cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LOCADIO: inferring motion and location from Wi-Fi signal strengths

Context is a critical ingredient of ubiquitous computing. While it is possible to use specialized sensors and beacons to measure certain aspects of a user's context, we are interested in what we can infer from using the existing 802.11 wireless network infrastructure that already exists in many places. The context parameters we infer are the location of a client (with a median error of 1.5 meters) and an indicator of whether or not the client is in motion (with a classification accuracy of 87%). Our system, called LOCADIO, uses Wi-Fi signal strengths from existing access points measured on the client to infer both pieces of context. For motion, we measure the variance of the signal strength of the strongest access point as input to a simple two-state hidden Markov model (HMM) for smoothing transitions between the inferred states of "still" and "moving". For location, we exploit the fact that Wi-Fi signal strengths vary with location, and we use another HMM on a graph of location nodes whose transition probabilities are a function of the building's floor plan, expected pedestrian speeds, and our still/moving inference. Our probabilistic approach to inferring context gives a convenient way of balancing noisy measured data such as signal strengths against our a priori assumptions about a user's behavior.
Brief Report: Using Actigraphy to Compare Physical Activity Levels in Adolescents with Chronic Pain and Healthy Adolescents

Objectives This study compared activity levels of adolescents with chronic pain and healthy adolescents, and investigated relations between actigraphy and subjective measures of activity limitations and depression.
Cloning of murine translation initiation factor 6 and functional analysis of the homologous sequence YPR016c in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The cDNA sequence of a murine gene whose expression was up-regulated after epidermal injury was cloned utilizing differential display. The full-length cDNA was isolated by 3′ and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends from mouse liver. The predicted protein is >97% identical to the human sequence for eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 6, thus identifying the gene as murine eIF6. Functional studies of the yeast eIF6 homolog,YPR016c, were initiated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine the cellular role(s) of eIF6. Complete deletion of the YPR016c coding sequence was lethal. Viability was restored in the presence of either YPR016c or murine eIF6, when either was expressed as amino-terminal green fluorescent protein fusion protein. Moreover, both fusion proteins localized to nuclear/perinuclear compartments in their respective yeast strains. When the expression of YPR016c-green fluorescent protein was repressed, there was a dramatic reduction in the 60 S ribosomal subunit and polysome content and decreased 80S monosome content. Additionally, the YPR016c-depleted cells arrested in G1. These studies show that YPR016c, which encodes yeast eIF6, is necessary for maximal polysome formation and plays an important role in determining free 60 S ribosomal subunit content.
Environmental Acquisition of Thiotrophic Endosymbionts by Deep-Sea Mussels of the Genus Bathymodiolus

Deep-sea Bathymodiolus mussels, depending on species and location, have the capacity to host sulfuroxidizing (thiotrophic) and methanotrophic eubacteria in gill bacteriocytes, although little is known about the mussels’ mode of symbiont acquisition. Previous studies of Bathymodiolus host and symbiont relationships have been based on collections of nonoverlapping species across wide-ranging geographic settings, creating an apparent model for vertical transmission. We present genetic and cytological evidence for the environmental acquisition of thiotrophic endosymbionts by vent mussels from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Open pit structures in cell membranes of the gill surface revealed likely sites for endocytosis of free-living bacteria. A population genetic analysis of the thiotrophic symbionts exploited a hybrid zone where two Bathymodiolus species intergrade. Northern Bathymodiolus azoricus and southern Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis possess species-specific DNA sequences that identify both their symbiont strains (internal transcribed spacer regions) and their mitochondria (ND4). However, the northern and southern symbiont-mitochondrial pairs were decoupled in the hybrid zone. Such decoupling of symbiont-mitochondrial pairs would not occur if the two elements were transmitted strictly vertically through the germ line. Taken together, these findings are consistent with an environmental source of thiotrophic symbionts in Bathymodiolus mussels, although an environmentally “leaky” system of vertical transmission could not be excluded.
Seasonal Abundance of Lysogenic Bacteria in a Subtropical Estuary

Seasonal changes in the abundance of inducible lysogenic bacteria in a eutrophic estuarine environment were investigated over a 13-month period. Biweekly water samples were collected from Tampa Bay, Fla., and examined for prophage induction by mitomycin C treatment. At the conclusion of the study, we determined that 52.2% of the samples displayed prophage induction, as indicated by significant increases in viral direct counts compared with uninduced controls. Samples that displayed prophage induction occurred during the warmer months (February through October), when surface water temperatures were above 19°C, and no induction was observed in November, December, or January. This study presents clear evidence that there is seasonal variation in the number of inducible lysogenic bacteria in an estuarine environment.
Potentiation of the Activity of 1-β-d-Arabinofuranosylcytosine by the Protein Kinase C Activator Bryostatin 1 in HL-60 Cells: Association with Enhanced Fragmentation of Mature DNA

We have examined the interaction between 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and the macrocyclic lactone protein kinase C activator bryostatin 1 in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Preexposure of cells to 10 nM bryostatin 1 for 24 h, followed by an additional 24-h incubation with 10 microM ara-C, resulted in greater than additive inhibitory effects toward clonogenic HL-60 cells. In a series of alkaline elution assays, cells preincubated with bryostatin 1 and prelabeled with [3H]thymidine exhibited a significant increase in DNA fragmentation following exposure to ara-C in comparison to cells exposed to ara-C alone. This increase in DNA damage was apparent at both neutral and alkaline pH and was not protein associated. In contrast, studies using cells pulse-labeled with [3H]thymidine immediately before analysis suggested that bryostatin 1 pretreatment did not increase the ability of ara-C to interfere with DNA replicative intermediates. Additional studies demonstrated that the increase in DNA fragmentation induced by bryostatin 1 and ara-C preceded both loss of cell membrane integrity (as determined by trypan blue exclusion) as well as depletion of intracellular ATP and NAD pools. Furthermore, the enhanced inhibitory effects of bryostatin 1 and ara-C toward clonogenic HL-60 cells did not appear to result from the induction of cellular differentiation. Finally, agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA obtained from cells exposed to both bryostatin 1 and ara-C revealed a pattern of integer multiples of 180- to 200-base pair fragments commonly associated with endonucleolytic cleavage; the extent of this fragmentation was considerably greater than that observed in cells exposed to ara-C alone. Taken together, these findings suggest that exposure of HL-60 cells to bryostatin 1 renders them more susceptible to ara-C-related DNA damage and that this phenomenon contributes to the cytotoxic effects of this drug combination. They also raise the possibility that bryostatin 1, perhaps through modulation of intracellular signaling events in leukemic cells, has the capacity to potentiate ara-C-related apoptosis or programmed cell death.
Effects of X-Rays on Chromosomes of Lilium Longiflorum during Meiosis.

A study has been made on the effects of x rays on chromosomes in the aathers of Lilium longiflorum at various stages of meiosis. Cells ranging in stage of nuclear development from premeiotic interphase to metaphase I were irradiated with doses of 15 to 60 r umits. Observations are described. (C.H.)
Guys, Dolls, and the Uses of Enchantment

The author discusses Danielle Knafo’s paper, “Guys and Dolls,” from the developmental perspective of transitional space and the interplay of intersubjectively constructed spontaneous gestures, in the co-construction of a new narrative in the process of psychoanalytic treatment.
How do peer coaches improve diabetes care for low-income patients?: a qualitative analysis.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to explore the perspectives and roles of peer coaches, who are patients with diabetes trained to provide diabetes self-management support (DSMS) to other patients.MethodsA focus group and 17 qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-based peer coaches in San Francisco in order to better understand the process by which these coaches engaged with their patients. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using methods based on grounded theory to develop a theoretical model of peer coach roles.ResultsPeer coaches play 3 principal roles in providing DSMS: advisor, supporter, and role model. While working with patients, peer coaches had different approaches to setting emotional boundaries and to allocating responsibility for implementing health behavior changes. Peer coaches were more consistent in how they sought resources from providers. Peer coaches also became empowered to better manage their own diabetes.ConclusionPeer coaches are a highly motivated ...
Pruritus of chronic cholestasis

Pruritus is a challenging clinical problem which often complicates chronic cholestatic liver disease. For practical purposes, cholestasis may be defined as impaired hepatocellular secretion of bile and is a feature of a wide variety of liver diseases. Cholestasis is usually suspected clinically when a patient presenting with jaundice or pruritus is found to have an elevation in serum alkaline phosphatase activity disproportionate to increases in serum aminotransferase levels. Early imaging by ultrasonography, computerized tomography, or cholangiography is important to address the possibility of remediable biliary tract obstruction. The majority of patients who develop problematic pruritus due to chronic cholestasis will have one of several diseases: primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, drug-induced cholestasis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, or alcoholic liver disease. Specific aetiological diagnosis is usually possible when history and physical examination are complemented, as appropriate, by serological testing, hepatobiliary imaging, and liver biopsy. This review does not address issues in diagnosis, but concentrates upon the management of pruritus, a potentially disabling complication of prolonged cholestasis.
Anthrax vaccine: increasing intervals between the first two doses enhances antibody response in humans

The influence of dosing interval on the human antibody response to anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) was evaluated in two retrospective serological studies. In both studies, the interval between the first two doses was 2, 3 or 4 weeks. In the first study, banked sera were selected from 89 at-risk individuals at a mean time of 13 days after the second dose of vaccine. In the second study, banked sera were selected from 51 at-risk individuals at a mean time of 48 days following the first dose of AVA. In both studies, the geometric mean anti-protective antigen IgG antibody titer increased significantly as the interval between the two doses increased from 2 to 4 weeks (p=0.0005-0.029). In the first study, the seroconversion rate also increased as the interval between the first two doses increased (p=0. 0034). A prospective, randomized study has been completed and is being analyzed to confirm these findings.
Striatal hyposensitivity to delayed rewards among cigarette smokers.

Background: Brain regions that track value (including the ventral striatum) respond more during the anticipation of immediate than delayed rewards, even when the delayed rewards are larger and equally preferred to the immediate. The anticipatory response to immediate vs. delayed rewards has not previously been examined in association with cigarette smoking. Methods: Smokers (n = 35) and nonsmokers (n = 36) performed a modified monetary incentive functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) task (Knutson et al., 2000) that included opportunities to win either immediate or delayed rewards. The delayed rewards were larger and equally preferred to the immediate rewards. Results: Across groups, greater activation was observed in regions previously shown to track value including bilateral ventral/dorsal striatum during the anticipation of immediate relative to delayed rewards. This effect was significantly greater among smokers than nonsmokers within the right ventral striatum. This group difference was driven particularly by low striatal activation among smokers during delayed reward trials. Conclusions: The general tendency for striatal reward anticipatory activity to be attenuated when rewards are delayed is exaggerated among smokers relative to comparison participants. Among possible explanations of this relationship are that (1) low anticipatory response to delayed rewards is a phenotypic risk factor for smoking and (2) smoking-related neuroadaptations result in reduced recruitment during the anticipation of delayed rewards.
Neuroplasticity of sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers in a mouse model of a painful arthritic joint

Objective Many forms of arthritis are accompanied by significant chronic joint pain. Here we studied whether there is significant sprouting of sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers in the painful arthritic knee joint and whether nerve growth factor (NGF) drives this pathological reorganization.
Differential color brightness as a body orientation cue

Ninety male and female college students reclining on their backs in the dark were disoriented when positioned on a rotating platform under a slowly rotating disk that filled their entire visual field. Half of the disk was painted with a brighter value (about 69 percent higher luminance level) of the color on the other half. The effects of red, blue, and yellow were examined. Subjects wearing frosted goggles viewed the illuminated disk for three rotations. The disk was stopped when the subjects felt that they were right side up. A significant proportion of subjects selected the disk position in which the brighter side of each of the three colors filled their upper visual field. These results suggest that color brightness as well as lighting variation could provide Space Station crew members with body orientation cues as they move around.
Approximate dynamical equations for fronts modified by the planetary boundary layer

Abstract The planetary boundary layer (PBL) strongly modifies the structure of surface fronts; yet standard theories of frontogenesis ignore the PBL. As a first step toward understanding the effects of the PBL on frontogenesis, dominant terms are estimated through a scale analysis in an attempt to identify approximations to the primitive equations that are useful near fronts and within the planetary boundary layer. The scaling reveals the absence of small parameters in such flows and emphasizes the importance of turning of the wind with height in determining the frontal dynamics. Although without small parameters the scale analysis is at most suggestive, it indicates that the geostrophic momentum and Ekman momentum approximations will not be accurate, and that the cross-front acceleration may in practice be negligible, as proposed by Cullen. Analysis of a thin viscous boundary layer beneath a front supports these conclusions, as do diagnostics applied to numerical simulations. The scale analysis and diagn...
The outcome of severe traumatic brain injury in children in Qatar: Six-year study

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence pattern of the burden severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among young children in Qatar and to suggest practical prevention policies that can be implemented in Qatar. This is a retrospective study that included all pediatric cases of severe TBI during the period from January 2002 to December 2008. The study was conducted among children aged 14 years or less at the Children Rehabilitation Unit, Pediatric Department, Hamad General Hospital. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was used to assess severity of TBIs. This study was based on 65 children suffering from severe traumatic brain injury, of which 12 of them died within the first month of admission in pediatric intensive care unit. The predominant gender was male (73.8%), of which non-Qataris form 50.8%. Predominant mechanisms of injury were road traffic accident (84.6%), then injuries due to falls (10.8%), followed by sports and recreation injuries. Among our patients 43.1% had spasticity, 33.8% experien...
A comparison of the reproductive outcome between women with a unicornuate uterus and women with a didelphic uterus

Objective To compare the reproductive performance of women with a unicornuate uterus with the reproductive performance of women with a didelphic uterus. Design Retrospective. Setting Reproductive endocrinology service of a tertiary referral hospital. Main Outcome Measures The proportion of pregnancies resulting in spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, term delivery, and living children was determined for each group. Results Twenty-nine women with a unicornuate uterus and 25 women with a didelphic uterus were identified. Twenty women with a unicornuate uterus produced a total of 40 pregnancies, whereas 13 women with a didelphic uterus produced a total of 28 pregnancies. The 33% spontaneous abortion rate in the unicornuate group was not significantly different from the 23% rate in the didelphic group. The proportion of pregnancies resulting in preterm delivery, term delivery, and living children was similar in both groups. Conclusions The reproductive performance of women with a unicornuate uterus is similar to the performance of women with a didelphic uterus.
Presence of HNO 3 in the Upper Atmosphere

Observations of absorption of solar radiation by atmospheric nitric acid obtained on different balloon flights are presented. This absorption occurs in three different wavelength intervals. The use of the very long paths, occurring near sunset, for enhancing weak absorption is discussed.
Transmutations in Senegalese Musical Poetry as Simulacra of Social Dialogs

The paper proposes to examine artistic transmutations in Senegalese musical poetry (1970s and 2000s) in relation to social and political transformation. It draws mainly from Jacques Attali's (1985) development that music is both a mirror and a prophecy because, as he argues, not only does its mode of organization (or code) replicate current social organization, but also because once we know where music is heading, we can tell what the next social order will be. By focusing on the poetic essence of contemporary Senegalese music, the paper argues that the two predominant musical genres in the country, Mbalax (born from a mixture of Senegal's musical traditions and Latin-American beats) and Hip Hop Galsene (born from artistic influence of American Hip Hop culture), have emerged as two forms of 'national' artistic expressions in that they reflect 'hybridized' artistic features through which the Senegalese artist simulates a political effort towards transcending ethnic boundaries, while replicating a broader national order. Finally, by providing an aesthetic analysis of two songs taken as example, the paper shows how musically rendered political dialogs between artists can also displace and restructure features of a musical genre.
State Transitions

Unlike almost every other challenge in the computing community, there's nothing beyond good intentions to guide those transitioning from student to professional. The first Web extra at http://youtu.be/xeZAS5leWZk is an audio recording of author David Alan Grier reading his Errant Hashtag column in which he discusses how unlike almost every other challenge in the computing community, there's nothing beyond good intentions to guide those transitioning from student to professional. The second Web extra at http://youtu.be/L1wgpN_E3uA is a video in which author David Alan Grier discusses the origins and intent of his Errant Hashtag column.
A mixture-compatible theory of chemothermal deposition and expansion in n-constituent finitely deforming composite materials with initially circularly cylindrical microstructures:

A multiscale approach to growth and recession is adopted that is compatible with the theory of mixtures. The growth may result from chemical reactions or infiltrations, or combinations thereof. The emphasis of the work is on the construction of approximate constituent elastic deformation gradients, associated with an arbitrary overall deformation, that reflect an initially circularly cylindrical geometry relative to which growth occurs. A decomposition of the deformation into cylindrical and non-cylindrical parts is employed. A cylindrically symmetric reference configuration for a given constituent is adopted in which chemical growth, chemothermal (and/or equivalently moisture) expansion, and appearance or disappearance of the constituent may occur; the reference configuration of a constituent thus possesses evolving spatial dimensions but fixed geometric and material symmetries. The traditional composite micromechanics assumption of common radial stress is adopted, in combination with the assumptions of ...
SEX DIFFERENCES IN DISEASE SPECIFIC HEALTH STATUS MEASURES IN PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with poor overall function and quality of life (QOL). Whether sex differences exist in PAD-specific health status is unknown. We examined sex differences in PAD-specific physical function, symptom frequency, social function, treatment satisfaction, and
Effects of Defects: Part B—Progressive Damage Modeling of Fiberglass/Epoxy Composite Structures with Manufacturing Induced Flaws Utilizing Cohesive Zone Elements

The Effects of Defects is important for the reliability of modern composite wind turbine blades. The DOE has sponsored a comprehensive study to characterize common manufacturing defects and establish damage growth and validation tools to contribute to a wind turbine blade reliability infrastructure. To support this development of a reliability infrastructure, progressive damage modeling of blade representative coupons has been performed. A model has been developed that is combined of both continuum and discrete modeling approaches. A user-defined material subroutine has been created and used with material properties established from experimental testing for the former, while cohesive zone elements were placed between each fiber tow to capture the fracture that occurs in these areas for the latter. Two-dimensional (2D), four-layer coupon level models were generated based on the geometry of the as-tested specimens. Results from this model were compared to the visual damage progression and stress-strain data from in-plane wave tests in tension and compression. While the uniformity of the models resulted in more dramatic changes at failure points, the progression was found to match in these cases, thereby verifying the combined continuum and discrete modeling approach.
Survey on Diphtheria and Tetanus Antibody Level in Healthy Population in Henan Province

Objective To conduct antibody surveillance and understand the immunization status among population,develop immunization strategies and provide evidence for evaluating immunization effectly. Methods We investigated the diphtheria and tetanus antibody level of 3510 persons aged 2-39 years old in 21 counties of Henan Province during 1998-2002,multilevel cluster random sampling method was used in the study. Results The overall positive rates of diphtheria and tetanus antibody were 80.5% and 77.9% respectively,for both of them,the highest positive rate was among the children aged 2-3 years old,the lowest one was among the adults aged 25-39 years old,and the rate among the population living in mountain areas was lower than that among the population living in plain and urban areas.The GMTs of diphtheria and tetanus antibody were 0.101 IU/mL and 0.073IU/mL respectively,for both of them,the highest GMT was among the children aged 8-9 years old,the lowest one was among the adults aged 25-39 years old.The results suggested that the effect of routine immunization of diphtheria and tetanus toxoid was reliable,but the immunity faded with age increasing then the vaccinated persons became new susceptible persons.Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the vaccination of diphtheria toxoid to adults in time,and conduct the tetanus toxoid immunization to the child-bearing aged women in neonatal tetanus high-risk counties.
Analysis on the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Pingdingshan from 2004 to 2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Pingdingshan form 2004 to 2010,and to provide a scientific basis on accelerating measles control and elimination.MethodsTo analyze the data from routine report system for infectious disease and measles surveillance system from 2004 to 2010.ResultsFrom 2004 to 2010,there were 2825 measles cases reported in Pingdingshan,which mainly occurred during March-June,and the incidence was 8.12 per 100,000;The difference of incidence between gender was significant;Most of the cases were children younger than 7 years old,which account for 72.92%of total,and the incidence in children during 0-3 years old was highest.The cases occurred among all the city;The cases without vaccination history accounted for 19.61% in local cases,and that accounted for 31.82% in floating cases;There were 40 measles outbreaks from 2004 to 2010,all of which were confirmed by laboratory.ConclusionsThe lower incidence of routine immunization and the lower timely vaccination rate of first dose is the main reason caused high incidence of measles.The most effective solution for controlling and eliminating measles is to increase immunization coverage rate of measles vaccine.
Cyber maintenance policy optimization via adaptive learning

We develop a data-driven adaptive control framework to password management in cyber security systems. A password policy is the frontline of protection against cyber attacks, which contains a set of rules on password length, duration, etc. We assume password has censored lifetime, and policy maker determines the duration of the password without complete knowledge of its true lifetime distribution. We develop a gradient based algorithm integrated with a Bayesian learning framework. We show that our algorithm converges to optimal solution and adapts to non-stationary lifetime data.
Cybersecurity in Gulf Cooperation Council Economies

This chapter examines the cybersecurity landscape of the six Gulf Cooperation Council economies. Key elements of data protection regulations in these economies draw on a number of frameworks such as the Shari’ah principles, U.S. data privacy laws, EU data protection directive, UN Model Laws on e-commerce and electronic signatures and other sources. This chapter examines CS regulations in these economies, their principal triggers, drivers and facilitators as well as challenges facing these economies on the CS front. Also analyzed in the chapter are similarities and differences of these economies’ CS frameworks with those of the EU and the U.S. For the U.S. and other Western countries, the strategic significance of GCC economies’ CS initiatives is growing due to the fact that these economies are involved in intelligence gathering and sharing about key issues such as Iranian arms, and their rapidly growing CS market due primarily to some of the high profile cyber-attacks faced by some of the GCC economies has created opportunities for Western technology firms specializing in CS.
142 – The Surgical Management of Lesions in the Vertebrobasilar Circulation

This chapter discusses the surgical management of lesions in the vertebrobasilar circulation. The vertebrobasilar system is formed by the confluence of the vertebral arteries, which arise from the subclavian artery on the left and from the brachycephalic artery on the right. The vertebral arteries have four distinct anatomical portions that include the first or proximal portion, extending from the origin of the vertebral artery to the foramen transversarium of C6 and the second or intraosseous portion, consisting of the vertebral artery section that traverses the foramina transversaria of C6 through C1. The risk of stroke decreased by 50% in symptomatic patients treated with anticoagulants, although there was no angiographic proof that these patients had significant arterial lesions compatible with their symptomatology. The reported surgical morbidity for patients with angiographically proven, significant vertebrobasilar lesions is 5% and surgical mortality is 3%. It is suggested to treat patients medically first and if medical therapy fails, surgery may then be justified in these otherwise untreatable patients.
The new VW Scirocco

For the Scirocco comeback Volkswagen uses a shape that is known as the shooting brake among the fans of classic English sports cars. This look is newly interpreted and combined with an emotional design and everyday practicality. As a consequence the new Scirocco is markedly different from the first two generations and communicates its sportive quality via the long roof outline leading into the pronounced rear spoiler.
Mapping Rhetorical Topologies in Cognitive Neuroscience

Many tools that neuroscientists use to trace the complex topography of the human brain draw on the neuroscience literature to yield “metanalyses” or “syntheses of data.” These approaches conflate rhetorical connections in the literature with physical connections in the brain. By contrast, the model presented in this chapter seeks not a topography of the brain but a topology of neuroscience. A social network analysis of titles and abstracts for cognitive neuroscience articles yields a topology of brain regions and functions. This map can help researchers identify underresearched areas (e.g., the thalamus) or areas that are oversaturated (e.g., the amygdala). The map also helps researchers identify subdisciplines, such as “neuroeconomics,” that have not yet integrated with the broader field—“islands” where rhetorical work could yield benefits.
Morphologically Decoupled Structured Sparsity for Rotation-Invariant Hyperspectral Image Analysis

Hyperspectral imagery has emerged as a popular sensing modality for a variety of applications, and sparsity-based methods were shown to be very effective to deal with challenges coming from high dimensionality in most hyperspectral classification problems. In this paper, we challenge the conventional approach to hyperspectral classification that typically builds sparsity-based classifiers directly on spectral reflectance features or features derived directly from the data. We assert that hyperspectral image (HSI) processing can benefit very significantly by decoupling data into geometrically distinct components since the resulting decoupled components are much more suitable for sparse representation-based classifiers. Specifically, we apply morphological separation to decouple data into texture and cartoon-like components, which are sparsely represented using local discrete cosine bases and multiscale shearlets, respectively. In addition to providing a structured sparse representation, this approach allows us to build classifiers with invariance properties specific to each geometrically distinct component of the data. The experimental results using real-world HSI data sets demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework for classifying multichannel imagery under a variety of adverse conditions—in particular, small training sample size, additive noise, and rotational variabilities between training and test samples.
Diversity, Trust, and Social Learning in Collaborative Governance

Scholarship on collaborative governance identifies several structural and procedural factors that consistently influence governance outcomes. A promising next step for collaborative governance research is to explore how these factors interact. Focusing on two dimensions of social learning—relational and cognitive—as outcomes of collaboration, this article examines potential interacting effects of participant diversity and trust. The empirical setting entails 10 collaborative partnerships in the United States that provide advice on marine aquaculture policy. The findings indicate that diversity in beliefs among participants is positively related to relational learning, whereas diversity in participants' affiliations is negatively related to relational learning, and high trust bolsters the positive effects of belief diversity on both relational and cognitive learning. In addition, high trust dampens the negative effects of affiliation diversity on relational learning. A more nuanced understanding of diversity in collaborative governance has practical implications for the design and facilitation of diverse stakeholder groups.
Tanshinone IIA Inhibits VEGF Secretion and HIF-1α Expression in Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells under Hypoxia.

Purpose: The current work intends to study the activity of tanshinone IIA on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in human r...
Human Tregs Made Antigen Specific by Gene Modification: The Power to Treat Autoimmunity and Antidrug Antibodies with Precision.

Human regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) are potent immunosuppressive lymphocytes responsible for immune tolerance and homeostasis. Since the seminal reports identifying Tregs, vast research has been channeled into understanding their genesis, signature molecular markers, mechanisms of suppression and role in disease. This research has opened the doors for Tregs as a potential therapeutic for diseases and disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), type I diabetes (T1D), transplantation and immune responses to protein therapeutics, like Factor VIII. Seminal clinical trials have used polyclonal Tregs, but the frequency of antigen-specific Tregs among polyclonal populations is low, and polyclonal Tregs may risk non-specific immunosuppression. Antigen-specific Treg therapy, which uses genetically modified Tregs expressing receptors specific for target antigens, greatly mitigates this risk. Building on the principles of T-cell receptor (TCR) cloning, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), and a novel CAR derivative, called B-cell antibody receptors (BAR), our lab has developed different types of antigen-specific Tregs. This review discusses the current research and optimization of gene modified antigen-specific human Tregs in our lab in several disease models. The preparations and considerations for clinical use of such Tregs also is discussed.
Integrating NEMS/MEMS with IoT applications into an innovative ECE senior elective course

State of the art technologies in micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) devices have been proposed to address important issues in renewable energies, health sciences, consumer electronics, and information technology. Incorporation of MEMS / NEMS interfaces when creating a system on chip (SOC) utilizes knowledge of nanotechnology materials and devices, which is delivered as part of the new course. The new course offers software and hardware designs in nano and micro technology devices, along with widely-utilized interfaces to IoT devices and wireless systems. The course features hands-on practice on developing SOC's with MEMS / NEMS devices and is designed to prepare students for industrial and research careers. Advanced devices such as micro-motors/micro-robots, nanomotors/nano-robots, and means of navigating and imaging them within micro and nanoscale dimensions are covered with applications.
Impact of Psychotropic drugs on Seizure threshold (P6.311)

Objective: To review existing literature regarding the impact of psychotropic medications on seizure threshold. Background: Psychiatric disorders represent a common comorbidity in epilepsy and require utmost consideration when treating the epileptic population. Design/Methods: Databases such as PubMed, MeSH and Cochrane were screened for cases, case reports, review articles and prospective studies that reported lowering of seizure threshold with use of antidepressants and antipsychotics. Authors and a senior faculty member independently reviewed the extracted data for its validity and relevance. Only articles that specifically discussed lowering seizure threshold in patients with epilepsy were selected. Studies in which the diagnosis of epilepsy was unclear were excluded. Results: Utilizing the above-mentioned search terms we initially identified a total of 320 articles of which 60, ranged from 1980 to 2016, and were found to meet inclusion criteria. Incident rates reported for TCA were around 3–4% (Imiparamine & amitryptline around 0.01% – 0.06%, while clomipramine and maprotiline around 10%). Duloxetine and other SSRI’s appeared to have anticonvulsant properties at therapeutic doses and an incidence of Conclusions: The drugs with the most propensity to lower seizure threshold included: Bupropion, Imipramine, Clozapine, Olanzapine and Haldol. Relative safer drugs included Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors & Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI/SNRIs), Risperidone and Seroquel. Given the spectrum of psychotropic medications and their impact on the seizure threshold, individual considerations should be given to each patient prior to selecting a psychotropic medication. There is still need for future studies individualizing these drugs along with an intra SSRI comparison to select the safest drugs. Disclosure: Dr. Bhatti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dorriz has nothing to disclose.
Sheldon Wolin and Democracy: Seeing Through Loss

AbstractThis article offers an interpretation of Sheldon Wolin’s political thought and assesses its ongoing significance in the context of a Donald Trump presidency. Given the inegalitarian aspects...
The Impact of Technological Advances on the Lives of Mentally Retarded Persons in the Year 2000

Our society is in a state of massive transition. For the first half of this century, resources were substantially unlimited and manpower was in short supply, as were consumer goods and services. In such a situation, the simple free-enterprise system of Adam Smith and the Puritan ethic were functional. The more effectively the total manpower pool of the nation could be coupled to productive acitivity, the better off the whole nation would be.
The Evolution of the American Family

This short piece examines the changing meaning of marriage and the family in the U.S. Among other developments, the piece chronicles: the changing role and legal status of women in marriage; race restrictions in marriage; the legal recognition of same-sex relationships; and the increasing numbers of nonmarital families. The article is the lead piece in the Summer 2009 issue of the ABA Human Rights magazine devoted to the New American Family
Biotin interference in TSH, FT4, and FT3 assays based on the LOCI technology: Identifying interference by dilution.

BACKGROUND Although biotin interferences in TSH, FT3, FT4, and other biotinylated antibody-based assays manufactured by Roche Diagnostics have been well studied, there are relatively few reports on biotin interference in biotin-based assays manufactured by other companies. We investigated biotin interferences in TSH, FT4, and FT3 assays based on the LOCI (luminescent oxygen channeling assay) technology using the Dimension Vista 1500 analyzer (Siemens). METHODS We prepared four serum pools using leftover specimens. Three serum pools were prepared initially for the original study but the 4th pool was prepared three months later. The aliquots of serum pool one and two were supplemented with various amounts of biotin (50 -1200 ng/mL) followed by determination of TSH, FT4, and FT3 concentrations. The aliquots of third pool were also supplemented with biotin to investigate whether 1:3 dilution could identify biotin interference. Aliquots of serum pool four were supplemented with biotin in order to study reproducibility of our original data. RESULTS We observed significantly elevated FT3 levels at biotin concentration of 100 ng/mL. In contrast, FT4 levels were falsely elevated but TSH levels were falsely decreased at a biotin level of 500 ng/mL. We also observed nonlinearity in dilution experiment. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that FT3 assay is most susceptible to biotin interference (threshold: 100 ng/mL) while the FT4 and TSH assays are less affected (threshold: 500 ng/mL). In addition, we also observed nonlinearity upon 1:3 dilution, which may indicate biotin interference (or interference from other compounds).
19 Engineering Economy

Engineering Economics provides the tools needed to compare the varied technologies on a level playing field. No matter what technologies or technological solutions are being compared whether they be the same or very different often the solution chosen is the one of least cost. Engineering Economics, therefore, provides a rational selection process to determine how to allocate capital. There are two main types of Engineering Economic decisions. The first is a capital expenditure decision. The second kind decision involves cost reduction. Since Engineering Economics is applicable to all disciplines of engineering, it is a required section of the fundamentals in engineering (FE) exam as well as the professional engineering (PE) exam, necessary to attain a professional license. Engineers faced with design decisions that deal with multiple designs, methods or materials commonly encounter the topic of engineering economics. Keywords: capital expenditure decision; cost reduction; engineering economics; fundamentals in engineering (FE); professional engineering (PE)
Papers presented at the Hip Society Meetings 2008: editorial comment.

The 2008 symposium of Proceedings of the Hip Society provides a wide-ranging mixture of issues relevant to hip surgery. These manuscripts represent topics presented and discussed at the 2007 Annual Closed Fall Meeting held in Pasadena, California and the 2008 Open Scientific Winter Meeting in San Francisco, California as organized by Lawrence D. Dorr, MD and myself. The classic paper by Merle d’Aubigne is a particularly interesting manuscript that is a very enjoyable study and should be read by all surgeons currently involved with hip arthroplasty. Readers might not be aware Merle d’Aubigne and his colleagues proposed not one, but three scoring systems: one in English and two in French. These differences are explained in the accompanying biosketch. As might be expected, new topics this year included papers on computer navigation systems for the hip and reports on the resurgence of hip resurfacing. In particular, the resurfacing papers focus on the importance of patient selection, surgical technique, and revision of failed resurfacing procedures. Several manuscripts related to long-term followup of cementless femoral components provide the baseline of performance expected with modern hip arthroplasty as we receive more information on the outcomes of resurfacing. The remainder of the symposium focuses on a large variety of topics related to surgical techniques and prosthetic design to optimize component position and avoid prosthetic impingement and optimal fixation. Additional topics included wear analysis with ceramic on crosslinked polyethylene, the presence of metal ions following metal-on-metal hip replacement, and the assessment of osteolysis by computed tomography. There were many papers on acetabular and femoral failures which included a previously unreported failure mode related to the use of lateralized acetabular liners. Acetabular revision techniques for isolated acetabular polyethylene exchange and the treatment of large acetabular bone defects and treatment of severe femoral bone loss are included. A paper on why revision hip arthroplasties fail yet again is particularly interesting. Finally, a group of papers describing perioperative complications of early mortality, deep periprosthetic infection, and treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures completes the broad spectrum of topics for readers of this year’s symposium.
A systematic review of natural language processing and text mining of symptoms from electronic patient-authored text data

Abstract Objective In this systematic review, we aim to synthesize the literature on the use of natural language processing (NLP) and text mining as they apply to symptom extraction and processing in electronic patient-authored text (ePAT). Materials and methods A comprehensive literature search of 1964 articles from PubMed and EMBASE was narrowed to 21 eligible articles. Data related to purpose, text source, number of users and/or posts, evaluation metrics, and quality indicators were recorded. Results Pain (n = 18) and fatigue and sleep disturbance (n = 18) were the most frequently evaluated symptom clinical content categories. Studies accessed ePAT from sources such as Twitter and online community forums or patient portals focused on diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and depression. Fifteen studies used NLP as a primary methodology. Studies reported evaluation metrics including the precision, recall, and F-measure for symptom-specific research questions. Discussion NLP and text mining have been used to extract and analyze patient-authored symptom data in a wide variety of online communities. Though there are computational challenges with accessing ePAT, the depth of information provided directly from patients offers new horizons for precision medicine, characterization of sub-clinical symptoms, and the creation of personal health libraries as outlined by the National Library of Medicine. Conclusion Future research should consider the needs of patients expressed through ePAT and its relevance to symptom science. Understanding the role that ePAT plays in health communication and real-time assessment of symptoms, through the use of NLP and text mining, is critical to a patient-centered health system.
Internet Resources for Dental Pharmacology

The current availability of a vast number of Internet-based informational resources poses a challenge for the busy dental practitioner. While many of these electronic publications are authoritative and science-based, many are not, and the dentist searching for reliable information on drugs and drug interactions can waste valuable time trying to discern their qualitative differences. While new web resources become available almost on a daily basis, many high-quality ones have been available for years and can be confidently recommended. This chapter provides the dental team with a list and brief summary of these authoritative Internet references, most of which are promulgated by respected professional dental organizations (including the dental specialties) and which can be relied upon for current and regularly updated material. This chapter also provides suggestions for searching the more comprehensive databases (e.g., PubMed, National Library of Medicine) to access abstracts of important articles from individual journals and, frequently, download the entire article from free text sources. Many of the websites described herein contain a wide variety of non-pharmacologic information, too. The reader is reminded of two very important considerations before using any Internet-based information in managing patient care—first, summaries of scientific articles written for public Internet sites in “plain English” format may be biased and partly or entirely designed to suit a commercial/marketing purpose, and second many Internet sites may contain out-of-date and very harmful information. Caveat emptor.