cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physician perception of IBS management in women and men.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is manifested by abdominal pain and an alteration in bowel habits. It is estimated to occur in ∼20% of the US population and is diagnosed more frequently in women compared to men. The principles of management do not differ based upon gender. However, there is not data that has evaluated physician perception of IBS diagnosis and management. This study evaluated internal medicine physicians' perception of IBS in women and men. Sixty internal medicine physicians (30 men, 30 women) completed anonymous surveys evaluating their perception of the ease of diagnosis and management of IBS. A database was created and analyzed using Epi Info. Statistical significance was determined with chi-square tables that generated P values. IBS was more frequently diagnosed in women. There was a statistically significant difference in women with IBS being not easy to diagnose when compared to men with IBS (P = 0.0003). There was also a statistically significant difference in men with IBS being reported to be not easy to manage when compared to women with IBS (P = 0.0014). This study revealed that physicians perceive a difference in the ease of diagnosis and management of IBS based upon gender. Further research is necessary to gain insight into the influence of patient gender upon this disorder.
Small animal imaging with attenuation correction using clinical SPECT/CT scanners

Our group has previously reported on performing single photon emission tomography (SPECT) studies on rats, using a GE Hawkeye millennium SPECT-CT scanner with pinhole collimators. The main challenge to obtaining quantitative physiological information from such data is the lack of X-ray attenuation data for the small animals. In this paper we present an experimental design in which a nonspecific clinical SPECT-CT scanner is used to collect both transmission and emission scan data for small animals. Necessary hardware enhancements include construction of a new animal bed and construction of a modified emission-transmission calibration object. An emission scan of this calibration object is used to determine the study-specific geometrical parameters of the gantry. In the past, we have shown that 25 adjustable parameters are needed to describe the angle-dependent positions of the detectors and pinhole collimators in order to obtain sufficient spatial precision. A CT scan of the calibration object is used to achieve three-dimensional image registration by aligning the transmission and emission fields of view. The emission system matrix is calculated by ray tracing. The algorithm corrects for X-ray attenuation and for the system geometric response that results from the finite sizes of the pinhole aperture and the detector pixels. The system matrix was applied to the reconstruction of static and dynamic SPECT images using the ML-EM algorithm with a total-variation regularization term. In future studies, time-varying data from the first minute of acquisition will be used to extract kinetic information about how radiopharmaceuticals interact with different tissue types.
Investigation of Pre-Equalization Technique for Pluggable CFP2-ACO Transceivers in Beyond 100 Gb/s Transmissions

Recently, CFP2 pluggable platforms are widely developed and deployed in 100 G optical networks for its flexibility, increased density, and reduced power consumption. For CFP2-ACO modules, they introduce high-speed analog electrical pluggable channels in line cards and generate additional performance degradation. To mitigate the effects of nonlinearity and limited bandwidth in transmitters, receivers, and pluggable channels, the pre-equalization technique is introduced in optical transmission systems. In this paper, the pre-equalization technique in the transmitter for beyond 100 Gb/s system deploying CFP2-ACO pluggable modules and beyond PM-QPSK modulations, including PM-8-QAM, PM-16-QAM, and PM-64-QAM, are investigated and demonstrated. It has been studied by a theoretical analysis, validated by numerical simulations and experimental measurements. The deviations and reflections by design and manufacturing imperfections are investigated. Effective pre-equalization is achieved for improved optical signal-to-noise ratio and received optical power performance, as well as better stability in the presence of deviations and reflections. Two types of CFP2-ACO modules are tested in experiments: modules with limiting drivers and linear drivers. A comparison between different single carrier modulation formats is performed in both simulation and experiment, suggesting that high-speed systems have more stringent requirements on pre-equalization filter design and optimization, and is more sensitive to fluctuations and reflections in the line-card system.
Designing Empirical Education Research Studies (DEERS): Creating an Answerable Research Question (Abstract Only)

One of the most important, and difficult, aspects of starting an education research project is identifying an interesting, answerable, repeatable, measurable, and appropriately scoped research question. The lack of a valid research question reduces the potential impact of the work and could result in wasted effort. The goal of this workshop is to help educational researchers get off on the right foot by defining such a research question. This workshop is part of the larger Designing Empirical Education Research Studies (DEERS) project, which consists of an ongoing series of workshops in which researcher cohorts work with experienced empirical researchers to design, implement, evaluate, and publish empirical work in computer science education. In addition to instruction on the various aspects of good research questions, DEERS alumni will join us to mentor attendees in development of their own research questions in small group breakout sessions. At the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a valid research question that can then be the start for designing a research study. Attendees will also receive information on how to apply to attend the full summer workshop, where they can fully flesh out the empirical study design, and join a DEERS research cohort. More information about DEERS can be found at http://empiricalcsed.org.
Fast Food Restaurants and Convenience Stores: Using Sales Volume to Explain Crime Patterns in Seattle:

This study investigates how convenience stores and fast food restaurants influence crime patterns over time. Using sales volume data from fast food restaurants and convenience stores, we examine streetblock crime levels over a seven year period in Seattle using multilevel models. Results demonstrate that high sales volume links to high crime, even after controlling for local socio-economic status, the effects of retail businesses, and local crime trends. In addition, street segment crime trajectories were spatially clustered in a significant way. The dynamics that explain why specific types of commercial facilities link to street crime need further theoretical clarification. This is the first study demonstrating significant spatio-temporal patterning of streetblock crime trends.
Chronic Sorrow in Parents of Children with a Chronic Illness or Disability: An Integrative Literature Review.

Abstract Problem This integrative review aims to synthesize the findings of studies on chronic sorrow in parents, to analyze the findings along three specific research questions, and to identify areas for future research. Eligibility Criteria Studies of parents, mothers and/or fathers of non-adult children published in peer-reviewed journals that answered the research questions: 1) How does the experience of chronic sorrow differ between mothers and fathers? 2) What factors have been identified to impact the experience of chronic sorrow over time? 3) What strategies by health care providers for helping parents cope with chronic sorrow have been identified to be most and least helpful? Sample Nineteen studies from a literature search within the databases of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Psycarticles and SocIndex were included in the review. Results Findings suggest that mothers experience more intense chronic sorrow compared with fathers. Health care crises and developmental milestones are potent triggers for resurgence of chronic sorrow. Helpful strategies by healthcare providers include providing information, helping to procure respite and being empathetic and compassionate. Conclusions Healthcare providers need to understand that chronic sorrow is a normal consequence of having a child with a chronic illness or disability. Implications Family-centered interventions should be individualized and aimed at providing increased comfort to parents in times of need. Further research that looks at the effectiveness of interventions is needed.
Mathematical knowledge for teaching teachers: knowledge used and developed by mathematics teacher educators in learning to teach via problem solving

In this study, we report on what types of mathematical knowledge for teaching teachers (MKTT) mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) use and develop when they work together and reflect on their teaching in a Community of Practice while helping prospective primary teachers (PTs) generate their own mathematical knowledge for teaching in learning mathematics via problem solving. Two novice MTEs worked with an experienced MTE and reflected on the process of learning to teach via problem solving and supporting PTs in developing deep understandings of foundational mathematical ideas. Taking a position of inquiry as stance, we examined our experiences teaching mathematics content courses for PTs via problem solving. We found that all of the MTEs used and developed some MKTT through (a) understanding and deciding on the mathematical goals of both the individual lessons and the two-course sequence as a whole, (b) choosing and facilitating tasks, and (c) using questions to scaffold PTs learning and engage them in mathematical processes such as making conjectures, justifying their reasoning, and proving or disproving conjectures.
Writing like an engineering professional

This paper presents a technique for assessing the social context of writing and then using that assessment to make writing decisions. To do this, it includes models of the rhetorical situation and the pragmatic situation that can be used to generate justifications for certain textual patterns. The paper also presents sample techniques for using these models to analyze the rhetorical and pragmatic situations as applied to writing a technical report. This paper is based on The IEEE Guide to Writing in the Engineering and Technical Professions (2017), published by IEEE/Wiley Press in the IEEE Professional Communication Society series.
Chronic Pain and Headache Overview

Pain is reported in four out of every ten primary care visits. The most common chronic pain locations are the back, head, and joints. Nearly half of all patients with chronic pain will report persistent pain complaints when re-evaluated after 1 year. Patients typically believe that their healthcare providers are not interested in addressing chronic pain complaints. A pain drawing can provide a concise picture of a patient's pain complaints.
Alcohol and HIV: Experimental and Clinical Evidence of Combined Impact on the Lung

Despite antiretroviral therapy, lung disease is a leading cause of death in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV). Individuals infected with HIV are susceptible to serious bacterial and viral infections, such as pneumococcus and influenza, which are particularly problematic for lung health, resulting in lung injury. Additionally, HIV-infected individuals are susceptible to a number of pulmonary diseases for unknown reasons. Alcohol, the most commonly abused drug in the world, continues to exact an enormous toll on morbidity and mortality in individuals living with HIV. Chronic alcohol abuse has been shown to affect lung immunity, resulting in significant lung injury. There is a paucity of literature on the additive effects of HIV and alcohol, two diseases of immune senescence, in the lung. This chapter begins by discussing the latest literature evaluating the epidemiology of HIV, alcohol use, and lung health focusing on two prevalent infections, tuberculosis and pneumococcal pneumonia. In parallel, we discuss the interactions of alcohol and HIV on the risk for acute lung injury and subsequent morbidity and mortality. We then discuss the pathophysiology of how these two diseases of immune dysfunction affect the lung, with a focus on the oxidative stress, alveolar macrophage host immune capacity, and immunomodulatory role of zinc in the airway. Finally, we review the latest literature on how HIV and alcohol affect other pulmonary disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer.
A computational model of the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Computational modeling allows analysis of the role of network dynamics in the initiation and progression of neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. The model focuses on a final common breakdown in function, termed runaway synaptic modification. This phenomenon could account for evidence that neuropathological markers associated with neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease first appear and attain their highest concentration in subregions of the hippocampal formation, and then successively spread into the temporal lobe cortex and the cortex of the frontal and parietal lobes. The model demonstrates how the spread of neuropathology from the hippocampus into neocortical structures could result from the mechanisms of consolidation. Initial sensitivity of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex to the neuropathological process is proposed to result from an imbalance of variables regulating the influence of synaptic transmission on synaptic modification. Memory deficits are described as due to increased interference effects on recent memory caused by runaway synaptic modification, which ultimately leads to impairments of remote and semantic memory.
Is there a suitable CRM framework to evaluate the effectiveness of CRM practices in the Singapore hotel industry

ii PART ONE 6 Introduction 6 Purpose 7 Statement of Problem 7 Justification 8 Constraints 8 PART TWO 9 Introduction 9 Literature Review 9 What is customer relationship management (CRM)? 9 Framework for implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of CRM practices..... 11 Five generic inter-related process steps. 11 Strategic, operational or analytical CRM 12 CRM Value Chain 12 An integrated managerial approach. 12 CRM research in the hotel industry 13 CRM goals 16 Implementing CRM best practice using CRM value chain 17 Modified version of Buttle’s CRM value chain. 17 Five primary stages. 18 Four secondary supporting activities. 22
Life activity choices by people with aphasia: repeated interviews and proxy agreement

Background: Person-centered rehabilitation requires that meaningful life activities are identified on a case-by-case basis, but the discovery process can be inaccessible for clients with aphasia. C...
Evaluation of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), or time to progression (TTP) in systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCT) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

1089 Background: Limited data exists to establish if the introduction of newer agents has been associated with a trend towards an improved OS over time in women with MBC. Methods: Trough a computer...
Controlled Release of Vancomycin From a Thermoresponsive Hydrogel System for the Prophylactic Treatment of Postoperative Acute Endophthalmitis

Purpose To investigate the efficacy of a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) based thermo-responsive hydrogel drug delivery system (DDS) to deliver prophylactic vancomycin (VAN) following ocular surgery. Methods VAN was encapsulated in a hydrogel DDS and characterized in terms of initial burst, release kinetics, bioactivity, and cytotoxicity. Long-Evans rats received an intravitreal injection of Staphylococcus aureus to produce acute endophthalmitis in four experimental groups. One of four treatments were then applied: (1) bolus subconjunctival injection of VAN, (2) blank DDS, (3) saline treatment, and (4) subconjunctival injection of VAN DDS. Animals were scored for infection (0-3) at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and eyes were harvested at 24 and 48 hours for histology. Results Following a 36% initial burst, VAN release from the DDS continued at a steady rate for 2 weeks plateauing at 84% after 504 hours. Bioactivity was maintained for all release samples and cytotoxicity analysis for the DDS revealed cell viability >90%. Not until after 12 hours did any of the groups show evidence of infection; however, at 24 hours, animals that received the VAN DDS had significantly lower infection scores (0 ± 0) than those that received a bolus VAN injection, blank DDS, or saline (1.5 ±1.5, 2.3 ± 0.87, and 2.9 ± 0.25; respectively). At 48 and 72 hours, the VAN DDS and bolus VAN treatment groups performed comparably and showed significantly better infection scores than the control groups. Conclusions This DDS appears to have promise as a vehicle for short term, prophylactic antibiotic delivery. Translational relevance This DDS may prevent the development of postoperative endophthalmitis.
Rainy Day Liquidity

Insurance firms are a key player in the corporate bond market. In this study, we consider the role of life insurers as "rainy day" liquidity providers who improve liquidity in stressful conditions due to the nature of long-term buy-and-hold investments. To this end, we present evidence that insurers' corporate bond purchases improve bond liquidity during the financial crisis and among downgraded bonds facing selling pressure. Life insurers are net purchasers of downgraded bonds within investment grades. Downgraded bonds with greater purchases from life insurers are significantly better priced.
Study, Modeling and Simulation of a Hybrid Ship Propulsion System

In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in hybrid propulsion systems that provide power improvement solutions for watercraft. In order to be able to exploit the hybrid propulsion systems, one must first understand the principles of operation, its constituents as well as the parameters that influence its production and the means to control them. It is also essential to classify different types of batteries and panels according to their applications and environments. Our study will focus on the use of fuel cell, photovoltaic panels, a generator and a battery in the propulsion of a ship, which will choose an electrical topology that meets the constraints imposed. To realize a good exploitation of the hybrid system it is necessary to study all the equipment and to highlight the parameters on which they depend. Hence, it is necessary to think about the use of various sources to power ship propulsion system and that will allow better performance and strengthen navigation security. In this paper, we firstly studied, series and parallel hybrid propulsion configurations. Then we established the modeling of this system. Finally, we gave a numerical simulation of the proposed hybrid propulsion system operation.
Seizure-related injury and postictal aggression in refractory epilepsy patients.

Abstract Objective In the general population, injury related to seizures often involves falls, head trauma, soft tissue injuries, burns and fractures. Additionally, postictal deleterious behavior changes can by experienced by patients. We seek to identify the risk for seizure-related injury (SRI) and postictal aggression (PIA) in patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods Self-reported SRI and PIA were gathered through a seizure questionnaire as part of the epilepsy center’s seizure safety protocol. Retrospective review of questionnaire, clinical course, and demographic data was completed. Statistical analysis of variables of interest was done using nonparametric methods. Results 126 patient questionnaires were completed over a one-year duration. Most patients reported seizure related injury (56.3 %) and postictal aggression (52.4 %). Increased disease duration was associated with seizure related injury and its severity (Kwallis p = 0.025), with number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as significant factors (p = 0.012). Postictal aggression was also associated with a longer duration of epilepsy (Ranksum p = 0.037, t-test p = 0.04) and higher seizure frequency (p = 0.017). Patients who reported seizure related injury and postictal aggression were on more AEDs (p = 0.0003, p = 0.01, respectively), with first-generation AEDs being most contributory. Conclusion The majority of patients with seizures report seizure-related injuries and postictal aggression. Duration and AED regimen are significant risk factors and screening practices can potentially guide safety measures and recommendations.
The Effects of Relative Performance Information on Individuals’ Satisfaction with the Work Itself

Organizations have a vested interest in minimizing employee turnover. Because prior empirical evidence demonstrates that task satisfaction is negatively related to employee turnover, this study examines whether relative performance information (RPI) can be used to reduce employee turnover by empirically testing the Job Characteristics Model’s feedback proposition (Hackman & Oldham, 1976) to determine whether individuals receiving RPI report higher task satisfaction than individuals not receiving RPI. In an experiment where student participants proxied as production workers in a mundane, effort-intensive task, the presence or absence of RPI was manipulated. Consistent with the prediction of the Job Characteristics Model, this study’s results demonstrate that providing RPI to individuals improves their task satisfaction, contributing to the body of literature that empirically validates theory. Further, this study’s findings should also be of interest to organizations seeking to reduce employee turnover.
Effect of a multi-component intervention on providers’ HPV vaccine communication

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a multi-component intervention including communication training on provider beliefs and recommendation practices around the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine u...
Retinal Bipolar Cells

Retinal bipolar cells are classified by their light response polarity and rod/cone inputs, and each type of bipolar cells bears axon terminals stratifying at different levels in the inner plexiform layer. Bipolar cells are the first neurons in the visual pathway that exhibit center-surround antagonistic receptive field organization, the basic alphabet for spatial information encoding in the visual system. Synaptic circuitries mediating the center and surround inputs to various types of bipolar cells are heterogeneous, allowing for differential modulation of receptive field organization by various lighting conditions.
443 Participant demographics and disparities in ovarian cancer clinical trials

Background Clinical trials comprise the cornerstone of advancing care for patients with ovarian cancer. Diverse populations of trial participants are essential to ensuring generalizability of results. To date, no prior study has aggregated all publicly available ovarian cancer clinical trials or analyzed the demographic makeup of participants enrolled in these trials. Methods We evaluated all interventional therapeutic ovarian cancer trials registered to ClinicalTrials.gov that enrolled at US sites. Data were captured regarding study phase, enrollment sites, outcome metrics, and study population. Results Our search identified 313 studies, of which 262 had published results for evaluation. To assess race and ethnicity, studies were then limited to the 217 studies enrolling at purely U.S. sites. Mean number of locations per study was 13.2 (range 1–390); mean number of participants per trial was 70.1 (range 1–4312). Only 75 studies (34.6%) reported participant race. Most studies enrolled predominantly white patients. Greater than 75% of enrollees were white, and 20 studies (26.7%) enrolled only white participants. Even fewer trials (52 studies, 19.8%) reported ethnicity data. The majority of studies enrolled predominantly Non-Hispanic/Latino participants. Greater than 75% of participants were Non-Hispanic/Latino, with 24 studies (46.2%) enrolling 100% Non-Hispanic/Latino patients. Conclusions Few trials report the demographics of their participants, limiting the ability to assess generalizability. Most therapeutic trials for ovarian cancer patients enroll exclusively white and/or non-Hispanic/Latino participants. Further work is needed to elucidate the barriers to enrollment of diverse patient populations in order to ensure equity in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer.
What if apples become oranges? A primer on measurement invariance in repeated measures research

Abstract Measurement invariance (MI) is a critical issue whenever scores are compared in research. MI is especially relevant when analyzing repeated measures data—regardless of whether there are 2 measurement occasions or 200. In such instances, evaluating MI amounts to testing whether scores at one time point are psychometrically equivalent to scores at a different time point. This chapter provides a primer on MI for repeated measures studies using a simple 2-wave illustration. The objective is to provide a foundation for considering MI when working with repeated measures data of the sort collected by personality researchers using intensive longitudinal measures. Conceptual issues are emphasized and a brief simulation study is used to illustrate concerns with a lack of MI. Standard techniques for evaluating MI with structural equation modeling approaches are described. The chapter concludes with an overview of more advanced methods for assessing MI, computing effect sizes, and estimating the practical impact of MI on scientific inferences.
Wafer Scale Nanopatterning and Nanomaterials Synthesis of Functional Nano Probes for Atomic Force Microscopy

The key hurdle in nanoscience and nanotechnology is the large-scale integration of nanoscale materials with micron scale electronics and structures to form functional devices and sensors. We have developed an innovative bottom-up wafer scale fabrication method that combines nanopatterning and nanomaterials synthesis with traditional silicon micromachining technologies. We have achieved nano-micro integration through catalyst nanopatterning and registration at wafer scale and through effective nanocatalyst protection and release before and after microfabrication. Our wafer scale fabrication process has produced 244 carbon nanotube (CNT) probes per 4-inch silicon wafer with control over the CNT location, diameter, length, orientation, and crystalline morphology. CNT probes with diameters of 40-80 nm and lengths of 2-6 μm are found to be functional nano probes for atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. In this paper, we will address our nano probe design and fabrication considerations in detail. CNT tip locations and diameters are defined by e-beam lithography. CNT length, orientation, and crystalline quality are controlled by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. With effective catalyst protection schemes, this fabrication process is very similar to the conventional approach for fabricating wafer-scale silicon AFM probe tips. Process control is feasible and the overall yield is greatly improved. Our method and technology can be easily adapted to many other nanomaterials (nanotubes and nanowires) synthesis and processes for their rational design, fabrication, and integration in their applications.
Shadow, Light and Darkness: Bankruptcy's Business in-Fact and Business in-Law Justification Test under Sec. 363(b).

In this article, Professor Ferguson addresses the problem of business debtors who avoid the reorganization process of Chapter 11 bankruptcy by instead selling their business under Bankruptcy Code § 363. There is concern that the sales are not producing the best and highest values. Professor Ferguson proposes a two part business in-fact and business in-law process that he believes will produce fairer and more optimal results.
Impact of Preoperative Opioid Use on Patient-Reported Outcomes after Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Propensity Matched Analysis.

This is a retrospective study. Prior studies have characterized the deleterious effects of narcotic use in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While there is an increasing revision arthroplasty burden, data on the effect of narcotic use in the revision surgery setting remain limited. Our aim was to characterize the effect of active narcotic use at the time of revision TKA on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A total of 330 consecutive patients who underwent revision TKA and completed both pre- and postoperative PROMs was identified. Due to differences in baseline characteristics, 99 opioid users were matched to 198 nonusers using the nearest-neighbor propensity score matching. Pre- and postoperative knee disability and osteoarthritis outcome score physical function (KOOS-PS), patient reported outcomes measurement information system short form (PROMIS SF) physical, PROMIS SF mental, and physical SF 10A scores were evaluated. Opioid use was identified by the medication reconciliation on the day of surgery. Propensity score-matched opioid users had significantly lower preoperative PROMs than the nonuser for KOOS-PS (45.2 vs. 53.8, p < 0.01), PROMIS SF physical (37.2 vs. 42.5, p < 0.01), PROMIS SF mental (44.2 vs. 51.3, p < 0.01), and physical SF 10A (34.1 vs. 36.8, p < 0.01). Postoperatively, opioid-users demonstrated significantly lower scores across all PROMs: KOOS-PS (59.2 vs. 67.2, p < 0.001), PROMIS SF physical (43.2 vs. 52.4, p < 0.001), PROMIS SF mental (47.5 vs. 58.9, p < 0.001), and physical SF 10A (40.5 vs. 49.4, p < 0.001). Propensity score-matched opioid-users demonstrated a significantly smaller absolute increase in scores for PROMIS SF Physical (p = 0.03) and Physical SF 10A (p < 0.01), as well as an increased hospital length of stay (p = 0.04). Patients who are actively taking opioids at the time of revision TKA report significantly lower preoperative and postoperative outcome scores. These patients are more likely to have longer hospital stays. The apparent negative effect on patient reported outcomes after revision TKA provides clinically useful data for surgeons in engaging patients in a preoperative counseling regarding narcotic use prior to revision TKA to optimize outcomes.
Striking the Right Balance: Recall Loss for Semantic Segmentation.

Class imbalance is a fundamental problem in computer vision applications such as semantic segmentation. Specifically, uneven class distributions in a training dataset often result in unsatisfactory performance on under-represented classes. Many works have proposed to weight the standard cross entropy loss function with pre-computed weights based on class statistics, such as the number of samples and class margins. There are two major drawbacks to these methods: 1) constantly up-weighting minority classes can introduce excessive false positives in semantic segmentation; 2) a minority class is not necessarily a hard class. The consequence is low precision due to excessive false positives. In this regard, we propose a hard-class mining loss by reshaping the vanilla cross entropy loss such that it weights the loss for each class dynamically based on instantaneous recall performance. We show that the novel recall loss changes gradually between the standard cross entropy loss and the inverse frequency weighted loss. Recall loss also leads to improved mean accuracy while offering competitive mean Intersection over Union (IoU) performance. On Synthia dataset, recall loss achieves 9% relative improvement on mean accuracy with competitive mean IoU using DeepLab-ResNet18 compared to the cross entropy loss. Code available at this https URL.
Selection of Cluster Head Techniques in WSN: A Review

A wireless sensor network is used in various applications like military, healthcare application; in our daily life, as well can be seen the applications of a sensor network. The basic characteristic of these sensor nodes are it has limited power and its tiny structure. Because of this energy is the most important concern of WSN. To minimize energy, researchers have developed various ideas. To focus on energy and to improve the network lifetime whole network is partitioned into small areas called a cluster. Clustering plays a very important part in improving the consumption of energy and eventually the network life. In clustering group of sensor nodes create clusters and among them, one A node is selected as a cluster leader(CHs). A cluster head's sense of duty is to aggregate the information from there cluster members and promote it to the sink node. One of the biggest challenges is to select the appropriate cluster head in WSN. In case if a sink is a mobile sink then mobile sink has to move to the head of the cluster to collect the data which cluster head has collected. So it is very much important to find cluster head properly so that the length of a mobile sink tour should be minimized. There are various methods of finding the cluster head.This paper addressed the different methods for selecting a cluster head to minimise the node energy and maximize the lifetime of the network.
Multifunctional Materials — the Basis for Adaptronics

Chapter 3 attends to multifunctional materials as one of the essential requisites for the development of adaptronic systems. Fundamentals of diverse functional materials important for adaptronic applications are described from the standpoint of material science. A special section addresses the possibilities of achieving increased functionality through targeted material engineering.
Fabrication and characterization of 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) arrays for 2-dimensional and volumetric ultrasonic imaging

Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs) were introduced about a decade ago as an alternate method of generating and detecting ultrasound. Since their introduction, considerable research has been done to characterize CMUTs. They have been shown to have broad frequency bandwidth and very good sensitivity. Besides, CMUTs are built on silicon using standard surface micromachining techniques, and therefore have all the advantages of 1C processing, such as parallel production, batch fabrication and very high level of integration. All these qualities made CMUTs and CMUT arrays an alternative to their piezoelectric counterparts. In this paper, we focus on the CMUT fabrication process and present recent advances which made it possible to achieve very high process yields (practically 100%) leading to the fabrication of fully functional one-dimensional (ID) and two-dimensional (2D) CMUT arrays. Because of limitations on the element size, the fabrication of 2D CMUT arrays involves the use of electrical through-wafer interconnects (ETWI) which brings the electrical connection of each element from the transducer side to the backside of the wafer. In this paper, we also present ETWIs that have parasitic capacitance as low as 0.25 pF integrated with a 2D CMUT array of 128 by 128 elements. These arrays are characterized and tested in real imaging cases. The paper concludes with the presentation of the sample imaging results that demonstrate the viability of the CMUT process for array fabrication.
European systems and pensions

‘Saving is a very fine thing. Especially when your parents have done it for you’. Winston Churchill
Computational optical density-density correlation sensing

Numerical and experimental results demonstrate a stochastic sensing technique based on enhancing intensity fluctuations. Statistical moments of reflectivity can be recovered, which characterize scattering from static and dynamic targets placed in random environments.
Minority Health in the United States: Why Organization Matters

Substantial attention has turned to the elimination of racial health disparities, the role of race in health care provision, and the socioeconomic determinants of public health outcomes in the United States. We shift the focus to the organizational structure of minority health resources and advocacy at the federal level in the United States. We compare and contrast the two agencies most responsible for this issue area: the Office for Civil Rights and the Office of Minority Health. Our purpose is to evaluate their ability to coordinate efforts with other organizations and agencies in the pursuit of eliminating health disparities.
Mostly About Clinical Trials

Unfortunately, sometimes scientists see what they believe instead of believing what they see. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are intended to avoid that, and other kinds, of bias.
Same Plant, Different Soil: Japan's New Merger Guidelines

Japan's Merger Guidlines issued in May 2004 (New Merger Guidelines) mark a turning point for antitrust in Japan. While Japan's New Merger Guidelines may resemble the U.S. Merger Guidelines in form, due to their context, the New Merger Guidelines will likely perform a different function. Unlike in the United States, the New Merger Guidelines in Japan are not a response to perceived overactive merger enforcement in the face of a merger boom. Instead, Japan's move appears to be part of a larger domestic plan of administrative law reform, together with domestic and external pressure to harmonize antitrust laws with the EU and United States. While the New Merger Guidelines may succeed in Japan, any success will of necessity be different than that of the U.S. Merger Guidelines.
Regulatory elements mediating transcription from the Drosophila melanogaster actin 5C proximal promoter

The major cytoskeletal actin gene of Drosophila melanogaster, the actin 5C gene, has two promoters, the proximal one of which controls constitutive synthesis of actin in all growing tissues. To locate regulatory elements required for constitutive activity of the proximal promoter, mutants of this promoter were fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene and assayed for transient expression activity in cultured Drosophila embryonic Schneider line 2 cells. An essential regulatory element has been located 313 base pairs upstream from the cap site. Deletion of this element lowered expression to one-third of the wild-type level. The element has the sequence AAGTTGTAGTTG, as shown by protein-binding footprinting with the reagent methidiumpropyl-EDTA-Fe(II). This element is probably not a general one, since it was not detected in a search of the published 5'-flanking sequences of 27 Drosophila genes. In addition to this regulatory element, there are five GAGA elements in the actin 5C proximal promoter, some or all of which are essential for the promoter activity as shown by an in vivo competition assay. Although this promoter has no classical TATA element, there is an essential promoter region about 35 base pairs upstream from the cap site that could be a TATA surrogate. The promoter also shows sequences homologous to the alcohol dehydrogenase factor 1-binding site and to the core of the vertebrate serum response element, but mutations of these sites did not affect promoter activity in transient expression assays.
Time Complexity of Sensor-Based Vehicle Routing

In this paper, we study the following motion coordination problem: given n vehicles and n origin-destination pairs in the plane, what is the minimum time needed to transfer each vehicle from its origin to its destination, avoiding conflicts with other vehicles? The environment is free of obstacles and a conflict occurs when distance between any two vehicles is smaller than a velocity-dependent safety distance. In the case where the origin and destination points can be chosen arbitrarily, we show that the transfer takes Θ( √ nL) time to complete, where L is the average distance between the origin and destination points. We also analyze the case in which origin and destination points are generated randomly according to a uniform distribution, and present an algorithm providing a constructive upper bound on the time needed to transfer vehicles from origins to their corresponding destination, proving that the transfer takes Θ( √ n) time for this case.
Socialist Legalism in the Early USSR: A Formal Rule of Law State?

The rule of law is a fundamental western concept. Marxism, in theory, opposes law, is antinomian, and seeks to create a peaceful, prosperous communistic society by suppressing the state. In practice of course, the dictatorship of the proletariat became corrupted and restored capitalism and was violent in its suppression of capitalism. This article explores the development and deployment of the concept of socialist legalism, the Marxist equivalent to the procedural rule of law (Formeller Rechtstaat) in order to understand the Soviet experience from the Soviet perspective. It argues that the Stalin did not represent a radical break from Lenin and that Stalin's abuses of law were intended to prepare the USSR for the coming world war.
Intestinal Pathophysiology in Autism

Autism is a life-long developmental disorder affecting as many as 1 in 500 children. The causes for this profound disorder are largely unknown. Recent research has uncovered pathology in the gastrointestinal tract of autistic children. The pathology, reported to extend from the esophagus to the colon, is described here along with other studies pointing to a connection between diet and the severity of symptoms expressed in autism. The evidence that there is impaired intestinal permeability in autism is reviewed, and various theories are discussed by which a leaky gut could develop. Lastly, some possible ways in which impaired gastrointestinal function might influence brain function are discussed.
Clinical Considerations in Heodialysis Access Infection

Hemoaccess infections remain a substantial cause of morbidity in patients on hemodialysis, especially with the increasing reliance on prosthetic devices as the average age of the hemodialysis population increases. Access manipulation, either through needle puncture or secondary surgical procedures, is the primary etiology of infection. Other conditions such as access location, patient hygiene, and intravenous drug use can cause contamination. Local evidence of inflammation or infection, especially pain and purulence, are the most reliable signs of infection; however, the access can be infected and there may be minimal systemic symptoms. Medical therapy must be directed primarily against Staphylococcus aureus, with vancomycin being used most frequently. There are distinct conditions in which infection with gram-negative bacilli is also common. A coordinated effort between medical management and surgical intervention is essential to optimize therapy. Several situations, such as loss of vascular integrity or infection at anastomosis sites, mandate full excision of the graft. However, the access or at least the access site, can be preserved through creative surgical intervention along with aggressive medical treatment. Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of infection in autologous arteriovenous fistulae, polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous conduits, and cuffed dual-lumen venous hemodialysis catheters are discussed.
Dither — A Way to reduce undesirable Fright Behavior in ethological Studies1

Zusammenfassung Wie stark Fluchtstimmung (“Furcht”) das Verhalten von Versuchstieren in ethologischen Untersuchungen storen kann, ist zwar wohl vielen bekannt, wird aber selten erortert oder in Veroffentlichungen erwahnt. Die Beobachter setzen die Tiere meist entweder der vollen Storung durch den Laborbetrieb aus oder schliesen sie weitestgehend von allen moglichen Storreizen ab. Im ersten Fall fehlt die Kontrolle uber wichtige Storfaktoren, im zweiten werden vor allem Wirbeltiere oft so furchtsam, das sie das meiste Verhalten unterdrucken. In Untersuchungen an verschiedenen Fischarten hat sich folgender Ausweg sehr bewahrt: Man setzt zum Versuchstier hinter eine durchsichtige Trennwand andersartige Tiere, die sich standig gleichmasig bewegen, fur das Versuchstier aber ohne Interesse sind.
The Human Remains from Carter Ranch Pueblo, Arizona: Health in Isolation

Health patterns in the Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-1225) population from Carter Ranch Pueblo were investigated in skeletal remains from 34 individuals. Childhood health disruptions were assessed using stature, linear enamel hypoplasias, and Harris lines. Periostitis, arthritis, anemia, trauma, and dental pathology were also observed. Although the low juvenile representation is probably an effect of age-biased mortuary practices, results suggest a healthy population compared to larger southwestern sites. Trauma levels at the site are quite high, possibly indicating burial practices differentiated on the ability to work or other health criteria. Additionally, a number of genetic anomalies are present, suggesting an isolated population.
Quantum deformations of certain simple modules over enveloping algebras

Soit F un corps. Soit F 0 un sous-corps de F. Soit U l'algebre enveloppante universelle sur F 0 de l'algebre de Lie de Kac-Moody correspondant a la matrice A d'entiers. On montre qu'un module integrable de poids le plus eleve V de U admet une deformation quantique
Do Property Rights Presuppose Scarcity

There is a common view, dating back at least to Hume, that property rights presuppose scarcity. This paper is a critical examination of that thesis. In addition to questioning the thesis, the paper highlights the need to divorce the debate over this thesis from the debate over Intellectual Property (IP) rights (the area where it is most frequently applied). I begin by laying out the thesis’ major line of defense. In brief, the argument is that (1) property rights are legitimate only when necessary, (2) necessary only to avoid injury resulting from one party’s use or possession of a good over others’, and (3) that such injury is possible only where there is scarcity. While I accept (1) (at least for the sake of argument), I argue that each of three prominent theories of the justification of property rights cast doubt on (2) and (3). As it turns out, at the theoretical level, there are a number of different ways of dealing with this conflict. However, I argue, no matter which theoretical path one takes, it turns out that the practical implications of the relationship between property rights and scarcity have been woefully misconstrued. Finally, I recount an independent argument for the thesis under consideration and argue that, whether or not it is successful against IP, it does not extend as an argument against ownership of non-scarce goods in general. This serves to further highlight the need to distinguish arguments for the thesis under consideration from arguments against IP.
Mutation at position 791 in Escherichia coli 16S ribosomal RNA affects processes involved in the initiation of protein synthesis.

Abstract A single base was mutated from guanine to adenine at position 791 in 16S rRNA in the Escherichia coli rrnB operon on the multicopy plasmid pKK3535. The plasmid-coded rRNA was processed and assembled into 30S ribosomal subunits in E. coli and caused a retardation of cell growth. The mutation affected crucial functional roles of the 30S subunit in the initiation of protein synthesis. The affinity of the mutant 30S subunits for 50S subunits was reduced and the association equilibrium constant for initiation factor 3 was decreased by a factor of 10 compared to wild-type 30S subunits. The interrelationship among the region of residue 790 in 16S rRNA, subunit association, and initiation factor 3 binding during initiation complex formation, as revealed by this study, offers insights into the functional role of rRNA in protein synthesis.