cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of tyrosine phosphorylated peptides via skimmer collision‐induced dissociation/ion trap mass spectrometry

Phosphorylation of proteins is an important post-translational protein modification in cellular response to environmental change and occurs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Identification of the amino acid on individual proteins that become phosphorylated in response to extracellular stimulus is essential for understanding the mechanisms involved in the intracellular signals that these modifications facilitate. Most protein kinases catalyze the phosphorylation of proteins on serine, threonine or tyrosine. Although tyrosine phosphorylation is often the least abundant of the three major phosphorylation sites, it is important owing to its role in signal pathways. Currently available methods for the identification of phosphorylation sites can often miss low levels of tyrosine phosphorylations. This paper describes a method for the identification of phosphotyrosine-containing peptides using electrospray ionization on an ion trap mass spectrometer. Skimmer-activated collision-induced dissociation (CID) was used to generate the phosphotyrosine immonium ion at m/z 216. This method is gentle enough that the protonated molecule of the intact peptide is still observed. In-trap CID was employed for the verification of the phosphotyrosine immonium ion. Using this technique, low levels of phosphotyrosine-containing peptides can be identified from peptide mixtures separated by nanoflow micro liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Comparison of several methods for calculating power line electromagnetic interference levels and calibration with long term data

Five different methods for predicting foul weather electromagnetic interference from power overhead lines have been studied. Differences between the predictions in excess of 10 dB are common. Each method has been optimized by adding a constant chosen to minimize the difference between predictions and a set of long term measurements. The rationale for doing this is that each generation function was developed under somewhat different weather conditions. The best optimized method is the one with the smallest difference. The best methods have respectively 1.7 and 4.4 dB RMS differences between average stable foul and average fair weather measurements. >
Shallow source/drain extensions for deep submicron MOSFETs using spin-on-dopants

Spin-on-dopants and rapid thermal processing have been used to form ultra-shallow n/sup +/-p junctions with metallurgical junction depths as shallow as 12 nm as determined by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The electrical junction depth and the total charge concentration have been measured in the vicinity of the junction using electron holography and are shown to be consistent with activation efficiencies of 80%. The ultra-shallow junctions have been used as the source and drain contacts of sub-100-nm gate length MOSFETs. From electrical measurements, the authors extract a lateral diffusion length for the source and drains that is comparable to the vertical extent of the n/sup +/-p junctions.
Optics in aircraft engines

The authors describe optical IR&D (independent research and development) programs designed to demonstrate and evaluate optical technologies for incorporation into next-generation military and commercial aircraft engines. Using a comprehensive demonstration program to validate this technology in an on-engine environment, problems encountered can be resolved early and risk can be minimized. In addition to specific activities related to the optics demonstration on the fighter engine, there are other optical programs underway, including a solenoid control system, a light off detection system, and an optical communication link. Research in simplifying opto-electronics and exploiting multiplexing to further reduce cost and weight is also described. >
Integrating graphics and abstract data to visualize temporal constraints

Traditionally, visualization is the transformation of data into information that can be rendered using computer graphics techniques. Visualization combines techniques and representations from computer graphics, computer vision, and image processing. In distributed and hierarchical operations and processes, such as for command and control or logistics and planning, visualization is the central mechanism for communicating the state of the situation and operations. The major challenge of visualization is to filter, tailor, and present the information in compact forms that can be efficiently created and displayed. In contrast to many visualization problems, these domains have what seems to be an overwhelming variety and quantity of information. We address aspects of this problem with the graphical visualization of abstract temporal information in a concrete spatio-temporal framework.
The relationship between serum calcium and phosphate levels and cardiac valvular procedures in the hemodialysis population.

Abstract Background: Cardiac valvular disease is a common complication in hemodialysis patients, with a prevalence of up to 9%. In these patients, calcium-phosphate imbalance is associated with systemic and cardiac calcification. We investigated the relationship between abnormal calcium and phosphate levels and valvular disease sufficiently severe to require an invasive procedure. Methods: We analyzed data from 12,509 hemodialysis patients from the US Renal Data System database, 204 of whom underwent a valvular procedure. All were prevalent in-center dialysis patients as of 1993, when cross-sectional data were collected. Results: In a Cox multivariate model, a serum phosphate level of 5.0 mg/dL or greater (≥1.62 mmol/L) was associated with increased risk for a valvular procedure compared with a phosphate level less than 5 mg/dL ( P = 0.033). A calcium level less than 8.8 mg/dL ( P = 0.018). However, a high calcium level (>10.5 mg/dL [>2.63 mmol/L]) had no significant relationship with the outcome (hazard ratio, 0.89; P = 0.65) compared with a normal level. Calcium-phosphate product was not significant as an interaction term and therefore was not included in the final analysis. The relationship of parathyroid hormone (PTH) level to outcome was not significant. Conclusion: A serum phosphate level of 5.0 mg/dL or greater (≥1.62 mmol/L) is associated with increased risk for a valvular procedure, and a low calcium level is associated with fewer valvular procedures. There is no compelling evidence that elevated calcium or PTH levels have a significant relationship to valvular disease that results in an invasive procedure. Am J Kidney Dis 41:411-421.
A new test methodology for DNL error in flash ADCs

A novel test methodology is presented for characterizing DNL error in flash analog to digital converters. This test technique accurately measures the resistance of each resistor in the flash ladder and in turn, characterizes the DNL of a given chip. A testing time of approximately 1/2 ms is achieved with a 30% increase in area for a 6-bit flash ADC. When used in conjunction with standard automated test equipment, a reduction in total testing time and cost is predicted with minimal increase in area and power overhead.
Isolation and Characterization of Metal-Reducing Thermoanaerobacter Strains from Deep Subsurface Environments of the Piceance Basin, Colorado

Five bacterial strains were isolated from anaerobic enrichment cultures that had originated from inoculations with samples collected from the deep subsurface environments of the millions-of-years-old, geologically and hydrologically isolated Piceance Basin in Colorado. Small-subunit rRNA gene-based analyses indicated that all of these bacteria were closely related to Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus, with similarities of 99.4 to 99.5%. Three isolates (X513, X514, and X561) from the five bacterial strains were used to examine physiological characteristics. These thermophilic bacteria were able to use acetate, glucose, hydrogen, lactate, pyruvate, succinate, and xylose as electron donors while reducing Fe(III), cobalt(III), chromium(VI), manganese(IV), and uranium(VI) at 60°C. One of the isolates (X514) was also able to utilize hydrogen as an electron donor for Fe(III) reduction. These bacteria exhibited diverse mineral precipitation capabilities, including the formation of magnetite (Fe3O4), siderite (FeCO3), rhodochrosite (MnCO3), and uraninite (UO2). The gas composition of the incubation headspace and the ionic composition of the incubation medium exerted profound influences on the types of minerals formed. The susceptibility of the thermophilic Fe(III)-reducing cultures to metabolic inhibitors specific for ferric reductase, hydrogenase, and electron transport indicated that iron reduction by these bacteria is an enzymatic process.
Fission and fusion of Darwin's finches populations.

This study addresses the causes and evolutionary consequences of introgressive hybridization in the sympatric species of Darwin's ground finches (Geospiza) on the small island of Daphne Major in th...
Improving adolescent parenting: results from a randomized controlled trial of a home visiting program for young families

Objectives. Our aim was to estimate the effects of Healthy Families Massachusetts, a statewide home visiting program serving first-time adolescent parents, on parenting, child development, educational attainment, family planning, and maternal health and well-being.Methods. We used a randomized controlled trial design to randomly assign the 704 participants to a group receiving home visiting services or a control group. Between 2008 and 2012, telephone and in-person interviews were conducted and administrative data obtained at 12 and 24 months after enrollment. Intention-to-treat analyses compared group differences across 5 outcome domains: parenting, child health and development, educational and economic achievement, family planning, and parental health and well-being.Results. The home visiting program had a positive influence on parenting stress, college attendance, condom use, intimate partner violence, and engagement in risky behaviors. No negative findings were observed.Conclusions. A paraprofessional...
Matrix Metalloproteinase Regulation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage remains a particularly devastating form of cerebrovascular disease with unchanged mortality rates despite several large studies that have targeted primary expansion of hematoma growth. A second, worthwhile target for improving clinical outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage may be neuroprotection through modulation of secondary mechanisms of brain injury. Matrix metalloproteinases represent a family of ubiquitous endopeptidase enzymes that can become pathologically activated and result in blood-brain barrier breakdown. In humans, high levels of matrix metalloproteinase have been associated with perihematomal edema, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation, and worse clinical outcome. As a result, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase in the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage may represent an efficacious strategy for improving clinical outcome. Current strategies for inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase in intracerebral hemorrhage are as follows: (1) direct inhibition, (2) transcriptional control of matrix metalloproteinase expression, and (3) post-transcriptional control. Currently, the most clinically relevant form of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition lies with direct inhibition through broad-spectrum hydroxamate-class inhibitors and tetracycline-class antibiotics and the polymechanistic role of statins. Further trials are necessary to evaluate for possible roles of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in improving clinical outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage.
The Effects of Term Limits on Participatory Shirking in the California Assembly from 1985 to 2003

Do term limit restrictions affect the behavior of legislators? Focusing on legislators’ voting participation in the legislature, we expect that term limit restrictions decrease overall legislator participation. Looking specifically at legislators in their last term of office, we expect that these lame duck legislators will participate less than their fellow legislators who are not serving their last term in office. By examining legislators’ participation rates in the California State Assembly over the course of ten sessions, from 1985 to 2003, this analysis indicates that the enactment of term limits has no effect on overall legislator participation, but that term limits negatively impact the behavior of lame duck legislators.
Stochastic Scheduling

There is a current need for scheduling policies that can leverage the performance variability of resources on multi-user clusters. We develop one solution to this problem called stochastic scheduling that utilizes a distribution of application execution performance on the target resources to determine a performance-efficient schedule. In this paper, we define a stochastic scheduling policy based on time-balancing for data parallel applications whose execution behavior can be represented as a normal distribution. Using three distributed applications on two contended platforms, we demonstrate that a stochastic scheduling policy can achieve good and predictable performance for the application as evaluated by several performance measures.
Characterization of proton exchanged segmented waveguides in LiNbO3

Recently, periodically segmented waveguides have received considerable attention for applications in efficient second harmonic generation in KTP and LiTaO3 [1-4]. Segmented waveguides are interesting from the point of view of quasi phase matching as the periodic segmentation also leads to periodic domain reversal. Segmented waveguides by themselves are interesting since the effective index of the propagating mode can be controlled by simply varying the duty cycle of the segmentation; the periodic variation along the propagation direction can also be made use in devices requiring grating structures. Such an additional degree of freedom can be used in the efficient design of z variant waveguide devices such as tapered velocity couplers, mode expanders, polarization converters etc. To date no measurements or modeling of graded index segmented waveguides have been reported.
Comparison of Traditional Superficial Cutaneous Sutures Versus Adhesive Strips in Layered Dermatologic Closures on the Back-A Prospective, Randomized, Split-Scar Study

BACKGROUNDBilayered suture repairs have become the standard of care in dermatologic surgery. However, the benefit of superficial sutures for fine epidermal alignment on high-tension areas remains unclear.OBJECTIVETo compare the overall cosmetic outcome of traditional epidermal sutures with adhesive
Biosynthesis and pharmacological modulation of thromboxane in humans.

Thromboxane (TXA2), a potent proaggregatory and vasoconstricting eicosanoid, is produced at a very low rate and is cleared rapidly from the human circulation. Its chemically stable hydration product, TXB2, is extensively metabolized through dehydrogenation of the hemiacetal alcohol group at C-11 and beta-oxidation, resulting in the formation of two main enzymatic derivatives (i.e., 11-dehydro-TXB2 and 2,3-dinor-TXB2). A large discrepancy exists between the platelet biosynthetic capacity and actual TXA2 production in vivo. This has both methodological and pathophysiological relevance. Platelet synthesis of TXA2 can be reduced by cyclooxygenase and thromboxane-synthase inhibitors. Furthermore, the platelet and vascular actions of TXA2 can be antagonized by prostaglandin H2/TXA2-receptor antagonists. The combined administration of a thromboxane-synthase inhibitor and a TXA2-receptor antagonist gives stronger inhibition of platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time more than either drug alone or acetylsalicylic acid. Finally, TXA2-dependent glomerular damage, as seen in lupus nephritis, might represent a unique therapeutic target for receptor antagonists and/or tissue-selective synthase inhibitors.
Kynurenine metabolic balance is disrupted in the hippocampus following peripheral lipopolysaccharide challenge

Inflammation increases the risk of developing depression-related symptoms, and tryptophan metabolism is an important mediator of these behavior changes. Peripheral immune activation results in central up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, microglia activation, and the production of neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites. The neuroinflammatory and kynurenine metabolic response to peripheral immune activation has been largely characterized at the whole brain level. It is unknown if this metabolic response exhibits regional specificity even though the unique indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-dependent depressive-like behaviors are known to be controlled by discrete brain regions. Therefore, regional characterization of neuroinflammation and kynurenine metabolism might allow for better understanding of the potential mechanisms that mediate inflammation-associated behavior changes. Following peripheral immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), brain tissue from behaviorally relevant regions was analyzed for changes in mRNA of neuroinflammatory targets and kynurenine pathway enzymes. The metabolic balance of the kynurenine pathway was also determined in the peripheral circulation and these brain regions. Peripheral LPS treatment resulted in region-independent up-regulation of brain expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and glial cellular markers indicative of a neuroinflammatory response. The expression of kynurenine pathway enzymes was also largely region-independent. While the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was elevated significantly in both the plasma and in each brain regions evaluated, the balance of kynurenine metabolism was skewed toward production of neurotoxic metabolites in the hippocampus. The upstream neuroinflammatory processes, such as pro-inflammatory cytokine production, glial cell activation, and kynurenine production, may be similar throughout the brain. However, it appears that the balance of downstream kynurenine metabolism is a tightly regulated brain region-dependent process.
A Simplified Theory of Current Leads

Closed form solutions for temperature, conducted heat and voltage drop are derived for a lead cooled with forced flow. The mass flow which will cause thermal runaway is expressed as a function of current. An optimal lead is defined as a lead where the conducted heat at the warm end is zero and where the total refrigerator load is minimal. Optimal mass flow and geometry at design current are derived under those two conditions. The margin between critical and optimal flow is too small: a 2% decrease in mass flow or a 10 % increase in current are sufficient to produce temperatures of 450 K. Therefore an operating mass flow is defined: it is the smallest flow for which the lead is always stable as long as the flow is proportional to the current. A curve giving the operating mass flow as a function of current is established. Mass flow, voltage drop and conducted heat under operating conditions can then be established. During operation, reading of voltage drop is the best way to monitor the leads since it is shown that voltage drop is a linear function of maximum temperature. Comparisons with leads cooled with boil-off and by conduction only are presented.
Biographical Dictionary of American Sports: Football

Preface Biographical Dictionary of American Sports: Football Appendix 1: Football Entries by Main Category Selected Appendix 2: Football Entries by Main Position Played Appendix 3: Football Players by Place of Birth Appendix 4: Entries Playing Professional Football Appendix 5: College Football Hall of Fame Members Appendix 6: Pro Football Hall of Fame Members Appendix 7: College and Professional Football Conferences, Leagues, and Associations Index
Parent‐Infant Communication

During infancy, major developments occur in mastering nonverbal and verbal means of communication. In addition, important cognitive and psychological processes are also developing, such as selfhood and security. These developmental processes are all interrelated, with cognitive and perceptual capacities enabling the development of increasingly coordinated, complex systems of communication. Interaction with adults shapes and refines these communicative skills, while simultaneously encouraging the development of a secure sense of selfhood and safety in a predictable, supportive environment. A critical aspect of infant communication is the development of social relationships with others, most notably significant adult caretakers. These feelings of attachment form the basis for social relationships and development over the life span and are fundamental to an infant's trust in others and a sense of security. Keywords: attachment and relationships; attachment theory; children; cognitive processes; communication skills; development communication; family communication
49 – Vasopressin Receptors

This chapter focuses on the expression and functions of arginine vasopressin receptors (AVPRs) throughout the body, but particularly in the brain. In order to place receptor activity into a physiologically and behaviorally relevant context, it begins with a brief overview of the hormones arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT), which serve as ligands for AVPR, as well as a description of the importance of AVP as the major regulator of body water homeostasis.
Single-Nanoparticle Electrochemistry through Immobilization and Collision

ConspectusMetal nanoparticles are key electrode materials in a variety of electrochemical applications including basic electron-transfer study, electrochemical sensing, and electrochemical surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Metal nanoparticles have also been extensively applied to electrocatalytic processes in recent years due to their high catalytic activity and large surface areas. Because the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticle is often highly dependent on their size, shape, surface ligands, and so forth, methods for examining and better understanding the correlation between particle structure and function are of great utility in the development of more efficient catalytic systems. Despite considerable progress in this field, the understanding of the structure–activity relationships remains challenging in nanoparticle-based electrochemistry and electrocatalysis due to limitations associated with traditional ensemble measurements. One of the major issues is the ensemble averaging of the el...
A clinical prediction model for prolonged air leak after pulmonary resection.

Abstract Objective Prolonged air leak increases costs and worsens outcomes after pulmonary resection. We aimed to develop a clinical prediction tool for prolonged air leak using pretreatment and intraoperative variables. Methods Patients who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer/nodules (from January 2009 to June 2014) were stratified by prolonged parenchymal air leak (>5 days). Using backward stepwise logistic regression with bootstrap resampling for internal validation, candidate variables were identified and a nomogram risk calculator was developed. Results A total of 2317 patients underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer/nodules. Prolonged air leak (8.6%, n = 200) was associated with significantly longer hospital stay (median 10 vs 4 days; P 2, and interaction terms for right-sided thoracotomy and wedge resection by thoracotomy. Wedge resection, higher body mass index, and unmeasured percent forced expiratory volume in 1 second were protective. Derived nomogram discriminatory accuracy was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.79) and facilitated patient stratification into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups with monotonic increase in observed prolonged air leaks (2.0%, 8.9%, and 19.2%, respectively; P Conclusions Using readily available candidate variables, our nomogram predicts increasing risk of prolonged air leak with good discriminatory ability. Risk stratification can support surgical decision making, and help initiate proactive, patient-specific surgical management.
Clinical and genetic aspects of the 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion disorder.

Background The 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion (Burnside–Butler susceptibility locus) is an emerging condition with over 200 individuals reported in the literature. TUBGCP5, CFYIP1, NIPA1 and NIPA2 genes are located in this chromosome 15 region and when disturbed individually are known to cause neurological, cognitive or behavioural problems as well as playing a role in both Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes. These syndromes were the first examples in humans of genomic imprinting and typically caused by a deletion but involving the distal chromosome 15q11–q13 breakpoint BP3 and proximally placed breakpoints BP1 or BP2 of different parental origin. The typical 15q11–q13 deletion involves BP1 and BP3 and the typical type II deletion at BP2 and BP3. Several studies have shown that individuals with the larger type I deletion found in both Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes are reported with more severe neurodevelopmental symptoms compared to those individuals with the smaller type II deletion. Methods The literature was reviewed and clinical and cytogenetic findings summarised in 200 individuals with this microdeletion along with the role of deleted genes in diagnosis, medical care and counseling of those affected and their family members. Results Reported findings in this condition include developmental delays (73% of cases) and language impairment (67%) followed by motor delay (42%), attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (35%) and autism spectrum disorder (27%). The de novo deletion frequency has been estimated at 5 to 22% with low penetrance possibly related to subclinical manifestation or incomplete clinical information on family members. A prevalence of 0.6 to 1.3% has been identified in one study for patients with neurological or behavioural problems presenting for genetic services and chromosomal microarray analysis. Conclusions The summarised results indicate that chromosome 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion is emerging as one of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities seen in individuals with intellectual impairment, autism spectrum disorder and other related behavioural or clinical findings, but more research is needed.
Cost-effectiveness Analyses of Antihypertensive Medicines: A Systematic Review.

Context Hypertension affects one third of the U.S. adult population. Although cost-effectiveness analyses of antihypertensive medicines have been published, a comprehensive systematic review across medicine classes is not available. Evidence acquisition PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Health Technology Assessment were searched to identify original cost-effectiveness analyses published from 1990 through August 2016. Results were summarized by medicine class: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), thiazide-type diuretics, β-blockers, and others. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were adjusted to 2015 U.S. dollars. Evidence synthesis Among 76 studies reviewed, 14 compared medicines with no treatment, 16 compared medicines with conventional therapy, 29 compared between medicine classes, 13 compared within medicine class, and 11 compared combination therapies. All antihypertensives were cost effective compared with no treatment (ICER/quality-adjusted life year [QALY]=dominant–$19,945). ARBs were more cost effective than CCBs (ICER/QALY=dominant–$13,016) in nine comparisons, whereas CCBs were more cost effective than ARBs (ICER/QALY=dominant) in two comparisons. ARBs were more cost effective than ACEIs (ICER/QALY=dominant–$34,244) and β-blockers (ICER/QALY=$1,498–$18,137) in all eight comparisons. Conclusions All antihypertensives were cost effective compared with no treatment. ARBs appeared to be more cost effective than CCBs, ACEIs, and β-blockers. However, these latter findings should be interpreted with caution because these findings are not robust due to the substantial variability across the studies, including study settings and analytic models, changes in the cost of generic medicines, and publication bias.
The Promises and Perils of the MHS' Implementation of the Patient-Centered Medical Home

With increasing resource scarcity and rising costs of health care, the Military Health System (MHS) must transform from a chronically inefficient and costly health care system that is overly reliant on specialty care and large institutions into a cost-effective and outcome-based system of health. Over the past 2 decades, the United States has witnessed economically unsustainable rises in health care costs in both the civilian and the federal sectors. 1 During this period, however, the country has seen little improvement in access to and quality of health care. Multiple studies show primary care providers improve health care cost and quality, yet few initiatives have focused on reestablishing the primary care physician as the center of health care delivery. 2 The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model rejuvenates the use of primary care providers as the central source of individual medical care. The PCMH is a commonly understood model; it is a modern adaptation of the classic, small town physician practice. Simply put, this is the patient’s home for all things medical. The PCMH uses a team of care providers to deliver continuous and comprehensive primary care and to ensure that the needs of the patient are met. In addition, specific focus is placed on preventive care and population health. Patients have increased access to providers on a continuous basis and can communicate with their care team via modern technology tools, such as secure messaging. Current research indicates improved patient experiences, better coordination of care, and decreased emergency department visits and inpatient admissions. 3 All these improvements are essential for sustainability in today’s economic environment.
We Should Give Messy Problems and Make Students Reflect on What They Learn: (Abstract Only)

We often give students large projects because solving them teaches students so much. If we give them messy problems with a lot of structured ambiguity, we can make it so that they learn even more because they will have to really think about the problems they are solving. This concept is often applied through project/problem-based learning. If only this were true, we could just give our students a lot of poorly defined problems and in so doing create extremely competent graduates. The idea breaks down because we as faculty think about how much students will learn from the process and gain insight through doing, while students tend to focus on their final product/grade and ignore the journey. Students learn a lot but not as much as they could. The problem is not with the projects and their intrinsic messiness but instead with our students' focus. We propose the concept of messy learning, which couples project/problem-based learning with reflection to solve this problem. Messy learning involves giving deliberately ambiguous problems where we want students to focus on learning about how to solve the ambiguous parts of the problem. Reflection is the method that we propose to use to make the messy learning projects effective for our students by using it to focus attention on appropriate parts of the messy problems.
A data-driven approach to artificial pancreas verification and synthesis

This paper presents a case study of a data driven approach to verification and parameter synthesis for artificial pancreas control systems which deliver insulin to patients with type-1 diabetes (T1D). We present a new approach to tuning parameters using non-deterministic data-driven models for human insulin-glucose regulation, which are inferred from patient data using multiple time scales. Taking these equations as constraints, we model the behavior of the entire closed loop system over a five-hour time horizon cast as an optimization problem. Next, we demonstrate this approach using patient data gathered from a previously conducted outpatient clinical study involving insulin and glucose data collected from 50 patients with T1D and 40 nights per patient. We use the resulting data-driven models to predict how the patients would perform under a PID-based closed loop system which forms the basis for the first commercially available hybrid closed loop device. Futhermore, we provide a re-tuning methodology which can potentially improve control for 82% of patients, based on the results of an exhaustive reachability analysis. Our results demonstrate that simple nondeterministic models allow us to efficiently tune key controller parameters, thus paving the way for interesting clinical translational applications.
Human Rights in a Pluralist, Unequal Globe: Contributions of Jesuit Universities.

Globalization has made human rights both increasingly important as the normative standards that seek to shape the diverse religious, cultural, political, and economic interactions of our world, and also increasingly controversial in the face of the realities of cultural diversity and economic inequality. Over the past half century, hopes that human rights could become truly effective standards of international behavior have risen and fallen like tides.
The Importance of Family Reunification in Pediatric Disaster Planning

Abstract In the aftermath of a disaster, families may become separated. With greater than 60 million children being apart from their families during the day, one could imagine a disaster resulting in great difficulties in reuniting these children with their families. History has shown us that widespread events can prove particularly challenging as was shown during Hurricane Katrina when it took up to 6 months to reunite all displaced children with their families. This article will discuss the history of pediatric disaster preparedness efforts, highlighting some of the available resources in the development of a family reunification plan. Next will be a discussion of basic features of a well-thought-out family reunification plan, including critical areas to establish as part of an institution's plan. Key partners necessary to engage will be discussed, as well as the importance of testing any plan through drills. Finally, future work will be highlighted.
Type of infant formula increases early weight gain and impacts energy balance: a randomized controlled trial

Background Millions of infants are fed breast milk substitutes, and the type of infant formula can impact weight gain patterns. Objective We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine the direct impact of 2 types of infant formula (cow milk formula, CMF; extensively protein hydrolyzed formula, EHF) on growth and energy balance. Design A racially diverse group of formula-fed infants (n = 113) were randomly assigned to either CMF or EHF from the age of 0.75 to 12.5 mo. At each monthly visit, anthropometric measures were obtained to determine growth z scores and weight gain velocity, and to categorize early weight gain patterns as rapid or nonrapid. Also, diet records were collected to determine energy from formula and other sources. Comprehensive assessments of energy balance (intake, expenditure, loss) were made at 0.75, 3.5, and 12.5 mo. Results Beginning 3 wk after randomization, CMF infants had significantly higher weight, but not length, z scores than did EHF infants, and this persisted after solid foods complemented the formula diet. On average, weight gain velocity from 0.75 to 4.5 mo was within the range of typically growing infants for both groups, yet velocity was 3.9 g/d greater for CMF infants (P = 0.002), who were more likely to be classified as an early rapid weight gainer, than EHF infants (46% compared with 18%; P = 0.007). Early differences in energy intake and fecal loss, yielding greater energy available for deposition among CMF infants, contributed to the differential weight gain patterns. There were no significant differences between the formula treatment groups in total energy expenditure or sleeping energy expenditure. Conclusions Among healthy infants, the type of formula impacted on early rapid weight gain patterns owing to energy intake and loss mechanisms. Research is needed to identify the macronutrients and other compositional constituents in EHF and breast milk that promote satiation and healthy weight gain during sensitive periods of development. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as: NCT01700205.
Lateral Ankle (Sinus Tarsi) Denervation

The anatomy of the innervation of the sinus tarsi and the lateral ankle joints are described, and related, clinically to pain following ankle injuries, primarily inversion sprain. Nerve blocks of the deep peroneal and sural nerves that innervate the ligaments around the sinus tarsi are described. A confounding clinical condition such pain related to the superficial peroneal nerve is explained and its treatment outlined. The technical approaches to denervation of the sinus tarsi by resection of the deep peroneal and sural nerves are described and illustrated. The results of sinus tarsi denervation are presented.
Exploring the Valley of Savings: Minimizing Part D Costs and Optimizing Drug Therapy Outcomes in Medicare Beneficiaries With Developmental Disability

Abstract Nonelderly disabled Medicare beneficiaries have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, higher utilization of prescription medications, and increased demand for clinical services when c...
Exploratory Data Mining for Subgroup Cohort Discoveries and Prioritization

Finding small homogeneous subgroup cohorts in large heterogeneous populations is a critical process for hypothesis development in biomedical research. Concurrent computational approaches are still lacking in robust answers to the question “what hypotheses are likely to be novel and to produce clinically relevant results with well thought-out study designs?” We have developed a novel subgroup discovery method which employs a deep exploratory mining process to slice and dice thousands of potential subpopulations and prioritize potential cohorts based on their explainable contrast patterns and which may provide interventionable insights. We conducted computational experiments on both synthesized data and a clinical autism data set to assess performance quantitatively for coverage of pre-defined cohorts and qualitatively for novel knowledge discovery, respectively. We also conducted a scaling analysis using a distributed computing environment to suggest computational resource needs for when the subpopulation number increases. This work will provide a robust data-driven framework to automatically tailor potential interventions for precision health.
Shape-Dependent, Chiro-optical Response of UV-Active, Nanohelix Metamaterials.

We harness a synergy between morphology and the electromagnetic response of semiconducting material to engineer the chiro-optical properties of metamaterials that are active at ultraviolet (UV) wav...
Achievement Orientation in Females: A Social Psychological Perspective.

The recent literature on female achievement orientation is reviewed. Theories of achievement motivation are discussed, and a brief statement on sex-role stereotypes is included. Specific attention is given to the ways in which sex-role ideologies and expectations affect female achievement. The antecedents of female achievement orientation are examined. Recent developments in research, including the motive to avoid success, value orientations, and ability, are discussed. Finally, future directions for female achievement orientation research are presented.
Investigation of Effects of Time Preference and Risk Perception on Life-Cycle Management of Civil Infrastructure

AbstractCivil infrastructure systems have two essential characteristics: long service life and low probability of failure. Under these circumstances, life-cycle management (LCM) of civil infrastruc...
A Novel LC-MS/MS Assay for Quantification of Des-carboxy Prothrombin and Characterization of Warfarin-Induced Changes

Warfarin is a narrow therapeutic index anticoagulant drug and its use is associated with infrequent but significant adverse bleeding events. The international normalized ratio (INR) is the most commonly used biomarker to monitor and titrate warfarin therapy. However, INR is derived from a functional assay, which determines clotting efficiency at the time of measurement and is susceptible to technical variability. Protein induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) has been suggested as a biomarker of long-term vitamin K status, providing mechanistic insights about variation in the functional assay. However, the currently available antibody-based PIVKA-II assay does not inform on the position and number of des-carboxylation sites in prothrombin. The assay presented in this paper provides simultaneous quantification of carboxy and des-carboxy prothrombin that are essential for monitoring early changes in INR and, thus, serves as the superior tool for managing warfarin therapy. Additionally, this assay permits the quantification of total prothrombin level, which is affected by warfarin treatment. Prothrombin recovery from plasma was 95% and the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was linear (r2 = 0.98) with a dynamic range of 1-100 µg/mL. The assay interday precision was within 20%. A des-carboxy peptide of prothrombin (GNLER) was negatively correlated with active prothrombin (Pearson r = 0.99, P < 0.0001), whereas its association was positively linked with INR values (Pearson r = 0.75, P < 0.015). This novel LC-MS/MS assay for active and inactive prothrombin quantification can be applied to titrate anticoagulant therapy and to monitor the impact of diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma on clotting physiology.
Knowledge-Based Stereo and Structured Light for 3-D Robot Vision

In this report, we first show that a knowledge based stereo using a single Marr-Poggio-Grimson (MPG) channel is as effective for range mapping as a stereo that uses no a priori knowledge and all five channels. For this comparison, the maximum allowable depth of the scene in both cases is seven times what is matchable by the disparity range of the single channel in the knowledge-based system, which is also the finest channel for the full MPG implementation. To invoke the knowledge base, prior to the application of the MPG channel, the identification of the object class and approximate determination of the object location are performed using a novel structured-list data base extracted from the radial-valued skeletal image. World knowledge and object models are represented as LISP frames. The second half of the report which deals with structured light for 3-D vision contains two innovations: 1) We have presented a new scheme for extracting edges from range data, which consists of first constructing a synthetic image from the range data in which the gray level at each point is proportional to the orientation of the local surface normal and then applying a reflectance data edge detector to this synthetic image; and 2) we have briefly presented our PILE ANALYSIS program, which is a high level symbolic processing program for robot vision. For a scene consisting of a pile of overlapping polyhedral objects, the pile analysis program uses the range data to isolate the edges and the vertices of the objects at the top of the heap. In this half of the report, we have also discussed binary encoded and proposed color encoded parallel grid projections for improved accuracy and speed in range data acquisition. Color encoded parallel grid projection offers the possibility of real-time range data acquisition at high resolution for modest cost.
Nutritional Considerations in Geriatric Orthopedics

Malnourished patients are at risk for fragility fractures resulting in postoperative ​complications, increased mortality, and decreased functional status after geriatric orthopedic surgeries. Nutritional status of the older patient can be determined by various screening tools. We aim to review recent literature on nutritional status in preoperative and postoperative evaluations and determine its implications for geriatric orthopedic surgery patients. Malnutrition has been associated with increased orthopedic surgery complications. An individualized nutrition screening and treatment plan can reduce these complications and prevent future fragility fractures. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory cytokine that may be useful in the prediction of mortality and nutritional status of the patient; however, further research is necessary. A nutritional screening tool can be utilized to determine at-risk individuals. Nutrition should ​be optimized prior to undergoing an orthopedic procedure, and an interdisciplinary team approach is recommended.
A Machine Learning Approach for Data Quality Control of Earth Observation Data Management System

In the big data era, innovative technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are increasingly utilized in the large-scale data management systems of many industry sectors to make them more scalable and intelligent. Applying them to automate and optimize earth observation data management is a hot topic. To improve data quality control mechanisms, a machine learning method in combination with built-in quality rules is presented in this paper to evolve processes around data quality and enhance management of earth observation data. The rules of quality check are set up to detect the common issues, including data completeness, data latency, bad data, and data duplication, and the machine learning model is trained, tested, and deployed to address these quality issues automatically and reduce manual efforts.
Unusual Punishment: The Federal Death Penalty in the United States

This material has been presented at Southern Cross University, the Law and Society meetings in Budapest, the University of Georgia, Victoria University, Melbourne University, and LaTrobe University in Australia. The paper examines the way state and federal legal authority is constituted in the United States by focusing on local jurisdictions that do not have capital punishment as they respond to the federal death penalty. Particular attention is given to both the prosecution of Kristen Gilbert, a nurse who was tried for capital murder in Massachusetts, and research on the federal courts in Puerto Rico.
Hierarchical information processing in distributed sensor networks

It is now possible to integrate in a very small and low cost package sensing, actuation, signal processing, and radio communications. This new technology will make possible the low cost interfacing of the physical world to information processing and telecommunications networks. We describe the particular application of distributed sensor networks which must convey decisions to and from a remote center, and how information processing and communications can be organized so that the network is scalable and low power. Information theoretic problems are stated in the areas of detection, rate distortion, and channel coding.
The dysfunctional side effects of quantitative indicator production: illustration from mental health care (a message from Chicken Little).

Abstract In the current context of economic conservation, accountability and retrenchment from social programs, justification is required in order to maintain human service capacity. In this effort, evaluation is a key component. Yet desire to base action upon information resulting from evaluation must be tempered by increased attention to the effects of the evaluation process. All too often premature application of quantitative indicators formerly used for individual assessment and research to bureaucratic decision making produces side effects that are dys-functional in nature. Frequently these side effects influence service delivery directly. More insidious, because they are less easily discerned, are distortions introduced into the data by evaluation pressure. These not only delay effects on service, but also impair understanding of the very process they are meant to illuminate. In order to illustrate this phenomenon, the author reviews a general literature and utilizes examples from mental health care. Common themes are identified and a tentative theory of side effect generation proposed.