cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical approximation and numerical studies of one-dimensional elliptic equation with random coefficients

Abstract In this work, we study a one-dimensional elliptic equation with a random coefficient and derive an explicit analytical approximation. We model the random coefficient with a spatially varying random field, K ( x, ω ) with known covariance function. We derive the relation between the standard deviation of the solution T ( x, ω ) and the correlation length, η of K ( x, ω ). We observe that, the standard deviation, σ T of the solution, T ( x, ω ), initially increases with the correlation length η up to a maximum value, σ T , max at η max ∼ x ( 1 − x ) / 3 and decreases beyond η max . We observe a scaling law between σ T and η , that is, σ T ∝ η 1/2 for η → 0 and σ T ∝ η − 1 / 2 for η → ∞. We show that, for a small value of coefficient of variation ( ɛ K = σ K / μ K ) of the random coefficient, the solution T ( x, ω ) can be approximated with a Gaussian random field regardless of the underlying probability distribution of K ( x, ω ). This approximation is valid for large value of e K , if the correlation length, η of input random field K ( x, ω ) is small. We compare the analytical results with numerical ones obtained from Monte-Carlo method and polynomial chaos based stochastic collocation method. Under aforementioned conditions, we observe a good agreement between the numerical simulations and the analytical results. For a given random coefficient K ( x, ω ) with known mean and variance we can quickly estimate the variance of the solution at any location for a given correlation length. If the correlation length is not available which is the case in most practical situations, we can still use this analytical solution to estimate the maximum variance of the solution at any location.
Parasites alter freshwater communities in mesocosms by modifying invasive crayfish behavior

Parasites can alter communities by reducing densities of keystone hosts, but few studies have examined how trait-mediated indirect effects of parasites can alter ecological communities. We test how trematode parasites (Microphallus spp.) that affect invasive crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) behavior alter how crayfish impact lake littoral communities. O. rusticus drive community composition in north temperate lakes, and predatory fish can reduce crayfish activity and feeding. In laboratory studies, Microphallus parasites also alter O. rusticus behavior: infected O. rusticus eat fewer macroinvertebrates and are bolder near predatory fish than uninfected individuals. We used a 2 x 2 factorial experiment to test how predatory fish and parasites affect O. rusticus impacts in large mesocosms over 4 weeks. We predicted (1) that when predators were absent, infected crayfish would have lower impacts than uninfected crayfish on macrophytes and macroinvertebrates (as well as reduced growth and higher mortality). However, (2) when predators were present but unable to consume crayfish, infected crayfish would have greater impacts (as well as greater growth and lower mortality) than uninfected crayfish because of increased boldness. Because of its effect on crayfish feeding behavior, we also predicted (3) that infection would alter macrophyte and macroinvertebrate community composition. In contrast to our first hypothesis, we found that infected and uninfected crayfish had similar impacts on lower trophic levels when predators were absent. Across all treatments, infected crayfish were more likely to be outside shelters and had greater growth than uninfected crayfish, suggesting that the reduced feeding observed in short-term experiments does not occur over longer timescales. However, in support of the second hypothesis, when predatory fish were present, infected crayfish ate more macroinvertebrates than did uninfected crayfish, likely due to increased boldness. We also observed a trend for greater macrophyte consumption associated with infection and a trend indicating infection might alter macroinvertebrate community composition. Our results suggest that parasites can alter aquatic communities in mesocosms merely by modifying host behavior.
The southern solution to our current malaise.

I have lived a life of great good fortune in health, faith, family, and profession. Emblematic of that good fortune is my membership in this society, its encouragement, inspiration, fellowship, and the occasional worthy golf partner. My gratitude for the privilege of this podium is beyond my means of expression, but despite my perceived lack of eloquence, it is no less heartfelt.
A W-Band Low-Noise PLL With a Fundamental VCO in SiGe for Millimeter-Wave Applications

A W-band fundamental phase-locked loop (PLL) is designed and fully integrated to achieve high output power and low noise in a 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS process. A PLL with a fundamental voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is chosen after comparing several frequency-synthesizer architectures. Local oscillator (LO) generation and LO distribution are also considered. The employed free-running VCO achieves a tuning range from 92.5 to 102.5 GHz (8.3%), an output power of 6 dBm, and a phase noise of -124.5 dBc/Hz at 10-MHz offset. The locking range of the PLL is from 92.7 to 100.2 GHz, and the phase noise is -102 dBc/Hz at 1-MHz offset. The root mean square jitter integrated from 1 MHz to 1 GHz is 71 fs. Finally, the figure-of-merit for VCOs is discussed.
Parasitism of Anatis quindecimpunctatabyHomalotylus terminalis,3

Anatis ocellata mali (Say) and A. quindecimpunctata Oliver, both frequently called the 15-spotted ladybeetle, are large coccinellids that often attract attention because their prey includes defoliating larvae. McKenzie (1936) pointed out that earlier records of A. quindecimpunctata and A. ocellata mali were probably confused. Their geographical distributions overlap greatly, and A. ocellata mali was considered a variety of A. quindecimpunctata in many earlier papers. McKenzie reported A. quindecimpunctata feeding on the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say); gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L.); browntail moth, Nygmia phaeorrhoea (Donovan); and Erannis tiliaria (Harris). Graham and Knight (1965) reported extensive predation on the jack pine budworm, Choristoneura pinus Freeman, by A. ocellata mali .
A Comparison of Cache Blocking Methods for Fast Execution of Ensemble-based Score Computation

Machine-learned classification and ranking techniques often use ensembles to aggregate partial scores of feature vectors for high accuracy and the runtime score computation can become expensive when employing a large number of ensembles. The previous work has shown the judicious use of memory hierarchy in a modern CPU architecture which can effectively shorten the time of score computation. However, different traversal methods and blocking parameter settings can exhibit different cache and cost behavior depending on data and architectural characteristics. It is very time-consuming to conduct exhaustive search for performance comparison and optimum selection. This paper provides an analytic comparison of cache blocking methods on their data access performance with an approximation and proposes a fast guided sampling scheme to select a traversal method and blocking parameters for effective use of memory hierarchy. The evaluation studies with three datasets show that within a reasonable amount of time, the proposed scheme can identify a highly competitive solution that significantly accelerates score calculation.
Cognitive and behavioral effects of the coadministration of dextroamphetamine and haloperidol in schizophrenia.

Objective The authors sought to determine if an acute dose of dextroamphetamine might have positive effects on affect and cognition in schizophrenic patients maintained on a regimen of haloperidol and, if so, what variables might predict such improvements. Method Twenty-one patients with chronic schizophrenia who were hospitalized on a research ward received a single oral dose of dextroamphetamine (0.25 mg/kg) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. All patients were receiving 0.4 mg/kg per day of haloperidol. Cognitive tests, motor tests, global ratings, mood ratings, and videotape ratings were used to determine the effect of the coadministration of these drugs. Ventricle-brain ratios derived from CT scans were used to predict response to the coadministration of these drugs. Results Amphetamine improved performance on a measure of concept formation on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test but did not result in changes in performance on tests of memory or attention. As a group, the patients were more active and performed psychomotor tests more quickly while receiving amphetamine. Six patients were judged by clinical raters to have improved in terms of affect, cooperation, and engagement with the environment. Improvement was associated with enlarged cerebral ventricles and increases in blink rate from the placebo to the active drug condition. No patient unequivocally worsened. Conclusions These results may be consistent with the theory that coadministration of amphetamine and haloperidol produces relatively selective enhancement of cortical dopaminergic activity. However, because of the acute nature of the trial and the specialized research environment in which it was conducted, the authors do not advocate amphetamine as a routine clinical treatment of schizophrenia.
Can the nursing profession win the game

The ebb and flow of a basketball game is analogous to the nursing profession's recent past, its current state, and where the profession is heading. The metaphor of a basketball game provides a way of describing the timing of events that have shaped nursing over the past 20 years, and whether and how the next 15 years will be looked upon by historians as the greatest period in the history of the nursing profession. For this outcome to occur, nurses and the profession's leaders must see that the set of third quarter challenges are opportunities to deepen nursing's social relevance and its commitment to increase the health of people.
Abstract 2873: Left Atrial Size and Mechanical Function after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Paroxymal Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Segmental pulmonary vein isolation (SPVI) and circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) both may eliminate paroxysmal artial fibrillation (PAF). The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of the two different strategies on the left atrum (LA) size and function in patients with PAF. Methods and Results: Of 66 consecutive patients with symptomatic PAF, 30 patients underwent SPVI and 36 underwent CPVA. Transthorax echocardiography was performed at baseline and at 1-day, 1-month, 3-month intervals after ablation. LA dimension, LA area, late diastolic peak velocity of mitral valve inflow (A) and peak atrail systolic mitral annulus velocity (A’) were recorded. After a mean follow-up of 315±153 days, 21 patients (70%) after SPVI and 28 patients (76%) after CPVA were free of atrial tachyarrhythmia (p=0.650). As compared with the baseline, LA area decreased at 1-month after ablation in SPVI group and at 3-month in CPVA group. LA dimension decreased also in SPVI group, but not in CPVA group. A velocity and A’velocity declined remarkably 1 day after CPVA, and restored 3 months later. The former went back to the lever of baseline, and the latter exceeded it apparently. In SPVI group, A velocity increased at 1-month, and the increase maintained in 3-month. A’ velocity increased at 3-month after ablation. No reduction of A velocity or A’ velocity was found after SPVI. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a decrease in LA area and an improvement in LA systolic function 3 months after ablation for PAF. The LA damage by CPVA is more than that by SPVI, which is characterized by the reduction of LA function 1 day after procedure and the delayed improvement of LA size and functional parameters.
SU-F-T-602: Central Moments to Analyze Dose Distributions in Planning Target Volumes.

Purpose: To quantify the dose distribution inside planning target volumes (PTV), the coefficient of variation, skewness (third central moment) and kurtosis (fourth central moment) were used to analyze the dose distributions of PTVs for lung and prostate cases. Those variables can be used to measure the shape of the dose distribution. Methods: The mean dose, coefficient of variation, skewness, and kurtosis were used to analyze the dose distributions inside PTVs for 24 randomly selected patients. The bin width of the relative dose distribution is 0.1 percent. The coefficient of variation (ratio of the standard deviation to the mean), skewness (third standardized moment), kurtosis (fourth standardized moment) were calculated by using the calculated dose distribution. The coefficient of variation measures the ratio of noise to signal. Skewness measures the asymmetry of the distribution, and negative values indicate that data is skewed left (more low dose). Kurtosis measures the peak of the distribution, where a value of 3 is for a standard normal distribution. Results: The average mean dose was found to be (101.17±5.26)% of the prescribed dose. The averaged standard deviation is (2.07±0.68)%. The average coefficient of variation is 0.020±0.007. The average skewness is −1.17±0.50, with range from −2.12 to −0.24. Because the values of the skewness are negative for all patients, that means more voxels were in lower dose regions. The average kurtosis is 5.89±2.29 with a range from 3.58 to 12.06. The dose distributions are wider than standard normal distributions. Conclusion: The coefficient of variation, skewness and kurtosis were used to analyze PTV dose distributions. It was found that these variables can be used to quantify the dose distributions inside PTVs, and maybe a preferred way to assess PTV coverage
The Capacity of Aspirin to Acetylate Proteins in Vitro and in Vivo

The absorption and metabolism of aspirin has been well documented in two relatively recent reviews (Dixon et al., 1963; Smith & Smith, 1966). In the acid environment of the stomach, aspirin is in the un-ionized form and is absorbed through the gastric mucosa as such. But when it gets into the environment of the blood or duodenum, with or without the help of serum esterases, it rapidly hydrolyses into salicylic and acetic acids. This reaction is so complete and prompt that in patients taking therapeutic doses of aspirin for rheumatoid arthritis and having serum salicylate levels of 20–25 mg/100 ml (1.5–1.8 mM), only two 2 mg/100 ml (0.11 mm) is aspirin per se and the rest is in the form of sodium salicylate. Most of the salicylate ion is excreted in the urine as such, and relatively small amounts are converted to products such as glucuronides, salicyluric acid and gentisic acid. A final observation important to this discussion is the fact that 50–80% of the plasma level of aspirin and especially of salicylate ion is loosely bound to albumin, the exact amount bound being directly related to the total plasma level.
On Bahadur's Representation of Sample Quantiles for Nonstationary Mixing Processes

For sequences of independent and identically distributed random variables, Bahadur (1966), obtained, under certain mild coniditions an elegant almost sure represetation of a sample quantile as an average of independent and identically distributed centered random variables plus a remainder term converging to zero almost surely at a faster rate. J. K . Ghosh (1971), obtained, under milder regularity conditions, a weaker version of the result. The present paper obtains under certain conditions Bahadur type results for non-stationary o-mixing processes and J. K. Ghosh type results for non-stationary strongly mixed processes.
Horseshoe Kidney: Discordance in Monozygotic Twins

It is generally assumed that a demonstrated congenital defect in one of a pair of identical twins will be present in the other twin as well. Genotypic identity, however, does not always mean phenotypic identity. Discordant abnormalities in identical twins have been sporadically reported in the literature. We have recently seen a pair of identical twins who demonstrated just such discordance. Horseshoe kidney was present in one twin but absent in the other. We have been unable to find any previous report in the literature of the discordant occurrence of horseshoe kidney in monozygotic twins.
Does Psychosocial Stress Impact Cognitive Reappraisal? Behavioral and Neural Evidence.

Cognitive reappraisal (CR) is regarded as an effective emotion regulation strategy. Acute stress, however, is believed to impair the functioning of prefrontal-based neural systems, which could resu...
P81 What is the ideal target preterm population that might benefit from the expensive palivizumab prophylaxis

Introduction Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the likelihood of serious respiratory tract infection by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) defined as an ongoing oxygen requirement at 36 weeks corrected gestation. In the UK (UK), Palivizumab is offered to high-risk infants with moderate to severe CLD according to their chronological age at the time of RSV season as per Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidelines. The American Academy of Paediatrics, in contrast, recommends Palivizumab prophylaxis for all infants born before 29 weeks’ gestation who are younger than 12 months at the start of the RSV season. Materials and Methods We hypothesised that the RSV hospitalisation rate and length of hospital stay (LOS) within the 1 st year of life between preterm babies with CLD immunised according to the JCVI criteria (CLDJCVI) and the additional babies who are considered eligible by the AAP criteria would be comparable. Our cohort included babies born in Nottingham UK between 2009 and 2015. Data was collected from hospital records and the Nottingham CLD database, and analysed using Fisher’s exact test for proportions and Mann-Whitney test for continuous data. Results In total there were 3478 babies born preterm ( Conclusion The RSV hospitalisation rate and LOS were not statistically different in babies under JCVI criteria and additional babies qualifying by AAP criteria. A larger multi-centre prospective study is required to prove health and economic benefits of adopting AAP Palivizumab recommendations.
Segmenting human trajectory data by movement states while addressing signal loss and signal noise

This paper considers the problem of partitioning an individual GPS trajectory data into homogeneous, meaningful segments such as stops and trips. Signal loss and signal noise are highly prevalent i...
Patient Frailty Should Be Used to Individualize Treatment Decisions in Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that predominantly affects patients >60 and is increasing in prevalence. Identifying risk factors for poor outcomes after parathyroidectomy in older adults will help tailor operative decision making. The impact of frailty on surgical outcomes in parathyroidectomy has not been established. We performed a retrospective review of patients ≥40 years who underwent parathyroidectomy in the 2005–2010 ACS NSQIP. Frailty was assessed using the modified frailty index (mFI). Multivariable regression was used to determine the association of frailty with 30-day complications, length of stay (LOS), and reoperation. We identified 13,123 patients ≥40 who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT. The majority of patients were not frail, with 80% with a low NSQIP mFI score (0–1 frailty traits), 19% with an intermediate mFI score (2–3), and 0.9% with a high mFI score (≥4). Overall 30-day complications were rare, occurring in 141 (1.1%) patients. Increasing frailty was associated with an increased risk of complications with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.76 (95% CI 1.20–2.59; p = 0.004) for intermediate and 8.43 (95% CI 4.33–16.41; p < 0.001) for high mFI score. Patient age was independently associated with an increased risk of complications only when ≥75, as was African-American race. Anesthesia with local, monitored anesthesia care, or regional block was the only factor associated with decreased odds of complications. A high NSQIP mFI was also associated with a significant 4.77-day adjusted increase in LOS (95% CI 4.28–5.25; p < 0.001) and increased odds of reoperation (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.64–10.74; p = 0.003). Patient frailty is associated with increased complications, reoperation and prolonged LOS in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for PHPT. The risks of surgical management should be weighed against potential benefits in frail patients with PHPT to individualize treatment decisions in this vulnerable population.
Achieving Alignment between IS Research and IS Curriculum: towards Stronger IS Discipline Identity

The IS discipline identity discourse has traditionally been focused on the IS research. With considerable effort devoted to the IS curriculum development, it has not been seriously considered in the discussions on the IS identity. Here we argue that IS students and their recruiters, along with IS faculty, are key internal stakeholders of the IS discipline. As such they are engaged in the process of co-creating the IS discipline teaching identity through IS curriculum creation and consumption. We propose that a stronger identity of the IS academic discipline can be achieved through alignment between three elements: IS research, IS curriculum, and the needs of IS practitioners. We examine the degree of alignment between IS curriculum standards and key IS research subareas identified in extant research, and point out directions for future research and curriculum development.
Design of SAYEH Processor

This chapter showed design, testing and implementation of a complete CPU. This design put all that we have covered in this book into one package. The design is complete and typical of any large system with a complex controller and data path. Use of the synthesizable subset of Verilog for development of a design for FPGA programming was shown. On the other hand, utilization of behavioral constructs of Verilog was demonstrated in developing a testbench for our processor.
“Too Old to Work and Too Young to Die”: The framing of strategic change and the Treaty of Detroit

In this study, I analyze two negotiation rounds between the United Automobile Workers and the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers (Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corpo...
Antiquity of forelimb ecomorphological diversity in the mammalian stem lineage (Synapsida)

Mammals and their closest fossil relatives are unique among tetrapods in expressing a high degree of pectoral girdle and forelimb functional diversity associated with fully pelagic, cursorial, subterranean, volant, and other lifestyles. However, the earliest members of the mammalian stem lineage, the "pelycosaur"-grade synapsids, present a far more limited range of morphologies and inferred functions. The more crownward nonmammaliaform therapsids display novel forelimb morphologies that have been linked to expanded functional diversity, suggesting that the roots of this quintessentially mammalian phenotype can be traced to the pelycosaur-therapsid transition in the Permian period. We quantified morphological disparity of the humerus in pelycosaur-grade synapsids and therapsids using geometric morphometrics. We found that disparity begins to increase concurrently with the emergence of Therapsida, and that it continues to rise until the Permo-Triassic mass extinction. Further, therapsid exploration of new regions of morphospace is correlated with the evolution of novel ecomorphologies, some of which are characterized by changes to overall limb morphology. This evolutionary pattern confirms that nonmammaliaform therapsid forelimbs underwent ecomorphological diversification throughout the Permian, with functional elaboration initially being more strongly expressed in the proximal end of the humerus than the distal end. The role of the forelimbs in the functional diversification of therapsids foreshadows the deployment of forelimb morphofunctional diversity in the evolutionary radiation of mammals.
Understanding cornea homeostasis and wound healing using a novel model of stem cell deficiency in Xenopus

Abstract Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) is a painful and debilitating disease that results from damage or loss of the Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells (CESCs). Therapies have been developed to treat LSCD by utilizing epithelial stem cell transplants. However, effective repair and recovery depends on many factors, such as the source and concentration of donor stem cells, and the proper conditions to support these transplanted cells. We do not yet fully understand how CESCs heal wounds or how transplanted CESCs are able to restore transparency in LSCD patients. A major hurdle has been the lack of vertebrate models to study CESCs. Here we utilized a short treatment with Psoralen AMT (a DNA cross-linker), immediately followed by UV treatment (PUV treatment), to establish a novel frog model that recapitulates the characteristics of cornea stem cell deficiency, such as pigment cell invasion from the periphery, corneal opacity, and neovascularization. These PUV treated whole corneas do not regain transparency. Moreover, PUV treatment leads to appearance of the Tcf7l2 labeled subset of apical skin cells in the cornea region. PUV treatment also results in increased cell death, immediately following treatment, with pyknosis as a primary mechanism. Furthermore, we show that PUV treatment causes depletion of p63 expressing basal epithelial cells, and can stimulate mitosis in the remaining cells in the cornea region. To study the response of CESCs, we created localized PUV damage by focusing the UV radiation on one half of the cornea. These cases initially develop localized stem cell deficiency characteristics on the treated side. The localized PUV treatment is also capable of stimulating some mitosis in the untreated (control) half of those corneas. Unlike the whole treated corneas, the treated half is ultimately able to recover and corneal transparency is restored. Our study provides insight into the response of cornea cells following stem cell depletion, and establishes Xenopus as a suitable model for studying CESCs, stem cell deficiency, and other cornea diseases. This model will also be valuable for understanding the nature of transplanted CESCs, which will lead to progress in the development of therapeutics for LSCD.
EGFR Signaling Stimulates Autophagy to Regulate Stem Cell Maintenance and Lipid Homeostasis in the Drosophila Testis

Although typically upregulated upon cellular stress, autophagy can also be utilized under homeostatic conditions as a quality control mechanism or in response to developmental cues. Here, we report that autophagy is required for the maintenance of somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) in the Drosophila testis. Disruption of autophagy in CySCs and early cyst cells (CCs) by the depletion of autophagy-related (Atg) genes reduced early CC numbers and affected CC function, resembling decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Indeed, our data indicate that EGFR acts to stimulate autophagy to preserve early CC function, whereas target of rapamycin (TOR) negatively regulates autophagy in the differentiating CCs. Finally, we show that the EGFR-mediated stimulation of autophagy regulates lipid levels in CySCs and CCs. These results demonstrate a key role for autophagy in regulating somatic stem cell behavior and tissue homeostasis by integrating cues from both the EGFR and TOR signaling pathways to control lipid metabolism.
A DFT study of methane conversion on Mo-terminated Mo2C carbides: Carburization vs C–C coupling

Abstract Molybdenum carbides have been believed to catalyze C–C coupling to generate aromatics from methane conversion. Herein, a systematic study of methane activation on the Mo-terminated Mo2C surfaces have been performed using density functional theory calculations. Our results indicate that the Mo-terminated β-Mo2C surface exhibits a superior activity toward methane activation. Carburization through insertion of carbon atoms into the subsurface interstitial sites of β-Mo2C reduces the reactivity towards methane activation; and complete carburization in the subsurface layer of β-Mo2C makes it behave similarly to α-Mo2C, which has a completely carburized subsurface layer, and α-MoC towards methane conversion. Consequently, dimerization of the CH* adspecies through C C coupling occurs more readily, resulting in C2H2*, a potential precursor to produce long chain hydrocarbons or aromatics. This study also demonstrates a dynamic nature of carburization of molybdenum carbides under the condition of methane activation, which is expected to play an important role in determining the activity and selectivity for, e.g., dehydro-aromatization.
Authenticity in popular electronic music: The Ladytron narrative

This study explores the construction of “authenticity” and related identity-competencies in popular electronic music through an investigation of the music group Ladytron during their formative first decade: 2001-2011. Textual analysis is used to examine the Ladytron narrative; the story that discursively emerges in/between industry and popular articles, music reviews, and band interviews. In developing the Ladytron narrative, the band9s identity depends on negotiations between a “roots” concept of electronic music authenticity, performing artistic integrity, and interaction with audiences who participated in the perpetuation and maintenance of this alternative/indie identity. The Ladytron narrative shows how music artists might maintain an identity alternative to mass culture, while creating their own space within it.
A numerical reconstruction algorithm for the inverse scattering problem with backscatter data

This paper is concerned with the inverse scattering problem which aims to determine the coefficient of the Helmholtz equation from multifrequency backscatter data. We propose an efficient numerical algorithm to solve this nonlinear and ill-posed inverse problem without using any advanced a priori knowledge of the solution. To study the algorithm we first eliminate the coefficient from the Helmholtz equation using a change of variables. Then using a truncated Fourier expansion for the wave field we approximately reformulate the inverse problem as a system of quasilinear elliptic PDEs, which can be numerically solved by a quasi-reversibility approach. The cost functional for the quasi-reversibility method is constructed as a Tikhonov-like functional that involves a Carleman weight function. Our numerical study shows that using a method of gradient descent type one can find the minimizer of this Tikhonov-like functional without any advanced a priori knowledge about it.
Making sense of blood glucose data and self-management in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study.

Aims and objectives To describe individuals' with type 2 diabetes mellitus sense-making of blood glucose data and other influences impacting self-management behaviour. Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence is increasing globally. Adherence to effective diabetes self-management regimens is an ongoing healthcare challenge. Examining individuals' sense-making processes can advance staff knowledge of and improve diabetes self-management behaviour. Design A qualitative exploratory design examining how individuals make sense of blood glucose data and symptoms, and the influence on self-management decisions. Methods Sixteen one-on-one interviews with adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted from March-May 2018. An inductive-deductive thematic analysis of data using the Sensemaking Framework for Chronic Disease Self-Management was used. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist were used in completing this paper. Results Three main themes described participants' type 2 diabetes mellitus sense-making and influences on self-management decisions: classifying blood glucose data, building mental models and making self-management decisions. Participants classified glucose levels based on prior personal experiences. Participants learned about diabetes from classes, personal experience, health information technology and their social network. Seven participants expressed a need for periodic refreshing of diabetes knowledge. Conclusion Individuals use self-monitored glucose values and/or HbA1C values to evaluate glucose control. When using glucose values, they analyse the context in which the value was obtained through the lens of personal parameters and expectations. Understanding how individuals make sense of glycaemic data and influences on diabetes self-management behaviour with periodic reassessment of this understanding can guide the healthcare team in optimising collaborative individualised care plans. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses must assess sense-making processes in self-management decisions. Periodic "refresher" diabetes education may be needed for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Fabrication and Characterization of Femtosecond Laser Induced Microwave Frequency Photonic Fiber Grating

We proposed and fabricated a microwave-frequency photonic fiber grating (MPFG) by femtosecond laser micromachining on optical fibers. Illuminated by low coherent light source, the MPFG can be interrogated using proposed microwave photonic system to show the resonant peaks in microwave frequency domain. We studied the working principle and characteristics of this device. After that, we discussed the influence of fiber type, apodization and light source coherence lengths on this device. The device can also respond to ambient temperature change like fiber optic sensors.
Monopolizing mobilities: The data politics of ride-hailing platforms in US cities

Abstract Smart-urbanism discourses frequently invoke the transformative potential of data to solve city problems, but data are neither neutral nor are they readily shared in the pursuit of common goals. Drawing upon a two-year study of large-scale digital platforms in US cities, this paper investigates conflicts over data sharing between city transportation departments and ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft. By maintaining data monopolies, platform companies obfuscate the detrimental impacts of their services (e.g., increased congestion and pollution, dangers to cyclists and pedestrians) and interfere with city transportation planners’ tasks of diagnosing city needs and providing services for the public good. Ride-hailing companies’ resistance to data sharing serves the strategic goals of prolonging monopoly status and slowing regulation for maximum capital extraction, but I argue that it also performs a more insidious function of entrenching platform practices and logics, making alternatives difficult to imagine or implement. Against this backdrop, I explore the notion of a “data commons” approach to transportation management.
Quality of Life and Needs of Deaf Informal Caregivers of Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia:

No studies have included the experiences and needs of informal caregivers who are deaf, use American Sign Language (ASL), and care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADR...
Digital instructional practices to promote pedagogical content knowledge during COVID-19

This report documents the adaptations made by three teacher educators in an early childhood teacher preparation programme in New York City when classes were transitioned to digital environments due...
Evaluation of a Diabetes Remote Monitoring Program Facilitated by Connected Glucose Meters for Patients With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: Patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) experience increased morbidity, increased mortality, and higher cost of care. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a critical component of diabetes self-management with established diabetes outcome benefits. Technological advancements in blood glucose meters, including cellular-connected devices that automatically upload SMBG data to secure cloud-based databases, allow for improved sharing and monitoring of SMBG data. Real-time monitoring of SMBG data presents opportunities to provide timely support to patients that is responsive to abnormal SMBG recordings. Such diabetes remote monitoring programs can provide patients with poorly controlled T2D additional support needed to improve critical outcomes. Objective: To evaluate 6 months of a diabetes remote monitoring program facilitated by cellular-connected glucose meter, access to a diabetes coach, and support responsive to abnormal blood glucose recordings greater than 400 mg/dL or below 50 mg/dL in adults with poorly controlled T2D. Methods: Patients (N=119) receiving care at a diabetes center of excellence participated in a two-arm, 12-month randomized crossover study. The intervention included a cellular-connected glucose meter and phone-based diabetes coaching provided by Livongo Health. The coach answered questions, assisted in goal setting, and provided support in response to abnormal glucose levels. One group received the intervention for 6 months before returning to usual care (IV/UC). The other group received usual care before enrolling in the intervention (UC/IV) for 6 months. Change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was the primary outcome, and change in treatment satisfaction was the secondary outcome. Results: Improvements in mean HbA1c were seen in both groups during the first 6 months (IV/UC −1.1%, SD 1.5 vs UC/IV −0.8%, SD 1.5; P<.001). After crossover, there was no significant change in HbA1c in IV/UC (mean HbA1c change +0.2, SD 1.7, P=.41); however, those in UC/IV showed further improvement (mean HbA1c change −0.4%, SD 1.0, P=.008). A mixed-effects model showed no significant treatment effect (IV vs UC) over 12 months (P=.06). However, participants with higher baseline HbA1c and those in the first time period experienced greater improvements in HbA1c. Both groups reported similar improvements in treatment satisfaction throughout the study. Conclusions: Patients enrolled in the diabetes remote monitoring program intervention experienced improvements in HbA1c and treatment satisfaction similar to usual care at a specialty diabetes center. Future studies on diabetes remote monitoring programs should incorporate scheduled coaching components and involve family members and caregivers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03124043; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03124043
Fabrication and characterization of polysulfone and polyethersulfone membranes applied in the treatment of fish skin tanning effluent

Abstract The tanning industries are responsible for generating high amounts of contaminated effluent and membrane separation processes can be used to treat this type of wastewater. This paper aimed at the fabrication of polymeric membranes from the phase inversion technique and its application in the treatment of fish skin dye tanning effluent. The membranes were characterized with thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, water absorption, porosity, average size pore and permeation with distilled water in the range of 1–4 bar. The antifouling properties of the membranes were evaluated after filtration of solution of bovine albumin (BSA) (Cycle 1) and the tannery effluent (Cycle 2). The characterization showed that the prepared membranes are anisotropic with porous sub-layer, thermally resistant up until 300 °C and hydrophilic. The membranes with the highest percentage of polyethersulfone (PES) in the composition showed greater hydrophilicity and porosity. Regardless of the polymeric composition, all membranes showed 80% BSA rejection. The membrane with 16.4 wt%PES, 5.0 wt%PSU and 3.0 wt%NaCl showed the best results, reducing 88% of the chemical oxygen demand and 92% of the absorbance of fish skin tanning effluent. Regardless of composition and hydrophilicity, all membranes had their flux recovery higher than 95% after permeation of BSA and effluent. The results obtained with fabrication membranes from polymer blends showed themselves to be promising for treatment of fish skin dye effluent.
Tau: Enabler of diverse brain disorders and target of rapidly evolving therapeutic strategies

Several lines of evidence implicate the protein tau in the pathogenesis of multiple brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative conditions, autism, and epilepsy. Tau is abundant in neurons and interacts with microtubules, but its main functions in the brain remain to be defined. These functions may involve the regulation of signaling pathways relevant to diverse biological processes. Informative disease models have revealed a plethora of abnormal tau species and mechanisms that might contribute to neuronal dysfunction and loss, but the relative importance of their respective contributions is uncertain. This knowledge gap poses major obstacles to the development of truly impactful therapeutic strategies. The current expansion and intensification of efforts to translate mechanistic insights into tau-related therapeutics should address this issue and could deliver better treatments for a host of devastating conditions.
A Reliability Enhanced 5nm CMOS Technology Featuring 5 th Generation FinFET with Fully-Developed EUV and High Mobility Channel for Mobile SoC and High Performance Computing Application

To keep up with the dominance in the field of leading semiconductor technology innovation, TSMC has announced the risk production of its most advanced 5nm CMOS logic node [1] using the full-fledged EUV and high mobility channel (HMC) FinFETs. Supporting the state of the art mobile SOC chips and HPC application needs, this 5nm technology node provides ~1.8x improvement in logic density, 15% speed gain and 30% power reduction as compared to its previous 7nm generation [1] - [2] . This paper, for the first time, brings out the detailed reliability attributes for the TSMC 5nm technology node from the device to various chip/package level reliability testing. While delivering an enhanced performance for N5, here we demonstrate the reliability benefit in terms of Bias Temperature Instability (BTI), Hot Carrier Degradation (HCD), Time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) degradation modes in device level. Not only that, N5 node also delivers excellent reliability margins in chip level evaluations for SRAM and logic CPU/GPU applications. Moreover, to compete with the strictest industry reliability requirements even to the DPPM or low DPPB levels, N5 logic confirms its benefit for the automotive applications.
Further thoughts on Asian Studies “inside-out”

In response to Sato and Sonoda's “Asian Studies ‘inside out’: research agenda for the development of Global Asian Studies,” members of the Global Asias Collaborative at Rutgers University – comprised of a diverse group of scholars of Asia and the Asian diaspora located in history, literature, art history, geography, among other disciplines – offer responses to this generative prompt to remap the place and field of “Asia” in its heterogeneous and interwoven temporalities and topologies.
Impact of Patient Portal Messaging Reminders with Self-Scheduling Option on Influenza Vaccination Rates: a Prospective, Randomized Trial.

Patient portal messages have been used in a variety of ways to facilitate improved communication between provider and patient. These platforms have shown promise in many ways for improving various health outcomes and overall communication between patient and provider. Assess the impact of automated portal reminder messages and self-scheduling options on increasing rates of annual influenza vaccination. This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study. All patients who receive their primary care through an ambulatory primary care clinic at a large, multidisciplinary, academic health center. One group of patients received a portal message reminder to undergo influenza vaccination. A second group received the same message with instructions to self-schedule the vaccination appointment. A third group received no portal message (control). Rates of influenza vaccination in each group for previously unvaccinated patients in the 2019−2020 influenza season. For the group receiving the message with self-scheduling option (n=5408), the in-study vaccination rate was significantly greater than the group receiving no message (n=5621) (15.7% vs. 13.5%; p=0.002). For the group receiving a message alone (without self-scheduling) (n=5699), the in-study vaccination rate was significantly greater than the group receiving no message (15.1% vs. 13.5%; p=0.01). There was no significant difference in vaccination rate between the two intervention groups receiving messages (15.7% vs. 15.1%; p=0.549). Portal messaging reminders increase annual influenza vaccination rates, but the addition of a self-scheduling option did not further increase rates. vaccination patient portal messaging influenza
Never Look Back: Non-Regression in Environmental Law

Deregulatory advocates often frame environmental protection and economic well-being as a zero-sum tradeoff. During times of economic crisis, including the long-term fallout from the global covid-19 pandemic, policymakers may seek to withdraw or roll back environmental laws and regulations in an attempt to accelerate economic recovery. In order to safeguard the interests of vulnerable populations that suffer from pollution and other environmental harms, it is imperative to retain environmental regulations, removing or relaxing them only when there is a clear justification for doing so. Built in environmental legal frameworks in both international and domestic law is a principle of non-regression—no walking back environmental law, regulation, or protection once put in place. Governments and institutions at all levels ought to apply this principle in designing and implementing environmental governance, and judges, in their role of interpreting and applying the law, ought to incorporate the principle in their decisions and ensure the progressive realization of rights guaranteed by environmental law. This Article brings together a variety of expressions of the principle of non-regression in international treaties, trade agreements, declarations, and in domestic constitutions, statutes, and administrative law—within and outside the United States. Greater recognition of how this principle has worked in practice may be helpful in promoting the notion that, so long as environmental degradation continues to occur and threaten human well-being, environmental standards must continue to move forward, and never look back.