cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiologic Frailty in Nonelderly Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patients: Results From the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study.

Importance Frailty results in decreased physiological reserve and diminished resistance to stressors; approximately 10% of those in the elderly population (those ≥65 years) are frail. High-intensity treatments and complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) injure normal tissues and may increase the risk of frailty even among nongeriatric HCT patients. Objective To determine the prevalence of frailty in young adult HCT patients (18- to 64-year-olds) and siblings; and the impact of frailty on subsequent mortality in HCT survivors. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study, conducted in August 2015 examined 998 HCT survivors, who underwent transplant procedures between 1974 and 1998, who have survived at least 2 years after HCT, and 297 frequency-matched siblings. The study was performed at City of Hope or University of Minnesota with participants completing surveys at home or in the clinic. Hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors and siblings participating in the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study (BMTSS) completed a frailty survey between February 13, 1999 and June 15, 2005 (median time since HCT: 7.9 years); HCT survivors were followed for subsequent mortality (median: 10.3 years from survey). Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence and predictors of frailty; impact of frailty on subsequent mortality in HCT survivors. Frailty phenotype defined as exhibiting 3 or more of the following characteristics: clinically underweight, exhaustion, low energy expenditure, slow walking speed, and muscle weakness. The national Death Index, Social Security Death Index and medical records were used for mortality assessment as of December 21, 2011. Results The 998 HCT survivors were a mean (SD) of 42.5 (11.6) years of age, and the 297 matched siblings were 43.8 (10.9) years of age. The prevalence of frailty among young adult HCT patients exceeded 8%. The HCT survivors were 8.4 times more likely to be frail than their siblings (95% CI, 2.0-34.5; P = .003). Among HCT recipients, allogeneic HCT recipients with chronic graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) were at increased risk of frailty compared with autologous HCT (OR,15.02; 95% CI, 6.6-34.3; P P = .04). Cumulative incidence of subsequent all-cause mortality was 39.3% and 14.7% at 10 years for HCT recipients with and without frailty, respectively ( P P Conclusions and Relevance The prevalence of frailty among young-adult HCT survivors approaches that seen in the elderly general population. Frail HCT survivors are at increased risk of subsequent mortality when compared with nonfrail survivors. This study identifies vulnerable populations needing close monitoring to anticipate and manage morbidity and prevent mortality.
Transcatheter closure of atypical right-to-left shunts after fontan surgery

Atypical right-to-left shunts following Fontan surgery were closed by transcatheter techniques using various devices in 4 patients. Three had variants of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, while the other had tricuspid atresia. Large Fontan baffle leaks were present in 2, a residual fistula from the inferior vena cava to the coronary sinus was present in 1, and another patient had surgical tube fenestration of an extracardiac conduit. When careful catheter and transesophageal echocardiographic exploration is performed, the selection of appropriate devices makes closure of these defects feasible.
The Political Economy of Historical Events

The opening chapter of the book recounts some of the earlier studies on the political economy of historical events. It is hoped that doing so will illuminate “the economic way of thinking” in approaching these widely varying topics for readers outside of the field of economics. Historical events included in this chapter range from the colonization of Australia during the 1700s and 1800s by British convicts to the rout of George Custer’s forces at the Little Bighorn. The economics principles covered in this chapter include the divergence between public economic interests and private economic interests, Alchian and Allen’s relative price effect, price controls (ceilings), the modern theory of bureaucracy and the public choice economics principle of vote maximization.
Structure–CaSR–Activity Relation of Kokumi γ-Glutamyl Peptides

Modulation of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is one of the physiological activities of γ-glutamyl peptides such as glutathione (γ-glutamylcysteinylglycine). γ-Glutamyl peptides also possess a flavoring effect, i.e., sensory activity of kokumi substances, which modifies the five basic tastes when added to food. These activities have been shown to be positively correlated, suggesting that kokumi γ-glutamyl peptides are perceived through CaSRs in humans. Our research is based on the hypothesis that the discovery of highly active CaSR agonist peptides will lead to the creation of practical kokumi peptides. Through continuous study of the structure-CaSR-activity relation of a large number of γ-glutamyl peptides, we have determined that the structural requirements for intense CaSR activity of γ-glutamyl peptides are as follows: existence of an N-terminal γ-L-glutamyl residue; existence of a moderately sized, aliphatic, neutral substituent at the second residue in an L-configuration; and existence of a C-terminal carboxylic acid, preferably with the existence of glycine as the third constituent. By the sensory analysis of γ-glutamyl peptides selected by screening using the CaSR activity assay, γ-glutamylvalylglycine was found to be a potent kokumi peptide. Furthermore, norvaline-containing γ-glutamyl peptides, i.e., γ-glutamylnorvalylglycine and γ-glutamylnorvaline, possessed excellent sensory activity of kokumi substances. A novel, practical industrial synthesis of regiospecific γ-glutamyl peptides is also required for their commercialization, which was achieved through the ring opening reaction of N-α-carbobenzoxy-L-glutamic anhydride and amino acids or peptides in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide.
Combining wave energy and artificial reef technology for sustainable coastal resource development

Although wave power is a significant alternative energy resource, its commercial deployment is hampered by the high capital cost of mooring structures for the wave energy absorbers. By anchoring the system to an artificial reef instead, harnessing this resource could become more economically feasible. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that reefs can be designed to attract specific species of finfish and shellfish. Included in this paper is a comprehensive review of this literature to present which reef design is favorable to enhance commercial fisheries, charter boat sport fishing, or recreational dive tours. Results of this analysis show that a large complex structure such as a decommissioned ship is favorable for divers because it would recruit the highest diversity of species. In terms of increasing population numbers, fishing industries that target bottom-dwelling fish would benefit most from low lying reefs such as assembled from concrete pipes. If water column oriented fish are targeted, a ship or fish aggregating device (FAD), both of which provide high vertical relief, would work best. The combination of wave energy buoys and a "designer" benthic reef structure would act as a "super reef", drawing income from a variety of reef user groups as well as the sale of energy and potable water.
A longitudinal study of team-fan role identity on self-reported attendance behavior and future intentions

Attendance at college sporting events generates billions of dollars annually for athletic departments at the college level in the United States. Based on Identity Theory and prior research, we developed and tested two models that were successful in predicting actual attendance, attendance intentions (conative loyalty), and support for the team across time. Respondents (N = 165; 60% female, 59% Caucasian) filled out three surveys across the year. In Model A (RMSEA = .066, χ 2 / df = 50.02/29 = 1.73), prior season attendance, number of games intending to attend, and preseason team-fan role identity (Time 1) explained 63% of self-reported attendance behavior (Time 2). Those variables and postseason role identity (Time 2) explained 48.5% of attendance intentions (Time 3; Model A) and 43% of supporting the team in the future (Time 3; Model B, RMSEA = .060, χ 2 / df = 46.16/29 = 1.59). Sports marketers need to take into account both the impact of role identity as a fan of the team and attendance intentions, not just prior attendance behavior when predicting future attendance behavior and support for the team
Coronary artery calcium score as a predictor for incident stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis☆

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a well-established test for risk stratifying asymptomatic patients for overall cardiovascular or coronary events. However; the prognostic value for incident stroke remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of CACS obtained by non-contrast electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography for incident stroke. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases for prospective longitudinal studies of CACS which reported the incidence of stroke. Incidence of stroke was compared in patients with and without coronary calcification. Results Three studies evaluated 13,262 asymptomatic patients (mean age=60years, 50% men) without apparent cardiovascular diseases. During a follow-up of 7.2years (median 5years, range 4.4–9.5years, 95,434patient-years), the overall pooled incidence of stroke was 0.26%/year. The pooled risk ratio of CACS>0 for incident stroke was 2.95 (95% CI: 2.18–4.01, p 2 =0%). The pooled incidence rate of stroke categorized by CACS was 0.12%/year for CACS 0, 0.26%/year for CACS 1–99, 0.41%/year for CACS 100–399 and 0.70%/year for CACS ≥400. Conclusions In asymptomatic patients without apparent cardiovascular diseases, the incidence of stroke was overall low. The presence and severity of coronary artery calcification were associated with incident stroke over mid-long term follow-up.
Enthalpy of vaporization and vapor pressure of whiskey lactone and menthalactone by correlation gas chromatography

Abstract Enthalpies of vaporization at T = 298.15 K of cis and trans -whiskey lactone have been evaluated by correlation gas chromatography to be (68.4 ± 1.7) kJ·mol −1 and (67.5 ± 1.7) kJ·mol −1 , respectively. The enthalpies of vaporization of isomintlactone and mintlactone also evaluated by correlation gas chromatography have been found to have vaporization enthalpies of (74.2 ± 1.8) kJ·mol −1 and (73.2 ± 1.8) kJ·mol −1 respectively. The vapor pressures for cis and trans -whiskey lactone at T = 298.15 K have been evaluated as (1.5 ± 0.09) Pa and (2.0 ± 0.1) Pa using vapor pressures of a series of lactones as standards. Vapor pressures for isomintlactone and mintlactone were evaluated as (0.26 ± 0.012) Pa and (0.33 ± 0.02) Pa, respectively. Fusion and sublimation enthalpies for (+)-isomintlactone as well as the vapor pressure of the solid have been estimated.
Arteriovenous Graft with Traumatic Fistula

This case is an example of a traumatic fistula occurring in an arteriovenous graft (AVG). The mechanism by which this occurs is the cannulation needle passing through the wall of the access (in this case the pseudoaneurysm) and entering a vein. When this occurs if the resistance to flow in the graft is higher than that in the perforated vein, a fistula will develop. Downstream resistance forom a stenotic lesion is a major contributing factor to this occurrence.
Tailoring Ecological Monitoring to Individual Marine Reserves: Comparing Longline to Hook-and-Line Gear to Monitor Fish Species

AbstractFishery-independent hook-and-line surveys are currently being used to assess marine reserve performance in California and Oregon using a regionally standardized approach. Catch compositions generated from these hook-and-line surveys (pole-and-line gear) at Oregon’s southernmost marine reserve were compared with local commercial landing data. Several species present in the commercial catch were undersampled in the marine reserve hook-and-line dataset, including China Rockfish Sebastes nebulosus, Vermilion Rockfish S. miniatus, Quillback Rockfish S. maliger, Copper Rockfish S. caurinus, and Cabezon Scorpaenichthys marmoratus. We conducted a gear selectivity study to explore whether modified commercial long-lining gear could supplement current hook-and-line efforts. Both gear types were fished simultaneously from a single vessel inside and outside of the reserve. Species composition, catch rate, size distribution, and fish condition between the two gear types were compared. Catch composition differed...
Application of big data analytics in process safety and risk management

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the field of big data analytics. It has been established that there exist large amounts of data in the energy industry1. However, there is a need to develop methods combining domain knowledge to transform this data into meaningful information to return business intelligence. The existing literature on big data analytics focuses on applications in various fields such as healthcare, aviation industry, finance, energy industry, and supply chain. However, within the energy industry, the application of big data analytics in process safety and risk management is in the nascent stages. The objective of this study is to discuss the potential of big data analytics in the area of process safety and risk management in the energy industry. The paper outlines the systemic framework with different stakeholders, data sources, challenges, and discusses the benefits of big data analytics in process safety. Four case studies with different applications ranging from incident database analysis, predictive modeling for pump failures, dynamic risk mapping of operating plant, and image analysis to gain insights are demonstrated. It is concluded that the application of big data analytics would provide valuable insights for more informed policy, strategic, and operational risk decision-making leading to a safer and more reliable industry.
Portfolio Optimization of Nanomaterial Use in Clean Energy Technologies

While engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly incorporated in diverse applications, risks of ENM adoption remain difficult to predict and mitigate proactively. Current decision-making tools do not adequately account for ENM uncertainties including varying functional forms, unique environmental behavior, economic costs, unknown supply and demand, and upstream emissions. The complexity of the ENM system necessitates a novel approach: in this study, the adaptation of an investment portfolio optimization model is demonstrated for optimization of ENM use in renewable energy technologies. Where a traditional investment portfolio optimization model maximizes return on investment through optimal selection of stock, ENM portfolio optimization maximizes the performance of energy technology systems by optimizing selective use of ENMs. Cumulative impacts of multiple ENM material portfolios are evaluated in two case studies: organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) for renewable energy and lithium-ion batteries (LIB...
Male Gaze as Colonial Gaze in ’Aḥmad ‘Abd al-Salām al-Baqqāli’s The Blue Flood

Moroccan diplomat and novelist ’Aḥmad ‘Abd al-Salām al-Baqqāli’s al-Ṭūfān al-’Azraq [“The Blue Flood,” 1976] embodies many of the tropes established by Sharīf and Maḥmūd in their work, while elaborating upon these tropes by adding an additional layer of complexity to its double estrangement. Baqqāli places Western culture on the outside, then a buffer zone of traditional Bedouin culture between it and the scientific enclave where the action takes place. This enables him to have it both ways: to critique modernist reformers for imposing top-down solutions that will generate resistance instead of support from traditional culture, and to critique those same modernist reformers for their refusal to question their patriarchal assumptions, even when they’re critiquing the toxicity of traditional culture’s explicit and pervasive patriarchy. The presence of the protagonist’s paramour Tāj—her relationship to him and to the novel’s malevolent AI, her ostensibly coequal status coupled with her lack of agency, the strange form of agency she acquires—both reinforces the caustic critique of traditional values that Baqqāli makes in Blue Flood and also can serve as an archetype through which the role of the one woman among the men so prevalent among these early Arabic SF novels can be explored.
Routine Cell Culture

Consistent schedules for feeding and subcultivation, if the latter is a necessary part of your experiments, are essential routines to adopt. Haphazard feeding routines developed because of the “I don’t have time” excuse will result in cultures that have unbalanced nutrition and wide swings in waste content. The data gathered from such cultures and the products produced by them will also have wide fluctuations, and probably will not be very reliable.
Magnetic resonance imaging of cardiac tumors: experience of a tertiary medical center

Background Cardiac tumors are rare, with estimated prevalence of 0.002-0.3% at autopsy. Symptoms and prognosis of cardiac tumors depend on size, location, and intrinsic aggressiveness. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is non-invasive and offers unsurpassed soft-tissue characterization. In this study, we sought to examine the CMR imaging of various cardiac tumors and identify radiologic features of clinical relevance for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the patients.
The effect of testicular irradiation on established BPH in the dog: evidence of a non-steroidal testicular factor for BPH maintenance.

Abstract Irradiation of the testes of four to 13-year-old male beagles with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was undertaken to attempt to evaluate the possibility that the testes secrete a non-androgenic accessory sex gland-stimulating substance that may have a critical role in the development of BPH. Available evidence indicates 1) that development of prostatic hyperplasia in dog and man is dependent on testicular secretions and 2) that testes irradiation is unlikely to alter testosterone secretion appreciably but does produce profound effects on the seminiferous tubules. Thirteen nonirradiated and shoulder irradiated control and 16 beagles subjected to 1500 to 2200 rads single dose testis irradiation had pre-irradiation, interval post-irradiation and terminal caliper measurements of prostatic length, width and depth, prostatic and testicular biopsies, and determination of serum testosterone and estradiol levels. Four beagles survived in a group observed for 109 weeks post testis irradiation, 12 in a group observed for 51 and 10 in a group observed for 59 weeks. The wet weight of the prostate was determined at sacrifice. Ratios of the final/initial length and width and final actual/initial calculated weight of the prostate were significantly decreased in testis-irradiated as compared to control beagles. Histologic evaluation also demonstrated a significant difference in degree of prostatic stimulation in control and testis-irradiated groups. The serum testosterone and estradiol levels were not significantly different in the testis-irradiated and control beagles. These observations indicate that irradiation of the testes of beagles with BPH alters the size, weight and histology to suggest decreased stimulation of the prostate without producing an identifiable change in the serum levels of the steroid hormones studied. The data support the hypothesis that the testis of the aging beagle secretes a non-androgenic and probably non-steroidal prostatic stimulating substance which is affected by irradiation of the testis.
Comparison of Reactivity and Enantioselectivity between Chiral Bimetallic Catalysts: Bismuth–Rhodium- and Dirhodium-Catalyzed Carbene Chemistry

This paper describes the influence of replacement of one of the rhodium atoms by bismuth in a chiral dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalyst on asymmetric induction in the cyclopropanation and C–H functionalization chemistry of trichloroethyl aryldiazoacetates. The chiral ligand used in this study is S-tert-butylsulphonylprolinate (S-TBSP), which was used in the first highly enantioselective dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalyst. Even though the replacement of a Rh atom with a Bi atom has changed the electronic properties of the system, the RhBi complexes have several similarities to the corresponding Rh2 catalysts, with regard to their reactions with donor/acceptor carbenes. The asymmetric induction with RhBi(S-TBSP)4 is very similar to that achieved with Rh2(S-TBSP)4. The major differences between the two systems are the rates of reactions with the Rh2 complexes reacting much faster, and the scope of the C–H functionalization with Rh2 complexes capable of catalyzing reactions with a much wider range of substr...
Time Compression and MBA Behavioral Skill Acquisition.

Trends in master of business administration (MBA) education are favoring coursework offerings in time-compressed environments but without careful examination of learning implications. The academic literature is weak in this area, so the authors conducted a study of 558 MBA students using a behaviorally based pedagogy in management. In contrast to previous research, the authors developed arguments supporting time compression assuming certain boundary conditions. They found that students showed better behavioral learning outcomes in a shortened, 4.5-week semester versus a full 14-week semester. The authors conclude with implications for theory and practice.
Evaluation of Anticoagulation Bridging Strategies in LVAD Patients

Purpose Warfarin is the established anticoagulant for LVAD patients. For patients with a subtherapeutic INR, bridging with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) is common, but safety and efficacy of these strategies have not been established. Methods We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study to evaluate safety and efficacy of bridging strategies including all adult LVAD patients implanted at the Medical University of South Carolina from 8/2014 to 7/2017. Patients were followed from LVAD implantation to transplant, death, or study termination. Bridging episodes occurred when a patient received LMWH or UFH; non-bridging episodes were defined as any time period a patient did not receive LMWH or UFH for a subtherapeutic INR. Primary outcomes were major bleeding and thrombotic events evaluated for each bridging or non-bridging episode in an intention to treat analysis. Multivariable Cox regression survival models were used for analysis. Results There were 563 episodes evaluated in 50 patients (182 bridging episodes and 381 non-bridging episodes). Of the 182 bridging episodes, 129 were with LMWH (70.9%) and 53 (29.1%) with UFH. Overall, the median INR (IQR) was 1.8 (1.5-2.1) at bridging and was similar between all bridging episode types. Compared to non-bridging episodes, UFH (HR 3.75, [95%CI 1.45-9.73], P = 0.007) and LMWH (HR 2.25, [1.03-4.94], P = 0.04) were both associated with an increased risk of bleeding. There was a trend toward reduced bleeding risk when comparing LMWH to UFH (HR 0.4, [0.13-1.19], P = 0.1). Among bridging episodes, all 17 thrombotic events occurred in the LMWH group and were primarily pump thrombosis events. Compared to non-bridging events, LMWH was not associated with a decreased risk of clotting events (HR 1.56, [0.28-8.73], P = 0.62). Patients with an INR ≤ 1.5 at the time of bridging had a trend towards increased risk of thrombotic events (HR 2.43, [0.88-6.69], P = 0.09). For patients with an INR ≥ 2.0 at the time of bridging, a significant increase in bleeding events was observed (HR 2.34, [1.06-5.14], P = 0.03). Conclusion Our data suggests that bridging is not necessary for certain patients with a subtherapeutic INR and that the efficacy particularly of LMWH bridging in LVAD patients warrants further investigation. Furthermore, INR at time of bridging may significantly affect subsequent risk of bleeding and clotting.
Northern mixedwood composition and productivity 50 years after whole-tree and stem-only harvesting with and without post-harvest prescribed burning

Abstract Whole-tree harvesting (WTH) is increasingly used to extract forest biomass for energy and commercial wood products. Slash burning, which is used for fuels reduction and site preparation, also reduces aboveground biomass. Yet effects of incremental biomass reduction, from either WTH or slash burning, on long-term forest productivity and composition are poorly understood. This research uses data from a 50-year-old study in northern mixedwood (Picea – Abies – hardwood) stands on the Penobscot Experimental Forest in Maine, U.S.A., to address these concerns. Clearcutting was conducted in 1964–65 with WTH, stem-only harvesting (SOH), and SOH with post-harvest prescribed burning of logging residues (SOHB). Growing stock, composition, and soil properties (O horizon thickness and soil drainage) were measured 50 years after treatment. Hardwood composition (percent of total basal area) increased from pre-treatment levels in all treatments but was greater in SOHB than SOH and WTH. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), though a minor species, was significantly more abundant in WTH than SOH or SOHB. Results indicated no other significant differences in species composition, or in stand structure or productivity (total basal area, stem density, dominant height, quadratic mean diameter, and total above-ground carbon stock) among treatments. Independent of treatment, we observed relationships between soil properties and stem density and quadratic mean diameter (qmd), such that lower stem density and greater qmd were observed on sites with greater O horizon thickness. These findings suggest that relative to SOH, WTH and SOHB do not degrade northern mixedwood stand productivity as expressed by stand structure and stocking 50 years after a single treatment, even on a site with low to moderate production potential. Nevertheless, species shifts associated with clearcutting (i.e., shade-tolerant conifer to intolerant hardwood composition) and prescribed burning in this forest type should be considered in light of the potential application of either for intensive silviculture treatments.
Virtual Speech-Language Therapy for Individuals with Communication Disorders: Current Evidence, Limitations, and Benefits

To review currently available research on virtual therapy for individuals with speech-language disorders. Virtual speech-language therapy refers to speech-language therapy delivered via computer-simulation technology to improve speech and language abilities for children and adults with communication disorders. In addition, this paper addressed limitations of previous studies and benefits of virtual therapy. Recent research reports suggest that virtual therapy is a viable option for treating children and adults with speech-language disorders. However, most current research studies were conducted without a rigorous experimental design. Also, the quality of technology is indeterminate and application to real clinical practice is currently lacking. More studies should be conducted with a rigorous experimental design as well as advanced technology in the future. This paper has reviewed current evidence related to the effectiveness of virtual speech-language intervention for children and adults with speech-language impairment. This paper discussed limitations of the current research and benefits of virtual therapy.
Prescription Opioid Use in a Population-Based Sample of Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Background: Prescription opioid use (POU) among young adults is increasing. This represents a major public health concern due to the increased risks of opioid use misuse and opioid-related overdose...
Comments on the Causation of Malignant Mesothelioma: Rebutting the False Concept That Recent Exposures to Asbestos Do Not Contribute to Causation of Mesothelioma.

Abstract Background European asbestos manufacturers and their expert witnesses have advanced the claim that recent exposures to asbestos are not of significance in the causation of malignant mesothelioma. They argue that in cases of prolonged exposure to asbestos only the earliest exposures contribute to mesothelioma induction. Methods The Collegium Ramazzini examined this claim and compared it with the findings of the Epidemiology and Public Health Working Group of the Second Italian Consensus Conference on Pleural Mesothelioma. This independent Working Group noted that earlier exposures are more effective in inducing mesothelioma, but that subsequent exposures also contribute and cannot be excluded. They found convincing evidence to support the conclusion that mesothelioma incidence is proportional to cumulative asbestos exposure. Conclusion The Collegium Ramazzini concludes that risk of malignant mesothelioma is proportional to cumulative exposure to asbestos in which all exposures - early as well as late - contribute to the totality of risk. The Collegium Ramazzini rejects as false and scientifically unfounded the notion that only the earliest exposures to asbestos contribute to mesothelioma induction.
A Clinician’s Guide to Machine Learning in Neuropsychological Research and Practice

Machine learning (ML) techniques can help harness insights from data that complement and extend those that can be attained by traditional statistical methods. The current article introduces clinicians to concepts underlying ML and explores how it can be applied within the domain of neuropsychology. Specifically, we illustrate an application of ML to a dataset that includes a battery of standardized measures designed to provide diagnostic support for concussions, including standardized neurocognitive (CPT 3) and neurobehavioral (BESS, NIH 4 meter gait) measures, gait sensor data, and a CDC concussion symptom checklist. These variables were used to predict the decision-making of a pediatric neurologist evaluating a group of child/adolescent patients. With a sample of 111 cases, ML (using a general linear model and deep learning as illustrations) achieved accuracies of 91% and 84.8% and AUCs of 1.0 and .947, respectively, when predicting the neurologist’s binomial decision-making (safe/remove). In presenting the data and various considerations for interpretation, we attempt to balance both the promise and perils of ML.
Joint Optimization of System and User Oriented Task Assignment in Mobile Crowdsensing

One of the fundamental challenges in mobile crowdsensing (MCS) systems is efficient task assignment. Existing solutions consider the problem from system's point of view and try to maximize the system utility or minimize the cost of sensing. However, such a task assignment process does not consider the user (i.e., workers and task requesters) preferences and can yield unhappy users with their assignments, impairing the participation of users in the future. To incentivize the user participation, stable matching based solutions can be utilized to result in satisfactory assignments that will make the users happy based on their preferences. However, this may adversely affect the system utility especially when the set of eligible number of workers for each task is limited. To address this issue, we study the task assignment problem in MCS systems that maximizes the main system utility (i.e., number of workers and tasks assigned) as a system oriented goal while generating as happy users as possible with their assignment. As the problem is NP-complete, we first solve the problem optimally using Integer Linear Programming (ILP) and then we propose a heuristic based polynomial solution that runs very fast. Through simulations, we show that the proposed approach achieves the maximum possible system utility while generating small and close to optimal user unhappiness as in ILP results.
Promoting Instructional Designers’ Participation in Free, Asynchronous Professional Development: A Formative Evaluation

Instructional designers (IDs) are continually seeking opportunities to share teaching and learning design strategies and learn from their fellow IDs. An application of Community of Practice (CoP) has allowed instructional design professionals to participate in an open learning setting as a way to continue their professional development (PD), share thoughts and ideas, and keep up on the trends and issues related to the field of instructional design. This formative evaluation examined semi-annual, CoP-based PD opportunities held openly in Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), which gathered IDs from around the world to participate in online discussions, presentations, and other knowledge-sharing activities without any cost. Data were collected from the LMS usage log and corroborated by insights from co-founders of the group, presenters, and participants of PD obtained through an anonymous survey. Findings show that the lack of time, issues with trust, bonding, and open communication, as well as less-favored activities influenced ID’s participation in the PD events. Implications for improving the CoP-based PD events are additionally presented.
Loss of RpoS results in attenuated Escherichia coli colonization of human intestinal organoids and a competitive disadvantage within the germ-free mouse intestine

Pluripotent stem-cell-derived human intestinal organoids (HIOs) are three-dimensional, multicellular structures that model a previously uncolonized, naive intestinal epithelium in an in vitro system. We recently demonstrated that microinjection of the non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain, ECOR2, into HIOs induced morphological and functional maturation of the HIO epithelium, including increased secretion of mucins and cationic antimicrobial peptides. In the current work, we use ECOR2 as a biological probe to investigate the bacterial response to colonization of the HIO lumen. In E. coli and other Gram-negative bacteria, adaptation to environmental stress is regulated by the general stress response sigma factor, RpoS. We generated an isogenic {triangleup}ropS ECOR2 mutant to compare challenges faced by a bacterium during colonization of the HIO lumen relative to the germ-free mouse intestine, which is currently the best available system for studying the initial establishment of bacterial populations within the gut. We demonstrate that loss of RpoS significantly decreases the ability of ECOR2 to colonize HIOs, though it does not prevent colonization of germ-free mice. Rather, the {triangleup}ropS ECOR2 exhibits a fitness defect in the germ-free mouse intestine only in the context of microbial competition. These results indicate that HIOs pose a differentially restrictive luminal environment to E. coli during colonization, thus increasing our understanding of the HIO model system as it pertains to studying the establishment of intestinal host-microbe symbioses. ImportanceTechnological advancements have and will continue to drive the adoption of organoid-based systems for investigating host-microbe interactions within the human intestinal ecosystem. Using E. coli deficient in the RpoS-mediated general stress response, we demonstrate that the type or severity of microbial stressors within the HIO lumen differ from those of the in vivo environment of the germ-free mouse gut. This study provides important insight into the nature of the HIO microenvironment from a microbiological standpoint.
Beyond Serrated Flow in Bulk Metallic Glasses: What Comes Next?

This manuscript is based on an oral contribution to the TMS 2020 annual meeting and is dedicated to Prof. Peter Liaw, who for decades has shown great interest in serrated plastic flow. Here we will focus on the case of bulk metallic glasses, and begin with briefly summarizing some aspects of serrated and non-serrated inhomogeneous flow—a phenomenon that has perplexed materials scientists for decades. Four directions of research are identified that emerged out of the desire to fundamentally understand the intermittent inhomogeneous flow response. These research directions gear away from the phenomenological stress–strain behavior but put the underlying shear defect into focus. Unsolved problems and future research topics are discussed.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Pediatric Drowning Patients Presenting to a Large Southern US Children's Hospital

Objectives Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and it is among the leading causes of death for children of all ages. National data show disparities in drowning risk for certain racial groups. This study aimed to describe characteristics of patients presenting after a drowning event to guide focused drowning prevention outreach efforts. Methods This was a retrospective chart review study designed to analyze the epidemiologic and demographic characteristics of drowning-related injuries and deaths that presented to a large, urban, southern US pediatric hospital from 2016 to 2019. All patients aged 0 to 19 years were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes for drowning or submersion injuries. Results One hundred sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Submersion injuries were most common in the 1- to 5-year-old age group. Fifty-eight percent of patients were male. The analysis of race showed that 65% of patients were White and 33% of patients were Black. Pools were the setting for 78% of drowning events. Fifty-four percent of patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Sixty-four percent of patients required hospitalization after the injury. Conclusions Characteristics of drowning victims may vary significantly from national data, depending on the area involved. This finding highlights the need for assessing local data to better inform local outreach. Further research is necessary to understand why such variance exists. Drowning prevention education, tailored toward pool safety and preschool-age children, should be a focus of injury prevention efforts.
Constraint analysis: A tool for explaining the semantics of complex objects

Constraint analysis is a design tool for object-oriented database environments that makes use of knowledge about constraints to support the design of user views and the specification of propagation actions. The constraint analysis process is supported by the formal, uniform representation of schema constraints. The formal representation supports the ability to analyze and explain constraints; the uniform representation allows both inherent and explicit constraints to be analyzed in the same manner. Using constraint analysis, the effects of constraints can be made explicit at design time to support the flexible specification of database operations that maintain object integrity. This paper presents the constraint representation that supports the analysis and explanation process.
A self-assessment instrument designed for measuring independent mobility in RP patients: generalizability to glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE. To determine whether the patient-based assessment of difficulty in mobility, developed and validated in a group of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), is valid for measuring perceived visual ability for independent mobility in patients with glaucoma. METHODS. A mobility questionnaire that had previously been developed was administered to 83 patient-volunteers who had various amounts of visual impairment caused by glaucoma. Each volunteer rated the perceived difficulty of walking independently in each of 35 mobility situations. A Rasch analysis of the ordinal difficulty ratings was used to estimate interval measures of perceived visual ability for independent mobility. RESULTS. The instrument showed good construct and content validity and high reliability scores. Criterion validity of the instrument was demonstrated by its ability to discriminate mobility-related behaviors such as fear of falling, asking for accompaniment, and believing their ability to travel independently is less than that of persons with normal vision. To make the perceived mobility scale comparable for the two diagnostic groups the questionnaire was restricted to those items whose difference in item-logit distributions was within 3 (18 items). Using the same instrument calibration, we compared the person measures between the patients with glaucoma and those with RP. Patients with glaucoma had, on average, higher perceived visual ability for independent mobility than those with RP. CONCLUSIONS. The instrument developed for patients with RP, to determine difficulty across a range of mobility situations, is a valid measure of perceived ability for independent mobility in patients with glaucoma. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43: 2874 ‐2881)
Design and development of tiny package for high voltage integrated circuit device (HVIC) in QFN package

Inside power supply, there is a regulator driver circuit which is operated at high voltage operation mode. Tiny QFN package (3 × 4 mm) had used in this study because of flexibility in lead frame design, good thermal dissipation and excellent in reliability. There are two epoxy molding compounds (EMC) were used type A and B. Lead frame was designed, followed by package simulation, mold compound selection and characterization, electrical testing and reliability test were described in this paper. The Simulation of package stress shown that QFN produced lower stress compared with SOIC package. Furthermore package was able to sustain maximum junction temperature (Tj) as well as junction to ambient thermal resistance (Rthja). Electrical test on high voltage leakage current had proved EMC B better than EMC A. Test distribution showed Cpk for EMC B significantly better compared to EMC B. No delamination was observed for both mold compound A and B. Package had passed on High temperature operating life (HTOL) and temperature humidity bias test (THBT). Mold compound B was used and qualified for this package because of successfully passed in the electrical testing, met the reliability test as well as no package delamination.
Locally adaptive techniques for pattern classification

Pattern classification faces a difficult challenge in finite settings and high dimensional spaces due to the curse of dimensionality. Nearest neighbor methods are especially sensitive to this problem. The need for large neighborhoods in high dimensional spaces is the cause of highly biased estimates. Due to the local nature of feature relevance, any chosen fixed metric violates the assumption of locally constant class posterior probabilities, and therefore fails in making correct predictions in different regions of the input space. In order to achieve accurate predictions, it becomes crucial to be able to estimate the different degrees of relevance that input features may have in various locations of the feature space. This dissertation introduces novel approaches to computing local feature relevance for nearest neighbor methods that overcome limitations of previous techniques. It makes four specific contributions: (1) ADAMENN algorithm: A novel approach to computing local feature relevance for pattern classification. It uses the Chi-squared distance to design a flexible metric that approximates the theoretical infinite sample risk at the query point. No assumption is made on the probability distribution of data. It is formally shown that the measure of feature relevance derived by ADAMENN reduces the overall mean-squared estimation error. (2) LFM-SVM algorithm : A new local flexible metric technique based on support vector machines. This method overcomes the limitations of lazy learning approaches concerned with scalability and efficiency issues. It is shown that the weighting scheme performed by the LFM-SVM algorithm increases the margin of the solution provided in input by the SVM. (3) GenProClus algorithm: A novel algorithm that computes intra-cluster adaptive metrics for clustering. This algorithm represents an attempt to dodge the curse of dimensionality for clustering, and provides information to what features are relevant for each partition. It is shown that the algorithm converges to a local minimum of the associated error function. (4) AdaBand algorithm: A new locally adaptive technique to set the bandwidth parameters for kernel density estimation. This approach can serve as an efficient approximation of nearest neighbor methods. It is shown how this algorithm can be used to efficiently solve classification, clustering, and range query approximation problems. The efficacy of the techniques presented is demonstrated through extensive experimental evaluations, using a variety of simulated and real world problems, such as texture recognition in images and letter classification.
Activity of new macrolides against Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis.

MICs and MBCs of four new macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, dirithromycin and roxithromycin) and two older macrolides (erythromycin and josamycin) forBordetella pertussis andBordetella parapertussis were determined. The activity of the new macrolides was as good as that of erythromycin, while josamycin was slightly less active.Bordetella parapertussis was more resistant thanBordetella pertussis.
Computation of the propagation characteristics of TE and TM modes in arbitrarily shaped hollow waveguides utilizing the conjugate gradient method

This paper describes the use of the conjugate gradient method in conjunction with the finite difference method for the calculation of the propagation characteristics of TE and TM modes, including cutoff wavenumbers and field distribution, of hollow conducting waveguides of arbitrary cross sections. This method is quite fast and accurate and can be applied in a straightforward fashion for the analysis of both TE and TM modes in waveguides of arbitrary cross sections. In order to check the accuracy of this method, the new approach has been applied to compute the cutoff wavelength of a rectangular waveguide as analytical results are available for this problem. This method has also been applied to compute the first six TE and TM modes for L-shaped, single ridge, vaned rectangular, T-septate and rectangular coaxial waveguides. Comparison of accuracy is made whenever data is available. Since the conjugate gradient method is an iterative method, computer storage is 6N instead of N2 for conventional matrix method...
A constant-temperature gas flowmeter with a silicon micromachined package

A micromachined flowmeter based on convective heat transfer from hot, heavily doped polycrystalline silicon bridges was designed, fabricated, packaged, and tested. The flowmeter consists of two basic sensing units: one is exposed to the flow while the other acts as a reference. A silicon cap with a micromachined laminar-flow channel is placed on top of the sensor chip to confine the flow. The polysilicon bridge resistors operate at a constant temperature under the control of external circuits. An output signal voltage of 35 mV is obtained for air flow in the range of 0-100 SCCM at an average device temperature of 250 degrees C. The applied heating power is 8 mW. >
An architecture for the future internet

The Internet is the hottest interconnection in town. The number of Internet users, and the variety of resources available over the Internet, are growing at an astounding rate. The Internet is clearly this year's technology media darling, and it is rapidly becoming a social institution of some import. However, behind all the superficial glamour lies a technical edifice in serious need of fundamental repair.