cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cocaine use is associated with a higher prevalence of elevated ST2 concentrations.

Abstract Background Cocaine is a well-known risk factor for acute cardiac events, but the effects in users outside of acute events are less clear. We investigated a possible association between cocaine use and the concentration of a novel biomarker for cardiac stress and heart failure, ST2. Methods A case-control study was conducted to compare ST2 concentrations by the presence of cocaine in patients presenting for care, but not cardiac care, at an urban safety net hospital. Results In samples taken from 100 cocaine-positive and 100 cocaine-negative patients, the presence of cocaine was associated with ST2 concentrations > 35 ng/mL. Serum concentrations of benzoylecgonine, a major cocaine metabolite, were significantly correlated with ST2 concentrations. Conclusions Cocaine use is associated with subclinical cardiac stress and damage outside of acute cardiac events. This information could add to better stratification of cocaine users with elevated ST2 concentrations who may be at higher risk for developing heart failure and other cardiac complications.
Tailoring the rate-sensitivity of low density polyurea foams through cell wall aperture size

The plateau stress and energy absorption of low density (≤300 kg/m3) polyurea (PU) foams and expanded polystyrene (EPS) were measured at deformation rates ranging from 0.004 s−1 to 5000 s−1. Low (≤10−1 s−1) strain rate testing was performed using an Instron load frame, intermediate (101–102 s−1) strain rates using a drop-weight impact tower, and high (≥103 s−1) strain rate conditions using a modified split-Hopkinson pressure bar. The plateau stress and energy absorption of low density PU foams exhibit a strong rate dependence across all deformation rates. This result has been previously unreported for low density polymer foams under low and intermediate strain rates. The strain rate sensitivity of PU foams was found to be strongly dependent on cell size for low strain rates and cell wall aperture size for intermediate and high strain rates. EPS type foam, however, remained nearly insensitive to strain rate. At low and intermediate strain rates, the plastic crushing in the EPS and the high plateau stress y...
Planar liquid jet: Early deformation and atomization cascades

The temporal evolution of three-dimensional instabilities on a planar liquid sheet segment is studied using direct numerical simulation, and the level-set and volume-of-fluid methods for the liquid-gas interface tracking. Three atomization cascades are distinguished at early breakup, which are well categorized on a gas Weber number (Weg) versus liquid Reynolds number (Rel) map. These atomization processes include lobe stretching that occurs at low Rel and low Weg, hole and bridge formation that occurs at moderate Rel and high Weg, and lobe corrugation occurring at high Rel and low Weg. Qualitative comparison between the sizes of the ligaments and droplets that result from each process is presented. A transitional region between the prescribed atomization domains is found. At high Rel, the transitional boundary is a constant Ohnesorge line defined based on gas We and liquid Re ( O h m ≡ W e g ∕ R e l ). At low Rel, the transitional region follows a hyperbolic line on the Weg–Rel plot. These atomization pro...
How do we reduce plasma transfusion in Rhode Island

BACKGROUND Plasma transfusions are given to patients with coagulopathy, either prophylactically, before an invasive procedure; or therapeutically, in the presence of active bleeding; and as an exchange fluid in therapeutic plasma exchange for disorders such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. There is consensus that many prophylactic plasma transfusions are non-efficacious, and the misdiagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura results in unnecessary therapeutic plasma exchange. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Beginning in 2001, programs to reduce plasma transfusion in the three major teaching hospitals in Rhode Island were initiated. The programs evolved through the establishment of guidelines, education for key prescribers of plasma, screening of plasma prescriptions, and engagement of individual prescribing physicians for out-of-guidelines prescriptions with modification or cancellation. Establishment of an in-house ADAMTS13 (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1, motif 13) assay in 2013 was used to prevent therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with non-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura microangiopathy. Transfusion service data were gathered at the hospital level regarding blood component use, hospital data for discharges, inpatient mortality, and mean case-mix index, and, at the state level, for units of plasma shipped from the community blood center to in-state hospitals. RESULTS Between 2006 and 2016, a reduction in plasma use from 11,805 to 2677 units (a 77% decrease) was observed in the three hospitals and was mirrored in the state as a whole. This decline was not associated with any increase in red blood cell transfusion. Inpatient mortality either declined or was unchanged. CONCLUSION An active program focused on education and interdiction can achieve a large decrease in plasma transfusions without evidence of patient harm.
Children Are Not the Property of Their Parents: The Need for a Clear Statement of Ethical Obligations and Boundaries.

Children do not belong to their parents. They are not property, although throughout much of history they were considered chattel. In the 21st century, it is generally agreed that children are indiv...
A design investigation of A 1 MVA SiC medium voltage three phase rectifier based on isolated dual active bridge

Dual-active-bridge (DAB) isolated three phase power factor correction (PFC) rectifier is attracting more and more attentions from academia and industry because of high power density, operational flexibility and premium performance, etc. This paper gives an overview to adapt the DAB PFC rectifier to medium voltage (MV) variable frequency drive (VFD) applications. First, a novel medium voltage drive (MVD) topology and its operating conditions are illustrated. Second, as the core component used in the DAB rectifier, a hypothetic silicon carbide (SiC) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) module rated at 12.5 kV, 375 A is proposed. The electrical, namely power loss, and thermal models are developed. Third, the control scheme of the grid-tied DAB rectifier is investigated. Analysis and simulations have been carried out to verify the proposal.
Glove Perforation in Orthopaedics: Probability of Tearing Gloves During High-Risk Events in Trauma Surgery.

Objective To assess the risk of glove perforation during common maneuvers or events in trauma-related orthopaedic surgical procedures. Methods Four investigators executed 6 high-risk maneuvers in a simulated laboratory setting. Alternative techniques were also performed for most maneuvers. Glove integrity was examined by 2 standard methods of fluid leak testing. The rates of perforation were compared between techniques using χ and Fisher exact tests. Results Investigators were only able to identify 14.3% of perforations. Cleaning drill bit flutes by hand had the highest overall tear rate (85%). Catching a glove along the guide wire when passing a cannulated drill bit resulted in a 50% perforation rate. Catching a glove around a rotating drill shaft had a tear rate of 40%. Palpating the end of a flexible nail cut with a wire cutter had a significantly higher perforation rate than a nail cut with a proprietary, nail-specific tool (35% vs. 5%, P = 0.022). Blind digital fracture reduction had a tear rate that was not statistically different than directly visualizing the reduction (20% vs. 15%, P = 0.5). Inserting screws while stabilizing the threads with one's fingers resulted in a perforation rate of 15%. Conclusions Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware that microperforation of surgical gloves often goes undetected and should consider modifying or using alternative techniques when performing certain surgical maneuvers. The results of this study can be used by orthopaedic and surgical first assist training programs to promote safe surgical practice.
Involutional Ectropion Repair

Ectropion is a commonly encountered eyelid malposition characterized by eversion of the eyelid margin away from the globe. Although the upper or lower eyelid may be affected, this condition more commonly involves the lower eyelid. Chronic exposure of the globe and palpebral conjunctiva results in dry eye symptoms with reflex tearing. The exposed palpebral conjunctiva becomes inflamed and may develop metaplastic changes of epidermalization. An exposed punctum can become stenotic, contributing to tear outflow impairment. Additionally, corneal exposure may lead to epithelial breakdown, with increased risk of infectious keratitis. Upper eyelid ectropion often results from cicatricial changes of the anterior lamella related to previous injury, such as laceration or burn. Iatrogenic upper eyelid ectropion may occasionally occur after ptosis repair or blepharoplasty.
The VLA Light Curves of 0957+561; 1979-1994

The gravitational lens 0957+561 has been monitored by our group for 16 years, using the VLA at 5 GHz. Since our last report in 1992, both images have returned to their quiescent flux levels, and the A image has brightened again. We apply various analysis methods to the light curves, and obtain a preliminary estimate of τ = 455 ± 40 days for the time delay.
Analysis of Pore Structure Via Spin-Lattice Relaxation Measurements

SUMMARY A pore structure analysis technique based upon spin-lattice relaxation measurements of pore fluid is discussed. This approach does not require a pore shape assumption (for r >5nm), can be used with wet materials, does not suffer from network/percolation effects and has a much higher sensitivity than adsorption/porosimetry (i.e., smaller pore volumes can be analyzed). The technique is demonstrated for a range of materials and results are compared to conventional pore structure analysis tools.
Endovascular Management of Venous Thrombotic and Occlusive Disease

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common medical condition that can affect both the upper and lower torso and extremities. DVT is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, and substantial immediate and long-term costs to society. Short-term complications for both upper and lower body DVT include pulmonary embolism (PE) and venous ischemia, while delayed complications include a spectrum of debilitating symptoms referred to as the post-thrombotic syndrome (Carpentier and Priollet 1994).
Outcomes of lower extremity bypass surgery in patients with renal transplants.

Abstract Objective Outcomes of infrainguinal bypass surgery (IBS) in patients with renal transplants are largely undescribed. This study evaluated perioperative and long-term outcomes of IBS using autogenous and prosthetic conduits in a large population-based cohort of renal transplantation patients. Methods A retrospective review of all renal transplantation patients who underwent IBS between January 2007 and December 2011 in the United States Renal Data System was performed. Univariable, Kaplan-Meier, multivariable logistic, and Cox regression analyses were employed to evaluate 30-day postoperative (graft failure, limb loss, conduit infection, and death) and long-term (primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and mortality) outcomes. Results There were 1048 IBSs performed (autogenous, 68%; prosthetic, 32%), predominantly for critical limb ischemia (70%). Of these, 480 (46%) were femoral-popliteal, 330 (31%) were femoral-tibial, and 238 (23%) were popliteal-tibial bypasses. Comparing autogenous vs prosthetic conduits, primary patency was 33% vs 28% (P = .22), primary assisted patency was 38% vs 31% (P = .13), secondary patency was 48% vs 53% (P = .67), limb salvage was 53% vs 63% (P = .73), and patient survival was 47% vs 51% (P = .88), all at 5 years. Risk-adjusted analyses demonstrated higher primary assisted patency (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.66; P = .012), secondary patency (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02-1.74; P = .034), and limb salvage (aHR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02-1.80; P = .037) for autogenous compared with prosthetic bypasses. There was no difference in mortality of patients who received autogenous vs prosthetic conduits. Conclusions We have presented postoperative and long-term outcomes of IBS in renal transplantation patients. Autogenous bypasses outperform prosthetics with regard to primary assisted patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage. Given the modest survival advantage conferred by renal transplantation, maximum efforts should be made to create bypasses with autogenous conduits when it is feasible. These results should inform the patient's and surgeon's expectations in planning of IBS for these patients.
Impact of Social Connectivity on Herding Behavior

Information cascades have been studied in the literature where myopic selfish users sequentially appear and make a decision to buy a product based on their private observation about the value of the product and actions of their predecessors. Bikhchandani et. al (1992) and Banerjee (1992) introduced such a model and showed that after a finite time, almost surely, users discard their private information and herd on an action asymptotically. In this paper, we study a generalization of that model where we assume users are connected through a random tree, which locally acts as an approximation for Erdos–Renyi random graph when the degree distribution of each vertex of the tree is binomial and as the number of nodes grows large. We show that informational cascades on such tree-structured networks may be analyzed by studying the extinction probability of a certain branching process. We use the theory of multi-type Galton–Watson branching process and calculate the probability of the tree network falling into a cascade. More specifically, we find conditions when this probability is strictly smaller than 1 that are in terms of the degree distributions of the vertices in the tree. Our results indicate that groups that are less tightly knit, i.e., have lesser connection probability (and as a result have lesser diversity of thought), tend to herd more than the groups that have more social connections.
A simulation model to assess the impact of insurance expansion on colorectal cancer screening at the population level

Recent health care reform debates have triggered substantial discussion on how best to improve access to insurance. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an example of a largely preventable condition, if access to and use of healthcare is increased. Early and ongoing screening and intervention can identify and remove polyps before they become cancerous. We present the development of an individual-based discrete-event simulation model to estimate the impact of insurance expansion scenarios on CRC screening, incidence, mortality, and costs. A national repeated cross-sectional survey was used to estimate which individuals obtained insurance in North Carolina (NC) after the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The potential impact of expanding the state’s Medicaid program is tested and compared to no insurance reform and the ACA without Medicaid expansion. The model integrates a census-based synthetic population, national data, claims based statistical models, and a natural history module in which simulated polyps and cancer progress.
From presumed benign neck masses to delayed recognition of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To describe patients with delayed diagnosis of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPC) after initial incorrect diagnosis of branchial cleft cyst or nondiagnostic workup of unilateral neck mass. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Patients with delayed diagnosis of HPV-OPC after initial nondiagnostic workup for unilateral neck mass were eligible. Medical record abstraction was performed to describe clinical characteristics at initial presentation and later diagnosis of HPV-OPC. To estimate nodal growth rates, the short axis diameter of the lymph nodes was determined from imaging reports. RESULTS Six patients met eligibility criteria. After a median interval of 42 months (range, 3 months-7 years) from initial presentation with unilateral neck mass, patients were diagnosed with HPV-OPC. At the time of HPV-OPC diagnosis, five were AJCC eighth edition overall stage I, and one was stage II. Primary tumors were T0 or T1 in the majority (83.3%, n = 5). Among five patients with available serial imaging, despite diagnostic delay, three of five still had a single lymph node without involvement of additional nodes, whereas the remaining two developed additional suspicious nodes (ipsilateral and contralateral). Two of five developed evidence of extranodal extension. Median lymph node growth was 9.5% per year (range, -6% to 32%). CONCLUSIONS Although the natural history of HPV-OPC is not well understood, this case series suggests that it can be slow growing and mimic benign processes, leading to diagnostic delays. Adults presenting with neck masses should undergo complete diagnostic evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:392-397, 2020.
The Cognition of Conflict: Ontology, Dynamics, and Ideology

What is the relationship between actors’ mental representations (e.g., beliefs, goals) and the conflicts between them? And what is the relation (if any) between individual/subjective conflicts (among my goals) and social conflicts? How does one build a systematic ontology of conflicts taking into account objective and subjective types, the internal or individual and the external or social? Do external conflicts require internalized/mentalized conflicts? Are there objective conflicts that agents are unaware of? How do they work? What is the relation between contradictions and conflicts and the need for mental coherence?
Introduction to Comparative Politics: The State and its Challenges

This stimulating and accessible introduction to comparative politics offers a fresh perspective on the fundamentals of political science. Its central theme is the enduring political significance of the modern state despite severe challenges to its sovereignty. There are three main sections to the book. The first traces the origins and meaning of the state and proceeds to explore its relationship to the practice of politics. The second examines how states are governed and compares patterns of governance found in the two major regime types in the world today, democracy and authoritarianism. The last section discusses several contemporary challenges - globalization, ethnic nationalism, terrorism and organized crime - to state sovereignty. Designed to appeal to students and professors alike, this lively text engages readers as it traces states' struggles against the mutually reinforcing pressures of global economic and political interdependence, fragmented identities and secessionism, transnational criminal networks, and terrorism.
Mean-field models in swarm robotics: a survey

We present a survey on the application of fluid approximations, in the form of mean-field models, to the design of control strategies in swarm robotics. Mean-field models that consist of ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and difference equations have been used in the swarm robotics literature, depending on whether the state of each agent and the time variable take values from a discrete or continuous set. These macroscopic models are independent of the number of agents in the swarm, and hence can be used to synthesize robot control strategies in a scalable manner, in contrast to individual-based microscopic models of swarms that represent finite numbers of discrete agents. Moreover, mean-field models are amenable to rigorous investigation using tools from dynamical systems theory, control theory, stochastic processes, and analysis of partial differential equations, enabling new insights and provable guarantees on the dynamics of collective behaviors. In this paper, we survey the applications of these models to problems in swarm robotics that include coverage, task allocation, self-assembly, consensus, and environmental mapping.
Control of Insects and Diseases with Intelligent Variable-rate Sprayers in Ornamental Nurseries1

Abstract Intelligent spray technology can reduce pesticide use and safeguard the environment; however, its ability to effectively control insects and disease must be validated before its adoption b...
Net ultrafiltration rate and its impact on mortality in patients with acute kidney injury receiving continuous renal replacement therapy.

Background Fluid overload, a critical consequence of acute kidney injury (AKI), is associated with worse outcomes. The optimal fluid removal rate per day during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the ultrafiltration rate on mortality in critically ill patients with AKI receiving CRRT. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study where we reviewed 1398 patients with AKI who received CRRT between December 2006 and November 2015 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. The net ultrafiltration rate (UFNET) was categorized into low- and high-intensity groups (<35 and ≥35 mL/kg/day, respectively). The impact of different UFNET intensities on 30-day mortality was assessed using logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, fluid balance from intensive care unit (ICU) admission to CRRT initiation, Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation III and sequential organ failure assessment scores, baseline serum creatinine, ICU day at CRRT initiation, Charlson comorbidity index, CRRT duration and need of mechanical ventilation. Results The mean ± SD age was 62 ± 15 years, and 827 (59%) were male. There were 696 patients (49.7%) in the low- and 702 (50.2%) in the high-intensity group. Thirty-day mortality was 755 (54%). There were 420 (60%) deaths in the low-, and 335 (48%) in the high-intensity group (P < 0.001). UFNET ≥35 mL/kg/day remained independently associated with lower 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.59; P < 0.001) compared with <35 mL/kg/day. Conclusions More intensive fluid removal, UFNET ≥35 mL/kg/day, among AKI patients receiving CRRT is associated with lower mortality. Future prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.
BCG Vaccinations Upregulate Myc, a Central Switch for Improved Glucose Metabolism in Diabetes.

Summary Myc has emerged as a pivotal transcription factor for four metabolic pathways: aerobic glycolysis, glutaminolysis, polyamine synthesis, and HIF-1α/mTOR. Each of these pathways accelerates the utilization of sugar. The BCG vaccine, a derivative of Mycobacteria-bovis, has been shown to trigger a long-term correction of blood sugar levels to near normal in type 1 diabetics (T1D). Here we reveal the underlying mechanisms behind this beneficial microbe-host interaction. We show that baseline glucose transport is deficient in T1D monocytes but is improved by BCG in vitro and in vivo. We then show, using RNAseq in monocytes and CD4 T cells, that BCG treatment over 56 weeks in humans is associated with upregulation of Myc and activation of nearly two dozen Myc-target genes underlying the four metabolic pathways. This is the first documentation of BCG induction of Myc and its association with systemic blood sugar control in a chronic disease like diabetes.
Zinc Protoporphyrin Suppresses β-Catenin Protein Expression in Human Cancer Cells: The Potential Involvement of Lysosome-Mediated Degradation

Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) has been found to have anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. We have recently demonstrated that ZnPP diminishes β-catenin protein expression in cancer cells. The present study examined the cellular mechanisms that mediate ZnPP’s suppression of β-catenin expression. We demonstrate that ZnPP induces a rapid degradation of the β-catenin protein in cancer cells, which is accompanied by a significant inhibition of proteasome activity, suggesting that proteasome degradation does not directly account for the suppression. The possibility that ZnPP induces β-catenin exportation was rejected by the observation that there was no detectable β-catenin protein in the conditioned medium after ZnPP treatment of cancer cells. Further experimentation demonstrated that ZnPP induces lysosome membrane permeabilization, which was reversed by pretreatment with a protein transportation inhibitor cocktail containing Brefeldin A (BFA) and Monensin. More significantly, pretreatment of cancer cells with BFA and Monensin attenuated the ZnPP-induced suppression of β-catenin expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, indicating that the lysosome protein degradation pathway is likely involved in the ZnPP-induced suppression of β-catenin expression. Whether there is cross-talk between the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the lysosome pathway that may account for ZnPP-induced β-catenin protein degradation is currently unknown. These findings provide a novel mechanism of ZnPP’s anticancer action and reveal a potential new strategy for targeting the β-catenin Wnt signaling pathway for cancer therapy.
Combinatorial effect of promoter activity, mRNA degradation and site-specific transcriptional pausing in modulating protein expression noise

Genetically identical cells exhibit diverse phenotypes, even when experiencing the same environment. This phenomenon, in part, originates from cell-to-cell variability (noise) in protein expression. While various kinetic schemes of stochastic transcription initiation are known to yield transcriptional noise, how post-transcription initiation events may affect noise at the protein level remains incompletely understood. To address this question, we developed an integrated model of bacterial gene expression. By exploring different scenarios of transcription initiation, transcription elongation dynamics, mRNA degradation and gene copy number, we found that the mRNA lifetime, gene dosage and sequence-dependent transcriptional pausing modulate the protein expression noise that was set by the promoter properties. Our findings highlight the interplay between transcription initiation, transcription elongation, translation and mRNA degradation in shaping protein number distributions in clonal populations. They also have implications for our understanding of genome evolution, and suggest combinatorial strategies for modulating phenotypic variability by genetic engineering.
Elevational Changes in Mormon Cricket Life Histories: Minimum Temperature for Nymphal Growth Declines With Elevation.

As the mean temperature and the duration of the growing season decline with elevation, growth of immature insects should initiate at a lower temperature, but it should also be faster to complete development prior to season's end. Although flightless, Mormon crickets migrate in large aggregations across broad spatial and elevational distances that might limit adaptations to local environments. In addition, selection to be active at cooler temperatures might limit selection to maximize growth rate. I measured growth rate in controlled environments for nymphs from three populations that vary in altitude (87–2,688 m) but are similar in latitude (43.2–45.7°N). Growth rate increased significantly with mean rearing temperature between 22 and 30°C. The intercept of the regression of growth rate on temperature increased with elevation, whereas the slope did not change significantly. For any given rearing temperature, growth rate increased with elevation, which suggests that selection to initiate growth at cooler temperatures did not compromise growth rate. Body mass did not differ between the two lower elevations, whereas the highest elevation population had smaller hatchlings and adults. Critical thermal minimum (base temperature) declined with elevation (0.7°C per 1,000 m), and the degree days were 509 across all elevations. For pest management, a base temperature from midelevation of 15.3°C (60°F) and growing degree days of 509 (equivalent to 916 Fahrenheit-based degree days) are reasonable estimates for applications from sea level to 2,700 m.Graphical Abstract
Telemedicine for head and neck cancer surveillance in the COVID-19 era: Promise and pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to increased telemedicine visits. This study examines current preferences and barriers for telemedicine among patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: Single institution retrospective analysis of 64 patients scheduling visits with the head and neck surgical oncology clinic at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected detailing patient preferences and barriers regarding telemedicine appointments. Patients electing to participate in telemedicine were compared to those preferring in-person appointments. RESULTS: Most patients (68%) were not interested in telemedicine. Preference for in-person examination was the most common reason for rejecting telemedicine, followed by discomfort with or limited access to technology. Patients elected telemedicine visits to avoid infection and for convenience. CONCLUSIONS: When given a choice, patients with head and neck cancer preferred in-person visits over telemedicine. Although telemedicine may improve health care access, patient preferences, technology-related barriers, and limitations regarding cancer surveillance must be addressed moving forward.
Deep Learning to Predict Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Left Ventricular Mass and Hypertrophy From 12-Lead ECGs.

Background: Classical methods for detecting left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) using 12-lead ECGs are insensitive. Deep learning models using ECG to infer cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-deri...
On a Very Peculiar Perspective to Natural Phenomena

The law of increasing entropy and its corollary, the heat death of the universe, are here shown to be the product of a distorted perspective of natural phenomena
P50 Exploring the Experiences of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who Educate Through Cooking and Food Preparation

Background Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) often provide guidance on preparing healthy meals. Although food science and culinary skills are addressed in coursework to become a RDN, those involved in nutrition education do not universally incorporate hands-on cooking in their practice. Cooking skills, knowledge and confidence have declined among the public, while rates of obesity and chronic disease are on the rise. RDNs can play a central role in teaching essential cooking skills and food-related knowledge. This calls for exploration on the perspectives and characteristics of RDNs drawn to culinary education. Few studies have investigated the personal experiences and viewpoints of RDNs involved in teaching the public how to cook. Objective To explore the perspectives of RDNs who teach cooking and food preparation, to better understand their experiences learning to cook and teaching others. Cooking-related knowledge/skills perceived as lacking among the public and necessary to perform their role are compared with competencies outlined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food and Culinary Professionals (FCP) Dietetic Practice Group. Study Design, Setting and Participants The research design is cross-sectional and qualitative. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews are conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams. A convenience sample is recruited from community settings, including private practice, worksite wellness, supermarkets, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and SNAP-Ed. Analysis Interviews are recorded, transcripts are coded, and recurring themes are summarized. Results Analysis of pilot data (n = 14) on experiences learning to cook indicate cooking at home with parents while growing up, food science coursework, and personal interest in cooking. Emerging themes mirrored several FCP competencies, including communication skills, knife skills, ingredient substitution, time management, meal planning and food safety. Conclusion This pilot study examines the perspectives of RDNs who teach hands-on cooking, thereby providing insights on the competencies needed to teach others and best serve the public. Our findings merit research with a larger sample to further compare with FCP competencies, and potentially inform dietetics education programs preparing students for careers as RDNs.
Places for play: Understanding human perception of playability in cities using street view images and deep learning

Abstract Play benefits childhood development and well-being, and is a key factor in sustainable city design. Though previous studies have examined the effects of various urban features on how much children play and where they play, such studies rely on quantitative measurements of play such as the precise location of play and the duration of play time, while people's subjective feelings regarding the playability of their environment are overlooked. In this study, we capture people's perception of place playability by employing Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) to classify street view images. A deep learning model trained on the labelled data is then used to evaluate neighborhood playability for three U.S. cities: Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco. Finally, multivariate and geographically weighted regression models are used to explore how various urban features are associated with playability. We find that higher traffic speeds and crime rates are negatively associated with playability, while higher scores for perception of beauty are positively associated with playability. Interestingly, a place that is perceived as lively may not be playable. Our research provides helpful insights for urban planning focused on sustainable city growth and development, as well as for research focused on creating nourishing environments for child development.
Nozzle Damping in Solid Rocket Instabilities

Present understanding regarding the damping provided by solid-propellant rocket motor nozzles, during axial instabilities, is reviewed. Expressions describing the various modes of wave energy losses to the nozzle and the nozzle decay coefficient are derived and their use in practice is discussed. Available theories for the prediction of the nozzle admittance and available methods for the experimental determination of nozzle admittances are evaluated. Experimental nozzle admittance data obtained by use of the impedance tube method, for two different solid-propellant rocket nozzles, is presented and discussed. An analysis of the experimental nozzle admittance data shows that 1) the admittances of short nozzles are independent of the frequency when the wavelength of the oscillation is much longer than the length of the nozzle convergent section, 2) the admittances of short nozzles are practically independent of the geometrical details of their convergent sections, and 3) the measured nozzle admittances are larger than those predicted by the short nozzle theory. The reported experimental data are used to derive expressions for the nozzle decay coefficients for cylindrical combustors experiencing axial instabilities. These expressions are compared with a corresponding expression derived in related experimental studies and good agreement is shown.
Particle-in-cell-simulation rescaling of magnetically insulated flow theory

Summary form only given. In a magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) the total current flow I/sub a/ is divided between current flowing in the metal I/sub c/ and electron current flowing in the vacuum, i.e., I/sub a/-I/sub c/. As a result of the vacuum electron flow, the impedance of the MITL is altered and, thus, the power coupling between it and both the generator and the load changes. The effective impedance is best described by the flow impedance Z/sub f/, which is a function of both the geometry and the voltage. Before the power pulse reaches the load the MITL runs at the self-limited impedance Z/sub f//sup SL/. If the load impedance is sufficiently high, the MITL will continue to run at Z/sub f//sup SL/ after the pulse reaches the load. Thus, the properties of self-limited flow are particularly important. Here, an assumption on the electron density distribution in the flow layer used in existing MITL theory is relaxed by introducing a space-charge scaling factor. Values for the scaling factor are determined by matching to particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, effectively rescaling the MITL theory. Any polarity differences found in the PIC simulations can be accommodated by scaling differently for positive and negative polarity. Finally, analytic expressions are derived for the first time for Z/sub f//sup SL/ and the self-limited currents I/sub c//sup SL/ and I/sub a//sup SL/. Expressions are also obtained for Z/sub f/(I/sub a/) when the anode current I/sub a/ is known and Z/sub f/(I/sub c/) when I/sub c/ is known. Theoretical results are presented and compared with PIC simulations.
How to Understand Connections Based on Big Data: From Cliques to Flexible Granules

One of the main objectives of science and engineering is to predict the future state of the world—and to come up with actions which will lead to the most favorable outcome. To be able to do that, we need to have a quantitative model describing how the values of the desired quantities change—and for that, we need to know which factors influence this change. Usually, these factors are selected by using traditional statistical techniques, but with the current drastic increase in the amount of available data—known as the advent of big data—the traditional techniques are no longer feasible. A successful semi-heuristic method has been proposed to detect true connections in the presence of big data. However, this method has its limitations. The first limitation is that this method is heuristic—its main justifications are common sense and the fact that in several practical problems, this method was reasonably successful. The second limitation is that this heuristic method is based on using “crisp” granules (clusters), while in reality, the corresponding granules are flexible (“fuzzy”). In this chapter, we explain how the known semi-heuristic method can be justified in statistical terms, and we also show how the ideas behind this justification enable us to improve the known method by taking granule flexibility into account.
Stress and Decision Making under the Risk of Predation: Recent Developments from Behavioral, Reproductive, and Ecological Perspectives

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the present empirical and theoretical work on antipredator decision making. The ways in which predators influence the behavioral decisions made by their prey is now the subject of a large and growing literature. Some notable recent advances include clear demonstrations that antipredatory decision making (1) may influence many aspects of reproductive behavior, (2) has demonstrable long-term consequences for individual fitness, and (3) may influence the nature of ecological systems themselves. There have also been many advances in the theory of antipredator behavior, which should provide a sound conceptual basis for further progress. Attention is needed for further work on the effects that predator and prey have on the other's behavioral decisions. The range of reproductive behaviors influenced by the risk of predation also requires much more investigation. Work on the long-term costs of antipredator decision making needs more empirical documentation and greater taxonomic diversity. Work on the ecological implications of antipredatory decision making has only scratched the surface, especially with regard to population-level effects and species interactions. Theoretical investigations should also play a prominent role in future work.
Novel process for fully self-aligned planar ultrathin body Double-Gate FET

We present a process for the ideal planar ultrathin body DGFET structure with the top and bottom gates fully self-aligned to each other and with low parasitic capacitance to the flared-out source/drain. The process begins with epitaxial growth of a SiGe/Si/SiGe trilayer on a thin N+ doped SOI substrate followed by deposition of an insulating cap layer. Key process steps have been developed and functional transistors are obtained.
Electronic energy bands of metal hydrides—palladium and nickel hydride

Electronic energy band calculations for transition metal hydrides have provided a new theoretical understanding of these materials. The calculations show when the proton model has relevance and when the anion model is more appropriate, the essential feature being the structure of the hydride. The structure in turn is determined by the lowest energy state of the solid. The relative positions of the electronic energy levels are found to be a strong function of the interatomic distances. The relative stability and structures of the metal hydrides can be understood in terms of their band structures. The calculations lead to a unifying new model, the “band model”, for interpreting and understanding the electronic properties of these materials. Energy band calculations of the palladium-hydrogen system for various structures have been carried out and illustrate the above conclusions. The calculations were carried out with the hydrogen atoms occupying various interstitial positions in the face centered cubic palladium lattice to represent varying hydrogen contents for PdHx (specifically, for x = 0.25, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0). In contrast to the simple proton model for this system, the calculations are able to show why β-phase PdH saturates at higher hydrogen concentrations than the known concentration of holes in palladium d bands. Calculations for nickel hydride also show why the simple bandfilling concept fails. This result is in agreement with recent experimental electronic specific heat measurements. Both systems demonstrate that the rigid band model is not applicable.
Osherson, Smith and Elkan

There are many famous examples of expert criticism causing untold damage to scientific research. When Minsky noted that a neuron could not perform an exclusive-or he derailed research in artificial neural networks. Fuzzy set theory has attracted expert criticism like few other innovations. Osherson, Smith and Elkan are the critics examined in this paper.
Optimal entropy estimation on large alphabets via best polynomial approximation

Consider the problem of estimating the Shannon entropy of a distribution on k elements from n independent samples. We show that the minimax mean-square error is within universal multiplicative constant factors of k over n log k + log2k over n. This implies the recent result of Valiant-Valiant [1] that the minimal sample size for consistent entropy estimation scales according to Θ(k over log k). The apparatus of best polynomial approximation plays a key role in both the minimax lower bound and the construction of optimal estimators.
Tooth loss and dental caries in community‐dwelling older adults in northern Manhattan

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00502.x Tooth loss and dental caries in community-dwelling older adults in northern Manhattan Objective: To examine tooth loss and dental caries by sociodemographic characteristics from community-based oral health examinations conducted by dentists in northern Manhattan. Background: The ElderSmile programme of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine serves older adults with varying functional capacities across settings. This report is focused on relatively mobile, socially engaged participants who live in the impoverished communities of Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood in northern Manhattan, New York City. Materials and Methods: Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and health and health care information were provided by community-dwelling ElderSmile participants aged 65 years and older who took part in community-based oral health education and completed a screening questionnaire. Oral health examinations were conducted by trained dentists in partnering prevention centres among ElderSmile participants who agreed to be clinically screened (90.8%). Results: The dental caries experience of ElderSmile participants varied significantly by sociodemographic predictors and smoking history. After adjustment in a multivariable logistic regression model, older age, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic race/ethnicity, and a history of current or former smoking were important predictors of edentulism. Conclusion: Provision of oral health screenings in community-based settings may result in opportunities to intervene before oral disease is severe, leading to improved oral health for older adults.
Numerical simulation of an instrumented cantilever retaining wall

The field data of an instrumented cantilever retaining wall are reexamined to develop a working hypothesis for the mechanism that explains the observed response. The field data are in terms of earth pressures and wall movements (de- flection, translation, and rotation) from the start to completion of backfilling. The observed response demonstrates strong in- teraction between the retaining wall and foundation soil. Traditional calculations based on earth pressure coefficients had not provided a satisfactory explanation for the measured responses during placement of backfill. In this paper, the working hypothesis, and results from its implementation in a continuum-mechanics-based computer program are presented. The nu- merical model results, displacements and earth pressures, are in general agreement with the field data for all stages of back- fill placement and provide a clear exposition to the observed response. Practical implications of the work are included.
Sequential Growth and the Development of American Unionism

George Murphy and Arnold Zellner, who admittedly “have little taste for ghosts or spirit rapping,” seem quite ready to exhume a doctrine and place it in an “up-to-date” package. We welcome historical re-evaluations; but our joys should not preclude us from challenging unwarranted conclusions. While I cannot deliver any spirits, I can at least do some spade work to turn over a few skeletons as partial refutation of the Murphy-Zellner conclusions. In particular; I wish to contest the following statements: (r) that “it [sequential growth] shortened and modulated business cycle contractions [and] contributed to shortening and alleviating critical situations for labor as a whole” (page 420); and (2) that it was largely responsible for “keeping the percentage of the labor force unionized small” (page 408).
Correlation of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Detection with Clinical/Immunoinflammatory Profile of Localized Aggressive Periodontitis Using a 16S rRNA Microarray Method: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) correlates with the clinical and immunoinflammatory profile of Localized Aggressive Periodontitis (LAP), as determined by by 16S rRNA gene-based microarray. Subjects and MethodsSubgingival plaque samples from the deepest diseased site of 30 LAP patients [PD ≥ 5 mm, BoP and bone loss] were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene-based microarrays. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were analyzed for 14 cyto/chemokines. Peripheral blood was obtained and stimulated in vitro with P.gingivalis and E.coli to evaluate inflammatory response profiles. Plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels were also measured. ResultsAa was detected in 56% of LAP patients and was shown to be an indicator for different bacterial community structures (p 0.05). Clinical parameters and serum LPS levels were similar between groups. However, Aa-non-detected GCF contained higher concentration of IL-8 than Aa-detected sites (p<0.05). TNFα and IL1β were elevated upon E.coli LPS stimulation of peripheral blood cells derived from patients with Aa-detected sites. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that the detection of Aa in LAP affected sites, did not correlate with clinical severity of the disease at the time of sampling in this cross-sectional study, although it did associate with lower local levels of IL-8, a different subgingival bacterial profile and elevated LPS-induced levels of TNFα and IL1β.