cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality control in a Holter laboratory

Summary form only given. The quality control program in the Holter laboratory has been on going for three years. Over this time, volume has increased from 5794 ECG (electrocardiographic) tapes/year (1987) to 6038 (1988) and 6400 (projected 1989). Technician productivity has increased from 4.8 tapes/day (1987) to 5.1 (1988) and 5.7 (1989). Because of the complex process necessary to produce a full report, an attempt has been made to examine the quality at each step, with the equipment separated from the technician component The equipment is tested for frequency response and timing, with isolated problems being identified. Since the laboratory serves 30 hospital clinics, the greatest problem is electrode placement on the patient. Eighteen hours of analyzable data were obtained from 92% of the recordings. Accuracy of analysis is measured by technicians' bi-weekly reading of a hand-counted tape from a library. Accuracy for the laboratory has increased from 87% (1987) and 90% (1988) to 93% (1989). Precision is measured by technicians' biweekly reading of a tape that they had read in the previous 2 weeks. Precision for the laboratory was 95% in 1988 and 96% in 1989. >
Stream microbial ecology

AbstractMicrobes play numerous roles in stream ecosystems. They carry out key processes in stream nutrient cycles and are responsible for a large part of organic matter breakdown. Advances over the past 25 y in our understanding of which microbes are linked to specific processes have been rapid and fundamental, in part, because of improvements in methods. It is now clear that immobilization of inorganic nutrients and other transformations are just as important as release of nutrients during organic matter decomposition. Microbial biomass is recognized as a key portion of trophic transfer, but our understanding of the pathways of connection have changed. Information on the actual composition of microbial communities is very recent, and it is still unclear whether there are consistent biogeographic patterns in freshwater bacterial composition. One of the major areas of potential advancement is clarifying the linkage between microbial community composition and ecosystem function. Determining the strength of ...
3-D-integrated RF and millimeter-wave functions and modules using liquid crystal polymer (LCP) system-on-package technology

Electronics packaging evolution involves system, technology, and material considerations. In this paper, we present a novel three-dimensional (3-D) integration approach for system-on-package (SOP)-based solutions for wireless communication applications. This concept is proposed for the 3-D integration of RF and millimeter (mm) wave embedded functions in front-end modules by means of stacking substrates using liquid crystal polymer (LCP) multilayer and /spl mu/BGA technologies. Characterization and modeling of high-Q RF inductors using LCP is described. A single-input-single-output (SISO) dual-band filter operating at ISM 2.4-2.5 GHz and UNII 5.15-5.85 GHz frequency bands, two dual-polarization 2/spl times/1 antenna arrays operating at 14 and 35 GHz, and a WLAN IEEE 802.11a-compliant compact module (volume of 75/spl times/35/spl times/0.2 mm/sup 3/) have been fabricated on LCP substrate, showing the great potential of the SOP approach for 3-D-integrated RF and mm wave functions and modules.
Cell regulation. Innocent bystanders or chosen collaborators

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases turn out to hve diverse functions, not all directly concerned with the cell cycle; do they provide a link between cell-cycle control and other cellular processes?
Measurement of dielectric anisotropy of BPDA-PDA polyimide in multilayer thin-film packages

The measured dielectric anisotropy of BPDA-PDA polyimide, obtained from a specially designed test vehicle, is presented. The multilayer thin-film structure is representative of its actual use in multichip carrier (MCM-D) applications both from the cross sectional dimensions and fabrication sequence point of view. Modeling is performed using finite-element and electromagnetic techniques and the effect of anisotropy on signal propagation and crosstalk are verified through time-domain measurements. >
Deterrence and Bargaining

Recent disputes about whether nuclear superiority still has any meaning raise the question of what relation exists between threats of nuclear punishment and bargaining power. This article argues that deterrence theory has provided little assistance in discussing that question. It has often focused exclusively on the defender's influence on the decision calculus of the aggressor or on the problem of avoiding a “reciprocal fear of surprise attack.” When it has touched on the question of bargaining advantage, it has used inappropriate models and failed to draw correct conclusions from the models it has used. The article outlines the main ways in which deterrence theory must be corrected, focusing especially on the distinction between two kinds of threats whose implications for bargaining are quite different.
Evaluating different approaches that test whether microbial communities have the same structure.

As microbial ecology investigations have progressed from descriptive characterizations of a community to hypothesis-driven ecological research, a number of different statistical techniques have been developed to describe and compare the structure of microbial communities. Thus far, these methods have only been evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequence data obtained from incomplete characterizations of microbial communities. In this investigation, simulations were designed to test the statistical power of different methods to differentiate between communities with known memberships and structures. These simulations revealed three important results that affect how the results of the tests are interpreted. First, ∫-LIBSHUFF, TreeClimber, UniFrac, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and homogeneity of molecular variance (HOMOVA) compare the structure of communities and not just their memberships. Second, ∫-LIBSHUFF is unable to detect cases when one community structure is a subset of another. Third, AMOVA determines whether the genetic diversity within two or more communities is greater than their pooled genetic diversity, and HOMOVA determines whether the amount of genetic diversity in each community is significantly different. ∫-LIBSHUFF, TreeClimber and UniFrac lump these and other factors together when performing their analysis making it difficult to discern the nature of the differences that are detected between communities. These findings demonstrate that when correctly employed, the current statistical toolbox has the ability to address specific ecological questions concerning the differences between microbial communities.
SOME NOTES ON THE NATURE OF CLAY, II*

The drying shrinkage curves were accurately determined for a number of clays and Other finely divided substances. Some clays show a secondary shrinkage and other do not. The latter are generally the less plastic ones. Other finely divided materials beside clay may show considerable plasticity, e.g., ferric oxide. The shrinkage curves give an insight into the nature of the surface film on the clay particles.
Occult nodal metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer: implications for the radiation oncologist.

TO THE EDITOR: We congratulate Rusch et al for performing the well-designed and thought-provoking ACOSOG (American College of Surgeons Oncology Group) Z0040 trial, which was recently reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology. In their study, occult nodal metastasis was detected in 22% of patients with histologic N0 disease and associated with decreased disease-free and overall survival. These findings are consistent with prior reports from other groups. Rusch et al correctly indicate that immunohistochemical evaluation of lymph nodes should be incorporated into future trials of adjuvant chemotherapy. We wish to point out that the presence of occult nodal disease may also have implications in decisions regarding postoperative radiotherapy. After initial treatment with complete surgical resection, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend postoperative radiotherapy for patients with N2 disease but not for patients with N0 to N1 disease. These recommendations are largely based on trials using outdated techniques, nonrandomized comparisons, and retrospective reviews. Further study is required to define optimal treatment algorithms when modern staging procedures, surgical techniques, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy are available. The ongoing Lung ART (Lung Adjuvant Radiotherapy Trial) study is re-examining the role of adjuvant radiotherapy for N2 disease. A recent review of patients with non–small-cell lung cancer with pathologic N1 disease showed that the thorax was the most common site of initial disease progression, especially for patients who received systemic therapy. This suggests that adjuvant radiotherapy may be worth revisiting in the setting of N1 disease as well. An analysis of failure patterns in ACASOG Z0040 would be of great interest. If occult nodal metastasis were associated with increased risk of locoregional failure, it would strengthen the case for studying adjuvant radiotherapy in selected patients. Occult nodal metastasis could theoretically be associated with a subtype of non– small-cell lung cancer that preferentially spreads via regional lymphatics. This is supported by the fact that no association between occult lymph node metastasis and occult bone marrow involvement was detected in ACASOG Z0040. Thus, identification of occult nodal disease might help identify patients who are likely to benefit from postoperative radiotherapy.
Residual error formulation and adaptive minimization for representing nonstationary signals using mixed transforms

A technique is proposed for signal representation using superimposed partial sets of different transforms which are, in general, nonorthogonal to each other. The method is developed to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the reconstructed signal for a given total number of transform coefficients. First, the residual error, which is the difference between the original signal and the reconstructed signal, is properly formulated. Then, two gradient techniques, in conjunction with an optimization strategy, are developed to minimize the residual error. Sample results using this approach for representing synthetic signals and speech signals employing mixed Fourier/Walsh and Fourier/Haar transforms are given to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. >
Lightweight modular orthosis

Background and highlights are presented concerning the development of a new orthotic system judged to be “the most outstanding innovation in prosthetics and/or orthotics practice” during the 1986-1...
Snowmobile Impact on Three Alpine Tundra Plant Communities

This paper describes the effects of 1,020 passages of snowmobiles, made over two winters, on three regularly winter-snow-free alpine tundra plant communities. A cushion-plant community on a 7-degrees slope showed a 31% reduction in total living plant coverage due to snowmobile impact. Destruction was greatest to soil lichens, rock lichens, and the cushion-plants Arenaria obtusiloba, Arenaria fendleri, Paronychia sessiliflora var. pulvinata, Silene acaulis, Eritrichium aretioides, and Phlox pulvinata. Graminoids generally survived to increase in importance. On a flat site, a cushion-plant community with Kobresia myosuroides as its most important species, showed the greatest loss of living-plant coverage, namely 46%. This was due primarily to the destruction of Kobresia, although Selaginella densa, Arenaria obtusiloba, Hymenoxys acaulis, and Eritrichium aretioides, also showed heavy losses. In a Kobresia turf community, destruction was decidedly less severe than in the cushion-plant communities, reduction in total living plant coverage being only 19%. It is suggested that the closed nature of the Kobresia turf, with its stiff tussocks, enables it to absorb impact well. It is recommended that snow-mobile travel be confined to Kobresia or similar turfs, when such travel is necessary under snow-free conditions.
What Is Happening to Caste? A View from Some North Indian Villages

The role of caste in indian politics is undergoing considerable change. Caste and patron-client links have been regarded traditionally as the building blocks of political organization in India (Brass 1994; Manor 1997; Migdal 1988; Kothari 1988; Weiner 1967), and vertical and horizontal mobilizations by patrons and caste leaders, respectively, have been important influences on political outcomes (Rudolph and Rudolph 1967). There are indications, however, that the influence of patronage and caste might have declined considerably in recent years:[National-level] survey data reveal some important facts that run counter to the conventional wisdom on voter behavior. … In 1996, 75 percent of the sample said they were not guided by anyone in their voting decision. … Of the 25 percent who sought advice, only 7 percent sought it from caste and community leaders … that is, less than 2 percent of the electorate got direct advice on how to vote from caste and community leaders. … The most important survey data show the change over time. In 1971, 51 percent of the respondents agreed that it was “important to vote the way your caste/community does” (30 percent disagreed), but in 1996 the percentages were reversed: 51 percent disagreed with that statement (29 percent agreed). … In 1998, “caste and community” was seen as an issue by only 5.5 percent of the respondents in one poll … and [it] ranked last of nine issues in another. All the evidence points to the fact that these respondents are correct: members of particular castes … can be found voting for every party. … It is less and less true that knowing the caste of a voter lets you reliably predict the party he or she will vote for.(Oldenburg 1999, 13–15, emphasis in original)
Investigating the Correlation Between Wind and Solar Power Forecast Errors in the Western Interconnection

Wind and solar power generations differ from conventional energy generation because of the variable and uncertain nature of their power output. This variability and uncertainty can have significant impacts on grid operations. Thus, short-term forecasting of wind and solar generation is uniquely helpful for power system operations to balance supply and demand in an electricity system. This paper investigates the correlation between wind and solar power forecasting errors.
Routing and switching in a wavelength convertible optical network

A wavelength-convertible switch architecture and routing algorithm for circuit-switched wavelength-division-multiplexing optical networks is studied. Wavelength converters are used to resolve wavelength conflicts and to reuse wavelengths. These converters are not dedicated to individual channels, but are shared by the channels of a node or those of an outbound link in the share-per-node or the share-per-link wavelength-convertible switch, respectively. A routing algorithm is developed to converse wavelength converters while maintaining performance close to that of a network with abundant converters. It is found that converters can improve the network performance, such as the blocking probability and fairness, considerably. >
Basic Skills Deficiencies at Work: Perceptions of Small and Large Employers*

American business is faced with major problems due to the decline in basic work skills , yet many employers continue to ignore the threat of a proficiency gap in the workforce . This paper addresses the importance of basic work skills to business, especially small business. It also presents the results of a study comparing how small and large employers are screening for and dealing with workers who lack basic skills.
A comprehensive analysis of the growth rate of stress corrosion cracks

This paper is a synthesis of earlier results supplemented by new results to define a comprehensive analysis of the growth rate of stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Two mechanisms, anodic dissolution (AD) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE), have been considered to calculate the SCC growth rate of AA 7050-T6 for a surface-breaking crack with blunt tip in an aqueous environment. The relative contributions of each mechanism and their mutual interactions have been quantitatively assessed. Results show that AD provides critical conditions for HE, which explains in part a stepwise propagation of the crack. Finally, the total crack growth rate due to the combined effects of AD and HE has been determined, and numerical results have been compared with experimental data, and a calculation of the crack growth rate for a practical configuration has been presented.
SPECTRAL AND TIRIE DORIAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NON- LINEAR ACOUSTICS GENERATED BY LAUNCH VEHICLES v

da Data from a vehicle of thrust T-5x106 N have been utilized to show that directivity factors derived from vertical launch data better predict the timing and rate of rise and fall in far-field OASPLs than do the more widely used directivity factors derived from horizontal ground test data. Using vertical launch directivity factors, the peak OASPL was well predicted 500 meters from the pad, but over predicted at distant sites. Peak overall levels for this vehicle were controlled by 16 to 32 Hz 113-octave band levels. On the other hand, at high frequencies the 113octave spectra indicated less attenuation with distance than expected on the basis of linear absorption. It was noted that non-linear propagation is consistent nith high frequency absorption less than predicted using linear absorption factors; and that prediction methods need to be developed that account for these non-linearities. particularly if accurate estimates of far-field, A-weighted levels are needed (e.g. for environmental impact assessments). Sound power spectral densities were presented for a series of smaller thrust vehicles. These clearly displayed a secondary lobe in the spectrum at a Strouhal number roughly 10 times that of the primary peak. Time domain data was used to show that high-level rocket noise tends to be "high-sided." That is, magnitudes of the peak positive pressures are greater than those of the negative pressures. This data contains steep shock fronts. The existence of shock fronts is readily revealed in the derivative of the time domain data. Complete characterization of rocket noise and the subjective response of people and \\<Idlife esposed to this noise requires some time domain metric. If skenness is the appropriate measure, it is imperative that the influence of intrumentation systems on this measure be completely investigated and quantified.
Synthesis of donor-σ-perylenebisimide-acceptor molecules having PEG swallowtails and sulfur anchors.

Donor-σ-Acceptor (D-σ-A) molecules, arrayed in a monolayer between electrodes, can serve as molecular rectifiers. Using perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic bisimide (PBI) as the acceptor allows the attachment of the donor group to one imide nitrogen and a solubilizing swallowtail, normally a long (e.g., C19) alkane connected at midchain, on the other. Such an alkyl tail facilitates the formation of Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) monolayers. We have employed several modified swallowtails to make new D-σ-A molecules: poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) swallowtails with 6 ether oxygens or with 4 ether oxygens to promote hydrophilicity in orienting LB monolayers, and alkyl swallowtails ending with sulfur anchors (thioacetate, thiol, or methyl disulfide) to stabilize attachment of the D-σ-A molecules to gold electrodes. The preparation and characterization of D-σ-A molecules containing combinations of these swallowtails with pyrene, ferrocene, and tetramethylphenylenediamine donor groups is described.
Isolation of C5-Sugars from the Hemicellulose-Rich Hydrolyzate of Distillers Dried Grains

A three-stage process for isolation and separation of C5-sugars in dry form from the hydrolyzate of distillers dried grains (DDG) is described. The salient features include extraction of bis(boronic ester) adducts of xylose and arabinose into toluene on treatment of neutralized hydrolyzate with phenylboronic acid (PBA) and subsequent addition of propylene glycol to the organic phase to induce sugar precipitation for ready collection. The PBA used in the process is largely reclaimed on hydrolysis of the propylene glycol boronic ester formed during the process. A preparative scale example afforded 48% of the xylose content in DDG as a crystalline solid also containing an additional 11% of the arabinose content.
Nature of the defect in congenital factor V deficiency: study in a patient with an acquired circulating anticoagulant.

An 8-yr-old girl with congenital factor V deficiency and sporadic hemorrhagic episodes developed an anticoagulant to transfused factor V. This clinical complication, not previously reported, was associated with a severe bleeding episode that subsided when the anticoagulant level decreased. Anticoagulant activity was neutralized by antihuman IgG antiserum but not by anti-IgA or anti-IgM, indicating that the anticoagulant was an immunoglobulin of the IgG class. After 6 mo, anticoagulant activity was no longer detectable. At this time, neutralization studies were performed using the patient’s anticoagulant. Normal plasma and serum contained antigenic activity that neutralized the anticoagulant. Such activity was absent from the remission plasma. Thus, the genetic lesion in the case was characterized by parallel diminution of antigenically and functionally active factor V.
8 Applications to mapping class groups

8.1 The Twist Theorem 8.2 Proof of Twist Theorem 8.2.1 Combinatorial automorphisms of annulus maps 8.2.2 Conclusion of proof of Twist Theorem 8.3 When Thurston obstructions intersect 8.3.1 Statement of Intersecting Obstructions Theorem 8.3.2 Maps with intersecting obstructions have large mapping class groups
Fugue G Minor: Getting the Lymph Node Ensemble Together with Circadian Rhythm.

A fugue is characterized by the systematic repetition of a principal theme in simultaneous melodic lines. In this issue of Immunity, Druzd et al. (2017) show that a similar phenomenon occurs in lymph nodes (LNs), in which lymphocyte entry and exit is governed by repetitive circadian rhythms.
Discriminating Traces with Time

What properties about the internals of a program explain the possible differences in its overall running time for different inputs? In this paper, we propose a formal framework for considering this question we dub trace-set discrimination. We show that even though the algorithmic problem of computing maximum likelihood discriminants is NP-hard, approaches based on integer linear programming ILP and decision tree learning can be useful in zeroing-in on the program internals. On a set of Java benchmarks, we find that compactly-represented decision trees scalably discriminate with high accuracy--more scalably than maximum likelihood discriminants and with comparable accuracy. We demonstrate on three larger case studies how decision-tree discriminants produced by our tool are useful for debugging timing side-channel vulnerabilities i.e., where a malicious observer infers secrets simply from passively watching execution times and availability vulnerabilities.
Quadriceps rate of torque development and disability in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine associations between self-reported function (International Knee Documentation Committee Index), isometric quadriceps strength and rate of torque development in individuals with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods Forty-one individuals [31% male, BMI mean 25 (SD 4) kg/m 2 , months post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction mean 49 (SD 40)] completed the self-reported function and isometric quadriceps function testing. Rate of torque development was assessed at 0–100 ms (early), 100–200 ms (late) ms, and peak following the onset of contraction. Associations were examined between rate of torque development, strength, and self-reported function. Linear regression was used to determine the unique amount of variance explained by the combination of rate of torque development and strength. Findings Higher rate of torque development 100–200 ms is weakly associated with higher self-reported function in individuals with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (r = 0.274, p = 0.091); however, rate of torque development 100–200 ms does not predict a significant amount of variance in self-reported function after accounting for strength (ΔR 2 = 0.003, P = 0.721). Interpretation Quadriceps strength has a greater influence on self-reported function compared to rate of torque development in individuals with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with time from surgery.
Considering Gender and Student Leadership Through the Lens of Intersectionality

This chapter explores the concept of intersectionality and its applicability to student leadership development as well as recommendations on how intersectionality can provide transformative learning for students of all gender identities.
Abstract 243: End Stage heart Failure Cardiac Stem Cells has Strong Regenerative Ability compared to Congenital Heart Cardiac Stem cells

Cellular based therapy is an important component of cardiac regenerative medicine. We have already identified and characterized a small population of undifferentiated cells present throughout the h...
Bioinformatic Protocols and the Knowledge-Base for Secretomes in Fungi

Fungal secreted proteins play important roles in cell signaling, metabolism, and regulation of fungal growth and development. The secretome refers to all secreted proteins in a proteome that are identified from completely sequenced genomes. The majority of secreted proteins are classical, signal peptide-dependent proteins that can be predicted using bioinformatics tools. In this chapter, we describe some commonly used tools for secreted protein prediction in fungi and propose a relatively accurate bioinformatic protocol for fungal secretome identification. The protocol combines multiple signal peptide or subcellular location predictors, including SignalP, WoLF PSORT, and Phobius, with TMHMM for removing transmembrane proteins and PROSITE PS-Scan for removing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins. Applying this protocol, we have built the fungal secretome knowledge-base (FunSecKB). The utility of FunSecKB is described in detail. FunSecKB serves the community as a central portal for search and deposition of fungal secretome information.
Nutrient Removal Rates of Permeable Reactive Concrete

AbstractNitrogen and phosphorus contained in stormwater runoff contaminate both surface and groundwaters, causing problems for natural aquatic systems and human health. Pervious concrete specifical...
Clinical Practice and the Law for NVLD

Neuropsychologists, school psychologists, school counselors, and educational therapists are particularly well suited to perform disability and education-related evaluations. One of the key roles of these clinicians is to provide recommendations to the K-12 and college educational system for their clients. Generally these recommendations serve as the foundation for academic accommodations within special education and general education that are appropriate for the child. Qualifying a child with a nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) for these services can often be difficult as NVLD is not an accepted category within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) unless the child has concomitant learning or attentional problems. Approximately 20 years ago, it was debated whether a social learning disability would constitute a type of learning disability that should receive services. Although it was suggested that a social learning disability category be added to the revision of IDEA in 2004, no action was taken. For adults with NVLD it is unlikely that they will qualify for assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unless there is a concomitant Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) recognized disorder (Foote, 2000).
Prion protein aggregation and fibrillogenesis in vitro.

This chapter focuses on the structural conversion of natural and recombinant prion proteins in vitro. They key event in prion diseases is the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into its disease causing isoform PrPSc. This conversion is represented by a conformational change from an β-helical dominated isoform into the mostly β-sheeted PrPSc. Represented is an overview of in vitro conversion systems that result in β-structured recombinant prion proteins including the current achievements in the generation of synthetic mammalian prions as proof of the protein-only hypothesis. In addition to the conversion of recombinant PrP the chapter features a summary of the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technique which has gained enormous popularity in prion research. Given is a general overview about the technique itself and the broad spectrum of utilization as detection method for prions. The spontaneous generation of prions by the protein misfolding amplification (PMCA) are also discussed.
Evaluation of Ischemic Heart Disease: Standard Imaging and Diagnostic Testing Modalities

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in United States. There are substantial costs of treating this disease. Early diagnosis of this disease is likely to result in improved health, longer life span, and significant cost savings. There are many modalities available for evaluation and early detection of CAD in patients with known or clinically suspected ischemic heart disease (IHD). These modalities include standard exercise tolerance test (ETT), nuclear cardiology techniques including radionuclide myocardial perfusion and function imaging with SPECT or PET, MUGA (ERNA) blood pool imaging, echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, and invasive coronary angiography. Anyone treating a patient with suspected CAD needs to be familiar with the role of each of these modalities in evaluation of the patient. Our goal is to help the reader understand unique role and indication of each of these imaging modalities in evaluation of patients with suspected ischemic heart disease, so that appropriate choices can be made in selecting diagnostic tests for the patients. The role of screening for CAD with coronary calcium scanning in patients with high burden of coronary risk factors without clinical signs or symptoms will also be reviewed.
The Cost of Saving Money: Public Service Motivation, Private Security Contracting, and the Salience of Employment Status

The growth of government outsourcing has triggered significant legal and social science research. That research has focused primarily on issues of cost, accountability, and management. A thus-far u...
Health Hazards of Respirable Dusts

Abstract Coal is a brittle material with a very complex chemical composition. Mining and transporting of coal creates dust (defined as particles smaller than 100 micron) that creates two hazards: coal dust explosions and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). In this chapter, only the health hazards and steps necessary to minimize CWP, if not eliminate it, are discussed. The dust deposition process in lungs is described. A basis for safe personal exposure limit (PEL) is discussed. At a PEL of 2 mg/m3or less the probability of category 2 CWP is reduced to zero. Steps necessary to eliminate CWP include; (1) a science-based PEL, (2) engineering control of dust concentration, (3) medical surveillance of coal miners on a routine basis, and (4) life style management of coal miners, such as, cessation of smoking and a healthy life style. The U.S. respirable dust standard at 1.5 mg/m3 is the most stringent in the world. Enforcement of these rules has drastically reduced the incidence and growth of CWP in U.S. coal mines.
Rupturing the Surface: Performance as Opposition in Ocaña: retrat intermitent (Ventura Pons, 1978)

espanolEste articulo examina una de las peliculas mas destacadas de la epoca de la Transicion a la democracia en Espana: el primer largometraje del director Ventura Pons, Ocana: retrat intermitent (1978). El documental es una muestra del periodo caracterizado por la eclosion de nuevas libertades pero tambien por la despolitizacion de la politica y de los conflictos historicos recientes en Espana. Lo insolito de este film se presta para su exploracion productiva como una obra que resiste la reduccion de la politica a la identidad individual. En la interseccion de la teoria queer y el praxis vanguardista, este analisis sugiere que el retrato que hace Pons del artista contracultural y travesti ofrece un escape del callejon sin salida que el posmodernismo hegemonico constituiria. Esta revision contribuye al dialogo critico sobre la produccion contracultural de la Transicion que nos ayuda a entender la turbulencia politica actual. EnglishThis article takes a new look at one of the most notable films of the era of Spain’s Transition to democracy: Ventura Pons’ directorial debut, Ocana: retrat intermitent (1978). Screened during a time characterized by an explosion of freedoms, but also by the depoliticization of politics and of Spain’s recent historical conflicts, the documentary’s uncanniness can be explored productively as a work that resists the reduction of politics to individual identity. An analysis at the intersection of queer theory and avant-garde praxis suggests that Pons’ portrait of the countercultural and gender-bending performer offers a way out of what would become the political impasse of hegemonic postmodernism. This revision contributes to the critical dialogue on the Transition’s countercultural production as the latter becomes loaded with increased relevance through attempts to understand Spain’s current political upheavals.
Early drain removal after hepatectomy: an underutilized management strategy.

Abstract Background Recent data suggest that routine drainage is unnecessary in patients undergoing hepatectomy, but many surgeons continue to utilize drains. We compared the outcomes of patients undergoing early versus routine drain removal after hepatectomy. Methods Patients having drains placed during major (≥3 segments) or partial hepatectomy (≤2 segments) were identified in the 2014-16 ACS-NSQIP database. Propensity matching between early (POD 0–3) and routine (POD 4–7) drain removal and multivariable regressions were performed. Results Early drain removal was performed in 661 (40%) of patients undergoing a partial hepatectomy and 211 (22%) of major hepatectomy patients. After matching, 719 early and 719 routine drain removal patients were compared. Early drain removal patients had lower overall (12 vs 19%, p Conclusion Early drain removal is associated with fewer overall and serious complications, shorter length of stay and fewer readmissions. Early drain removal after hepatectomy is an underutilized management strategy.
Detecting regions of differential abundance between scRNA-seq datasets

Abstract Comparing the transcriptomic landscapes of two biological conditions has become a key challenge in single cell RNA sequencing analysis. Often, we observe a strong deviation in the number of cells within certain cell subpopulations between the two conditions. Analysis of such differentially abundant (DA) subpopulations may uncover cellular processes that differentiate the biological conditions. Typical methods for identifying DA subpopulations strongly rely on known cell types or unsupervised clustering methods. Here, we develop DA-seq, a multiscale algorithm that detects DA subpopulations not restricted to well separated clusters or known cell types. We applied DA-seq to four scRNA-seq datasets as well as two simulated ones. For the former, we compare our results to previously published findings. We find that for some cases, DA-seq is able to reveal subpopulations undetected in the original studies.
Sources and Variations in Social Support and Risk for Elder Mistreatment in a US Chinese Population.

Objectives Research has examined the relationships between positive social support (PSS) and elder mistreatment (EM) but less is known regarding the negative aspect of social support (NSS), especially among minority groups in the United States. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between PSS/NSS from different sources and EM among US Chinese older adults. Design Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting Greater Chicago, IL, area. Participants A representative sample of Chinese older adults aged 60 years or older (N = 3157) from the Population Study of ChINese Elderly in Chicago in 2011 to 2013. Measurements We applied a 10-item widely used instrument to assess EM. PSS and NSS from spouse/family members/friends were measured by a 12-item scale. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships. Results After adjusting for confounders, higher levels of overall PSS from all three sources, including spouse, family members, and friends (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.85-0.91]), were associated with lower risk of EM. But participants with a higher level of overall NSS from all three sources (OR = 1.51 [95% CI = 1.41-1.61]) were more likely to experience EM. The results on the relationships between PSS from spouse (OR = 0.70 [95% CI = 0.64-0.76]), PSS from family members (OR = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.68-0.79]), and EM were similar to overall PSS. But PSS from friends had a nonsignificant association with EM. Greater levels of NSS from spouse (OR = 1.84 [95% CI = 1.64-2.07]), family members (OR = 2.36 [95% CI = 2.03-2.75]), and friends (OR = 1.69 [95% CI = 1.32-2.17]) were associated with increased risks of EM. Conclusion Higher levels of SS were not always associated with lower risks of EM among US Chinese older adults. NSS might have counter effects. Future qualitative or longitudinal research needs to explore detailed cultural explanations and casual relationships between SS and EM. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S499-S505, 2019.
Region-Based Institutions and Internationalization Decisions: Evidence from Latin America

ABSTRACTWhile the importance of country-level institutional influence is well-documented, we theorize and investigate how region-based institutions affect decisions of a segment of emerging market ...
Data analytics applied to the electricity consumption of office buildings to reveal building operational characteristics

Rigorous statistical analysis of whole building, 15-minute interval, time series electricity data enables remote insights into buildings’ operational characteristics. We developed select building m...
Teaching Self-Management to Incarcerated Youth.

Eight institutionalized male juvenile delinquents participated in a 13-session course on principles and techniques of self-management. The course was conducted in the Visual Response System, a spec...
Regional and hemispheric susceptibility of the temporal lobe to FTLD-TDP type C pathology

Post-mortem studies show that focal anterior temporal lobe (ATL) neurodegeneration is most often caused by frontotemporal lobar degeneration TDP-43 type C pathology. Clinically, these patients are described with different terms, such as semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), semantic dementia (SD), or right temporal variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD) depending on whether the predominant symptoms affect language, semantic knowledge for object or people, or socio-emotional behaviors. ATL atrophy presents with various degrees of lateralization, with right-sided cases considered rarer even though estimation of their prevalence is hampered by the paucity of studies on well-characterized, pathology-proven cohorts. Moreover, it is not clear whether left and right variants show a similar distribution of atrophy within the ATL cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Here we study the largest cohort to-date of pathology-proven TDP-43-C cases diagnosed during life as svPPA, SD or right temporal variant FTD. We analyzed clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging data from 30 cases, a subset of which was followed longitudinally. Guided by recent structural and functional parcellation studies, we constructed four bilateral ATL regions of interest (ROIs). The computation of an atrophy lateralization index allowed the comparison of atrophy patterns between the two hemispheres. This led to an automatic, imaging-based classification of the cases as left-predominant or right-predominant. We then compared the two groups in terms of regional atrophy patterns within the ATL ROIs (cross-sectionally) and atrophy progression (longitudinally). Results showed that 40% of pathology proven cases of TDP-43-C diagnosed with a temporal variant presented with right-lateralized atrophy. Moreover, the findings of our ATL ROI analysis indicated that, irrespective of atrophy lateralization, atrophy distribution within both ATLs follows a medial-to-lateral gradient. Finally, in both left and right cases, atrophy appeared to progress to the contralateral ATL, and from the anterior temporal pole to posterior temporal and orbitofrontal regions. Taken together, our findings indicate that incipient right predominant ATL atrophy is common in TDP-43-C pathology, and that distribution of damage within the ATLs appears to be the same in left- and right- sided variants. Thus, regardless of differences in clinical phenotype and atrophy lateralization, both temporal variants of FTD should be viewed as a spectrum presentation of the same disease.
An inverse modelling study on the local volume changes during early growth of the fetal human brain

We take a data-driven approach to deducing the local volume changes accompanying early development of the fetal human brain. Our approach uses fetal brain atlas MRI data for the geometric changes in representative cases. Using a nonlinear continuum mechanics model of morphoelastic growth, we invert the deformation field obtained from MRI registration to arrive at a field for the growth deformation gradient tensor. Our field inversion uses a combination of direct and adjoint methods for computing gradients of the objective function while constraining the optimization by the physics of morphoelastic growth. We thus infer a growth deformation gradient field that obeys the laws of morphoelastic growth. The errors between the MRI data and the forward displacement solution driven by the inverted growth deformation gradient field are found to be smaller than the reference displacement by well over an order of magnitude, and can be driven even lower. The results thus reproduce the three-dimensional growth during the early development of the fetal brain with controllable error.
Natural Morality or Splendid Vice? The Case of Paul Ramsey:

In Basic Christian Ethics, first published in 1950, Paul Ramsey began a decades-long attempt to relate Christian love to natural morality. As his work focused increasingly on particular moral probl...
Automatic classification of scanned electronic health record documents

Abstract Objectives Electronic Health Records (EHRs) contain scanned documents from a variety of sources such as identification cards, radiology reports, clinical correspondence, and many other document types. We describe the distribution of scanned documents at one health institution and describe the design and evaluation of a system to categorize documents into clinically relevant and non-clinically relevant categories as well as further sub-classifications. Our objective is to demonstrate that text classification systems can accurately classify scanned documents. Methods We extracted text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). We then created and evaluated multiple text classification machine learning models, including both “bag of words” and deep learning approaches. We evaluated the system on three different levels of classification using both the entire document as input, as well as the individual pages of the document. Finally, we compared the effects of different text processing methods. Results A deep learning model using ClinicalBERT performed best. This model distinguished between clinically-relevant documents and not clinically-relevant documents with an accuracy of 0.973; between intermediate sub-classifications with an accuracy of 0.949; and between individual classes with an accuracy of 0.913. Discussion Within the EHR, some document categories such as “external medical records” may contain hundreds of scanned pages without clear document boundaries. Without further sub-classification, clinicians must view every page or risk missing clinically-relevant information. Machine learning can automatically classify these scanned documents to reduce clinician burden. Conclusion Using machine learning applied to OCR-extracted text has the potential to accurately identify clinically-relevant scanned content within EHRs.
RTSense: passive RFID based temperature sensing

Passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are attractive because they are low cost, battery-free, and easy to deploy. This technology is traditionally being used to identify tags attached to the objects. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of turning passive RFID tags into battery-free temperature sensors. The impedance of the RFID tag changes with the temperature and this change will be manifested in the reflected signal from the tag. This opens up an opportunity to realize battery-free temperature sensing using a passive RFID tag with already deployed Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) RFID reader-antenna infrastructure in supply chain management or inventory tracking. However, it is challenging to achieve high accuracy and robustness against the changes in the environment. To address these challenges, we first develop a detailed analytical model to capture the impact of temperature change on the tag impedance and the resulting phase of the reflected signal. We then build a system that uses a pair of tags, which respond differently to the temperature change to cancel out other environmental impacts. Using extensive evaluation, we show our model is accurate and our system can estimate the temperature within a 2.9 degree centigrade median error and support a normal read range of 3.5 m in an environment-independent manner.
Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part LXXXVII: Comparison of the Framework for Safe, Reliable, and Effective Care With TeamSTEPPS and CUSP.

ABSTRACT The Framework for Safe, Reliable, and Effective Care (Framework) and the combined TeamSTEPPS and CUSP programs have many similarities to improve safety including the use of teams, excellent communication, safety culture, engaging patients, and leadership. However, the Framework has a focus on the Model for Improvement, and the TeamSTEPPS and CUSP programs emphasize other subjects including handoffs, the membership of teams, coaching, and spreading changes.
Finite Element Method

In this chapter, we first introduce the differences between the finite element method (FEM) and the previously introduced FDM and FVM. Then, the focus will be placed on the Galerkin method for obtaining the weak form of the governing equation. Using thermomechanics as an example, the discretization of the weak form of the governing equations with Neumann boundary conditions into a local algebraic equation will be explained. The discretization of the thermal field and mechanical field, including their couplings, will be introduced separately. Two common types of 2D elements, more specifically, their shape functions, are given to help readers understand the discretization process. Other significant contents of the FEM, such as different element types, stiffness matrix ensembling for obtaining the global algebraic equation, and isoparametric elements, will not be detailed here as they can be easily found in many reference books for the FEM. Finally, MATLAB FEM code is given for solving the problem that has been solved in the FDM and FVM chapters.