cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-level iris video image thresholding

Iris recognition has been shown to be one of the most accurate biometrics. However, under non-ideal situations, its recognition accuracy can be reduced dramatically. Under such situations, video images can be used to improve the accuracy. The traditional single image based segmentation method could be inefficient. Video image based thresholding method can help improve the segmentation efficiency. However, traditional thresholding methods are not designed for iris images. In this paper, the multi-level iris video image thresholding method is proposed. It takes advantage of the correlations between consecutive images for video based thresholding. It is an orientation invariant thresholding scheme. K-mean clustering is used to find the clusters and PCA is used to quickly project the image to the clusters. The experimental results show the proposed method is effective. The thresholded images show clear pupil and iris areas, which can help further iris segmentation and processing. In addition, the proposed method can be applied to non-video images if they are obtained from the same sensor with similar illumination conditions.
The Revolving Door Of Rehospitalization From Skilled Nursing Facilities

Almost one-fourth of Medicare beneficiaries discharged from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility were readmitted to the hospital within thirty days; this cost Medicare $4.34 billion in 2006. Especially in an elderly population, cycling into and out of hospitals can be emotionally upsetting and can increase the likelihood of medical errors related to care coordination. Payment incentives in Medicare do not encourage providers to coordinate beneficiaries' care. Revising these incentives could achieve major savings for providers and improved quality of life for beneficiaries.
A Parallel Image-Based Blood Flow simulator

The objective of this work is to present a fast parallel incompressible Navier-Stokes code simulating blood flow in main arteries. Our method relies on the proper combination of three techniques that are the L2 penalty method to deal with complex geometry, a level set method to compute the geometry, and a fast domain decomposition solver. Our long term goal is to provide a close to real time simulator that can used automatically MRI data in clinical conditions. This simulation will output main quantities of interest in hemodynamic for cardiovascular diseases such as the wall shear stress.
Dysthymia, Depression, and a Treatment Dilemma in a Patient with Polysubstance Abuse

CASE HISTORY Mr. J. was a 41-year-old research assistant’when he was first referred for psychopharmacological consultation for depression. He and his psychotherapist, an experienced clinical psychologist, thought that their 18-month-long therapy was progressing too slowly. Both attributed this mainly to Mr. J.’s unremittingly negative opinion of himself. Mr. J. described himself as having been unhappy as far back as he could remember. He had first visited a therapist at the age of 5 and had seen therapists on and off when he was a teenager. He recalled feeling hopeless and socially isolated during adolescence. As a high school senior, he had tried to run his car off a bridge but had turned the steering wheel back at the last moment. He was gifted academically but had dropped out of college after a few semesters. Over the next two decades he married and divorced twice. He received psychotherapy for depression, but his chronic dysphoria continued unchanged. He had poor self-esteem and low energy but few other neurovegetative symptoms of depression. Although he functioned below his potential at his job, he was never unable to work. As an adult, he had not experienced periods of mania, hypomania, or psychosis, had never attempted suicide, and had not been hospitalized for depression. At age 40, after
Comprehensive Framework for Ecological Assessment of the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Abstract Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established and funded the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI), with the goal of improving and increasing wetland habitats on private lands to benefit wintering and migrating waterbirds displaced from oil-impacted coastal wetlands. The NRCS and conservation partners provided financial and technical assistance to landowners and managers of sites enrolled in various conservation easement programs, and incorporated approximately 190,000 ha of wetlands and agricultural lands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) and Gulf Coast regions in the MBHI. In fall 2010, the NRCS worked with scientists and graduate students from three universities and various conservation agencies to design and implement landscape-scale evaluations of (1) the use of MBHI-managed wetlands and comparable non-MBHI wetlands by Charadriiformes (shorebirds), Anseriformes (waterfowl), and other...
Hierarchical Space-Time Model Enabling Efficient Search for Human Actions

We propose a five-layer hierarchical space-time model (HSTM) for representing and searching human actions in videos. From a features point of view, both invariance and selectivity are desirable characteristics, which seem to contradict each other. To make these characteristics coexist, we introduce a coarse-to-fine search and verification scheme for action searching, based on the HSTM model. Because going through layers of the hierarchy corresponds to progressively turning the knob between invariance and selectivity, this strategy enables search for human actions ranging from rapid movements of sports to subtle motions of facial expressions. The introduction of the Histogram of Gabor Orientations feature makes the searching for actions go smoothly across the hierarchical layers of the HSTM model. The efficient matching is achieved by applying integral histograms to compute the features in the top two layers. The HSTM model was tested on three selected challenging video sequences and on the KTH human action database. And it achieved improvement over other state-of-the-art algorithms. These promising results validate that the HSTM model is both selective and robust for searching human actions.
Nitric Oxide Synthase as a Target for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial infections associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a major economic burden to hospitals, and confer high rates of morbidity and mortality among those infected. Exploitation of novel therapeutic targets is thus necessary to combat this dangerous pathogen. Here, we report on the identification and characterization, including crystal structures, of two nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors that function as antimicrobials against MRSA. These data provide the first evidence that bacterial NOS (bNOS) inhibitors can work synergistically with oxidative stress to enhance MRSA killing. Crystal structures show that each inhibitor contacts an active site Ile residue in bNOS that is Val in the mammalian NOS isoforms. Mutagenesis studies show that the additional nonpolar contacts provided by the Ile in bNOS contribute to tighter binding toward the bacterial enzyme.
Virtualized Classroom - Automated Production, Media Integration and User-Customized Presentation

Multimedia materials from classrooms and seminars are rich sources of information. Our Virtualized Classroom Project, which is a testbed for integrating novel multimedia software systems, addresses fundamental research problems occurring in different components of a next-generation, processing-enhanced e-learning system. Our ultimate goal is to create a natural learning environment that could give students interactive experiences equivalent to, or even better than, the real classroom. This will be enabled by virtual instructor presence, user-selectable and fully-indexed visual aids, and flexible communications between students, the instructor and virtual instructors (computers). We have developed several basic components for the Virtualized Classroom project: automated data collection, intelligent media integration, and flexible user interfaces.
Effects of prolonged administration of two new α‐glucosidase inhibitors on blood glucose control, insulin requirements and breath hydrogen excretion in patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors delay carbohydrate absorption. In order to study the effects of two new alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with long (BAYo1248) and short (BAYm1099) duration of action on glycaemic control, seventeen insulin-dependent diabetics were connected to the Biostator for 24 h and postprandial hyperglycaemia, insulin requirements and breath H2 concentrations were assessed under three conditions: (a) before administration of any alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (control experiments), (b) after administration of BAYo1248 (40 mg before breakfast, nine patients) or BAYm1099 (100 mg before breakfast and dinner, eight patients) for 1 month, (c) after 1-month administration of placebo (double-blind crossover study). All patients were on standard diets (30 kcal kg-1, 45% carbohydrate, 35% fat, 20% protein). BAYo1248 reduced postprandial hyperglycaemia and insulin requirements (vs. values in control and placebo experiments) after breakfast (124 +/- 8 vs. 159 +/- 8 and 158 +/- 8 mg dl-1, 16 +/- 2 vs. 24 +/- 4 and 23 +/- 3 units, P less than 0.01) and lunch (138 +/- 7 vs. 155 +/- 11 and 162 +/- 13 mg dl-1, 19 +/- 3 vs. 24 +/- 3 and 23 +/- 3 units, P less than 0.01) whereas BAYm1099 reduced postprandial hyperglycaemia and insulin requirements after breakfast (127 +/- 4 vs. 167 +/- 12 and 159 +/- 6 mg dl-1, 15 +/- 3 vs. 24 +/- 4 and 21 +/- 3 units, P less than 0.02) and dinner (128 +/- 4 vs. 169 +/- 7 and 157 +/- 10 mg dl-1, 19 +/- 2 vs. 28 +/- 3 and 25 +/- 2 units, P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stress and performance: An application of Gray's three‐factor arousal theory to basketball free‐throw shooting

The suitability of Gray's (1975) three-factor arousal theory as a model of human performance under stress was investigated in a study of basketball free-throw shooting. Free-throw attempts, made by members of an NCAA Division I men's varsity team, were videotaped during one full season. On the basis of Gray's theory, we predicted that increased stress (assumed to be present in games as opposed to practices) would be associated with longer pre-shot preparations and a greater incidence of overthrow shots. The prediction was confirmed by the results. Moreover, we found that free-throws were more frequently overthrown when attempted during crucial rather than non-crucial game situations. Further tests of the utility of Gray's theory are suggested.
Examination of the Physical, Electrical, and Microwave, Evolution of Sea Water Into Young Ice

Knowledge of the relationships between ice thickness, its temperature profile, the distribution of salinity, the dielectric property profile, and roughness of the air-ice interface is important to the understanding of the backscatter response of new and young sea ice. Backscatter, physical property, and electrical property measurements made in the laboratory during the first 120 h of growth aid in describing the evolution of first-year ice, in this case open water to gray ice (14.5 cm thick). Results on the evolution response for the case when the ambient air temperature is about -15 C are given, providing insight into the effects of upper ice sheet temperatures, the accompanying dielectric constant response, and the collection of brine and free water at the air-ice interface on the backscatter response.
Cortical source modeling and imaging

It is of importance to non-invasively image dynamic brain electrical activity from scalp electric measurements. Models of cortical equivalent sources have been developed in the past decade to account for the distributed brain electrical activity. Such cortical equivalent source models provide a means to circumvent the non-uniqueness of the brain inverse problem and to enable non-invasive imaging of brain electric activity over the epicortical surface. This paper reviews the authors' recent work on cortical source modeling and cortical imaging from scalp EEG measurements.
The levels of hypoxia-regulated microRNAs in plasma of pregnant women with fetal growth restriction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. While mostly intracellular, a portion of cellular miRNAs is released to the circulation and their level in the plasma is altered in certain pathological conditions such as cancer, and also during pregnancy. We examined the circulating levels of a set of trophoblastic miRNAs, which we recently found to be regulated by hypoxia, in the plasma of pregnant women with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Pregnancy was associated with increased plasma levels of several placenta-specific miRNAs, compared to non-pregnant controls. Among pregnant women, the overall levels of miRNA species that we analyzed were increased by 1.84-fold (p < or = 0.01) in plasma of women with pregnancies complicated by FGR, but decreased in FGR placentas by 24% (p < or = 0.01) compared to values from uncomplicated pregnancies. Together, our results show that plasma concentration of miRNAs is regulated in pregnancy, and that FGR is associated with increased circulating miRNA levels, highlighting the need to explore plasma miRNAs as potential biomarkers for placental diseases.
Stimulated emission pumping spectroscopy of highly vibrationally excited HCN

Transition state spectroscopy works to determine quantitative information about the interaction potential for atoms at geometries corresponding to the transition state of a chemical reaction by measuring their vibrationally and, if possible, rotationally resolved spectra. Using the finite lifetimes of vibrationally quasibound states, significant progress in this direction has been made.1,2 Another approach to transition state spectroscopy is to pick systems where the vibrational states with amplitude near the transition state of the chemical reaction are stationary states, that is, an isomerization reaction.
Inhibition of Enveloped RNA Virus Formation by Peptides Corresponding to Glycoprotein Sequences

Summary Peptides, corresponding to amino acid sequences in the cytoplasmic domains of the transmembranal glycoproteins encoded by Sindbis and vesicular sto­ matitis viruses, inhibited release of virus particles and infectious virus when added to infected cells for a 2 h period during a one-cycle growth curve. Each inhibi­ tory peptide was specific for its intended virus. The shortest peptide with antiviral activityfor Sindbis virus contained six amino acids, and a related peptide that was acylated at the amino terminus with octanoic acid was ten-fold more potent as an inhibitor. Neither of these peptides affected the synthesis of viral structu­ ral proteins, but a third peptide inhibited proteolytic processing of the Sindbis virus E2 glycoprotein. Inhi­ bition of vesicular stomatitis virus particle release was dose-dependent in the range of 50-400 f.Lg mr ' for a peptide corresponding to the G glycoprotein cytoplas­ mic domain. We postulate that these peptides compe­ titively inhibit attachment of the glycoprotein to intracellular virus structures during assembly of the virion. Thus, drugs, based on peptides that mimic the protein-protein interactions required for virus assem­ bly, may have therapeutic potential.
Information Frictions & Insurer Plan Design: Evidence from Medicare Advantage

Behavioral frictions in insurance exchanges affect not only the plan a consumer selects, but also the menu of plans insurers offer. We investigate an information friction in Medicare Advantage — beneficiaries pay two premiums, and one is much more salient. We find a larger demand elasticity for the salient versus non-salient premium. A model of insurer plan design produces simulated premiums matching the observed distribution using these “behavioral” elasticities, but not when assuming equal elasticities across the two premiums. Removing the friction increases enrollment in low-premium plans, increasing consumer surplus $5/year with supply fixed and $73/year when including a supply response.
Decays π0 → 2γ and η → 2γ

The rates for π0→2γ and η→2γ are calculated using the vector-meson dominant model and the ω-ϕ mixing hypothesis. It is shown that these rates have no dependence on the mixing ratio and are functions of one fundamental constant which also determines the rate of η→π+π−γ. ForГπ0=6.3 eV the η rates areГ η (2γ)=38 eV,Г η (ππγ)=9 eV.
Magnetic Carbon-Supported Palladium Nanoparticles: An Efficient and Sustainable Catalyst for Hydrogenation Reactions

A magnetic carbon-supported Pd catalyst has been synthesized via in situ generation of nanoferrites and incorporation of carbon from renewable cellulose via calcination. The catalyst can be used for the hydrogenation of alkenes and reduction of aryl nitro compounds.
A Systems Engineering Enabled Capability for Commercial Aviation Strategic Planning

Air transportation is a critical part of modern society as it provides many economic and social benefits. As a result, the demand for air travel is expected to continue to increase over the next 15 to 20 years. Howeve r, this growth may be constrained by the physical capacity of the air transportation system and by policy limits on aviation’s environmental impact. In order to enable growth in the face of these challenges, new aviation technologies must be strategically selected and developed. Previous efforts in this area have focused on the modeling of future techn ologies to produce quantitative data, but have not completely addressed strategic planning regarding the selection of a technology portfolio. Systems engineering techniques provide a means for evaluating and selecting potential technology solutions based o n the available qualitative and quantitative data. Strategic planning for the air transportation system requires consideration for the numerous stakeholders involved in the decision making process. This paper presents the use of a multi -stakeholder, multi criteria analysis technique as the basis for ranking and selecting technologies. This technique allows each stakeholder to specify their concerns/interests and for the relative importance of each stakeholder in the decision making process to be determined based on their power, legitimacy and urgency. To enhance this strategic decision making capability, the programmatic risk associated with developing each technology also needs to be considered. Risk is included by evaluating the probability that the techno logy will be developed on time and the overall impact of the technology. This information is used to determine a risk metric that provides valuable information in the strategic planning process. Finally, air transportation system level goals are incorporat ed into the decision making process to ensure development of a strategic plan capable of meeting these goals. By including the systems engineering techniques for multi -stakeholder, risk , and goal analyses in the capacity -environment problem, the ability to strategically plan technologies for the environment -capacity problem is improved.
Patient satisfaction in military medicine: model refinement and assessment of Department of Defense effects.

ABSTRACT A sample of 154,893 patient responses from the Customer Satisfaction Survey database was drawn for 1999 to 2000. Average patient satisfaction levels consistently appeared to be high (between 6, very satisfied, and 7, completely satisfied, on the 7-point rating scale). Hierarchical regression results essentially replicated all three major constructs of an earlier theoretical attitude model. Refinements included adjustment and addition of categorical age and military beneficiary status for individual patient variables, addition of two beliefs about the care itself, substitution of waiting time variables, and addition of reason for visit situation variables. Hypothesis test results indicated that patient satisfaction constructs were homogeneous across the uniformed services for patients from all service branches, both enrolled and not enrolled within TRICARE regions, and among branch of service medical center, hospital, and clinic facilities. The final attitude model coefficient of multiple determin...
Size differences between normal and irradiated sperm heads in mated female Mediterranean fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

A technique has been developed to distinguish between irradiated (sterile) and normal (wild or laboratory) sperm found in spermathecae of mated Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Darkfield microscopy (1,000 × magnification) can be used to separate readily the sperm head lengths of irradiated males (20.5–29.0 μm; mean, 25.7) from those of wild males (27.5–33.0 μm; mean, 30.1). The sperm heads of laboratory adapted, nonirradiated males are intermediate in length compared with sperm from sterile and wild individuals. Sperm heads from three different wild populations in Hawaii were all strikingly similar in length. Field-collected females can be dissected to assess the mating frequency of released males in a sterile insect technique program. The frequency of multiple matings involving both types of males can also be measured. Two Bactrocera species found in Hawaii were examined and were found to have very similar sperm-head lengths when compared with each other, yet each had ≈3 μm longer average sperm-head lengths compared with those of C. capitata . The technique may be further useful in distinguishing sperm among other interspecific or conspecific tephritid populations. The potential effects of varying laboratory rearing or irradiation conditions on sperm-head length in tephritids remain to be investigated.
Analysis About Diet Model of City and Town Dwell in Lishui City

Objective To explore the dietary pattern and evaluate the nutrition intake status of residents in Lishui city,in order to establish the system of nutrition assessment.Method 165 house residents were chosen randomly,and our diet intake recall method for 3 days in succession was conducted to investigate the diet intake of these subjects.Results The average quantity intakes of cereals、aquatic products、vegetable、and eggs were equated to reference of China Food Ingredient Table 2007,while the quantity of the poultry、oil and salt intake were 2 times、1.48 times and 1.34 times of the reference respectively.But the quantities intake of milk product and fruits was only 1/5-1/4 of the reference.Conclusion The diet structure of residents should be improved.
Electric Shock Effect on Human Body Generated by Car Parked Under HVAC Transmission Lines Based on Human Body MSM Model

There is induced voltage on cars parked under high-voltage transmission lines caused by electrostatic induction.People who touched these cars would be shocked by the current as the consequence of potentials difference.Since this effect may affect human health,we calculated induced voltage including car and human body under high-voltage AC transmission lines,and then simulated the electric shock effect by introducing a human model based on mesh segmentation method(MSM).The results show that,with a given environmental electric field intensity of 5kV/m,the discharge energy is 0.549mJ,which is under the human body painful threshold proposed by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Protection(ICNIRP).The results are also compared with a theoretic analysis,in which with the same environmental electric field intensity,the discharge energy is 0.512mJ,i.e.the difference is within 8%.Thus,the effectiveness of the proposed method of using the human body model based on MSM to simulate electric shocks on human body can be verified.
Pharmaceutical services in hospitals treating pediatric patients

A survey was conducted of pharmaceutical services in 120 of the 325 short-term hospitals associated with accredited pediatric residency training programs, 52 pediatric hospitals, and 68 adult hospitals with pediatric units or floors. The mail survey conducted in 1983 had a 70% response. Centralized pharmaceutical services were offered by the majority of the hospitals. Seventy-two percent of the respondents indicated that either a complete or partial unit dose drug-distribution system was used for most of their pediatric patients, while 25% indicated that they used either the traditional individual patient-fill system or some combination of drug-distribution systems. A total of 80% of the hospitals provided either complete or partial i.v. admixture services. The preparation of total parenteral nutrient solutions was the most common admixture service provided. Clinical services were provided, to some extent, by 63% of the respondents. Computers were used for multiple functions, such as generating patient profiles, organizing the formulary, and providing labels for unit dose and i.v. admixture services, by 33% of the respondents. Selection of therapeutic alternates was performed by pharmacists in 51% of the responding hospitals, and the majority of institutions had formulary systems. Modern drug-distribution systems and clinical services have been established in many hospitals treating pediatric patients.
Angle-Dependent Ionization of Small Molecules by Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction and an Absorbing Potential

The angle-dependence of strong field ionization of O2, N2, CO2, and CH2O has been studied theoretically using a time-dependent configuration interaction approach with a complex absorbing potential (TDCIS-CAP). Calculation of the ionization yields as a function of the direction of polarization of the laser pulse produces three-dimensional surfaces of the angle-dependent ionization probability. These three-dimensional shapes and their variation with laser intensity can be interpreted in terms of ionization from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lower lying orbitals, and the Dyson orbitals for the ground and excited states of the cations.
Evaluation of fetal scalp pH with a proposed new clinical assessment of the neonate

Serial fetal scalp pH determinations were performed in 208 “high-risk” patients during labor. The data were correlated with the umbilical artery pH values, the Apgar scores, and the care rendered the newborn infant in the delivery room. This care was recorded in terms of a proposed “resuscitation index” (R.I.) which was found to correlate better with the pH values than did the Apgar scores.
Active visual stimulation: a method of treatment of amblyopia in the older patient.

(1970). Active Visual Stimulation: A Method of Treatment of Amblyopia in the Older Patient. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 39-45.
A Comparsion of the Listerine Corrective Advertisement with Specially Designed Corrective Messages

There are seven empirical research studies on the Lister-ine corrective advertising campaign, the first such campaign ordered by the courts. Five of these studies were conducted in experimental settings, and the two studied the actual corrective advertising campaign in a real world environment. This paper presents the results of research which attempts to link the “experimental world” to the “real world” by comparing the effectiveness of previously tested hypothetical corrective ads with the “real” corrective ad copied from national TV.
A comprehensive model of project team technical performance

Abstract Project teams are commonly used within organizations and have been widely studied. Yet, there is still no consensus on how to define project team success and which factors contribute most strongly to success. This study sought to develop an initial, comprehensive model of project team technical performance, using a diverse sample of 133 teams, and employing regression analysis and structural equation modeling. Effectiveness, efficiency, and innovation were found to be the primary dimensions of technical performance. Each was predicted by a different set of factors, with few factors predicting multiple dimensions. Management support, cooperation, and communication were positively related to effectiveness; efficiency was positively related to goal clarity, cooperation, and team harmony, but negatively related to team diversity; and, innovation was positively associated with knowledge/skill and cohesion, but negatively associated with team harmony. Future research should identify additional influential factors and further explore the relationships found in this study.
A probabilistic approach to diagnose faults of air handling units in buildings

Abstract Air handling unit (AHU) is one of the most extensively used equipment in large commercial buildings. This device is typically customized and lacks quality system integration which can result in hardwire failures and control errors. Air handling unit Performance Assessment Rules (APAR) is a fault detection tool that uses a set of expert rules derived from mass and energy balances to detect faults in air handling units. APAR is computationally simple enough that it can be embedded in commercial building automation and control systems and relies only upon sensor data and control signals that are commonly available in these systems. Although APAR has advantages over other methods, for example no training data required and easy to implement commercially, most of the time it is unable to provide the root diagnosis of the faults. For instance, a fault on temperature sensor could be bias, drifting bias, inappropriate location, or complete failure. In addition a fault in mixing box can be return and/or outdoor damper leak or stuck. In addition, when multiple rules are satisfied, the list of faults increases. There is no proper way to have the correct diagnosis for rule based fault detection system. To overcome this limitation, we proposed Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) as a diagnostic tool. BBN can be used to simulate diagnostic thinking of FDD experts through a probabilistic way. In this study we developed a new way to detect and diagnose faults in AHU through combining APAR rules and Bayesian Belief network. Bayesian Belief Network is used as a decision support tool for rule based expert system. BBN is highly capable to prioritize faults when multiple rules are satisfied simultaneously. Also it can get information from previous AHU operating conditions and maintenance records to provide proper diagnosis. The proposed model is validated with real time measured data of a campus building. The results show that BBN correctly prioritize faults that are verified by manual investigation.
Estimating Species Distributions—Across Space, Through Time, and with Features of the Environment

Complete guidance for mastering the tools and techniques of the digital revolution With the digital revolution opening up tremendous opportunities in many fields, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can develop data-intensive systems and extract information and knowledge from them. This book frames for the first time a new systematic approach for tackling the challenges of data-intensive computing, providing decision makers and technical experts alike with practical tools for dealing with our exploding data collections. Emphasizing data-intensive thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, The Data Bonanza: Improving Knowledge Discovery in Science, Engineering, and Business examines the essential components of knowledge discovery, surveys many of the current research efforts worldwide, and points to new areas for innovation. Complete with a wealth of examples and DISPEL-based methods demonstrating how to gain more from data in real-world systems, the book: Outlines the concepts and rationale for implementing data-intensive computing in organizations Covers from the ground up problem-solving strategies for data analysis in a data-rich world Introduces techniques for data-intensive engineering using the Data-Intensive Systems Process Engineering Language DISPEL Features in-depth case studies in customer relations, environmental hazards, seismology, and more Showcases successful applications in areas ranging from astronomy and the humanities tomore » transport engineering Includes sample program snippets throughout the text as well as additional materials on a companion website The Data Bonanza is a must-have guide for information strategists, data analysts, and engineers in business, research, and government, and for anyone wishing to be on the cutting edge of data mining, machine learning, databases, distributed systems, or large-scale computing.« less
Parenting Self-Efficacy, Parent Depression, and Healthy Childhood Behaviors in a Low-Income Minority Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Objectives Childhood obesity prevention and treatment depends, in part, on parents acting as agents of change for their children. Our objective was to measure the associations between parenting self-efficacy, parent depressive symptoms, and preschool child behaviors that support healthy growth. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial. Parenting self-efficacy was measured using a 5-item version of the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC-5) scale (α= 0.8). Parent depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CESD) scale. Child outcomes included diet (24 h diet recall), physical activity (accelerometry), sleep (parent-report), and media use during meals (parent-report). We performed separate multiple linear regressions for each outcome controlling for other covariates. Results The sample consisted of 601 parent–child pairs. Median child age was 4.3 (IQR 3.6–5.1) years; median child body mass index (BMI) percentile was 79.1% (IQR 66.8–88.5%); 90% of children were Hispanic/Latino, and 6% of children were non-Hispanic Black. Median parent age was 31.5 (IQR 27.6–36.0) years; 22% of parents met criteria for depression. Parenting self-efficacy (median PSOC-5 25; IQR 24–28) was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (ρ = −0.16; p < 0.001). In adjusted models, higher parenting self-efficacy was associated with duration of child’s sleep and fewer meals eaten in front of a TV (p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction of parenting self-efficacy and parental depressive symptoms on child sleep duration (p < 0.001). Parenting self-efficacy and depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with child physical activity or child diet. Conclusions In this minority population, higher parenting self-efficacy was associated with longer child sleep and fewer meals in front the TV, but parent depressive symptoms mitigated that protective effect for child sleep duration.
Subtotal cholecystectomy for the hostile gallbladder: failure to control the cystic duct results in significant morbidity

Abstract Background Outcomes following the inability to control the cystic duct due to a hostile triangle of Calot during cholecystectomy remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of subtotal cholecystectomy, with attention to the necessity for secondary interventions. Methods Sixteen thousand five hundred ninety six cholecystectomies from January 2002 to August 2014 were reviewed, identifying patients managed with subtotal cholecystectomy, defined as the inability to isolate/transect the cystic duct. After propensity matching, we investigated surgical indications, perioperative outcomes, and the necessity for secondary ERCP, percutaneous drainage, and completion cholecystectomy. Results 65 (0.39%) patients underwent subtotal cholecystectomy; 54 (83.1%) began laparoscopically, of which 30 (55.6%) required conversion to laparotomy. Subtotal cholecystectomy, performed more frequently for acute cholecystitis (70.8% vs 34.6%), was associated with extended hospitalizations (4 d vs 2 d) and frequent surgical site infections (20% vs 4.6%). 25 (38.5%) subtotal cholecystectomy patients required ≥1 secondary intervention, and compared to standard cholecystectomy, underwent higher rates postoperative ERCP (30.8% vs 5.4%), percutaneous drainage (9.2% vs 1.5%), and completion cholecystectomy (6.2% vs 0%) [all P Discussion Subtotal cholecystectomy fails to control the cystic duct, resulting in significant morbidity. Most do not require completion cholecystectomy; however, patients demand close observation and, frequently, secondary interventions.
SOVIET ASIAN-PACIFIC TRADE AND THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOVIET FAR EAST

During the 1970s and early 1980s it was generally accepted, by both Soviet and Western specialists, that in the Soviet Far East the expansion of exports to the nations of the Pacific Basin offered a solution to the region's economic problems. However, recent policy statements suggest the rejection of this export-led development strategy. This study examines the changing structure and dynamics of Soviet trade with the Asian-Pacific region. At present, for a combination of economic and political reasons, Soviet trade with the Asian-Pacific region is dominated by exports of machinery and equipment and petroleum to the socialist nations of the region, inasmuch as Japanese demand for Soviet natural resources is stagnant. Therefore, because of the resource orientation of the Far Eastern economy, contemporary trade relations do not favor the expansion of the Soviet Far Eastern export base. Consequently, the future role of the region in the national economic system will be determined largely by the availability o...
Chromosome End Repair and Genome Stability in Plasmodium falciparum.

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum replicates within circulating red blood cells, where it is subjected to conditions that frequently cause DNA damage. The repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) is thought to rely almost exclusively on homologous recombination (HR), due to a lack of efficient nonhomologous end joining. However, given that the parasite is haploid during this stage of its life cycle, the mechanisms involved in maintaining genome stability are poorly understood. Of particular interest are the subtelomeric regions of the chromosomes, which contain the majority of the multicopy variant antigen-encoding genes responsible for virulence and disease severity. Here, we show that parasites utilize a competitive balance between de novo telomere addition, also called "telomere healing," and HR to stabilize chromosome ends. Products of both repair pathways were observed in response to DSBs that occurred spontaneously during routine in vitro culture or resulted from experimentally induced DSBs, demonstrating that both pathways are active in repairing DSBs within subtelomeric regions and that the pathway utilized was determined by the DNA sequences immediately surrounding the break. In combination, these two repair pathways enable parasites to efficiently maintain chromosome stability while also contributing to the generation of genetic diversity.IMPORTANCE Malaria is a major global health threat, causing approximately 430,000 deaths annually. This mosquito-transmitted disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites, with infection with the species Plasmodium falciparum being the most lethal. Mechanisms underlying DNA repair and maintenance of genome integrity in P. falciparum are not well understood and represent a gap in our understanding of how parasites survive the hostile environment of their vertebrate and insect hosts. Our work examines DNA repair in real time by using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing focused on the subtelomeric regions of the genome that harbor the multicopy gene families important for virulence and the maintenance of infection. We show that parasites utilize two competing molecular mechanisms to repair double-strand breaks, homologous recombination and de novo telomere addition, with the pathway used being determined by the surrounding DNA sequence. In combination, these two pathways balance the need to maintain genome stability with the selective advantage of generating antigenic diversity.
More Than a "Number": Perspectives of Prenatal Care Quality from Mothers of Color and Providers.

Abstract Introduction African American mothers and other mothers of historically underserved populations consistently have higher rates of adverse birth outcomes than White mothers. Increasing prenatal care use among these mothers may reduce these disparities. Most prenatal care research focuses on prenatal care adequacy rather than concepts of quality. Even less research examines the dual perspectives of African American mothers and prenatal care providers. In this qualitative study, we compared perceptions of prenatal care quality between African American and mixed race mothers and prenatal care providers. Methods Prenatal care providers (n = 20) and mothers who recently gave birth (n = 19) completed semistructured interviews. Using a thematic analysis approach and Donabedian's conceptual model of health care quality, interviews were analyzed to identify key themes and summarize differences in perspectives between providers and mothers. Findings Mothers and providers valued the tailoring of care based on individual needs and functional patient–provider relationships as key elements of prenatal care quality. Providers acknowledged the need for knowing the social context of patients, but mothers and providers differed in perspectives of “culturally sensitive” prenatal care. Although most mothers had positive prenatal care experiences, mothers also recalled multiple complications with providers' negative assumptions and disregard for mothers’ options in care. Conclusions Exploring strategies to strengthen patient–provider interactions and communication during prenatal care visits remains critical to address for facilitating continuity of care for mothers of color. These findings warrant further investigation of dual patient and provider perspectives of culturally sensitive prenatal care to address the service needs of African American and mixed race mothers.
Changes in the legal environment and enforcement of firearm transfer laws in Pennsylvania and Maryland

The effectiveness of laws depends on circumstances affecting their enforcement. To assess such circumstances for comprehensive background check (CBC) and straw purchase laws for firearm sales, we examined prosecutions for CBC and straw purchase violations in Pennsylvania and CBC violations in Maryland. We generated pre-post variables and conducted t-tests to assess differences in the mean number of prosecutions filed following changes to the legal environments. The annual number of prosecutions for straw purchase violations increased significantly in Pennsylvania following the passage of a law that strengthened penalties for these violations (difference in means = +1310.86, P=0.003). The annual number of prosecutions for CBC violations decreased significantly in Maryland following a court decision that narrowed the definition of a firearm transfer making enforcement more difficult (difference in means = -20.52, P=0.026). Our findings suggest enforcement is likely influenced by the penalties associated with violating these laws and the interpretation of the language of the laws.
Preservation of Endangered Archives: a Case of Timbuktu Manuscripts

This study seeks to discuss the preservation of archives with a focus on those that are constantly exposed to various threats such as the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu, an ancient city found in the North of Mali in West Africa. The paper will share my experiences working on Timbuktu’s ancient manuscripts and some of the findings in my Master of Science Degree in Archives and Records Management research titled “Preserving Ancient Manuscripts in Hostile Environments, with Reference to The Preservation of the Ancient Manuscripts of Timbuktu ”. [1] Traditional methods of preservation have been employed in Timbuktu from the 13 th century which is why these manuscripts have survived till today. The study examines the currently accepted international standards and practices used in the preservation of library and archive material and how these fare against the challenges faced by the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu. The use of the Timbuktu manuscripts serves as the worst case scenario that can assist in the better understanding of the unique preservation challenges facing the documentary heritage in Africa and other developing countries. The reality that war has become the worst threat to archives and other cultural heritage must be acknowledged. No one has an answer to how preservation of heritage can be done amidst raging wars and terrorism. The unpredictable nature of terrorism makes it difficult to prepare for it. The nature of war is also changing. In South Africa, demonstrations raged at institutions of higher learning and communities in 2017. Burning of heritage monuments, libraries, schools and destruction of other property has become a common occurrence during protest actions. The paper concludes by identifying the causes of unrest and indicates how archives can be vulnerable. [1] This research was done to fulfil the requirements for the completion of the Master of Science Degree in Archives and Records Management with the University of Dundee in Scotland in 2015.
Ability to monitor driving under the influence of marijuana among non-fatal motor-vehicle crashes: An evaluation of the Colorado electronic accident reporting system.

Abstract Introduction: As more states legalize medical/recreational marijuana use, it is important to determine if state motor-vehicle surveillance systems can effectively monitor and track driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana. This study assessed Colorado's Department of Revenue motor-vehicle crash data system, Electronic Accident Reporting System (EARS), to monitor non-fatal crashes involving driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana. Methods: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on surveillance system evaluation were used to assess EARS' usefulness, flexibility, timeliness, simplicity, acceptability, and data quality. We assessed system components, interviewed key stakeholders, and analyzed completeness of Colorado statewide 2014 motor-vehicle crash records. Results: EARS contains timely and complete data, but does not effectively monitor non-fatal motor-vehicle crashes related to DUI of marijuana. Information on biological sample type collected from drivers and toxicology results were not recorded into EARS; however, EARS is a flexible system that can incorporate new data without increasing surveillance system burden. Conclusions: States, including Colorado, could consider standardization of drug testing and mandatory reporting policies for drivers involved in motor-vehicle crashes and proactively address the narrow window of time for sample collection to improve DUI of marijuana surveillance. Practical applications: The evaluation of state motor-vehicle crash systems' ability to capture crashes involving drug impaired driving (DUID) is a critical first step for identifying frequency and risk factors for crashes related to DUID.
A review of hybrid coronary revascularization

Hybrid coronary revascularization is an emerging treatment strategy for coronary artery disease. We will review the reasons for the development of this strategy, describe surgical techniques, and review outcomes. Finally, we will discuss the future of hybrid revascularization and explain why it will grow as a treatment modality. For this review, we conducted an unstructured review of the literature for articles related to hybrid coronary revascularization, bypass surgery, and percutaneous coronary interventions. Hybrid coronary revascularization has been shown in large series to have excellent results. These include fast recovery time, low mortality and rates of complications, and excellent surgical graft patency. There may be increased need for revascularization over conventional bypass surgery. The combination improved surgical techniques including a robotic surgery platform, as well as the ever-improving efficacy and durability of coronary stents have made hybrid coronary revascularization an attractive option for many patients. It offers a minimally invasive approach to surgery while avoiding the poor patency of saphenous vein grafts. In appropriately selected patients, this may be an ideal treatment strategy that minimizes risks and maximizes short- and long-term benefits.