cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teams: Harnessing the Driving Force for School Turnaround

Using quality circles and teams is fairly new to education--and is constrained by how schools are organized and a past emphasis on teacher autonomy. Can school leaders borrow from the business practice of using teams to promote student learning in their schools? This note discusses the information gleaned from participants in the Turnaround Specialist Program that is part of a Darden partnership with the Curry School of Education. The principals in that program conclude that teams made the formidable task of meeting federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards more manageable.
Didáctica de se en E/FE mediante actividades de «procesamiento de input»

Esta experiencia se puso en practica en una clase de Espanol para Fines Especificos (E/FE) para estudiantes universitarios estadounidenses de nivel B1, futuros profesionales de Medicina. Consiste en varias actividades de «procesamiento de input» en torno al pronombre se , tan confuso para el estudiante como frecuente en el ambito de la salud («se toma la temperatura, se opera, se hace un esguince, se resfria», etc.) El objetivo es llevar a cabo una concienciacion y reflexion en torno a esta forma linguistica, interpretando sus significados y usos mas frecuentes (agente activo vs paciente experimentador y accidente vs proceso). La actividad esta divida en cuatro secciones de quince minutos. Con un alto grado de personalizacion, abarca el desarrollo de competencias linguisticas (oral y escrita) y transversales (autonomia, cooperacion) y, sobre todo, cognitivas (procesamiento y toma de conciencia).
The International Privacy Regime

Privacy has joined one of many areas of law understandable only by reference to the results of overlapping and conflicting national agendas. What has emerged as the de facto international regime is complex. Yet based on a few simplifying principles, we can nonetheless do much to understand it and predict its operation. First, the idea that self-regulation by the internet community will be the driving force in privacy protection must be laid to rest. The experience of the last decade shows that nation-states, powerful nation-states in particular, drive the system of international privacy. The final mix of privacy protection that the world's citizens receive is disproportionately dictated by the choices and preferences of powerful nation-states and their respective effects on giant and small targets. Second, traditional conflicts analysis can help explain and predict the future course of privacy analysis. Privacy regulation can be understood as a species of information regulation to which companies and individuals will respond in predictable ways. The analysis here shows an international privacy system that has fractured into three distinct regulatory patterns. Mainstream privacy, or transactional privacy, has become dominated by the rule of the most restrictive state, a pattern familiar to other areas like the world's regulation of competition (antitrust). Conversely, the problem of information theft has been pushed by the international system toward a kind of a race to the bottom, or to the least restrictive rule. Most akin to international piracy (the kind on boats), it is a familiar problem to international law that will nonetheless take considerable political will to reverse. And finally, while there is a potential for the international system to influence how governments handle the privacy information of their own citizens, the direct collision of interests have limited the extent to which governments police one another.
Virus contamination from operation and maintenance events in small drinking water distribution systems

We tested the association of common events in drinking water distribution systems with contamination of household tap water with human enteric viruses. Viruses were enumerated by qPCR in the tap water of 14 municipal systems that use non-disinfected groundwater. Ultraviolet disinfection was installed at all active wellheads to reduce virus contributions from groundwater to the distribution systems. As no residual disinfectant was added to the water, any increase in virus levels measured downstream at household taps would be indicative of distribution system intrusions. Utility operators reported events through written questionnaires. Virus outcome measures were related to distribution system events using binomial and gamma regression. Virus concentrations were elevated in the wells, reduced or eliminated by ultraviolet disinfection, and elevated again in distribution systems, showing that viruses were, indeed, directly entering the systems. Pipe installation was significantly associated with higher virus levels, whereas hydrant flushing was significantly associated with lower virus levels. Weak positive associations were observed for water tower maintenance, valve exercising, and cutting open a water main. Coliform bacteria detections from routine monitoring were not associated with viruses. Understanding when distribution systems are most vulnerable to virus contamination, and taking precautionary measures, will ensure delivery of safe drinking water.
A Method for Rearing Biosteres arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the Laboratory

A method was developed for rearing the egg larval parasitoid, Biosteres arisanus (Sonan) in the laboratory. Papaya fruits were infested with Dacus dorsalis (Hendel) eggs and exposed to field populations of B. arisanus females. Infested fruits were held in the laboratory, and the parasitoids that emerged were used as the founders for laboratory rearing. Adaptation to reproduction under laboratory conditions occurred between the first and the sixth generations. Using the described procedures, B. arisanus was successfully reared through >30 generations in the laboratory. More than 736,000 parasitoids were produced with a self ratio (3:2) of 2.2:1 and mean host parasitism of 37%.
Hybrid deterministic and stochastic x-ray transport simulation for transmission computed tomography with advanced detector noise model

We present a model for simulation of noisy X-ray computed tomography data sets. The model is made of two main components, a photon transport simulation component that generates the noiseless photon field incident on the detector, and a detector response model that takes as input the incident photon field parameters and given the X-ray source intensity and exposure time can generate noisy data sets, accordingly. The photon transport simulation component combines direct ray-tracing of polychromatic X-rays for calculation of transmitted data, with Monte Carlo simulation for calculation of the scattered-photon data. The Monte Carlo scatter simulation is accelerated by implementing particle splitting and importance sampling variance reduction techniques. The detector-incident photon field data are stored as energy expansion coefficients on a refined grid that covers the detector area. From these data the detector response model is able to generate noisy detector data realizations, by reconstituting the main parameters that describe each detector element response in statistical terms, including spatial correlations. The model is able to generate very fast, on the fly, CT data sets corresponding to different radiation doses, as well as detector response characteristics, facilitating data management in extensive optimization studies by reducing the computation time and storage space demands.
Nutritional Support in Cardiac Failure

Specially formulated enteral and parenteral solutions are now available for treating cardiac cachexia. Complications after cardiac surgery often lead to rapid depletion of lean body mass, therefore nutritional therapy is indicated in these patients.
Particulate and Solubilized Hepatic Receptors for Glucagon, Insulin, Secretin and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

The chemistry and physiological target cells of glucagon, secretin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were discussed. The characteristics of the interaction of glucagon with its receptor—adenylate cyclase complex in particulate liver plasma membrane (PM) were reviewed; a hypothetical model of this interaction was presented, based upon the Fluid Mosaic Model of Singer and Nicholson. This review established the need to solubilize the glucagon receptor—adenylate cyclase complex in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of such interactions.
Posters for public health: WPA posters and national dialogues about health care in the United States

During the same years they were designing the now-famous American travel posters, Work Projects Administration (WPA) designers produced an extensive body of public health posters to communicate a v...
Medicine: The final frontier in cancer diagnosis.

A computer, trained to classify skin cancers using image analysis alone, can now identify certain cancers as successfully as can skin-cancer doctors. What are the implications for the future of medical diagnosis?
Targeting LEDGF Interactions in MLL Leukemia

Abstract 2500 Chromosomal translocations of MLL (Mixed Lineage Leukemia) gene result in aggressive acute leukemias, affecting both children and adults. Fusion of MLL to one of more than 60 partner genes results in MLL fusion oncoproteins which upregulate expression of Hox genes required for normal blood cell development, ultimately leading to development of acute leukemia. Regardless of the fusion partner, the presence of MLL translocations is associated with early relapse and poor prognosis. Survival rates are particularly low for infants and there is a pressing need for the development of targeted therapies against leukemias with MLL translocations. The oncogenic activity of MLL fusion proteins is dependent on association with LEDGF (lens epithelium-derived growth factor) and menin, both of which interact with the N-terminus of MLL retained in all MLL fusion proteins. LEDGF is a chromatin-associated protein, which interacts conjointly with MLL and menin on the chromatin of the cancer associated genes, and both interactions are required for the MLL-mediated leukemogenesis and misregulation of HOXA9 expression. Therefore, LEDGF functions as an essential oncogenic cofactor in MLL related leukemias, and may represent a valuable molecular target for therapeutic intervention with small molecules. We have performed rigorous biophysical and biochemical studies and revealed that LEDGF is involved in simultaneous interaction with menin and with the N-terminus of MLL. Interestingly, the association of LEDGF with the menin-MLL complex has relatively low affinity which limits the application of conventional screening methods for lead identification. To develop small molecule inhibitors targeting LEDGF interactions we have employed two strategies: Fragment Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) approach and High Throughput Screening (HTS). We have identified several compounds that bind directly to LEDGF. By applying NMR spectroscopy we discovered that these compounds interact with the menin binding site on LEDGF. Then we have assessed the activity of these compounds using a broad range of cell based assays. We found that compounds targeting LEDGF specifically inhibit proliferation of the MLL leukemia cells without affecting the non-MLL leukemia cells. They also induce apoptosis and differentiation of MLL leukemia cells as assessed by increased expression of CD11b differentiation marker and substantial change in morphology of these cells. Furthermore, these compounds reduce transforming properties of MLL fusion proteins and downregulate expression of Hoxa9 and Meis1 genes confirming a highly specific mode of action. Overall, our results demonstrate that targeting of LEDGF by small molecules is feasible and may results in development of potent inhibitors of LEDGF interaction with menin and MLL fusion proteins in leukemias with MLL rearrangements. Such compounds might provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of MLL-rearranged leukemias. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Tumor Evolution: A Problem of Histocompatibility

In this issue of Cell, two articles show that tumor-specific changes in HLA-mediated antigen presentation affect tumor immunogenicity and may play a role in shaping cancer cell survival.
Abstract WMP46: Exosomes Derived From Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Type Two Diabetes Rats Promotes Neurorestoration After Stroke in Type Two Diabetic Rats

Background and Purpose: Roughly 1 in every 3 stroke patients is diabetic and suffers from an increased risk of stroke recurrence, worse prognosis, and exacerbated vascular and white matter (WM) inj...
Cost-effective plane-grating monochromator design for extreme-ultraviolet application.

The optical design of a plane-grating monochromator mainly intended for high resolution in the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray is presented. The configuration has three optical elements. It uses a uniform line-spaced plane grating illuminated in the converging light coming from a focusing concave mirror and an additional plane mirror that is needed to change the grating subtended angle to keep the system in focus on a fixed slit. The parameters of the focusing mirror are determined to introduce a coma that compensates for the coma given by the grating. A monochromator for the 12–50 eV region is designed for application to high-order laser harmonics.
Vitamin E status and associations in maternal-infant Dyads in the Midwestern United States

Summary Background Oxidative stress has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, and vitamin E has powerful anti-oxidant properties. Vitamin E occurs in several different isoforms which differ in their ability to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol in maternal-infant pairs, and the impact on maternal-newborn outcomes. Methods Vitamin E status was evaluated in 189 mother-infant pairs. Concentrations of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol were measured using HPLC. Descriptive statistics were calculated and Spearman coefficients were used to assess correlations between maternal and cord measurements. Linear and logistic regression models were used to adjust for relevant confounders. A p Results Maternal and cord serum tocopherol concentrations were positively correlated for γ-tocopherol (r = 0.32, p ˂ 0.001) and δ-tocopherol (r = 0.46, p ˂ 0.001) but not for α-tocopherol. After adjustment for confounders, maternal concentrations of tocopherols were positively associated with Apgar scores (p = 0.02) and infant growth parameters at birth. Conversely, cord tocopherol levels were inversely associated with Apgar scores (p = 0.02) and infant growth. Cord concentrations of α-tocopherol were higher in infants born to mothers with a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia (p = 0.04). Conclusion Maternal-fetal transfer of γ- and δ-tocopherols is higher than α-tocopherol and may be mediated by either different or more efficient methods, conversely tissue uptake of α-tocopherol by the developing fetus may be higher. As serum levels of maternal tocopherols are positively associated with outcomes while higher cord levels show a negative impact, uptake and tissue deposition of vitamin E by the fetus may be crucial in growth and development. More research into the role of maternal diet, placental regulation, and fetal uptake of vitamin E tocopherols in relation to clinical outcomes is warranted.
The Effect of Honesty Preferences and Superior Authority on Budget Proposals

In participative budgeting settings, less informed superiors elicit information from privately informed subordinates. In these situations, subordinates' honesty preferences should substantially enhance the efficiency of the budgeting process. In fact, recent research on budgeting suggests that subordinates have economically significant preferences for honesty. Despite these findings, we argue that, for two reasons, it is difficult to determine the effect that honesty preferences have on subordinates' budget requests. First, existing research is unable to disentangle preferences for honesty from other non-pecuniary motives, such as preferences for fairness. Second, and possibly more important, most budgeting research on the role of honesty highlights the ethical dimension of budgeting. Ethical considerations are emphasized in these studies by allowing subordinates to unilaterally set budgets, with superiors playing no role other than to experience the financial consequences of the final budget. In practice, superiors typically have final authority over budget approval, which can introduce a strategic component to the budgeting process. We design an experiment that allows us to disentangle honesty preferences from other non-pecuniary preferences. Our design also allows us to explore how a superior with authority over budget approval affects subordinates' behavior. We find no incremental effect of honesty preferences when the superior has final authority over budget approval. We conjecture (and provide some evidence) that this is due to subordinates framing the situation as one of strategic negotiation rather than as an ethical dilemma. This view, that budgeting is essentially devoid of ethical considerations, is consistent with some recent characterizations of budget practices.
RELIABILITY OF FLEXIBLY-CONNECTED STEEL FRAMES IN SWAY

An investigation of the influence of connection stiffness on the reliability of flexibly-connected steel frames in sway is carried out. The emphasis is on consideration of connection behavior and variability. Currently available reliability methods neglect these effects. First-order, second-moment probabilistic theory is used in computing the frame reliability index. The results of analysis for a typical portal structure demonstrate that the inclusion of connection stiffness in linearly-elastic steel frame reliability analysis is conceptually and computationally simple. It is demonstrated that the frame reliability may be strongly affected by connection stiffness. The effects of beam-to-column stiffness ratio and beam-to-connection stiffness ratio on frame reliability are also investigated.
Uranium Transport in a High-Throughput Electrorefiner for EBR-II Blanket Fuel

A unique high-throughput Mk-V electrorefiner is being used in the electrometallurgical treatment of the metallic sodium-bonded blanket fuel from the Experimental Breeder Reactor II. Over many cycles, it transports uranium back and forth between the anodic fuel dissolution baskets and the cathode tubes until, because of imperfect adherence of the dendrites, it all ends up in the product collector at the bottom. The transport behavior of uranium in the high-throughput electrorefiner can be understood in terms of the sticking coefficients for uranium adherence to the cathode tubes in the forward direction and to the dissolution baskets in the reverse direction. The sticking coefficients are inferred from the experimental voltage and current traces and are correlated in terms of a single parameter representing the ratio of the cell current to the limiting current at the surface acting as the cathode. The correlations are incorporated into an engineering model that calculates the transport of uranium in the different modes of operation. The model also uses the experimentally derived electrorefiner operating maps that describe the relationship between the cell voltage and the cell current for the three principal transport modes. It is shown that the model correctly simulates the cycle-to-cycle variation of themore » voltage and current profiles. The model is used to conduct a parametric study of electrorefiner throughput rate as a function of the principal operating parameters. The throughput rate is found to improve with lowering of the basket rotation speed, reduction of UCl{sub 3} concentration in salt, and increasing the maximum cell current or cut-off voltage. Operating conditions are identified that can improve the throughput rate by 60 to 70% over that achieved at present.« less
Anhedonia in Schizophrenia: A Brief History and Overview of the Construct

Though studied for decades in relation to mood disorders, anhedonia has only more recently become widely discussed in relation to schizophrenia, despite being described in the earliest writings describing the phenomenon. In addition to being a self-evident detriment to quality of life, anhedonia is a predictor of a number of negative outcomes, including poor quality of life, social dysfunction and psychosis vulnerability. Recent research has generated many questions about the nature and course of anhedonia in schizophrenia, including questions about its elements and place within the larger picture of the psychopathology of schizophrenia. In the present chapter, we review two distinction between subtypes of anhedonia in schizophrenia: the social/physical distinction, as well as the anticipatory/consummatory distinction. We then review literature on the affective, cognitive and interpersonal components of anhedonia, and explore the possibility that there are two forms of anhedonia; one which is primarily a negative and associated with deficits in metacognition and one which is secondary to depressive symptoms. Finally, we discuss directions for future research.
Lead in species of greatest conservation need: free-flying bald eagles as indicators

In North America, the impacts of lead ammunition on free-flying Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and other raptors are a subject of considerable debate. We investigated temporal and spatial patterns in dietary lead exposure in wintering and nesting Bald Eagles in Iowa by collecting fecal samples from the base of roost and nest trees in 2012 and 2013. We documented detectable amounts of lead (>0.11 mg/kg) in 93% of feces. In the majority of samples, fecal lead levels were low and within the range of fecal lead levels found in other bird species inhabiting known non-lead contaminated sites and also similar to background environmental lead levels. Lead levels from nests sampled during the winter were higher than nests sampled in the spring (1.63 mg/kg vs. 1.09 mg/kg) and lead levels from non-Mississippi River nests were higher than Mississippi River nests (1.81 mg/kg vs. 0.90 mg/kg), but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Lead levels in samples from nesting eagles were higher than samples from wintering eagles (1.37 mg/kg vs. 1.26 mg/kg), but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). We also found no statistical difference between fecal lead levels from nest sites on public versus private land (1.89 mg/kg vs. 0.98 mg/kg) and no correlation between lead exposure and land ownership, watershed, proximity to water, proximity to potential environmental sources of lead, or
DEFINING SEMANTIC LEVELS OF DETAIL FOR INDOOR MAPS

Abstract. One major challenge in creating indoor maps involves defining their levels of detail or LODs. While a consensus has emerged that indoor maps have at least two types of LODs, semantic and geometric, questions remain regarding their nature, their partitioning, and their relationships with each other as well as with other forms of LOD. Since semantics deals with the meanings of things, semantic LODs (SLODs) deal with the definition, classification, and partitioning of mapped entities. Unlike geometric LODs that are amenable to automation, SLODs have a more qualitative nature that defies automation and requires the careful application of human judgment. This paper proposes a framework for organizing semantic LODs by first classifying them based on the tangibility of mapped entities (i.e., intangible open spaces versus tangible physical features comprised of building structures and equipment and furnishings) and then partitioning each class based on the idea of permanence, defined here as an entity’s tendency to remain stationary over time. A cartographic process for integrating SLODs with geometric and appearance LODs is also introduced along with several examples.
Accelerated Aperture Synthesis from Free-flying Collectors

Radio frequency aperture synthesis from multiple free-flying collectors is traditionally dependent on highly accurate intra-constellation metrology and shared clocks. We demonstrate that relaxed precision of relative positioning and clocking can be acceptable through computational means in post processing. The work assumes a small cluster of RF collectors that can collect on an emitter at the same time, with position and time accuracy provided by commonly available aerospace GPS units. No cross links or inter-vehicle spacing is assumed. In lieu of accurate timing, correlation searches are performed at the ground station. A key part of the idea is an alignment stage following collection. This is composed of a Cross Ambiguity Function (CAF) search across all possible FDOA/TDOA shifts, and a phase alignment search. These time, frequency and phase corrections are applied to the data, bringing them into alignment with each other. Maintaining this alignment over a longer time span is the challenge, covered here in some detail. This paper covers our work to date. This includes on-orbit results, a simulation model of the coherence-through-computation mechanism, consisting of models of the geolocation process, Doppler correction over time, and transforming input signals to a common time and frequency reference. This paper extends our previous publication in the IEEE Aerospace conference[1] with several key advances, including parallized execution, interpolated TDOA/FDOA tracking, and multi-emitter tracking.
Abstract 15: Reduction in Perihematomal Edema Leads to Improved Clinical Outcomes: Results from the MISTIE III Trial

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and poor functional outcome. No successful treatments or therapies exist. Secondary injury to ICH, perihematomal edema (PHE), ...
Alcohol: Pharmacokinetics, Health Benefits With Moderate Consumption and Toxicity

Abstract Alcohol containing beverages are popular worldwide and are consumed on a regular basis. Current guidelines for drinking in moderation are up to 1 drink per day for woman and up to 2 drinks per day for man. If consumed in moderation, alcohol has many health benefits including protection from cardiovascular diseases, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and many others, but if consumed in excess all these benefits disappear. Alcohol is a poison if consumed in excess. Major problem of drinking in excess is alcoholic liver diseases with most severe form being cirrhosis of liver. Moreover, drinking in excess increases risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancer as well as may significantly reduce longevity. Currently, legal limit of driving in all states is 0.08% whole blood alcohol (80 mg/dL).
Sleep and Healthy Aging

Sleep is essential to human functioning. This chapter will touch on aspects of healthy sleep, including changes in sleep that occur with aging, and conditions that can impair sleep. Interventions to improve and maintain sleep quality will also be discussed.
Evidence of biomechanical and collagen heterogeneity in uterine fibroids.

Objective Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are common benign tumors of the myometrium but their molecular pathobiology remains elusive. These stiff and often large tumors contain abundant extracellular matrix (ECM), including large amounts of collagen, and can lead to significant morbidities. After observing structural multiformities of uterine fibroids, we aimed to explore this heterogeneity by focusing on collagen and tissue stiffness. Methods For 19 fibroids, ranging in size from 3 to 11 centimeters, from eight women we documented gross appearance and evaluated collagen content by Masson trichrome staining. Collagen types were determined in additional samples by serial extraction and gel electrophoresis. Biomechanical stiffness was evaluated by rheometry. Results Fibroid slices displayed different gross morphology and some fibroids had characteristics of two or more patterns: classical whorled (n = 8); nodular (n = 9); interweaving trabecular (n = 9); other (n = 1). All examined fibroids contained at least 37% collagen. Tested samples included type I, III, and V collagen of different proportions. Fibroid stiffness was not correlated with the overall collagen content (correlation coefficient 0.22). Neither stiffness nor collagen content was correlated with fibroid size. Stiffness among fibroids ranged from 3028 to 14180 Pa (CV 36.7%; p<0.001, one-way ANOVA). Stiffness within individual fibroids was also not uniform and variability ranged from CV 1.6 to 42.9%. Conclusions The observed heterogeneity in structure, collagen content, and stiffness highlights that fibroid regions differ in architectural status. These differences might be associated with variations in local pressure, biomechanical signaling, and altered growth. We conclude the design of all fibroid studies should account for such heterogeneity because samples from different regions have different characteristics. Our understanding of fibroid pathophysiology will greatly increase through the investigation of the complexity of the chemical and biochemical signaling in fibroid development, the correlation of collagen content and mechanical properties in uterine fibroids, and the mechanical forces involved in fibroid development as affected by the various components of the ECM.
Laser engineered net shaping of antimicrobial and biocompatible titanium-silver alloys

Abstract Post-surgery infection is one of the main causes of orthopedic implant failure. This paper presents a powder-feed 3D printing strategy for fabrication of silver (Ag) incorporated titanium (Ti) alloys as an antimicrobial solution for orthopedic implants. Alloys with various Ag concentration, ranging from 0.5% to 2% by weight, were fabricated through laser engineered net shaping (LENS) process. The composition and surface of the fabricated alloys were characterized through X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and 3D surface profiling. The mechanical properties, antimicrobial performance, and biocompatibility of the alloys were also investigated. Results showed that LENS fabricated Ti Ag alloys had a marginally higher microhardness and a lower ductility compared to pure Ti. Within only 3 h, Ti Ag alloys significantly reduced the bacterial attachment of both gram-positive and gram-negative strains by one to four orders of magnitudes. These alloys also demonstrated excellent in-vitro biocompatibility to human osteosarcoma cells. For the first time, laser engineered net shaping (LENS) of Ti Ag alloy has been explored as an antimicrobial solution for orthopedic applications and showed great potential for biomedical instrumentation.
Neutron imaging analysis using jupyter Python notebook

Independently of the image modality (x-rays, neutrons, etc), image data analysis requires normalization, a preprocessing step. While the normalization can sometimes easily be generalized, the analysis is, in most cases, specific to an experiment and a sample. Although many tools (MATLAB, ImageJ, VG Studio...) offer a large collection of pre-programmed image analysis tools, they usually require a learning step that can be lengthy depending on the skills of the end user. We have implemented Jupyter Python notebooks to allow easy and straightforward data analysis, along with live interaction with the data. Jupyter notebooks require little programming knowledge and the steep learning curve is bypassed. Most importantly, each notebook can be tailored to a specific experiment and sample with minimized effort. Here, we present the pros and cons of the main methods to analyse data and show the reason why we have found that Jupyter Python notebooks are well suited for imaging data processing, visualization and analysis.
Continuum Limits of the 1D Discrete Time Quantum Walk

The discrete time quantum walk (DTQW) is a universal quantum computational model. Significant relationships between discrete and corresponding continuous quantum systems have been studied since the work of Pauli and Feynman. This work continues the study of relationships between discrete quantum models and their ostensive continuum counterparts by developing a formal transition between discrete and continuous quantum systems through a formal framework for continuum limits of the DTQW. Under this framework, we prove two constructive theorems concerning which internal discrete transitions ("coins") admit nontrivial continuum limits. We additionally prove that the continuous space limit of the continuous time limit of the DTQW can only yield massless states which obey the Dirac equation. Finally, we demonstrate that the continuous time limit of the DTQW can be identified with the canonical continuous time quantum walk (CTQW) when the coin is allowed to transition through the continuous limit process.
Responsiveness of Patient-Reported Outcomes to Treatment Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and OSA

Background The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) includes two instruments to quantify sleep symptoms (sleep disturbance [SDA] and sleep-related impairment [SRI]) in diverse populations across a wide symptom spectrum. However, the responsiveness of PROMIS measures to treatment of sleep disorders is unknown. We examined the responsiveness of the PROMIS sleep scales to the treatment of OSA. Methods We collected SDA, SRI, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) before and after initiation of positive airway pressure (PAP) in patients with type 2 diabetes newly diagnosed with OSA. To compare responsiveness, we compared effect sizes and classifications of symptom improvement using both the reliable change method and thresholds of minimum important difference (MID). Results A total of 103 patients completed assessments pre- and post-PAP. SDA, SRI, and ESS scores all declined significantly with PAP therapy. We observed the largest effect size for SDA (−0.64; 95% CI, −0.86 to −0.42), followed by SRI (−0.43; 95% CI, −0.63 to −0.23), and ESS (−0.28; 95% CI, −0.42 to −0.15). More patients experienced the reliable change category of symptom remission categorized by the PROMIS measures (SDA: 23.3%; SRI: 31.1%) relative to the ESS (5.8%) (P Conclusions PROMIS sleep measures were more likely than the ESS to detect an improvement with PAP therapy. Incorporating PROMIS measures into research and clinical care may provide a more sensitive assessment of symptomatic response to OSA treatment.
Policy Gradient in Partially Observable Environments: Approximation and Convergence

Policy gradient is a generic and flexible reinforcement learning approach that generally enjoys simplicity in analysis, implementation, and deployment. In the last few decades, this approach has been extensively advanced for fully observable environments. In this paper, we generalize a variety of these advances to partially observable settings, and similar to the fully observable case, we keep our focus on the class of Markovian policies. We propose a series of technical tools, including a novel notion of advantage function, to develop policy gradient algorithms and study their convergence properties in such environments. Deploying these tools, we generalize a variety of existing theoretical guarantees, such as policy gradient and convergence theorems, to partially observable domains, those which also could be carried to more settings of interest. This study also sheds light on the understanding of policy gradient approaches in real-world applications which tend to be partially observable.
Outcomes of a hybrid technique using EMR and endoscopic full-thickness resection for polyps not amenable to standard techniques (with video)

Background and Aims The full-thickness resection device (FTRD) offers a safe and effective approach for resection of complex colorectal lesions but is limited to lesions Methods We report a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent full-thickness resection (FTR) of colorectal lesions, either with a standalone FTRD or a hybrid (EMR + FTRD) approach. Outcomes of technical success, clinical success (macroscopically complete resection), R0 resection, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results Sixty-nine FTR procedures (38 standalone FTR and 31 hybrid EMR + FTR) were performed on 65 patients. The most common indications were nonlifting polyp (43%) or suspected high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma (38%). Hybrid EMR + FTR permitted resection of significantly larger lesions (mean, 39 mm; range, 15-70 mm) compared with standalone FTR (mean, 17 mm; range, 7-25 mm; P Conclusions A hybrid approach combining EMR and FTRD maintains safety and efficacy while permitting resection of significantly larger lesions than FTRD alone.
Pro NDN : MCDM-Based Interest Forwarding and Cooperative Data Caching for Named Data Networking

Named data networking (NDN), as a specific architecture design of information-centric networking (ICN), has quickly became a promising candidate for future Internet architecture, where communications are driven by data names instead of IP addresses. To realize the NDN communication paradigm in the future Internet, two important features, stateful forwarding and in-network caching, have been proposed to cope with drawbacks of host-based communication protocols. The stateful forwarding is designed to maintain the state of pending Interest packets to guide Data packets back to requesting consumers, while the in-network caching is used to reduce both network traffic and data access delay to improve the overall performance of data access. However, the conventional stateful forwarding approach is not adaptive and responsive to diverse network conditions because it fails to consider multiple network metrics to make Interest forwarding decision. In addition, the default in-network caching strategy relies on storing each received Data packet regardless of various caching constraints and criteria, which causes the routers in the vicinity of data producers to suffer from excessive caching overhead. In this paper, we propose the , a novel stateful forwarding and in-network caching strategy for NDN networks. The consists of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) based interest forwarding and cooperative data caching. The basic idea of the MCDM-based interest forwarding is to employ Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Idea Solution (TOPSIS) to dynamically evaluate outgoing interface alternatives based on multiple network metrics and objectively select an optimal outgoing interface to forward the Interest packet. In addition, the cooperative data caching consists of two schemes: CacheData, which caches the data, and CacheFace, which caches the outgoing interface. We conduct extensive simulation experiments for performance evaluation and comparison with prior schemes. The simulation results show that the can improve Interest satisfaction ratio and Interest satisfaction latency as well as reduce hop count and Content Store utilization ratio.
Analysis of Fixed Volume Swaps for Hedging Financial Risk at Large-Scale Wind Projects.

Abstract Large scale wind power projects are increasingly selling power directly into wholesale electricity markets without the benefits of stable (fixed price) off-take agreements. As a result, many wind power producers seek financial hedging contracts to mitigate exposure to price risk. One particular hedging contract - the “fixed volume price swap” - has gained widespread use, but it poses several liabilities for wind power producers that reduce its effectiveness. In this paper, we examine problems associated with fixed volume swaps and explore possibilities for improving their performance. Using a hypothetical wind power project in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) market as a case study, we first look at how “shape risk” (an imbalance between actual wind power production and hourly production targets specified by contract terms) negatively impacts contract performance and whether this could be remedied through improved contract design. Using a multi-objective optimization algorithm, we find examples of alternative contract parameters (hourly wind power production targets) that are more effective at increasing revenues during low performing months and do so at a lower cost than conventional fixed volume swaps. Then we examine how “basis risk” (a discrepancy in market prices between the “node” where the wind project injects power into the grid, and the regional hub price) can negatively impact contract performance. Overall, our results suggest that wind power producers would be better served hedging substantially lower volumes of wind power production, and in certain months should not be hedging at all. Another key finding is that contract performance improves with modest reductions in basis risk. This indicates that eliminating transmission congestion issues across the grid may not be necessary to improve contract performance.
Understanding mechanisms underlying the relationship between antisocial personality disorder and substance-impaired driving among young adults involved with the justice system as minors

Abstract Introduction: Antisocial personality disorder is a risk factor associated with increased risk for substance-impaired driving. While past research has focused on identifying prevalence rates for the disorder among substance-impaired drivers, there is a dearth of research focused on identifying the mechanisms by which the disorder actually functions to increase risk for the behavior among young adults who were formerly adjudicated for a serious offense. There are cognitive, affective, and social mechanisms that may help to explain this relationship. Method: Impulse control, hostility, and deviant peer association are examined as mechanisms that explain the relationship in each of these domains, respectively. The Pathways to Desistance data were utilized in analyses, comprising the responses of 1,354 youth who were adjudicated for a serious offense just prior to baseline measurements. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct effects of antisocial personality disorder on substance-impaired driving risk and the hypothesized mechanism variables were then included in the model to determine which of them provided significant pathways through which the main relationship operated. Results: Results indicated that meeting criteria for a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder was associated with increased risk of substance-impaired driving at follow-up. This relationship was attenuated to non-significance upon inclusion of the mechanism variables and reduced in magnitude by 20%. This attenuation was due almost entirely to impulse control. Practical Applications: This provides indication that intervention for substance-impaired driving offenders with antisocial personality disorder may be most effective when structured around improving impulse control for young adults who were previously involved with the juvenile/criminal justice system.
PARENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF ANESTHESIA RISK FOR DENTAL TREATMENT

PARENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF ANESTHESIA RISK FOR DENTAL TREATMENT By Andrew Stephen Zale, D.M.D. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Major Director: Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, D.D.S., Ph.D. Department Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Review of R. Omnes, THE INTERPRETATION OF QUANTUM MECHANICS

Omnes' interpretation of quantum mechanics is summarized, and compared with other consistent-history approaches by Gell-Mann and Hartle, and by Griffiths.
Cost-effective workup for tonsillitis. Testing, treatment, and potential complications

Despite increased strictness in surgical criteria, tonsillectomy continues to be one of the most common outpatient surgical procedures performed in the United States. The primary care physician is integrally involved in the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillitis, the chief reason for tonsillectomy. This article gives guidelines for diagnosis and management of tonsillitis and provides an overview of its potential complications.
Cold-Tip Off-State Conduction Loss of Miniature Stirling Cycle Cryocoolers

For redundant miniature Stirling-cycle cryocoolers in space applications, the off-state heat conduction down the coldfinger of one cooler is a parasitic heat load on the other coolers. At JPL, a heat flow transducer specifically designed to measure this load has been developed, and measurements have been performed on the coldfinger of a British Aerospace 80 K Stirling cooler with the tip temperature ranging between 40 and 170 K. Measurements have also been made using a transient warmup technique, where the warmup rates of the coldtip under various applied heat loads are used to determine the static conduction load. There is a difference between the results of these two methods, and these differences are discussed with regard to the applicability of the transient warmup method to a nonoperating coldfinger.
SpZ12-1, a negative regulator required for spatial control of the territory-specific CyIIIa gene in the sea urchin embryo

The CyIIIa cytoskeletal actin gene of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is activated in late cleavage and expressed exclusively in the aboral ectoderm territory of the embryo. Previous gene transfer studies defined a 2.3 kb cis-regulatory region that is necessary and sufficient for correct temporal and spatial expression of a CyIIIa.CAT fusion gene. In this paper, a negative regulatory element within this region was identified that is required for repression of the CyIIIa gene in skeletogenic mesenchyme cells. The repression mediated by this regulatory element takes place after initial territorial specification. A cDNA clone encoding a DNA-binding protein with twelve Zn fingers (SpZ12-1) was isolated by probing an expression library with this cis-element. Deletion analysis of the SpZ12-1 protein confirmed that a DNA-binding domain is located within the Zn finger region. SpZ12-1 is the only DNA-binding protein in embryo nuclear extract that interacts with the specific cis-target sites required for repression of CyIIIa.CAT in skeletogenic mesenchyme and is likely to be the trans factor that mediates this repression.
Ethical cautions in the use of outcomes for resource allocation in the managed care environment of mental health

Increasingly, resources are being allocated through competitive contracting based on outcome data. This context for outcome research renews ethical concern about the nature of outcome data in the field of mental health. The epistemology of mental illness creates special concerns regarding outcome measurement. Ethical cautions specific to six types of outcome measurement are reviewed: utilization, clinician reports, patients reports, objective measures of diagnostic entitles, objective measures of functioning and multifactor research. Brief guidelines are offered for addressing ethical cautions. Also discussed are the difficulty in defining good outcomes and a social obligation to future generations that may be better addressed through process measurements.
Transfer of contextual control across similarly trained conditioned stimuli

Two autoshaping experiments with pigeons examined contextual control of responding to conditioned stimuli (CSs) when separate phases of reinforcement and nonreinforcement occurred in different contexts. In Experiment 1, a CS was first conditioned in Context A prior to nonreinforcement in Context B. In Experiment 2, a conditional discrimination reversal procedure was employed in which one CS was first reinforced in A prior to nonreinforcement in B, and another CS was first nonreinforced in A and then reinforced in B. In both experiments, the extent of contextual control was assessed by testing the CSs in A and B. The CS specificity of control was assessed by examining control of CSs that had been treated like the original CSs, but in a different pair of contexts. The results show that contexts control responding to CSs through a CS-specific mechanism, as well as through a mechanism that is independent of the identity of the CS. However, the extent to which control is mediated by a CS-independent mechanism depends on the training history of the CS.