cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing the performance of a spatially explicit tag-integrated stock assessment model of yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) through simulation analysis

In any stock assessment application, the implicit assumptions regarding spatial population structure must be carefully evaluated. Tag-integrated models offer a promising approach for incorporating spatial structure and movement patterns in stock assessments, but the complexity of the framework makes implementation challenging and the appraisal of performance difficult. A flounder-like fishery was simulated to emulate the metapopulation dynamics of the three yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) stocks off New England, and the robustness of spatially explicit tag-integrated models were compared with closed population assessments. Different movement parametrizations and data uncertainty scenarios were simulated, while the ability of the tag-integrated model to estimate reporting rate and time-varying movement were also evaluated. Results indicated that the tag-integrated framework was robust for the simulated fishery across a wide range of connectivity levels and that tag reporting rates were accurately ...
REDUCING PREDATION THROUGH CHEMICALLY MEDIATED CAMOUFLAGE: INDIRECT EFFECTS OF PLANT DEFENSES ON HERBIVORES

Herbivores often specialize on particular hosts that provide both food and shelter from natural enemies. It is thus often unclear whether a plant’s value as a food or its value as a safe shelter has played a larger role in selecting for specialization. Decorator crabs offer a novel opportunity to investigate the relative effects of diet vs. natural enemies in selecting for specialization because these crabs place plant “shelter” on their backs as camouflage but need not use these plants as food, thus decoupling the plant’s value as a food from its value as a shelter. In this study, we show that juveniles of the decorator crab Libinia dubia selectively decorate with the chemically defended brown alga Dictyota menstrualis but treat this plant as a low-preference food. Common omnivorous fishes that are potential predators of Libinia avoid consuming Dictyota due to the alga’s potent chemical defenses. In the field, juvenile crabs decorated with Dictyota experience significantly less predation than crabs decor...
Single-platform, multi-sensor system for airborne reconnaissance

An airborne reconnaissance system flying on a P-3 aircraft that employs multiple sensors, including high-resolution visible and infrared cameras, hyperspectral instruments, and synthetic aperture radar is described.
Laboratory determination of age-dependent fecundity, development, and rate of increase of Catolaccus grandis (Burks) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae).

The reproductive potential and longevity of 20 adult females of Catolaccus grandis (Burks), an introduced parasitoid of the cotton boll weevil, were determined under laboratory conditions at constant 30 Â± 1Â°C. The resulting data were used to calculate life tables and estimate rate of increase. The number of larval instars and the duration of stadia of C. grandis were also determined by marking the cuticle with a dye to identify the change of instar. C. grandis females ( n = 20) produced 498.8 ± 108.3 eggs, parasitized 236 ± 45.8 boll weevil larvae, and had a longevity of 46.4 ± 12.2 d. The daily oviposition rate ranged from 0.13 to 23.9 eggs per day depending on the age of the female. The net reproductive rate ( R o) was 28.3, the daily intrinsic rate of increase ( R m) was 0.159, and the weekly rate of increase was 1.33 at 30°C. The mean developmental time of the egg was 1.5 ± 0.3 d. Five larval instars were identified with durations of 23.6 h, 12.9 h, 14.1 h, 13.3 h, and 66.6 h in males and 29.0 h, 10.0 h, 14.0 h, 14.0 h, and 91.0 h in females. The total developmental time for the larval stage was 5.4 ± 0.6 d for males and 6.6 ± 1.1 d for females. The pupal stage required 4.8 ± 0.2 d in males and 5.3 ± 0.3 d in females. The total mean developmental time was 11.9 ± 0.8 d for males and 13.3 ± 1.2 d for females.
Effects of Thiouracil and Sodium 5, 5-Diphenyl Hydantoinate (Dilantin Sodium) on Resistance to Lowered Barometric Pressures.∗

Summary1. Both dilantin and thiouracil prolong the survival time of rats subjected to reduced barometric pressures (148 mm Hg). 2. The combination is considerably more effective than either one acting alone. 3. The combination tends to reduce the extent of lung hemorrhage in rats subjected to decompression but has no effect on the development of lens cataract.
The scope of biomedical engineering

The term "iomedical engineering" implies the interaction of three professions: biology (a basic science that in its broadest sense draws upon physics and chemistry), medicine (the care of the sick), and engineering (the design and construction of things useful to humans). In the mid-1950s I was asked to start a laboratory that would combine these three disciplines, focused on the study of hearing. Over the past five decades, this laboratory (jointly operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, the Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary) can provide some specific examples of how scientists, clinicians, and engineers can work together despite certain practical difficulties. One of the lessons is that some of the most successful applications developed out of esoteric basic knowledge rather than research targeting identified clinical needs. Nevertheless, "R and D" (Research and Development) often requires a special kind of person with training in the art of technical innovation, who can communicate easily with specialists in a number of fields. Thus, issues concerning the education of biomedical engineers and how to allocate resources in developed and developing countries are most relevant in an era when environmental and social problems require technical expertise in areas not traditionally regarded as within the province of biomedical engineering.
The Application of Fuji Film Test on Solving the Issue about Leakage on All-steel Cylinder Head Gasket

The article simply clarifies the principle of Fuji film test on all-steel cylinder head gasket and the process oi the operation of the test.Through the analysis of the case,this article analyzes the potential reasons by the process about solving engine cylinder head gasket leakage issue,finds the final reason following the tear down sequence and makes improvement for the issue,and validates the solution.The Fuji film test is very important on the process of solving this issue,which will be very useful for the application of Fuji film test on solving the issue about leakage on all-steel cylinder head gasket.
Basic and clinical immunology in uveitis.

Understanding the basic immune mechanisms and how they relate to the eye are becoming obtainable goals with far reaching implications. Attempts are made to classically divide the immune responses noted into Type I-IgE mediated, Type II-Antibody mediated killing, Type III-Immune complex mediation, and Type IV-Cell mediated. Though several mechanisms are surely working simultaneously, it remains an helpful method of analysis. Until recently, Type III hypersensitivity reactions were thought to be the basic underlying cause of most ocular inflammatory disease, but recent evidence would suggest that cell mediated mechanisms are more important for sight threatening ocular disease (uveitis). The S-antigen and IRBP induced experimental models for uveitis have provided us with invaluable information concerning the potential mechanisms underpinning uveitis, while the diseases themselves manifest many aspects of that seen in human disease. Additionally, it has permitted us to investigate the way in which immune cells may "home" to a target organ, this in part due to the expression of HLA antigens on non-immune tissues in the eye. The observation that T-cell mechanisms appear of major import in uveitis permitted a new approach to therapy, the use of the anti-T-cell drug cyclosporine. Its use in severe sight threatening disease has shown it to be effective, thereby confirming the notion of the importance of T-cell mediation of these diseases. Perhaps most notable is this agent's efficacy in the treatment of Behcet uveitis. The problem of renal toxicity has been addressed by using cyclosporine in combination with other agents, including those not directly affecting the immune system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Urinary undiversion: indications, technique and results in 50 cases.

AbstractWe present our experience with reconstruction of the diverted urinary tract in 50 patients divided into 3 groups according to the presence of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, severe renal failure or normally innervated bladders and sphincters with normal renal function. The over-all success rate of anatomical and functional reconstruction was 88 per cent and we expect it ultimately to increase to 94 per cent. However, because of a 2 per cent mortality rate and a 16 per cent major complication rate, we recommend that all other therapeutic options be considered carefully before undertaking urinary undiversion when the reconstruction involves use of intestinal segments.
The possibility and preparedness for pandemic of new influenza

Influenza is endemic in the world. Influenza A/H1N1(USSR), A/H3N2(Hong Kong), and B are the major strain for human influenza. Both influenza A/H1N1 and H3N2 has been overrun for 20-20 years, and it has been warned new influenza A virus should appeared in near future. As foretaste, avian influenza A/H5N1 was transmitted to human in Hong Kong in 1997 and 2003, and avian influenza A/H7N7 was transmitted to human in Netherlands in 2003. WHO requests member states to prepare influenza pandemic and to strengthen and encourage influenza surveillance. In Japan, Ministry of Health and Welfare organized Expert Committee for Preparedness for Influenza Pandemic in 1997 and New Committee will be organized in 2003. New influenza surveillance system has been started since 1999. The data on influenza surveillance in Japan are shown on website of IDSC/NIID(http://idsc.nih.go.jp/index-j.html).
Coverage and timing of antenatal care among poor women in 6 Mesoamerican countries

Poor women in the developing world have a heightened need for antenatal care (ANC) but are often the least likely to attend it. This study examines factors associated with the number and timing of ANC visits for poor women in Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and El Salvador. We surveyed 8366 women regarding the ANC they attended for their most recent birth in the past two years. We conducted logistic regressions to examine demographic, household, and health characteristics associated with attending at least one skilled ANC visit, four skilled visits, and a skilled visit in the first trimester. Across countries, 78 % of women attended at least one skilled ANC visit, 62 % attended at least four skilled visits, and 56 % attended a skilled visit in the first trimester. The proportion of women attending four skilled visits was highest in Nicaragua (81 %) and lowest in Guatemala (18 %) and Panama (38 %). In multiple countries, women who were unmarried, less-educated, adolescent, indigenous, had not wanted to conceive, and lacked media exposure were less likely to meet international ANC guidelines. In countries with health insurance programs, coverage was associated with attending skilled ANC, but not the timeliness. Despite significant policy reforms and initiatives targeting the poor, many women living in the poorest regions of Mesoamerica are not meeting ANC guidelines. Both supply and demand interventions are needed to prioritize vulnerable groups, reduce unplanned pregnancies, and reach populations not exposed to common forms of media. Top performing municipalities can inform effective practices across the region.
Near UV emission during electrical tree initiation in LDPE

Several mechanisms have been proposed for electrical tree initiation in high voltage (HV) transmission and distribution cables. These include fatigue cracking due to Maxwell stress, Joule heating that leads to thermal decomposition, high field induced impact ionization and hot electrons that can break bonds of the polymer insulation. These mechanisms acting singly or in combination can cause insulation failure but none of these has been able to adequately explain the gradual degradation that occurs in cables which operate at stresses much lower than the breakdown strength of the polymeric insulation. It has been reported that light is emitted when low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is subjected to highly divergent electric fields at cryogenic [l] and room [2] temperatures. Such fields can be produced by metallic inclusions or protusions in the polymer and are usually simulated by embedding needles into the polymer. It was shown recently [3] that the mechanism of charge transfer across the metal-polymer interface controls the voltage at which light inception occurs at the needle tips.
Diversity on the urban margin: The influence of social networks on the transition to adulthood of disadvantaged immigrant youth

Abstract Young people are growing up in an increasingly diverse world. The recent debates over super-diversity or hyper-diversity in urban studies and geography correspond with the recognition in sociology and human development of a growing heterogeneity in the transition of young people to adulthood across western societies. While national systems of education, employment and welfare continue to stratify opportunities in particular ways, they also shape the relative importance of local contexts such as neighborhoods for providing access to important resources and supports. Greater diversity on the neighborhood level could potentially benefit disadvantaged and minority youth by providing access to more diverse social networks and relationships. The importance of these questions is amplified by persisting patterns of inequality and exclusion, despite the diversification in the fabric of cities and neighborhoods and the greater variability in life course trajectories. Drawing on a study of disadvantaged immigrant young men in Dortmund/Germany and Chicago/USA, who grew up in diverse neighborhoods, this paper explores the mechanisms through which they formed relationships that critically shaped their transitional experience.
Synthesis and characterization of porphyrin–DNA constructs for the self-assembly of modular energy transfer arrays

In this report, a 5′ azide-terminated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was covalently attached to a Zn-tetra(phenylethynyl)porphyrin (ZnTPEP) utilizing copper(I) catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) to form five DNA–porphyrin adducts containing one to four ssDNAs attached around the porphyrin core. The newly synthesized DNA–porphyrin adducts provide a modular platform that allows us to assemble donor–acceptor energy transfer (EnT) arrays/constructs using complementary dye-labeled ssDNAs, herein a 3′ AlexaFluor 546 (A546)-labeled ssDNA, with different donor : acceptor ratios. The photophysical properties of the DNA–porphyrin constructs, along with the individual donor and acceptor fluorophores, were investigated by electronic absorption and steady-state emission spectroscopy. The data shows that A546 (donor) emission spectrum is significantly quenched in each of the constructs with EnT efficiencies that are comparable to the predicted EnT determined through modeling the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism.
Mobile technology and telemedicine for shoulder range of motion: validation of a motion-based machine-learning software development kit.

Background Mobile technology offers the prospect of delivering high-value care with increased patient access and reduced costs. Advances in mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine have been inhibited by the lack of interconnectivity between devices and software and inability to process consumer sensor data. The objective of this study was to preliminarily validate a motion-based machine learning software development kit (SDK) for the shoulder compared with a goniometer for 4 arcs of motion: (1) abduction, (2) forward flexion, (3) internal rotation, and (4) external rotation. Methods A mobile application for the SDK was developed and “taught” 4 arcs of shoulder motion. Ten subjects without shoulder pain or prior shoulder surgery performed the arcs of motion for 5 repetitions. Each motion was measured by the SDK and compared with a physician-measured manual goniometer measurement. Angular differences between SDK and goniometer measurements were compared with univariate and power analyses. Results The comparison between the SDK and goniometer measurement detected a mean difference of less than 5° for all arcs of motion (P > .05), with a 94% chance of detecting a large effect size from a priori power analysis. Mean differences for the arcs of motion were: abduction, −3.7° ± 3.2°; forward flexion, −4.9° ± 2.5°; internal rotation, −2.4° ± 3.7°; and external rotation −2.6° ± 3.4°. Discussion The SDK has the potential to remotely substitute for a shoulder range of motion examination within 5° of goniometer measurements. An open-source motion-based SDK that can learn complex movements, including clinical shoulder range of motion, from consumer sensors offers promise for the future of mHealth, particularly in telemonitoring before and after orthopedic surgery.
Comments on Coordination, Control And Skill Papers

The papers that I have been asked to comment on reflect a relatively diverse set of issues and problems with respect to the coordination, control, and skill exhibited by mentally retarded persons engaged in action. Moreover, all the papers are outside the traditional approaches of the motor skill and mental retardation literature, which has been dominated heretofore by what I have labelled elsewhere as the physical fitness and information processing approaches (Newell, 1985). The papers to be discussed, however, are not reflective of a unifying theoretical position, although they are all consonant with a psychobiological approach to action and mental retardation. In light of the diverse nature of the issues raised in this set of papers, it seems most appropriate to discuss each paper independently rather than attempt to weave unifying theoretical threads where none might exist.
The Choice of a Vein in Critically Ill Patients: Cost-Effectiveness

Critically ill patients can be considered not only patients with one or more impaired vital functions but also patients with any severe chronic disease impairing vital signs. The choice of veins is crucial in those patients because their veins’ patrimony could already be poor because of previous therapies and the need for a central venous line could be the only solution.
Offenses Involving Theft

Most crimes are crimes against property, and the majority of the crimes against property involve theft in one way or another. All societies have laws or rules that are designed to protect property against theft. Criminal justice personnel devote a great deal of their time to the prevention and investigation of crimes that involve theft. Although in many states today, the specific theft crimes of larceny, embezzlement, extortion, and others are combined in a single statute, these and other common law and statutory crimes are important, because many states retain statutes that deal with each of these crimes separately. At common law, larceny was the only form of non aggravated theft that was criminally punishable. One definition of larceny is the felonious taking of the property of another without his or her consent and against his or her will, with the intent to convert it to the use of the taker or another. In addition to the element of trespass, other technical elements are taking and carrying away of the personal property of another with intent to steal. If any of these elements is not present, there can be no larceny.
Water Scarcity and Droughts in Spain: Impacts and Policy Measures

Water scarcity in Spain is driven by substantial irrigation development that took place during last century—first through collective waterworks and more recently by the surge in groundwater pumping. These mounting water scarcity impacts are compounded by quality degradation induced from urban and industrial point pollution, and from agricultural nonpoint pollution. Droughts are a recurrent event in Spain, and the country has progressively developed complex physical and institutional arrangements to cope with droughts—from mild to severe and long-lasting events. But as water scarcity intensifies in nearly all basins, droughts generate higher economic and environmental costs. Environmental effects are especially worrying because adjustments to scarcity and droughts in basins fall mainly on environmental flows, with escalating damages in aquatic ecosystems. While drought measures and plans in Spain have become quite robust and effective in dealing with drought spells, general water policies seem powerless to stop or dampen the worsening water scarcity in basins.
Neutrophil KLF2 Regulates Arterial and Venous Thrombosis

Experimental, clinical and pathological studies support an important link between inflammation and thrombosis. Although accumulating evidence suggests that cells of the innate immune system contribute to the thrombotic process, the identity of nodal molecular determinants operative in immune cells remains poorly understood. Our previous work in mice bearing global deletion of the transcription factor KLF2 identifiedthis factor as a critical mediator of thrombosis). Here, using cell-specific KLF2 deleted murine models (endothelial, platelet, and myeloid- deleted KLF2) we identify myeloid KLF2 as the major determinant of thrombosis. Complete blood counts and coagulation assays in myeloid KLF2 deleted mice (MY-K2-KO) were similar to those in control LysM cre mice. Using two models of vascular thrombosis (carotid artery thrombosis assay, Rose Bengal model and complete inferior vena cava ligation model of venous thrombosis) we observed a robust prothrombotic phenotype in the MY-K2-KO mice as compared to control Cre mice. As LysM Cre deletes in both neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages, we next sought to determine whether one subset was dominantly responsible for the observed phenotype. Adoptive transfer of KLF2-KO neutrophils in control mice conferred both the arterial and venous pro-thrombotic phenotype. Conversely, neutrophil depletion with Ly6G antibody (>90% depletion achieved) reversed the prothrombotic phenotype in MY-K2-KO mice. By contrast, depletion of monocytes/macrophages using clodronate liposome injection did not affect arterial or venous thrombosis. Next, we evaluated the effect of KLF2 deficiency on critical neutrophil functions that may contribute to the pro-thrombotic phenotype. As compared to controls, MY-K2-KO neutrophils demonstrated more pronounced recruitment to the endothelium. In microflow chamber assays, MY-K2-KO neutrophils showed decreased rolling and increased P-selectin induced adhesion. The importance of this was affirmed by the observation that adoptive transfer of MY-K2-KO neutrophils incubated with PSGL-1 antibody was unable to generate a prothrombotic phenotype in control mice. In addition, MY-K2-KO neutrophils demonstrated enhanced neutrophil extracellular traps generation associated with increased myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase expression. And finally, MY-K2-KO neutrophils (but not monocytes) demonstrated increased tissue factor expression and activity. Collectively, these studiesidentify neutrophil KLF2 as a critical determinant of both arterial and venous thrombosis and suggest that modulation of neutrophil KLF2 may be a fruitful approach to the management of thrombosis. Disclosures Schmaier: Alnylam: Research Funding; Biomotiv: Consultancy; Cleveland Clinic Foundation: Research Funding; Temple University: Patents & Royalties; Enzyme Research Laboratories: Honoraria; Shire: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.
Epidemiology of Clavicle Fractures Among US High School Athletes,2008-2009 Through 2016-2017

Background:Little is known about the epidemiology of clavicle fractures in United States (US) high school athletes. Sports participation among high school students has increased steadily, placing i...
Objects and subjects: Strategic use of childhood in the debate over the Canadian contribution to MINUSMA:

The debate over the scope of the Canadian military’s contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali evolved from the ambitious promise of ground troops...
Teledermatology in Medical and Continuing Education

Teledermatology improves access to dermatologic care and has the potential to lower health care costs. Although teledermatology use is increasing in practice, a minority of dermatology programs incorporate teledermatology into resident training. This review summarizes the current state of teledermatology education for both dermatologists and non-dermatologists. Less than half of dermatology residency programs include teledermatology in their curriculum. Teledermatology offers educational opportunities for dermatology and non-dermatology trainees and practitioners through both remote and in-person supervision. It may also serve as an objective core competency metric as concordance for diagnosis and management can be easily measured as a marker of trainee medical knowledge. Teledermatology can be used as an educational metric for measuring core competencies of dermatology residents. Dermatology residencies should integrate teledermatology education into their curriculum so that trainees are comfortable incorporating it into their future practice. Teledermatology has also been shown to improve dermatology knowledge among referring primary providers and residents. Further studies are needed to identify the perceived gaps in education regarding teledermatology and its ability to facilitate dermatology learning.
3 – Phytolith Morphology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses phytolith morphology. The particular shape(s) of phytoliths that individual plants may come to produce are determined by two factors: (1) the kind of cell that accumulates silica and (2) its precise location in the plant body. For example, cells forming the surface epidermis, hair cells, and hair bases may all be silicified, resulting in mineralized replicas, virtual casts conveying many of the structural features of the once-living cell. A second category of phytolith is formed by an incomplete silicification of the cell lumen or interior, whereby shapes are produced that do not conform to the original configuration of the cell. Examples of this type include the familiar dumbbell, saddle, and cross-shaped phytoliths found in grasses, which are collectively known as short cell phytoliths. In addition, palms and other monocots like the Cyperaceae and Marantaceae have phytoliths formed in unevenly thickened cells called stegmata that do not assume the original shape of the cell. The terminology and classification systems applied to phytoliths have not as yet been standardized. There are two basic arrangements by which phytoliths could be classified. These are called taxonomic and nontaxonomic schemes. The following types of plant tissues and cells are commonly silicified and produce discrete phytolith types: (1) epidermis, including hair cells, hair bases, and stomata, (2) hypodermis, (3) mesophyll, (4) schlerenchyma, and (5) vascular.
Rising Income Inequality Through a Disability Lens: Trends in the United States 1981-2018.

In a context of rising income inequality and policies to improve rights and inclusion for persons with disabilities, this paper examines income inequality trends by household work limitation status in the United States from 1981–2018. Data comes from the March Supplement of the Current Population Survey using the work limitation disability measure to estimate decomposable Generalized Entropy measures of income inequality, and progressivity of government transfers and disability payments. Over the 1981–2018 period, inequality within the group of households with work limitations has been around 30% higher than inequality within the group of households without work limitations. Both households with and without work limitations have seen a similar 70% rise in income inequality since 1981. Progressivity of government transfers and disability payments increased among households with limitations, but not among other households. Income inequality is higher within the group of households with work limitations compared to other households and has been rising for both groups. Policies aimed to enhance the economic and social participation of persons with disabilities over this period may have mitigated this rising trend. Disability considerations should be part of research and policy on income inequality.
A Palliative Approach to End-Stage COPD

A patient voices fear of intubation. Learn how to respond to emotion, allow silence, and not push for code status. Build off prior conversations to help family make difficult decisions.
The Utility of Donor-specific Antibody Monitoring and the Role of Kidney Biopsy in Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Recipients With De Novo Donor-specific Antibodies.

Background There is limited information about the utility of donor-specific antibody (DSA) against Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) monitoring and the role of protocol kidney biopsy for de-novo DSA (dnDSA) in simultaneous liver and kidney (SLK) transplant recipients. Methods We analyzed SLK recipients transplanted between 01/2005 and 12/2017 who had DSA checked post-transplant. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they developed dnDSA post-transplant (dnDSA+) or not (dnDSA-). Kidney graft rejection ± 45 days of dnDSA and a kidney death censored graft survival were the primary endpoints. Results A total of 83 SLK recipients fulfilled our selection criteria. Of those, 23 were dnDSA+ and 60 were dnDSA-. 22 of 23 dnDSA+ patients had DSA against class II HLA, predominantly against DQ. 15 recipients underwent kidney biopsy ± 45 days of dnDSA. Six of these were clinically indicated due to kidney graft dysfunction. The other nine had a protocol kidney biopsy only due to dnDSA, and 6 of these 9 had a rejection. Also, 3 recipients had sequential biopsies of both the kidney and liver grafts. Among those with sequential biopsies of both grafts, there was a difference between the organs in the rate and types of rejections. At last follow up, dnDSA was not associated with graft failure of either the kidney or liver. Conclusion Although our study was limited by a small sample size, it suggests the potential utility of DSA monitoring and protocol kidney biopsy for dnDSA.
Mechanism for Strong Chimeras

Chimera states have attracted significant attention as symmetry-broken states exhibiting the unexpected coexistence of coherence and incoherence. Despite the valuable insights gained from analyzing specific systems, an understanding of the general physical mechanism underlying the emergence of chimeras is still lacking. Here, we show that many stable chimeras arise because coherence in part of the system is sustained by incoherence in the rest of the system. This mechanism may be regarded as a deterministic analog of noise-induced synchronization and is shown to underlie the emergence of strong chimeras. These are chimera states whose coherent domain is formed by identically synchronized oscillators. Recognizing this mechanism offers a new meaning to the interpretation that chimeras are a natural link between coherence and incoherence.
Estimating the Effectiveness of Rotavirus Vaccine Schedules.

Background Important questions exist regarding the comparative effectiveness of alternative childhood vaccine schedules; however, optimal approaches to studying this complex issue are unclear. Methods We applied methods for studying dynamic treatment regimens to estimate the comparative effectiveness of different rotavirus vaccine (RV) schedules for preventing acute gastroenteritis-related emergency department visits or hospitalization. We studied the effectiveness of six separate protocols: one- and two-dose monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1); one-, two-, and three-dose pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5); and no RV vaccine. We used data on all infants to estimate the counterfactual cumulative risk for each protocol. Infants were censored when vaccine receipt deviated from the protocol. Inverse probability of censoring-weighted estimation addressed potentially informative censoring by protocol deviations. A non-parametric group-based bootstrap procedure provided statistical inference. Results The method yielded similar 2-year effectiveness estimates for the full-series protocols; weighted risk difference estimates comparing unvaccinated children to those adherent to either full-series (two-dose RV1, three-dose RV5) corresponded to four fewer hospitalizations and 12 fewer emergency department visits over the 2-year period per 1,000 children. We observed dose-response relationships, such that additional doses further reduced risk of acute gastroenteritis. Under a theoretical intervention to fully vaccinate all children, the 2-year risk differences comparing full to observed adherence were 0.04% (95% CI: 0.03%, 0.05%) for hospitalizations and 0.17% (95% CI: 0.14%, 0.19%) for emergency department visits. Conclusions The proposed approach can generate important evidence about the consequences of delaying or skipping vaccine doses, and the impact of interventions to improve vaccine schedule adherence.
Cognitive throughput and working memory raw scores consistently differentiate resilient and vulnerable groups to sleep loss.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Substantial individual differences exist in cognitive deficits due to sleep restriction (SR) and total sleep deprivation (TSD), with various methods used to define such neurobehavioral differences. We comprehensively compared numerous methods for defining cognitive throughput and working memory resiliency and vulnerability. METHODS 41 adults participated in a 13-day experiment: 2 baseline, 5 SR, 4 recovery, and one 36h TSD night. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Digit Span Test (DS) were administered every 2h. Three approaches (Raw Score [average SR performance], Change from Baseline [average SR minus average baseline performance], and Variance [intraindividual variance of SR performance]), and six thresholds (±1 standard deviation, and the best/worst performing 12.5%, 20%, 25%, 33%, 50%) classified Resilient/Vulnerable groups. Kendall's tau-b correlations compared the group categorizations' concordance within and between DSST number correct and DS total number correct. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapped t-tests compared group performance. . RESULTS The approaches generally did not categorize the same participants into Resilient/Vulnerable groups within or between measures. The Resilient groups categorized by the Raw Score approach had significantly better DSST and DS performance across all thresholds on all study days, while the Resilient groups categorized by the Change from Baseline approach had significantly better DSST and DS performance for several thresholds on most study days. By contrast, the Variance approach showed no significant DSST and DS performance group differences. CONCLUSION Various approaches to define cognitive throughput and working memory resilience/vulnerability to sleep loss are not synonymous. The Raw Score approach can be reliably used to differentiate resilient and vulnerable groups using DSST and DS performance during sleep loss.
Uveal Melanoma: Refusal of Treatment.

Purpose This study aimed to explore factors for refusing treatment in patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma and their subsequent clinical course. Methods This study included patients with uveal melanoma who refused standard of care treatment. Patient-reported reasons and pre-existing mental health diagnoses were assessed. The sociodemographic profile was compared with the controls. Ocular survival, metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results Nine patients with uveal melanoma declined ocular treatment (plaque brachytherapy, n = 7 [78%]; enucleation, n = 2 [22%]). The choroidal melanomas were small (n = 1 [11%]), medium (n = 5 [56%]), and large (n = 3 [33%]) in size (COMS criteria). The sociodemographic profile of the study patients was not different from those that accepted treatment. One patient (11%) had pre-existing mental health diagnosis. Five patients (56%) eventually accepted treatment following an average delay of 19 months (range: 4-55 months) due to neovascular glaucoma or severe vision loss. MFS could not be ascertained, and OS was 67% (6/9) at 4.2 years of follow-up (mean). Conclusions Refusal of initial recommended treatment is associated with poor ocular survival. The small sample size did not allow for an evaluation of the impact on survival.
Ureteral metastasis in colorectal cancer: A case report and review of literature.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common clinical entity. A significant proportion of patients experience metastatic disease, typically in the form of lung and liver spread. We present the case of a CRC cancer patient with distant metastasis to the ureter, causing hydronephrosis. Ureteroscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis and the patient was subsequently treated with percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement. Distant spread of CRC to the ureter represents an exceedingly rare phenomenon. This case highlights the importance of heightened index of suspicion for ureteral involvement in CRC when hydronephrosis is identified on staging or surveillance cross sectional imaging.
Flexural strength prediction models of non-prestressed Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) components

Abstract The use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has been growing rapidly in the past two decades because of its superior mechanical and durability properties compared to conventional concrete (CC). Flexural strength prediction models of CC components underestimate the flexural strength of non-prestressed UHPC components as they ignore the tensile strength of concrete and assume different stress–strain relationships and failure mode from those of UHPC. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the current flexural strength prediction models of non-prestressed UHPC components using test data collected from the literature and validate them using experimental data of a UHPC ribbed slab tested in flexure. Measured and predicted flexural strengths are compared at different curvatures. Evaluation results indicated that neglecting the tensile strength of UHPC significantly underestimates the flexural strength of non-prestressed UHPC components. Peak moment curvature of non-prestressed UHPC components is significantly smaller than ultimate moment curvature. In addition, the differences among idealized stress–strain relationships of UHPC in compression and tension do not have significant effect on the predicted flexural strength.
Racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of applicants and matriculants to neurological surgery residency programs.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify trends in the demographic constitution of applicants and matriculants to neurological surgery based on race, ethnicity, and gender. METHODS The authors conducted a cross-sectional study using compiled demographic data obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Trends analyzed included proportional changes in race, ethnicity, and gender of applicants and matriculants to neurosurgical residency programs from academic years 2010-2011 to 2018-2019. RESULTS A total of 5100 applicants and 2104 matriculants to neurosurgical residency programs were analyzed. No significant change in the percentage of overall women applicants (+0.3%, 95% CI -0.7% to 1.3%; p = 0.77) or in the percentage of women matriculants (+0.3%, 95% CI -2.2% to 2.9%; p = 0.71) was observed. For applicants, no change over time was observed in the percentages of American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) men (0.0%, 95% CI -0.3% to 0.3%; p = 0.65); Asian men (-0.1%, 95% CI -1.2% to 1.1%; p = 0.97); Black or African American men (-0.2%, 95% CI -0.7% to 0.4%; p = 0.91); Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin men (+0.4%, 95% CI -0.8% to 1.7%; p = 0.26); White men (+0.5%, 95% CI -2.1% to 3.0%; p = 0.27); Asian women (+0.1,% 95% CI -0.9% to 1.1%; p = 0.73); Black or African American women (0.0%, 95% CI -0.6% to 0.5%; p = 0.30); Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin women (0.0%, 95% CI -0.4% to 0.4%; p = 0.71); and White women (+0.3%, 95% CI -1.1% to 1.7%; p = 0.34). For matriculants, no change over time was observed in the percentages of AI/AN men (0.0%, 95% CI -0.6% to 0.6%; p = 0.56); Asian men (0.0%, 95% CI -2.7% to 2.7%; p = 0.45); Black or African American men (-0.3%, 95% CI -1.4% to 0.8%; p = 0.52); Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin men (+0.6%, 95% CI -0.8 to 2.0%; p = 0.12); White men (-1.0%, 95% CI -5.3% to 3.3%; p = 0.92); Asian women (+0.1%, 95% CI -1.3% to 1.5%; p = 0.85); Black or African American women (0.0%, 95% CI -0.6% to 0.7%; p = 0.38); Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin women (-0.1%, 95% CI -0.7% to 0.5%; p = 0.46); and White women (+0.3%, 95% CI -2.4% to 3.0%; p = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS Despite efforts to diversify the demographic constitution of incoming neurosurgical trainees, few significant advances have been made in recent years. This study suggests that improved strategies for recruitment and cultivating early interest in neurological surgery are required to further increase the diversification of future cohorts of neurosurgical trainees.
Using radio device fingerprinting for the detection of impersonation and sybil attacks in wireless networks

This paper describes an intrusion detection system to identify impersonation attacks and Sybil attacks in wireless networks. The detection system uses radio device fingerprinting and has experimental performance comparable with existing intrusion detection methods. The detection systems for Sybil attacks have not been widely investigated to date, and this contribution of the paper is novel. The paper also derives analytical formulae relating metrics of the fingerprinting classification procedure with the metrics of the intrusion detection system. The formulae can be used to guide the selection of the fingerprinting classification method, knowing the desired performance of the detection system. The use of radio device fingerprinting simplifies the task of securing a wireless ad-hoc network.
Semantic Interoperability among Thesauri: A Challenge in the Multicultural Legal Domain

In the last few years crucial issues like cross-language legal information retrieval, document classification, legal knowledge discovery and extraction have been considered in theory and in practice. The availability of services allowing cross-language and cross-collection retrieval is a growing necessity. This paper focuses on the need to develop solutions for automatic, language-independent procedures to provide interoperability between mono/poly-lingual thesauri at national and European levels. This will guarantee sustainable and scalable services enabling to manage the multilingual complexity of the European Union legal context to be used for cross-language and cross-collection legal information retrieval. Wider use of the service can also be envisaged as support to legal translation services, as well as in general to promote integration and sharing of widespread and heterogeneous legal resources, providing new market opportunities for stakeholders to exploit the economic potential of public sector information in a multilanguage environment.
Dynamic level sets for visual tracking

In this paper we describe two methods for tracking planar curves which are allowed to change topology. In contrast to previous approaches a level set formulation is used that allows for the propagation of state information (here a velocity vector) with every point on a curve. The curve dynamics are derived by minimizing an action integral (based on Hamilton's principle). Incorporating velocity information for every point on a curve lifts the originally two dimensional problem to four dimensions, and thus to a codimension three problem. Since basic level set approaches implicitly describe codimension one hypersurfaces, we introduce two methods suitable for codimension three problems within a level set framework. The partial level set approach, which propagates velocity information along with the curve by solving two additional transport equations, and the full level set approach, which is formulated by means of a vector distance function evolution equation. The full level set approach allows for complete topological flexibility (including intersecting curves in the image plane). However, it is computationally expensive. The partial level set approach compromises the topological flexibility for computational efficiency. In particular, the full level set approach has the potential for tracking objects throughout occlusions, when combined with a suitable collision detection algorithm.
Study of authentication with IoT testbed

The Internet of Things (IoT), connecting things like home appliances and rescue robots to the Internet, is becoming the next revolutionary technology. However, with the IoT penetrating the physical world, potential risks and vulnerabilities cast a shadow upon the dawn of the IoT. Authentication, or verifying the genuineness of smart devices and establishing trust for critical infrastructure, plays a vital role in the realization of the IoT. Testbeds for experimental IoT research have flourished, most focusing on usability issues such as scalability and heterogeneity. With an affordable IoT testbed at a university lab, experiments using tools categorized by SANS Critical Security Controls are conducted from both offense and defense sides. This work focuses on smartcards and physical unclonable functions (PUF) for device authentication, following NIST Guide for Assessing Security Controls. Innovative workflows of authentication protocols are proposed and analyzed. The study prepares the future workforce for a secure IoT.
Improving library efficiency to meet patron's needs: A data envelopment analysis benchmarking model

Technological innovation and the information age have increased patrons' expectations of the services and resources that academic libraries provide. Libraries are responding to patrons' needs by providing digital resources and services, and collaborative spaces that invite communication and knowledge sharing. In order to effectively meet patrons' needs, libraries are striving to efficiently manage their human, materials, and fiscal resources.
The Model-Guided Method for Monitoring Program Implementation

Advocating for the use of model-derived specifications in the monitoring of program implementation, this article presents the model-guided method. The method provides a test of the adequacy of a program's implementation, and its application to the evaluation of a community support program for the chronically mentally ill is presented. A procedure for field testing the reliability and validity of a monitoring instrument is outlined, and recommendations for using the model-guided method in other field applications are offered.