cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the clinical significance of capacity scores for informed consent in alzheimer disease clinical trials

Objective Among Alzheimer disease (AD) patients enrolled in a clinical trial, the authors assessed the ability of a standardized capacity assessment procedure to identify persons who are capable of giving their own informed consent. Design Cross-sectional interview. Setting Thirteen sites participating in a randomized and placebo controlled study of simvastatin for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. Participants Persons with mild to moderate AD and their study partners enrolled in the simvastatin clinical trial. Measurements Interviews to assess decision-making capacity using the MacArthur Competency Assessment Tool for Clinical Research (MacCAT-CR). Results Judges blinded to the subject's clinical status had a high rate of agreement on patients capable of giving their own informed consent (κ = 0.73). The understanding subscale had the best receiver operator characteristic and an analysis of positive and negative predictive values over a range of hypothetical prevalences of incapacity to consent demonstrated the value of a range of understanding cut-points. Conclusion Among mild to moderate AD patients, enrolled in an actual clinical trial, these results suggest evidence based guidelines for using the MacCAT-CR understanding subscale to help guide judgments about whether a patient has the capacity to consent.
Out of sight, out of mind. Commentary on "intensive care unit design and mortality in trauma patients".

* Corresponding author. Division of Cardioth Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030. Te E-mail address: shuab.omer@bcm.edu (S 0022-4804/$ e see front matter Published by http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2014.05.055 Direct visualization is the simplest and the oldest way of monitoring patients. Although this method is simple, some consider it the best form of monitoring [1]. Thus, one would expect that intensive care unit (ICU) patients whose beds are in high-visibility areas might have better outcomes than patients in less visible areas. The design of ICUs is becoming a science in itself, and there are now numerous guidelines for ICU design [1e3]. These guidelines emphasize organizing the clinical team work area to enhance the safety and efficiency of patient care [1]. A great deal of planning is involved in the design of traditional ICUs, which is usually based on assumptions regarding the need for paper charts, central monitoring units, and centrally located workstations from which all beds and units can be observed [1]. However, with more and more hospitals moving to electronic medical records, there is a trend toward
An automated, handheld biosensor for aflatoxin

A new immunoaffinity fluorometric biosensor has been developed for detecting and quantifying aflatoxins, a family of potent fungi-produced carcinogens that are commonly found in a variety of agriculture products. They have also been cited as a biological agent under weapons development. The handheld, self-contained biosensor is fully automatic, highly sensitive, quick, quantitative, and requires no special storage. Approximately 100 measurements can be made before refurbishment is required, and concentrations from 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) to 50 ppb can be determined in <2 min with a 1 ml sample volume. The device operates on the principles of immunoaffinity for specificity and fluorescence for a quantitative assay. The analytic procedure is flexible so that other chemical and biological analytes could be detected with minor modifications to the current device. Advances in electro-optical components, electronics, and miniaturized fluidics were combined to produce this reliable, small, and versatile instrument.
Measurement of the noise contributions to SIS heterodyne receivers

The development of quantum limited heterodyne receivers requires that you understand and are able to measure the major sources of noise in the receiver system. The major sources of noise in millimeter- and submillimeter-wave SIS heterodyne receivers are the optical front end losses, vacuum fluctuation noise associated with the RF coupling efficiency to the SIS tunnel junction and IF amplifier noise. Although there are several methods for estimating the optical losses and IF amplifier noise, the RF coupling efficiency or quantum efficiency has been much more difficult to ascertain. This paper describes in situ techniques for measuring all three noise contributions in a standard receiver used for astronomical observations. Results are presented for the receivers operating in the Owens Valley Millimeter Interferometer Array. >
What All Social Workers Should Know About MDMA (Ecstasy)

ABSTRACT This article describes the history of MDMA, its relationship to other drugs, its manufacture and how it is trafficked, and the physiological reactions and health consequences associated with its use. It also presents recommendations for drug abuse prevention and treatment. Material was drawn from government publications, professional journals, and private organization Web sites. Effective strategies for decreasing MDMA use and for minimizing deleterious effects on users exist.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Older Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive expiratory airflow limitation that is not fully reversible [1]. It is a chronic condition resulting from an abnormal inflammatory response to noxious particles or gases, such as tobacco smoke. Although the lungs are the primary organ affected by inflammation, significant inflammation also involves the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric systems [1]. The elderly are particularly at risk for developing COPD due to aging-associated changes in physiologic and immune function.
Abstract W P189: Characteristics of Rural Pre-Hospital Stroke Transports

Introduction: West Virginia (WV) is the second most rural state and has a stroke prevalence of 3%. According to the United States Census Bureau, 97.3% of the land is considered rural and 51.3% of the population lives in a rural area. EMS transport times in Northern WV often exceed 20 minutes in rural counties. Little data has been published about EMS response to acute stroke patients in the rural setting. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of EMS response and interventions for patients with chief complaint of stroke in the MedCom database providing medical command for 26 northern WV counties. Stroke encounters from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2011 were analyzed for EMS provider capability, receiving hospital capability, and pre-hospital interventions. Results: There were 7,594 transports available for analysis. Basic Life Support (BLS) responders provided 7.0% of the care. The majority of the patients, 51.6%, were transported to an acute care hospital, 11.6% to a critical access hospital, and 36.9% to a designated stroke center. Blood glucose was determined by glucometer in 66.4% of patients with 2.0% treated for hypoglycemia. Vascular access was attempted in 92.6% of the patients and was successful in 81.5%. Cardiac monitor was applied in 92.4% of the patients and oxygen saturation was determined by pulse oximetry in 95.8%. Oxygen therapy was administered to 96.5% of the patients. Discussion: In rural northern WV, 7% of the suspected stroke patients had care by only a BLS responder. Although evaluation at a designated stroke center has been shown to increase the chance for receiving acute thrombolytic intervention, less than 40% of patients in northern WV were initially seen at a designated stroke center and 11.6% were initially seen at a critical access hospital. Consequently, even critical access hospitals need to be prepared to rapidly evaluate and treat patients with suspected ischemic stroke. Blood glucose was not checked by EMS personnel in more than 30% of all transports. Additional studies are needed to assess the impact of these pre-hospital procedures and transport destination decisions on suspected stroke patient outcomes in the rural setting.
Nonlinear-optical slab-waveguide devices in AlGaAs/GaAs

Previous work on AlGaAs/GaAs leaky guides by Valera et al.1 showed nonlinearities in the form of both large (60% of total) and small (< 10%) decreases in output with increasing input power and showed abrupt output quenching at high inputs. Those measurements were taken at approximately 300 K with inputs of 0–50 mW at 825 nm. In the present work the output response of leaky AlGaAs/GaAs slab waveguides was characterized for inputs of 0–100 mW at 779-833 nm and temperatures of 295–405 K. Small (< 10%) nonlinearities in output were seen. These nonlinearities decreased in size with increasing temperature or decreasing wavelength. Output quenching was observed. The effect was more gradual and occurred at lower input powers when the guide was at high temperature or the input wavelength was low.
Essay Review: Topics in the Foundations of General Relativity and Newtonian Gravitation Theory

The first portion of this book amounts to a formal introduction to differential geometry and the general theory of relativity (complete with problem sets and solutions). The second amounts to an investigation of special topics pursued by David Malament over the last 4 decades or so. In what follows, I intend to summarize the material. Along the way, I hope to offer some comments on the significance of the work. Before I begin the survey of chapters, it might be helpful to say something about what the book is not. Although there is quite a bit of overlap between the first portion of the book and a standard graduate-level physics text, the two do not fully intersect (more below). In addition, the book does not consider many common topics in the philosophy of space-time physics. For example, there is no discussion of whether space and time are absolute or relational in character (cf. Sklar 1974; Friedman 1983). Finally, one does not find any precisely formulated conjectures of physical or philosophical interest that gesture toward future work (cf. Wald 1984; Earman 1995). It simply is not a book of that kind. Nonetheless, a number of topics developed by Malament in later chapters have generated a significant number of interesting results. (Indeed, I think the previous sentence is wildly understated.) Because Malament does not always do so, I hope to draw attention to some of these lines of inquiry below (a portion of which is still currently active).
Consultation with the Specialist: Poor Growth After Cranial Irradiation

1. Stephen Burstein, MD, PhD* 1. 2. *Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Tennessee; Consultant in Endocrinology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN We are indeed fortunate that survival after cancer therapy is now common among growing children. Although the overriding concern is to maintain these children in remission, an increasing proportion of them are being referred to growth specialists because of the effects of their treatment on subsequent growth and maturation. Some of this early growth failure is due to antineo-plastic therapy, anorexia, vomiting, and chronic illness, but later many of these patients have diagnosable endocrinopathies as the major or sole explanation for poor growth. The pediatrician needs to be aware of these problems and monitor growth as more of these children appear in his or her practice for ongoing pediatric care. BPS was an 11-year-old, early pubertal male referred for poor growth after therapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. He had been diagnosed at 7 years of age, and his remission was induced with a standard systemic induction regimen (prednisone, vincristine, l-asparaginase, teniposide, cytarabine, and daunomycin), followed by continuation therapy consisting of a cyclic rotation of antileukemic drug pairs for another 2.5 years. Initial CNS treatment consisted of triple intrathecal chemotherapy (methotrexate, hydrocortisone, and cytarabine) and cranial irradiation of 18 Gy (1 Gy = 100 rad) at 1 year after remission. He suffered a CNS relapse at 9 years and was treated further with systemic chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation (24 Gy cranial, 15 Gy spinal). In all, he received 42 Gy of cranial irradiation and 15 Gy of spinal irradiation. At the time of the patient’s ALL diagnosis, his height was +2.0 SD at the 95th percentile above mean height for age, but over the intervening 4 years until endocrine evaluation, he had slowly decreased in height for age to +0.1 SD. At the time of his first growth evaluation, at 11 years …
Interactive effects of low-dose estradiol and tamoxifen on the postmenopausal primate endometrium and mammary gland.

Abstract #3047 Background: Long-term use of combined estrogen+progestin hormone therapies increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are promising alternatives to progestins, particularly for breast cancer survivors and other women at high-risk for breast cancer considering hormone therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate interactive effects of low-dose estradiol (E2) and the SERM tamoxifen on the postmenopausal endometrium and mammary gland. Materials and Methods: Ovariectomized adult female cynomolgus monkeys were given placebo (n=6), oral estradiol (E2, 0.25 mg/1800 kcal) (n=6), tamoxifen (TAM, 20 mg/1800 kcal) (n=5), or E2+TAM (n=6) for 4 months. Doses of E2 and TAM were scaled to approximate those given to women. Results: Endometrial thickness and uterine weight were significantly higher in E2, TAM, and E2+TAM groups compared to placebo ( P P P P P Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3047.
Comparison of Horizontal and Vertical Resolvable Resolution Between Repetitive Multi-Beam Surveys Using Different Kinematic GNSS Methods

Ellipsoid referenced surveying is quickly becoming the standard in hydrographic surveying. Traditionally tidal measurements were used to reduce soundings down to the survey datum. With Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques currently providing sub-decimeter level precision, in-situ tide measurements are no longer required for vertical referencing. This places a heavy dependence on GNSS techniques to consistently provide accurate positioning in the horizontal and vertical with low uncertainty. Hydrographers need to know which GNSS technique yields the best solution and if that method works in all conditions. The development of Real Time Networks (RTN) allow for a triangulated Virtual Reference Station (VRS) to be established anywhere in the survey area, eliminating the need for a physical base station set up over a benchmark. This project compares the differences in accuracy and uncertainty between RTN based VRS corrections, Post Processed Kinematic (PPK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), and Real Time Kinematic (RTK) solutions. Repetitive overlapping multi-beam surveys were completed at one survey location on different days to assess the repeatability of ellipsoid referenced surveying.
Enhanced GABA Transmission Drives Bradykinesia Following Loss of Dopamine D2 Receptor Signaling

Bradykinesia is a prominent phenotype of Parkinson's disease, depression, and other neurological conditions. Disruption of dopamine (DA) transmission plays an important role, but progress in understanding the exact mechanisms driving slowness of movement has been impeded due to the heterogeneity of DA receptor distribution on multiple cell types within the striatum. Here we show that selective deletion of DA D2 receptors (D2Rs) from indirect-pathway medium spiny neurons (iMSNs) is sufficient to impair locomotor activity, phenocopying DA depletion models of Parkinson's disease, despite this mouse model having intact DA transmission. There was a robust enhancement of GABAergic transmission and a reduction of in vivo firing in striatal and pallidal neurons. Mimicking D2R signaling in iMSNs with Gi-DREADDs restored the level of tonic GABAergic transmission and rescued the motor deficit. These findings indicate that DA, through D2R activation in iMSNs, regulates motor output by constraining the strength of GABAergic transmission.
Some Reflections on "Reflections on Building an MPA Program"

(2003). Some Reflections on “Reflections on Building an MPA Program”. Journal of Public Affairs Education: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 39-41.
The Triumph and Crisis of Vital-Center Liberalism

A significant aspect of the history of the United States in the twentieth century has been the expanding power of the state and the eroding autonomy of the private economy and civil society. Although the transition from an essentially unregulated capitalism to a mixed economy began even before the turn of the century — witness the enactment of the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 — and gathered pace through years of Progressive reform, “war collectivism”, and the twenties’ corporatist experiments, quite arguably the true watershed came with the triumph of reform liberalism in the thirties. With the Great Depression acting as a catalyst, New Deal liberals established what the political scientist Michael D. Reagan has called the “halfway house of American political economy” — residing “somewhere in the middle, between pure capitalism and pure socialism.”1
Stationary Self-Similar Extremal Processes and Random Semicontinuous Functions

The main topic of this survey is the characterization of all limiting processes of , where (ξ k ) k = 1 ∞ may be any stationary sequence of random variables. The limits are identified as the stationary self-similar extremal processes, and some of their properties are investigated.
Panel: Changing your department: Examples from Revolutionizing Engineering Departments

This panel discussion examines the experiences, change approaches, and initial findings of the 2015 cohort of Revolutionizing Engineering Departments grant recipients. Change in higher education is increasingly achieved through grassroots action. The possibility to create systemic change can hinge on initial successes and areas ripe for flexibility. Through this conversational exploration of experiences, we present both philosophy and actionable steps for others to model.
Strategies Men Use to Negotiate Family and Science

Despite the growing research devoted to women in science, the connection made between family life and work by men in science is not fully known. Here we present results from interviews with 54 men ...
Simultaneous Reduction and Functionalization of Graphene Oxide via Ritter Reaction

Graphene oxide, the oxidized form of graphite, is a common precursor to conductive nanosheets and used widely in the preparation of composite materials. GO has the benefits of easy exfoliation and handling, but it tends to aggregate and restack when reduced. One approach to overcoming this undesired aggregation is covalent modification of the nanosheets; however, this typically requires additional reagents and time. Herein, we report the simultaneous reduction and functionalization of graphene oxide using the Ritter reaction such that reduced nanosheets show good conductivity without the aggregation typical of unmodified material. GO reacts with nitriles in strongly acidic conditions to give highly reduced graphene oxide (C:O of 4.38:1) with covalently attached amides, which compatibilizes it to a number of organic solvents. This Ritter-type reaction produces carbocations on the basal plane of graphene oxide, which allows nucleophilic attack by the nitrogen of the nitrile and produces amides upon hydrolys...
Indirect Versus Direct Standardization Methods for Reporting Healthcare-Associated Infections: An Analysis of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Maryland.

Whether healthcare-associated infection data should be presented using indirect (current CMS/CDC methodology) or direct standardization remains controversial. We applied both methods to central-line–associated bloodstream infection data from 45 acute-care hospitals in Maryland from 2012 to 2014. We found that the 2 methods generate different hospital rankings with payment implications. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:989–992
Predicting 72-hour emergency department revisits.

Abstract Objectives To develop a predictive model that hospitals or healthcare systems can use to identify patients at high risk of revisiting the ED within 72 h so that appropriate interventions can be delivered. Methods This study employed multivariate logistic regression in developing the predictive model. The study data were from four Veterans medical centers in Upstate New York; 21,141 patients in total with ED visits were included in the analysis. Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 data were used to predict revisits in FY 2014. The predictive variables were patient demographics, prior year healthcare utilizations, and comorbidities. To avoid overfitting, we validated the model by the split-sample method. The predictive power of the model is measured by c-statistic. Results In the first model using only patient demographics, the c-statistics were 0.55 (CI: 0.52–0.57) and 0.54 (95% CI: 0.51–0.56) for the development and validation samples, respectively. In the second model with prior year utilization added, the c-statistics were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.68–0.72) for both samples. In the final model where comorbidities were added, the c-statistics were 0.74 (CI: 0.72–0.76) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.71–0.75) for the development and validation samples, respectively. Conclusions Reducing ED revisits not only lowers healthcare cost but also shortens wait time for those who critically need ED care. However, broad intervention for every ED visitor is not feasible given limited resources. In this study, we developed a predictive model that hospitals and healthcare systems can use to identify “frequent flyers” for early interventions to reduce ED revisits.
“The River Told Me”: Rethinking Intersectionality from the World of Berta Cáceres

ABSTRACTInspired by the spiritual and political journey of Berta Caceres (1973-2016), a fierce Lenca woman leader from Honduras who died in defense of sacred indigenous rivers, the essay aims to re...
Endovascular Treatment of Congenital Arterioportal Fistulas.

To characterize anatomy of congenital arterioportal fistulas (CAPF) and correlate this with technique and outcomes of transcatheter embolization (TCE). Retrospective review was conducted of children with CAPF that underwent TCE in a 10-year period. Medical records, imaging and procedure details were reviewed. TCE was performed via transarterial (n = 5), portal (n = 5) or patent ductus venosus (n = 1) approach. Embolic agents used were coils (n = 10), Onyx (n = 1) and Amplatzer septal occluder (n = 1). A total of 7 patients were included (4 female). Median age at treatment was 4 months (2 month–3 year). Most common symptoms were GI bleeding (n = 4), anemia (n = 4) and ascites (n = 3). Hepatopetal flow was seen in all on pre-procedure sonography. On angiography, a simple lesion, with direct fistulous connections, from hepatic arterial (HA) branches to portal venous (PV) system was seen in 3. A complex lesion with multiple connections was identified in 4. In simple lesions, cessation of shunting was achieved in 1 procedure, with embolization of afferent vessels. In complex lesions, multiple procedures were required in 3 of 4 patients. All 4 with complex connections required embolization of the aneurysmal PV segment. There were no major complications. Two minor complications were noted: localized biliary leak in 1 and femoral pseudoaneurysm in 1. There was resolution of symptoms in 6. TCE is effective as primary treatment of CAPF. Patients with simple arteriovenous connections can be treated with embolization of afferent vessels, but children with multiple complex connections usually require embolization of the dilated PV segment.
Securing Investment: Innovative Business Strategies for Conflict Management in Latin America

When tapping into emerging markets such as those in Latin America, foreign investors, lawyers, and policy makers wrestle with finding effective and efficient strategies for reaching the goal of securing investments in the region. The traditional strategy for securing investment in the region has been to ensure viable means of conflict resolution so as to prevent contracts from being rendered vulnerable or even meaningless. Given the backlog, corruption, and inefficiency of the court system, International Financial Institutions (IFIs) have promoted alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a second option for conflict resolution. However, ADR methods lack the coercive power of the judicial system to enforce outcomes, which forces parties into the courts when one of the parties refuses to abide by the agreement or awards. All of this adds to the cost of doing business in Latin America. As a result, the insufficiency of the traditional paradigms for dispute resolution has led to a greater imperative for finding new ways to secure business investment in Latin America. New and innovative strategies, however, will require a multi-layered approach. First, the negotiation of sustainable agreements that are “nearly self-enforcing” can reduce risk as well as the cost of transactions in the region. Second, investment in building capacity for the maximization of dispute resolution in the region can begin to address some of the systemic issues that create insecurity and instability. Finally, any and all strategies depend on a thorough, first-hand knowledge of the people, cultures, and places in which a business aims to operate. The research for this chapter was translated from Spanish and Portuguese, as was data gathered from local top experts in the sub-ADR fields. It includes a theoretical framework on how to secure investment through ADR in the region, as well as a country-specific examination of ADR in the three largest economies in the region: Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. The text for each jurisdiction consists of a framework that includes a country overview, the legal framework, development of arbitration and mediation, ADR Institutions and reaction to ADR. These are the building blocks for developing strategies for conflict management and the maximization of dispute resolution systems.
The Voting Behavior of Islamic Minorities in a Fledgling Democracy: The Case of Russia

Scholars and commentators have been divided on whether Islam poses a significant obstacle to democratization and, if so, why. Most empirical studies have either relied on survey research of political attitudes (Norris and Inglehart 2002; Tessler and Gao 2005) or national-level political and socioeconomic data (Fish 2002; Bellin 2004). One relatively neglected approach to this issue is the study of Islamic minorities. As Stepan (2004) notes, there are millions of Muslims around the world who live in existing or developing democracies. In this paper we examine the role of Islam in the electoral politics of Russia. Russia is a particularly interesting and valuable case for the study of Islamic minorities for several reasons. First, it contains many different ethnic minorities some that are historically Muslim and others with different religious traditions. Second, the country’s system of ethnic federalism has promoted a degree of geographic concentration, resistance to assimilation, and regional autonomy and minority control over regional politics. We ascertain the impact that Islam may or may not have on electoral outcomes in Russia using 1995 electoral and 2002 census data disaggregated to the raion level (roughly equivalent to US precincts). In our preliminary results we find that Muslim minorities in Russia possess distinct voting patterns – greater margins of victory for winners, more ethnic voting, greater support for parties tied to the state, and less support for women.
A Fluid Mechanics Approach to the Problem of Sensory Feedback in Prosthetic Devices

Structural replacement of amputated limbs has been common for hundreds, even thousands, of years (1). However, the concept of restoring more than the lost structure and supporting musculature, for example, the lost sensory information, is relatively new. Even newer is the idea of using a fluid to transmit tactile information, rather than the more traditional transducers (e.g., strain gauges mounted on cables or various other parts of the terminal device). To use a fluid for this purpose increases the scope and potential for accessing sensory information. That is, the acquisition and transmission of such quantities as heat, prehensile slippage and/or prehensile forces (pressure and shear) is greatly simplified. On this basis, a new type of terminal device for an upper-extremity amputee has been designed and is described below. The device will allow fluids to act as the medium for the transmission of sensory feedback information to the prosthetic wearer. It also introduces a push/pull mode of operation which incorporates a versatile, previously unavailable, wrist mechanism.
Patterns of FIRST recurrence of stage IIIC1 endometrial cancer with no PARAAORTIC nodal assessment.

Abstract Objective To assess the rates and distribution of first recurrence in patients with FIGO stage IIIC1 endometrial cancer (EC) who did not undergo paraaortic dissection at surgical staging. Methods We retrospectively selected all (n = 207) stage IIIC1 patients treated at a single institution from 5/1993–1/2017. Sites of first recurrence were identified, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) calculated, multivariate logistic regression performed to identify factors associated with recurrence. Results Three-year DFS and OS were 66.5% and 85.7%, respectively. The most common histology was endometroid (64.2%). Three-year DFS was 81% (SE±3.8%) endometrioid vs. 39.5% (SE±6.6%) non-endometrioid (P Conclusions Isolated paraaortic recurrence in stage IIIC1 EC is uncommon. Micro−/macrometastasis were associated with twice the recurrence rate compared to ITC. These data will help clinicians counsel patients with stage IIIC1 EC regarding paraaortic assessment.
Indigenous Fermented-Food Technologies for Small-Scale Industries:

The developing world is rich in indigenous food fermentations that can contribute significantly to world small-scale food processing and consumption over the next 20 to 50 years as population reach...
Root and Shoot Responses of ‘Miss Kim’ Lilac to Container Type and Environment

Growth and quality of ‘Miss Kim’ lilac produced in two container types (plastic and fabric) and in above ground (AG) versus below ground (BG) systems were compared. Plants were overwintered in place for 2 or 3 years with no additional protection, except in a combined AGBG treatment where pots were AG during the growing season then placed in BG socket pots for winter. Survival and shoot biomass were equal in both container types within the AG or BG systems. The AG systems reduced top and root dry weights compared to BG systems; however, survival and plant quality were not adversely affected except in a bag in pot (BIP) system. Root distribution and morphology, but not mass, were affected by container type, with more small-diameter roots distributed uniformly throughout the substrate in fabric AG containers. Containers inserted into BG sockets (as in pot in pot growing systems) were insulated from lethal high and low root zone temperatures (RZT). These treatments produced the greatest amount of root and sho...
Experimental Models for Understanding B Lymphocyte Formation

Publisher Summary Studies involving normal and genetically defective experimental animals, monoclonal antibodies, inducible cell lines, soluble mediators, and innovations in long-term culture are focused in the chapter. The name “B lymphocyte” denotes the origin of these cells in birds and mammals (bone marrow), and the review in the chapter focuses on events taking place in the latter. Progress in this field is being achieved by rapidly converging technologies and experimental approaches as the same general questions attract molecular, cellular, and developmental biologists. While some multipotential stem cells can be found in the circulation, these may have limited proliferative potential, and it has not been proved that they are capable of becoming B lymphocytes. More likely, a relatively small pool of stem cells is retained within specialized “niches” within bone marrow and maintained by minimal self-renewal. Monoclonal antibodies can be used to identify normal cells that are committed to become B lymphocytes, and this has opened many investigative possibilities. The transformed counterparts of normal B cell precursors can undergo spontaneous or induced changes in culture. Different variations on the culture system permit the long-term propagation of stem cells, B lineage precursors, or intermediate cell types in absolute dependence on adherent stromal cells.
Security and Resiliency of Coordinated Autonomous Vehicles

This project identifies methods for improving the security and resilience of autonomous vehicles in coordinated networks. Specifically, we developed a trust algorithm that quantifies the reliability of agents within the network. The algorithm takes advantage of the historic reliability of an agent, defined as reputation, and the tendency towards increasing or decreasing error, defined as trend. The trust algorithm is cyclic; trust measurements help detect anomalies within the network and anomalies are used to update trust measurements. This paper outlines the trust algorithm and results from its application in both simulation in MATLAB and a hardware demonstration on TurtleBot 2 robots. This paper represents a work in progress. Preliminary results have been gathered from simulation and further results will be gathered from the hardware demonstration after integration is complete.
Adversarial Prediction: Lossless Predictors and Fractal Like Adversaries

In this talk we will look at the classical prediction game where the adversary (or nature) is producing a sequence of bits and a prediction algorithm is trying to predict the future bit(s) from the past bits. This is like gambling on the future bits which involves the risk of making mistakes while shooting for profit from right predictions. Say the algorithm gets a payoff of 1 on a right prediction and − 1 on wrong predictions (and is also make fractional bets c ≤ 1 in which case its payoff is + c or − c). We will see an algorithm [1] that has a good performance while almost never taking a risk of having a net loss where loss is said to happen when the number of wrong predictions exceeds the number of right predictions. Our algorithm gets no more than an exponentially small loss \(e^{-\Omega(\epsilon^2 T)}\) over T bits on any sequence (where e is a constant parameter). Further as compared to the payoff that would have been achieved by predicting the majority bit (in hindsight) our algorithms payoff is not lower by more than O(eT) (which is commonly known as regret). We will also see experimental results on how these algorithms perform on stock data. Our algorithms build upon several classical works on the experts problem [2-4]
Entrepreneurs and the Entrepreneurial Function: A Commentary

Investigates why economic theory has avoided the topic of entrepreneurship and proposes a framework for classifying analytic approaches to entrepreneurship. The absence of the entrepreneur in modern economic theory is explained by the fact that the marketplace agitation brought about by entrepreneurial activity is precisely the element from which it is necessary for economic analysis to abstract. Walrasian equilibrium analysis is compared to the work of Schumpeter to illustrate the possibility of an analytical approach that includes entrepreneurship. Four levels of entrepreneurship analysis are identified: the entrepreneur as a profit-maximizing decision-maker with full relevant information; the entrepreneur as one who possesses certain personal characteristics such as boldness or acumen; a market consequences approach that superimposes entrepreneurial activity on an equilibrium market model; and a market consequences approach that does not presume a background equilibrium market model. The first and second levels are rejected as being viable avenues for theoretical economic explanation and the author suggests that economists should pursue the implications, within market processes, of entrepreneurial activity, which entails developing theory at the third and fourth levels. (CAR)
The International Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (iCHRIE) New Orleans, Louisiana July 24–26, 2019

The International Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (iCHRIE) Summer Conference and Marketplace was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Marriot on Canal Street from July 2...
Full-duplex Near-infrared Communication via Spatiotemporally-modulated Array Antennas

We demonstrate the operation of a spatiotemporally-modulated array antenna as a full transceiver in near-infrared frequency regime which enables optical full-duplex communication via rejection of interference between transmitted and received signals. For this purpose, we load plasmonic nanodipoles with indium-tin-oxide whose permittivity can be varied in time via modulation of carrier concentration by applying a radio-frequency biasing signal. The extreme confinement of electric field at the nanogap when operating in the resonant regime leads to enhanced frequency conversion efficiency. Adopting a progressive phase delay in the temporal modulation of an array of transversely polarized nanodipoles supporting backward guided modes enables transmission and reception via frequency up/down conversion through space-time photonic transitions of guided modes into leaky propagating modes and vice versa. Such array antenna offers simultaneous transmission and reception due to isolation between temporal frequencies of transmitted and received signals, while the direction of transmission/reception can be tuned in real-time via modifying the modulation phase delay of nanoantennas. Moreover, the relatively wide bandwidth of antenna allows for multiplexing and multicasting different wavelengths in near-infrared regime. In order to analyze the time-modulated antennas, we extend the framework of discrete dipole approximation method via a multifrequency coupled approach.
IOT Based Smart Water Management, Monitoring and Distribution System for an Apartment

As we know water is so precious for human being as well as for the complete nature without which it will not be possible to survive. Even though lot many efforts have been taken by government through various schemes and it is becoming difficult day by day to save water for future and make efficient utilization of it. Here the main focus is on water utilization in big apartments and save water with proper distribution and monitoring system. The intension of this work is water management, monitoring and proper distribution of water to save water and make efficient use of it, so that we can satisfy the trust of others. The system has been designed in such a way that it will monitor the available water level continuously. System has been implemented by using embedded system and communication will takes through IoT.
Promoting Cell Migration and Neurite Extension along Uniaxially Aligned Nanofibers with Biomacromolecular Particles in a Density Gradient

A simple method based upon masked electrospray is reported for directly generating both unidirectional and bidirectional density gradients of biomacromolecular particles on uniaxially aligned nanofibers. The method has been successfully applied to different types of biomacromolecules, including collagen and a mixture of collagen and fibronectin or laminin, to suit different types of applications. Collagen particles in a unidirectional or bidirectional gradient are able to promote the linear migration of bone marrow stem cells or NIH-3T3 fibroblasts along the direction of increasing particle density. In the case of particles made of a mixture of collagen and fibronectin, their deposition in a bidirectional gradient promotes the migration of Schwann cells from two opposite sides toward the center, matching the scenario in peripheral nerve repair. As for a mixture of collagen and laminin, the particles in a unidirectional gradient promote the extension of neurites from embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion in the direction of increasing particle density. Taken together, the scaffolds featuring a combination of uniaxially aligned nanofibers and biomacromolecular particles in density gradient can be applied to a range of biological studies and biomedical applications.
Synchronizing Stock Market Clocks to UTC(NIST)

To reduce the possibility of fraudulent activity and market manipulation, the world’s major stock exchanges require every clock involved in a stock market transaction to be synchronized to agree with a common reference clock that keeps accurate and internationally traceable time. This paper describes a distributed system that synchronizes stock market clocks to UTC(NIST), the national time standard for the United States. This system is currently installed at stock market data centers in the United States, the European Union, and Asia, and meets the time synchronization regulatory requirements for all three regions.
Patient Reported Shared Decision Making in Urology from the Surgical Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey

AbstractIntroduction:Shared decision making balances the best available evidence with patients’ preferences and values in order to make a medical decision. The use of shared decision making and its...
Clinical utility of pathology data: prostate and kidney cancer

Abstract Cancer pathology reports can be complex due to multiple data elements, variability in terminology, and increasing recognition of emerging diagnostic entities. However, treatment may be significantly influenced by histologic subtype, histologic grade, and pathologic tumor stage. We review the clinical utility of pathology data for prostate and kidney cancers, with emphasis on main decision-making points. Key parameters that affect management of prostate cancer in the biopsy setting include Grade Group, percentage of pattern 4, and sometimes extent of involvement. Histologic subtypes mostly do not affect management, with exceptions of small cell carcinoma and sometimes cribriform/intraductal carcinoma. For renal cancer, histologic subtype, tumor grade, and tumor stage are important for prognostication. Confirming a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and recognition of clear cell, non-clear cell, and select other histologies are important in the metastatic setting for treatment selection.
Inappropriate prescription of intravenous antibiotics at a tertiary children's hospital in China.

Background Antibiotics are one of the most frequently prescribed medication classes worldwide. Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics has increased the risk of drug-resistant infections and associated mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the patterns of intravenous antibiotics prescribing in emergency and outpatient departments of a tertiary children's hospital in China. Methods Data on intravenous prescriptions dispensed by the emergency and outpatient department from January 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016 were extracted from the information system of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Prevalence of intravenous antibiotics use and the suitability of intravenous antibiotic prescription were evaluated on the basis of a completed microbiological examination, antibiotics susceptibility testing, and dose prescribed for patients diagnosed with pneumonia, acute bronchitis, fever, and acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) patients. The prescription rate was expressed as the number of intravenous antibiotic prescriptions per total number of prescriptions. Results Overall, 94.2% of pediatric patients and 78.5 % of issued intravenous prescriptions were for antibiotics. beta-lactam antibacterial (90.5 %) and macrolides (18.5 %) were the most commonly used categories of antibiotics, while cefuroxime (28.8 %) was the most used antibiotic. Besides, pneumonia (31.3 %), acute bronchitis (14.1 %), fever (6.5 %), and AURI (5.5 %) were the most commonly recorded infections. However, in these four diseases, the rate of conducting microbiological examination was 0.3 %, 0.2 %, 2.1 %, and 2.8 %, respectively. Approximately, 52.1 %, 40.0 %, 40.4 %, and 30.5 % of intravenous antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriately used in pneumonia, acute bronchitis, fever, and AURI, respectively. Doses higher and lower than the recommended were often for each of these four diseases. Conclusions The frequency of intravenous antibiotic prescription was high in pediatric emergency and outpatient departments. Inappropriate use of intravenous antibiotics commonly occurred in pneumonia, acute bronchitis, fever, and AURI. Appropriate interventions and prevention strategies need to be developed to curtail inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics.
Transient Attractor Strength in a Hippocampal Model

Using computer simulations of a hippocampal model, this report investigates how stutter length (timesteps of repeating each external input pattern) affects transient attractor strength. When using parameters that reproduce hippocampally dependent cognitive learning tasks, permanent attractors do not form but transient attractors do. Such transient attractors are not simply localized, but certain characteristics of these attractors can be implied from the relative trajectories of state space transitions. The simple sequence completion problem with orthogonal inputs is employed and a measurement is suggested for this purpose. We show that stutter length profoundly affects transient attractor strength.
Towards a more comprehensive understanding of wild pig (Sus scrofa) impacts on agricultural producers: Insights from a Texas case study

Abstract This research investigates the impacts of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa Linneaus) on agricultural producers in Texas, with the aim of identifying and describing all categories of wild pig impacts and quantifying the extent of producers’ over- or underestimation of their total wild pig-related costs in 2018, as compared to calculations based upon data subsequently provided by the producers about individual wild pig-related costs and losses. Based on interviews with 23 producers in 16 Texas counties, we identified more than 20 discrete categories of negative impacts and negligible positive impacts associated with wild pigs. Among them were categories that have not been described or included in previously published economic estimates of wild pig impacts on producers, such as (i) additional time and fuel expenses incurred at harvest on account of damaged fields, (ii) reduced yield on replanted crops following wild pig damage, (iii) loss of arable land due to erosion caused by wild pigs, (iv) reduced livestock weight conversion, and (v) increased livestock depredation by coyotes on account of damage to fencing caused by wild pigs (a more speculative impact). We also found that participants underestimated their total costs associated with wild pig impacts by a factor of nearly three, and the extent of underestimation was even greater among crop producers (4.6), largely because of unconsidered opportunity costs. With these findings, we call attention to the need for economic estimates that better capture the full range of costs imposed on agricultural producers by wild pigs.