cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Great Lakes Information Network: the Region's Internet Information Service

Communication is the cornerstone of ecosystem protection and sustainable development efforts in the binational Great Lakes region of North America. Great Lakes environmental protection, remediation, and pollution prevention efforts bring together individuals from across the public sector, business and industry, citizens groups, and academia. The region is now working to enhance communications between these groups and the rest of the world, through the Internet-based Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN). Diverse regional data, information, and human resources located at key agencies and organizations are accessible via GLIN. These online resources span environmental quality, human health effects and other research, resource management, transportation, demographic, and economic data, as well as other resources in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Federal, state, provincial, and regional agencies and a range of citizen, business, and research organizations are cooperating with the lea...
Antimicrobial activity of different copper alloy surfaces against copper resistant and sensitive Salmonella enterica.

Copper has shown antibacterial effects against foodborne pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of copper surfaces on copper resistant and sensitive strains of Salmonella enterica. Six different copper alloy coupons (60e99.9% copper) were tested along with stainless steel as the control. The coupons were surface inoculated with either S. Enteritidis or one of the 3 copper resistant strains, S. Typhimurium S9, S19 and S20; stored under various incubation conditions at room temperature; and sampled at various times up to 2 h. The results showed that under dry incubation conditions, Salmonella only survived 10e15 min on high copper content alloys. Salmonella on low copper content alloys showed 3e4 log reductions. Under moist incubation conditions, no survivors were detected after 30 mine2 h on high copper content alloys, while the cell counts decreased 2e4 logs on low copper content coupons. Although the copper resistant strains survived better than S. Enteritidis, they were either completely inactivated or survival was decreased. Copper coupons showed better antimicrobial efficacy in the absence of organic compounds. These results clearly show the antibacterial effects of copper and its potential as an alternative to stainless steel for selected food contact surfaces.
New millennium ultralow power microsystems

Mixed-signal electronics form the core of spacecraft avionics systems. Low-power operation is a key design objective to reduce dependence on stored energy or energy extraction systems. To facilitate low-power operation. The supply voltage of mixed-signal systems has progressively diminished to typical present values of 3.5 V to 3.6 V. Low voltage design, however, increases susceptibility to noise interference and reduces the range of analog linear gain. Moreover, as transistor density and circuit complexity increase, traditional power minimization methods are inadequate. In this paper we present results of several approaches to enable low-power mixed-signal electronics for spacecraft avionics and commercial telecommunications. First, at the architectural level we analyze a dynamic voltage scaling approach that delivers local isolation of bus noise and a power reduction of 50% to 95%. Next, to enable in-situ, real-time power sensing we introduce two sensors that monitor di/dt and dv/dt events. Their design, scaling, and sensitivity are discussed in detail. Finally, as an example of a low-voltage compatible analog circuit we present results of a low-noise differential analog-to-digital comparator. It operates at speeds to over 50 MHz, has per-comparator power dissipation under 1 mW, and can operate at supply voltages down to 1.9 V. All circuits have been designed and analyzed for a 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS, and analytical and experimental results are given.
Lipoabdominoplasty without drains or progressive tension sutures: an analysis of 100 consecutive patients.

Background Subcutaneous surgical drains are commonly used in abdominoplasties to prevent seromas but are not tolerated well by patients and add additional discomfort after the procedure. The lipoabdominoplasty modification may create a more favorable surgical field to reduce the need for surgical drains without increasing seroma formation. Objectives The goal of this review was to determine if surgical drains can be completely eliminated in lipoabdominoplasty procedures without an increased risk of seromas. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 consecutive standard, extended, and circumferential lipoabdominoplasty patients done by a single surgeon with at least a 3-month follow-up period. Results Seroma was identified in 5% of patients, hematoma and abscess each in 2% of patients, and granuloma, cellulitis, and delayed wound healing each in 1% of patients. Conclusions The use of discontinuous undermining with liposuction, limited direct undermining in the midline, preservation of a thin layer of fibrofatty tissue on the superficial abdominal wall fascia, and targeted surgical site compression can eliminate the need for surgical drains without increasing seroma rates. Level of Evidence 4![Graphic][1] Therapeutic [10.1093/asj/sju090][2] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1093/asj/sju090
Synimpact-postimpact transition inside Chesapeake Bay crater

The transition from synimpact to postimpact sedimentation inside Chesapeake Bay impact crater began with accumulation of fallout debris, the final synimpact deposit. Evi dence of a synimpact fallout layer at this site comes from the presence of unusual, millimeter- scale, pyrite microstructures at the top of the Exmore crater-fill breccia. The porous geometry of the pyrite microstructures indicates that they originally were part of a more extensive pyrite lattice that encompassed a layer of millimeter-scale glass microspherules—fallout melt particles produced by the bolide impact. Above this microspherule layer is the initial postimpact deposit, a laminated clay-silt-sand unit, 19 cm thick. This laminated unit is a dead zone, which contains abundant stratigraphically mixed and diagenetically altered or impact-altered microfossils (foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, dinoflagellates, ostracodes), but no evidence of indigenous biota. By extrapolation of sediment- accumulation rates, I estimate that conditions unfavorable to microbiota persisted for as little as
Roles of the Escherichia coli RecA Protein and the Global SOS Response in Effecting DNA Polymerase Selection In Vivo

The Escherichia coli β sliding clamp protein is proposed to play an important role in effecting switches between different DNA polymerases during replication, repair, and translesion DNA synthesis. We recently described how strains bearing the dnaN159 allele, which encodes a mutant form of the β clamp (β159), display a UV-sensitive phenotype that is suppressed by inactivation of DNA polymerase IV (M. D. Sutton, J. Bacteriol. 186:6738-6748, 2004). As part of an ongoing effort to understand mechanisms of DNA polymerase management in E. coli, we have further characterized effects of the dnaN159 allele on polymerase usage. Three of the five E.coli DNA polymerases (II, IV, and V) are regulated as part of the global SOS response. Our results indicate that elevated expression of the dinB-encoded polymerase IV is sufficient to result in conditional lethality of the dnaN159 strain. In contrast, chronically activated RecA protein, expressed from the recA730 allele, is lethal to the dnaN159 strain, and this lethality is suppressed by mutations that either mitigate RecA730 activity (i.e., ΔrecR), or impair the activities of DNA polymerase II or DNA polymerase V (i.e., ΔpolB or ΔumuDC). Thus, we have identified distinct genetic requirements whereby each of the three different SOS-regulated DNA polymerases are able to confer lethality upon the dnaN159 strain, suggesting the presence of multiple mechanisms by which the actions of the cell's different DNA polymerases are managed in vivo.
Recovery 9 years post stroke with standardized electrical stimulation.

ABSTRACTThis case report summarizes results of a new standardized evidence-based treatment protocol regarding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and somatosensory stimulation (SS) for a chronic stroke patient. The protocol included treatment five times per week, up to 3 hr per day for 20 months. Treatment included 20 min active NMES followed by two to three hr of SS. Repetitive task practice activities were performed during SS for targeted muscle groups. Remarkable functional recovery was noted with all outcome measures, including the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment and the Action Research Arm Test, suggesting prolonged NMES and SS therapy should be investigated further.
The Nonlinear Time-Varying Response of Dynamic Thermal Tensioning for Welding-Induced Distortion Control

This paper presents a dynamic thermal tensioning method to control the welding induced distortion under production variation. The new method determines the optimal thermal tensioning parameters based on real-time distortion measurements. The paper is focused on a systematic study on the structural response and the development of an automatic control algorithm for the dynamic thermal tensioning process. A thermomechanical finite element model was used to study preheating effects in a gas metal arc welding process. A model predictive strategy was adopted for automatic distortion control. It has been found that the response of the dynamic thermal tensioning process is nonlinear and time varying. However, the response model can be linearized based on the superposition principle. A threshold-based control algorithm is developed and demonstrated using both simulation and experimental results.
Agency Costs, Charitable Trusts, and Corporate Control: Evidence from Hershey's Kiss-Off

In July 2002 the trustees of the Milton Hershey School Trust announced a plan to diversify the Trust's investment portfolio by selling the Trust's controlling interest in the Hershey Company. The Company's stock jumped from $62.50 to $78.30 on news of the proposed sale. But the Pennsylvania Attorney General, who was then running for governor, opposed the sale on the ground that it would harm the local community. Shortly after the Attorney General obtained a preliminary injunction, the trustees abandoned the sale and the Company's stock dropped to $65.00. Using standard event study methodology, we find that the sale announcement was associated with a positive abnormal return of over 25% and that canceling the sale was followed by a negative abnormal return of nearly 12%. Our findings imply that instead of improving the welfare of the needy children who are the Trust's main beneficiaries, the Attorney General's intervention preserved charitable trust agency costs of roughly $850 million and foreclosed salutary portfolio diversification. Furthermore, blocking the sale destroyed roughly $2.7 billion in shareholder wealth, reducing aggregate social welfare by preserving a suboptimal ownership structure of the Company. Our analysis contributes to the literature of trust law by supplying the first empirical analysis of agency costs in the charitable trust form and by highlighting shortcomings in supervision of charities by the state attorneys general. We also contribute to the literature of corporate governance by measuring the change in the Company's market value when the Trust exposed the Company to the market for corporate control.
A community return-to-play mTBI clinic: Results of a pilot program and survey of high school athletes

Abstract Background High school athletes who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion are required to be removed from play until clearance by a provider. A regional pediatric trauma center offered an mTBI clinic to evaluate students for return to play (RTP). Methods An mTBI clinic was developed in collaboration with a high school district containing three schools. This program evaluated students suffering from sports-related head trauma, specifically football injuries. Community mTBI education was performed, a standardized RTP algorithm was developed, and a postseason survey was administered to football players. Results Twenty-eight students playing football were seen by the mTBI clinic. The average time until RTP for clinic patients was 16.9 days. Four hundred five players were surveyed. Of players responding to the survey, 40 (15%) reported sustaining an mTBI during the football season. Of those sustaining an mTBI, 9 (22.5%) did not report their symptoms. Conclusion Although the mTBI rate is similar to reported rates, the unreported mTBI episodes were lower (22.5%) than previously published self-reported mTBI rates. The RTP algorithm was successful in returning athletes in 16.9 days. The algorithm and data can be utilized by other organizations in establishment of an mTBI clinic and RTP program.
Inter-electrode spacing of surface EMG sensors: reduction of crosstalk contamination during voluntary contractions.

We investigated the influence of inter-electrode spacing on the degree of crosstalk contamination in surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals in the tibialis anterior (target muscle), generated by the triceps surae (crosstalk muscle), using bar and disk electrode arrays. The degree of crosstalk contamination was assessed for voluntary constant-force isometric contractions and for dynamic contractions during walking. Single-differential signals were acquired with inter-electrode spacing ranging from 5 mm to 40 mm. Additionally, double differential signals were acquired at 10 mm spacing using the bar electrode array. Crosstalk contamination at the target muscle was expressed as the ratio of the detected crosstalk signal to that of the target muscle signal. The crosstalk contamination ratio approached a mean of 50% for the 40 mm spacing for triceps surae muscle contractions at 80% MVC and tibialis anterior muscle contractions at 10% MVC. For single differential recordings, the minimum crosstalk contamination was obtained from the 10 mm spacing. The results showed no significant differences between the bar and disk electrode arrays. During walking, the crosstalk contamination on the tibialis anterior muscle reached levels of 23% for a commonly used 22 mm spacing singledifferential disk sensor, 17% for a 10 mm spacing single-differential bar sensor, and 8% for a 10 mm double-differential bar sensor. For both studies the effect of electrode spacing on crosstalk contamination was statistically significant. Crosstalk contamination and inter-electrode spacing should therefore be a serious concern in gait studies when the sEMG signal is collected with single differential sensors. The contamination can distort the target muscle signal and mislead the interpretation of its activation timing and force magnitude.
Complete spinal accessory nerve palsy from carrying climbing gear

We report an unusual case of spinal accessory nerve palsy sustained while transporting climbing gear. Spinal accessory nerve injury is commonly a result of iatrogenic surgical trauma during lymph node excision. This particular nerve is less frequently injured by blunt trauma. The case reported here results from compression of the spinal accessory nerve for a sustained period—that is, carrying a load over the shoulder using a single nylon rope for 2.5 hours. This highlights the importance of using proper load-carrying equipment to distribute weight over a greater surface area to avoid nerve compression in the posterior triangle of the neck. The signs and symptoms of spinal accessory nerve palsy and its etiology are discussed. This report is particularly relevant to individuals involved in mountaineering and rock climbing but can be extended to anyone carrying a load with a strap over one shoulder and across the body.
Dynamic content generation for the evaluation of network applications

Generating application-level content within network simulations and/or testbed environments tends toward an ad-hoc process reliant primarily on evaluator expertise. Such ad-hoc approaches are laborious and often fail to capture important aspects of how content is distributed within traffic. Further, while many tools allow for the generation of a wide-range of content types, there exists no coherent model for populating these tools with the necessary data. To address these issues we propose two models for dynamically generating content so as to provide a systematic means for populating a test with relevant data. First we create content targeting Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) that are severely impacted by the composition of the traffic combined with the set of known signatures. Most NIDS evaluation techniques employ on/off models where a packet is either malicious or not. Such evaluation ignores the case where the content of a benign packet partially intersects with one or many signatures, causing more processing for the NIDS. To address this hole in evaluation we propose a traffic model that uses the target NIDS signature set to create partially-matching traffic. This partially-matching traffic then allows the systematic examination of the NIDS across multiple scenarios. Such evaluation provides insight into the idiosyncrasies of a NIDS that would remain hidden if evaluated under current methodologies. Next, we broaden our content generation model to account for all network applications. We create a content generative model for identifying, harvesting, and assigning application-level content to simulated traffic. This model ties consumers of content to the producers of the content as well to a particular content category. This approach then allows for said content to be tied to a workload generator or simulator of choice to evaluate a given network application. Finally, we discuss the implementation of these models and potential optimizations for high-speed environments. Ultimately, the models provided here allow for the systematic generation of content for network applications and serves to bridge the gap in current evaluation methodologies between network traffic simulation and content.
The Metacognitive Competency: The Key to Lifelong Learning

The topic of remediation requires that we sharpen our focus on the endpoint of medical education. As educators we are compelled to address the question: Are we in the business of fostering our learners’ minimum competence or are we promoting expertise? Regarding the former, medical school applicants uniformly demonstrate the ability to achieve competence in knowledge acquisition and basic application of knowledge. Our entrance exams in these areas are thorough, valid, and reliable. There is less evidence that our applicants have the ability to achieve expertise as demonstrated in their metacognitive abilities—to think critically, reflect in action, and take another’s perspective. Although there are promising new practices (e.g., holistic admissions), there is yet evidence of their ultimate impact. Those who have significant metacognitive learning difficulties often “fly under the radar screen” until they enter the clinical training environment and are required to excel at experiential learning and undergo less timely and objective assessment. Clinical expertise, all expertise in fact, demands proficiency in these abilities. This chapter provides faculty with a schema for assessing and addressing the metacognitive difficulties that learners may be experiencing that require remediation on the road to expertise.
Computer-aided stereolithography for presurgical planning in fibula free tissue reconstruction of the mandible.

Introduction Computer-aided imaging has facilitated presurgical modeling for free tissue mandibular reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the utility of preoperative virtual surgical planning in fibula reconstruction of the mandible. Methods Eight patients, age 17 to 72 years, treated between November 2009 and January 2011 were reviewed. Each required segmental resection and reconstruction of the mandible and were managed with presurgical virtual planning. Results Our series includes five cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA), one case of osteoradionecrosis (ORN), one leiomyosarcoma, and one odontogenic myxoma. All patients underwent a segmental resection of the mandible 5 to 14 cm in size (average 8 cm). In each case, prefabricated guides for segmental mandibulectomy and fibula osteotomy were employed and resulted in simplification of bony inset and reduced need for “fine tuning” of fibula segments. Conclusions Virtual surgical planning fosters multidisciplinary communication and provides accurate presurgical planning. This allows seamless reconstruction in patients requiring mandibular reconstruction via fibula free tissue transfer. The combination of mandibular and fibular cutting guides and templates allows for a precise and efficient surgical reconstruction. In our experience, this technology is most useful in the reconstruction of large mandibular defects requiring large reconstruction plates and multiple fibular osteotomies.
Televised versus On-Campus Introductory Psychology: A Review and Comparison

Thirty students enrolled in an on-campus introductory psychology class and thirty-one students enrolled in the “Understanding Human Behavior” televised course were the subjects of this study. Assessment was accomplished through the administration of three examinations during the semester. The mean total score in the televised class (x = 77) was one point below that of the on-campus class (x = 78). This difference was not statistically significant (p > .05, df= 59). The data suggest that the “Understanding Human Behavior” television series is an acceptable alternative to on-campus instruction for the introductory course.
A Study of Expatriate Career Intention

This paper draws from Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior to examine how an expatriate’s past experience affects the individual’s intention regarding future international career. Data was collected ...
Flight Control and Wake Turbulence Effects on American Airlines Flight 587

On November 12, 2001, American Airlines flight 587, an Airbus Industrie A300600, was destroyed when it crashed into a residential area of Belle Harbor, New York, shortly after takeoff from runway 31L at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Before impact, the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and left and right engines departed the airplane. The 2 pilots, 7 flight attendants, 251 passengers, and 5 persons on the ground were killed. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was the in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer’s unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs, and that contributing to these rudder pedal inputs were characteristics of the Airbus A300-600 rudder system design and elements of the American Airlines Advanced Aircraft Maneuvering Program. During the investigation, it was determined that the airplane had encountered wake turbulence from a Boeing 747 at the time the first officer made his rudder pedal inputs. An objective of the investigation was to determine the significance of both the first officer’s rudder inputs and the wake turbulence to the subsequent airplane dynamics and buildup of aerodynamic loads on the vertical tail. Simulations of the airplane motion, driven by the thrust and flight control inputs recorded on the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), as well as external wind gusts and pitch, roll, and yaw moments required to match the airplane dynamics recorded by the FDR, were used to determine the relative contribution of the wake turbulence (represented by the external wind gusts and moments) and flight control inputs to the overall airplane motion. The results of the simulations indicate that the first officer’s flight control inputs produced the buildup of the sideslip angle and aerodynamic loads on the vertical tail that caused it to separate from the airplane. The effect of the wake turbulence on the airplane motion was minor.
The Exceptional Circumstances of Johnson v. United States

Johnson v. United States held that the “residual clause” of the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) is unconstitutionally vague.1 Since Johnson was decided six months ago, courts have been sorting out which of the currently incarcerated defendants who were sentenced under ACCA’s residual clause may be resentenced. Determining who can be resentenced in light of Johnson requires courts to answer several questions.2 For example, does the rule in Johnson apply retroactively to convictions that have already become final? And can prisoners who have already filed one petition for postconviction review—review that occurs after a defendant’s conviction has become final— file another, successive petition for postconviction review based on Johnson? This second question has divided the courts of appeals. It also requires the Supreme Court’s immediate and exceptional attention. Under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), a prisoner may file a successive petition for postconviction review only when a court of appeals panel certifies that the petition involves “a new rule of constitutional law, made retroactive to cases on collateral review by the Supreme Court.”3 Less than six months after Johnson, over half the courts of appeals disagree about whether the Supreme Court has “made” Johnson retroactive and thus whether a prisoner may file a successive petition for postconviction review based on Johnson. The Supreme Court must act immediately in order for many of the prisoners with Johnson claims to have a remedy. Prisoners generally have one year from the date on which the Supreme Court announces a new rule to file a successive petition for postconviction—that is, collateral—review.4 But
Field Test on the Reducing Resistance Natural of Grounding Module and Building of Its Simulation Model

In grounding engineering,it remains a technical problem to reduce resistance to the safety limit.Recently,grounding modules are used to solve the problem,but the lack of scientific analysis on the characteristics makes it to be blindly used in some situations.Consequently,we analyzed the permeability and non-permeability of grounding modules by field testing and simulation.Based on results in half a year,the reducing resistance characteristics were discussed by data measured,the corrosion characteristics were revealed by excavation inspection,and simulation models were built with ANSYS(finite element software) and CDEGS(software for grounding analysis),finally the efficiency of reducing the resistance of different grids was calculated.
Standardization of Functional Immune Cell-Based Assays: An Integral Aspect to Vaccine and Biologic Development and Validation.

Abstract The utility of the ex-vivo evaluation of immune cell functionality in the context of a) Determining an efficacious vaccine strategy for infectious diseases/cancer, b) Determining a tolerance profile in autoimmunity and transplantation, and c) understanding the basic mechanisms of immune cell responses in disease pathogenesis is well recognized. However, the benefit of these assays as surrogate markers of immune cell activity in vivo has not been fully realized due to the variable nature of these in vitro assays which is particularly pronounced in T cell functional assays. This variability arises from a variety of factors ranging from choice of assay, source of the cells, the sample processing methodology (isolation, freezing, thawing, and culturing), sample staining protocol for the chosen assay and ultimately data analysis, and data reduction. With a view to reducing variability and standardizing targeted steps of T cell functional assays, an automated methodology for simultaneous staining and analysis of multiple intracellular cytokines and cytotoxicity markers via flow cytometry was developed and validated. A 5-color flow cytometry assay (2–3 surface markers; 2 intracellular markers) was developed to characterize the restricted polyclonal (SEB/CD28) and antigen specific (CEF peptide pool) cytokine and cytotoxic profile response in human PBMCs. A modification to available sample preparation instruments was performed that enabled the automated pipetting, incubation, and staining of intracellular and surface molecules of stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations (PBMC) for flow cytometric analysis. Statistically significant reductions in both inter and intra assay variability was observed in the automated methodology as compared to the manual assay with improvements in CVs for positive cell numbers and mean fluorescence intensity. For example, the inter assay CVs for IFNg cytokine producing CD4+ T cell populations improved from approximately 15 to 5, while the mean fluorescence intensity improved nearly 5 fold with automation. Importantly, the automated methodology furnished comparable responses in percent positive cytokine/cytotoxicity profiles as compared to the manual method while reducing the “handson” sample preparation and analysis time from 2 hours to 20 minutes. With the standardization of functional assays, other sources of variability in assays result can now be addressed specifically e.g. specimen handling, freezing, thawing, culturing, or biological. Standardized multiparametric functional profiling of the cells thus reveals the complex nature of the immune response and lends credence to their use as surrogate markers of efficacy and functionality.
Dysphagia in healthy children: Characteristics and management of a consecutive cohort at a tertiary centre

Abstract Objective Whereas the literature is replete with reports on complex children with dysphagia (DP), the parameters characterizing non-neurologically impaired (NNI) children have been underreported, leaving a substantial knowledge gap. We set to characterize a consecutive cohort of NNI children, their management, and outcomes. Methods We undertook a retrospective case series. Children ( Results From 171 consecutive patients (37-month period), 128 were included (69 males, median age 6.6 months (0.5–124.2)). Significant clinical presentations included recurrent pneumonias (20), cyanotic spells (14) and life-threatening events (10). Swallowing assessments revealed laryngeal penetration (67), aspiration (25). Other investigations included overnight oximetry (77), airway (70), and gastrointestinal endoscopy (24); revealing laryngomalacia (29), laryngeal mobility disorder (8), and subglottic stenosis (8). Non-surgical interventions involved oral diet modifications (85) and enteral nutrition (15). Surgical interventions included supraglottoplasties (18), endoscopic laryngeal cleft repair (14), and injection (19). 119 patients received intervention and at last follow-up (median 5.2 months (0.3–88.8)) 94 had improved. Of those treated 116 were on an unmodified oral diet, and 24 on a modified diet. ALTE and snoring predicted airway abnormalities, recurrent pneumonia predicted swallowing abnormalities, and age and airway lesions predicted the McGill score. Conclusion a significant proportion of NNI children with DP harbor airway and swallowing abnormalities warranting endoscopic and instrumental assessment.
Association of Adverse Events With Antibiotic Use in Hospitalized Patients

Importance Estimates of the incidence of overall antibiotic-associated adverse drug events (ADEs) in hospitalized patients are generally unavailable. Objective To describe the incidence of antibiotic-associated ADEs for adult inpatients receiving systemic antibiotic therapy. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort of adult inpatients admitted to general medicine wards at an academic medical center. Exposures At least 24 hours of any parenteral or oral antibiotic therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Medical records of 1488 patients were examined for 30 days after antibiotic initiation for the development of the following antibiotic-associated ADEs: gastrointestinal, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, hematologic, hepatobiliary, renal, cardiac, and neurologic; and 90 days for the development of Clostridium difficile infection or incident multidrug-resistant organism infection, based on adjudication by 2 infectious diseases trained clinicians. Results In 1488 patients, the median age was 59 years (interquartile range, 49-69 years), and 758 (51%) participants were female. A total of 298 (20%) patients experienced at least 1 antibiotic-associated ADE. Furthermore, 56 (20%) non–clinically indicated antibiotic regimens were associated with an ADE, including 7 cases of C difficile infection. Every additional 10 days of antibiotic therapy conferred a 3% increased risk of an ADE. The most common ADEs were gastrointestinal, renal, and hematologic abnormalities, accounting for 78 (42%), 45 (24%), and 28 (15%) 30-day ADEs, respectively. Notable differences were identified between the incidence of ADEs associated with specific antibiotics. Conclusions and Relevance Although antibiotics may play a critical role when used appropriately, our findings underscore the importance of judicious antibiotic prescribing to reduce the harm that can result from antibiotic-associated ADEs.
Hyperspectral Imaging and Spectrometry-Derived Spectral Features for Bitter Pit Detection in Storage Apples.

Bitter pit is one of the most important disorders in apples. Some of the fresh market apple varieties are susceptible to bitter pit disorder. In this study, visible–near-infrared spectrometry-based reflectance spectral data (350–2500 nm) were acquired from 2014, 2015 and 2016 harvest produce after 63 days of storage at 5 °C. Selected spectral features from 2014 season were used to classify the healthy and bitter pit samples from three years. In addition, these spectral features were also validated using hyperspectral imagery data collected on 2016 harvest produce after storage in a commercial storage facility for 5 months. The hyperspectral images were captured from either sides of apples in the range of 550–1700 nm. These images were analyzed to extract additional set of spectral features that were effective in bitter pit detection. Based on these features, an automated spatial data analysis algorithm was developed to detect bitter pit points. The pit area was extracted, and logistic regression was used to define the categorizing threshold. This method was able to classify the healthy and bitter pit apples with an accuracy of 85%. Finally, hyperspectral imagery derived spectral features were re-evaluated on the visible–near-infrared reflectance data acquired with spectrometer. The pertinent partial least square regression classification accuracies were in the range of 90–100%. Overall, the study identified salient spectral features based on both hyperspectral spectrometry and imaging techniques that can be used to develop a sensing solution to sort the fruit on the packaging lines.
Minimum weight and optimal control design of space structures

Algorithms are presented to design a minimum weight structure and to improve the dynamic response of a closed-loop control system. Constraints are imposed either on the structural response quantities or on the complex eigenvalue distribution of the closed-loop system. Use of the algorithms is illustrated by solving different problems.
Ductility-Dip Cracking in High Chromium, Ni-Base Filler Metals

Ductility-dip cracking (DDC) is an elevated temperature, solid-state cracking phenomenon that is observed in austenitic weld metals. In this study, the DDC susceptibility of several high-chromium, nickel-base filler metals was evaluated using the strain-to-fracture (STF) test technique. These filler metals were of the Ni-30Cr type and included INCONEL® Filler Metals 52 and 52M supplied by Special Metals Welding Products Company, and Sanicro 68HP® and Sanicro 69HP® supplied by Sandvik AB. In addition, two experimental Ni-30Cr filler metals were evaluated which contained variations in other alloy additions, including niobium additions up to 2.5 wt% and molybdenum additions of 4 wt%. A wide range in DDC susceptibility was observed with these filler metals, including large heat-to-heat variations in filler metals with similar compositions. The experimental filler metals containing Nb and Mo were found to be remarkably resistant to DDC. Cracking susceptibility is primarily associated with the type and form of precipitate that forms along the weld metal migrated grain boundaries. The formation of Nb-rich, M(C,N) at the end of solidification has the most profound effect on DDC, since these precipitates are most effective in pinning the boundaries. The formation of M23C6 carbides during weld cooling or subsequent reheating can also affect DDC susceptibility in these filler metals.
WaDa: An Android Smart Watch App for Sensor Data Collection

Researchers, particularly in the area of ubiquitous and wearable computing, often spend significant amount of effort and time in developing devices and/or apps for data collection. Most of the apps and devices are customized with limited options, and they are usually non-generic or publicly unavailable. In this paper, we present WaDa, an easy to use app for sensor data collection from commercial off-the-shelf Android smart watches. It provides handy features such as user-defined labels, time synchronization, sensor selection, and data navigation. WaDa, freely available for research and academic purposes, facilitates prompt data collection without requiring expertise and effort for custom device/app development.
In Vivo Imaging of Oncolytic Measles Virus Propagation with Single-Cell Resolution

Recombinant measles viruses (MVs) have oncolytic activity against a variety of human cancers. However, their kinetics of spread within tumors has been unexplored. We established an intravital imaging system using the dorsal skin fold chamber, which allows for serial, non-invasive imaging of tumor cells and replication of a fusogenic and a hypofusogenic MV. Hypofusogenic virus-infected cells were detected at the earliest 3 days post-infection (dpi), with peak infection around 6 dpi. In contrast, the fusogenic virus replicated faster: infected cells were detectable 1 dpi and cells were killed quickly. Infection foci were significantly larger with the fusogenic virus. Both viruses formed syncytia. The spatial relationships between cells have a major influence on the outcome of therapy with oncolytic viruses.
A Systems Security Approach for Requirements Analysis of Complex Cyber-Physical Systems

Today's highly interconnected and technology reliant environment places greater emphasis on the need for dependably secure systems. This work addresses this problem by detailing a systems security analysis approach for understanding and eliciting security requirements for complex cyber-physical systems. First, a readily understandable description of key architectural analysis definitions and desirable characteristics is provided along with a survey of commonly used security architecture analysis approaches. Next, a tailored version of the System-Theoretic Process Analysis approach for Security (STPA-Sec) is detailed in three phases which supports the development of functional-level security requirements, architectural-level engineering considerations, and design-level security criteria. In particular, these three phases are aligned with the systems and software engineering processes defined in the security processes of NIST SP 800–160. Lastly, this work is important for advancing the science of systems security by providing a viable systems security analysis approach for eliciting, defining, and analyzing traceable security, safety, and resiliency requirements which support evaluation criteria that can be designed-for, built-to, and verified with confidence.
Vibrotactile piezoelectric stimulation system with precise and versatile timing control for somatosensory research.

Abstract Background Tactile stimulations systems are useful for studying the somatosensory system in children because they are innocuous and safe. Stimulators based on piezoelectric actuator are useful, but there is still a need for such systems capable of providing accurate and versatile control of timing and pattern of activation. New method We have implemented a vibrotactile stimulating system useful for behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) research. Our design goal was to create a system capable of providing up to five independently controlled mechanical stimulations with precise timing. We developed a Graphic User Interface (GUI) in LabVIEW, which controls a commercially available piezoelectric braille stimulator using an Arduino based controller. We made a customized braille stimulator based on the Metec Braille device. Results Our system can control up to five tactile stimulators with independent timing control and negligible errors. Although it can be directly used for behavioral and EEG research, the piezoelectric stimulators in our system generate stimulus artifacts that interfere with MEG recordings. A moving averaging subtraction algorithm we developed can remove the artifact. The stimulator can be used to measure somatic evoked magnetic fields from the somatosensory cortex of a child without the artifact. Comparison to existing methods Our system provides an accurate independent control of one or more piezoelectric actuators using a GUI-based easy-to-control programming approach based on recent advances in embedded systems and software. Versatility and precise stimulation timing distinguish our system compared to existing somatic stimulators. Conclusions Our system may be useful for somatic research.
Spatial aggregation and the value of natural capital

Abstract Location matters for the value of capital assets. The value of changes in natural capital wealth can depend on whether natural capital asset prices are measured locally and then aggregated or whether average values are applied over aggregate representative areas. Spatial heterogeneity of resource characteristics and institutions impact approximations of the intertemporal welfare function and accounting price function because when spatial aggregation precedes valuation it implies greater arbitrage opportunities leading to more inelastic shadow (accounting) price functions than when valuation is done locally and then aggregated. Aggregation of observed values across varying resource and institutional characteristics can lead to omitted variables bias. We illustrate these results in the context of groundwater in the Kansas High Plains Aquifer and demonstrate that the accounting price function is less elastic when the accounting price is measured locally. Failure to measure locally and then aggregate could lead to undervaluing scarce resources and overvaluing plentiful ones, which biases wealth accounts in favor of passing the non-declining wealth sustainability test.
Delamination Buckling of Plate and Shell Structures

SUMMARY The paper deals primarily with the question of buckling of delaminated flat and curved structural elements, and how the presence of the delamination affects the global load carrying capacity of the structure. A review of the effect of the presence of imperfections and defects on buckling in laminated configurations is presented. The emphasis is then placed on delaminations, and the simple mathematical models that have been used for the buckling analysis of delaminated plates and shells. Through these models the parameters that have the largest effect on the buckling load are identified. It is concluded that the two most influencing parameters are the size of delamination and the through-the-thickness position of the delamination. Finally, areas of future research are identified, through the critical review of the reported studies.
Employing predicted response factors and a validated chromatographic method for the relative quantitation of holy basil essential oils

This work reports on fourteen holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L., O. gratissimum L.) essential oil profiles, and a reliable method for quantitation of essential oil constituents via a combination of...
Education of medical students about injury prevention: to teach or not to teach?

Purpose: Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of mortality among all ages in the United States. Physicians play a vital role in preventing injuries, however, providers across multiple fields report deficits in knowledge and training in injury prevention. This problem could be addressed by integrating education on injury prevention in the medical school curriculum, which is a concept that has been supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Yet, injury topics, especially on prevention, have historically received minimal attention in medical schools. Furthermore, programs that include content on injury in the required curriculum, focus on selected …
A novel feature reduction method to improve performance of machine learning model

Developing radiomic based machine learning models has drawn considerable attention in recent years. However, identifying a small and optimal feature vector to build a robust machine learning models has always been a controversial issue. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of applying a random projection algorithm to create an optimal feature vector from the CAD-generated large feature pool and improve the performance of the machine learning model. We assemble a retrospective dataset involving abdominal computed tomography (CT) images acquired from 188 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. Among them, 141 cases have peritoneal metastasis (PM), while 47 cases do not have PM. A computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme is applied to segment the gastric tumor area and computes 325 image features. Then, two Logistic Regression models embedded with two different feature dimensionality reduction methods, namely, the principal component analysis (PCA) and a random projection algorithm (RPA). Afterward, a synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) is used to balance the dataset. The proposed ML model is built to predict the risk of the patients having advanced gastric cancer (AGC). All Logistic Regression models are trained and tested using a leave-one-case-out cross-validation method. Results show that the logistic regression embedded with RPA yielded a significantly higher AUC value (0.69±0.025) than using PCA (0.62±0.014) (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that CT images of the gastric tumors contain discriminatory information to predict the risk of PM in AGC patients, and RPA is a promising method to generate optimal feature vector, improving the performance of ML models of medical images.
Hemicrania Continua

In recent years, hemicrania continua has become a well-recognized primary headache disorder known for its chronicity and resulting disability in a subset of patients with headache. The core clinical features have been well described: unilateral, side-locked headaches that are continuous (although interrupted by frequent severe exacerbations), associated with autonomic symptoms and a response to indomethacin. However, areas of relative controversy remain in its classification and diagnosis. Several relatively large case series have better delineated the associated features of this disorder, including atypical presentations. Recently, neuroimaging research has provided new insights into the underlying pathways involved in the disorder, in particular activation of the contralateral posterior hypothalamus and the ipsilateral dorsal rostral pons. Despite its well-known response to indomethacin, many patients still endure long delays in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. There remains a need for new treatments given the morbidity associated with long-term indomethacin use.