cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable input observer for state estimation of high-rate dynamics

High-rate systems operating in the 10 μs to 10 ms timescale are likely to experience damaging effects due to rapid environmental changes (e.g., turbulence, ballistic impact). Some of these systems could benefit from real-time state estimation to enable their full potential. Examples of such systems include blast mitigation strategies, automotive airbag technologies, and hypersonic vehicles. Particular challenges in high-rate state estimation include: 1) complex time varying nonlinearities of system (e.g. noise, uncertainty, and disturbance); 2) rapid environmental changes; 3) requirement of high convergence rate. Here, we propose using a Variable Input Observer (VIO) concept to vary the input space as the event unfolds. When systems experience high-rate dynamics, rapid changes in the system occur. To investigate the VIO’s potential, a VIO-based neuro-observer is constructed and studied using experimental data collected from a laboratory impact test. Results demonstrate that the input space is unique to different impact conditions, and that adjusting the input space throughout the dynamic event produces better estimations than using a traditional fixed input space strategy.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Pars Plana Lensectomy for Retained Lens Fragments

While cataract extraction surgery has become increasingly safe and efficient, retained lens material or a “dropped nucleus” continues to be one of the more common complications, typically as a result of posterior capsule compromise or zonular dehiscence. An attempt to remove posteriorly dislocated lens material by the anterior segment surgeon is often attempted via an anterior vitrectomy, but may result in anterior vitreous traction leading to retinal tears and possibly detachment. While small cortical lens fragments may be well tolerated and eventually absorbed, persistent retained lens material places the eye at risk for elevated intraocular pressure, chronic inflammation predisposing to cystoid macular edema and corneal edema, and retinal detachment. Although some authorities advocate for prompt lens removal, the definitive timing to posterior segment intervention is not universally agreed upon. Depending on the hardness of the lens, its removal may be achieved with the vitrectomy handpiece alone or in combination with Fragmatome phacoemulsification. Surgical outcomes are typically favorable with the majority of patients retaining 20/40 vision or better (Pars plana vitrectomy for the management of retained lens material after cataract surgery. Am J Ophthalmol 144(3):364–370, 2007).
Little Cigars are More Toxic than Cigarettes and Uniquely Change the Airway Gene and Protein Expression

Little cigars (LCs) are regulated differently than cigarettes, allowing them to be potentially targeted at youth/young adults. We exposed human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs) to air or whole tobacco smoke from cigarettes vs. LCs. Chronic smoke exposure increased the number of dead cells, lactate dehydrogenase release, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion and decreased apical cilia, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein levels, and transepithelial resistance. These adverse effects were significantly greater in LC-exposed HBECs than cigarette exposed cultures. LC-exposure also elicited unique gene expression changes and altered the proteomic profiles of airway apical secretions compared to cigarette-exposed HBECs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that LCs produced more chemicals than cigarettes, suggesting that the increased chemical load of LCs may be the cause of the greater toxicity. This is the first study of the biological effects of LCs on pulmonary epithelia and our observations strongly suggest that LCs pose a more severe danger to human health than cigarettes.
Gerhard Richter: Afterness: Figures of following in modern thought and aesthetics

In Afterness: Figures of Following in Modern Thought and Aesthetics, Gerhard Richter follows the same engaging approach that drove his Thought-Images: Frankfurt School Writers’ Reflections from Damaged Life (2007). While the earlier work gathered a constellation of Benjamin, Bloch, Kracauer, Derrida, and Adorno around the concept of Denkbild (‘‘thought-image’’), Richter’s latest book joins a wide-ranging body of modern thought and aesthetics using the organizing concept of Nachheit or ‘‘afterness.’’ Also like the Denkbild study, Richter’s thinking of Nachheit crystallizes around ‘‘paleonomic’’ Frankfurt School thought and concerns: Adorno, Benjamin and Bloch remain central thinkers (cf. p. 29. Also see Richter’s introduction to Thought-Images, 4–8, in which he defends his choice of rather marginal Frankfurt School thinkers based on their illuminating intellectual intersections, methods, and shared commitments). However, more sweeping constellatory arms touch Kant, Hegel, Heidegger, Arendt, Foucault, Derrida, Blanchot, Lyotard, Deleuze and others while drawing on aesthetic works from figures such as Friedrich Holderlin, Franz Kafka, Bertolt Brecht, and Stefan Moses. Indeed, Afterness is sometimes exhaustingly synthetic—sections showcasing Richter’s able handling of an encyclopedic breadth of material are interspersed with sections of more tightly-focused analysis. Breadth does not come at the expense of rigor, and Richter rewards the reader willing to hold together such diverse threads by delivering subtle, insightful, creative, and generative insights. Signaling his readers to pay attention not only to what he says but also to how he says it, Richter seems to have built the book around what appeals to him about Denkbilder (cf. Thought-Images, 1–3), his writing an aesthetic performance that engages philosophical criticism and produces theoretical insight—albeit in a longer, more developed form than Denkbild. This scholarly performance, combined with Richter’s overall fluency in the language of both Heidegger and postmodern
Study of space distribution law of death cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Kaijiang county, Dazhou city, Sichuan province

Objective To study the space distribution probability model of death cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome,so as to provide basic information for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome prevention and control policy making.Methods Poisson distribution and negative binomial distribution were used to fit the hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome deaths spatial distribution in Kaijiang county,Dazhou city,Sichuan province between 1979-2010.Results The actual distribution of death cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Kaijiang county was not Poisson distribution (x2 =40.64,P ＜ 0.01),but subjected to the negative binomial distribution(x2 =1.86,P ＞ 0.50).Conclusions The space distribution of death cases of HFRS in Kaijiang county is not random,but has strict regional aggregation,which may be related to the local medical conditions,patient' s lack of knowledge about health care and other factors. Key words: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome; Death cases; Poisson distribution; Binomial distribution
Understanding and Addressing Parent-Adolescent Conflict in Asian American Families

There is a need to better understand the intergenerational and cultural dynamics of parent-adolescent conflict in Asian American families. In this chapter, we provide a synthesis and critique of theories, as well as methodologies, on Asian American family conflicts. We adopt the embedded contexts model (Szapocznik and Kurtines, Hisp J Behav Sci 6(4), 317–344, 1993), which emphasizes interactions between typical intergenerational conflict and conflict due to cultural differences, to better understand family conflicts in Asian American families. We further critique empirically supported intervention strategies for addressing family conflict. At the family-system level, we review the literature on culturally grounded interventions and culturally adapted interventions. At the individual level, we review the coping strategies in addressing family conflict based on protective and risk factor considerations. We conclude with findings from a pilot study on the application of an expressive writing intervention to address Asian American family conflict.
Examining the Role of Employee Participation, Supervisor Trust, and Appraisal Reactions for a Pay-for-Performance Appraisal System

Despite their prominence and popularity, pay-for-performance systems are often an area of controversy within an agency. Getting employees more engaged in the pay-for-performance appraisal system’s development, implementation, and administration has been suggested as a possible method to improve the effectiveness of these systems. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of employee participation and supervisor trust in employee reactions toward a pay-for-performance appraisal system. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, a series of hypotheses are proposed and tested. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings and their implications for management.
The Teenage Brain and Technology

The teenage brain is experiencing amazing transformations which set into motion unprecedented academic and emotional growth. As the brain is changing, technology works as a powerful influencer, sculpting and molding the mind. Computerbased instruction, in particular, is impacting the teenage brain as a motivator, tutor, and prolific source of information. Research synthesized from the fields of neuroscience, education, psychology, and technology inform and strengthen pedagogy for teaching secondary students.
92 Years of the Ising Model: A High Resolution Monte Carlo Study

Using extensive Monte Carlo simulations that employ the Wolff cluster flipping and data analysis with histogram reweighting and quadruple precision arithmetic, we have investigated the critical behavior of the simple cubic Ising model with lattice sizes ranging from 163 to 10243. By analyzing data with cross correlations between various thermodynamic quantities obtained from the same data pool, we obtained the critical inverse temperature K c = 0.221 654 626(5) and the critical exponent of the correlation length ν = 0.629 912(86) with precision that improves upon previous Monte Carlo estimates.
Children's Environmental Health: General Overview

Children's susceptibilities to environmental exposures differ from adults’ and may result in more or less risk at various stages of their development. Intricately orchestrated phases of growth and maturation of organ systems create windows of vulnerability for the developing fetus and child. A number of child health endpoints – neurotoxicity and possibly developmental disabilities, reduced growth, childhood cancer, birth defects and other adverse birth outcomes, and asthma – have been associated with environmental exposures. Additionally, many diseases of adulthood may have fetal and early childhood antecedents either through metabolic alteration or through carcinogenesis. Certain modes of action of toxicity, especially endocrine disruption and genetic or epigenetic changes, are of particular interest because of the windows of vulnerability that occur during childhood. A wealth of new scientific data is emerging worldwide, both on human biological changes from prenatal life through adolescence and on long-range impacts of environmental exposures. Many large longitudinal studies are underway that will inform us of the associations between early childhood exposures and subsequent health outcomes. Government and nongovernmental groups have increased their focus on reducing or eliminating exposure to substances that are potentially harmful to children.
Hot water treatment as a kill-step to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecium on in-shell pecans

Abstract In-shell pecans are susceptible to microbial contamination. This study was performed to investigate feasibility of using hot water treatment as a kill-step for food-borne pathogens during pecan shelling. In-shell pecans were subjected to hot water at 70, 80 or 90 °C for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 min. The time-temperature treatments to achieve a 5-log reduction of Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and non-pathogenic Enterococcus faecium were determined. Thermal death values were determined for each tested condition. L. monocytogenes was most susceptible to heat treatment and were reduced by 4.6 ± 0.35 log CFU/g at 70 °C for 5 min, while 3–5 min at 80 and 90 °C treatments was required to achieve a similar reduction level for S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and E. faecium. S. enterica were most resistant and required 4 min treatment time to achieve a 5-log reduction at 80 and 90 °C. The D-values ranged from 1.15 to 1.72, 0.83 to 1.19, and 0.41–0.92 min at 70, 80 and 90 °C, respectively. E. faecium had the highest D-value (1.72 min at 70 °C), indicating a potential surrogate for process validation for pecan industries. Utilizing proper hot water treatment during pecan shelling could reduce food safety risk.
Prospective study on oral alkalization in patients receiving high dose methotrexate.

e18804Background: High-dose methotrexate (MTX), used in protocols for treatment and prevention of central nervous system disease in multiple types of cancer, requires intravenous (IV) hydration and...
Effect of Local Pumping on 1-D Random Laser Modes

We calculated the quasimodes in one-dimensional random systems and the lasing modes under a global (or local) gain. Local pumping could make the lasing modes differ drastically from the quasidmodes of a weakly scattering system.
TruffleBot: Low-Cost Multi-Parametric Machine Olfaction

This paper presents a low-cost and flexible platform for bio-inspired machine olfaction, which aims to extend traditional electronic nose approaches by adding fluid-mechanical and spatiotemporal dimensions. The TruffleBot contains an array of chemical, pressure, and temperature sensors in a small embedded platform. By “sniffing” vapors in a temporally-modulated sequence through four different air paths across eight sensor locations, we introduce spatial and temporal information that significantly enhances classification of odors. Using only chemical time series, we demonstrate 91% cross-validated classification accuracy for nine odors. With the addition of pressure and temperature time series, TruffieBot's classification accuracy can reach 95–98%.
Improving influenza immunization rates in the uninsured.

ABSTRACTBackground and Purpose:Infection from influenza virus causes tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States, costing millions to manage hospital complications. Barriers exist for patients to choose the influenza vaccine, which is proven to effectively reduce incidence of infection
Connections in the classroom: Separating the effects of instructor and peer relatedness in the basic needs satisfaction scale

When applying self-determination theory to educational settings, evidence suggests that the basic psychological need of relatedness is actually multi-dimensional, which could result in differential influences on intrinsic motivation. Thus, this study proposes a modification to the operationalization of relatedness. The relatedness items from the adapted Basic Satisfaction Needs at Work scale were altered so that items asked students to separately report the amount of connection they feel with their instructors and peers, as opposed to the original items that asked them to more broadly reflect on people in their course. College students (556 female, 321 male) completed a questionnaire assessing their basic psychological needs, including the two new relatedness subscales, motivation, and academic outcomes. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the original relatedness scale should, in fact, be treated as two-dimensional. In addition, of all the basic psychological needs, instructor relatedness was most predictive of student interest/enjoyment in the course and self-reported effort. Conversely, peer relatedness did not significantly predict any outcome variables. Study implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed.
Size mismatch in deceased donor liver transplantation and its impact on graft survival.

The impact of size mismatch in deceased donor liver transplantation is unknown. BSA has been demonstrated to be an accurate indicator of liver volume. We developed a model to match livers by BSA and estimate the impact of size mismatch on graft survival. Using the Standard Transplant Analysis and Research (STAR) database we selected solitary primary liver transplants recipients of any age, transplanted between 3/6/2002 and 12/31/2016. Using the Cox proportional hazard model, and controlling for donor and recipient factors, we determined the relative risk for graft survival for four donor/recipient body surface area ratio groups (≤0.68, 0.69-0.90, 0.91-1.25, 1.26-1.5). We studied two groups: recipients with a BSA > 1.6 (adults) and ≤1.6 (children) and a subgroup with a BSA ≤ 0.53 (small infants). In recipients with BSA > 1.6 (adults [n = 71 365]), D/R ratios ≤ 0.68 and > 1.25 had a negative impact on graft survival. In recipients with BSA ≤ 1.6 (children [n = 8339]) D/R ratios 1.25 had a negative impact on graft survival. In the 1725 recipients with BSA ≤ 0.53 (small infants) D/R ratios 2.3 had a negative impact on graft survival. In deceased donor liver transplantation, the D/R ratio is a significant, yet underestimated predictor of graft survival that should be considered in donor and recipient selection.
Medicaid expansion and treatment for opioid use disorders in Oregon: an interrupted time-series analysis

The study examined the association of the Affordable Care Act’s 2014 Medicaid expansion on the use of psychosocial services and pharmacotherapies for opioid use disorders among Oregon Medicaid recipients. Logistic regression analysis examined utilization of care before (January 1, 2010–December 31, 2013) and after Medicaid expansion in Oregon (January 1, 2014–December 31, 2016). Adult membership in the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) increased 180% following Medicaid expansion (2013 = 172,539; 2014 = 482,081) and the number with a diagnosis of OUD nearly doubled (2013 = 6808; 2014 = 13,418). More individuals received psychosocial services (2013 = 4714; 2014 = 8781) and medications (2013 = 3464; 2014 = 6093) for opioid use disorder. The percent of patients receiving psychosocial services (69% to 65%) and the percent of individuals receiving pharmacotherapy (57% to 45%) declined primarily because of a decline in the proportion receiving care in an opioid treatment program (2013 = 41%; 2014 = 33%). Odds of accessing any psychosocial service increased by 8% per year from 2010 to 2013 (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.06–1.11) with an 18% immediate decline associated with Medicaid expansion in 2014 (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.76–0.87). Following Medicaid expansion, the odds of accessing psychosocial services increased 8% per year (2014 through 2016) (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.06–1.11). Use of medications for opioid use disorder found no change in the odds of use in the years prior to Medicaid expansion, an immediate 36% (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.60–0.68) decline in 2014, and a 13% increase per year in 2015 and 2016 (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.09–1.16). The number of Medicaid recipients with an opioid use disorder who received psychosocial and pharmacological services increased substantially following Oregon’s Medicaid expansion in 2014. There was a decline, however, in the proportion of individuals with an opioid use disorder receiving care in opioid treatment programs.
Impact of Uncertainty and Correlations on Mapping of Embedded Systems

The impact of multiple levels of uncertainty in design parameters and uncertainty correlations on the quality of mapping solutions in embedded systems is investigated. The investigation is done with a simulation tool developed to conduct multi-objective design space exploration in order to generate robust Pareto frontiers in the solution space formed by reliability, execution time, and energy as design objectives. The simulation tool integrates proposed models for uncertainty and a hyper-volume based technique for quantifying the difference between Pareto frontiers. Simulations results show that by not considering uncertainty and correlations between different sources of uncertainty can lead to overestimation of the performance of the optimal solutions.
Saint Venant’s torsion of homogeneous and composite bars by the finite volume method

Abstract We propose a new finite-volume based approach to the solution of Saint Venant’s torsion problems of homogeneous and composite prismatic bars subjected to pure torsion. The semi-inverse approach is employed to construct an approximate displacement field characteristic of pure torsion within the subvolumes of the beam’s discretized cross section such that the governing differential equation for the warping function is locally satisfied in each subvolume in an integral sense. Orthotropic subvolumes are admitted in the formulation to enable analysis of bars comprised of heterogeneous microstructures, including composite materials with orthotropic shear moduli. Continuity of both displacements and tractions across subvolumes’ interfaces is satisfied in a surface-average sense, together with traction-free lateral boundary conditions. Closed-form expressions for the stiffness matrix elements that relate surface-averaged displacements to tractions are provided for ease of programming. The convergence and accuracy of the proposed method are assessed and verified upon comparison with the exact elasticity solutions for prismatic homogeneous and composite bars of rectangular cross section and the corresponding finite-difference solution for the homogeneous bar. The utility of the developed solution methodology is first illustrated by analyzing torsion of homogeneous T and box beams, focusing on the singular behavior at the re-entrant corners and the concomitant membrane analogy’s applicability. Then, composite cross sections reinforced by angle braces as well as continuous fiber-reinforced wraps with graded shear moduli are investigated with the aim of mitigating the re-entrant corner shear stress singularities, not easily analyzed using the finite-element or finite-difference approaches.
ROLE OF HEART TRANSPLANT FOR VT ELECTRICAL STORM IN AN ORTHOTROPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTED PATIENT

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia that warrants a multi-modality approach including antiarrhythmics, catheter ablation, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and/or transplant. Previously, VT refractory to ablation or antiarrhythmics do not resolve with LVAD and often have
Exploring the clinical burden of OFF periods in Parkinson disease

Parkinson disease, the second-most-common neurodegenerative disorder, affects approximately 1 million individuals in the United States, and this number is projected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. Characterized pathologically by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, with widespread pathology in nondopaminergic systems, Parkinson disease leads to an array of motor and nonmotor symptoms that can significantly impact an affected individual's quality of life. Treatments for Parkinson disease typically focus on controlling the motor symptoms of the disease, including treating OFF periods when motor symptoms return. OFF periods can occur for many individuals with Parkinson disease, especially as the disease progresses, and can pose a substantial burden to those with the disease and their caregivers. Available treatments for OFF periods may help alleviate this burden.
ACT with CF: A telehealth and in-person feasibility study to address anxiety and depressive symptoms among people with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common among individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and are associated with decreased lung function [3] , quality of life [4] , and treatment adherence [2] . However, CF-specific targeted psychotherapeutic interventions are lacking. This study examined whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) [7] , delivered via telehealth, would address this need and improve clinical symptoms. Telehealth is ideal for CF patients, given exposure precautions and frequent hospitalization. ACT emphasizes acceptance, thereby reducing avoidance of anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with CF. It was hypothesized that our ACT with CF protocol [11] would also improve lung function among people with CF. Methods Participants were 28 adults with CF and elevated clinical symptoms who completed 6 ACT with CF sessions. They completed measures of depression, anxiety, and cognitive fusion at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Lung function was calculated 3 months pre- and 3 months post-treatment. Results The majority of participants selected treatment via telehealth (n = 22; 79%). 96% of participants (n=27) completed all 6 sessions, with 93% (n=26) voicing a strong desire to continue treatment with ACT. 79% of the sample (n=22) indicated, after just 1 session of ACT with CF, that treatment seemed logical and feeling confident that it would reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. ACT with CF was associated with a statistically significant reduction in a composite score of psychological distress from pre to post treatment, corresponding to a large standardized effect size, that was not sustained at 3 months. Telehealth-delivered ACT with CF was as effective as in-person. Reductions in cognitive fusion were strongly related to improvements in psychosocial functioning. This is particularly promising as it reflects the proposed mechanism of action of ACT. ACT with CF was also associated with increased FEV1/FVC ratio at post-treatment follow-up. Conclusions ACT with CF delivered via telehealth or in-person is a feasible and potentially effective treatment for improving anxiety and depressive symptoms, and increasing psychological flexibility via reductions in cognitive fusion. Due to the effect size associated with reduction in psychosocial distress, we are cautiously optimistic that ACT with CF will prove an effective treatment. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the observed findings and further delineate the potential effects of ACT with CF on clinical outcomes among individuals with CF.
Too Much Success? The Legacy and Lessons of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala

The International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) represents an innovative effort to curb criminal threats to democratic rule and to strengthen state capacity that diverged from the dominant mode of technical assistance. Working through treaty-based international authority, this “hybrid” U.N.-backed mission combined international and national capacities working through Guatemalan laws and courts. The Commission successfully investigated and helped prosecute multiple high-ranking Guatemalan officials, ex-military officers and business elites. Those investigations precipitated anti-corruption protests that ousted the sitting president and vice president in the “Guatemalan Spring” of 2015. CICIG investigations led to 1,540 indictments in 120 cases involving over 70 illicit networks. The mission showed Guatemalans that the rule of law can be applied even to the most powerful, had far-reaching political impact, and contributed to the effectiveness of the Attorney-General’s office. Yet by the time the mission closed in 2019 after twelve years of operation, a cloud hung over its legacy. As CICIG’s cases ensnared an expanding array of top businessmen, officials and political parties, economic and political elites launched an anti-CICIG media campaign and hired lobbyists to undermine what had been strong bipartisan support for the mission’s biggest financial backer, the United States. President Jimmy Morales, elected on an anti-corruption platform in 2015, turned against the Commission after his brother and son were indicted. Morales and his allies won some support from the Trump administration in decrying the Commission as a violation of national sovereignty. Yet during its final years, CICIG’s support in public opinion polls never fell below 70%. Leaving behind a complex legacy, CICIG both inspired a jaded Guatemalan citizenry to stand up to corrupt officials and galvanized former political enemies around the common perceived threat of the Commission. This report evaluates the history of CICIG to analyze its impact on Guatemalan political life and to draw lessons for future hybrid anti-impunity missions.
Expanding Our Reach: Implementing Instructor Development Programming

This column examines advances in public services internal and external to libraries. The focus is on how public services, such as instruction and education, programming, research consulting, and ci...
Thermodynamic Modeling of Iron-Copper-Sulfuric Acid Solutions During Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning for Copper Production

Solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) play an important role during the hydrometallurgical production of copper for low-grade ores. To better understand the rapid Cu extraction/strip kinetics for producing a high-purity CuSO4–H2SO4 electrolyte and elucidate the method to maximize current efficiency by preventing leach carryover to electrolyte during SX and minimizing the iron concentration, a detailed speciation study is required to quantitatively describe the iron and copper distribution in the SX/EW solutions. In the present study, by virtue of our previous modeling work, thermodynamic modeling of the SX/EW solutions is carried out to quantify the distribution of iron (in the form of ferric and ferrous), copper, and sulfuric acid. The developed model provides a mathematical tool capable of quantifying the concentrations of free ions and complexes in terms of temperature (25–60 °C) and solution composition under simulated industrial conditions. Finally, oxidation reduction potential measurements are employed to validate the model.
Relationship Between Standardized Test Scores and Board Certification Exams in a Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program.

Background Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (Med/Peds) residencies rely on categorical program data to predict pass rates for the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Exam (ABIM-CE) and the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying Exam (ABP-CE). There is insufficient literature describing what best predicts a Med/Peds resident passing board exams. In this study, we aimed to determine how standardized test scores predict performance on ABIM-CE and ABP-CE for Med/Peds residents. Methodology We analyzed prior exam scores for 91/96 (95%) residents in a Med/Peds program from 2008 to 2017. Scores from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and In-Training Exams in Internal Medicine (ITE-IM) and Pediatrics (ITE-P) were analyzed with the corresponding ABIM-CE and ABP-CE first-time scores. Linear and logistic regression were applied to predict board scores/passage. Results USMLE 1 and 2 CK, ITE-IM, and ITE-P scores had a linear relationship with both ABIM-CE and ABP-CE scores. In the linear regression, adjusted R2 values showed low-to-moderate predictive ability (R2 = 0.11-0.35), with the highest predictor of ABIM-CE and ABP-CE being USMLE Step 1 (0.35) and Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY-1) ITE-IM (0.33), respectively. Logistic regression showed odds ratios of passing board certifications ranging from 1.05 to 1.53 per point increase on the prior exam score. The PGY-3 ITE-IM was the best predictor of passing both certifying exams. Conclusions In one Med/Peds program, USMLE Steps 1 and 2 and all ITE-IM and ITE-P scores predicted certifying exam scores and passage. This provides Med/Peds-specific data to allow individualized resident counseling and guide programmatic improvements targeted to board performance.
Effective standoff in standing seam roof systems

Abstract To study and quantify the effect of effective standoff in standing seam roof systems, a test program of twenty-five roof assemblies was performed with varying clip type, panel type, clip height, and batt insulation thickness; and the results are presented in this paper. The tests measured the overall rotational stiffness of the connection between the purlin and the panel as well as the relative stiffness of the clip-to-purlin and clip-to-panel connections. Utilizing the rotational stiffness data from the tests, the effective standoff of the purlin-to-panel connection is quantified for each standing seam configuration. General trends in the effective standoff are reported and recommendations for approximate effective standoff values for various panel-clip-seam configurations are provided. Additional recommendations for performing tests to determine the effective standoff of a standing seam system are also presented. For most of the test assemblies, effective standoff distance is close by the mid-height of the clip. For a system of floating clip with vertical rib panels, the flexibility in the purlin-clip connection is greater which means the effective standoff distance is reduced, approaching to the top flange of the purlin. On the other hand, for the tests where the seam was uncrimped, the stiffness of the clip-flange connection is reduced, resulting in a shift in the standoff distance towards the top of the clip. It is also observed that the inclusion of fiberglass batt insulation between the clip and the purlin had no perceptible effect on the stiffness of the purlin-clip connection and did not change the effective standoff.
Identifying the Determinants of Multidimensional Poverty

With the goal of identifying the statistical determinants of multidimensional poverty, we present the results obtained from a series of estimations in which three dependent variable measures, each of which represents the incidence or intensity of multidimensional poverty, are regressed on a number of individual- and household-specific explanatory variables. Throughout, we examine data from the 2008–2018 American Community Surveys. The first dependent variable series, the uncensored deprivation score, represents the intensity of deprivation among the general population. Our second series is a binary variable that is equal to one if the observation is categorized as multidimensionally poor and is otherwise equal to zero. The third series takes one of four values based whether the observation is neither multidimensionally poor nor vulnerable to multidimensional poverty, vulnerable to multidimensional poverty, suffering moderate multidimensional poverty, and experiencing severe multidimensional poverty. Our set of explanatory variables includes indicators of each observation’s gender, their educational attainment, race/ethnicity, nativity, age, marital status, and employment status. Throughout our analysis, we also control for household size (in members), primary household language, and time- and location-specific fixed effects.
APOL1-associated kidney disease in northern Nigerians with treated HIV infection

Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) high-risk genotypes strongly associate with HIV-associated nephropathy, and antiretroviral therapy reduces the incidence of HIV-associated nephropathy and progression to end-stage kidney disease. Wudil et al. report cross-sectional APOL1 associations with proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate in a northern Nigerian sample with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy. Multiple ethnic groups with different APOL1 risk variant frequencies were included. Overall, APOL1 was associated with proteinuric chronic kidney disease; however, relationships with underlying causes of nephropathy and progression rates require further study.
Sexual Language Use in U.S. College Students Across Twenty Years

Study 1: Students (N = 256 women, 129 men, and 13 nonbinary individuals, 61.8% heterosexual) from the same college campus studied 20 years ago (Murnen, 2000) reported on terms they used to refer to male genitals, female genitals, and “having sex” either within the context of an intimate partnership, talking with friends of their gender, or talking with friends in a mixed-gender group. Terms for genitals were coded as degrading or not, and terms for sex as aggressive or not, based on the previous study. Whereas in the past almost three-quarters of men used a degrading term for female genitals, that amount decreased to about one-quarter in the present sample. On the other hand, among women there was a significant increase in the use of a degrading term for women’s genitals in the intimate partner context, particularly among sexual minority women. Degrading and aggressive language use was predicted by pornography use and endorsement of gender stereotyped sexual attitudes. Study 2: Interpretations of sexual terms were studied among 29 sexual minority women, 81 heterosexual women, 16 sexual minority men, and 54 heterosexual men. We found that few terms were perceived as degrading or aggressive today (unlike 20 years ago) and that students believe that societal changes such as sexual education and the #MeToo movement were perceived as responsible for changes in sexual language use.
Shape-Sensing Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Parenchymal Lesions.

Background The landscape of guided bronchoscopy for the sampling of pulmonary parenchymal lesions is evolving rapidly. Shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) recently was introduced as means to allow successful sampling of traditionally challenging lesions. Research Question What are the feasibility, diagnostic yield, determinants of diagnostic sampling, and safety of ssRAB in patients with pulmonary lesions? Study Design and Methods Data from 131 consecutive ssRAB procedures performed at a US-based cancer center between October 2019 and July 2020 were captured prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Definitions of diagnostic procedures were based on prior standards. Associations of procedure- and lesion-related factors with diagnostic yield were examined by univariate and multivariate general linear mixed models. Results A total of 159 pulmonary lesions were targeted during 131 ssRAB procedures. The median lesion size was 1.8 cm, 59.1% of lesions were in the upper lobe, and 66.7% of lesions were beyond a sixth-generation airway. The navigational success rate was 98.7%. The overall diagnostic yield was 81.7%. Lesion size of ≥ 1.8 cm and central location were associated significantly with a diagnostic procedure in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate model, lesions of ≥ 1.8 cm were more likely to be diagnostic compared with lesions Interpretation This study was the first to provide comprehensive evidence regarding the usefulness and diagnostic yield of ssRAB in the sampling of pulmonary parenchymal lesions. ssRAB may represent a significant advancement in the ability to access and sample successfully traditionally challenging pulmonary lesions via the bronchoscopic approach, while maintaining a superb safety profile. Lesion size seems to remain the major predictor of a diagnostic procedure.
The 2020 Elections Overview: A Campaign Cycle Like No Other

The 2020 election cycle was unprecedented. Campaigning took place amid a global pandemic. It altered the way candidates campaigned and, sometimes, the ways that voters voted. Months of rallies and protests focused on justice, equality, and police procedures following the death of George Floyd, influenced campaign dynamics. The 116th Congress was partly preoccupied with impeaching President Donald Trump, something the House twice voted to do. These factors led to uncertain roads to Congress and uneven results with Republicans gaining seats in the House and Democrats narrowly getting majority control of the Senate by winning two runoff races in Georgia and the presidential contest to gain the tie-breaking vote.
Adolescent Motivations to Engage in Pro-Social Behaviors and Abstain From Health-Risk Behaviors: A Self-Determination Theory Approach

The present study used self-determination theory to examine adolescents' motivations to engage in charitable donating and community volunteering and to abstain from sexual intercourse and marijuana use. The sample consisted of 419 late adolescents recruited from across the country through an online survey panel. Participants completed online measures of motivations to engage in donating and volunteering, motivations to abstain from sex and marijuana, and single-item indexes of the four behaviors. Variable-centered analyses (correlation and regression) found evidence for a general motivational factor, motivational specificity by behavioral domain (positive and negative behaviors), motivational specificity by particular behavior (charitable donating, volunteering, sexual risk-taking, and marijuana use), and a stronger relative role for autonomous motivations than controlled motivations. Person-centered analyses (cluster analysis) found four motivation profiles (low motivation, medium motivation, high motivation, and mixed motivation) for all four behaviors and suggested that level of autonomous motivation was a key factor differentiating the groups on levels of behavior. The findings suggest different levels of motivational specificity and highlight the importance of autonomous motivations in predicting behaviors as compared to controlled motivations. Further, similar patterns were found for motivations to engage and to abstain.
Dimerization of the DYT6 dystonia protein, THAP1, requires residues within the coiled-coil domain.

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 1087–1100. Abstract Thanatos-associated [THAP] domain-containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 (THAP1) is a DNA-binding protein that has been recently associated with DYT6 dystonia, a hereditary movement disorder involving sustained, involuntary muscle contractions. A large number of dystonia-related mutations have been identified in THAP1 in diverse patient populations worldwide. Previous reports have suggested that THAP1 oligomerizes with itself via a C-terminal coiled-coil domain, raising the possibility that DYT6 mutations in this region might affect this interaction. In this study, we examined the ability of wild-type THAP1 to bind itself and the effects on this interaction of the following disease mutations: C54Y, F81L, ΔF132, T142A, I149T, Q154fs180X, and A166T. The results confirmed that wild-type THAP1 associated with itself and most of the DYT6 mutants tested, except for the Q154fs180X variant, which loses most of the coiled-coil domain because of a frameshift at position 154. However, deletion of C-terminal residues after position 166 produced a truncated variant of THAP1 that was able to bind the wild-type protein. The interaction of THAP1 with itself therefore required residues within a 13-amino acid region (aa 154–166) of the coiled-coil domain. Further inspection of this sequence revealed elements highly consistent with previous descriptions of leucine zippers, which serve as dimerization domains in other transcription factor families. Based on this similarity, a structural model was generated to predict how hydrophobic residues in this region may mediate dimerization. These observations offer additional insight into the role of the coiled-coil domain in THAP1, which may facilitate future analyses of DYT6 mutations in this region.
Formulation of a 3D scattering problem

An analytical model is presented which describes scattering by an infinitely conducting circular cylinder covered by a dielectric layer of finite length. The resultant equations are valid for arbitrary polarizations and angles of incidence. Quantities of interest i.e. scattered fields, near field, radar cross section, etc., can be computed from the knowledge of induced currents. >
Imprinting the fate of antigen-reactive B cells through the affinity of the B cell receptor.

Long-lived plasma cells (PCs) and memory B cells (Bmem) constitute the cellular components of enduring humoral immunity, whereas short-lived PCs that rapidly produce Ig correspond to the host’s need for immediate protection against pathogens. In this study we show that the innate affinity of the BCR for Ag imprints upon naive B cells their differentiation fate to become short- or long-lived PCs and Bmem. Using BCR transgenic mice with varying affinities for Ag, naive B cells with high affinity lose their capacity to form germinal centers (GCs), develop neither Bmem nor long-lived PCs, and are destined to a short-lived PC fate. Moderate affinity interactions result in hastened GC responses, and differentiation to long-lived PCs, but Bmem remain extinct. In contrast, lower affinity interactions show tempered GCs, producing Bmem and affinity-matured, long-lived PCs. Thus, a continuum of elementary to comprehensive humoral immune responses exists that is controlled by inherent BCR affinity.
Does Miranda Protect the Innocent or the Guilty

Miranda v. Arizona1 is probably the most widely recognized court decision ever rendered. Thanks to movies and television, people the world over know about “Miranda rights.” Governments around the globe have embraced Miranda-like rights. Suspects in South Korea must receive their “Miranda warning” before being interrogated.2 So must those in Mexico,3 Canada,4 and most European countries.5 Miranda’s notoriety surely has something to do with the decision’s kaleidoscopic symbolism. To some, Miranda embodies the respect due to criminal suspects.6
3,4-Dihydro-2-Methoxy-4-Methyl-2H-Pyran

3,4-Dihydro-2-methoxy-4-methyl-2H-pyran product: 3,4-dihydro-2-methoxy-4-methyl-2H-pyran Keywords: addition, to CCCO and CCCN; annulation, heterocyclic-[6]; cyclization, cycloaddition; autoclaves and pressure reactors, high pressure reactors
Performance analysis of distributed symmetric sparse matrix vector multiplication algorithm for multi-core architectures

Sparse matrix vector multiply SpMVM is an important kernel that frequently arises in high performance computing applications. Due to its low arithmetic intensity, several approaches have been proposed in literature to improve its scalability and efficiency in large scale computations. In this paper, our target systems are high end multi-core architectures and we use messaging passing interface + open multiprocessing hybrid programming model for parallelism. We analyze the performance of recently proposed implementation of the distributed symmetric SpMVM, originally developed for large sparse symmetric matrices arising in ab initio nuclear structure calculations. We study important features of this implementation and compare with previously reported implementations that do not exploit underlying symmetry. Our SpMVM implementations leverage the hybrid paradigm to efficiently overlap expensive communications with computations. Our main comparison criterion is the 'CPU core hours' metric, which is the main measure of resource usage on supercomputers. We analyze the effects of topology-aware mapping heuristic using simplified network load model. We have tested the different SpMVM implementations on two large clusters with 3D Torus and Dragonfly topology. Our results show that the distributed SpMVM implementation that exploits matrix symmetry and hides communication yields the best value for the 'CPU core hours' metric and significantly reduces data movement overheads. Copyright © 2015i¾?John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative effects of endothelin (ET-1) and U46619 on human saphenous vein and gastroepiploic artery, sources of human autologous grafts.

The effects of endothelin (ET-1) on smooth muscle contractile activity were investigated and compared in human saphenous vein and gastroepiploic artery, vessels frequently used in revascularization procedures. ET-1 contracted saphenous vein and gastroepiploic artery in a concentration-dependent manner. The peptide produced a greater maximal effect in the vein than in the artery and, in both preparations, ET-1 was less efficacious than U46619, an agent which mimics the actions of thromboxane A2 at the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin HZ receptor. The contractile response to ET-1 declined spontaneously at a more rapid rate in the artery than in the vein. The present data indicate that ET-1 has significant contractile activity in both vessels which are used for coronary arterial bypass surgery and suggest that although, a weaker vasoconstrictor than U46619, the peptide could induce vasospasm in both graft vessels.