cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making Large Scale Deployment of RCP Practical for Real Networks

We recently proposed the rate control protocol (RCP) as a way to minimize download times (or flow-completion times). Simulations suggest that if RCP were widely deployed, downloads would frequently finish an order of magnitude faster than with TCP. This is because RCP involves explicit feedback from the routers along the path, allowing a sender to pick a fast starting rate, and adapt quickly to network conditions. RCP is particularly appealing because it can be shown to be stable under broad operating conditions, and its performance is independent of the flow-size distribution and the RTT. Although it requires changes to the routers, the changes are small: The routers keep no per-flow state or per-flow queues, and the per-packet processing is minimal. However, the bar is high for a new congestion control mechanism - introducing a new scheme requires enormous change, and the argument needs to be compelling. And so, to enable incremental deployment of RCP, we have built and tested an open and public implementation of RCP, and proposed solutions for deployments that require no fork-lift network upgrades. In this paper we describe our end-host and router implementation of RCP in Linux, and solutions to how RCP can coexist in a network carrying predominantly non-RCP traffic, and coordinate with routers that don't implement RCP. We hope that these solutions will take us closer to having an impact in real networks, not just for RCP but also for many other explicit congestion control protocols proposed in literature.
Novel sound production through contingency learning in the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) are highly vocal amphibious mammals with a range of anatomical specializations that can provide plasticity to their sound emissions. The objective of this descriptive study was to determine whether contingency learning could be used to increase variability and induce novelty in the acoustic behavior of walruses. The subjects were two twelve-year-old captive walruses, a male and a female that had previously been conditioned using food reinforcement to produce several specific sounds in response to different discriminative cues. In the current task, these individuals were encouraged to produce novel sounds and novel sound combinations in air by withholding reinforcement for sounds previously emitted in a given session and providing reinforcement only for qualitative differences in emitted sounds. Following training in air, the walruses were tested under water with the same reinforcement contingency. The subjects responded as they had done in air, by varying their underwater sound emissions until reinforcement was provided. Many of the sounds and sound combinations produced by the subjects during underwater testing were quite different from those produced during training in air and those produced under water during baseline observations. Both the male and female spontaneously emitted knocks and soft bells which are components of the songs known to be emitted by mature male walruses during the breeding season. The finding that reinforced variability can induce creativity in sound production is consistent with recent experiments on budgerigar birds showing that vocal topographies, like motor responses, may be influenced by contingency learning.
Variable digital filters having a recursive structure

Variable digital filters allow the frequency characteristics of a filter to be manipulated. Frequency transformations have been successfully used to obtain a variable filter from a nonrecursive prototype. However, this technique cannot be applied directly to filters having a recursive structure. A variation of this method is presented which allows variable filters to be obtained from both recursive and nonrecursive prototypes. This method has special advantages when the prototype has an equal number of poles and zeros (e.g., digital filters obtained by the bilinear transformation from an analog filter).
Mono-octanoin in the dissolution of gallstones in bile ducts: Limitations and precautions

The efficacy and safety of mono-octanoin, a cholesterol solvent for the direct dissolution of stones in the biliary tract, was assessed by collating case reports on 343 patients provided by 222 physicians who used the material between 1977 and 1983. Most patients had previously undergone cholecystectomy, with common duct exploration, the majority within the preceding six weeks. In most, sphincterotomy was impossible or if carried out, had not induced stone passage. Stone dissolution was considered preferable to surgery, especially in patients who were frail, elderly, or had multiple medical problems. Treatment was unquivocally successful in 88 patients (26%) and was a valuable adjunct to interventional treatment in another 29 subjects (8%). In 70 patients (20%), calculi became smaller, but remained within the biliary tree. Thus, mono-octanoin was judged to have been useful in 54%) of patients. Treatment was ineffective in 124 cases (36%). In the remaining 32 patients (9%), treatment was aborted because of side effects. Such sie effects were common, occurring in 67% of cases, and in 41% of patients they were multiple. Abdominal pain was the most common complication. Other side effects reported were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Side effects were usually dose related and responded to reduction in infusion rate. Side effects were life-threatening in 12 patients (5%), but there were no permanent sequelae and no deaths occurred. These data indicate that mono-octanoin is modedrately effective, generally second line, but sometimes first line, treatment for retained biliary duct calculi.
LiMIC: support for high-performance MPI intra-node communication on Linux cluster

High performance intra-node communication support for MPI applications is critical for achieving best performance from clusters of SMP workstations. Present day MPI stacks cannot make use of operating system kernel support for intra-node communication. This is primarily due to the lack of an efficient, portable, stable and MPI friendly interface to access the kernel functions. In this paper we attempt to address design challenges for implementing such a high performance and portable kernel module interface. We implement a kernel module interface called LiMIC and integrate it with MVAPICH, an open source MPI over InfiniBand. Our performance evaluation reveals that the point-to-point latency can be reduced by 71% and the bandwidth improved by 405% for 64 KB message size. In addition, LiMIC can improve HPCC effective bandwidth and NAS IS class B benchmarks by 12% and 8%, respectively, on an 8-node dual SMP InfiniBand cluster.
Adding OSNR and wavelength monitoring functionalities on a double-resolution-AWG-based power monitoring circuit

We propose and demonstrate an improved optical signal-to-noise ratio monitoring scheme based on a double-resolution arrayed-waveguide grating-based power monitoring circuit concatenating with a tunable periodic notch filter. This device, which can be implemented in an integrated power line carrier, exhibits much higher extinction ratio and dynamic range than current available schemes. It is also less sensitive to spectrum shape of the signal.
A general theory of image segmentation: level set segmentation in the fuzzy connectedness framework

In the current vast image segmentation literature, there is a serious lack of methods that would allow theoretical comparison of the algorithms introduced by using different mathematical methodologies. The main goal of this article is to introduce a general theoretical framework for image segmentation that would allow such comparison. The framework is based on the formal definitions designed to answer the following fundamental questions: What is the relation between an idealized image and its digital representation? What properties a segmentation algorithm must satisfy to be acknowledged as acceptable? What does it mean that a digital image segmentation algorithm truly approximates an idealized segmentation model? We use the formulated framework to analyze the front propagation (FP) level set algorithm of Malladi, Sethian, and Vemuri and compare it with the fuzzy connectedness family of algorithms. In particular, we prove that the FP algorithm is weakly model-equivalent with the absolute fuzzy connectedness algorithm of Udupa and Samarasekera used with gradient based affinity. Experimental evidence of this equivalence is also provided. The presented theoretical framework can be used to analyze any arbitrary segmentation algorithm. This line of investigation is a subject of our forthcoming work.
Tropis semper variantibus: Compositional strategies in the offertories of Old Roman chant

In the introduction to the second volume of the series Monumenta Monodica Medii Aevi, devoted in the main to a transcription of the Old Roman gradual Vat. lat. 5319, Bruno Stablein drew up a perceptive assessment of the native Italian chant style, contrasting it with the melodic style of Gregorian chant, a repertoire considered by many scholars to be the result of a process of local ‘editing’ of the Roman chant introduced north of the Alps in the late eighth and early ninth centuries. Stablein quoted a remark about the singing of ‘alleluia’ from Cassiodorus' commentary on Psalm 104: ‘The tongues of cantors are adorned with [alleluia], and the Lord's basilica joyfully responds with it. Innovations are always being introduced to it with varying tropes’ (tropis semper variantibus innovatur).
Brain health and shared risk factors for dementia and stroke

Impaired brain health encompasses a range of clinical outcomes, including stroke, dementia, vascular cognitive impairment, cognitive ageing, and vascular functional impairment. Conditions associated with poor brain health represent leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, with projected increases in public health burden as the population ages. Many vascular risk factors are shared predictors for poor brain health. Moreover, subclinical brain MRI markers of vascular damage are risk factors shared between stroke and dementia, and can be used for risk stratification and early intervention. The broad concept of brain health has resulted in a conceptual shift from vascular risk factors to determinants of brain health. Global campaigns to reduce cardiovascular diseases by targeting modifiable risk factors are necessary and will have a broad impact on brain health. Research is needed on the distinct and overlapping aetiologies of brain health conditions, and to define MRI markers to help clinicians identify patients who will benefit from aggressive prevention measures.
Syntax-based phonological asymmetries: The case of adjective reduplication in Mandarin Chinese

In Prosodic Morphology, reduplication frequently targets phonological constituents such as syllables, feet, or prosodic words. In Mandarin Chinese, however, adjective reduplication targets syntactic units whose size and position depend on the morphosyntactic structure of the base. Specifically, subordinate compounds of form AB are reduplicated as ABAB, whereas coordinate compounds of the same form are reduplicated as AABB. Moreover, two reduplicated forms behave differently in terms of phonological patterning such as more neutralization in AABB and ABAB being transparent. In this article, I show that the phonological asymmetry between two reduplicated forms is a consequence of the distinct morphosyntax of the base and its mapping onto different prosodic structures at the interface. While reduplication making reference to syntax has been reported in the literature (e.g. Ghomeshi et al., 2004; Kirchner, 2010), the Mandarin data is particularly interesting as syntactic reduplication further leads to interesting phonological asymmetries, calling for an elaborated theory of the interface between morphosyntax and phonology. I discuss implications of the current data for previous models of the syntax-phonology interface.
A Linear Perturbation Method for Stability and Flutter Calculations on Hypersonic Bodies

The equations governing linear perturbations in three space variables and time of steady supersonic potential flow past bodies of revolution are derived. The equations are referred to a characteristic coordinate system, and a general numerical process of solution is described. The assumption of potential flow simplifies the theory considerably and is justified in most flutter calculations and in estimating the contribution to stability derivatives from the rear part of a body. However, there is no obstacle in principle to generalizing the technique to apply to nonisentropic flow fields. As an example, to represent the contribution of a typical hypersonic afterbody, the static stability derivatives associated with the exterior surface of a converging conical duct are calculated. Dynamic stability derivatives can be found by a simple extension of this calculation.
Effects of Sagebrush Removal and Herbivory by Mormon Crickets (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) on Understory Plant Biomass and Cover

The effects of herbivory by the Mormon cricket, Anabrus simplex Haldeman (Orthoptera:Tettlgoniidae), and removal of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) on understory plant biomass production and cover were determined. Averaged over a 3-yr period, 50–75% removal of sagebrush resulted in an ≍20% increase in summer understory biomass production; understory plant cover was not affected by sagebrush removal. Mormon crickets, at densities of four and eight crickets per square meter during a 5-wk period, did not significantly affect understory plant biomass production but did reduce forb and total vegetative cover. Mormon cricket herbivory and sagebrush removal were independent with respect to their effects on understory vegetation. Furthermore, the incomplete removal of sagebrush did not affect the feeding ecology of Mormon crickets. Analysis of cricket crop contents suggested that sagebrush was fed upon predominantly; there was little dietary overlap between crickets and cattle. As long as some sagebrush is left intact (e.g., 25%), sagebrush control programs are unlikely to influence Mormon cricket diet selection or damage potential. Cover estimates, which are commonly used by ranchers and rangeland managers to estimate forage availability, provide deceptive assessments of cricket effects, ultimately perhaps leading to an undeserved reputation as a rangeland pest.
UTILITY OF EXTERNAL CAROTID VELOCITY PROGRESSION FOR RISK STRATIFICATION IN ASYMPTOMATIC CAROTID STENOSIS: HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Duplex ultrasonography is used to identify asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) patients at risk for ipsilateral ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (IIS/ TIA). Traditional parameters are not sensitive/ specific enough (as internal carotid stenosis severity/progression) or are impractical for
A novel data logging framework to enhance security of Cloud computing

Data-security is a remarkable hurdle to the vast embracement of Cloud utility. In this paper, we introduce a distinctly secured data logging framework to keep track of the genuine usage of end-user's information in the Cloud. In particular, an approach focusing data is proposed to enable enclosed logging process with the user data and policies. A line-by-line security of file authentication is developed using the Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and Message Digest 5 (MD5) algorithms to provide a dynamic and a secure Cloud environment. In case any unauthorized person attempts to access data, the framework triggers an authentication error message and automates logging details to the data owner. Ten different cases are tested; each case is tested at least ten times. The proposed data logging framework performs correctly as expected and shows potential to improve Cloud security. According to the experimental results, the proposed framework may help decrease unauthorized access, data theft, and data loss.
MODELING POLITICAL EFFICACY AND INTEREST GROUP MEMBERSHIP

Traditionally, political efficacy is measured at the individual level and studied as an individual level attribute in isolation from macro level events. In many studies, political efficacy is viewed as largely static, affected primarily by levels of income and education. If, however, an individual's feeling of efficacy is partly conditioned on macro level occurrences or expected macro level occurrences, then individual efficacy cannot be studied in isolation from the macro level context. In this article, I create a game theoretic, micro level foundation for macro level interest group behavior. I use a simple participation game to model a form of individual level political efficacy and detail the empirical implications of the hypothesized individual level behavior for the aggregate levels of group membership. The results suggest that empirical studies of the effects of political efficacy on collective efforts are susceptible to sampling and measurement problems.
Through the Student's Eyes: Respecting a Hero's Wishes.

A pre-med student relates his family's experiences in trying to get his strong-willed grandfather to adhere to a strict medical care regimen for his chronic condition. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Blind phase/frequency synchronization with low-precision ADC: A Bayesian approach

Modern communication receivers heavily leverage Moore's law, which enables low-cost implementations of sophisticated functionalities in digital signal processing (DSP). However, as communication systems scale up in bandwidth, the availability of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) becomes a fundamental bottleneck for such DSP-centric design. In this paper, we investigate a canonical problem of blind carrier phase and frequency synchronization in order to obtain insight into the performance limitations imposed by severe quantization constraints. We consider an ideal Nyquist sampled QPSK system with coarse phase quantization, implementable with one bit ADCs after analog linear combinations of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components. We propose blind Bayesian algorithms for rapid phase acquisition, followed by continuous feedback-based phase/frequency tracking, based on jointly modeling the unknown phase and frequency, the unknown data, and the severe nonlinearity introduced due to coarse phase quantization. Our performance evaluation shows that excellent performance, close to that of an unquantized system, is achieved by the use of 12 phase bins (implementable using 6 one-bit ADCs).
Engaging in Effective Science Communication: A Response to Blancke et al. on Deproblematizing GMOs

As science communication scholars, we encourage interdisciplinary efforts such as those by Blancke, Grunewald, and De Jaeger to engage with the public on GMOs and genetic engineering broadly. We extend the advice given by these scholars with tips based on what we know from the science of science communication.
Permethrin alters glucose metabolism in conjunction with high fat diet by potentiating insulin resistance and decreases voluntary activities in female C57BL/6J mice.

Permethrin, a type 1 pyrethroid insecticide, was previously reported to promote adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and insulin resistance in C2C12 muscle cells; however, the effects of permethrin exposure on glucose and lipid metabolisms in vivo remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of permethrin exposure on glucose and lipid homeostasis as well as voluntary movement in female mice in response to dietary fat. We tested three doses of permethrin (50, 500, & 5000 μg/kg body weight/day) in low fat diet-fed (4% w/w of diet) and high fat diet-fed (20% w/w of diet) female C57BL/6 J mice for twelve weeks. Our results demonstrated that permethrin treatment potentiated high fat diet-induced insulin resistance as indicated by insulin tolerance tests, glucose tolerance tests, and homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) without altering weight or fat mass. Permethrin treatment significantly decreased voluntary movement and elevated blood glucose and insulin levels. Western blot results further showed that permethrin impaired insulin signaling via the Akt signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle. Taken together, these results suggest that oral administration of permethrin potentiated high fat diet-induced insulin resistance, possibly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes without altering weight gain in female C57BL/6 J mice.
Strike-Induced Chemosensory Searching by Rattlesnakes: The Role of Envenomation-Related Chemical Cues in the Post-Strike Environment

Rattlesnakes and many other viperids typically strike and release adult rodent prey (Gans, 1966; O’Connell et al., 1982; Radcliffe et al., 1980), allowing the envenomated rodent to wander up to 600 cm before succumbing to the venom (Estep et al., 1981). The snakes then follow the chemical trail left by the envenomated prey. Although this predatory strategy risks losing the prey, it avoids tissue damage that could result from rodent teeth and claws if the snake attempted to hold the struggling prey after the strike. Even some of the deadliest elapids exhibit this strategy when they prey upon rodents (Chiszar et al., under review; Radcliffe et al., 1982; Shine & Covacevich, 1982), indicating that rodents are formidable prey and that the strike-release-trail system probably appeared very early in the evolution of venomous snakes (see Marx & Rabb, 1965, for a discussion of viperid evolution).
Epideictic Rhetoric Born Digital: Evolution of the Letter of Recommendation Genre

The letter of recommendation (LOR) plays a significant role in the application process for many professional positions, offering descriptive rather than quantitative information from a third party ...
TGFBR1M318R+/− Knock-In mice recapitulate the immune phenotypes of Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway. Patients heterozygous for a point mutation in the kinase domain of TGFβR1 (TGFBR1M318R) exhibit classic manifestations of LDS. Mice with this mutation were made with the hope that an animal model of LDS will lead to better understanding of the mechanisms underlying LDS symptoms. TGFBR1M318R +/− mice exhibit the hallmark skeletal and cardiovascular phenotypes of LDS. We sought to determine if TGFBR1M318R +/− mice also recapitulate the immune phenotypes characteristic of LDS. We find that like their human counterparts, TGFBR1M318R +/− mice spontaneously develop elevated serum IgE and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), characterized by esophageal dilation, increased collagen, food impaction, and increased infiltration of eosinophils, T cells, mast cells, and myeloid antigen presenting cells. We made bone marrow (BM) chimeras to determine whether altered TGFβR signaling in hematopoietic and/or stromal cells led to EoE. Both irradiated TGFBR1M318R +/− mice reconstituted with WT BM, and WT mice reconstituted with TGFBR1M318R +/− BM had EoE 8 weeks post-reconstitution, indicating that aberrant TGFβ signaling in either BM-derived or non-hematopoietic cells can be associated with EoE, but that neither is absolutely required. To determine which hematopoietic cells are essential to the development of EoE we generated RAG2 −/− TGFBR1M318R +/− mice and found that they too developed EoE, demonstrating that neither T or B cells were essential. Using TGFBR1M318R +/− mice to study the immune pathology of LDS should lead to better therapeutic strategies for the treatment of EoE.
Preference for Second-Generation African Immigrants Over Native-Born Black Americans: A College Admission Simulation

ABSTRACTTwo studies examined preferences for second-generation African immigrants over Black American natives in a college admission simulation. Study 1 showed that a Black American native applicant was less likely to be admitted when his competitor was a second-generation African immigrant applicant relative to a White American competitor. Study 2 showed that this preference did not occur when the two applicants of color were not in competition. Stereotypes and perceived SES did not explain these findings. Discussion suggests that accepting second-generation African immigrants may cover for prejudice by providing a socially desirable alternative to accepting Black American native applicants.
Innovating and improvising the social contract in the US financial borderscape

Why do ‘middle-class’ people with checking accounts use check cashers and hide their savings under mattresses? Why do people with full-time jobs, moderate incomes, and their own homes feel insecure...
ON THE DETERMINATION OF ESTERIFIED CHOLESTEROL

Since the ratio of total to eaterified cholesterol in blood may have diagnostic importance, particularly with reference to liver damage (l-6), the desirability of a rapid and accurate method for determining these substances is obvious. Most methods now in use involve the Liebermann-Burchard color reaction but, in many cases, no account is taken of the fact that esterified cholesterol produces more color in this reaction than does free cholesterol. Such procedures, of course, give results which are too high. This error is eliminated in the methods of Schoenheimer and Sperry (6) and of Kelsey (7) by the use of a saponification procedure. However, for routine use it would be desirable to eliminate this time consuming step. This study has shown that the color produced in the LiebermannBurchard reaction by the esterified cholesterol of calf blood is, within certain limits, a definite percentage greater than that produced by the same amount of free cholesterol. Hence, by application of an appropriate correction factor, it is possible to determine, with reasonable accuracy, total and esterified blood cholesterol without saponification.
The Association Between Common Clinical Characteristics and Postoperative Morbidity and Overall Survival in Patients with Glioblastoma

BACKGROUND The impact of noncancerous factors on the morbidity and mortality of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not been well studied. Using a large surgical cohort, we examined the association between multiple clinical characteristics and postoperative morbidities and survival in patients with GBM. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 404 consecutive GBM patients who underwent initial tumor resection at MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. Data about clinical characteristics, treatments, and postoperative complications were collected. The associations between clinical parameters and postoperative complications and survival were analyzed. RESULTS Charlson Comorbidity Index was positively related to a higher incidence of postoperative total (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; p = .002) and neurological (OR = 1.18; p = .011) complications. Preoperative systolic blood pressure (SBp) over 140 mmHg was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 4.42; p = .039) and longer hospital stay (OR = 2.48; p = .015). Greater postoperative fluctuation of SBp (OR = 1.14; p = .025) and blood glucose (mmol/L; OR = 1.48; p = .023) were related to a higher incidence of neurological complications, whereas higher postoperative blood glucose (OR = 0.64; p < .001) was related to a lower incidence. Long-term lower SBp (<124 mmHg; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47; p = .010) and higher blood glucose (HR = 1.12; p < .001) were associated with shorter survival. Long-term serum albumin level (g/dL; HR = 0.32; p < .001) was positively associated with survival. CONCLUSION Short-term SBp and blood glucose levels and fluctuations are associated with postoperative complications in GBM patients. Their long-term optimization may impact survival of these patients. Future clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefit of optimizing medical comorbidities on GBM patients' outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most feared cancer diagnoses because of its limited survival and treatment. This study revealed significant associations of noncancerous factors on the morbidity and mortality of GBM. The complexity of medical comorbidities, as well as short-term postoperative levels and fluctuations of blood pressure and blood glucose, was associated with postoperative complications, but not overall survival. However, long-term levels of these common clinical parameters were significantly associated with survival. Optimization of medical conditions may be critical for reducing the morbidity and mortality of GBM patients. Future clinical trials are needed to validate the observed associations in an independent cohort.
A Subject “Queer”-y: A Literature Review on Subject Access to LGBTIQ Materials

Through an exploration of works both within and outside the realm of library and information studies, an overview of subject access to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning...
Cross-Platform Ubiquitous Volume Rendering Using Programmable Shaders in VTK for Scientific and Medical Visualization

The visualization toolkit (VTK) is a popular cross-platform, open source toolkit for scientific and medical data visualization, processing, and analysis. It supports a wide variety of data formats, algorithms, and rendering techniques for both polygonal and volumetric data. In particular, VTK's volume rendering module has long provided a comprehensive set of features such as plane clipping, color and opacity transfer functions, lighting, and other controls needed for visualization. However, due to VTK's legacy OpenGL backend and its reliance on a deprecated API, the system did not take advantage of the latest improvements in graphics hardware or the flexibility of a programmable pipeline. Additionally, this dependence on an antiquated pipeline posed restrictions when running on emerging computing platforms, thereby limiting its overall applicability. In response to these shortcomings, the VTK community developed a new and improved volume rendering module, which not only provides a modern graphics processing unit-based implementation, but also augments its capabilities with new features such as fast volume clipping, gradient-magnitude-based opacity modulation, render to texture, and hardware-based volume picking.
Cost-effectiveness and Budgetary Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Testing, Treatment, and Linkage to Care in US Prisons.

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment uptake in prisons remains low. We aimed to estimate clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness (CE), and budgetary impact (BI) of HCV testing and treatment in United States (US) prisons or linkage to care at release. Methods We used individual-based simulation modeling with healthcare and Department of Corrections (DOC) perspectives for CE and BI analyses, respectively. We simulated a US prison cohort at entry using published data and Washington State DOC individual-level data. We considered permutations of testing (risk factor based, routine at entry or at release, no testing), treatment (if liver fibrosis stage ≥F3, for all HCV infected or no treatment), and linkage to care (at release or no linkage). Outcomes included quality-adjusted life-years (QALY); cases identified, treated, and cured; cirrhosis cases avoided; incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; DOC costs (2016 US dollars); and BI (healthcare cost/prison entrant) to generalize to other states. Results Compared to "no testing, no treatment, and no linkage to care," the "test all, treat all, and linkage to care at release" model increased the lifetime sustained virologic response by 23%, reduced cirrhosis cases by 54% at a DOC annual additional cost of $1440 per prison entrant, and would be cost-effective. At current drug prices, targeted testing and liver fibrosis-based treatment provided worse outcomes at higher cost or worse outcomes at higher cost per QALY gained. In sensitivity analysis, fibrosis-based treatment restrictions were cost-effective at previous higher drug costs. Conclusions Although costly, widespread testing and treatment in prisons is considered to be of good value at current drug prices.
Restraint and Seclusion

For the purposes of this discussion, restraint is defined as physically holding or securing an individual, either for a brief time period to interrupt severe problem behavior or for an extended period of time using physical holds or mechanical devices to prevent dangerous behavior (Vollmer et al., The Behavior Analyst, 34:103–110, 2011). Seclusion is defined as isolating an individual from others to interrupt problem behavior that places others at risk of harm (Vollmer et al.). Historically, restraint and seclusion were used as methods to either protect individuals from harming themselves or others, or in some cases to punish harmful behavior (Metzner et al., Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 35, 417–425, 2007). In more recent times, restraint and seclusion are usually viewed primarily as protective measures designed to keep an individual from doing harm to self or others. In this chapter we will provide some historical perspective on the use of restraint and seclusion, sample some position statements from various professional organizations that seem to confirm this ethical stance, and examine some state regulations. Finally, we will outline best practices as gleaned from the literature.
Sample Complexity Bounds for Low-Separation-Rank Dictionary Learning

This work addresses the problem of structured dictionary learning for computing sparse representations of tensor-structured data. It introduces a low-separation-rank dictionary learning (LSR-DL) model that better captures the structure of tensor data by generalizing the separable dictionary learning model. A dictionary with p columns that is generated from the LSR-DL model is shown to be locally identifiable from noisy observations with recovery error at most ρ given that the number of training samples scales with (# of degrees of freedom in the dictionary)×p2ρ−2.
Preferential Voting Systems: Influence on Intra-party Competition and Voting Behaviour: by Gianluca Passarelli, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020, 286 pp., 72.79 € (hbk), ISBN 978-3-030-25285-4

How do 1/6 of the world's electoral systems function? Preferential voting systems: Influence on intra-party competition and voting behaviour collects electoral data and country-specific information...
FR-Match: A non-parametric multivariate statistical test for matching gene expression clusters from single cell RNA sequencing experiments

Single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) provides an unbiased transcriptomic profiling of individual cells, and is emerging as an essential tool to unravel the phenotypic heterogeneity of cells in complex biological systems. While computational methods for scRNAseq cell type clustering have advanced, the ability to integrate datasets to identify common and novel cell types across experiments remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a cluster-to-cluster cell type matching algorithm - FR-Match - that incorporates shared information among cells to determine whether two cell type clusters are from the same underlying multivariate gene expression distribution. In validation studies using simulated data, FR-Match proved to be a stringent method that produces fewer erroneous matches of distinct cell subtypes compared to existing methods. FR-Match also has the unique ability to identify novel cell phenotypes in new datasets. When integrating two real datasets from specimens isolated from overlapping human brain regions (cortical layer one versus full thickness middle temporal gyrus), FR-Match precisely preserved the laminar characteristics of matched cell type clusters that reflect distinct neuroanatomical functions. Open-source software is available at https://github.com/JCVenterInstitute/FRmatch.
Airbag Burns: An Unfortunate Consequence of Motor Vehicle Safety

Thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle collisions daily and the mandated installation of airbags protects passengers but can also cause injuries from deployment including cutaneous burns. We sought to characterize the patterns and outcomes of burns resulting from airbag deployment by performing a retrospective review of all patients evaluated by the burn service from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2019. Inclusion criteria were patients of all ages with burn injuries related to airbag deployment. Demographic data, burn characteristics, and outcomes were reviewed. Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria: 82.4% female and 17.6% male. The average age was 40.4 years. Fifteen patients had second-degree and two had third-degree burns. The average TBSA was 0.45%. The hands or upper extremity (88%) were most often injured, but there were two chest, one neck, and one anterior thigh burns. Eight patients suffered multiple burns. Burn etiology (chemical vs thermal) was often not specified. No patients required hospitalization or surgical intervention, and all wounds healed with wound care. The average time to re-epithelialization was 11 days. Although airbags prevent mortality and serious injury, the exothermic chemical reaction that inflates the airbag is responsible for deployment-related burns. Since there is a chemical and thermal component, all airbag-related burns should undergo chemical decontamination on the initial presentation. Burns related to airbag deployment tend to be small and do not require grafting; however, patients suffer from associated pain, scarring, and burn management can be a financial and time burden to the patient.
Significance Tests: Vitiated or Vindicated by the Replication Crisis in Psychology?

The crisis of replication has led many to blame statistical significance tests for making it too easy to find impressive looking effects that do not replicate. However, the very fact it becomes difficult to replicate effects when features of the tests are tied down actually serves to vindicate statistical significance tests. While statistical significance tests, used correctly, serve to bound the probabilities of erroneous interpretations of data, this error control is nullified by data-dredging, multiple testing, and other biasing selection effects. Arguments claiming to vitiate statistical significance tests attack straw person variants of tests that commit well-known fallacies and misinterpretations. There is a tension between popular calls for preregistration – arguably, one of the most promising ways to boost replication – and accounts that downplay error probabilities: Bayes Factors, Bayesian posteriors, likelihood ratios. By underscoring the importance of error control for well testedness, the replication crisis points to reformulating tests so as to avoid fallacies and report the extent of discrepancies that are and are not indicated with severity.
PETfalls in pediatric imaging: Unique findings and circumstances encountered during PET imaging of children

1010 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a diagnostic imaging modality that is rapidly gaining more use in the pediatric population. With increased ulitization of PET in children we are observing unique findings that must be recognized to avoid misdiagnosis during interpretation. Additionally, children have unique image acquisition hurdles that must be overcome to produce reliable images for interpretation. We will review these special scenarios and provide insight on how best to avoid interpretational and imaging pitfalls in this expanding area. Children have several normal findings on PET not generally seen in adults. These can cause confusion when reviewing images and should not be mininterpreted as areas of abnormal increased activity. These include increased uptake of radiotracer in the thymus, brown fat, and muscle. We will provide imaging examples of these unique findings and discuss how to best approach interpretation to avoid misdiagnosis. Children also provide unique challenges for PET when acquiring images. Many are related to the length of exam, the need for little or no motion during image acquisition, and parent and patient anxiety. We will discuss strategies that can be utilized to assist in maximizing image quality and increase patient and parent satisfaction with their overall PET experience. These include optimal sedation protocols, improved parent/patient counseling before procedure, providing a child friendly atmosphere with adequate patient familiarization before exam, and educating staff in the unique needs of children. Implementing simple techniques can dramatically improve PET imaging quality in this growing field.
The Role of Thyroid in Renovascular Function: Independent Association of Serum TSH With Renal Plasma Flow

Context There are well-established interactions between the thyroid and the kidney. Thyroid hypofunction is associated with reduced renal plasma flow and hypothyroidism is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease; however, less is known about the thyroid-kidney axis in the euthyroid state. Objective To study the association of thyroid function with renovascular parameters in a well phenotyped cohort of euthyroid normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Design Cross sectional study, the HyperPATH Consortium. Setting Multi-center study in five US and European academic institutions. Participants 789 individuals aged 18-65 years with serum TSH 0.4-5.5 mIU/L. Subjects with uncontrolled or secondary hypertension or on medication affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis were excluded. Interventions Hemodynamic parameters including renal plasma flow, thyroid function testing and the Thr92Ala deiodinase 2 polymorphism were assessed in the setting of liberal and restricted salt diet. Main outcome measures We searched for associations between thyroid function and renovascular parameters and accounted for confounding factors, such as older age, hypertension and diabetes. Results Serum TSH was inversely associated with renal plasma flow assessed in the setting of both liberal and restricted salt diets. This association remained significant and independent when accounting for confounding factors, whereas free thyroxine index (fTI) and the Thr92Ala polymorphism, associated with lower deiodinase 2 catalytic activity and disrupted thyroid hormone tissue availability, were not independently associated with renal plasma flow. Serum TSH remained an independent predictor of renal plasma flow on a liberal salt diet when the analysis was restricted to healthy young individuals. Conclusions Serum TSH levels, but not fTI nor the Thr92Ala deiodinase 2 polymorphism, were independently inversely associated with renal plasma flow in individuals of the HyperPATH Consortium. These findings suggest a direct interconnection of TSH and renovascular dynamics even with TSH within reference range, warranting further investigation.
When an Efficient Use of Strategic Communication (Public Diplomacy and Public Relations) to Internationalize a Domestic Conflict Is Not Enough to Gain International Political Support: The Catalan Case (2012-2017)

One of the main goals of the Catalan nationalist movement toward independence initiated in 2012 was to internationalize the conflict between, in theory, two sides: Catalonia and Spain. In the case ...
What is Relevant: Interests, Needs, and Harms

A right is a relationship that allows one person or entity to alter the behavior of another. An interest, on the other hand, is something that benefits a person or entity. At an auction, I may have an interest in acquiring an object, but I do not have a right to win the auction. There is a reciprocal relationship between interests and harms. It is against one’s interests to be harmed, while frustration of one’s interest is a harm. Legal consideration of children’s welfare has been based on interests, often expressed as the “best interests standard.” The term “best interests” has multiple conflicting meanings. First intended as a legal term of art, the term unfortunately has often been construed literally by bioethicists and by others who should know better. This undiluted focus on the child has led to a salutary attempt to replace the best interests standard as a state intervention principle with a “harm principle” that is closer to legal intent and much legal practice. Reasonable discussion will be difficult unless nomenclature changes. I propose that the intervention principle should be divided into (1) an identification principle for determining when the state may coercively intervene; and (2) a resolution principle for determining how the state should act. Identification of grounds for intervention should be based on failure to meet children’s needs; a need is an especially important kind of interest. Resolution should maximize fulfillment of the interests and needs of all stakeholders. It should not necessarily privilege the child in question, nor should health concerns necessarily be prioritized. Parents are to be accepted as the default deciders, and the state has the burden of showing that parents are failing to meet children’s needs.
The rhetoric and reality of human rights education: policy frameworks and teacher perspectives

A multicultural society that equates Christian and humanist values with human rights denies pluralism, placing human rights culture at risk. We examine Norwegian education policy discourses, noting...
The Girls' Army

WHEN PETER RETURNS from officer training it is usually near dark, and he's lightheaded, bold and hungry. He's relieved to see his house approaching after the merciless day, and he's glad to know his sister Ellen will be waiting there, impressed by his shabby, tight uniform, his after school war-stories. She is always there, just inside the broken doorway. Tonight he has something much better than usual to show her?a gun he bought at a pawn shop. It weighs down his backpack beneath water damaged textbooks, skin magazines, his umbrella and his soft, rotting lunch.
Slouching Toward Realpolitik: Public Reason as Political Morality

The paper presents an account of public reason that differs from the versions assembled in the long history of political philosophy. I argue that a freestanding or detached political language is identifiable through the natural complexities introduced to practical reasoning by numerical magnitudes. The argument begins with an inspection of two grand theories of power and morality. One is the proposition that can be drawn from Machiavelli’s Prince that the exercise of political power can legitimately invert moral rules and principles, an experience that can occasionally produce a political morality discontinuous with conventional morality. The other theory is the argument developed by Hobbes in the Leviathan that political power is the only effective instrument to guarantee security and security is the necessary enabling good that makes it rational to be moral. The salient terms in both theories of governance are security (as an enabling good), stability, equity, efficiency mediated by moral maxims – a set of generalizable terms that each in different ways refers to collective orderings. This assembly of terms just is the mutable vocabulary that yields a freestanding public language that can function as an indigenous morality, one internal to politics and providing the grounds on which public reason can be a form of political morality. The irony is that the type of public reason emerging from this freestanding language can be free of liberal values but more sharply rendered in pluralist democracies than in the autocratic conditions marking its historical origins in realpolitik.
Finding Their Way at Sea: The Story of Portolan Charts, the Cartographers Who Drew Them and the Mariners Who Sailed by Them. By Richard Pflederer

Richard Pflederer is best known to the readers of these pages for his catalogues of the portolan charts (or nautical charts) in the British Library (2001), Huntington Library (2004), Newberry Libra...