cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave-assisted one-pot radiosynthesis of 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-5-methyl-1-{beta}-D-arabinofuranosyluracil ([18F]-FMAU)

1438 Objectives [18F]-FMAU is a PET tracer being evaluated for imaging cell proliferation. Current multi-step procedures of synthesizing [18F]-FMAU are time-consuming, resulting in low radiochemical yield and inconvenient applications for the clinic. We have previously reported the use of Friedel-Crafts catalysts for an improved synthesis of [18F]-FMAU. In this study, we investigated the efficiency of microwave-assisted radiosynthesis of [18F]-FMAU in comparison with conventional thermal conditions. Methods A simplified one-pot synthesis of [18F]-FMAU was developed under microwave conditions. Various reaction time, temperature, and microwave power were explored to optimize the coupling reaction of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-1,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-arabinofuranose ([18F]-sugar) and bis-2,4-(trimethylsilyloxy)-5-methyluracil (silylated uracil) in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. Results Microwave significantly enhanced the coupling efficiency of [18F]-sugar and silylated uracil by reducing the reaction time to 15 min (4-fold reduction as compared to conventional heating) at 90 degrees celsius. Base hydrolysis followed by high-performance liquid chromatography purification produced the desired [18F]-FMAU. The overall radiochemical yield was 20 ± 4% (decay corrected, n = 3). Radiochemical purity was >99% and specific activity was > 400 mCi/μmol. The α/β anomer ratio was 1:2. Synthesis time was about 90 min from the end of bombardment. Conclusions A reliable microwave-assisted approach has been developed for routine synthesis of [18F]-FMAU. The new approach affords a simplified process with shorter synthesis time and higher radiochemical yield as compared to conventional heating. A fully automated microwave-assisted synthesis of [18F]-FMAU can be readily achieved under new reaction conditions. Research Support This research was supported in part by the James H. Zumberge Research and Innovation Fund
Evolution of Social Capital and Economic Performance in New England Harvest Cooperatives

ABSTRACT In 2010 a new management system based on harvest cooperatives called “sectors” was implemented in the US Northeast Multispecies Groundfish Fishery. We hypothesize that success of individual sectors might depend on their social capital. Sector members were surveyed prior to the implementation of the policy to develop baseline measures of social capital for each sector and again after the sectors had been operating for three years. We construct indices of bonding, bridging and linking social capital, information sharing, and trust and explore how these indicators of social capital have changed since the implementation of the sector program. We also evaluate the relationship between these social capital indicators and various measures of economic performance of sectors. The result suggests that the relationship between social capital and economic performance has strengthened over time. Profitability is associated with broader community and fishery-wide connections as well as bonding social capital w...
Offset-Free One-Step Ahead State Predictor for Power Electronic Applications Using Robust Proportional–Integral Observer

This paper suggests an offset-free one-step ahead state predictor for power electronic applications such as power converters and motor drives in the presence of plant uncertainties. The proposed method is devised through the robust proportional–integral observer technique, considering the full state as the output, and it has the two advantages: 1) to adopt the integrator of the state estimation error for ensuring the offset-free state prediction performance and 2) to introduce the nonlinear damping term so that it suppresses the disturbances originated from a plant-model mismatch. Performing the realistic simulations based on the PowerSIM software, it is shown that the proposed method provides an efficient one-step ahead state prediction performance despite the plant uncertainties.
A test of the interpersonal theory of suicide in a large sample of current firefighters

Recent research suggests that firefighters experience elevated rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors. The interpersonal theory of suicide may shed light on this finding. This theory postulates that suicidal desire is strongest among individuals experiencing perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and that the combination of suicide desire and acquired capability for suicide is necessary for the development of suicidal behaviors. We tested the propositions of the interpersonal theory in a large sample of current United States firefighters (N=863). Participants completed self-report measures of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, fearlessness about death (FAD; a component of acquired capability), and career suicidal ideation and suicide attempt history. Regression models were used to examine the association between interpersonal theory constructs, career suicidal ideation severity, and the presence of career suicide attempts. In line with theory predictions, the three-way interaction between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and FAD was significantly associated with career suicide attempts, beyond participant sex. However, findings were no longer significant after accounting for years of firefighter service or age. Contrary to predictions, the two-way interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness was not significantly related to career suicidal ideation severity. Applications of the theory to firefighters and future research are discussed.
Distribution patterns of Ohio soil dictyostelids in relation to physiography

Eighty-five sites in eight physiographically defined environments were sampled for dictyostelid slime molds. Sixteen species were isolated. Four are rare and were found at only one site. Nine of the remaining 12 coexist in all eight environments. The distribution pattern of each species, however, based on importance values as well as statistical analysis, is distinctive. We feel we have defined the optimum environment for seven species in Ohio: Dictyostelium minutum, D. discoideum, D. purpureum, D. polycephalum, Polysphondylium violaceum, P. pallidum, and Acytostelium leptosomum. These data may help characterize the niches dictyostelid species occupy at the much smaller scale of the soil/leaf mold interface.
Experience in Dismantling and Packaging of Pressure Vessel and Core Internals

Nuclear Company AREVA is proud to look back on versatile experience in successfully dismantling nuclear components. After performing several minor dismantling projects and studies for nuclear power plants, AREVA completed the order for dismantling of all remaining Reactor Pressure Vessel internals at German Boiling Water Reactor Wuergassen NPP in October ’08. During the onsite activities about 121 tons of steel were successfully cut and packed under water into 200l- drums, as the dismantling was performed partly in situ and partly in an underwater working tank. AREVA deployed a variety of different cutting techniques such as band sawing, milling, nibbling, compass sawing and water jet cutting throughout this project. After successfully finishing this task, AREVA dismantled the cylindrical part of the Wuergassen Pressure Vessel. During this project approximately 320 tons of steel were cut and packaged for final disposal, as dismantling was mainly performed by on air use of water jet cutting with vacuum suction of abrasive and kerfs material. The main clue during this assignment was the logistic challenge to handle and convey cut pieces from the pressure vessel to the packing area. For this, an elevator was installed to transport cut segments into the turbine hall, where a special housing was built for final storage conditioning. At the beginning of 2007, another complex dismantling project of great importance was acquired by AREVA. The contract included dismantling and conditioning for final storage of the complete RPV Internals of the German Pressurized Water Reactor Stade NPP. Very similar cutting techniques turned out to be the proper policy to cope this task. On-site activities took place in up to 5 separate working areas including areas for post segmentation and packaging to perform optimized parallel activities. All together about 85 tons of Core Internals were successfully dismantled at Stade NPP until September ’09. To accomplish the best possible on-site performance and to achieve a minimization of the applied collective dose rates, each on-site activity was previously planned in detail and personnel exercised each task at original size mock ups under most realistic onsite conditions. Planning was especially focused on an optimized size minimization and packaging concept to reduce the number of filled waste packages. The segmentation of components strictly followed a sophisticated cutting and packaging concept developed under consideration of possible cutting techniques, the resulting geometry and logistical conditions. Therefore, segments were post processed by hydraulic press and band saw in order to minimize their volume, where applicable.© 2010 ASME
Following Strategies Reduces Accidents, but Makes Outcomes Worse: Evidence from Simulated Treefrog Mating Scenarios

Accidental matings happen in real environments where females end up with males they did not choose. In this paper, we investigate the frequency and changes in mated male fitness in accidental matings specifically in the context of the female choice of the gray treefrogs hyla versicolor based on the best-of-n and minthresh strategy, which are both hypothesized to be widely used in nature. Theoretical considerations as well as results from agent-based model simulations show how and why accidents occur and how the two strategies lead to different accident rates and reduced fitness values of the mated males.
NGK-State Relations during Apartheid’s Height (1962–78)

The successful attainment of Afrikaner nationalist goals, a relatively stable political-economic environment, and moderate external pressure set the context for a situation of collaboration between the NP-dominated state and the NGK in South Africa from 1962 to 1978. Collaboration assumes individuals, groups, or entities are working together in a combined intellectual, political, or social effort. During the era of collaboration, factions and individuals ruling the NP-dominated state and the NGK were committed to the maintenance of three socio-political goals: (a) white, mainly Afrikaner, dominance in the political and social arena, (b) economic prosperity through the protection of capitalist interests, and (c) the implementation of a racial policy that maintained ethnic purity and overcame the criticisms of ‘negative’ apartheid. As leaders within the NGK and the state collaborated with one another, the two entites’ perspectives on race policy became almost indistinguishable, but it was the official leadership of the NGK which followed the ‘state’s’ perspective on race policy because of the state’s dominance and power.1 The relationship of collaboration between a state and civil society institution is rare because it rests on a high level of official interaction and policy collusion. Before describing the political-economic environment that nurtured the era of collaboration, it is important to discuss the two major groups within the Afrikaner establishment that shaped this particular NGK-state relationship.
Plasticity of immunity in response to eating.

ABSTRACT Following a meal, an animal can exhibit dramatic shifts in physiology and morphology, as well as a substantial increase in metabolic rate associated with the energetic costs of processing a meal (i.e. specific dynamic action, SDA). However, little is known about the effects of digestion on another important physiological and energetically costly trait: immune function. Thus, we tested two competing hypotheses. (1) Digesting animals up-regulate their immune systems (putatively in response to the increased microbial exposure associated with ingested food). (2) Digesting animals down-regulate their immune systems (presumably to allocate energy to the breakdown of food). We assayed innate immunity (lytic capacity and agglutination) in cornsnakes ( Pantherophis guttatus ) during and after meal digestion. Lytic capacity was higher in females, and (in support of our first hypothesis) agglutination was higher during absorption. Given its potential energetic cost, immune up-regulation may contribute to SDA.
Gender and the Judiciary in South Africa: A Review of the Documentary Film Courting Justice

Despite an explicit constitutional commitment to address the gendered and racialized aspects of the South African judiciary, as of 2008, only eighteen percent of the judges on the South African Superior Courts were women. The documentary film Courting Justice, created by Ruth B. Cowan, features the individual and collective stories of seven of these judges. It reveals the power of the court as an instrumental agent of change in the post-apartheid era and examines how these judges fit into this framework. The film offers a profound contribution to the global study of law and gender and to an important body of work on women in the world's legal professions, a field that has not traditionally focused on South Africa as a site of exploration.
An Unresolved LINC in the Nuclear Envelope

The nuclear envelope segregates the nucleoplasm from the cytoplasm and is a key feature of eukaryotic cells. Nuclear envelope architecture is comprised of two concentric membrane shells which fuse at multiple sites and yet maintain a uniform separation of 30–50 nm over the rest of the membrane. Studies have revealed the roles for numerous nuclear proteins in forming and maintaining the architecture of the nuclear envelope. However, there is a lack of consensus on the fundamental forces and physical mechanisms that establish the geometry. The objective of this review is to discuss recent findings in the context of membrane mechanics in an effort to define open questions and possible answers.
Efficient gene delivery using anionic liposome-complexed polyplexes (LPDII).

Synthetic gene transfer vectors based on polyplexes complexed to anionic liposomes (LPDII vectors) were characterized for their transfection efficiency in cultured mammalian cells. The effects of polycation to DNA ratio, lipid to DNA ratio, choice of polycation and lipid composition were systematically evaluated in human oral carcinoma KB cells, using a luciferase reporter gene. For LPDII formulations containing poly-L-lysine and dioeoylphosphatidylethanolamine/cholesteryl hemisuccinate (DOPE/CHEMS) anionic liposomes, at a constant lipid to DNA ratio, an increase in the polycation/DNA (N/P) ratio resulted in an increase in transfection activity. Meanwhile, the optimal lipid to DNA ratio for efficient gene delivery was influenced by the N/P ratio used, and was increased at higher N/P ratios. For the DNA condensing agent, poly-L-lysine could be replaced by polyethylenimine (PEI) as the DNA condensing agent in the formulations. For the lipidic components, CHEMS could be replaced by other anioniclipids including oleic acid, dicetylphosphate and phosphatidylserine, but DOPE, a fusogenic helper lipid, could not be replaced by dioleolyphosphatidylcholine. LPDII formulation showed significantly less cytotoxicity compared to the commonly used cationic lipsomes or PEI mediated transfection and several cell lines were transfected with high efficiency. LPDII vectors avoid the use of toxic cationic lipids and may have potential application in gene therapy.
AIRBORNE SAMPLES: SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION

Agrawal R (1995) Production of ultra high purity oxygen: a distillation method for the co-production of the heavy key component stream free of heavier impurities. Industrial Engineering Chemical and Research 34: 3947. Agrawal R and Thorogood RM (1991) Production of medium pressure nitrogen by cryogenic air separation.Gas Separation and PuriTcation 5: 203. Agrawal R and Woodward D (1991) EfRcient cryogenic nitrogen generators } an exergy analysis.Gas Separation and PuriTcation 5: 139. Agrawal R, Woodward DW, Ludwig KA and Bennett DL (1992) Impact of low pressure drop structure packing on air distillation. In: Distillation and Absorption. IchemE Symposium Series no. 128, A125. Isalski WH (1989) Separation of Gases. Oxford: Oxford Science Publications Clarendon Press. Latimer RE (1967) Distillation of air. Chemical Engineering Progress 63: 35. Linde W and Reider R (1997) How it all began. In: The Invisible Industry. Cleveland, Ohio: The International Oxygen Manufacturers Association. McGuinness RM (1998) Oxygen Production. In: Baukal CE (ed.) Oxygen-enhanced Combustion, Ch. 3. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Scott RB (1988) Cryogenic Engineering. Boulder, Colorado: Met-Chem Research. Scurlock RG (1992) History and Origins of Cryogenics. Oxford: Clarendon Press. Springmann (1977) The planning of large oxygen plants for steel works.Linde Report in Science and Technology 25: 28. Thorogood RM (1986) Large gas separation and liquefaction plants. In: Hands BA (ed.) Cryogenic Engineering, Ch. 16. London: Academic Press. Timmerhaus KD and Flynn TM (1989) CryogenicProcess Engineering. New York: Plenum Press. Venet FC, Dickson EM and Nagamura T (1993) Understand the key issues for high purity nitrogen production. Chemical Engineering Progress 89: 78. Wilson KB, Smith AR and Theobald A (1984) Air puriRcation for cryogenic air separation units. IOMA Broadcaster January, pp. 15d20.
Comment on "Linear Scaling of the Exciton Binding Energy versus the Band Gap of Two-Dimensional Materials"

In a recent letter [J. -H. Choi et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 066403 (2015)], a universal linear relation between the binding energy Eb of exciton and the band gap Eg is found in different quasi-2D semiconductors. However, when one extrapolates the straight line to Eg=0, a positive Eb is obtained. This means that a stable exciton exists in a metal (Eg=0), or in other words, the excitation energy is negative. Therefore, for quasi-2D semiconductors with small band gap, Eb vs. Eg must deviate from the straight line suggested in the Letter. We performed similar GW+BSE calculation as the Letter for compressed phosphorene and stretched graphene. At larger band gap, our data fall in the same straight lien as the Letter. But for the quasi-2D semiconductors with small band gap, the Eb vs. Eg curve approaches to zero. A simple model based on local instantaneous screened interaction gives reasonable agreement with the more rigorous calculations. For the quasi-2D semiconductors with diminishing gap Eg<0.3eV, due to the nonlocal retarded effect induced by the strong screening in the small gap materials, one has to use 2-time transition amplitude (Bethe-Salpeter wave function) to describe exciton.
Personalized Multitask Learning for Predicting Tomorrow's Mood, Stress, and Health

While accurately predicting mood and wellbeing could have a number of important clinical benefits, traditional machine learning (ML) methods frequently yield low performance in this domain. We posit that this is because a one-size-fits-all machine learning model is inherently ill-suited to predicting outcomes like mood and stress, which vary greatly due to individual differences. Therefore, we employ Multitask Learning (MTL) techniques to train personalized ML models which are customized to the needs of each individual, but still leverage data from across the population. Three formulations of MTL are compared: i) MTL deep neural networks, which share several hidden layers but have final layers unique to each task; ii) Multi-task Multi-Kernel learning, which feeds information across tasks through kernel weights on feature types; and iii) a Hierarchical Bayesian model in which tasks share a common Dirichlet Process prior. We offer the code for this work in open source. These techniques are investigated in the context of predicting future mood, stress, and health using data collected from surveys, wearable sensors, smartphone logs, and the weather. Empirical results demonstrate that using MTL to account for individual differences provides large performance improvements over traditional machine learning methods and provides personalized, actionable insights.
Gender based occupational stereotypes: New behaviors, old attitudes

Gender role stereotypes stem from ingrained cultural and social attitudes toward traditionally masculine and feminine roles. People judge whether certain occupations are more suitable for men or for women based on occupational stereotypes of what a job requires and gender stereotypes regarding characteristics perceived to be gender-specific. This study used implicit and explicit measures to empirically examine stereotypical judgments about the perceived masculinity and femininity of engineers, elementary school teachers, accountants, law enforcement officers, and fashion designers. Results indicate the presence of gender-based stereotypes, and gender and age were found to be significant predictors. Workplace implications are discussed in an effort to understand why such stereotypes continue to influence career selection, hiring and promotion practices, and performance evaluations despite numerous efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace.
Magnetic field detection using magnetorheological optical resonators

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of a magnetic field sensor that is based on a magnetorheological micro-optical resonator. The optical resonator has a spherical shape and a diameter of a few hundred micrometers. The resonator is fabricated by using a polymeric matrix made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisol with embedded magnetically polarizable micro-particles. When the optical resonator is subjected to an external magnetic field, the morphology (radius and refractive index) of the resonator is perturbed by the magnetic forces acting on it, leading to a shift of the optical resonances also known as whispering gallery modes (WGM). In this study, the effect of a static and harmonic magnetic field, as well as the concentration of the magnetic micro-particles on the optical mode shift is investigated. The optical resonances obtained with the PVC plastisol resonator showed a quality factor of ∼106 . The dynamical behavior of the optical resonator is investigated in the range between 0 and 200 Hz. The sensitivity of the optical resonator reaches a maximum value for a ratio between micro-particles and the polymeric matrix of 2:1 in weight. Experimental results indicate a sensitivity of 0.297 pm/mT leading to a resolution of 336 μT.
Staffing turnover effect of fellowship-trained surgical specialists on oncologic outcomes in community cancer center.

187Background: Contemporary health care is delivered in highly interdependent team-based environment. Transitions in surgeon complement may be associated with a disturbance of workflow, especially ...
Brain Correlates of Continuous Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis as Measured by Pulsed Arterial Spin Labeling.

OBJECTIVE Central nervous system pathways involving pain modulation shape the pain experience in patients with chronic pain. The aims of this study were to understand the mechanisms underlying pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify brain signals that may serve as imaging markers for developing targeted treatments for RA-related pain. METHODS Patients with RA and matched control subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging, using pulsed arterial spin labeling. The imaging conditions included 1) resting state, 2) low-intensity stimulus, and 3) high-intensity stimulus. Stimuli consisted of mechanical pressure applied to metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints with an automated cuff inflator. The low-intensity stimulus was inflation to 30 mm Hg. The high-intensity stimulus was the amount of pressure required to achieve a pain intensity rating of 40 on a 100-point scale for each RA patient, with the same amount of pressure used in the matched control. RESULTS Among RA patients, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the medial frontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increased during both low-pressure and high-pressure stimulation. No rCBF changes were observed in pain-free controls. Region-of-interest analyses in RA patients showed that baseline rCBF in the medial frontal cortex was negatively correlated with the pressure required for the high-intensity stimulus and positively correlated with pain induced by the low-intensity stimulus. Baseline rCBF was also marginally correlated with disease activity). Regional CBF during high pain was positively correlated with pain severity and pain interference. CONCLUSION In response to clinically relevant joint pain evoked by pressure applied to the MCP joint, neural processing in the medial frontal cortex increases and is directly associated with clinical pain in patients with RA.
Neural Network and Nearest Neighbor Comparison of Speaker Normalization Methods for Vowel Recognition

Fuzzy ARTMAP and K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) categorizers were used to evaluate intrinsic and extrinsic speaker normalization methods by training and testing on disjoint sets of speakers of the Peterson-Barney database. Intrinsic methods included one nonscaled, four psychophysical scales (bark, bark with end-correction, mel, ERB), and three log scales, each tested on four different combinations of the frequencies F0, F1, F2, F3. Four extrinsic schemes were tested in conjunction with the intrinsic methods: centroid subtraction across all frequencies (CS), centroid subtraction for each frequency (CSi), linear scale (LS), and linear transformation (LT). Categorizers showed similar trends, with K-NN performing better but requiring more storage. The optimal intrinsic method was bark scale, or bark with end-correction, using differences between all frequencies (BDA). The order of performance for extrinsic methods was LT, CSi, LS, and CS, with ARTMAP performing best using BDA; and K-NN choosing psychophysical measures for all except CSi. We would like to thank R. Watrous for providing the Peterson-Barney database and for useful discussions on the linear transformation extrinsic method; and Ah-Hwee Tan for help with the fuzzy ARTMAP code.
Introduction to Observing the Moon

Now that we have surveyed the Moon to discover the most interesting surface features that can be seen or imaged with telescopes typically possessed by amateur astronomers, we are ready to get started with some real, hands-on observing of the Earth’s satellite. But how and where to begin? What equipment will be needed? Where is the best place to set up the telescope for observing the Moon? Besides just looking at the Moon, can we make any meaningful observations? And do we need to have any specific skills to get the most from our lunar observing sessions? Finally, once we’ve made our observations, what can we do with them? These are all good questions, and are asked often by beginning lunar observers. In this chapter I shall attempt to answer these questions clearly and concisely.
The relationship of anxiety and smoking behaviors to medication adherence among cigarette smokers living with HIV.

Abstract Introduction People living with HIV/AIDS [PLWH] who smoke cigarettes report lower medication adherence. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between anxiety and smoking behaviors (e.g., smoking quantity and frequency) and medication adherence in a sample of PLWH who smoke. Methods PLWH who reported current cigarette smoking and use of antiretroviral medication were recruited from Center for Positive Living at Montefiore Medical Center (New York, US). Participants completed questions about their current smoking behavior, anxiety symptoms, and medication adherence. Results The analytic sample included sixty-eight PLWH who smoked cigarettes (female 48.5%, mean age = 49.1 ± 8.8 years, 52.2% Latino/a). The participants smoked an average of 10.53 (SD = 8.6) cigarettes daily and just over half of participants (55.9%) reported high medication adherence. There was a significant association between greater anxiety symptoms and poorer medication adherence (OR = 1.09, CI = 1.04–1.15, p = .001). Participants with higher anxiety symptoms were more likely to report forgetting to take their medication, forgetting to take medication when leaving on a trip, stopping medication when feeling symptoms are under control, and when feeling hassled about sticking to the treatment plan. Within this sample of current smokers, there were no significant associations between smoking quantity or frequency and medication adherence and no interactive effects of these smoking behaviors and anxiety on medication adherence. Discussion Current cigarette smoking PLWH who reported greater anxiety symptoms were less likely to adhere to their medication than current smoking PLWH who reported fewer anxiety symptoms. PLWH who smoke may benefit from assessment and management of anxiety.
Tracking blood flow changes in the brains of neonates using angular-coherence-based power doppler

Reliable blood flow measurements in the neonatal brain are difficult to obtain with conventional Power Doppler (PD) due to small vessel size, slow flow, and strong reverberation from the cranium. Under such imaging conditions, it is important to use long ensemble lengths and to reduce the acoustic noise in order to separate the slow-flow signal from the stationary-tissue clutter. We have recently developed the short-lag angular coherence (SLAC) beamforming method to reduce noise in the Doppler data, and used it to track blood-flow changes in the brains of neonates. SLAC suppresses the incoherent portion of the beam-summed signals and utilizes Fourier beamforming for fast processing of large Doppler ensembles. To remove stationary tissue signal from the data, we have also utilized spatiotemporal filtering prior to the SLAC processing step. The matching frames of SLAC-based PD and conventional PD were reconstructed from the same Doppler data captured on the neonatal brain vasculature over 4 cm depth. To achieve a fair comparison, the Doppler signal of each modality was normalized by its respective noise profile measured as a function of depth from a stationary speckle phantom. The SLAC images showed better delineation of small vessels, and the vessel SNR was measured to be up to 2 dB higher in SLAC images than in matching PD images. To demonstrate the quantitative aspect of SLAC-based PD, we have also created matched conventional PD and SLAC-based PD videos from the ten-second Doppler scans of neonatal brains. For the vasculature of interest, integrated pixel intensity was computed as a function of time. SLAC-based PD was able to capture changes in the cortical flow, and it closely followed the corresponding conventional PD signal for the duration of the acquisition. No external stimuli were applied during the scans. Normalized cross-correlation between the two signals was 0.991.
Bayesian Probabilistic Neural Network (BPNN)

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce a different way of implementing Bayes theorem using a distributed, parallel algorithm first introduced by Specht (1990), which he named the probabilistic neural network (PNN). We have discussed in Chap. 6 the difficulties in constructing Bayesian networks using both the data-driven and expert-driven approaches. A significant advantage of the Bayesian PNN (BPNN) is that the node edge architecture is theoretically predetermined by the Parzen (1962)-Cacoullos (1966) theoretical formulation.
van der Waals metamaterials

The van der Waals heterostructures are an active frontier for discovering emergent phenomena in condensed matter systems. They are constructed by stacking elements of a large library of two-dimensional materials that couple together through van der Waals interactions. However, the number of possible combinations within this library is staggering, so fully exploring their potential is a daunting task. Here, we introduce van der Waals metamaterials to rapidly prototype and screen their quantum counterparts. These layered metamaterials are designed to reshape the flow of ultrasound to mimic electron motion. In particular, we show how to construct analogs of all stacking configurations of bilayer and trilayer graphene through the use of interlayer membranes that emulate van der Waals interactions. By changing the membrane's density and thickness, we can also reach coupling regimes far beyond that of naturally occurring graphene. We anticipate that van der Waals metamaterials can be used to explore, extend, and inform future electronic devices. Furthermore, they allow the transfer of useful electronic behavior to acoustic systems, such as flat bands in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene, which may aid the development of superresolution ultrasound imagers.
Meta-Analysis of Nanoparticle Delivery to Tumors Using a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation Approach

Numerous studies have engineered nanoparticles with different physicochemical properties to enhance the delivery efficiency to solid tumors, yet the mean and median delivery efficiencies are only 1.48% and 0.70% of the injected dose (%ID), respectively, according to a study using a nonphysiologically based modeling approach based on published data from 2005 to 2015. In this study, we used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to analyze 376 data sets covering a wide range of nanomedicines published from 2005 to 2018 and found mean and median delivery efficiencies at the last sampling time point of 2.23% and 0.76%ID, respectively. Also, the mean and median delivery efficiencies were 2.24% and 0.76%ID at 24 h and were decreased to 1.23% and 0.35%ID at 168 h, respectively, after intravenous administration. While these delivery efficiencies appear to be higher than previous findings, they are still quite low and represent a critical barrier in the clinical translation of nanomedicines. We explored the potential causes of this poor delivery efficiency using the more mechanistic PBPK perspective applied to a subset of gold nanoparticles and found that low delivery efficiency was associated with low distribution and permeability coefficients at the tumor site (P < 0.01). We also demonstrate how PBPK modeling and simulation can be used as an effective tool to investigate tumor delivery efficiency of nanomedicines.
Burnout in providers serving individuals with ASD: The impact of the workplace

Abstract Increased levels of burnout have been demonstrated for providers serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Given higher levels of burnout are linked with a number of negative physical and psychological outcomes, it is important to understand predictors of burnout to inform prevention and intervention strategies. Leiter and Maslach (1999) provide a framework for conceptualizing burnout within an organizational context according to six areas of work-life. The present study examines the relation between the six areas of work-life and burnout in staff providing direct care services to individuals with ASD. A total of 149 providers completed an online survey consisting of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1997 ), the Areas of Work-life Survey (AWS; Leiter & Maslach, 1999 ), and additional questions about training and supervision. The areas of workload, reward, fairness, and values emerged as the best predictors of burnout. While workload, fairness, and values predicted emotional exhaustion, values and reward predicted personal accomplishment, and values alone predicted depersonalization. Lower levels of training satisfaction and frequency of supervision were related to burnout. Findings provide direction regarding which aspects of the workplace may be most relevant for this workforce and how these areas may be targeted for change.
Application of electrospinning for the fabrication of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes

Abstract Electrospun materials have been gaining great interest in the energy sector. Their tunability and robustness make them highly attractive, particularly for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrodes. Conventional PEMFC electrodes, prepared by either spraying, painting, or slot-die coating, have not yet met the needs of large-scale PEMFC use. Electrospinning of fibrous materials has already shown great promise as an alternative methodology for electrode fabrication. Electrospinning has been used in fuel cell electrodes through two primary means: (1) segmented carbon or inorganic fibers to serve as precious metal catalyst support, and (2) high aspect ratio polymer/particle fibers to serve directly as the electrode. The use of electrospun fibrous electrodes has led to improved PEMFC durability and increased power output at low catalyst loadings, both of which are of paramount importance to large-scale commercialization of PEMFC electric vehicles.
Portfolio Optimization on the Dispersion Risk and the Asymmetric Tail Risk

In this paper, we propose a market model with returns assumed to follow a multivariate normal tempered stable distribution defined by a mixture of the multivariate normal distribution and the tempered stable subordinator. This distribution is able to capture two stylized facts: fat-tails and asymmetry, that have been empirically observed for asset return distributions. On the new market model, we discuss a new portfolio optimization method, which is an extension of Markowitz's mean-variance optimization. The new optimization method considers not only reward and dispersion but also asymmetry. The efficient frontier is also extended to a curved surface on three-dimensional space of reward, dispersion, and asymmetry. We also propose a new performance measure which is an extension of the Sharpe Ratio. Moreover, we derive closed-form solutions for two important measures used by portfolio managers in portfolio construction: the marginal Value-at-Risk (VaR) and the marginal Conditional VaR (CVaR). We illustrate the proposed model using stocks comprising the Dow Jones Industrial Average. First, perform the new portfolio optimization and then demonstrating how the marginal VaR and marginal CVaR can be used for portfolio optimization under the model. Based on the empirical evidence presented in this paper, our framework offers realistic portfolio optimization and tractable methods for portfolio risk management.
Acromial and glenoid morphology in glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a three-dimensional analysis

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the association between glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) and three-dimensional acromial and glenoid morphology. Methods In this retrospective study, we compared computed tomographic studies of three groups of scapulae: normal healthy, mild GHOA (Samilson-Prieto grade 1), and severe GHOA (Samilson-Prieto grade 3). All scans were segmented to create three-dimensional reconstructions. From these models, critical shoulder angle and acromial offset were measured, as normalized to scapular height. The coronal plane inclination of the glenoid was measured using a glenoid sphere-fit method. Reliability was confirmed via intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.75. Results Eighty scapulae were included: 30 normal, 20 mild GHOA, and 30 severe GHOA. There were no differences in acromial offset between the normal group and either the mild-GHOA group or the severe-GHOA group. The severe-GHOA group had a smaller critical shoulder angle than either the normal (30 ± 5° vs. 34 ± 4°, P = .003) or mild-GHOA groups (34 ± 4°, P = .020), but the normal and mild-GHOA groups did not differ (P = .965). The severe-GHOA group had more inferiorly inclined glenoids than either the normal (7 ± 6° vs. 12 ± 5°, P = .002) or mild-GHOA groups (14 ± 5°, P ≤ .001), but the normal and mild-GHOA groups did not differ (P = .281). Conclusion Normal and severe-GHOA shoulders differ in critical shoulder angle and glenoid inclination but not acromial offset. The lack of a difference in critical shoulder angle or inferior inclination between mild-GHOA and normal groups calls into question whether inclination and critical shoulder angle differences predate severe GHOA.
Outpatient treatment of emergency department patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes the diagnosis of either deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). This review discusses an evidence-based approach to the outpatient treatment of VTE in the emergency care setting. Main findings: The majority of patients diagnosed with VTE in the acute care setting are at low risk for an adverse event. Outpatient treatment for patients deemed low-risk by validated clinical decision tools leads to safe, efficacious, patient-centered, and cost-effective care. From a patient perspective, outpatient treatment of VTE can been simplified by the use of direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) medications, and is supported by clinical trial evidence, and clinical practice guidelines from international societies. Outpatient treatment of patients with DVT has been more widely accepted as a best practice, while adoption of outpatient treatment of low-risk patients with acute PE has lagged. Many acute care clinicians remain wary of discharging patients with PE, concerned about drug access, adherence, and follow-up. Patients with VTE should be risk stratified identically as emerging evidence has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the interdependence of acute care protocols for the outpatient treatment of low-risk DVT and PE. Clinicians who practice in the acute care setting should be comfortable with risk stratification, anticoagulation, and discharge of low-risk VTE.
PRN Treatment of Neovascular AMD with Cycles of Three Monthly Injections.

Purpose: To report the one and two year outcome of cycles of three, monthly anti-VEGF injections given upon reactivation of the disease in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: Retrospective study of naive nAMD cases with more than one year of followup, treated with a protocol of cycles of three monthly injections of anti-VEGF drugs upon reactivation. Visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) are the main outcome measures. Results: Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 78.15 ± 9.29 years (57.7% female) were included. The mean follow-up was 30.89 ± 6.95 months. Treatment started with bevacizumab in all patients but in six patients was switched to aflibercept due to inadequate response to intravitreal bevacizumab injection. The mean VA at baseline and at 12 and 24 months was 53.87 ± 21.84, 60.54 ± 21.13, and 53.68 ± 27.16 ETDRS letters, respectively. Patients gained a mean of 6.67± 13.7 (p = 0.013, 95% CI= 0.60 to 12.65) and 0.77±15.21 (p = 0.4, 95% CI: –5.65 to 7.2) letters at 12 and 24 months. CMT at baseline, 12, and 24 months was 403.55 ± 147.59, 323.95 ± 79.58, and 298.59 ± 77.161 μm, respectively. The number of injections in the first and second years were 7.65 ± 2.64 and 5.52 ± 3.01, respectively. Three eyes (12.5%) lost >15 letters at 24 months. Conclusion: This protocol can stabilize or improve vision in 87.5% of nAMD patients and can reduce the number of visits.
David Golumbia's The Politics of Bitcoin: Software As Right-Wing Extremism

Many see bitcoin as a clever piece of code; an alternative payment mechanism; or a proof-of-concept for the underlying blockchain technology. David Golumbia sees it as right-wing extremism. In his new book, The Politics of Bitcoin, Golumbia argues that bitcoin was designed to “satisfy needs that make sense only in the context of right-wing politics”; that “Bitcoin enthusiasts repackage material from [right-wing extremist] writers almost verbatim” and, as such, “Bitcoin serves […] to spread and firmly root” the right-wing ideology. But the overall narrative put forward by Golumbia breaks down when one scratches the surface.
Asians Don’t Ask? The Bamboo Ceiling in Starting Salary

Well-educated and prosperous, Asians are commonly viewed as the “model minority” in the United States. We challenge this rosy view by revealing a “Bamboo Ceiling” in starting salary. We analyzed a ...
Grave Consequences of Lack of Strategic Plan at the Highest Level of Government: S.P. as a Defense Against the Malice of Short-Sighted and Self-Serving Leaders

This paper explores the implications of strategic Planning at the macro level by the US government in order to archive strategic long-term goals. While in the present tumultuous global environment, political, economical, social, and security areas that make planning more formidable and challenging and call for some kind of “built-in flexibility” in the plan as well as continuous environmental scanning using the state of the art technology, the need for strategic plan is felt more than ever at the highest level of government. In the absence of such plan, the bulk of government efforts will be focused on dealing with existing problems and finding short-term solutions that while necessary, prevent from having a more in-depth long-term perspective on strategic issues confronting the country causing problems that if not resolved, will jeopardize the country and the world in the future. Such short-term perspective will also encourage short-sighted leaders to sacrifice long-term essential goals at the expense of short-term achievements that attract less informed voters helping them to stay in office and satisfy their own whims and egos. This paper will look at the grave consequences of lacking the strategic plan at the highest level of government, i.e. the chief executive office (the presidential office) for achieving long-term strategic goals without interference by wishy-washy leaders holding high offices for short period of times that otherwise, may create damages that are not either repairable or hard and costly to correct, thus derailing the society from a sound and systematic pathway of progress. Example of strategic issues like ignoring long and even medium term consequences of environmental changes, economic and trade relationship with other countries that due to globalization demands an integrated network, ignoring international accords that lead to cooperation, collaboration among nations are addressed including a model for an effective and well designed strategic plan (SP) needs to be put in place using the state or art SP technologies that include a modified and expanded version of Balanced Score Card (BSC) within a systems framework.