cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of underfill interfacial and bulk fracture toughness in flip-chip packages

Abstract Flip-chip package reliability is greatly improved by encapsulating the solder interconnections between a polymeric encapsulant or underfill. However, thermo-mechanical stresses within such packages often lead to failures initiating in the vicinity of chip and underfill interface. In this study, we present experimental results geared towards measuring and understanding such failure mechanisms. We provide the bulk fracture toughness of the underfill material and interfacial fracture toughness between the underfill material and the silicon die. The bulk and interfacial fracture toughness measurements are performed as a function of temperature. We use the single edge notch bending test to calculate the bulk fracture toughness of the underfill and to measure the interfacial fracture toughness, we use a novel technique referred to as the wedge delamination method. The wedge delamination method provides substantial advantage in measuring the interfacial fracture toughness for brittle materials over traditional methods. Using the wedge delamination method we compare the fracture strength between the underfill and silicon at the front-face and side-wall interfaces. Additionally, the influence of dicing technique on fracture toughness is also investigated.
Rituximab for treating multiple sclerosis: Off-label but on target

Physicians commonly use drugs off-label. A medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies for one indication may be useful for treating others. An example is rituximab, which is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 on B cells. Rituximab lyses the targeted cells, resulting in prolonged depletion of circulating B cells. It is approved to treat B-cell malignancies, rheumatoid arthritis, Wegener granulomatosis, and microscopic polyarteritis. However, neurologists have successfully used rituximab off-label to treat neuroimmunologic diseases, including neuromyelitis optica, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune encephalitis, and autoimmune neuropathies and myopathies.1
The Role of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in Sub Saharan Africa

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) is now firmly established in developed countries where there has been a trend away from traditional open surgery towards laparoscopy given proven benefits of faster recovery time and better cosmesis for patients. However, this same trend has not been observed in regions like sub Saharan Africa (SSA) where resources are limited. Lack of human and material resources, need for technological support, and challenges with training have been postulated as major limitations for wide spread introduction and expansion of MIGS in SSA. Nonetheless, a few institutions in sub Saharan Africa have been able to surmount these challenges to develop MIGS in SSA. This paper reviews the current state of minimally invasive surgery in sub Saharan Africa. We review the role and benefits of expanding minimally invasive surgery in sub Saharan Africa with a focus on management of gynecologic conditions. Finally, we review the challenges associated with MIGS in SSA and provide recommendations on the way forward. There are several published studies on the successful development of minimally invasive surgery in sub -Saharan Africa with similar benefits of shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and better cosmesis for patients. These studies also report the challenges with human and material resources and training. There is a large role and need for expansion of minimally invasive surgery in sub Saharan Africa. The challenges of lack of resources, personnel, and training can be surmountable through ingenuity, modeling based on experiences from other low to middle income countries and commitment to the advancement of MIGS for the benefit of women’s health globally.
Standards, Platforms, and Applications

With the sequencing of the human genome, it has become apparent that systems biology, the understanding of cellular networks through dynamical analysis is becoming an important part of research for mainstream biologists. One of the indicative trends to emerge in recent years is the development of model interchange standards that permit biologists to easily exchange dynamical models between different software tools. This chapter describes the current and rising standards in systems biology that facilitate knowledge management and physiological model exchange. In addition, software platforms that implement these standards and enables the reuse of software code are discussed. Finally, the range of possible computational applications is described, highlighting the most commonly used and emerging tools in the field.
Validation of the OpCost logging cost model using contractor surveys

ABSTRACTOpCost is a harvest and fuel treatment operations cost model developed to function as both a standalone tool and an integrated component of the Bioregional Inventory Originated Simulation Under Management (BioSum) analytical framework for landscape-level analysis of forest management alternatives. OpCost is an updated implementation of the Fuel Reduction Cost Simulator (FRCS). However, neither FRCS nor OpCost have been formally validated. Validation of simulation models using data that are independent of those used for model development is important for building user confidence in model predictions. This is particularly true when models are embedded in decision support systems and deployed regionally to inform policy. To evaluate the quality of OpCost predictions in fuel reduction treatments, a mixed method survey was conducted in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Professional logging contractors were asked to estimate the production rates and costs of common logging systems using timber sale prospec...
Perioperative blood glucose concentrations in kittens following overnight fasting and gonadectomy.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine if hypoglycemia is an effect of overnight fasting and gonadectomy in kittens, as well as to determine predictors of baseline and postoperative blood glucose. Methods This was a prospective observational study. Seventy-five kittens between the age of 8 and 16 weeks undergoing routine castration or ovariohysterectomy at an animal shelter were included. Two blood glucose measurements were analyzed per kitten after an overnight fast: a baseline reading prior to preoperative examination, and a reading immediately postoperatively. Predictors of the baseline and postoperative blood glucose levels were determined using multi-level mixed-effects linear regression. Results Kittens, when fasted overnight, were not hypoglycemic ( 150 mg/dl) was observed in 44% of kittens. The only predictor of fasted blood glucose levels was body condition score. The only predictor of postoperative blood glucose levels was the fasting blood glucose value. Conclusions and relevance Overnight fasting prior to elective sterilization in 8- to 16-week-old kittens did not result in hypoglycemia. Concern regarding hypoglycemia after a prolonged fast in kittens may be unwarranted for short procedures in healthy animals.
The influence of energy efficiency on other natural resources use: An input-output perspective

Abstract Energy efficiency improvements reduce the costs of energy services, and under some circumstances, increase the available income. This generates an additional increase of consumption of goods and services that need additional energy to be produced, distributed and consumed. This effect is known as the indirect rebound effect in the literature. However, beyond this additional increase of global energy consumption, there is also a variation of the use of other natural resources due to the same mechanism. This effect, which we label as direct and indirect cross rebound effect, is generally not considered by academia nor policy-making when designing and implementing energy policies. This research conceptualizes this effect, develops a methodology for its estimation and provides estimates for the Spanish economy. Results show that an energy efficiency in households could increase the use of minerals and water, while reducing the use of energy, fossil fuels and metal ores in Spain. These reductions, however, are lower than the expected ones from an input-output perspective, leading to positive direct and indirect cross rebound effects: between 64.6% and 74.7% for energy (equivalent to direct and indirect rebound effect); 48%–63% for fossil fuels. 84%–89% for metal ores; backfire for non-metallic minerals (147%–134%) and extreme backfire for water (1191%–1628%).
Absolute phase retrieval methods for digital fringe projection profilometry: A review

Abstract This paper provides a review for absolute phase recovery methods that are applicable for digital fringe projection (DFP) systems. Specifically, we present two conventional absolute phase unwrapping methods: multi-frequency or -wavelength phase-shifting methods, and hybrid binary coding and phase-shifting methods; and also introduce some non-conventional methods that are specific for DFP systems: multiview geometry methods with additional camera(s) or projector(s), DFP system geometric constraint-based phase unwrapping method, and pre-knowledge (e.g., computer-aided-design, CAD, model) based phase unwrapping method. This paper also briefly overviews hybrid methods including phase coding, composite, and pre-defined markers based absolute phase unwrapping methods. This paper explains the principle behind each individual absolute phase unwrapping method; and finally offers some practical tips to handle common phase unwrapping artifact issues.
Field Sampling Techniques for Archaeological Sediments and Soils

The focus of this chapter will be on the description of field sampling techniques for sediments and soils and their use in archaeological geology. Their use in both terrestrial and marine/lacustrine environments will be discussed along with specific applications within these environments. For the assessment of subsurface deposits and their spatial/stratigraphic extent these techniques provide the most reliable and efficient means of doing so. From the geomorphological perspective any paleosol, unless found to outcrop in the vicinity of interest, must be found using them. For ground truth purposes of geophysical data, they provide a reliable means of assessing depth of features such as subsurface contacts and electromagnetic anomalies. They provide a means to directly determine such important parameters as radar velocities in the subsurface facilitating the conversion of time to depth in ground-penetrating radar data. These field techniques allow the investigator to recover representative and depth-constrained sediment, soil and rock samples for purposes of laboratory studies.
Current Trends in Practice for Early Mobility with the Burn Population

There is a clinical trend toward "early mobilization" of patients with burn injury, however mobility is not well defined in burn care. Burn injuries result in various extents of injury, body areas affected, and types of skin graft surgeries needed-all of which may influence the type, timing, safety, and outcome of mobilization activities. This study surveyed burn clinicians to determine current mobility practices and the influence of skin graft surgery on clinical decisions to mobilize patients. A 32-question survey was electronically distributed to burn clinicians and included questions about postoperative range of motion (ROM) and out of bed (OOB) mobility practices for various skin graft types and locations. For all types of grafts on all body locations, the average time after skin graft surgery that patients resumed ROM activities was postoperative day (POD) 3.87 (±2.04) while OOB mobility resumed on POD 2.54 (±1.38). There was significantly greater variability for OOB mobility compared to ROM (coefficient of variation [CV] 0.71 ± 0.8 vs 0.5 ± 0.05). Time to postoperative ROM was significantly different depending on the type of skin graft placed with sheet skin grafts resuming ROM the earliest. Time to OOB mobility after surgery was significantly different for different body locations with grafts placed above the waist resuming OOB mobility earliest. This study provides a summary of current mobility practices and serves as a foundation for future studies investigating the optimal timing and practical application of mobility protocols that may influence safety and outcome of burn survivors.
U.S. Dental School Applicants and Enrollees, 2015 Entering Class

Every year the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) gathers data on dental school applicants and first-time, first-year enrollees. This report analyzes information collected during the 2014–15 application cycle and on first-time, first-year enrollees entering dental school in the fall of 2015. The data include applicants’ characteristics and academic qualifications and the number and characteristics of the applications received by each dental school. Among the key findings is an upward trend in the number of first-time, first-year enrollees, reaching 5,943 for this class. The number of applicants, 11,789, was still below the most recent high (13,742 in 2007), but a slight increase of 44 since 2014 suggests a possible upturn in applicant numbers. Additionally, GPA and Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores remained high, suggesting that dental schools continued to have a strong applicant pool from which to select. The gender distribution for applicants and enrollees was split nearly equally between men and women. Consistent with past years, White students were more than 50% of enrollees. The number of Latino/Hispanic applicants and first-time, first-year enrollees continued an upward trend, while the number of other underrepresented groups tended to fluctuate without a clear trend. The data in this report provide a comprehensive view of applicants interested in dental school, allowing schools to compare their applicant pools with the overall applicant pool on a national level. Finally, the information on enrollees offers a first look at the future dental workforce.
Placement of Ommaya Reservoirs Using Electromagnetic Neuronavigation and Neuroendoscopy: A Retrospective Study with Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Background Placement of intraventricular catheters in oncology patients is associated with high complication rates. Placing Ommaya reservoirs with the zero-error precision protocol (ZEPP), a combination of neuronavigation (AxiEM stereotactic navigation) and direct verification of catheter tip placement with a flexible neuroendoscope, is associated with decreased complication rates as a result of increased catheter placement accuracy. However, the ZEPP costs more than traditional methods of catheter placement, and the question of whether this increased accuracy with the ZEPP is cost-effective is unknown. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective chart review of 50 consecutive ommaya reservoir patient placements between 2010 and 2017. Twenty-five ventricular catheters were placed using the ZEPP protocol, and 25 ventricular catheters were placed using only AxiEM stealth navigation. Postoperative catheter accuracy and complication rates were assessed. A cost-benefit analysis was then conducted to determine if the overall cost for placing Ommaya reservoirs with the ZEPP was effective compared with the alternative method of using neuronavigation alone. Results In the non-ZEPP cohort, 10 of 25 catheters were placed within the optimal location compared with 25 of 25 catheters placed in the ZEPP cohort. Three complications occurred in the non-ZEPP cohort: 2 malpositioned catheters required surgical revision and 1 catheter-related hemorrhage resulted in a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. No complications occurred in the ZEPP cohort. A cost-benefit analysis showed $4784 savings per patient with ZEPP utilization because of the high complication-associated costs. Conclusions Implementation of the ZEPP for verifying ventricular catheter placement in Ommaya reservoirs improved catheter tip accuracy, resulted in lower complication rates, and was more cost-effective when compared with the non-ZEPP cohort, which used only neuronavigation. The ZEPP can be used for ventricular shunt catheter placement to decrease complications and verify catheter tip accuracy in Ommaya or standard ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Cloud Assisted Traffic Redundancy Elimination for Power Efficiency in Smartphones

The exceptional increase in the usage of smartphones has contributed to a massive increase in data traffic from application servers to the smartphones, which not only strains their computation capacities and batteries but also bogs down the last hop in data transmission. For this problem, traffic redundancy elimination (TRE) is an effective solution, in which a chunk to be transmitted could be directly fetched from the receiver's cache. However, existing TRE solutions either cannot be directly applied to or are not suitable for smartphones due to high computing and energy overhead imposed on smartphones. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose a novel TRE system, called TailoredRE, which consists of three components. First, each smartphone has a clone in the cloud that is responsible for computation intensive tasks including parsing traffic and detecting redundancy. Second, considering that each mobile user has certain applications (e.g., YouTube) to use in daily life, each smartphone's clone selectively chooses the applications that are most frequently used by the user and also have high redundancy ratios to cache data. Third, considering that some users always have common favorite applications, TailoredRE clusters their clones together to cooperatively conduct the redundancy detection task in order to reduce the cache resource consumption in the cloud. We collected traces from eleven applications including Web Browser, YouTube, CNN, Quora, Instagram and Facebook, and used the traces in simulation. We also implemented and open-sourced TailoredRE and conducted prototype-based experiments. Experiment results show that TailoredRE can achieve much higher cache hit rate, end-to-end throughput, bandwidth saving and energy efficiency compared with previous TRE methods.
Analysis of Dried Blood Spots for Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCs) are anthropogenic pollutants highly resistant to chemical degradation and readily absorbed by organic tissue. Their persistence ...
Impact of genotype, seed composition, agronomic trait, and environment on soybean test weight

ABSTRACTTest weight (TW) is a primary indicator of soybean grain quality and measure of bulk density (mass/volume). The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of genotype, environ...
Metal-insulator transition in (111) SrRuO3 ultrathin films

(111)-oriented transition metal oxide thin films provide a route to developing oxide-based topological quantum materials, but the epitaxial growth is challenging. Here, we present the thickness-dependent electronic and magnetic phase diagrams of coherently strained, phase pure (111)-oriented SrRuO3 epitaxial films grown on (111) SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed laser deposition. With decreasing film thickness, it is found that both the metal-to-insulator and magnetic phase transitions occur at the same thickness of 4–5 nm for films grown along both the (111) and the (001) directions. The character of the transport near the metal-insulator transition is, however, distinct for the different directions, which is attributed to the increased electron-electron correlation for (111) SrRuO3. The findings presented here highlight both the broad challenges as well as the possibilities in modifying correlated materials using dimensional tuning of electronic and magnetic properties.
PROCESSING OF RNA IN BACTERIA

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes the processing of RNA in bacteria. Primary endonucleolytic cleavage of ribosomal and transfer RNA transcripts in Escherichia coli is accomplished by four major processing enzymes. Inactivation of one or more of these enzymes results in the accumulation in vivo of RNA processing intermediates which can be processed in vitro by these enzymes. Most transfer RNAs are also produced by the action of these enzymes, because in their absence few, if any, monomeric tRNA species accumulate in vivo. A variety of experiments lead to the conclusion that transcription of RNA is independent of its processing. Primary processing of rRNA and tRNA occurs during transcription. Most RNA transcripts are processed by more than a single endoribonuclease. A given ribonuclease, by and large, fulfills either a degradative or a processing function. Processing endonucleases are highly specific and each performs a unique function. Their recognition sites may be composed of unique combinations of relatively simple, yet distinctive features of secondary and tertiary structure.
Activity Level and Intensity of Older Adults in Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Measured via Actigraphy.

Background and purpose Increasing activity has been shown to improve outcomes in patients receiving post-acute rehabilitation, but little is known about the activity duration and intensity that are actually occurring throughout the rehabilitative stay for older adults in skilled nursing facilities. The purpose of this study was to quantify duration and intensity of movement in older adults receiving rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility, using 4-limb actigraphy. Methods Observational study of 92 older adults admitted for rehabilitation services at 2 skilled nursing facilities. All participants wore actigraph accelerometers (wGT3X+) on bilateral wrists and ankles for 24 hours, inclusive of 1 session each of physical and occupational therapy. Using actigraphy data, we calculated (a) movement duration (time the dominant or noninvolved upper or lower limb was active) and (b) movement intensity (sum of activity counts per minute for the dominant or noninvolved upper or lower limb). Results Over the 24-hour period, the lower limb moved a total median [interquartile range] of 01:10 (hours:minutes) [01:01] and the upper limb moved a total average (SD) of 04:45 (02:00). When participants did move, it was at low intensities with 61 [87] and 610 [623] activity counts per minute for lower limb out-of-therapy time and during physical therapy, respectively. For the upper limb, activity counts per minute were 689 (388) for out-of-therapy movement and 1359 (695) during physical therapy. However, neither the lower or upper limb reached a moderate-intensity level (2690-6166 counts per minute). Discussion Older adults receiving rehabilitation in 2 skilled nursing facilities had low movement duration and movement intensity both in and out of therapy. Conclusion Rehabilitation interventions for older adults should target and increase movement duration and intensity, during and after skilled nursing facility care.
Digital Colonialism: South Africa’s Education Transformation in the Shadow of Silicon Valley

Over the past few decades, US-based technology corporations and surveillance agencies colonized the global tech ecosystem. This dissertation proposes a conceptual and theoretical framework to understand how the United States is reinventing colonialism in the Global South through the domination of digital technology. As a policy analysis of digital colonialism – defined as the use of digital tech for political, economic, and social control – it provides a detailed assessment of Operation Phakisa Education (OPE), the secretive plan to fast-track a national e-education rollout to all South African public schools. The study contrasts the Western model of digital capitalism against what I refer to as “People’s Technology for People’s Power” – a nod to the anti-apartheid education movement of the 1980s. People’s Technology merges socialist democracy with technologies and perspectives developed by the Free Software community. It offers a vision for digital socialism that aims to transform the tech ecosystem into a global digital commons based on decentralized ownership and control over the means of computation. The dissertation demonstrates how the national e-education initiative is a primary vessel for Silicon Valley corporations to capture South African education, economy, and society. By placing general-purpose Big Tech products in public schools (such as Microsoft Windows or Google Android), young people and teachers become consumers of Big Tech software, and society is locked into their platforms, products, and ecosystems. By placing education-specific products into schools (such as Office 365 Education or G Suite for Education), public education becomes partially privatized through the educational features designed by Silicon Valley. The South African government has a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) policy preference explicitly designed to resist US-based corporate colonization, yet policymakers are presently ignoring it. Instead, SA policymakers embrace digital capitalism expressed through the so-called “Fourth Industrial Revolution” narrative. OPE aims to serve the technocratic aims of the state-corporate ruling class, which seeks to “transform” education, economy, and society through Big Data surveillance of teachers and pupils. The dissertation concludes that US technological and conceptual dominance in South Africa constitutes digital colonialism. It emphasizes the need for public inclusion in policy formation and the central importance of People’s Tech to a free and equitable society. Current scholarship critical of digital technology neglects the Free Software community and the problem of digital colonialism, and subsequent literature would be enriched by addressing these issues.
Facilitating Data Literacy and Critical Thinking Through Utilizing Open Data Resources in the Textiles and Apparel in the Global Economies Course

The open data initiatives remind the educators about the needs for data literacy in future workforce. It is important for us to enable our students to handle and use raw data in a meaningful way. Most data related to textiles and apparel in the global economies a rereadily available due to the historical importance of the sector. I started using data from the OTEXA primarily because it was the primary data source that our students would encounter in their career. During the past decade, World Bank, WTO, ILO, and UN all made their data available online along with user friendly data extraction and interactive analysis tools. This paper illustrates the sources of useful data to expose our students to large scale data,primarily in the textiles and apparel in the global economies subject. The paper also includes simple practices that students performed.
Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between white (W) and non-white (NW) patients with metastatic germ cell tumor (mGCT) treated at Indiana University (IU).

376Background: Patients (pts) with mGCT are curable even when presenting at advanced stages, however its incidence is rising in NW populations. There is lack of data evaluating differences in disea...
Bio-orthogonally crosslinked hyaluronate-collagen hydrogel for suture-free corneal defect repair

Biomaterials that mimic corneal stroma could decrease the need for donor corneal tissue and could decrease the prevalence of complications associated with corneal transplantation, including infection and rejection. We developed a bio-orthogonally crosslinked hyaluronate-collagen hydrogel which can fill corneal defects in situ without the need for any sutures, initiators, or catalysts. We studied the effects of biorthogonal crosslinking on the light transmittance of the hydrogel, which was greater than 97% water. The transmittance of the optimized hydrogel in the visible light range was over 94%. We also investigated the mechanical properties, refractive index, morphology, biocompatibility, and corneal re-epithelialization capacity of the hyaluronate-collagen hydrogel. Our in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo results demonstrated that this bio-orthogonally crosslinked hyaluronate-collagen hydrogel has excellent potential as a biomaterial for cornea repair and regeneration.
The use of laser interstitial thermal therapy in the treatment of brain metastases: a literature review.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the current evidence for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in the treatment of brain metastases, our current recommendations for patient selection and th...
Bridge to Health/ Puente a la Salud: Rationale and design of a pilot feasibility randomized trial to address diabetes self-management and unmet basic needs among racial/ethnic minority and low-income patients.

Abstract Introduction Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in diabetes prevalence and management persist. Unmet basic needs such as food insecurity and unstable housing interfere with optimal diabetes self-management. Bridge to Health/Puente a la Salud is a randomized pilot trial designed to examine the feasibility of testing the effectiveness of addressing unmet basic needs via navigation services versus navigation plus diabetes self-management support (DSMS) on improving diabetes-related outcomes among racial/ethnic minority and low-income patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Material and methods We recruited and randomized 110 African American, Hispanic, and Medicaid patients (any race/ethnicity) with diabetes and recent hemoglobin A1C ≥ 8% to one of two 6-month interventions: 1) Navigation only; or 2) Navigation + DSMS. In both arms, practice-embedded patient navigators help participants navigate social services and community-based resources to address unmet basic needs. In Navigation + DSMS, participants are also assigned to a community health worker (CHW) embedded in a local community-based organization who provides additional navigation support and delivers DSMS. A1C and unmet basic needs data are collected via routine lab and survey, respectively, at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews with participants, health system leaders, CHWs, and patient navigators are conducted to explore intervention acceptability and determinants of implementation in a health care setting. Discussion Findings from this pilot feasibility study will enhance understanding about acceptability, preliminary clinical effectiveness, and facilitators and barriers to implementation of the Navigation only and Navigation + DSMS interventions and inform refinements of the overall study design for the larger, randomized clinical trial.
Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion by dimethyl sulfoxide and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in human monocytes.

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion by dimethyl sulfoxide and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in human monocytes
Ancient diversity and turnover of cunninghamioid conifers (Cupressaceae): two new genera from the Upper Cretaceous of Hokkaido, Japan

Conifers of the taxodiaceous grade of Cupressaceae were more diverse and widespread during the Mesozoic than they are today. The earliest diverging subfamily, Cunninghamioideae, only includes a sin...
A Laplacian Regularized Least Square Algorithm for Motion Tomography

The motion of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is often affected by unknown disturbances arising from underwater flow fields. These disturbances may result in large prediction errors when comparing the AUV's expected surfacing location (for example from dead reckoning) and the AUV's measured surfacing location. This error, referred to as the Motion Integration Error, has been used by Motion Tomography algorithm (MT) to reconstruct an estimate of the underwater flow field. In this paper, we extend the MT algorithm to solve the MT problem by introducing Laplacian regularization that penalizes the non-smoothness of the predicted flow field. We propose an iterative algorithm to solve the Regularized MT (RMT) problem. The convergence of the RMT algorithm in the single vehicle case is theoretically justified. The effectiveness of the algorithm for multiple vehicle applications is validated through simulations with cyclonic flow field models. We show that the RMT algorithm outperforms the parametric MT in terms of estimation accuracy and convergence rate.
Neutrino mass matrices from localization in M-theory on $G_2$ orbifold

M-theory compactified on a $G_2$ manifold with resolved $E_8$ singularity is a promising candidate for a unified theory. The experimentally observed masses of quarks and charged leptons put a restriction on the moduli of the $G_2$ manifold. These moduli in turn uniquely determine the Dirac interactions of the neutrinos. In the paper, we explicitly compute the Dirac terms for neutrino mass matrix using the moduli from a localized model with resolved $E_8$ singularities on a $G_2$ manifold. This is a novel approach as the Dirac terms are not assumed but derived from the structure of quarks' and charged leptons' masses. Using known mass splittings and mixing angles of neutrinos, we show the acceptable region for Majorana terms. We also analyse the theoretical region for Majorana terms induced from the expectation values of right handed neutrinos through the Kolda-Martin mechanism. The intersection of the two regions indicates a restriction on neutrino masses. In particular, the lightest neutrino must have small but non-zero mass. Moreover, this also puts constraints on possible Majorana contributions from Kahler potential and superpotential, which can be traced down to a restriction on the geometry.We conclude that the masses of the two heavier light neutrinos are about $0.05 \text{ eV}$ and $0.009 \text{ eV}$ ($0.05 \text{ eV} $ and $0.05 \text{ eV} $)) for normal (inverted) hierarchy. In both hierarchies, we predict the light neutrinos are mostly Dirac type. Hence neutrino-less double-beta decay will be small. This is a testable result in a near future. Some bounds on heavy neutrinos are also derived.
A Handbook on Geohelminths

Nematodes (roundworms) are non-segmented helminthes. They are bilaterally symmetry, have a complete digestive tract with oral and anal openings, they taper at both ends. They are easily distinguishable from other helminthes because of their cylindrical non-segmented bodies. Most nematodes are dioecious, the male and female reproductive organs are located in the body cavities of the separate sexes. Adult parasites cause less disturbances than those caused by the larvae of the parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides migrate into important organs, resulting to serious symptoms. Ancylostoma duodenale continuously suck up human blood resulting in anaemia. In molecular biology of parasites there are a number of techniques which are routinely used. DNA and RNA of helminths can be extracted by freeze-thawing lysis, this is because of their thick cuticles. Diagnosis of parasitic infections has usually been carried out by finding the causative agent and this is the most satisfactory method when dealing with infections in individuals. Parasitic infections present immune situation, which the host develops a normal immune response against the parasite but, this response does not result in its elimination. Helminths do not multiply within their vertebrate hosts. Most helminthes have life cycles in which larval stages larval stages migrate around the body of the host before the adults settle in their final sites.
Lung Cancer Screening in a Safety-Net Hospital: Rare Harms Inform Decision-Making

Abstract Background Lung cancer screening (LCS) with Low-Dose CT (LDCT) decreases lung cancer mortality; however, screening benefits and harms are poorly described in minority populations. Our purpose is to report benefits and harms of LCS implemented in a safety-net institution. Because harms are rare, there is a paucity of clinical experience guiding Shared Decision Making (SDM) with diverse populations. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing LCS between September 2014 and March 2019 with 2-year follow-up. LDCT results, lung cancer diagnosis, stage, treatment, false-positive, false-negative procedure from a false-positive, complication from procedures, and death were recorded. Patient cases highlighting the challenges of delivering LCS to an underserved population were evaluated in the context of current evidence. Results 995 patients underwent screening, of which the majority were African American (54.9%), with 2.9% receiving a cancer diagnosis, a false-positive rate of 9.4% and a 0.7% rate of procedures resulting from a false-positive. Five patient cases highlight challenges namely 1) false-positive resulting in surgery, 2) false-negative,3) incidental finding, 4) delay in diagnosis, and 5) mortality from cause other than lung cancer. Conclusions LCS of a predominantly African American population with 2-year follow-up demonstrates early detection and treatment of lung cancer with few harms. Though rare, harms must be clearly described with population-specific evidence. We report clinical perspective of rare harms that can provide guidance to providers and patients.
Partnering for Success Symptom Monitoring Outcomes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus for Children and Youth in Child Welfare

A substantial proportion of children and youth in the child welfare system have mental health concerns that warrant attention. While these youth are more likely to receive treatment in general, they are less likely to receive evidence-based treatments. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus (CBT+) is a training approach in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and symptoms of traumatic stress. Included in the model is an emphasis on symptom and outcome monitoring. Though based on well-established evidence-based treatments, clinical effectiveness of CBT+ has not been evaluated for child welfare populations. Embedded within a broader initiative called Partnering for Success, the current study evaluated the impact of CBT+ training on treatment outcomes for the mental health symptoms of a racially diverse sample of 1281 children and youth in four different states. Symptom data were collected by community-based mental health therapists as part of standard CBT+ treatment adherence procedures. Multilevel linear growth modeling was used to evaluate symptom change over time. Significant improvements were observed across all four clinical targets, with a slight curvilinear relationship found for anxiety, depression, and behavior problems. This promising initial evidence suggests CBT+ is a viable training option for treatment of child welfare-involved children and youth with a range of mental health concerns.
Virgil Re-Purposed in the Old French «Roman d’Eneas»

In these pages, I deal with three “sticky bits” in the twelfth-century Roman d’Eneas (vv. 483-496, 534-539, and 9792-9814). These are vernacular “marvels” that have stumped concerned philologists for at least one hundred years (beginning with Edmond Faral, 1913). The first segment deals with the crocodiles found in the waters of “Libya” (i.e., Dido’s Carthage); mysteriously, they have no bowels. Next, the Capitol building in Carthage possesses special acoustics, we are told, that make distant whispers audible. Finally, Pallas’ baldric (ripped off by Turnus once he slays the youth) is changed by the anonymous Old French poet to a finger ring. I attempt to offer suggested explanations for the three non-Virgilian embellishments. In questo contributo mi occupo di tre “divagazioni” che l’autore del Roman d’Eneas compie rispetto alla fonte latina (vv. 483-496, 534- 539 e 9792-9814), tre elementi del “meraviglioso” che hanno disorientato, per un centinaio d’anni (a partire da Edmond Faral, nel 1913) i filologi che se ne sono occupati. Il primo segmento tratta dei coccodrilli trovati nelle acque della “Libia” (ovvero, la Cartagine di Didone): misteriosamente, essi sono privi di viscere. Nel segmento successivo e descritto il Campidoglio di Cartagine, la cui speciale acustica consente – cosi ci dice l’autore – di ascoltare i sospiri anche a distanza. Infine, il balteo di Pallante (sottratto da Turno nel momento in cui egli uccide il giovane) e sostituito dall’anonimo poeta antico-francese con un anello. Per ciascuno di questi abbellimenti non virgiliani, tento di offrire una spiegazione convincente.
Validating a Measure Across Groups: The Use of MIMIC Models in Scale Development

ABSTRACT This study tests the effects of causal indicators on the factorial invariance of a measure across groups. If a measure lacks invariance, MIMIC models (Multiple Indicators/Multiple Causes) can be used to identify the source of invariance. Using the Caregiver Well-Being Scale, two phases of multi-group modeling with post-care-givers and non-caregivers were analyzed. The first phase tested the scale's validity and reliability using multi-group modeling without controlling for the demographics differences between the groups. The second phase analyzed a MIMIC model with multi-group modeling. Results indicate that when a MIMIC model is not used, the measure is unequally reliable across groups (unequivalent structure). By controlling for the demographic differences using MIMIC modeling, analysis indicates that the scale is factorially invariant. Implications on the use of MIMIC models in scale development are discussed.
Cocaine cities: Exploring the relationship between urban processes and the drug trade in South America

The relationship between the cocaine trade and urban land markets in South America has been overlooked by the mainstream economics and urban studies literature. This paper examines two avenues through which the cocaine trade can have a large impact on urban development in producer countries: (i) through an employment multiplier effect similar to that of other legal exports, and (ii) through money laundering using urban real estate. We test our hypotheses using the Bolivian case and find that urban growth patterns are closely related to fluctuations in cocaine production. Further, even though our estimates suggest that the cocaine trade affects urban growth through the two avenues presented in the paper, we find that formal urban employment generated by the cocaine trade has a modest effect on urban growth and most of the effect seems to be explained by money laundering using real estate and other paths.
A Civilian Social Worker's Guide to the Treatment of War-Induced PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder has been designated as one of the signature wounds of the Iraq/Afghanistan war. Approximately 15% of returning service members have been diagnosed with PTSD and the numbers increase daily. As such, civilian social workers and other mental health professionals need to understand the diagnosis and how best to help those struggling with the disorder. This article will explore the etiology and treatment approaches used in management for those with PTSD.
Recombinant adenovirus vaccine encoding a chimeric T-cell antigen receptor induces protective immunity against a T-cell lymphoma.

Vaccination using recombinant tumor-derived T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) protein induces a protective, idiotype-specific immune response against a murine T-cell tumor. However, the technically demanding task of producing patient-specific, recombinant TCR protein restricts the translation of TCR vaccines for clinical use. We report here the development of an effective recombinant TCR adenovirus vaccine. Individual adenoviruses were constructed to encode a chimeric TCR derived from either tumor Vα or Vβ regions fused to xenogeneic human constant regions. Coinjection of the chimeric α- and theβ -TCR adenoviruses protected mice against tumors. The level of protection was comparable to that achieved by an optimized regimen of recombinant TCR protein vaccines. Tumor immunity induced by TCR adenoviruses required the xenogeneic constant regions and was mediated by CD8 + T cells. Independent vaccines consisting of adenovirus expressing either chimeric α- or β-TCR chain also stimulated a protective immune response. Immunization with TCR adenovirus may offer a new efficacious, protein-free vaccination approach for the treatment of T-cell malignancies.
Addendum and corrigendum to “The representation of numbers as sums of unlike powers. II”

Professor J6rg Briidern has kindly pointed out some errors in Table 1 and Table 2 of my paper [1]. Specifically, the values of A(4,4) and A(4,5) in Table 1 are better than can actually be deduced from the literature, and they lead to errors in the first three lines of Table 2. The main mistake was an erroneous combination of results from [3] and [4] to determine A(4,4) = 4.5627..., which incidentally has also appeared in another paper [2]. The correct values for Table 1 (rounded up in the last decimal place) are:
State health department perceived utility of and satisfaction with ArboNET, the U.S. National Arboviral Surveillance System.

Objectives.We assessed the perceived utility of data collected through ArboNET, the national arboviral surveillance system, and evaluated state health department user satisfaction with system funct...
Disentangling the Relations Between Wisdom and Different Types of Well-Being in Old Age: Findings from a Short-Term Longitudinal Study

Wisdom has been shown to be positively related to well-being in past cross-sectional research, but it is not clear whether wisdom affects well-being, well-being affects wisdom, or whether the association is reciprocal. This 10-month two-wave longitudinal study attempted to determine the direction of the relations between old age wisdom and physical, psychological (eudaimonic), and subjective (hedonic) well-being, using a sample of 123 older (M = 72 years) residents from a community in Florida, USA. The analyses of cross-lagged autoregressive models showed that baseline wisdom, assessed by cognitive, reflective, and compassionate (affective) dimensions of the three-dimensional wisdom scale (3D-WS), was significantly related to greater subjective well-being, mastery, purpose in life, and physical well-being at Time 2, but only baseline physical well-being was positively related to composite three-dimensional wisdom at Time 2 after controlling for baseline wisdom and well-being scores and significant control variables. The findings corroborate the hypothesis that wisdom in old age can exert a beneficial impact on physical, psychological, and subjective well-being. Helping individuals grow wiser might pay dividends in later life.
Nonrandom Assignment in ANCOVA: The Alternate Ranks Design

A specific form of nonrandom assignment to treatment groups, the “alternate ranks” design, was investigated. This design eliminates the possibility of a correlation between the covariate and treatment, and rules out experimenter bias in assignment of subjects to groups. With covariate means equated by this design, the parameter estimates and F values were precise and unbiased following ANCOVA. The frequencies of rejection under the null hypothesis conformed closely to the expected number of rejections at four different alpha levels. The alternate ranks design is especially recommended for experimenters who anticipate difficulties meeting ANCOVA assumptions. Interpretation of results is also facilitated by matching groups in this manner.
Observation of metallic adhesion using the scanning tunneling microscope.

The interaction between an Ir tip and an Ir sample was investigated during normal tunneling operation of the scanning tunneling microscope. Force gradients compatible with metallic adhesion were observed within a range of 2 \AA{} before making contact. Based on the theory of metallic adhesion, a scaling relation is derived which allows the tip geometry and the characteristics of the interaction to be accounted for in a systematic manner.