cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distortion-Free Data Embedding for Images

One common drawback of virtually all current data embedding methods is the fact that the original image is inevitably distorted by some small amount of noise due to data embedding itself. This distortion typically cannot be removed completely due to quantization, bit-replacement, or truncation at the grayscales 0 and 255. Although the distortion is often quite small, it may not be acceptable for medical imagery (for legal reasons) or for military images inspected under unusual viewing conditions (after filtering or extreme zoom). In this paper, we introduce a general approach for high-capacity data embedding that is distortion-free (or lossless) in the sense that after the embedded information is extracted from the stego-image, we can revert to the exact copy of the original image before the embedding occurred. The new method can be used as a powerful tool to achieve a variety of non-trivial tasks, including distortion-free robust watermarking, distortion-free authentication using fragile watermarks, and steganalysis. The proposed concepts are also extended to lossy image formats, such as the JPG.
Mi-1.2, an R gene for aphid resistance in tomato, has direct negative effects on a zoophytophagous biocontrol agent, Orius insidiosus

Mi-1.2 is a single dominant gene in tomato that confers race-specific resistance against certain phloem-feeding herbivores including aphids, whiteflies, psyllids, and root-knot nematodes. Few prior studies have considered the potential non-target effects of race-specific resistance genes (R genes), and this paper evaluates the compatibility of Mi-mediated resistance in tomato with a beneficial zoophytophagous predator, Orius insidiosus (Say). In addition to preying on aphids and other pests, this piercing–sucking insect also feeds from the xylem, epidermis, and/or mesophyll, and oviposits within plant tissues. Comparison of O. insidiosus confined to isogenic tomato plants with and without Mi-1.2 revealed that immatures of O. insidiosus had lower survival on resistant plants even when the immatures were provisioned with prey that did not feed on the host plant. Molecular gut content analysis confirmed that adults and immatures of O. insidiosus feed on both resistant (Mi-1.2+) and susceptible (Mi-1.2–) genotypes, and bioassays suggest that resistance does not affect oviposition rates, plant sampling, or prey acceptance by O. insidiosus adults. These results demonstrate a direct negative impact of R-gene-mediated host plant resistance on a non-target beneficial species, and reveal that Mi-mediated resistance can impact organisms that do not feed on phloem sap. Through laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR, Mi-1.2 transcripts were detected in the epidermis and mesophyll as well as the phloem of tomato plants, consistent with our observations that Mi-mediated resistance is active outside the phloem. These results suggest that the mode of action and potential ecological impacts of Mi-mediated resistance are broader than previously assumed.
Some Benchmark Problems for FEA from Torsional Behavior of Rubber

Abstract Two commercial finite element analysis (FEA) programs, ANSYS and FLEXPAC, were compared in benchmark problems involving torsion of cylindrical rubber specimens. The effects of using different element types, material models, bulk moduli and specimen geometry were studied and compared with Rivlin's theoretical solution. This was done as an exercise to help build confidence in the analyst's ability to use these codes properly and in the reliability of the results. Some problems with certain element types were identified. With suitable choices, FEA results consistent with the theoretical solution were obtained.
Wavelength Independency of Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) Channels in Spatially Multiplexed Systems

The wavelength independency of OAM is presented showing that the location of spatially multiplexed (SDM) optical channels carrying OAM is independent of the wavelength of light.
Effect of light on oxygen-induced retinopathy in the rat model. Light and OIR in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to establish whether exposure to intense lighting favors the development or aggravates experimental oxygen-induced retinopathy in the new-born rat. Five groups of Wistar rats were studied. The control group was maintained for the first 14 days of life under conditions of cyclical (12L∶12D) lighting at 12 Lx in room air. Two other groups were subjected, for the same amount of time, to semi-darkness (2 Lx; 12L∶12D), one with room air and the other with supplemental 80% oxygen. The final two groups were exposed to the same room air and hyperoxic treatments under intense lighting conditions (600 Lx; 12L∶12D).
Self-Serving Sins versus In-Group Indiscretions: How Self-Construal Predicts Unethical Behavior

While most existing research has assumed that people act unethically to benefit themselves, we explore what motivates people to act unethically for others. We argue that self-construal and benefit ...
Crossover pharmacokinetic analysis comparing intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of tobramycin.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is presently being used to treat over 10,000 patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD) in North America [1], The major drawback to its greater use among the ESRD population is the high incidence of, and complications from, bacterial peritonitis [2]. Although ongoing research has increased our understanding of some of the immunological [3] and nonimmunological [4] mechanisms that lead to peritonitis, the mainstay to preventing the serious sequelae from these infections is the appropriate use of antibiotics.
Marketing, media, and misogyny: interactive advertising critique in a Huffington Post forum

AbstractThis paper examines 3,144 comments in a March 2012 Huffington Post forum about an online Belvedere vodka advertisement that was widely interpreted to depict sexualized violence. The study applies critical textual analysis, relating discourse to context to illuminate recurring themes and clues to the strategies and resources influencing how comments were constructed. Four major recurring themes emerge from within a wide range of topics: (1) speculations on advertising strategy; (2) contested perceptions of sexual assault; (3) links between gender politics and party politics; and (4) media literacy lessons. Cutting across themes is an apparent awareness of context, including the site’s reward system, its predominantly left-leaning politics, and the potential consequences of participant commentary being exploited by Belvedere to increase brand recognition. Comments often invoke personal or professional authority by articulating qualifications presumed relevant to the advertisement’s deconstruction. T...
Kunz, T. H., and S. Parsons (eds.). 2009. Ecological and Behavioral Methods for the Study of Bats. 2nd ed. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, 901 pp. ISBN 978-0-8018-9147-2, price (hardbound), $100.00

T. H. Kunz, S. Parsons (eds.). 2009. Ecological and Behavioral Methods for the Study of Bats. 2nd ed. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, 901 pp. ISBN 978-0-8018-9147-2, price (hardbound), $100.00. I had written “Sometime in 1989” just inside the front cover of my copy of Ecological and Behavioral Methods for the Study of Bats (Kunz 1988), a book that I had purchased from the fine representatives of Smithsonian Institution Press at the American Society of Mammalogists Annual Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1989. The next page is signed “best regards and good batting! Thomas H. Kunz.” The rest of the book is now tattered with slips of paper inserted here and there with notes scribbled on them. For someone who was contemplating the study of bats, I could not wait for this book! It became an instant classic. Now, just 20 years later, the 2nd edition is published and is about twice the size—Kunz (1988) is 533 pages, Kunz and Parsons (2009) is 901 pages—and has more than twice the contributors (35 authors in 1988, 84 in 2009), an additional 14 chapters, and well more than twice the number of citations (notably, each chapter has more than doubled the citations; Table 1). View this table: Table 1 Comparison of 4 metrics between the 1st (Kunz 1988) and 2nd (Kunz and Parsons 2009) editions of Ecological and Behavioral Methods for the Study of Bats . The numbers of chapters could be considered a metric for number of separate or distinct subject areas where methods could be applied for the study of bat biology. If this is true, knowledge and investigation into bat ecology has nearly doubled in the last 2 decades. Clearly, the 1st edition (Kunz 1988) was an anticipated classic and provided significant guidance to a cohort of scientists primed to test their ideas under the tutelage of contributors that Kunz (1988) assembled. The 2nd edition placed chapters into parts that include Monitoring and Tracking; Populations and Assemblages; Reproduction and Development; Behavior of …
Assessment of signal transduction mechanisms regulating airway smooth muscle contractility.

Agonist-receptor interactions regulate airway smooth muscle tone through activation of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) which are coupled to second-messenger pathways that mediate changes in the tissue9s contractile state. Various methods have been applied to identify the structure/function characteristics of G proteins and their role in signal transduction in airway smooth muscle, including the use of exotoxins, nonhydrolyzable analogs of guanosine-triphosphate (GTP), antibodies to purified G proteins, and membrane reconstitution studies. In elucidating mechanisms of airway smooth muscle relaxation, considerable progress has been made in identifying the molecular basis for receptor/G protein coupling and other regulatory processes leading to both the activation and down-regulation of the adenylate cyclase/adenosine 39 59-cyclic monophosphate system. Further, with respect to airway smooth muscle contraction, various approaches have been used to evaluate the role of membrane phosphoinositide turnover and the mechanisms of action of the bifurcating signal transduction pathways associated with the production and metabolism of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and 1,2-diacylglycerol, and activation of protein kinase C. This review identifies much of the information gained to date on the above signal transduction pathways, with an emphasis placed on various methodological approaches used to determine membrane and transmembrane signaling processes in airway smooth muscle.
Induction of Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase in Mouse 3T3 Cells: Relationship to the State of Cell Proliferation and Guanosine Cyclic 3',5'-Monophosphate

The induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase was studied in a line of mouse 3T3 fibroblasts (Swiss) grown in continuous cell culture. The level of hydroxylase activity after induction by benz[ a ]anthracene appeared to be several times higher in this 3T3 line than in other continuously cultured cell lines previously studied. The induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase was linear for 24 hr after the addition of 13 µM benz[ a ]-anthracene to the culture medium. Induction of the enzyme by benz[ a ]anthracene was markedly greater in 3T3 cells grown in the presence than in the absence of serum and was higher in nonconfluent than in confluent cells. Moreover, the addition of 0.01 µM dibutyryl cyclic GMP (a putative signal for increased cell proliferation) to serumless medium containing 6 µM benz[ a ]anthracene markedly potentiated induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase by the hydrocarbon. These results suggest that the inducibility of the hydroxylase system by benz[ a ]anthracene is greater in proliferating than in nonproliferating cells.
Spin-Glass Behavior in Graphene Oxide Powders Induced by Nonmagnetic Sodium Sulfate

Single or a-few-atoms-thick sheets of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) exhibit a range of unique mechanical, optical, thermal, and electrical properties. While these properties have been extensively studied, research into the magnetics of graphene and GO systems is still in its early stages. A number of theoretical studies, which have yet to be verified experimentally, predict that various types of magnetism can be induced in otherwise diamagnetic carbon systems through (1) the introduction of defects in conjugated carbon networks (e.g., vacancies and covalently bonded functional groups that are abundantly present in GO), (2) the substitution of heteroatoms, and (3) edge effects. Although pristine graphene shows in many respects some of the most interesting features, unlike GO, it is difficult to produce pristine graphene in sufficient quantities to characterize or harvest its magnetic properties for real-world applications. In this study, we examine derivatives of graphene and describe an approach to ind...
Argentina: Mixed Outcomes While Coping with Crisis in a Planner State

This chapter traces the process of health sector reform in Argentina between 1980 and 2005. The chapter interrogates how and why the World Bank became involved in health sector reform in Argentina, the country with which the Bank has had the most extensive, and many would argue successful, relationship in health in the region. In 1989, then Argentinian health minister, Aldo Neri, with support from the federal government, attempted to introduce a universal public health system. This reform failed, largely due to opposition by the trade-based insurance funds that dominate the Argentinian health market, the Obras Sociales. In this chapter, I examine the reforms that the government pursued in the aftermath of this failed reform, and how World Bank’s involvement shaped the direction of future reform in the context of this health system and the broader political and macro-economic national realities. Drawing on World Bank project and loan documents on national health plans and documents together with over two dozen interviews with policy makers, civil society activists, World Bank personnel, and other experts, I find that the World Bank advanced an agenda of targeted interventions in the context of a fragmented system. This chapter describes Argentina as a planner state: characterized by a capable technical expertise and an ambitious health reform plan, but an inability to carry out broad reforms because of divisions within the health system and powerful opposing actors. I conclude this chapter by discussing the implications of this case for our understanding of the ways in which high national autonomy and but weak state capacity in health (the case of Argentina) conditions how international financial institutions and other organizations can affect health sector reform.
Implementing Video Modeling to Improve Transitions Within Activities in Inclusive Classrooms

With an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and the importance of providing inclusive educational settings, it is important for all teachers to utilize strategies that su...
Glutamate Receptor Clusters: Narp, EphB2 Receptor, Stargazin

Neurotransmitter receptor clustering is important for synapse formation and plasticity during development as well as in the mature nervous system. Neurotransmitter receptors are clustered at the active zone of the synapse by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Here, we examine the contribution of three proteins, EphB2 receptor, stargazin, and Narp, in clustering glutamate receptors during synapse formation and synaptic plasticity.
Real-Time Noise Classification of Medical Image via Online Machine Learning Algorithm

Medical image is generally deteriorated by noise due to signal acquisition, signal processing, and other reasons. Noise classification of medical image is able to enhance post-processing tasks like medical image segmentation, registration, and analysis. Due to real-time requirements of medical image analysis for clinical applications, noise classification of medical image is desired to be fast for meeting real-time requirements. On the other hand, online learning algorithms have been studied for processing online data in real-time mode, which can produce rapid learning model based on adjustments of new incoming data. In this paper, we investigate perceptron algorithm - a classical online learning method for noise classification in parallel magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI). Noise generated in pMRI is quickly classified and online classification model is updated in real-time simultaneously. Experimental results demonstrate that noise and brain tissues existing MR images is able to be classified dynamically with the perceptron algorithm.
Distributed Average Tracking of Physical Second-Order Agents With Heterogeneous Unknown Nonlinear Dynamics Without Constraint on Input Signals

This paper addresses distributed average tracking of physical second-order agents with heterogeneous unknown nonlinear dynamics, where there is no constraint on input signals and there is no need for correct initialization. The unknown nonlinear terms in agents’ dynamics are heterogeneous, satisfying a Lipschitz-like condition that will be defined later and is more general than the Lipschitz condition. In the proposed algorithm, a control input and a filter are designed for each agent. Each agent's filter has two outputs and the idea is that the first output estimates the average of the input signals, and the second output estimates the average of the input velocities asymptotically. In parallel, each agent's position and velocity are driven to track, respectively, the first and the second outputs. Having an unknown term in agents’ dynamics necessitates designing the filters for agents. Since the nonlinear terms in agents’ dynamics can be unbounded and the input signals are arbitrary, novel time-varying gains are employed in agents’ filters and control inputs to overcome these unboundedness effects. Finally, the results are improved to achieve the distributed average tracking for a group of double-integrator agents, where there is no constraint on input signals and the filter is not required anymore. Numerical simulations are also presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Lessons Learned from Teaching the Affordable Care Act of 2010

This is a reflection on the evolution of our market-based focus to teaching students about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). Since March 2010, we have presented 12–15 ho...
θ QCD without instantons

We propose a technique for calculating the quantum-chromodynamic parameter ${\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{QCD}}$ in theories with soft $\mathrm{CP}$ violation. Our method is based on ordinary covariant perturbation theory.
Chemoprevention of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths (1). In the United States alone, head and neck cancer is the fifth most common cancer, with approximately 45,400 cases anticipated for the year 2002 and approx 12,600 deaths. We expect that more than 600,000 cases of head and neck cancer will have been diagnosed worldwide in the year 2002 (2). The complexity of head and neck cancer treatment relates to substantial progress in surgery, concomitant chemoradiation therapy, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy over the past few decades. At least six active chemotherapeutic agents are available for this disease, but the 5-yr survival rate has improved only slightly since the 1960s. The overwhelming functional consequences of this disease, its effect on daily life (including problems with speech, swallowing, and profound cosmetic defects), and the subsequent loss of self-esteem and social status make it a particularly serious illness. Further, patients fortunate enough to be cured of head and neck cancer often succumb to a second smoking-related cancer. In addition, metachronous primary cancers in this high-risk group continue to confound care providers. Some studies indicate that these cancers are major determinants of overall prognosis in patients definitively treated for early-stage disease (3).
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) for hematological malignancies (HM) in United States: A comparison of hospitalization outcomes between young and elderly patients.

7049Background: AHCT is increasingly employed for the treatment of HM in elderly patients. However, it is unclear if the hospitalization outcomes of this procedure differ by patient’s age. Methods:...
Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction: Where are we now in diagnosis and management?

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction: Where are we now in diagnosis and management?
TAVI in LVAD Patients with Aortic Insufficiency

Purpose Development of aortic insufficiency (AI) following durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is common, and is associated with a worse prognosis. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a mainstay therapy for high- and intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis , with an off-label use for severe AI. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and durability of TAVI in LVAD patients with severe AI. Methods We evaluated all LVAD patients within our database that underwent TAVI for aortic insufficiency between 4/2014-9/2018. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected before and after TAVI procedure. Aortic regurgitant fraction (RF) was calculated using outflow graft velocities. Results 6 patients underwent 8 attempted TAVI procedures. Mean age was 68 ±7 years, 33% were female, 33% received LVAD as bridge-to-transplant, and 66% as destination therapy. Average time from LVAD to TAVI was 32 ±25 months. Implanted valves included Edwards Sapien 3 (4), Medtronic CoreValve (3), and Medtronic Evolut R (1). Following TAVI procedure, 5 patients (83%) survived over a mean follow-up of 11 ±16 months, and 1 patient died of peri-procedural complications following device deployment. 1 procedure was aborted due to vascular complications, and this patient subsequently underwent TAVI 28 days later. 1 patient underwent 2 separate TAVI procedures 1.8 years apart. Median length of hospitalization was 7.5 days (IQR 6.3-15.5). Procedural success was achieved in 75% of attempts, with significant improvement in RF from 44.8% (IQR 37.6-63.6) pre-procedurally to 27.3% (IQR 8.5-30.0, p=0.041) immediately post-TAVI. This remained unchanged on 1-month echocardiographic follow-up with RF of 26.1% (IQR 10.6-29.9, p=0.72). Qualitative trace or mild peri-valvular leak was noted on all surviving patients at 1-month follow-up. Conclusion TAVI is a clinically reasonable therapy for treating LVAD induced AI. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the durability and long-term efficacy of this procedure.
Public Health Benefits 16 Years After a Statewide Policy Change: Communities That Care in Pennsylvania

Communities That Care (CTC), an evidence-based prevention system, has been installed outside of a research context in over 500 communities worldwide. Yet, its effectiveness in a non-research context is unknown. Using a repeated cross-sectional design with propensity score weighting at the school district-level, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of widespread diffusion of CTC across Pennsylvania on adolescent substance use, delinquency, and depression. Anonymous youth survey data were collected from 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students every other year from 2001 to 2011. Three-hundred eighty-eight school districts participated in one to six waves of data collection during that time, resulting in a total of 470,798 student-reported observations. The intervention school districts received programming provided by CTC coalitions. Outcome measures were lifetime and past 30-day alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drug use. Lifetime and past year participation in delinquency and current depressive symptoms were also analyzed. Analyses revealed that CTC school districts had significantly lower levels of adolescent substance use, delinquency, and depression. This effect was small to moderate, depending on the particular outcome studied. Overall effects became stronger after accounting for use of evidence-based programs; there are likely differences in implementation quality and other factors that contribute to the observed overall small effect size. Future research needs to unpack these factors.
Arthropod fauna associated with black vulture and turkey vulture nests (Accipitriformes: Cathartidae) in south-Central Kentucky, USA

Arthropods were collected from seven black vulture and two turkey vulture nests in South-Central Kentucky. Species diversity in each nest ranged from a low of two to 10 species in total. Three nest cavities that had the highest amount of heterogeneous organic matter concomitantly had the highest number of arthropod taxa. Insects were the most abundant arthropods and included taxa from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Psocoptera. Diptera and Coleoptera were represented by the highest number of families (and species), with seven (ten spp.) and four (eight spp.), respectively. Discovered Acari included eight species in seven families, of which four were members of the Mesostigmata. A majority of the insects collected were either scavengers or accidentals and do not have a strong link with the nest habitat. But taxa associated with guano or feathers for food sources or those that are predacious on fly eggs or larvae appear to have a loose association with these vulture nests.
Willingness to Protest over Resource Extraction in Latin America

Abstract Protests over resource extraction have increased in Latin America in recent years. However, significant variation exists in the region in terms of citizen's willingness to protest against resource extraction. We argue that this variation is based on the interaction of factors at both the individual and state levels. Individual-level characteristics, such as social engagement, influence the likelihood of protest activity. State-level characteristics, such as the quality of governance, also present opportunities for engaged individuals to challenge resource extraction. Following political mediation theory, we argue that collective action strategies are likely to be more productive in some political contexts than in others. Thus socially-engaged citizens in high-quality governance environments are more willing to participate in protests over resource extraction vis-a-vis their counterparts in low-quality governance settings. We utilize survey data and state-level governance data across Latin America to determine why some individuals are willing to demonstrate against resource extraction while others are not.
4D Reconstruction with Projection and Image Domain Motion Estimation

To better reconstruct 4D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, a general simultaneous motion estimation and image reconstruction (G-SMEIR) method is proposed to mitigate the local optimum trapping problem of the original SMEIR method. In addition to the projection domain motion estimation used in SMEIR, G-SMEIR includes an image domain motion estimation in the iteration to achieve better 4D reconstruction. To improve computational efficiency, the computationally intensive image domain motion estimation is alleviated by parallel computing using graphics processing units (GPUs). The proposed G-SMEIR method is tested using a CBCT simulation study of 4D XCAT phantom at different noise levels and compared with 3D total variation-based reconstruction (3D TV) and SMEIR. G-SMEIR performed similarly at the regular and low doses. The root mean square error of G-SMEIR is improved more than 60% over 3D TV and up to 17% over SMEIR. The structural similarity indices for a representative phase are 0.6418 (3D TV), 0.8893 (SMEIR), and 0.9206 (G-SMEIR). GPU computing shortens computational time of image domain motion estimation from about 17 minutes (CPU) to about 40 seconds for each pairs of 3D images. The simulation results demonstrate that G-SMEIR yields good image quality at different noise levels in a reasonable time. Further improvement of motion estimation algorithms and full parallelization of G-SMEIR will be conducted and tested on patient data.
Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Who Leave Against Medical Advice: Prevalence, Trend, and Predictors

Leaving against medical advice (LAMA) is an unfortunate occurrence in 1–2% of all hospitalized patients and is associated with worse outcomes. While this has been investigated across multiple clinical conditions, studies on patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of this event among patients with CP. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2007–2014, was used in the study. Patients with LAMA were identified, and the temporal trend of LAMA was estimated and compared among patients with and without CP. We then extracted patients with a discharge diagnosis of CP from the recent years of HCUP-NIS (2012–2014) and described the characteristics of LAMA in these patients. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate predictors of LAMA. 3.39% of patients with CP discharged against medical advice. LAMA rate in CP patients was higher and increased more steeply at quadruple the rate of those without. More likely to self-discharge were patients who were young, males, non-privately insured, or engaged in alcohol and substance abuse, likewise were those with psychosis and those admitted on a weekend or non-electively. The northeast and for-profit hospitals also had higher odds of LAMA. However, patients transferred from other healthcare facilities have reduced LAMA odds. Among all patients with CP, those with LAMA had shorter length of stay (2.74 [2.62–2.85] days vs. 5.78 [5.71–5.83] days) and lower hospitalization cost $23,271 [$22,171–$24,370] versus $45,472 [$44,381–$46,562] compared to the no-LAMA group. LAMA occurs in approximately 1 in 29 patients with CP and is increasing at almost quadruple the rate of those without. Clinicians need to pay closer attention to the identified at-risk groups for ameliorative targeted interventions.
The “Levels” Problem in Assessing Organizational Climate: Evidence From the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey

The Federal Employees Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) has gained prominence as the primary vehicle through which agencies assess the work-related attitudes of their employees. Within the discipline, the FE...
POD Assessment Using Real Aircraft Engine Components

The economic drive towards using military aircraft beyond their initial design life has created a great interest in damage-tolerance (DT) based maintenance philosophy. The DT approach relies on routine nondestructive inspections (NDI) and requires the NDI performance to be quantified in terms of probability of detection (POD). From the POD-flaw size relationship, the detection limit of inspection techniques, in terms of flaw size, is established and then used to calculate safe inspection interval [1].
Surgical site infections in pediatric spinal surgery after implementation of a quality assurance program

Retrospective cohort study. To assess the effectiveness of two infection-reducing programs in mitigating the incidence of post-operative surgical site infections (SSI) in pediatric patients after spinal deformity surgery at our institution. Infections following spinal deformity surgery are associated with higher morbidity as well as significantly increased healthcare costs. SSI in patients with neuromuscular etiologies is especially high, exceeding 8 percent for myelodysplasia patients and 6 percent for cerebral palsy patients. Manual chart review was conducted for 1934 pediatric spine procedures in 1200 patients at our institution between 2008 and 2018. Patients between the ages of 0 and 21 having any spinal surgical procedure including lengthening of growing rods were included. Institution of two separate infection-reducing programs reduced risk of SSI in this population by 65.4%, when adjusted for age and number of instrumentation levels (risk ratio [RR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2; 0.6, p = 0.001). Patients undergoing Initial Instrumentation demonstrated 68.8% less risk of SSI compared to those who had other types of surgical procedures, after adjusting for age and the number of level instrumented (RR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.2; .6, p = 0.002). It was observed that the effect of each of these infection-reducing programs diminished with time. This effect was also observed with prior programs implemented at our institution. The incidence of SSI decreased following the implementation of two infection-reducing programs especially in patients undergoing Initial Instrumentation procedures. However, time-series analysis suggests these programs may have maximal effect immediately following institution that diminishes with time. Level III.
Abstract 227: Maltose enhanced the growth of bladder and colon cancer cells unlike some other disaccharides: Cellobiose, isomaltose, lactose, and sucrose

The addiction of most cancer cells to the metabolism of glucose is well known. The metabolism by cancer cells of other saccharides is less well characterized. We have studied the impact on growth of human bladder and colon cancer cells of mono- and disaccharides. The standard RPMI 1640 medium contains 2 mg glucose per ml. Substitution for glucose by other monosaccharides (fructose, galactose and mannose) resulted in similar growth in some cell lines but greatly diminished growth in others. For the Caco-2 and HT29 colon cancer cells, co-incubation with 2-deoxyglucose was more inhibitory for growth with fructose than with glucose as substrate. There was a similar situation with some bladder cancer cell lines (5637, HT1197 and RT4) whereas with other bladder cancer cells (HT1376, T24 and UM-UC-3) 2-deoxyglucose caused greater inhibition with glucose. In those cell lines in which alkaline phosphatase activity could be induced after incubation with butyrate (Caco-2, HT29, 5637, HT1197 and HT1376), induction by butyrate was observed with any of the monosaccharides. Similarly with the disaccharides lactose, maltose and trehalose there was induction of alkaline phosphatase by butyrate. In the course of this work it was apparent that maltose could enhance growth to an extent that was sometimes not significantly different to that seen with glucose and was not seen with cellobiose, isomaltose, lactose or sucrose. HT29 cells were the only cell line to have a substantial increased growth with trehalose. The increased growth with maltose was inhibited by 2-deoxyglucose. In conclusion, maltose increased growth of bladder and colon cancer cells without a period of adaptation. Citation Format: Michael A. Lea, Charles desBordes. Maltose enhanced the growth of bladder and colon cancer cells unlike some other disaccharides: Cellobiose, isomaltose, lactose, and sucrose [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 227.
Growth in crisis: A mixed methods study of lessons from our patients with chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The current COVID-19 global pandemic has disrupted life in many ways. Adapting to a “new normal” continues to be an unsettling experience for many of us. For individuals with chronic pain, adaptation is familiar. In this study we turn to their experience to better understand what resilience can look like in the setting of major life changes. Participants were recruited from an outpatient pain management clinic from mid-March through June 2020 and completed measures assessing resilience, chronic pain acceptance, and an open-ended question examining the impact of chronic pain on their experience during COVID-19. Qualitative and quantitative analyses identified themes of acceptance and resilience. Furthermore, baseline depression was found to be associated with less cognitive/affective positivity (an aspect of resilience) and less pain willingness (an aspect of acceptance). In this brief snapshot of the chronic pain experience, we are reminded of the invaluable lessons learned from our patients. They offer us a model of resilience from which we can foster our own overall wellbeing in the context of continued stress and disruption.
Study on Plastic Strengthening Mechanisms of Aluminum Matrix Nano-Composites Reinforced by Nickel Coated CNTs

The mechanical strength of pure aluminum matrix can be greatly enhanced by adding a small amount of nickel-coated carbon nanotubes (NiCNTs), where the nickel coating helps to the uniform dispersion...
A data denoising approach to optimize functional clustering of single cell RNA-sequencing data

Single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology enables comprehensive transcriptomic profiling of thousands of cells with distinct phenotypic and physiological states in a complex tissue. Substantial efforts have been made to characterize single cells of distinct identities from scRNA-seq data, including various cell clustering techniques. While existing approaches can handle single cells in terms of different cell (sub)types at a high resolution, identification of the functional variability within the same cell type remains unsolved. In addition, there is a lack of robust method to handle the inter-subject variation that often brings severe confounding effects for the functional clustering of single cells. In this study, we developed a novel data denoising and cell clustering approach, namely CIBS, to provide biologically explainable functional classification for scRNA-seq data. CIBS is based on a systems biology model of transcriptional regulation that assumes a multi-modality distribution of the cells’ activation status, and it utilizes a Boolean matrix factorization approach on the discretized expression status to robustly derive functional modules. CIBS is empowered by a novel fast Boolean Matrix Factorization method, namely PFAST, to increase the computational feasibility on large scale scRNA-seq data. Application of CIBS on two scRNA-seq datasets collected from cancer tumor micro-environment successfully identified subgroups of cancer cells with distinct expression patterns of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix marker genes, which was not revealed by the existing cell clustering analysis tools. The identified cell groups were significantly associated with the clinically confirmed lymph-node invasion and metastasis events across different patients.
How impaired is too impaired? Exploring futile neuropsychological test patterns as a function of dementia severity and cognitive screening scores.

Some older adults cannot meaningfully participate in the testing portion of a neuropsychological evaluation due to significant cognitive impairments. There are limited empirical data on this topic. Thus, the current study sought to provide an operational definition for a futile testing profile and examine cognitive severity status and cognitive screening scores as predictors of testing futility at both baseline and first follow-up evaluations. We analysed data from 9,263 older adults from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. Futile testing profiles occurred rarely at baseline (7.40%). There was a strong relationship between cognitive severity status and the prevalence of futile testing profiles, χ2 (4) = 3559.77, p < .001. Over 90% of individuals with severe dementia were unable to participate meaningfully in testing. Severity range on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) also demonstrated a strong relationship with testing futility, χ2 (3) = 3962.35, p < .001. The rate of futile testing profiles was similar at follow-up (7.90%). There was a strong association between baseline dementia severity and likelihood of demonstrating a futile testing profile at follow-up, χ2 (4) = 1513.40, p < .001. Over 90% of individuals with severe dementia, who were initially able to participate meaningfully testing, no longer could at follow-up. Similarly, there was a strong relationship between baseline MoCA score band and likelihood of demonstrating a futile testing profile at follow-up, χ2 (3) = 1627.37, p < .001. Results can help to guide decisions about optimizing use of limited neuropsychological assessment resources.
Programmatic Costs of the Telehealth Ostomy Self-Management Training: An Application of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing.

Abstract Objectives Programmatic cost assessment of novel clinical interventions can inform their widespread dissemination and implementation. This study aimed to determine the programmatic costs of a telehealth Ostomy Self-Management Training (OSMT) intervention for cancer survivors using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) methodology. Methods We demonstrated a step-by-step application of TDABC based on a process map with core OSMT intervention activities and associated procedures and determined resource use and costs, per unit procedure. We also assessed per-patient costs from a payer perspective and provided estimates of total hours and costs by personnel, activity, and procedure. Results The per-patient cost of the OSMT was $1758. Personnel time accounted for 91% of the total cost. Site supervisor and information technology technician time were the most expensive personnel resources. Telehealth technical and communication equipment accounted for 8% of the total cost. Intervention coordination and monitoring efforts represented most of the total time cost (62%), followed by the intervention delivery (35%). The procedures with the highest cost were communication via phone or virtual meetings (24%), email exchanges (18%), and telehealth session delivery (18%). Conclusions Future efforts to replicate, disseminate, and implement the OSMT intervention should anticipate funding for nonclinical components of the intervention, including coordination and monitoring, and consider how these activities can be performed most efficiently. For institutions without established telemedicine programs, selection of videoconferencing platforms and adequate staffing for participant technical support should be considered. Our step-by-step application of TDABC serves as a case study demonstrating how interventionists can gather data on resource use and costs of intervention activities concurrently with their collection of trial data.
B-SOiD, an open-source unsupervised algorithm for identification and fast prediction of behaviors.

Studying naturalistic animal behavior remains a difficult objective. Recent machine learning advances have enabled limb localization; however, extracting behaviors requires ascertaining the spatiotemporal patterns of these positions. To provide a link from poses to actions and their kinematics, we developed B-SOiD - an open-source, unsupervised algorithm that identifies behavior without user bias. By training a machine classifier on pose pattern statistics clustered using new methods, our approach achieves greatly improved processing speed and the ability to generalize across subjects or labs. Using a frameshift alignment paradigm, B-SOiD overcomes previous temporal resolution barriers. Using only a single, off-the-shelf camera, B-SOiD provides categories of sub-action for trained behaviors and kinematic measures of individual limb trajectories in any animal model. These behavioral and kinematic measures are difficult but critical to obtain, particularly in the study of rodent and other models of pain, OCD, and movement disorders. The study of naturalistic behaviour using video tracking is challenging. Here the authors develop a system, B-SOiD which allows automated behavioural tracking and segmentation of video of movements tested in mice, flies and humans.
Drug delivery and targeting to brain tumors: considerations for crossing the blood-brain barrier

Introduction: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) selectively impedes the transportation of drug molecules into the brain, which makes the drug delivery and targeting of brain tumors very challenging.Areas covered: Having surveyed the recent literature, comprehensive insights are given into the impacts of the BBB on the advanced drug delivery and targeting modalities for brain tumors.Expert opinion: Brain capillary endothelial cells form the BBB in association with astrocytes, pericytes, neurons, and extracellular matrix. Coop of these forms the complex setting of neurovascular unite. The BBB maintains the brain homeostasis by restrictive controlling of the blood circulating nutrients/substances trafficking. Despite substantial progress on therapy of brain tumors, there is no impeccable strategy to safely deliver chemotherapeutics into the brain. Various strategies have been applied to deliver chemotherapeutics into the brain (e.g. BBB opening, direct delivery by infusion, injection, microdialysis, and implants, and smart nanosystems), which hold different pros and cons. Of note, smart nanoscale multifunctional nanomedicines can serve as targeting, imaging, and treatment modality for brain tumors. Given that aggressive brain tumors (e.g. gliomas) are often unresponsive to any treatments, an in-depth understanding of the molecular/cellular complexity of brain tumors might help the development of smart and effective treatment modalities.
Basic Principles: Rejection, Weighting, and Others

To generate random variables that follow a general probability distribution function π, we need first to generate random variables uniformly distributed in [0,1]. These random variables are often called random numbers for simplicity. However, this “simple-sounding” task is not easily achievable on a computer. But even if it were possible, it might not be desirable to use authentic random numbers because of the need to debug computer programs. In debugging a program, we often have to repeat the same computation many times; this require us to reproduce the same sequence of random numbers repeatedly. What becomes an accepted alternative in the community of scientific computing is to generate pseudo-random numbers.
The composition of interstellar molecular clouds

We consider four aspects of interstellar chemistry for comparison with comets: molecular abundances in general, relative abundances of isomers (specifically, HCN and HNC), ortho/para ratios for molecules, and isotopic fractionation, particularly for the ratio hydrogen/deuterium. Since the environment in which the solar system formed is not well constrained, we consider both isolated dark clouds where low mass stars may form and the “hot cores” that are the sites of high mass star formation. Attention is concentrated on the gas phase, since the grains are considered elsewhere in this volume.
Neighborhood Race and Nearby Race Affects Neighborhood Changes in Relative Status and Stability: Testing an Ecological Extension of the Neighborhood Projection Thesis

Current work tests an ecological extension of Ellenâ€™s (2000a) neighborhood projection thesis which explains individual-level moving behavior in response to neighborhood racial composition. It posits that residents anticipate future erosions in local services and amenities based on current and expected future racial composition. The ecological extension tested here anticipates declines in relative neighborhood status and neighborhood residential stability where the population is more predominantly African American initially, or becomes more African American over a decade, or is initially surrounded by more predominantly African American neighborhoods. All three of these race effects have generated mixed results in earlier studies. Looking at a decade of change (1990 to 2000) for two mid-Atlantic central cities (Baltimore (MD) and Philadelphia (PA)), results in both cities confirmed that relative status was more likely to decline if adjoining neighborhoods were more predominantly African American initially, or if the neighborhood was becoming more predominantly African American during the period. The impacts of racial composition on stability changes were neither uniform across cities nor uniformly adverse. At least for neighborhood changes in status, results support the proposed extension of Ellenâ€™s model to the neighborhood level, and underscored the spatial externalities arising from nearby populations of color.