cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Key Actions of Successful Summer Research Mentors.

Summer research opportunities for undergraduates, such as those supported by the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, can be critical experiences that help persuade students to pursue research through graduate studies. Studies analyzing the key actions of successful mentors are scarce. The goal of this study was to explore how hypothesized “key actions” of mentors correlated with student perceptions of mentoring and of overall program quality, students’ scholarly output resulting from the REU, and the influence of the REU on students’ decisions to pursue graduate school. Students who participated in 11 REU programs at a large Midwestern US university in summer 2012 were surveyed in spring 2013 about their experiences in the program and with their primary research mentor. Results suggest that the key factors hypothesized to be associated with good mentoring correlated with students’ ratings of their relationship with their mentor, students’ overall program ratings, students’ scholarly output resulting from the REU, and the influence of the REU on students’ decisions to pursue graduate school. The six “key actions” hypothesized to be associated with good mentoring were significantly correlated with student experience in an REU program. Although none of the six actions is particularly complex, taking these actions is crucial and non-trivial. Prospective REU mentors could be informed about these key actions during mentor training activities. Future research could examine these six dimensions across postsecondary institutions and in mentoring relationships outside of REU programs.
Distributed Robot Ensemble Control for Deployment to Multiple Sites

We address the ensemble synthesis of distributed control policies to allocate a team of homogenous robots to a collection of spatially distributed tasks. We assume individual robot controllers are derived via the sequential composition of individual task controllers and develop an appropriate macroscopic description of the team dynamics. A feedback control strategy is synthesized using the macroscopic model to enable the team to maintain a desired distribution of robots across the various tasks by controlling the mean and the variance of the robot population at each task. We present a distributed implementation of the proposed ensemble feedback strategy with minimal communication requirements. We establish stability properties of our ensemble controller and verify the feasibility of the distributed ensemble controller through high-fidelity simulations.
Success Factors That Influence Agile Software Development Project Success

Information technology (IT) project success depends on having a project manager with effective decision-making, leadership, and project management skills. Project success also depends on completing the project in a given budget, time, and scope. However, there is a limited understanding of the lived experiences of agile managers and the following success factors: people, process, technical, and technologies and development tools. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand these lived experiences of 10 agile software development team project managers or leaders at global workplaces based in the United States. The research questions were focused on the effect of these success factors on agile software development project success. In accordance with nonrandom purposeful sampling strategies, a snowball technique was used to find more participants. An open-ended, e-mail questionnaire was created and sent to participants to collect data. The data were coded to discern themes or patterns. According to study results, agile software development team needs strong customer involvement; good agile project management processes; product owner helps maximize business value delivered by team and priority and engage stakeholders; good agile engineering techniques or practices; and good technologies and development tools. This study has implications for positive social change because organizations that understand the critical factors may be able to improve project management strategies and cost benefits leading to higher efficiency, profitability, and productivity thus benefiting management, employees, and customers.
Bone mineral density loss in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae following radiation for abdominal cancers.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the relationship between abdominal chemoradiation (CRT) for locally advanced cancers and bone mineral density (BMD) reduction in the vertebral spine. Materials and methods Data from 272 patients who underwent abdominal radiation therapy from January 1997 to May 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-two patients received computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen prior to initiation and at least twice after radiation therapy. Bone attenuation (in Hounsfield unit) (HU) measurements were collected for each vertebral level from T7 to L5 using sagittal CT images. Radiation point dose was obtained at each mid-vertebral body from the radiation treatment plan. Percent change in bone attenuation (Δ%HU) between baseline and post-radiation therapy were computed for each vertebral body. The Δ%HU was compared against radiation dose using Pearson's linear correlation. Results Abdominal radiotherapy caused significant reduction in vertebral BMD as measured by HU. Patients who received only chemotherapy did not show changes in their BMD in this study. The Δ%HU was significantly correlated with the radiation point dose to the vertebral body ( R =−0.472, P R =−0.578, P β =0.830) on determining post-RT HU, while number of months post RT ( β =−0.213) and radiation point dose ( β =−1.475) had a negative effect. A comparison of the predicted versus actual HU showed significant correlation ( R =0.883, P Conclusions Patients who receive abdominal chemoradiation develop significant BMD loss in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Treatment-related BMD loss may contribute to the development of vertebral compression fractures. A predictive model for post-CRT BMD changes may inform bone protective strategies in patients planned for abdominal CRT.
DEVELOPING MEANINGFUL OUTCOME MEASURES FOR ADVANCE CARE PLANNING IN THE CONTEXT OF END STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD): GOING BEYOND RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIALS (RCTS)

Background Despite the prevalence of aggressive end-of-life care for ESRD patients, there is paucity of data from RCTs of ACP interventions for ESRD patients. This is due in part to the dearth of RCTs utilising ACP as an outcome measure. Even when RCTs are used to assess ACP as an endpoint, results are often misleading, or too location-centric. Methods In an ongoing Cochrane Review, we attempt to elucidate primary and secondary outcomes of ACP for ESRD patients, by evaluating not only clinical outcomes, but also outcome measures that are relevant to patients, policy drivers, and the general populace. Because such objectives are difficult to evaluate with RCTs, the inclusion of observational studies is most meaningful. Therefore, a systematic review that will include non-RCTs as well as RCTs will be conducted. Contextual factors such as quality of life, social determinants of health, and cultural values, which influence prognoses will be examined. Specific domains will be applied to grade the strength of the evidence. Results Preliminary data extracted from these studies indicate that ACP is beneficial to the ESRD patient and may lower the likelihood of intractable conflicts between relevant parties. Furthermore, the inclusion of non-RCTs points to a more robust and logistically feasible analysis. Discussion This study will add to the evidence base and will highlight the importance of ACP in ESRD. It will also lay out the rationale for conducting systematic reviews of non-RCTs, in order to adequately capture the concerns of patients, their caregivers, policy makers, and gatekeepers.
Multireference configuration interaction study of bromocarbenes.

Multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations of the lowest singlet X(1A') and triplet a((3)A'') states as well as the first excited singlet A((1)A'') state have been performed for a series of bromocarbenes: CHBr, CFBr, CClBr, CBr(2), and CIBr. The MRCI calculations were performed with correlation consistent basis sets of valence triple-ζ plus polarization quality, employing a full-valence active space of 18 electrons in 12 orbitals (12 and 9, respectively, for CHBr). Results obtained include equilibrium geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies for each of the electronic states, along with a((3)A'') ← X((1)A') singlet-triplet gaps and A((1)A'') ← X((1)A') transition energies. Comparisons have been made with previous computational and experimental results where available. The MRCI calculations presented in this work provide a comprehensive series of results at a consistent high level of theory for all of the bromocarbenes.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Adults with Newly Diagnosed AML Undergoing Intensive Chemotherapy: Characterization, Risk Factors, and Outcomes in a Single Institution

Abstract 4254 Background: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) undergoing chemotherapy treatment. However, the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of IFI in these patients have been poorly described. Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed to study the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical outcomes, and mortality predictors of IFIs in AML patients undergoing intensive, multi-agent induction timed sequential therapy (TST) between January 2005 and June 2010. Newly diagnosed AML patients, with exception of acute promyelocytic leukemia, were studied. IFIs were defined using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria. Results: 254 consecutive patients (57% male; median age 54, range 20–78) were analyzed. 123 (48%) of patients had an IFI; of which, 15 patients (12%) had a proven candidal infection, and 108 patients (88%) had a mould infection (5 proven/probable (5%) and 103 (95%) possible mould infections). 237 (93%) patients received antifungal therapy during their treatment course (median day 8, range day -15 to 30). Of those, 63 (27%) received monotherapy (46% liposomal amphotericin, 44% voriconazole) and the rest received multiple antifungal agents. Significant risk factors and trends for developing +IFI shown from univariate analyses are listed in [Table 1][1]. Prolonged neutropenia, duration of mucositis, and concurrent bacterial infections did not significantly affect the development of +IFI. Using multivariate analyses, mortality was impacted by patients’ baseline organ function (p=0.002 [1.3,3.1]), specifically, by bilirubin < 2 mg/dL (p=0.003 [1.38,4.57]) and creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL (p=0.01 [1.23,5.4]). View this table: Table 1. Significant risk factors and trends for development of + IFI Patients with +IFI did not significantly impact overall survival. However, patients with candidal IFIs had a significantly lower overall survival compared to patients with mould IFIs and no IFI (HR 2.01 [1.06, 3.8]) ([Figure 1][2]). Candida colonization prior to or during the first week of chemotherapy, and development of mucositis were associated with the development of candidal IFIs (p=0.07). ![Figure 1.][3] Figure 1. Overall survival comparing +candida IFI, +mould IFI, and no IFI. Conclusion: IFIs, particularly mould infections, remain a significant problem in patients with AML. Although overall survival did not appear to be significantly affected by mould infections, patients with candidal infections were more likely to die. Identification of risk factors for each type of IFIs may help to develop effective targeted preventive antifungal strategies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #T1 [2]: #F1 [3]: pending:yes
“Eat Then, Beauty, Said the Monster”

The Aarne-Thompson fable classification system confers archetype status to the myth of Cupid and Psyche, as it is related by Apuleius (ca.124–ca.180) in his novel The Golden Ass. The myth is the initial component of rubric 425, “search for lost husband” (Aarne 1971, pp. 67–8), and its correlates include “The Brown Bull of Ringlewood” from Britain, “The Woman Who Went to Hell” from Ireland, “Das singende, springende Loweneckerchen” from Germany, and “Il Re Porco” from Italy (Swahn 1955, pp. 38–201).
Motion-planning with linear temporal logic specifications for a nonholonomic vehicle kinematic model

We present a new technique for the control of a nonholonomic vehicle kinematic model subject to linear temporal logic (LTL) specifications. The proposed technique is based on partitioning of the vehicle's planar workspace into cells. The main result of this paper is the precise characterization of acceptable sequences of cells, which can be traversed by admissible state trajectory of the vehicle model while satisfying the given LTL specifications. The proposed approach does not require complete controllability of the vehicle model in the presence of workspace constraints, and no linearization of the model is involved. The key technical innovation is the so-called lifted graph. Edge transitions in the lifted graph are associated with certain forward- and backward reachable sets of the vehicle model. We illustrate the proposed technique with numerical simulation examples.
Effects of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Surface Modification and Purification on Bovine Serum Albumin Binding and Biological Responses

Carboxylation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes MWCNTs has been used to improve solubility in aqueous systems and for further functionalization with biologically active moieties for biomedical uses. An important consideration is that oxidation debris is generated during the process of carboxylation, which can be removed by base washing. We hypothesized that surface modification as well as purification by debris removal may alter physicochemical properties of MWCNTs and their ability to bind proteins. We utilized pristine MWCNT, carboxylated MWCNTs F-MWCNTs, and base-washed carboxylated MWCNTs BW-F-MWCNTs to examine formation of a bovine serum albumin BSA protein corona and impact on biological responses. We found that carboxylation increased the capability of F-MWCNTs to bind BSA, and base washing further increased this binding. Functionalization increased cellular uptake by rat aortic endothelial cells RAEC and mouse macrophages RAW264.7, while base washing showed results similar to the functionalized analog. Interestingly, BSA binding downregulated mRNA levels of interleukin-6 IL-6 and heme oxygenase 1 Hmox1 in RAEC cells but upregulated the expression of IL-6 and Hmox1 in RAW264.7 cells. Overall, our study demonstrated that surface modification as well as further purification impacted the interaction of MWCNTs with proteins and subsequent cellular responses.
Explicit Grounding Allusions

The discussion here focuses on these grounding allusions - and how it is assumed that everyone knows what to do when we mention single-point ground, shield ground, static ground, power ground, single ground, digital ground, etc. The approach chosen centers around the topic of the entire grounding session of this symposium: "how to establish a compatible ground." A problem is established where a grounding scheme for a smaller system - a spacecraft - is to be designed. The spacecraft was selected because of the author's familiarity with it; however, the problem could also be any other system to be integrated into a larger complex - for instance, a computer in a factory or industrial environment, a heart monitoring station in a hospital, or a digitally controlled traffic light system in a downtown area. Design requirements and the problems encountered are reviewed in detail.
Legal Anatomy of a State Museum: Law, Lawyering, and Governance Explored

This article introduces the pedagogical tool of using a public building, specifically the Indiana State Museum, to explore law, lawyering, and governance with clinical law students. The legal anatomy of the museum used for this case study consists of laws and legal documents shaping the museum and, in turn, reflecting the law and governance of the state it honors. From its nineteenth century beginnings as a legislative effort to preserve Indiana's geological history to the modernist civic building that houses the museum today, the Indiana State Museum case study also demonstrates a wide variety of lawyering skills. Through the case study, students see how lawyers' work effectuates laws and principles of governance at issue in the museum's creation, development, and operation. Students enrolled in the Program on Law and State Government (PLSG) internship course work in field placements throughout the executive and legislative branches of Indiana's state government. Taught in conjunction with those placements, the internship course consists of individual tutorial sessions, individual experiential assignments, reflective learning assignments, and a seminar class component. All of the coursework focuses on the foundational aspects of lawyering in a state government setting. First introduced in 2002, the case study described in this article has developed into the curricular capstone of the internship course. The architectural case study described in this article invites students to learn inwardly, centripetally, to discover and explore their own educational choices and professional development. Conversely, the architectural case study also opens the door for students to experience the law in the context of their community, their government, and their world. The Indiana State Museum case study widens the ways in which PLSG internship course students experience the law, lawyering, and governance. In so doing, the case study expands teaching and learning opportunities in the clinical classroom. Perhaps most important, the case study serves as a unique platform to build ways to learn and keep learning about the skills and values necessary to practice law. Part I of this article provides a brief history of the PLSG and its internship course. Part II explains how principles of clinical pedagogy and emerging principles of cognitive science and biology support using architectural case studies in the clinical law school classroom. Because the history of the Indiana State Museum is inextricable from the history of the state it honors, Part III provides a brief history of both and explains the choice of the museum as the subject for the case study. Part IV describes the objectives, materials, and methods of the Indiana State Museum case study in the PLSG intern.
Increased activity of unlinked Zika virus NS2B/NS3 protease compared to linked Zika virus protease

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus spread by daytime-active Aedes spp. mosquitoes such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus. Previously thought to be a mild infection, the latest ZIKV outbreak in the Americas is causally associated with more severe symptoms as well as severe birth defects, such as microcephaly. Currently no vaccine or antiviral exists. However, recent progress has demonstrated the viral NS2B/NS3 protease may be a suitable target for the development of small-molecule antiviral agents. To better understand the ZIKV protease, we expressed, purified, and characterized unlinked and linked NS2B/NS3 protease corresponding to an isolate from the recent outbreak in Puerto Rico. Unlinked ZIKV protease is more active and binds substrate with greater affinity than linked ZIKV protease. Therefore, we propose that unlinked ZIKV protease be used when evaluating or designing ZIKV protease inhibitors. Additionally, potent inhibitors of related viral proteases, like West Nile Virus and Dengue virus, may serve as advanced starting points to identify and develop ZIKV protease inhibitors.
Sovereignty for Survival: American energy development and Indian self-determination

In this well-researched and written book, James Robert Allison III provides an even-handed analysis of the response of the Northern Cheyenne tribe to the proposed exploitation of the vast coal bed ...
D/H of late Miocene meteoric waters in Western Australia: Paleoenvironmental conditions inferred from the δD of (U-Th)/He-dated CID goethite

Abstract Nineteen (U-Th)/He ages were determined for eight samples from a core drilled in an ore-grade channel iron deposit (CID) of the Robe Pisolite (Robe Formation) of Mesa J in Western Australia. With one exception, uncorrected ages of the analyzed aliquots range from 6.7(±0.4) Ma to 30.2(±3.1) Ma, while molar ratios of Th/U range from 0.42 to 5.06. The exception is an aliquot with an apparent age of 2.7 Ma and Th/U of 5.70. A three-component mixing model involving one generation of goethite and two generations of hematite suggests that the age of crystallization of the oolitic goethites is ∼7(±1) Ma. If so, the goethites have effectively been closed systems for ∼7 million years and should preserve a stable hydrogen isotope record of late Miocene rainfall in the vicinity of Mesa J. Cenozoic movement of the Australian continent had placed Mesa J and environs in the subtropics at a paleolatitude of about 29 °S during the late Miocene. Al-adjusted δD values of oolitic goethite in the eight CID samples range from −153‰ to −146‰ and imply that the δD of the late Miocene meteoric waters ranged from −61‰ to −53‰, with an average of −56‰. These relatively negative δD values might indicate that near-coastal, late Miocene rain was derived primarily from summer-season tropical cyclones with storm tracks that extended into the subtropics of western Australia. The postulated late Miocene tropical cyclones would have occurred more often and/or exhibited greater intensity at a paleolatitude of 29 °S than is the case for modern sites at approximately 30 °S on the west coast of Australia (e.g., Perth). Higher fluxes of meteoric water in the Miocene summers would have facilitated dissolution and removal of BIF-sourced silica with concomitant enrichment in oxidized Fe. Moreover, wetter late Miocene summers could have promoted multiple cycles of microbially mediated dissolution and recrystallization of Fe(III) oxides in the aerobic systems. The oolitic textures may be indicative of such recycling. However, the oolitic goethites of Mesa J were closed systems after ∼7 Ma. Therefore, the climate in the vicinity of Mesa J seems to have changed in the late Miocene to conditions that did not favor widespread recycling of Fe (III) oxides—perhaps changing from seasonally wet to the modern dry climate.
The Evolution of Hayek’s Ethics

This chapter traces the evolution of Hayek’s ethics through three major periods: key events from his youth that influenced his view of ethics, central references to ethics in his early (1940s–1960s) writings, and his later (1960s–1992) works including his theoretical positioning of ethics within his spontaneous order. Also examined are the moral traditions that he embraced.
Beyond Emotional Intelligence at Work:: Adding Insight to Injury Through Group Psychotherapy

The author applies the popular concept of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to the group treatment of work problems. Adding psychodynamic insight to the existing EQ dimension of understanding emotions and utilizing emotional awareness, helps patients improve their reactions to problematic situations and individuals. By focusing on discordant episodes that arise in group, the author employs a systematic approach to identifying unconscious contributors to diminished job performance. Methods for assessing deficits in EQ and for processing relevant group discords are described. Clinical illustrations are provided.
The Cost of Diabetes Care-An Elephant in the Room.

Everyone dealing with health care today knows there is an elephant in the room, impossible to miss but frequently ignored—the cost of diabetes care. Although clinicians and scientists may wish to neglect the financial side of diabetes care and focus on less contentious and more familiar matters, this option is no longer viable. For people with diabetes and their families, the elephant stands in the way every day, and for those who plan health services and payment, it is a major concern. Fortunately, the scientific methods used in epidemiologic, clinical, and health services research can be applied to the economics of diabetes care. Collecting observations, identifying patterns, forming hypotheses, and prospectively testing the hypotheses can be just as relevant when one of the variables examined is the cost of care. It is the mission of Diabetes Care to present the best scientific studies related to diabetes. This issue of Diabetes Care has a special section focused on the economic impact of diabetes, including studies designed to understand it and to assess potential solutions. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has previously reported the costs of diabetes in the U.S. for the years 2002 (1), 2007 (2), and 2012 (3). This issue of Diabetes Care includes a 2017 update (4). Because the methods used in these analyses are similar, comparisons are possible. The most noteworthy findings from the current report are the continuing increase and the remarkable magnitude of the total direct costs of diabetes in the U.S.: $116 billion in 2007, $176 billion in 2012, and $237 billion in 2017. The cost of care for people with diabetes now accounts for ∼1 in 4 health care dollars spent in the U.S. Care for a person with diabetes now costs an average of $16,752 per year. As in prior reports, the 2017 …
Towards Mathematical Chemotherapy

Since the discoverer of a “wonder” drug for cancer chemotherapy is more likely to be a biological scientist than a mathematician, one may ask what contribution a mathematician can make to cancer chemotherapy. The answer to this question is that a mathematician can discover ways to use existing drugs more efficiently. Even an efficacious drug can appear worthless if it is not administered properly.
Designing a Spatially Balanced, Randomized Site Selection Process for Regional Stream Surveys: The EMAP Mid-Atlantic Pilot Study

In 1993, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP), initiated a sample survey of streams in the mid-Atlantic. A major objective of the survey was to quantify ecological condition in wadeable streams across the region. To accomplish this goal, we selected 615 stream sites using a randomized sampling design with some restrictions. The design utilized the digitized stream network taken from 1:100,000-scale USGS topographic maps as the sample frame. Using a GIS, first- through third-order (wadeable) stream segments in the sample frame were randomly laid out in a line and sampled at fixed intervals after a random start. We used a variable probability approach so that roughly equal numbers of first-, second-, and third-order stream sites would appear in the sample. The sample design allows inference from the sample data to the status of the entire 230,400 km of wadeable stream length in the mid-Atlantic study area. Of this mapped stream length, 10% was not in the target population because no stream channel existed (4%), the stream channel was dry (5%), or the stream was not wadeable (1%). We were unable to collect field data from another 10% of the mapped stream length due to lack of access (mostly landowner denials). Thus, the field data we collected at 509 sites allows inference to the ecological condition for 184,600 km of the mapped stream length in the region.
Using optimal combined moderators to define heterogeneity in neural responses to randomized conditions: Application to the effect of sleep loss on fear learning.

Abstract Comparing the neural outcomes of two randomized experimental groups is a primary aim of many functional neuroimaging studies. However, between-group effects can be obscured by heterogeneity in neural responses. Optimal Combined Moderator (OCM) approaches have previously been used to clarify heterogeneity in clinical outcomes following treatment randomization. We show that OCMs can also be used to clarify heterogeneity in the effect of a randomized experimental condition on neural responses. In 78 healthy adults aged 18–30 from the Effects of Dose-Dependent S leep Disruption on Fe ar and Re ward (SFeRe) study, we used demographic, clinical, genetic, and polysomnographic characteristics to develop OCMs for the effect of a randomized sleep restriction (SR) versus normal sleep (NS) condition on blood-oxygen-level dependent responses in the right amygdala (RAmyg) and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) during fear conditioning (FC) and extinction (FE) paradigms. The OCM for the RAmyg during FE was strongest [r (95% CI) = 0.52 (0.42, 0.68)], withstood cross-validation, and divided the sample into two subgroups with opposing experimental effects. Among N = 48 participants (“SR NS”), those with SR exhibited greater RAmyg activation during FE following SR than those with NS [d (95%CI) = 0.87 (0.37,1.78)]. SR > NS participants were more likely to be female, white, l/l genotype carriers, and have a psychiatric history. They had less sleep (overall and in REM), lower REM density, and lower spindle activity (12–16 Hz). Applying OCMs to randomized studies with neural outcomes can clarify neural heterogeneity and jumpstart mechanistic research; with further validation they also offer promise for personalized brain-based treatments and interventions.
On the matrix of rotation symmetric Boolean functions

Abstract In the study of rotation symmetric Boolean functions (RSBFs), it is natural to consider the equivalence of Boolean vectors in F 2 n given by v ∼ w if w is obtained from v by cyclic permutation (rotation). Several authors (Clark, Cusick, Hell, Maitra, Maximov, Stanica), in relation to RSBFs, considered the square matrix n A obtained as follows: let ( G i ) i = 1 , … , g n be the equivalence classes of this relation ∼ and Λ i be representatives; the entries of n A are ( ∑ x ∈ G i ( − 1 ) x ⋅ Λ j ) i , j . Some properties of this matrix were obtained for n odd in the literature. We obtain a few new formulas regarding the number of classes of various types, and investigate the matrix n A in general. One of our main results is that n A satisfies ( n A ) 2 = 2 n Id , and it is conjugate to its transpose by a diagonal matrix. This is not an immediate consequence of the similar property of the related Hadamard type matrix ( p v , w ) v , w ∈ F 2 n = ( ( − 1 ) v ⋅ w ) v , w , but it is rather connected to character theory. We show that the entries of the matrix n A are essentially the character values of the irreducible representations of the semidirect (or wreath) product of F 2 n ⋊ C n , where C n is the cyclic group with n elements, which yields further properties of this matrix. This connection suggests possible future investigations, and motivates the introduction of Boolean functions with various other types of symmetry.
Animal Behavior: Song Learning out of the Box

Our understanding of songbird song learning is derived mainly from two approaches: observations in the field and experiments in the laboratory. A clever new study combines elements of both and highlights how exposure to song can catalyze imitative learning.
Pragmatically synthesizing existing conspiracy styles: blending paranoia and politics in Richard Nixon’s early-career anticommunist rhetoric

In the field’s long conversation on conspiracy rhetoric, the most robust topic has been the theorization of the paranoid and political styles. Thus far, these styles and their evaluative criteria h...
600.31 Outcomes of Direct Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement without Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty Using a New Generation Valve

Although 2 large studies from Europe reported transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes with and without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in early-generation valves, there are no clear data about outcomes of direct TAVR without BAV using a new-generation valve. We investigated the
Reshuffling the global R&D deck, 1980-2050.

Based on more recent science spending developments in countries such as China, Korea, India and Brazil, there is a growing sense that the world’s scientific deck of cards is in the midst of a major reshuffle. But it is not clear if this reordering is limited to just the top spenders, or, indeed, how these changes have been playing out over the longer term. The new, more comprehensive research and development (R&D) spending estimates presented and discussed here reveal that we are in the midst of a possibly game-changing, albeit partial and perhaps irregular, reshuffle of the global R&D deck. These changes have potentially profound domestic and international economic development implications over the medium to long term. Notably, the fortunes of many of the world’s poorer countries continue to look bleak. Using the evolving structure of past R&D spending to project forward, and absent marked changes in science policies and spending priorities, we foresee a continuing and substantial shift in the geography of R&D towards parts of Asia, along with a continuing large, and in many respects growing, gap between the world’s scientific haves and have-nots.
Does systemic treatment add value to stereotactic body radiation therapy for locoregional control in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

e17505Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been shown to provide locoregional control in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients (pts) who are not candidates for cur...
Biomethanation of invasive water hyacinth from eutrophic waters as a post weed management practice in the Dominican Republic: a developing country

Anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.) from eutrophic water bodies could be a sustainable post weed management practice to generate bioenergy. Comparative analyses of the water quality, physicochemical characteristics, and biomethanation kinetics of water hyacinth from two sites with different water types (brackish versus freshwater) in the Ozama river, Dominican Republic, were conducted. Also, the energy produced from the anaerobic digestion and that consumed in harvesting was estimated. The highest non-structural components in the form of protein (18.8 ± 1.9%) and extractives (26.4 ± 0.1%) were found in brackish water hyacinth, whereas that from freshwater had the highest amount of holocellulose (41.2 ± 2.8%). Indicators of plant productivity, i.e., chlorophyll b and bulk density, were more than 30% higher in brackish than in freshwater hyacinth. The methane production rate in the digestion of water hyacinth from brackish water (22.5 N. L/kg VS added· day) was twice that from freshwater (10.0 N. L/kg VSadded· day). The higher nutrient content in the brackish water could have influenced the superior performance of water hyacinth from that source compared with that from freshwater. Overall, the maximum methane potential of the Ozama river water hyacinth was 399.2 ± 32.2 N. L CH4/kg VSadded. The estimated energy produced per ton of fresh biomass was 846.5 MJ, but only 57.9 MJ would be required for mechanical harvesting. The biomethanation of water hyacinth can mitigate weed management costs in developing countries.
Chapter 6 – Dimension of Fractal Functions

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of dimension calculations for univariate fractal functions. It presents the dimension theorems for those functions and then states a dimension result for unvalued fractal functions without proof. The chapter discusses the characterization of the box dimension of a class of fractal functions in terms of certain smoothness classes of functions, so-called Besov spaces. The dimension of the graph of a function is a measure of its smoothness; in particular, the Theorem of Besicovitch and Ursell shows that if f ∈ Lipα (IR), then its Hausdorff (box) dimension ≤ 2 — α. In the chapter, the previous result is sharpened and an exact characterization of the box dimension of a fractal function in terms of Besov spaces is given. The chapter presents with the necessary background material, especially the classical function spaces and some of their properties.
Light as a potential treatment for pandemic coronavirus infections: A perspective.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19, which continues to ravage communities with high death tolls and untold psychosocial and catastrophic economic consequences, is a vivid reminder of nature's capacity to defy contemporary healthcare. The pandemic calls for rapid mobilization of every potential clinical tool, including phototherapy-one of the most effective treatments used to reduce the impact of the 1918 "Spanish influenza" pandemic. This paper cites several studies showing that phototherapy has immense potential to reduce the impact of coronavirus diseases, and offers suggested ways that the healthcare industry can integrate modern light technologies in the fight against COVID-19 and other infections. The evidence shows that violet/blue (400-470 nm) light is antimicrobial against numerous bacteria, and that it accounts for Niels Ryberg Finsen's Nobel-winning treatment of tuberculosis. Further evidence shows that blue light inactivates several viruses, including the common flu coronavirus, and that in experimental animals, red and near infrared light reduce respiratory disorders, similar to those complications associated with coronavirus infection. Moreover, in patients, red light has been shown to alleviate chronic obstructive lung disease and bronchial asthma. These findings call for urgent efforts to further explore the clinical value of light, and not wait for another pandemic to serve as a reminder. The ubiquity of inexpensive light emitting lasers and light emitting diodes (LEDs), makes it relatively easy to develop safe low-cost light-based devices with the potential to reduce infections, sanitize equipment, hospital facilities, emergency care vehicles, homes, and the general environment as pilot studies have shown.
Continuing Medical Education Underrepresents United States’ Leading Public Health Concerns

Abstract Introduction Continuing medical education (CME) is beneficial to physicians in managing public health problems, yet CME courses rarely address these topics. The purpose of our study was to assess whether leading public health problems, in alignment with their burdens on society, have a proportionate amount of CME opportunities for healthcare professionals. Methods We reviewed all of the CME courses offered by the top 10 research and top 10 primary care medical schools from January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019 for CME hours directed toward the leading public health problems: obesity, smoking, substance abuse, heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, back pain, depression, and diabetes. Results Of 9355 total CME course hours, dedicated course time, along with the number of individuals affected, and the cost to society, respectively were: obesity 118 (1.3%) hours, 93 million, $147 billion, tobacco cessation 75 (0.8%) hours, 34 million, $300 billion, and substance abuse 157 (1.7%) hours, 43 million, $300 billion. Discussion Public health problems were grossly underrepresented in the amount of dedicated course time compared to their burden on society. More CME courses offerings addressing management of the leading public health problems would likely reduce the burden of illnesses associated with those conditions.
Performance Measurements for Small & Medium Enterprises (SME)

Management relies upon the results of performance evaluation to assess achievements and to formulate strategies. Traditional approach of evaluations focuses mainly on the financial achievements. This paper argues that companies need to use both financial and non-financial elements.Various evaluation methods were assessed. A holistic approach to assessment is recommended.
Parenteral prostanoids for severe Group 3 pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular dysfunction.

Background Group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication in patients with lung diseases but there are currently no FDA-approved therapies. The data is conflicting, but a few small studies suggest potential benefits in using Group 1 PH therapies in these patients, particularly in severe PH with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients with severe Group 3 PH with RV dysfunction who received parenteral prostanoids from 2007-2018 at our institution was undertaken. Severe PH was defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥35 mmHg or mPAP 25-34 with cardiac index (CI) <2.4 L/min/m2. Routine prognostic studies including N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), WHO Functional Class assessment, oxygen requirement, arterial oxygen saturation, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right heart catheterization (RHC) pressures, were obtained before initiation of parenteral therapy and at first clinical follow-up. Results Nine patients were included. Five were female (55.6%) with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 69 [54-71] years. Median CI was 1.8 (1.6-2.4) L/min/m2 and median pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 14.7 (10.7-17.1) Wood units (WU). We found no statistically significant improvement in NT-proBNP levels, exercise capacity, or functional class. Resting oxygen requirement worsened from 4 to 6 L/min (P=0.04) and exertional oxygen saturation nadir worsened from 90% to 83% (P=0.01) despite the increase in FiO2 with exertion. Overall results were heterogenous: several patients demonstrated clinical stabilization, with two undergoing lung transplantation and one showing long-term stability with medical therapy. Symptoms remained severe for most: three patients discontinued prostanoid therapy, choosing to pursue hospice care. Conclusions We found no statistically significant improvement in NT-proBNP levels, exercise capacity, or functional class, while oxygen requirement at rest and oxygen saturation during exertion significantly worsened. Our results suggest that parenteral prostanoids should not generally be considered in the treatment of Group 3 PH patients.
Performance Study of a Multicast Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks based on N 2 Connectivity

We propose a distributed wireless multicast protocol based on 2-hop neighbor information. A unique feature of our algorithm is that the formation of the multicast tree is done during the media access stage and requires little additional message exchanging. Each node only needs to keep track the receiving status for all nodes within its 2-hop neighborhood, leading to a very light protocol. The effectiveness of our approach also comes from a novel MAC layer solution which can quickly resolve the multicast CTS collisions. We conducted detailed simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed protocol. Simulation results indicate that our protocol offers considerable improvement in multicast turnaround time and has superior energy/packet performance.
Totally Class-Less?: Examining Bristol-Myers’ Applicability to Class Actions

In June 2017, the Supreme Court tightened the specific jurisdiction doctrine when it dismissed several plaintiffs’ claims in a mass tort action against pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb (“BMS”) for lack of personal jurisdiction. The mass tort action was brought in a state court in California and involved several hundred plaintiffs alleging they were injured by Plavix, a drug manufactured by BMS. The Supreme Court held that California could not constitutionally exercise personal jurisdiction over the defendants as to the non-resident plaintiffs, who had no independent connection to California. While the non-resident plaintiffs argued that California had specific jurisdiction because their claims were identical to the California claims (with the only difference being that their experience with Plavix occurred in other states), the Court held that these claims did not arise out of BMS’s contacts with California, but rather with BMS’s contacts with the particular states in which these plaintiffs were injured. In so holding, the Court emphasized that enabling California to exercise jurisdiction in this context would infringe on the sovereignty of other states, more specifically, the states who housed the non-resident plaintiffs involved in the action. This Note explores whether class actions should be bound by this decision. The fundamental question, then, is whether class actions are meaningfully distinguishable from mass actions such that they avoid Bristol-Myers’ reach.
ribofootPrinter: A precision python toolbox for analysis of ribosome profiling data

Ribosome profiling is a valuable methodology for measuring changes in a cell9s translational program. The approach can report how efficiently mRNA coding sequences are translated and pinpoint positions along mRNAs where ribosomes slow down or arrest. It can also reveal when translation takes place outside coding regions, often with important regulatory consequences. While many useful software tools have emerged to facilitate analysis of these data, packages can become complex and challenging to adapt to specialized needs. In particular, the results of meta analysis of average footprint data around sequence motifs of interest can vary substantially depending on the normalization method that is utilized. We therefore introduce ribofootPrinter, a suite of Python tools designed to offer an accessible and modifiable set of code for analysis of ribosome profiling data. Footprint alignments are made to a simplified transcriptome, keeping the code intuitive, and multiple normalization options help facilitate interpretation of meta analysis, particularly outside coding regions. We believe this tool has promise to carry out sophisticated analysis yet offer simplicity to make it readily understandable and adaptable.
Chapter 5 Retirement from the labor force

Publisher Summary The chapter presents some basic facts on retirement patterns and examines some reasons for the changes in behavior over time and differences across groups. Retirement is an important phenomenon in life-cycle labor supply. Not only does it mean a complete withdrawal from the labor force, but it also turns on a number of institutional facets such as social security and private pensions. The chapter explores a number of theoretical models and discusses empirical results. The chapter presents a close look at pensions and social security and concludes by analyzing life-cycle savings behavior and looking at the status of retirees. The goal of the chapter is to lay out the important issues in retirement behavior, rather than to draw definitive conclusions on the state of knowledge. A quick look at the data reveals that the most important trend among older workers in the United States is the decline in age of retirement. Because there has been a simultaneous increase in the real income of the population, an obvious conjecture is that most of this reflects an income effect that induces workers to take more leisure. The discussion of pensions focuses on one empirical relationship and a number of theoretical ones. The most important empirical point is that the actuarial value of private pensions first rises, but then declines once the worker continues to work beyond a certain point.
Implementing the Double Bootstrap

The single bootstrap already is popular in economics, though the double bootstrap has better convergence properties. We discuss the theory and implementation of the double bootstrap, both with and without the pivotal transformation, and give detailed examples of each. One example is a nonlinear double bootstrap of a Cobb-Douglas production function, and explains the use of Gauss-Newton Regressions as a device to decrease computational time. Another example is double bootstrapping elasticities from a translog production function.