cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid data quality oriented laser scan planning for dynamic construction environments

Display Omitted Deterministic relationships exist between laser scanning parameters and data quality.A laser scan planning method can ensure data quality for dynamic construction sites.Level of detail requirement (data density) are guaranteed for all targeted objects.The laser scan planning method can also achieve minimum data collection time.The computation time is greatly reduced compared with previous approaches. In construction environments, laser-scanning technologies can perform rapid spatial data collection to monitor construction progress, control construction quality, and support decisions about how to streamline field activities. However, even experienced surveyors cannot guarantee comprehensive laser scanning data collection in the field due to its constantly changing environment, wherein a large number of objects are subject to different data-quality requirements. The current practice of manually planned laser scanning often produces data of insufficient coverage, accuracy, and details. While redundant data collection can improve data quality, this process can also be inefficient and time-consuming. There are many studies on automatic sensor planning methods for guided laser-scanning data collection in the literature. However, fewer studies exist on how to handle exponentially large search space of laser scan plans that consider data quality requirements, such as accuracy and levels of details (LOD). This paper presents a rapid laser scan planning method that overcomes the computational complexity of planning laser scans based on diverse data quality requirements in the field. The goal is to minimize data collection time, while ensuring that the data quality requirements of all objects are satisfied. An analytical sensor model of laser scanning is constructed to create a "divide-and-conquer" strategy for rapid laser scan planning of dynamic environments wherein a graph is generated having specific data quality requirements (e.g., levels of accuracy and detail of certain objects) in terms of nodes and spatial relationships between these requirements as edges (e.g., distance, line-of-sight). A graph-coloring algorithm then decomposes the graph into sub-graphs and identifies "local" optimal laser scan plans of these sub-graphs. A solution aggregation algorithm then combines the local optimal plans to generate a plan for the entire site. Runtime analysis shows that the computation time of the proposed method does not increase exponentially with site size. Validation results of multiple case studies show that the proposed laser scan planning method can produce laser-scanning data with higher quality than data collected by experienced professionals, and without increasing the data collection time.
Slant board immobilisation of head-and-neck radiotherapy patients who cannot tolerate a flat position

PurposePatients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for head-and-neck cancer are often positioned supine on a carbon fibre board to which a thermoplastic mask is attached to immobilise the head and shoulders. For patients unable to tolerate a supine position, we developed a tilting board that accommodates a full-scale head-and-shoulder mask.Materials and methodsPhantom measurements were obtained to confirm the dosimetric accuracy of our treatment planning system when using this board. A patient was simulated in the flat and tilted positions on the board. The two corresponding treatment plans were evaluated by comparing the target coverage and doses with organs at risk. The patient’s intra-fraction motion was quantified during his tilted treatments.ResultsPhantom measurements confirmed the accuracy of the dosimetric calculations. The tilted plan met dosimetric standards for clinical acceptability. The intra-fraction motion of the patient in the tilted position was >3 mm in any direction.ConclusionsThe tilting board met clinical requirements for IMRT planning and delivery. Full-scale head-and-shoulder immobilisation was achieved in a more tolerable tilted position.
Detection and Predictive Value of Fractional Anisotropy Changes of the Corticospinal Tract in the Acute Phase of a Stroke.

Background and Purpose— A decrease in fractional anisotropy (FA) of the ipsilesional corticospinal tract (CST) distal to stroke lesions in the subacute (eg, 30 days) and chronic phase has been correlated with poor motor outcomes, but it is unclear whether FA values obtained within the acute stroke phase (here defined as 80 hours after onset) can predict later outcome. Methods— Fifty-eight patients underwent an assessment of motor impairment in the acute phase and at 3 months using the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment. FA values, obtained within 80 hours after stroke onset, were determined in 2 regions of interest: cerebral peduncle and a stretch of the CST caudal to each stroke lesion (nearest-5-slices). Results— The FA laterality index for the cerebral peduncle-regions of interest was a poor predictor of 3-month outcome ( R 2=0.044; P =0.137), whereas the slope over the FA laterality index of the nearest-5-slices showed a relatively weak but significant prediction ( R 2=0.11; P =0.022) with the affected side having lower FA values. Initial upper extremity Fugl-Meyer ( R 2=0.69; P <0.001) and the weighted CST lesion load ( R 2=0.71; P <0.001) were strong predictors of 3-month outcome. In multivariate analyses, controlling for initial upper extremity Fugl-Meyer, weighted CST lesion load, and days-of-therapy, neither the FA laterality index of the cerebral peduncle nor the slope over the FA laterality index of the nearest-5-slices significantly contributed to the prediction of 86% of the variance in the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer at 3 months. Conclusions— FA reductions of the CST can be detected near the ischemic lesion in the acute stroke phase, but offer minimal predictive value to motor outcomes at 3 months.
Analysis of the health risk of heavy metal contamination in vegetables sold in markets in Nanjing City

Objective The study assessed the level of heavy metal contamination in vegetables sold in markets in Nanjing and the risksofthecontamination tohuman health, aimingtoprovideascientificreferencefor the supervision and managementoffood safetyand the health protection ofthe residents. Methods 940 vegetable samples were collected from main farmers' markets in Nanjing.The contents of mercury, plumbum, and chromium in the samples were examined in accordance with the national standards. The level of heavy metal contamination in the vegetables and its influence on human health were evaluated by pollution indices and risk models for non-carcinogenic contaminants-caused health hazards, respectively. Results The worst heavy metal contamination was detected in leaf vegetables. Broad beans, among other legume vegetables, had the highest mercury content, surpassing the standard limits by 12.40-fold; and the content of mercury in green onions was 19.3-fold higher than the standards. The average annual risks of health hazards caused by intake of vegetables per person among Nanjing residents were 2.918×10-8person/year for plumbum,4.480×10-7person/yearformercury, and 3.845×10-8person/yearfor chromium. Conclusion Exceptfor a few vegetables contaminated by mercury, levels of plumbum, mercury, and chromium in most vegetables sold in Nanjing are considered safe for human consumption, suggesting that the risk of exposure to these three heavy metals through in take of vegetables is small.
Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation and Clinical Correlations

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It currently afflicts over three million patients in this country and is associated with a tremendous clinical and economic burden. Complications of this arrhythmia are multiple and include heart failure, stroke, hospitalization, and death. Important risk factors for atrial fibrillation are age, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This arrhythmia is a manifestation of disorganized and rapid electrical activity caused by anatomic and physiologic remodeling of the atria, which results in elevated and irregular ventricular rate. This arrhythmia is manifested by multiple symptoms, of which the most common is fatigue. Atrial fibrillation can be promoted by cardiac failure and can result from cardiac dysfunction. The arrhythmia is classified by the duration of its episodes, which may be brief, prolonged, repetitive, and permanent. The basic approaches to the management of atrial fibrillation in the acute or chronic settings are rate control, rhythm management, and anticoagulation.
Examining Patterns of Exposure to Family Violence in Preschool Children: A Latent Class Approach

Young children can experience violence directly or indirectly in the home, with some children exposed to multiple forms of violence. These polyvictims often experience violence that is severe, chronic, and multifaceted. The current study used latent class analysis to identify and examine the pattern of profiles of exposure to family violence (i.e., violence directed towards the child and between caregivers) among a sample of 474 children ages 3–6 year who were drawn from the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschoolers Study (Wakschlag et al., 2014). The data yielded 3 classes: a polyvictimized class (n = 72; 15.2%) with high probability of exposure to all forms of violence, a harsh parenting class (n = 235; 49.5%), distinguished mainly by child-directed physical discipline in the absence of more severe forms of violence, and a low-exposure class (n = 167; 35.2%). Classes were differentiated by contextual factors, maternal characteristics, and mother-reported and observational indicators of parenting and child functioning with most effect sizes between medium and large. These findings add to emerging evidence linking polyvictimization to impaired caregiving and adverse psychological outcomes for children and offer important insight for prevention and intervention for this vulnerable population.
Anti-fibrotic action of pirfenidone in Dupuytren’s disease-derived fibroblasts

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a complex fibro-proliferative disorder of the hand that is often progressive and eventually can cause contractures of the affected fingers. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) has been implicated as a key stimulator of myofibroblast activity and fascial contraction in DD. Pirfenidone (PFD) is an active small molecule shown to inhibit TGF-β1-mediated action in other fibrotic disorders. This study investigates the efficacy of PFD in vitro in inhibiting TGF-β1-mediated cellular functions leading to Dupuytren’s fibrosis. Fibroblasts harvested from (DD) and carpal tunnel (CT)- tissues were treated with or without TGF-β1 and/or PFD and were subjected to cell migration, cell proliferation and cell contraction assays. ELISA; western blots and real time RT-PCR assays were performed to determine the levels of fibronectin; p-Smad2/Smad3; alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α2 chain of type I collagen and α1 chain of type III collagen respectively. Our results show that PFD effectively inhibits TGF-β1-induced cell migration, proliferation and cell contractile properties of both CT- and DD-derived fibroblasts. TGF-β1−induced α-SMA mRNA and protein levels were inhibited at the higher concentration of PFD (800 μg/ml). Interestingly, TGF-β1 induction of type I and type III collagens and fibronectin was inhibited by PFD in both CT- and DD- derived fibroblasts, but the effect was more prominent in DD cells. PFD down-regulated TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3, a key factor in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Taken together these results suggest the PFD can potentially prevent TGF-β1−induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation and inhibit ECM production mainly Type I- and Type III- collagen and fibronectin in DD-derived fibroblasts. Further in-vivo studies with PFD may lead to a novel therapeutic application in preventing the progression or recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease.
Study of Tool Geometry Effect on Environmental Impact

The effect of tool geometry on the quality of the machined part has been an important consideration. Here the effect of tool geometry from energy minimization angle has been studied for sustainable manufacturing. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission has been analyzed in terms of rake angle (α) and shear plane angle (φ). A numerical study of tool geometry and its effect on eco-indicators has been presented. The shear force (Fs) decreases as rake angle increases. The reduction in horse power requirement will affect the GHG emissions. It has been quantified how much CO2 is emitted in air during machining. The other toxic gases like NOx, SO2, CH4, and mercury (Hg) emissions have also been quantified. The friction force (F) declines very rapidly as rake angle (α) increases and reduce the lubricant requirement. The total specific energy (TSE) is summation of specific process energy (SPE) and specific constant energy (SCE).Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Effect of foot and ankle immobilization on able-bodied gait as a model to increase understanding about bilateral transtibial amputee gait.

Background:The anatomical foot–ankle complex facilitates advancement of the stance limb through foot rockers and late-stance power generation during walking, but this mechanism is altered for perso...
When are Consumers Motivated to Connect with Ethical Brands? The Roles of Guilt and Moral Identity Importance

This research adds to the growing literature on what draws consumers to ethical brands. Findings from three studies demonstrate that guilt motivates consumers to connect with ethical brands, especially those consumers with high levels of moral identity importance (MII). Specifically, Study 1 finds that consumers report stronger self-brand connections (SBCs) with an ethical brand when they feel guilty (vs. control). Study 2 finds that guilt particularly motivates consumers with high MII to report stronger SBCs with an ethical (vs. unethical) brand. In turn, these strong connections lead to increased intentions to purchase the ethical brand. Finally, Study 3 finds evidence for the proposed motivation-based process explanation by showing that high MII consumers’ propensity to connect with ethical brands when feeling guilty (vs. control) is attenuated when these consumers are first given the opportunity to donate to a charitable cause to alleviate their guilt. Overall, the findings suggest that ethical brands can foster strong connections with and elicit higher purchase intentions from consumers seeking ways to alleviate their guilt.
Bottled samples of Earth's lower mantle

Felix V. Kaminsky and Jung-Fu Lin (2017) have introduced a new model for the composition of Earth’s lower mantle by pulling together data from two important sources. The first of these is the detailed analyses of inclusions found in diamonds that originated deep within Earth’s mantle. These analyses not only provide data for determining the depth of origin but also provide a valuable source of information about the composition of the surrounding mantle material that was incorporated and isolated within their diamond hosts. The other important source of data comes from high-pressure–high-temperature experiments on samples having the same or related compositions. These experiments, conducted in mineral physics labs, provide detailed information about crystal structures and physical and chemical properties at the pressure-temperature conditions existing in the mantle at the …
The Challenge of Change

When I was a youngster, there were certain album recordings I would replay over and over again on my father's living room stereo turntable, typically the songs that made me cry. Yet I would listen ...
An improved clustering algorithm and its application

Cluster analysis is an important issue for machine learning and pattern recognition, and clustering algorithms are used to solve these problems. Owing to the disadvantage of the traditional clustering algorithms that need iteration calculation and do not adapt to clustering random distribution data, an improved clustering algorithm named automatic clustering algorithm based on data contained ratio is developed. The concept of data contained ratio is proposed in the improved algorithm, the number of clusters is automatically determined based on data contained ratio, and the cluster centres are obtained accordingly. Several group test data testify and demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the improved clustering algorithm. In addition, the comparison between the traditional K-means clustering algorithm and improved clustering algorithm is presented. Finally, the improved clustering algorithm is used to recognise the flight trace. The results demonstrate that the improved clustering algorithm can be used for pattern recognition; it has high adaptability and robustness in clustering random distribution data set.
Association between hospital rates of early Do-Not-Resuscitate orders and favorable neurological survival among survivors of inhospital cardiac arrest.

Background Current guidelines recommend deferring prognostication for 48 to 72 hours after resuscitation from inhospital cardiac arrest. It is unknown whether hospitals vary in making patients who survive an arrest Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) early after resuscitation and whether a hospital's rate of early DNR is associated with its rate of favorable neurological survival. Methods Within Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation, we identified 24,899 patients from 236 hospitals who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after inhospital cardiac arrest between 2006 and 2012. Hierarchical models were constructed to derive risk-adjusted hospital rates of DNR status adoption ≤12 hours after ROSC and risk-standardized rates of favorable neurological survival (without severe disability; Cerebral Performance Category ≤2). The association between hospitals' rates of early DNR and favorable neurological survival was evaluated using correlation statistics. Results Of 236 hospitals, 61.7% were academic, 83% had ≥200 beds, and 94% were urban. Overall, 5577 (22.4%) patients were made DNR ≤12 hours after ROSC. Risk-adjusted hospital rates of early DNR varied widely (7.1%-40.5%, median: 22.7% [IQR: 19.3%-26.1%]; median OR of 1.48). Significant hospital variation existed in risk-standardized rates of favorable neurological survival (3.5%-44.8%, median: 25.3% [IQR: 20.2%-29.4%]; median OR 1.72). Hospitals' risk-adjusted rates of early DNR were inversely correlated with their risk-standardized rates of favorable neurological survival (r = −0.179, P = .006). Conclusions Despite current guideline recommendations, many patients with inhospital cardiac arrest are made DNR within 12 hours after ROSC, and hospitals vary widely in rates of early DNR. Higher hospital rates of early DNR were associated with worse meaningful survival outcomes.
Well-differentiated liposarcoma. The Mayo Clinic experience with 58 cases.

The clinicopathologic results from 58 patients with well-differentiated liposarcomas are reported. Thirty-two tumors involved the extremities, 20 the retroperitoneum, 4 the scrotum, 1 the abdominal wall, and 1 the cheek. Most tumors were large (mean, 22.6 cm). There were 31 (53%) lipoma-like, 23 (40%) sclerosing, and 4 (7%) primary dedifferentiated tumors. Six tumors underwent dedifferentiation after recurrence. The average follow-up period was 9.3 years. Thirty-seven patients (64%) were alive with no evidence of disease; 7 (12%) were alive with disease; 8 (14%) died of disease; and 6 (10%) died of other causes. Dedifferentiation did not indicate imminent death; 5 of the 10 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. Three dedifferentiated tumors subsequently recurred as pure well-differentiated liposarcomas. Patients with extremity tumors had a significantly better prognosis than those with retroperitoneal or scrotal tumors (P = .006). Extremity tumors treated by wide local excision recurred in only 11% of cases, whereas 60% of those treated by marginal or simple excision recurred.
Thermal biology of eastern box turtles in a longleaf pine system managed with prescribed fire

Abstract Fire can influence the microclimate of forest habitats by removing understory vegetation and surface debris. Temperature is often higher in recently burned forests owing to increased light penetration through the open understory. Because physiological processes are sensitive to temperature in ectotherms, we expected fire-maintained forests to improve the suitability of the thermal environment for turtles, and for turtles to seasonally associate with the most thermally-optimal habitats. Using a laboratory thermal gradient, we determined the thermal preference range (Tset) of eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina, to be 27–31 °C. Physical models simulating the body temperatures experienced by turtles in the field revealed that surface environments in a fire-maintained longleaf pine forest were 3 °C warmer than adjacent unburned mixed hardwood/pine forests, but the fire-maintained forest was never of superior thermal quality owing to wider Te fluctuations above Tset and exposure to extreme and potentially lethal temperatures. Radiotracked turtles using fire-managed longleaf pine forests maintained shell temperatures (Ts) approximately 2 °C above those at a nearby unburned forest, but we observed only moderate seasonal changes in habitat use which were inconsistent with thermoregulatory behavior. We conclude that turtles were not responding strongly to the thermal heterogeneity generated by fire in our system, and that other aspects of the environment are likely more important in shaping habitat associations.
Cheap Translation for Cross-Lingual Named Entity Recognition

Recent work in NLP has attempted to deal with low-resource languages but still assumed a resource level that is not present for most languages, e.g., the availability of Wikipedia in the target language. We propose a simple method for cross-lingual named entity recognition (NER) that works well in settings with very minimal resources. Our approach makes use of a lexicon to “translate” annotated data available in one or several high resource language(s) into the target language, and learns a standard monolingual NER model there. Further, when Wikipedia is available in the target language, our method can enhance Wikipedia based methods to yield state-of-the-art NER results; we evaluate on 7 diverse languages, improving the state-of-the-art by an average of 5.5% F1 points. With the minimal resources required, this is an extremely portable cross-lingual NER approach, as illustrated using a truly low-resource language, Uyghur.
Semantic Device and System Modeling for Automation Systems and Sensor Networks

The digital revolution in industry, buildings, and the Internet of Things will massively increase the number of sensor, actuator, and control devices in the near future. This will lead to the further automation of many tasks in the life cycle of the systems from design to commissioning and operation. Device and system models are a key enabler in this goal as they provide a holistic information pool that can be utilized by various tools and users along the life cycle. This paper analyzes the current state of the art of device and system models. It looks across different domains from industrial automation to building automation and sensor networks, defines the common tasks in their life cycle, and classifies the information required to execute and automate them. It compares 24 common device modeling approaches against these requirements and unveils how ready they are for the future and what they lack.
The Jurisprudence of Style: A Structuralist History of American Pragmatism and Liberal Legal Thought

In the contemporary domain of American legal thought there is a dominant way in which lawyers and judges craft their argumentative practice. More colloquially, this is a dominant conception of what it means to 'think like a lawyer'. Despite the widespread popularity of this conception, it is rarely described in detail or given a name. Justin Desautels-Stein tells the story of how and why this happened, and why it matters. Drawing upon and updating the work of Harvard Law School's first generation of critical legal studies, Desautels-Stein develops what he calls a jurisprudence of style. In doing so, he uncovers the intellectual alliance, first emerging at the end of the nineteenth century and maturing in the last third of the twentieth century, between American pragmatism and liberal legal thought. Applying the tools of legal structuralism and phenomenology to real-world cases in areas of contemporary legal debate, this book develops a practice-oriented understanding of legal thought.
Hybrid traversal: efficient source code analysis at scale

Source code analysis at a large scale is useful for solving many software engineering problems, however, could be very expensive, thus, making its use difficult. This work proposes hybrid traversal, a technique for performing source code analysis over control flow graphs more efficiently. Analysis over a control flow graph requires traversing the graph and it can be done using several traversal strategies. Our observation is that no single traversal strategy is suitable for different analyses and different graphs. Our key insight is that using the characteristics of the analysis and the properties of the graph it is possible to select a most efficient traversal strategy for a pair. Our evaluation using a set of analyses with different characteristics and a large dataset of graphs with different properties shows up to 30% reduction in the analysis time. Further, the overhead of our technique for selecting the most efficient traversal strategy is very low; between 0.01%--0.2%.
TRPML1: An Ion Channel in the Lysosome

The first member of the mammalian mucolipin TRP channel subfamily (TRPML1) is a cation-permeable channel that is predominantly localized on the membranes of late endosomes and lysosomes (LELs) in all mammalian cell types. In response to the regulatory changes of LEL-specific phosphoinositides or other cellular cues, TRPML1 may mediate the release of Ca(2+) and heavy metal Fe(2+)/Zn(2+)ions into the cytosol from the LEL lumen, which in turn may regulate membrane trafficking events (fission and fusion), signal transduction, and ionic homeostasis in LELs. Human mutations in TRPML1 result in type IV mucolipidosis (ML-IV), a childhood neurodegenerative lysosome storage disease. At the cellular level, loss-of-function mutations of mammalian TRPML1 or its C. elegans or Drosophila homolog gene results in lysosomal trafficking defects and lysosome storage. In this chapter, we summarize recent advances in our understandings of the cell biological and channel functions of TRPML1. Studies on TRPML1's channel properties and its regulation by cellular activities may provide clues for developing new therapeutic strategies to delay neurodegeneration in ML-IV and other lysosome-related pediatric diseases.
Theoretical transpositions in brain function and the underpinnings of augmented cognition

Augmented Cognition (AugCog) explores behavior in real-time and in real world settings. This research avenue is a departure from standard experimental approaches such as those accepted in the fields of Cognitive Psychology and the Neurosciences. AugCog as a field of study, therefore, has the potential to up-end some of the tried-and-true laboratory based findings on such topics as learning and transfer of learning. Steeped in history from both the biological systems perspective and the cognition neuroscience vantage, the future of AugCog seems contingent on its success at merging these paradigms and concurrently producing analysis tools with which to keep peering into the brain as it functions in operational environments. In this paper, we review the theories that drive Augmented Cognition approaches and evaluate their capacity to keep the field moving forward.
Two methods for obtaining electrocardiograms of chair-restrained monkeys.

EKG’s of chair-restrained Rhesus monkeys were recorded using 1. implantation of subdermal electrodes, and 2. surface electrodes. Both procedures resulted in reliable registration of EKG’s in experiments involving both Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning and recording. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed and detailed instructions for implementation are given.
Two of A Kind: BamHI and BglII

Among the more than 3500 Type II restriction endonucleases (REases) identified to date (Roberts et al. 2003), fourteen have been structurally characterized so far, including EcoRI (McClarin et al. 1986; Kim et al. 1990), EcoRV (Winkler et al. 1993; Kostrewa and Winkler 1995; Perona and Martin 1997; Horton and Perona 1998; Thomas et al. 1999), BamHI (Newman et al. 1994a, 1995; Viadiu and Aggarwal 1998, 2000) PvuII (Athanasiadis et al. 1994; Cheng et al.1994; Horton and Cheng 2000) FokI (Wah et al.1997, 1998), Cfrl0I (Bozic et al. 1996), BglI (Newman et al. 1998), BglII (Lukacs et al. 2000, 2001), BsoBI (van der Woerd et al. 2001), NaeI (Huai et al. 2000, 2001), NgoMIV (Deibert et al. 2000), Bse634I (an isoschizomer of Cfr10I), (Grazulis et al. 2002), MunI (Deibert et al. 1999), and HincII (Horton et al. 2002). All except Cfrl0I and Bse634I have been found to be bound to their cognate DNA sites. Despite the lack of sequence homology, all REases consist of a central β-sheet that is flanked by α-helices on both sides. Interestingly, a similar α/β core is also present in other DNA-acting enzymes such as γ-exonuclease (Kovall and Matthews 1997, 1998), MutH (Ban and Yang 1998), Vsr endonuclease (Tsutakawa et al. 1999a, b), and TnsA (Hickman et al. 2000) from the Tn7 trans-posase. In the common core only three p-strands are absolutely conserved, two of these strands contain the amino acid residues directly involved in catalysis.
Concentration x time methotrexate via a subcutaneous reservoir: a less toxic regimen for intraventricular chemotherapy of central nervous system neoplasms

Neurotoxicity associated with intrathecal methotrexate therapy has been shown to correlate with elevated concentrations of the drug in the cerebrospinal fluid as well as with the total cumulative dosage. In our study 19 patients with meningeal leukemia were randomized to receive courses of intraventricular methotrexate via an Ommaya reservoir consisting of either single injections of 12 mg/sq m/dose or a low-dose "concentration x time" (C x T) schedule of 1 mg every 12 hr for 3 days. There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups in the rate of remission induction, the number of relapses, or the durations of remission. The mean (+/- 1 SD) cumulative methotrexate dose was 66 +/- 41 mg/sq m in the C x T group and 173 +/- 64 mg/sq m in the 12 mg/sq m/dose group (p less than 0.005). Neurologic toxicity occurred in one of the eight patients in the C x T group and in seven of ten patients in the 12 mg/sq m/dose group (p less than 0.05). These observations suggest that the C x T dosage schedule is less neurotoxic and equally effective in the treatment of central nervous system leukemia.
National Evidence on the Test Score Performance Effects of Structural Switching

Do grade configurations affect student academic performance? To bring new evidence to this question, I use recent district-by-grade data for nearly the entire United States which contain measures of test score achievement and rates of school switching induced by grade configuration. Past research has found that student performance is on average relatively low following switches due to grade configuration, but in fact students perform relatively better in the grades just prior to these switches. In the national data, I find that this so-called "top dog/bottom dog" pattern appears for all terminal grade choices among grades 3 through 8, is geographically widespread, and is robust to controlling for grade-specific effects of a rich set of covariates. Thus I establish that the top dog/bottom dog pattern is a very pervasive phenomenon in American education. I explore potential mechanisms and discuss policy and research implications.
Data-driven Classification of the 3D Spinal Curve in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with an Applications in Surgical Outcome Prediction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional (3D) deformity of the spinal column. For progressive deformities in AIS, the spinal fusion surgery aims to correct and stabilize the deformity; however, common surgical planning approaches based on the 2D X-rays and subjective surgical decision-making have been challenged by poor clinical outcomes. As the suboptimal surgical outcomes can significantly impact the cost, risk of revision surgery, and long-term rehabilitation of adolescent patients, objective patient-specific models that predict the outcome of different treatment scenarios are in high demand. 3D classification of the spinal curvature and identifying the key surgical parameters influencing the outcomes are required for such models. Here, we show that K-means clustering of the isotropically scaled 3D spinal curves provides an effective, data-driven method for classification of patients. We further propose, and evaluate in 67 right thoracic AIS patients, that by knowing the patients' pre-operative and early post-operation clusters and the vertebral levels which were instrumented during the surgery, the two-year outcome cluster can be determined. This framework, once applied to a larger heterogeneous patient dataset, can further isolate the key surgeon-modifiable parameters and eventually lead to a patient-specific predictive model based on a limited number of factors determinable prior to surgery.
Primary Arc Modeling in Transmission Line

According to the previous research, fault arcs can be modeled numerically under a simulation program such as Matlab - Simulink. In this paper the dynamic behavior of the arc is represented as a time-varying resistance by solving a differential equation of arc conductance as a function of energy balance in the arc column. Depending on the variation of the arc parameters, certain effects of the interaction with the transmission system are observed.
Targeted Therapies in Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema: A Systematic Review.

Although physiologic surgeries for lymphedema (i.e., lymphovenous bypass, vascularized lymph node transplantation) are becoming well established, unpredictable outcomes have still been reported in some studies. Therefore, authors have investigated ways to improve these surgery outcomes. The goal of our study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of targeted therapy administration in the surgical treatment of lymphedema. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the published literature on targeted therapies associated with lymphedema surgery using the PubMed database. Eligibility criteria excluded papers that reported surgical treatment of lymphedema without the use of targeted therapies and also papers describing targeted therapies in nonsurgical treatment of lymphedema. Abstracts, presentations, reviews, and meta-analyses were also excluded. Extracted data included the year of study, country, lymphedema model, surgical technique, targeted therapy agent, therapy delivery, findings, and outcomes. From 823 potential papers found in the literature, 10 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All papers were experimental, and most of them on small animal model (7/10). Different targeted therapies were proposed, but all of them were associated with lymph node transplantation. The most common targeted therapy proposed mechanism was growth factor delivery (8/10). However, one paper used adipose-stem cell, and one paper proposed the use of sterile inflammation. The pooled publications assessing targeted therapy administration in the surgical treatment of lymphedema demonstrate encouraging data for positive outcomes. To date, all studies were experimental and related to lymph node transfer.
The Black–Scholes–Merton Model as an Idealization of Discrete-Time Economies

This book examines whether continuous-time models in frictionless financial economies can be well approximated by discrete-time models. It specifically looks to answer the question: in what sense and to what extent does the famous Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) continuous-time model of financial markets idealize more realistic discrete-time models of those markets? While it is well known that the BSM model is an idealization of discrete-time economies where the stock price process is driven by a binomial random walk, it is less known that the BSM model idealizes discrete-time economies whose stock price process is driven by more general random walks. Starting with the basic foundations of discrete-time and continuous-time models, David M. Kreps takes the reader through to this important insight with the goal of lowering the entry barrier for many mainstream financial economists, thus bringing less-technical readers to a better understanding of the connections between BSM and nearby discrete-economies.
Suitability survey on N95 filter masks for public health emergency personnel

Objective To assess the suitability of N95 masks for public health emergency personnel. To compare the consistency between mask fit test result and subjective evaluation of mask-wearing air tightness so as to guide scientific selection and use of protection masks for emergency personnel. Methods By ambient aerosol condensation nuclear counter method, the quantitative fit test was done among 235 public health emergency personnel from both Municipal and District disease control centers. Questionnaires were conducted among them for investigation and comparison of their subjective evaluation of mask-wearing air tightness and mask fit test results. Results Of the 235 subjects , 160 passed the fittest with the pass rate being 68.1%. With various wearing actions for the test, the subjective evaluation for mask-wearing air tightness was compared with the fit test pass rate in terms of consistence, the kappa value range being from −0.09 to 0.43. K value of the action 5 (loudly speaking) was above 0.4, while the k values of other 6 actions were all below 0.4. Both Kappa value (0.09) and consistency rate (49.7%) were the lowest for action 8 (normal breathing) among all test actions. Conclusion The accuracy of the subjective evaluation for mask-wearing air tightness proves to be poor, unable to reflect the true protective effect and substitute for the fit test. It is advised that the public health personnel should rely on the fit test results to correctly choose and use suitable respiratory protective products. Key words: quantitative fit test; consistency analysis; filtering face-piece respirator
Can Smartphone-Derived Step Data Predict Laboratory-Induced Real-Life Like Fall-Risk in Community- Dwelling Older Adults?

Background: As age progresses, decline in physical function predisposes older adults to high fall-risk, especially on exposure to environmental perturbations such as slips and trips. However, there is limited evidence of association between daily community ambulation, an easily modifiable factor of physical activity (PA), and fall-risk. Smartphones, equipped with accelerometers, can quantify, and display daily ambulation-related PA simplistically in terms of number of steps. If any association between daily steps and fall-risks is established, smartphones due to its convenience and prevalence could provide health professionals with a meaningful outcome measure, in addition to existing clinical measurements, to identify older adults at high fall-risk. Objective: This study aimed to explore whether smartphone-derived step data during older adults' community ambulation alone or together with commonly used clinical fall-risk measurements could predict falls following laboratory-induced real-life like slips and trips. Relationship between step data and PA questionnaire and clinical fall-risk assessments were examined as well. Methods: Forty-nine community-dwelling older adults (age 60-90 years) completed Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). One-week and 1-month smartphone steps data were retrieved. Participants' 1-year fall history was noted. All participants' fall outcomes to laboratory-induced slip-and-trip perturbations were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to identify a model that best predicts laboratory falls. Pearson correlations examined relationships between study variables. Results: A model including age, TUG, and fall history significantly predicted laboratory falls with a sensitivity of 94.3%, specificity of 58.3%, and an overall accuracy of 85.1%. Neither 1-week nor 1-month steps data could predict laboratory falls. One-month steps data significantly positively correlated with BBS (r = 0.386, p = 0.006) and ABC (r = 0.369, p = 0.012), and negatively correlated with fall history (r p = -0.293, p = 0.041). Conclusion: Older participants with fall history and higher TUG scores were more likely to fall in the laboratory. No association between smartphone steps data and laboratory fall-risk was established in our study population of healthy community-dwelling older adults which calls for further studies on varied populations. Although modest, results do reveal a relationship between steps data and functional balance deficits and fear of falls.
Time-resolved in situ measurements and predictions of plasma-assisted methane reforming in a nanosecond-pulsed discharge

Abstract This study investigates the plasma properties and chemical kinetics of plasma-assisted methane reforming in a He diluted nanosecond-pulsed plane-to-plane dielectric barrier discharge (ns-DBD) through the combination of time-resolved in situ laser diagnostics and a 1-D numerical model. Plasma-assisted fuel reforming kinetic mechanisms have predominantly been evaluated on the basis of matching reactant conversion and syngas production to steady-state measurements, which cannot describe the full range of chemistry and physics necessary to validate the model. It was found that adding 1% CH4 to a pure He ns-DBD led to a faster breakdown along the rising edge of the applied voltage pulse, thereby lowering the reduced electric field (E/N), electron number density, and electron temperature. Further addition of CH4 did not continue to alter the E/N in the model. Laser absorption spectroscopy was used to measure gas temperature, C2H2, H2O, and CH2O in a CH4/CO2/He discharge to serve as validation targets for the predicted reaction pathways. CH2O was predicted within 25% of the measured value, while H2O and C2H2 were under-predicted by a factor of two and three, respectively. From path flux analysis, the major pathway for CH2O formation was through the reaction between CH3 and O, while C2H2 formation had multi-step pathways that relied on ions like CH 3 + and C2H 5 + . The path flux analysis also shows that CH2 is a significant intermediate for production of both CH2O and C2H2, and increased CH2 concentration could improve model predictions. The results show that the use of reaction rate constants with lower uncertainties and inclusion of He 2 + are needed to improve the predictions. Finally, varying the ”equivalence ratio”, defined by the CH4 dry reforming reaction to H2 and CO, from 0.5 to 2 was shown to have a weak effect on measured product species and experimental trends were explained based on pathways extracted from the model.
Four Heads Are Better Than One: Using Team-Based Learning to Learn Database Technology

Organizational databases are seldom designed and used by individuals. In fact, database design benefits from the idea that two heads are better than one. Therefore, when teaching students about databases it follows that using a team approach would be useful. This research studies the impact of utilizing team-based learning (TBL) strategies in an undergraduate Database Management course in order to determine if the methodology is effective for student learning related to database technology concepts in addition to student preparation for working in database teams. Findings related to student learning performance and perceptions are presented as well as future research opportunities.
The Impact of Wrist Percooling on Physiological and Perceptual Responses during a Running Time Trial Performance in the Heat.

Environmental heat stress poses significant physiological challenge and impairs exercise performance. We investigated the impact of wrist percooling on running performance and physiological and perceptual responses in the heat. In a counterbalanced design, 13 trained males (33 ± 9 years, 15 ± 7% body fat, and maximal oxygen consumption, VO2max 59 ± 5 mL/kg/min) completed three 10 km running time trials (27 °C, 60% relative humidity) while wearing two cooling bands: (1) both bands were off (off/off), (2) one band on (off/on), (3) both bands on (on/on). Heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), mean arterial pressure (MAP), core temperature (TCO), thermal sensation (TS), and fatigue (VAS) were recorded at baseline and recovery, while running speed (RS) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during the 10 km. Wrist cooling had no effect (p > 0.05) at rest, except modestly increased HR (3-5 ∆beats/min, p 0.05). We demonstrate that wrist percooling elicited a faster running speed, though this coincides with increased HR; although, interestingly, sensations of effort and thermal comfort were unaffected, despite the faster speed and higher HR.
Nonlocality in granular complex networks: Linking topology, kinematics and forces

Abstract Dry granular systems respond to shear by a process of self-organization that is nonlocal in nature. This study reveals the interplay between the topological, kinematical and force signature of this process during shear banding in an sample of angular sand. Using Level-Set Discrete Element simulations of an in-situ triaxial compression experiment, and complex networks techniques, we identify communities of similar topology (cycles), kinematics (vortex clusters) and kinetics (force chains), and study their cooperative evolution. We conclude by discussing the implications of our observations for continuum modeling, including the identification of mesoscale order parameters, and the development of nonaffine kinematics models.
Reactions to Actions: Exploring How Types of Bystander Action Are Linked to Positive and Negative Consequences.

Sexual and dating violence (SDV) are growing public health problems in the United States. Prevention programs have sought to engage potential bystanders so they can safely and effectively intervene in situations involving SDV. However, the ability of these programs to prepare bystanders may be limited if they do not address the possible outcomes of their actions. Few studies have examined positive and negative consequences of bystander action, and only one has examined how various types of action impact these consequences. The purpose of our study was to explore how specific types of bystander actions and their number of actions were related to positive and negative consequences. We recruited participants (N = 615) through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and a university subject pool, all of whom were between the ages of 18 and 24. Participants described the type of action they took in response to risk for SDV (i.e., harassing comments, dating violence, unwanted sexual advances, and controlling behavior). We performed a content analysis on participants’ written responses about the type of action taken. New measures of bystander consequences were used to examine bystander feelings and reactions of others (e.g., the victim, perpetrator). A range of action types were identified (i.e., direct, distract, distance, delegate, and physical action). Of note, direct action toward the perpetrator was related to more negative feelings and responses, whereas distract and distance action were associated with more positive feelings and responses from others. Further, taking multiple actions (as opposed to a single one) was related to more positive feelings and responses from others. Implications for research and practice are discussed, with a specific focus on prevention programming.