes (14%) were significantly more likely to have positive attitudes about training, plan to continue as volunteers, and would recommend DEMPS to others (P-value<0.001). Some respondents requested additional interactive activities and suggested increased availability of training may improve volunteer engagement.ConclusionsA blended learning environment using multi-modal training methods, could enhance satisfaction and attitudes and possibly encourage continued engagement in DEMPS or similar programs. DEMPS training program modifications in 2015 expanded this blended learning approach through new interactive online learning opportunities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:744-751)
Validation of the Colorado Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening Model

Importance The Colorado Retinopathy of Prematurity (CO-ROP) model uses birth weight, gestational age, and weight gain at the first month of life (WG-28) to predict risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In previous validation studies, the model performed very well, predicting virtually all cases of severe ROP and potentially reducing the number of infants who need ROP examinations, warranting validation in a larger, more diverse population. Objective To validate the performance of the CO-ROP model in a large multicenter cohort. Design, Setting, Participants This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Postnatal Growth and Retinopathy of Prematurity (G-ROP) Study, a retrospective multicenter cohort study conducted in 29 hospitals in the United States and Canada between January 2006 and June 2012 of 6351 premature infants who received ROP examinations. Main Outcomes and Measures Sensitivity and specificity for severe (early treatment of ROP [ETROP] type 1 or 2) ROP, and reduction in infants receiving examinations. The CO-ROP model was applied to the infants in the G-ROP data set with all 3 data points (infants would have received examinations if they met all 3 criteria: birth weight, Results Of 7438 infants in the G-ROP study, 3575 (48.1%) were girls, and maternal race/ethnicity was 2310 (31.1%) African American, 3615 (48.6%) white, 233 (3.1%) Asian, 40 (0.52%) American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 93 (1.3%) Pacific Islander. In the study cohort, 747 infants (11.8%) had type 1 or 2 ROP, 2068 (32.6%) had lower-grade ROP, and 3536 (55.6%) had no ROP. The CO-ROP model had a sensitivity of 96.9% (95% CI, 95.4%-97.9%) and a specificity of 40.9% (95% CI, 39.3%-42.5%). It missed 23 (3.1%) infants who developed severe ROP. The CO-ROP model would have reduced the number of infants who received examinations by 26.1% (95% CI, 25.0%-27.2%). Conclusions and Relevance The CO-ROP model demonstrated high but not 100% sensitivity for severe ROP and missed infants who might require treatment in this large validation cohort. The model requires all 3 criteria to be met to signal a need for examinations, but some infants with a birth weight or gestational age above the thresholds developed severe ROP. Most of these infants who were not detected by the CO-ROP model had obvious deviation in expected weight trajectories or nonphysiologic weight gain. These findings suggest that the CO-ROP model needs to be revised before considering implementation into clinical practice.
Active Participation and Quiet Observation of Adforum Subscribers

This paper investigates the factors underlying the active participation and quiet observation of subscribers of adforum, an electronic discussion group for advertising educators. Results of an elec...
How interpretive qualitative research extends mixed methods research.

Recently several authors have criticized mixed methods research because it relegates qualitative research to secondary or auxiliary status, it expresses this status through experimental trials that privilege quantitative research, and it fails to employ critical, interpretive approaches to qualitative research. This paper is a response to this position, and we draw on leading qualitative and feminist researchers who advance the importance of mixed methods research. We also cite empirical mixed methods articles that give priority to qualitative research, as well as mixed methods studies that use critical interpretive approaches. Our overall argument is that qualitative research can enhance mixed methods research, and we give specific examples as illustrations.
When Should the Emphasis on Schistosomiasis Control Move to Elimination

The stated goal of the World Health Organization's program on schistosomiasis is paraphrased as follows: to control morbidity and eliminate transmission where feasible. Switching from a goal of controlling morbidity to interrupting transmission may well be currently feasible in some countries in the Caribbean, some areas in South America, northern Africa, and selected endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa where there have been improvements in sanitation and access to clean water. However, in most of sub-Saharan Africa, where programmatic interventions still consist solely of annual mass drug administration, such a switch in strategies remains premature. There is a continued need for operational research on how best to reduce transmission to a point where interruption of transmission may be achievable. The level of infection at which it is feasible to transition from control to elimination must also be defined. In parallel, there is also a need to develop and evaluate approaches for achieving and validating elimination. There are currently neither evidence-based methods nor tools for breaking transmission or verifying that it has been accomplished. The basis for these statements stems from numerous studies that will be reviewed and summarized in this article; many, but not all of which were undertaken as part of SCORE, the Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation.
Optimal Design of 50kW Concentrated Winding Bearingless Motor

Bearingless motor technology offers an integrated and compact alternative to active magnetic bearings for developing contact-free and oil-free industrial compressor systems. These systems require high speed motors designed for significant power levels. This paper considers the optimal design of a 50kW, 30,000 r/min bearingless motor. This design is based around a topology with a fractional slot-concentrated winding and a surface mount permanent magnet motor (the popular 4-pole, 6-slot design), making it a practical and potentially cost-effective design to manufacture. A parallel no voltage combined winding is designed so that the same coils that create torque can also be used to create suspension forces. The rotor magnets are retained via a carbon fiber banding, which is designed within the proposed optimization process. A multi-physics design framework is developed based around the differential evolution algorithm that considers both the electromagnetic design and the structural integrity of the rotor. Design metrics unique to bearingless motors are described and implemented. The final design achieves a maximum efficiency of nearly 96%, a safety factor of approximately 2 in the rotor structural analysis, and is able to support the rotor weight with only 2.5% of the rated armature current.
Risk factors for severe acute pain and persistent pain after surgery for breast cancer: a prospective observational study.

Background and objectives There are few prospective studies providing comprehensive assessment of risk factors for acute and persistent pain after breast surgery. This prospective observational study assessed patient-related, perioperative, and genetic risk factors for severe acute pain and persistent pain following breast cancer surgery. Methods Women presenting for elective breast cancer surgery completed State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale questionnaires preoperatively. Diffuse noxious inhibitory control and mechanical temporal summation were assessed. A blood sample was obtained for genetic analysis. Analgesic consumption and pain scores were collected in the post-anesthesia care unit, and at 24 and 72 hours. Patients were contacted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months to assess persistent pain. Primary outcome was maximum acute pain score in first 72 hours and secondary outcome was persistent pain. Results One hundred twenty-four patients were included in analysis. Increased duration of surgery, surgeon, and higher pain catastrophizing scores were associated with increased severity of acute pain, while preoperative radiotherapy was associated with reduced severity. Persistent pain was reported by 57.3% of patients. Postdischarge chemotherapy (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.13 to 5.82), postdischarge radiation (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.24 to 10.41), severe acute pain (OR 5.39, 95% CI 2.03 to 15.54), and moderate acute pain (OR 5.31, 95% CI 1.99 to 15.30) were associated with increased likelihood of persistent pain. Conclusions Increased duration of surgery, higher pain catastrophizing score, and surgeon were associated with increased severity of acute pain. Preoperative radiation was associated with lower acute pain scores. Postsurgery radiation, chemotherapy, and severity of acute pain were associated with increased likelihood of persistent pain. Trial registration NCT03307525.
Electronic properties of monoclinic (InxGa1-x)2O3 alloys by first-principle

We report on the electronic properties of β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 alloys with different In-content up to 18.75% using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The effect of In-content on the band structures as well as the crystal structures of β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 alloys is presented and discussed. Our analysis shows that β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 alloys exhibits indirect gap property, with the band gap reducing from 4.817 eV to 4.422 eV when the In-content increases up to 18.75%. The bandgap energy corresponds to the wavelength region extending from 255 to 280 nm, which implies the possibility for β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 alloys to be applied in the deep UV photodetectors. The electron and heavy hole effective masses are also obtained for the first time based on the band edge dispersions of the β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 materials. Additionally, the effect of band parameters on the impact ionization processes using β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 materials are analyzed. Our new insight regarding the electronic properties indicate the potential of β-(InxGa1-x)2O3 alloys in deep ultraviolet photodetector applications.
Toward a Label-Free Electrochemical Impedance Immunosensor Design for Quantifying Cortisol in Tears

Cortisol is a viable biomarker for monitoring physiological, occupational, and emotional stress and is normally present in tear fluid at approximately 40 nM, or higher as a result of stress. We present characterization and quantification of cortisol via several electrochemical methods versus the standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, commonly known as ELISA. We also present a prototyped design of a disposable test strip and handheld sensor based on label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to quantify cortisol levels in tear fluid within approximately 90 seconds. Electrochemical characterization of the cortisol molecule was conducted using cyclic voltammetry, amperometric i-t, and square wave voltammetry. Lower limits of detection for these techniques were not sufficient to quantify cortisol and phycological tear ranges: 0.1 M, 0.23 M, and 193 M for cyclic voltammetry, amperometric i-t, and square wave voltammetry, respectively. However, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was to be the best mode of cortisol quantification and comparison to ELISA technique (detection range of ~ 138 pM - 552 nM). The initial EIS biosensor obtained a lower limit of detection of 59.76 nM with an approximate 10% relative standard deviation. The cortisol assay and tear collection prototype presented here offer a highly reproducible and ultra-low level of detection with a label-free and rapid response.
Etoposide phosphate for pediatric orthopedic malignancies after intravenous etoposide hypersensitivity.

BackgroundHypersensitivity reactions to etoposide have been reported and patients have been safely transitioned to etoposide phosphate for continued therapy. However, the safety and efficacy of sub...
An update in the management of pediatric sarcoma.

Purpose of review Nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) is a rare subgroup of malignancy in childhood that is composed of a variety of soft tissue and bony tumors. Prognosis for resectable localized disease is usually good and improved with systemic treatment. However, survival from locally advanced and metastatic disease remains poor. There have been numerous preclinical and clinical studies to define histopathology, biology, and genetic alteration of sarcomas. The purpose of this review is to clarify the progress in the management of NRSTS. Recent findings Genomic analysis, including the use of next-generation sequencing, has revealed fusion transcripts or specific genetic alterations which provide diagnostic biomarkers and potential targets for novel therapies. Summary Most cases are sporadic, but some are associated with genetic predispositions. Most present as a painless mass and diagnosis is frequently delayed because of a low index of suspicion. There is a wide array of histopathological subtypes. Investigations usually involve core, incisional or excisional biopsy for tissue diagnosis, and cross-sectional and nuclear imaging for staging. Management of pediatric sarcoma is largely dependent on the patient's histopathological diagnosis, age, disease stage, and co-morbidities but usually involves a combination of systemic and local therapies. Preclinical studies and phase I/II trials of newer targeted therapies are ongoing.
Challenge of immune-mediated adverse reactions in the emergency department

Multiple drugs of a new class of cancer treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors, which work by enabling the immune system to attack tumour cells, have been approved for a variety of indications in recent years. Immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed death-1, are part of the normal immune system and regulate immune activation. Treatment with inhibitors of these checkpoints can significantly improve response rates, progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with cancer; it can also result in adverse reactions that present similarly to other conditions. These immune-mediated adverse reactions (IMARs) are most commonly gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine or dermatologic. Although patients’ presentations may appear similar to other types of cancer therapy, the underlying causes, and consequently their management, may differ. Prompt recognition is critical because, with appropriate management, most IMARs resolve and patients can continue receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Rarely, these IMARs may be life-threatening and escape detection from the usual evaluations in the emergency environment. Given the unusual spectrum and mechanism of IMARs arising from immune checkpoint inhibitors, emergency departmentED staff require a clear understanding of the evaluation of IMARs to enable them to appropriately assess and treat these patients. Treatment of IMARs, most often with high-dose steroids, differs from chemotherapy-related adverse events and when possible should be coordinated with the treating oncologist. This review summarises the ED presentation and management of IMARs arising from immune checkpoint inhibitors and includes recommendations for tools and resources for ED healthcare professionals.
Personality and interests of gifted adolescents: differences by gender and domain

Personality characteristics of intellectually gifted adolescents were examined to determine whether this population substantially differs from the general population, differs by gender, and manifests characteristics related to talent domain. The Adjective Check List, Study of Values, Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire, and Strong Interest Inventory were used to make comparisons. As a group the subjects demonstrated a highly-developed thirst for knowledge. They had a higher than average sense of alienation, but also demonstrated high self-confidence. Intellectually-gifted girls were more interested in people and aesthetic pursuits than the boys and also demonstrated more interest in religion. Verbally-gifted adolescents were less sociable, but more inclined to push the limits than their mathematically-gifted peers. INTRODUCTION Throughout history intellectual precocity has been regarded with interest, but it has not necessarily been valued by society (Grinder, 1985). Myths and half-truths about the nature of highly-intelligent individuals persist today (Haier
The Kappa Simulator Made Interactive

Like during software development, interactivity is of tremendous help during model development. The more and the earlier feedback come, the more efficiently the target is reached. This is true for human as well as during mechanical model construction. If you try to mechanically learn some parameters for a model by streaming potential values for example, you would better stop as quickly as possible the simulations that behave the worst toward the goal. The Kappa simulator KaSim has been refactored to give the control to the user (human or an other program) during the simulation, allowing to pause, restart, observe, modify, prematurely stop, continue after the original end. Interventions on a simulation that can be offered as well as their consequences on the design of a stochastic simulator of rule-based models are describe here.
Surgical Best Practices: Clinical Care Pathways and Checklists

The express goal of value-based quality care is to provide appropriate, effective, and enduring care that is evidence-based and patient centered. Significant variability in clinical practice often is at odds with value-based care as it promotes inequity, substandard outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. Numerous studies demonstrate reduction in variation results in improved care for patients. This chapter will explore the impact of clinical care pathways and checklists on the quality of care provided to our bariatric patients.