cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of local fill fraction in photonic crystal templates using a spatial light modulator

We report the fabrication of designed defects and regions in photonic crystal templates with differing filling fractions using a spatial light modulator. For the hexagonal lattice, phase patterns with local variance of diffraction efficiency are created using phase tiles from other phase patterns with known diffraction efficiencies. Six-fold symmetric phase patterns are used to generate six beams with locally specified phases. Fourier transform simulations of designed phase patterns are used to guide the filtering process and also give insight into the interference pattern in the 4f plane. Photonic crystal templates are fabricated using exposure of photoresist to the interference patterns generated from the phase patterns with local diffraction efficiency variance displayed on a spatial light modulator. It is shown that local control of filling fraction is achievable using this method. For the square lattice, line defects in polymer lattices are produced using line phase defects in a checkerboard phase pattern. The shifting of the lattice due to the defect phase is investigated. The shifting of lattice around the defects in 2+1 interference is less than that produced by 4+1 interference due to the alternative shifting in lattice in the 2+1 interference. By 45 degree defect orientation and 2+1 interference, the defect orientation can be aligned with the background lattice, the shifting is alternative in lattice, and the shifting is only in one side of the defects, in agreement with the theory prediction.
High-Speed Gas Chromatographic Analysis of a Simulated Process Stream using On-Column Thermal Desorption Modulation for Sample Preconcentration and Introduction

L'utilisation de la modulation thermique pour introduire les echantillons permet d'utiliser des colonnes de diametre plus petit dans l'analyse des ecoulements de processus
The influence of friends and psychosocial factors on physical activity and screen time behavior in adolescents: a mixed-methods analysis

(1) Determine the association between adolescent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen time with their nominated friends’ behaviors and (2) explore potential mechanisms of friends’ social influences on MVPA and screen time. Participants consisted of 152 adolescents (mean age: 14.5 years, 53 % female, 50 % high school, 80 % Caucasian). MVPA was measured with an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer. Demographic and psychosocial variables were assessed via questionnaires. Participants nominated up to 5 friends who completed MVPA and screen time questionnaires. A subset of adolescents (n = 108) participated in focus groups that examined potential mechanism of friends’ influence on MVPA and screen time. Multiple regression analysis examined the association of demographic, psychological, and nominated friend variables with participants’ MVPA and screen time. NVivo 10.0 was used to analyze qualitative data. Greater levels of friends’ MVPA was associated with greater levels of MVPA in both males (p < .0001) and females (p < .0001). Greater levels of friends’ screen time was associated with greater levels of screen time in males (p = .04) while psychosocial variables, such as increased screen time enjoyment, were associated with increased screen time in females (p = .01). School level was not associated with either MVPA or screen time. Focus group data indicated that friends positively influenced participants’ MVPA through engaging in activity with participants, verbal encouragement, and modeling of MVPA. All participants preferred to be active with friends rather than alone, however, females preferred activity with a close friend while males preferred to be active with a group. Enjoyment of MVPA was the most cited reason for engaging in MVPA with friends. The majority of participants reported friends not having an influence on screen time. Adolescents with active friends are more likely to be physically active and spend less time engaging in screen-based behaviors. Interventions to increase MVPA in youth could be designed to include the recruitment of friends to increase enjoyment of MVPA.
Injury and Disease in Former Collegiate Athletes

Athletes undergo vigorous training in order to be successful in their sport. They must participate in more than the recommended amount of daily physical activity to reach a high level of competition. High levels of training can lead to high risk of injury in specific sports, which may lead to future disability and potential risk of chronic disease. The purpose of this review was to examine the incidence of injury in athletes in specific sports. There have been several studies that have tried to establish a link between future disease risk and prior athletic participation. Prior injury may play a role in the development of future disease. This review also examined the relationship between specific sports and future chronic disease risk. Results confirm that more research is needed in order to link injuries in early athletics with future chronic disease risk. Risk of osteoarthritis after joint injury in athletic competition is high in each study analyzed. This review may shed light into the risk carried in specific sports for injury, and serve as a starting place for future research into the risk of chronic disease in athletes with prior injuries.
Key Skills for Crafting Customer Solutions Within an Ecosystem: A Theories-in-Use Perspective

A growing body of marketing and service research analyzes the processes inherent in the creation of customer solutions. This work is increasingly important as vendors and customers alike strive to ...
Non-Griffiths-like clustered phase above the Curie temperature of the doped perovskite cobaltite La{sub x-1}Sr{sub x}CoO{sub 3}.

The existence of preformed clusters above the Curie temperature of the doped perovskite manganites is well established and, in many cases, conforms to the expectations for a Griffiths phase. We show here that the canonical perovskite cobaltite (La{sub 1?x}Sr{sub x}CoO{sub 3}) also exhibits a clustered state above the Curie point in the ferromagnetic phase. The formation of magnetic clusters at a well-defined temperature (T*) is revealed in the small-angle neutron scattering and dc susceptibility. Remarkably, the characteristics of this clustered state appear quite unlike those of a Griffiths phase; the deviation from Curie-Weiss behavior is opposite to expectations and is field independent, while T* does not correspond to the undiluted Curie temperature. These results demonstrate that, although the Griffiths model may apply to many systems with quenched disorder, it is not universally applicable to randomly doped transition metal oxides.
Preliminary study on eye irritation with RBC hemolysis test to replace Draize test for pesticides

Objective To select a better classification standard of RBC hemolysis test for predicting the eye irritancy of pesticides and to use RBC hemolysis test to replace the method described in the in vitro toxicology INVITOX Protocol N°37.Methods 29 kinds of pesticides were tested by RBC hemolysis test and Draize test at the same time.The classifications of the two tests were analyzed on their relevance and consistency.Results The result of RBC hemolysis test based on the first classification standard of cosmetic ingredients were:McNemar-Bowker W=9.35(P=0.22);Kappa=0.55(P=0.002);Spearman R=0.58(P=0.001).While based on cosmetic ingredients:McNemar-Bowker W=10.40(P=0.02);Kappa=0.54(P=0.001);Spearman R=0.61(P0.001).Conclusion RBC hemolysis test could be chosen to test the eye irritancy of pesticides based on the cosmetic standard.The results of RBC hemolysis test and Draize eye irritation test were relevant and consistent.As a screening eye irritation for pesticides,RBC hemolysis test could be an effective alternative method to Draize eye irritation test.
Abstract P4-10-10: The City of Hope breast cancer survivorship study: A longitudinal look at symptoms

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors report many symptoms post treatment. However, longitudinal data, including pre-treatment measures, are scarce making it difficult to accurately attribute symptoms, as patients experience many changes; hormonal fluctuation, chemotherapy, additive endocrine therapy. Therefore, we undertook this longitudinal study to distinguish the impact of these different treatments along the survivorship time course, starting with time at diagnosis. METHODS: Female, breast cancer survivors completed symptom questionnaires (Qx) pre-treatment (pre-tx), at 6-months follow-up (during-tx) and 12-months (post-tx) follow-up. Women rated symptoms in the past week as not at all, a little bit, somewhat, quite a bit, and very much. Symptoms included, hot flashes, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, loss of interest in intercourse, weight gain, dizziness, vomiting diarrhea, headaches, abdominal bloating, breast sensitivity, mood swings, irritability, and joint pain. Additional measures included view of overall health, overall pain in the past month, and average fatigue in the past week. Chi-square tests were conducted across time points and stratified by menopausal status and type of treatment. Symptom changes from baseline, clustered by subject, were entered into a generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. RESULTS: Of the 237 breast cancer survivors (median pre-tx age: 53 years, range: 24-70), who completed the pre-tx Qx, 112 completed the 6-month Qx and 95 completed the 12-month Qx. Women reported an increase in hot flashes from pre-tx to 6-months (p CONCLUSIONS: Several symptoms thought to be related to treatment may actually be present at time of diagnosis and many treatment-related symptoms appear to decrease by 12-months. Severity appears to be modified by menopausal status and type of treatment. Our results give crucial insight for the development of effective symptom-based management and intervention along the treatment time course. Citation Format: Clague DeHart J, Cheung-Wong L, Smith R, Flores S, Mortimer J. The City of Hope breast cancer survivorship study: A longitudinal look at symptoms. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-10.
Fissured Employment: Implications for Achieving Decent Work

A young entrepreneur owns her own janitorial services franchise where she is both owner and employee. She receives contracts for work from a regional franchisor who oversees her franchise, which in turn is part of a large, national franchisor that provides all of her contracts, defines the geographic boundaries of her franchise, and sets quality and performance standards, as well as the rate of pay for her jobs. A maid works in a hotel owned by a Real Estate Investment Trust that is her employer of record. She is evaluated and supervised on a daily basis and her hours and payroll are managed by staff of a national third-party hotel management company, but she follows daily procedures regarding cleaning, room set-up, overall pace, and quality standards established by the international hotel chain whose name the property bears. An employee of a temporary labour agency works under the direction of supervisors of a national logistics company. That logistics company, in turn, has been hired by an international retailer to operate one of its major distribution centres. The logistics company and the temporary agency hired by it follow the detailed procedures created by the retailer and evaluate the performance of the temporary agency workforce based on their ability to meet those standards.
A brief measure of Smokers' knowledge of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography

We describe the development and psychometric properties of a new, brief measure of smokers' knowledge of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Content experts identified key facts smokers should know in making an informed decision about lung cancer screening. Sample questions were drafted and iteratively refined based on feedback from content experts and cognitive testing with ten smokers. The resulting 16-item knowledge measure was completed by 108 heavy smokers in Houston, Texas, recruited from 12/2014 to 09/2015. Item difficulty, item discrimination, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed. Group differences based upon education levels and smoking history were explored. Several items were dropped due to ceiling effects or overlapping constructs, resulting in a 12-item knowledge measure. Additional items with high item uncertainty were retained because of their importance in informed decision making about lung cancer screening. Internal consistency reliability of the final scale was acceptable (KR-20 = 0.66) and test-retest reliability of the overall scale was 0.84 (intraclass correlation). Knowledge scores differed across education levels (F = 3.36, p = 0.04), while no differences were observed between current and former smokers (F = 1.43, p = 0.24) or among participants who met or did not meet the 30-pack-year screening eligibility criterion (F = 0.57, p = 0.45). The new measure provides a brief, valid and reliable indicator of smokers' knowledge of key concepts central to making an informed decision about lung cancer screening with LDCT, and can be part of a broader assessment of the quality of smokers' decision making about lung cancer screening.
Pointwise Universality of the Normal Form

The problems posed here arise in the context of combinational complexity of Boolean functions whose truth tables cannot be concisely specified [2]. This class of functions arises in the study of computation and decision-making based on natural data, such as the case of pattern recognition in uncontrolled environments. The main feature of these functions is the lack of a structure that would allow an efficient systematic implementation. This leaves us with a large number of essentially unrelated cases to account for, which puts a lower bound on the complexity of these functions. However, an exhaustive solution is not necessary either, since the essential dimensionality of the data is typically far less than the actual dimensionality.
Abstract 207: High Blood Pressure Effects on the Outcomes of Cardiovascular Events: Teaching versus Non Teaching Hospitals

Background: The effects of blood pressure on outcomes of inpatients with cardiovascular related diseases in teaching and non teaching hospitals are not well known. In this study we are investigating the prevalence of hypertension and other co-morbidities on the length of stay and transfers of inpatients’ with heart attack in teaching and non teaching hospitals. Method: Patients were selected using International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification primary diagnosis codes from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Data were retrospectively extracted from 1,056 hospitals in 42 States with 8,158,381 samples in 2008. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to examine patient characteristics and outcomes of inpatient with heart attack, diabetes and other co-morbidities in teaching and non teaching hospitals. Results: The percentage of hospital length of stay for a day or less than one day was higher in non- teaching than in teaching hospitals for patients’ co-morbidities. Especially for hypertension, the percentage was higher in non-teaching hospitals, X2 = 25.236, df = 6, p =.000. The percentage of longer lengths of stay (7-13 days) for congestive heart failure (CHF) was also higher in non teaching hospitals (34.9%) than teaching hospitals (25%). The results correlate with the symptomatic effects of heart attack. High blood pressure resulting into rupture, clot and necrotic tissues which limits blood circulation, hence heart attack. In addition, inpatients’ with chronic pulmonary disease (X2 = 37.225, df = 4, p =.000) and hypertension (X2 = 46.058, df = 4, p =.000) had higher transfer rates in non-teaching hospitals. The difference between teaching and non-teaching hospitals was statistically significant for chronic pulmonary disease and hypertension was large enough to affect clinical policy. Conclusions: This study has ascertained that the effect of hypertension on the length of stay and transfers of inpatients with cardiovascular events in teaching and non teaching hospitals is highly significant. Hence, it is suggested that there should be a policy in place to screen all patients for hypertension and other co-morbidities on admission to prevent cardiovascular complications.
Morphology of ejected particles and impact sites on intercepting substrates following exit-surface laser damage with nanosecond pulses in silica

A volume of superheated material reaching localized temperatures of the order of 1 eV and pressures of the order of 10 GPa is generated following laser-induced damage (breakdown) on the surface of transparent dielectric materials using nanosecond pulses. This leads to material ejection and the formation of a crater. To elucidate the material behaviors involved, we examined the morphologies of the ejected particles and found distinctive features that support their classification into different types. The different morphologies arise from the difference in the structure and physical properties (such as the dynamic viscosity and presence of instabilities) of the superheated and surrounding affected material at the time of ejection of each individual particle. In addition, the temperature and kinetic energy of a subset of the ejected particles were found to be sufficient to initiate irreversible modification on the intercepting silica substrates. The modifications observed are associated with mechanical damage and fusion of melted particles on the collector substrate.
Battelle barricade: A nondestructive electronic component authentication and counterfeit detection technology

A technology to nondestructively classify electronic components as authentic or counterfeit has been developed. The technology does not require integrated circuit design modifications, physical alterations to existing inventory, or any changes to electronic component manufacturing processes to perform the classification process. The technology uses a method that creates feature vectors for each class of devices from their power consumption waveforms. Developed algorithms process the waveforms into lower dimensionality feature vectors. The feature vectors are input to the Battelle Barricade classifier algorithm that performs the electronic component classification. The technology is expected to perform component authentication and counterfeit detection at a very low cost, with practical throughput rates (seconds per part) and achieve a high classification accuracy (better than 95%). Because Barricade is nondestructive, 100% of components in any given inventory can be authenticated and tested for counterfeits.
The Origins and Scope of Presidential Impeachment

This essay discusses the historical background leading to the inclusion of the impeachment clause in Section 4 of Article II of the U.S. Constitution. In English parliamentary history, American colonial history, and American state constitutions under the Articles of Confederation, considerably varied answers were given to relevant questions. These included: What is impeachment, who is subject to it, what offenses can it reach, who can exercise the power of impeachment and trial, and what penalties can be imposed? The author concludes that the history of impeachment provided quite unclear guides to the Constitutionâ€™s framers, and the evidence from the Constitutional Convention likewise leaves the framersâ€™ intent as to scope (what is impeachable) quite unclear.
Evaluation of the validity and response burden of patient self-report measures of the pain assessment screening tool and outcomes registry (Pastor)

ABSTRACT Background: In 2009, the Army Pain Management Task Force was chartered. On the basis of their findings, the Department of Defense recommended a comprehensive pain management strategy that included development of a standardized pain assessment system that would collect patient-reported outcomes data to inform the patient-provider clinical encounter. The result was the Pain Assessment Screening Tool and Outcomes Registry (PASTOR). The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and response burden of the patient-reported outcome measures in PASTOR. Methods: Data for analyses were collected from 681 individuals who completed PASTOR at baseline and follow-up as part of their routine clinical care. The survey tool included self-report measures of pain severity and pain interference (measured using the National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System [PROMIS] and the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating scale). PROMIS measures of pain correlates also were administe...
Volunteered Geographic Videos in Physical Geography: Data Mining from YouTube

Volunteered geographic information and citizen science have advanced academic and public understanding of geographical and ecological processes. Videos hosted online represent a large data source t...
Data integrity attack on consensus-based load shedding algorithm for power systems

The paper presents a novel data integrity attack on consensus-based load shedding algorithm. In particular, we show that by sending out elaborately falsified information during the consensus iterations, attackers could manipulate the system operating point to achieve selfish goals, e.g. loads remain being served under contingencies while shedding other loads. More importantly, still maintain the system stability. This data integrity attack has three major features: 1) no additional information about system topology or other devices are required to launch the attack; 2) the attacking effect is accumulative which enables attackers to complete the attacks in either single or multiple iterations; 3) attackers could fulfill their goal using the local agent alone, no other agents need to be compromised during the attack. By revealing such potential risks, this paper conveys the message that besides the efforts of designing novel consensus-based applications, it is equally important to protect distributed smart grid applications from possible malicious cyber-attacks. The potential impact of the data integrity attacks is illustrated on simulation examples.
The relationship of pelvic incidence to post-operative total hip arthroplasty dislocation in patients with lumbar fusion

To determine if lumbar fusion increases the risk of dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a posterior approach and to investigate anatomic variables associated with this increased risk. Five-year retrospective review of THAs performed through a posterior approach identifying cases of post-operative dislocation. Patients were grouped into those with or without previous lumbar spine fusion. Lumbar fusion patients were then further analyzed in terms of cup position, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt to determine if there were specific variables associated with the increased risk of dislocation. Five hundred nine primary THAs in 460 patients (non-simultaneous bilateral THAs in 41 patients) met inclusion criteria with a dislocation rate of 5.5%. Thirty-one patients were identified as having prior lumbar fusions. The dislocation rate was significantly higher in fusion patients (29 vs 4%; p = 0.009) yielding a relative risk (RR) of dislocation of 4.77 (p = < 0.0001). Additionally, cup anteversion was significantly different between groups (26.8 vs 21.42; p = 0.009). Dislocators in the fusion group were also at greater risk of requiring subsequent revision (RR = 3.24; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis of fusion patients revealed that dislocators had lower pelvic incidence and sacral slope compared to non-dislocators (45.2 vs 58.6 [p = 0.0029] and 26.3 vs 35.6 [p = 0.0384] respectively). Patients with lumbar fusion are at increased risk for post-operative dislocations requiring revision. Together, lower pelvic incidence and decreased sacral slope are associated with increased risk of dislocation in these patients.
Out-of-Pocket Spending Not Associated with Oral Oncolytic Survival Benefit.

BACKGROUND: With total and out-of-pocket spending for oral oncolytics rising, there is increased interest in choosing oncology treatments based on their clinical value relative to cost. OBJECTIVE: ...
GLP Analogues Are Superior for Diabetes and Weight Control in Patients on Antipsychotic Plus/Minus Antidepressant Medications

Obesity and diabetes are much more common in patients with mental illnesses compared to the general population and they are linked to adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Antipsychotic, but also antidepressant medications have been associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. Newer diabetes medications, for example GLP (Glucagon-Like Peptide) analogues, improve not only diabetes control, they also promote weight loss and some (f.i. liraglutide) lower adverse CV outcomes making them ideal agents for mentally diseased patients. Studies of these at-risk patients are scarce and inconclusive. While one study of prediabetic patients on antipsychotics showed improved glucose tolerance and weight loss on a GLP analogue [liraglutide (Larsen JR et al., 2017)], another did not [exenatide (Ishoy PL et al., 2017)]. We thus analyzed diabetic patients on antipsychotics after referral to our diabetes clinic between 2010-2016. Forty five patients were included in this retrospective study; ten were started on GLP analogues (cases), thirty five were treated with alternative diabetic agents (controls). Cases and controls did not significantly differ in age, sex, height, weight and medical therapies at the time of referral. Within one year, a significant reduction in HbA1c (mean±SE) was noted in both groups (-1.25±0.25% for cases, -1.47±0.45% for controls). However, patients on GLP analogues lost 7.1±2.6kg, whereas control patients gained 1.9±1.4kg (p=0.005). Within the entire cohort, we also noted a blunted HbA1c reduction in patients on antidepressants (-0.69±0.33% ON, -2.97±0.6% OFF antidepressants, p=0.001). The opposite trend was observed for patients on GLP analogues, a greater HbA1c reduction was seen for those ON antidepressants. In summary, GLP analogues are superior for both diabetes and weight control in diabetic patients on antipsychotics plus/minus antidepressants. Future studies are needed to confirm and validate these promising trends. Disclosure L. Perlis: None. S.U. Miedlich: None.
Estimated-regression planning for interactions with web services

"Web services" are agents on the web that provide services to other agents. Interacting with a web service is essentially a planning problem, provided the service exposes an interface containing action definitions, which in fact is an elegant representation of how web services actually behave. The question is what sort of planner is best suited for solving the resulting problems, given that dealing with web services involves gathering information and then acting on it. Estimated-regression planners use a backward analysis of the difficulty of a goal to guide a forward search through situation space. They are well suited to the web-services domain because it is easy to relax the assumption of complete knowledge, and to formalize what it is they don't know and could find out by sending the relevant messages. Applying them to this domain requires extending classical notations (e.g., PDDL) in various ways. A preliminary implementation of these ideas has been constructed, and further tests are underway.
Transcription Through Chromatin

The eukaryotic genome is organized in DNA–histone complexes called chromatin. The nucleosome core (∼150 bp DNA tightly wrapped around the histone octamer in two superhelical coils) is a minimal unit of chromatin organization. Chromatin is designed to allow both tight DNA packaging and proper functioning and regulation of enzymes such as DNA and RNA polymerases. The mechanisms making DNA accessible for enzymes of DNA metabolism in a regulated manner are beginning to emerge. Thus the histone octamer has a remarkable ability to survive transcription by stepping around the transcribing polymerase without ever going free in solution. Moreover, nucleosomes can present a serious barrier for transcribing polymerases that dramatically decreases the rate of transcription and is probably regulated in vivo. The mechanism of transcription through the nucleosomal barrier is discussed in detail.
Query Processing and Optimization in λ-DB

The advent of web databases and XML has sprouted a new interest in object-oriented database technology for storing and manipulating semi-structured data. Still lacking from object-oriented databases is a suitable framework for query processing and optimization that meets the performance requirements of these applications. We present an effective framework with a solid theoretical basis for optimizing query languages. Our calculus, called the monoid comprehension calculus, captures most features of ODMG OQL and is a good basis for expressing various optimization algorithms concisely. As a realistic domain to demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework, we have chosen the domain of XML query processing. We present a framework for storing XML data and for translating XML queries into OQL queries. Instead of inventing yet another semi-structured algebra for expressing our translations, the target of our transformation rules is OQL code, which is optimized without any fundamental extension to the existing optimization framework.
Improving patient wait-time and patient/provider wait-time satisfaction by the room pooling model.

6595Background: The growth in patient (pt) volume and limited clinic capacity can lead to long wait times and pt/provider dissatisfaction. The room allocation model (RAM), where fixed rooms are all...
Molecular identifications in experiments with astronomical ice analogues: new data, old strategies, and the N2 + acetone system

A recent publication on the radiation chemistry and IR spectroscopy of N2 plus acetone ices is used to illustrate some of the difficulties encountered in the study of astronomical ice analogues. Concerns and problems are identified and suggestions for their solution are presented, including new infrared (IR) spectra of amorphous ices. The hazards of using peak positions alone for assignments of the IR spectra of irradiated ices are illustrated, and the importance of considering the underlying reaction chemistry is shown. Several experiments are proposed as a way to investigate the behaviour of acetone in cold, extraterrestrial environments. Electronic versions of IR spectra are provided and several new refractive indices of ices are reported.
Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing: An Investigation of the Axes of the Four-Quadrant Model in Healthy Adults

We examined the behavioral response (BR) and threshold (T) axes of Dunn’s four-quadrant model of sensory processing (1997). We assessed whether they are ordinal ranges and if variation is associated with other similarly described characteristics: Introversion/Extraversion (I/E) of Eysenck’s personality model (Sato, 2005), and somatosensory event related potentials (SERP) and their gating (Davies & Gavin, 2007). From healthy adults (n = 139), we obtained: Adult/Adolescent Profile (A/ASP, Brown & Dunn, 2002) and Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire, Brief Version (Sato, 2005) scores and peak amplitude and gating factor of SERP P50. We found that BR scores did not differ across normative categories of the A/ASP, but T scores significantly increased along the axis. I/E scores did not vary with BR scores. There were no differences or correlations in P50 amplitudes and gating with T scores. The findings suggest that the BR axis may not reflect a construct with ordinal range, but the T axis may. Dunn’s concept of BR appears to be distinct from Eysenck’s concept of I/E. SERP and its gating may not be directly reflective of sensory processing thresholds in healthy adults. Conclusions are limited by having few participants with passive behavior regulation or low threshold patterns of processing.
The Correlation between Menstrual Symptoms and College Academic Activities [University of West Florida]

Sleep and the menstrual cycle are greatly intertwined, Both sleep and menstruation can affect each other: sleep quality can be related to the regularity and symptoms of the menstrual cycle. Women have poorer sleep quality during menstruation, including difficulties in falling asleep and maintaining sleep. Few studies have looked directly at the correlation between menstrual symptoms, sleep quality, stress, and college academic activities. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between female students’ menstrual cycle symptoms, stress levels, sleep quality, and academic activities. We are also investigating whether the students compensate for the negative effects of menstruation, how they compensate, and how much they compensate. For example, “Do you compensate for sub-optimal conditions caused by your menstrual symptoms and their severity? If yes, how so?” A preliminary survey will be given to qualify participants for the longitudinal study. Data for this longitudinal study will be gathered through a daily self-reported survey with semi-structured Likert-scale and open-ended questions, about severity of menstrual symptoms; sleep quality, study habits, stress levels, and academic activities both during and not during menstruation. In order to avoid recall error and ensure consistency, we will conduct a naturalistic observational and longitudinal study wherein participants will answer questions nightly over the course of two months. A regression statistical analysis will be conducted. To compare performance and academic habits, participants will be separated into three academic groups according to GPA: 2.5-2.9, 3.0-3.4, and 3.5+. We expect to find that, during menstruation, relative to non-menstruation, participants experience higher stress levels, poorer sleep quality, a difference in academic activities, and compensation for deficiencies, with students with higher GPAs having higher rates of compensation. Data collection will be conducted in March and data analysis will be completed by April 2019.
Transforming Veteran Identity Through Community Engagement: A Chaplain–Psychologist Collaboration to Address Moral Injury:

Moral injury (MI) is gaining traction within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an essential construct for understanding an important dimension of suffering experienced by U.S. combat-deplo...
PERQ: Fair and Efficient Power Management of Power-Constrained Large-Scale Computing Systems

Large-scale computing systems are becoming increasingly more power-constrained, but these systems employ hardware over- provisioning to achieve higher system throughput because applications often do not consume the peak power capacity of nodes. Unfortunately, focusing on system throughput alone can lead to severe unfairness among multiple concurrently-running applications. This paper introduces PERQ, a new feedback-based principled approach to improve system throughput while achieving fairness among concurrent applications.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Corneal Fibrosis and Inflammation via Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of miRNA

Mesenchymal stem cells from corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) prevent fibrotic scarring and stimulate regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal wounding in mice. These effects rely on the ability of CSSC to block neutrophil infiltration into the damaged cornea. The current study investigated the hypothesis that tissue regeneration by CSSC is mediated by secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). CSSC produced EVs 130-150 nm in diameter with surface proteins that include CD63, CD81, and CD9. EVs from CSSC reduced visual scarring in murine corneal wounds as effectively as did live cells, but EVs from human embryonic kidney (HEK)293T cells had no regenerative properties. CSSC EV treatment of wounds decreased expression of fibrotic genes Col3a1 and Acta2, blocked neutrophil infiltration, and restored normal tissue morphology. CSSC EVs labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dye, rapidly fused with corneal epithelial and stromal cells in culture, transferring microRNA (miRNA) to the target cells. Knockdown of mRNA for Alix, a component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport, using siRNA, resulted in an 85% reduction of miRNA in the secreted EVs. The EVs with reduced miRNA were ineffective at blocking corneal scarring. Furthermore, CSSC with reduced Alix expression also lost their regenerative function, suggesting EVs as an obligate component in the delivery of miRNA. The results of these studies support an essential role for extracellular vesicles in the process by which CSSC cells block scarring and initiate regeneration of transparent corneal tissue after wounding. EVs appear to serve as a delivery vehicle for miRNA, which affects the regenerative action. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:1192-1201.
The baltimore moment: race, place, and public disorder

The death of Freddie Gray in April 2015 sparked numerous protests and looting in Baltimore, Maryland. But why did massive uprising take place in Baltimore? What was so special about Baltimore tha...
Neumann Networks for Linear Inverse Problems in Imaging

Many challenging image processing tasks can be described by an ill-posed linear inverse problem: deblurring, deconvolution, inpainting, compressed sensing, and superresolution all lie in this framework. Traditional inverse problem solvers minimize a cost function consisting of a data-fit term, which measures how well an image matches the observations, and a regularizer, which reflects prior knowledge and promotes images with desirable properties like smoothness. Recent advances in machine learning and image processing have illustrated that it is often possible to learn a regularizer from training data that can outperform more traditional regularizers. We present an end-to-end, data-driven method of solving inverse problems inspired by the Neumann series, which we call a Neumann network. Rather than unroll an iterative optimization algorithm, we truncate a Neumann series which directly solves the linear inverse problem with a data-driven nonlinear regularizer. The Neumann network architecture outperforms traditional inverse problem solution methods, model-free deep learning approaches, and state-of-the-art unrolled iterative methods on standard datasets. Finally, when the images belong to a union of subspaces and under appropriate assumptions on the forward model, we prove there exists a Neumann network configuration that well-approximates the optimal oracle estimator for the inverse problem and demonstrate empirically that the trained Neumann network has the form predicted by theory.
Identification of Novel Plasmids Containing the Tigecycline Resistance Gene tet(X4) in Escherichia coli Isolated from Retail Chicken Meat

In 2019, transferable plasmid-borne tet(X3)/tet(X4) genes conferring high-level tigecycline resistance were identified in Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter. These transferable tet(X) variants are associated with different plasmids and could further spread and disseminate through associated mobile plasmids, raising public concern. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of two novel plasmids carrying tet(X4) in Escherichia coli isolated from retail chicken meat. We believe that our study contributes to our understanding of the genetic environment of tet(X4) and their transferability and capability of recombination and integration with other resistance genes in plasmids.
Generating Convex Polynomial Inequalities for Mixed 0–1 Programs

We develop a method for generating valid convex quadratic inequalities for mixed 0–1 convex programs. We also show how these inequalities can be generated in the linear case by defining cut generation problems using a projection cone. The basic results for quadratic inequalities are extended to generate convex polynomial inequalities.
The Fusion Breeder: Its Potential Role and Prospects

The fusion breeder concept utilizes 14-MeV neutrons from DT fusion reactions to produce more neutrons than are required to breed the tritium needed to sustain the fusion process; this excess is used to produce fissile fuel for subsequent use in fission reactors. The historical development of and motivation for the fusion breeder are described and a number of conclusions drawn about the possible future role of such a device. First, it could significantly influence the development of both fission and fusion plants by allowing fission to meet demand with a variety of reactor types and by acting as an early commercial fusion application. Second, if serious development work starts now, the device could be ready relatively quickly and in time to avert some of the energy/environment problems foreseen for the 21st century. Third, the concept seems economically favorable, would set a ceiling to U3O8 prices, and could show a very high benefit/cost ratio. Finally, the device would give power utilities the option of just buying fissile fuel as they do at present from enrichment plants.
Improvements in Critical Current Densities of Nb3Sn by Solid Solution Additions of Sn in Nb

The superconducting compounds Nb3Sn and V3Ga are now commercially available as multifilamentary wires. Micron diameter filaments of these brittle compounds are fabricated by solid state reaction at the interface between Nb (or V) filaments and a copper base Sn (or Ga) bronze matrix. The ductile bronze Nb (or V) composite is drawn to a final wire diameter prior to formation of the superconducting compound.
LUKEWARM MODELS OF THE INTERGALACTIC MEDIUM

Intergalactic medium lukewarm models, considering physical state, cosmic photon spectrum and isothermal and adiabatic expansion
Proposed Reproductive Cycle for a Relatively Stable L-Phase Variant of Streptococcus faecalis

Based on electron microscopic observations, the reproductive cycle of a relatively stable L-phase variant of Streptococcus faecalis was proposed. The small, dense, nonvesiculated L-form is envisioned as the central (core) element. It was seen to divide and bud rapidly. In addition, the dense forms appeared to be capable of growth and development within vesicles of mature mother forms. When these forms were released from the vesicles into the surrounding fluid medium, further growth occurred, resulting in the development of immature and ultimately mature mother forms. Under conditions unfavorable for L-form growth, these dense forms developed first into transitional forms and then into the bacterial form. These dense forms might therefore be considered as undifferentiated “stem cells' with the capacity to develop along several different routes, depending upon the stimulus received.
Privacy-preserving schema matching using mutual information

The problem of schema or ontology matching is to define mappings among schema or ontology elements. Such mappings are typically defined between two schemas or two ontologies at a time. Ideally, using the defined mappings, one would be able to issue a single query that will be rewritten automatically to all the databases, instead of manually writing a query to each database. In a centrally mediated architecture a query is written in terms of a global schema or ontology that integrates all the database schemas or ontologies, while in a peer-to-peer architecture a query is written in terms of the schema or of the ontology of any of the peer databases.
Splenectomy to treat splenic lesions: An analysis of 148 cases at a cancer center

Background and Objectives Solid and cystic splenic masses discovered on imaging studies often pose diagnostic and management dilemmas. This study analyses a large series of splenectomies to identify preoperative factors associated with malignant splenic masses. Methods Pathology records at a single institution were reviewed for all splenectomies. Those performed as a component of a larger resection, such as staging or debulking were excluded. Demographic and clinicopathologic factors were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Results Between 1986 and 2012, 2,743 patients underwent a splenectomy, 148 of which were performed for lesions identified on imaging. The indications were suspicion of malignancy (120, 81%), growth over time (28, 19%), or symptoms (39, 26%). Resected splenic lesions were malignant in 93 patients (63%); the most common pathologies included ovarian cancer (n = 39), melanoma (n = 14), and colorectal cancer (n = 9). On multivariate analysis of clinicopathologic factors, a previous history of cancer was the only independent predictor of malignancy in the splenic lesion (odds ratio 6.3; 95% CI, 2.32–16.97; P = 0.001). Conclusion While the spleen is an uncommon site of metastatic disease, in patients with a history of cancer, splenic masses selected for resection are frequently malignant. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:521–525. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design, Implementation and Performance Evaluation of a High Performance CORBA Group Membership Protocol

This paper describes the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of a CORBA group membership protocol. Using CORBA to implement a group membership protocol enables that protocol to operate in a heterogeneous, distributed computing environment. To evaluate the effect of CORBA on the performance of a group membership protocol, this paper provides a detailed comparison of the performance measured from three implementations of a group membership protocol. One implementation uses UDP sockets, while the other two use CORBA for interprocess communication. The main conclusion is that CORBA can be used to implement high performance group membership protocols. There is some performance degradation due to CORBA, but this degradation can be reduced by carefully choosing an appropriate design.
Potent inhibitors of the HIV-1 protease incorporating cyclic urea P1-P2 scaffold.

Abstract We have developed synthetic approaches to novel analogues of 2-imidazolidinone scaffold 2, which was found to be an effective P1–P2 mimetic in HIV-1 protease inhibitor 4. This enabled a rapid synthesis of analogues of 4 and subsequently allowed us to evaluate and rationalize the SAR. Accordingly, trans relationship of P1 and P2 substituents in the P1–P2 mimetic, as found in a related 2-pyrrolidone-based scaffold 1, was found necessary for high potency against HIV-1 protease. Results of this study provided further rationale towards subsequent optimization of 2-pyrrolidone-based lead 3, which led us to potent and drug-like HIV-1 protease inhibitors described in a follow-on report (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2004, 14, in press. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2004.08.039 ).
On the Stereochemistry of Organocopper Mediated Conversion of Propargylic Esters to Allenes

Using a vitamin D-related steroidal CD fragment as a stereochemical probe, the effect of various factors on the stereochemical course of the organocopper induced conversion of propargylic esters to allenes has been studied. In all cases, an anti mode of attack by the organocopper species was found to be preferred. The effectiveness of Gilman-type reagents (R2CuLi) versus that of the Lipshutz-type higher-order mixed cuprate systems (R2CuCNLi2) in promoting the reaction was also studied.
Energy expenditure in adolescents during low intensity, leisure activities

ABSTRACTWe sought to determine how a stationary activity such as playing a stringed instrument may affect energy expenditure (EE) in adolescents. Using automated indirect calorimetry, we measured EE in eight adolescents (1 male, 7 females, 14.2 ± 2.1 yr) while they each performed the following activ