cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Etiologic Factors in Psychogenic Seizures

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of etiologic factors in psychogenic seizures. Psychogenic seizures are one subset in a broad category of nonepileptic seizures. Nonepileptic seizures are regarded as a group of paroxysmal events that resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by neuronal discharges. This broad category includes such diagnoses as cardiac arrhythmia, transient ischemic attacks, migraines, panic disorder, hypoglycemia, and many others. Traumatic life course is another category of patients who are considered to have posttraumatic psychogenic seizure syndrome. This refers to patients who typically come from chaotic or dysfunctional families of origin and may have been victims of mental or psychological abuse. Two etiologic factors can contribute to the development of psychogenic symptoms in this group. First, the trauma causing the injury may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, which can include symptoms, such as flashbacks or dissociative episodes that may be interpreted as psychogenic seizures. The neuropsychological deficits resulting from the head injury may lead to attention and memory impairments resulting in the patient's inability to function at preinjury capacities. It is found that among the disorders in which dissociative symptoms may occur are acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and somatization disorder.
Conformity to implicit social pressure: the role of political identity

AbstractAlthough studies have shown that implicit social cues, such as images of watchful eyes, can elicit prosocial behavior, little research to date has examined individual differences in people’s susceptibility to such subtle social cues. For example, individuals with a conservative ideology typically value social conformity, obedience, and adherence to social norms more than liberals. To examine partisan heterogeneity, we analyze data from two large randomized field experiments on voting behavior. Results suggest that the impact of eyespots on voter mobilization is indeed likely driven by political identity, with a significant effect for Republicans but not Independents or Democrats. These findings are consistent with an emerging line of research revealing individual differences in how susceptible humans are to implicit social cues.
Indoor Manhattan spatial layout recovery from monocular videos via line matching

An end-to-end system for structure and motion computation in a Manhattan layout from monocular videos is presented.The system is based on the idea of characteristic lines, which can be seen as an invariant of two views of a parallel line pair laying on a plane with known orientation.The characteristic lines algorithm enables segmentation of planar patches from visible lines, and thus reconstruction of motion and structure.Extending the characteristic lines algorithm to the multi-view case results in a more robust planar segmentation. We present an end-to-end system for structure and motion computation in a Manhattan layout from monocular videos. Unlike most SFM algorithms that rely on point feature matching, only line matches are considered in this work. This may be convenient in indoor environment characterized by extended textureless walls, where point features may be scarce. Our system relies on the notion of characteristic lines, which are invariants of two views of the same parallel line pairs on a surface of known orientation. Experiments with indoor video sequences demonstrate the robustness of the proposed system.
The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives Many studies have reported that olfactory dysfunction frequently occurs in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) populations; however, the prevalence and degree of olfactory loss has not been systematically studied. The aims of this study were to use combined data to report the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction and to calculate weighted averages of olfactory test scores in CRS patients. Data Sources A search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, following the methods of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Review Methods Studies reporting the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction using objective measures or olfactory test scores using validated scales were included. Results A total of 47 articles were included in a systematic review and 35 in the pooled data analysis. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis was found to be 30.0% using the Brief Smell Identification Test, 67.0% using the 40-item Smell Identification Test, and 78.2% using the total Sniffin' Sticks score. Weighted averages ± standard deviation of olfactory test scores were 25.96 ± 7.11 using the 40-item Smell Identification Test, 8.60 ± 2.81 using the Brief Smell Identification Test, 21.96 ± 8.88 using total Sniffin' Sticks score, 5.65 ± 1.51 using Sniffin' Sticks–Threshold, 9.21 ± 4.63 using Sniffin' Sticks–Discrimination, 9.47 ± 3.92 using Sniffin' Sticks–Identification, and 8.90 ± 5.14 using the Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders–Negative Statements. Conclusions In CRS populations, a significant percentage of patients experience olfactory dysfunction, and mean olfactory scores are within the dysosmic range. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:309–320, 2017
Semantic Annotation Aggregation with Conditional Crowdsourcing Models and Word Embeddings.

In modern text annotation projects, crowdsourced annotations are often aggregated using item response models or by majority vote. Recently, item response models enhanced with generative data models have been shown to yield substantial benefits over those with conditional or no data models. However, suitable generative data models do not exist for many tasks, such as semantic labeling tasks. When no generative data model exists, we demonstrate that similar benefits may be derived by conditionally modeling documents that have been previously embedded in a semantic space using recent work in vector space models. We use this approach to show state-of-the-art results on a variety of semantic annotation aggregation tasks.
Omnipresence, Indwelling, and the Second-Personal

The claim that God is maximally present is characteristic of all three major monotheisms. In this paper, I explore this claim with regard to Christianity. First, God’s omnipresence is a matter of God’s relations to all space at all times at once, because omnipresence is an attribute of an eternal God. In addition, God is also present with and to a person. The assumption of a human nature ensures that God is never without the ability to be present with human persons in the way mind-reading enables; and, in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God is present in love.
Minimizing the Cost of Treating Asymptomatic Ureterolithiasis

Abstract Introduction Treatment of patients with ureterolithiasis who report resolution of their symptoms but do not recall passing the stone presents a clinical challenge. We analyzed the cost of different therapeutic strategies for these patients. Methods We performed a cost minimization analysis using published efficacy data and Medicare reimbursement costs. We compared 1) up-front ureteroscopy with planned lithotripsy, 2) followup imaging to determine presence or absence of stone using computerized tomography, abdominal plain film or ultrasound and 3) observation. We performed sensitivity analyses on the factors driving cost, including the probability of stone passage and ultrasound sensitivity. Results Observation was associated with the lowest costs for patients likely to spontaneously pass the ureteral stone (greater than 62%). Initial imaging with computerized tomography was the least costly approach for patients with an intermediate probability of stone passage (21% to 62%). When the sensitivity of ultrasound was modeled to be high (greater than 79%), it surpassed computerized tomography as the least costly approach across a wide range of spontaneous passage rates. Ureteroscopy was associated with the lowest costs when the probability of spontaneous stone passage was low (less than 21%). Conclusions The probability of spontaneous passage of a ureteral stone can be used to optimize treatment strategies for patients. Observation minimizes costs for patients with stones likely to pass spontaneously, whereas ureteroscopy minimizes costs for stones unlikely to pass. For ureteral stones with an intermediate probability of spontaneous passage computerized tomography to guide treatment is associated with the lowest estimated costs.
An Evaluation of Selection Method in the Classification of Scada Datasets Based on the Characteristics of the Data and Priority of Performance

Industrial control systems are becoming more complex in their architecture and design, and consequently many security concerns have arisen. To face these challenges, datasets of the systems are analyzed to detect intrusions. However, many techniques of preprocessing and classifiers are available with different approaches, which makes difficult the selection of suitable method. This work proposes a new approach to choose a preprocessing method and a classification algorithm based on the characteristics of the dataset and priority in the performance; the approach use two popular techniques of preprocessing and ten machine learning algorithms. We evaluate the method using three real datasets from different domains. The datasets are publicly available and can be used as a benchmark. The results show the feasibility of the new method of selection and the effectiveness of the use of machine-learning algorithms in SCADA datasets. This is a preliminary research and based on these initial results, a future work will propose practical implications for the design of Intrusion detection systems (IDS) on cyber security systems considering the data type as an enhancement to existing designs.
Using the ferroelectric/ferroelastic effect at cryogenic temperatures for set-and-hold actuation

The ferroelectric and ferroelastic properties of lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) based stack actuators have been characterized at temperatures down to 25 K and under various levels of constant compressive stress. Experiments indicate that the coercive field and magnitude of strain at the coercive field display an inverse relationship with temperature. A factor of 5.5 increase in coercive field, and a factor of 4.3 increase in strain is observed at 25 K in comparison to the room-temperature conditions. This information was used to induce non-180° domain wall motion in the material through the application of electric fields at or near the coercive field. The change in remanent strain accompanying these effects was shown to increase in magnitude as temperature decreased, reaching values of 2000 ppm at 25 K. This behavior was also shown to be temporally stable even under compressive loads. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the material can be returned to its original strain state through a repolarizing electric field. This switchable behavior could be exploited for future set-and-hold type actuators operating at cryogenic temperatures.
Adaptively Represented Complete Distance Fields of Polygonal Models

Distance fields are an important volume representation. However, distance fields constructed by straightforward discrete sampling can neither provide a quantitative measure of error nor fully capture detailed distance fields caused by corners in 3D geometries. We discuss here a complete distance field representation (CDFR) of polygonal models that does not rely on Nyquist sampling theory. In a CDFR volume, each voxel has a complete description of all surface polygons that affect the local distance field. CDFR can be adaptively represented without compromising accuracy. The adaptively represented complete distance field is shorted for ARCDF. For any desired distance, we can extract a surface contour in Euclidean distance, at any levels of accuracy, from the same CDFR or ARCDF representation. We further show any example of applying CDFR to a cutting edge CAD application involving high-complexity parts at un-precedented accuracy using only commonly available computational resources. Finally, although the general concepts presented here may be extended for parametric models as well, our current method can only handle polygonal models.
Families of adolescents and adults with autism: Uncharted territory

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the families of adolescents and adults with autism. There is a vast amount of uncharted territory about the patterns of development in people with autism beyond the childhood period and even more uncharted territory, regarding the impacts of parenting an adolescent or adult with autism. A brief description of the major features of autism, with particular emphasis on the characteristics of people with autism that are most challenging for parents and other caregivers, is discussed in the chapter. It is found that higher rates of social deficits exist in siblings of individuals with autism as compared to siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. It is observed that cognitive disorders were more prevalent in siblings of children with autism compared to a group of siblings of children with Down syndrome. The longitudinal study of 28 mothers of children with autism found significant differences in maternal depression, favoring the 14 mothers, who participated in an intervention program designed to facilitate child learning and manage difficult behavior.
Spatial Modeling of Village Functional Territories to Support Population-Environment Linkages

Geographic information science plays a key role in linking population and environmental data to support a variety of substantive questions. A common linkage approach is the polygon overlay procedure that relates administrative boundary files and their associated social data with environmental data layers to derive relevant variables. Formal administrative boundaries are lacking, both in the real and digital senses, in many parts of the developing world as one moves to fine scales of analysis. Because population-environment research often focuses on developing regions, it is necessary to develop linkage approaches that can circumvent these problems. The key task of this research is to enable linkages between population and environmental data by transforming discrete village points, with associated demographic and economic attribute data, into functional regions that partition the landscape into village territories. Resulting village regions can be stored in a GIS database and overlaid with environmental layers to derive village-level environmental descriptors. The ordinary Voronoi diagram is a classic point-to-area transformation. There are several extensions to the Ordinary Voronoi diagram. Operating within a raster environment, this paper presents a new extension called the kth nearest-point, shortest-path (KSP) Voronoi diagram. Additionally, Fuzzy Set Theory is applied to the extension to represent the spatial fuzziness in village land ownership patterns within the study area. This approach can be applied to other regions similarly characterized by a nuclear settlement pattern. Results are presented, and issues regarding accuracy assessment, model adjustments, and use of the model to derive linked village-level population and environmental descriptors are discussed.
AFS/FEF Student Technology Contest: Understanding the Role of Mo on К-Carbide Precipitation and Fracture of Lightweight Advanced High-Strength Steels

Fe–Mn–Al–C lightweight steels have great potential to replace Cr–Mo quenched and tempered steels where weight reduction is an important design variable. Previous research has centered around a fully austenitic cast composition of Fe–30Mn–9Al–0.9C–1Si–0.5Mo that achieves high strength through homogenous precipitation of κ-carbide during age hardening. However, the effect of varying Mo content and the corresponding effects on age hardening kinetics and resulting mechanical properties are not well documented. The current study investigates Mo additions in the range of 0–0.7% Mo on the microstructure, age hardening response, and toughness of a Fe–30Mn–9Al–0.8C–1Si steel. Molybdenum was shown to decrease the age hardening response at 530 °C. Higher concentrations of Mo resulted in an increase in the Charpy V-notch impact toughness of aged specimens. Optical microscopy revealed that alloys with Mo additions had much less κ-carbide along grain boundaries in the aged condition and this decreased the propensity of intergranular fracture and increased toughness.
A note on generalized matching preclusion in bipartite graphs

Abstract For a graph with an even number of vertices, the matching preclusion number is the minimum number of edges whose deletion results in a graph with no perfect matchings. The conditional matching preclusion number, introduced as an extension of the matching preclusion number, has the additional requirement that the resulting graph have no isolated vertices. In bipartite graphs, the edge sets that achieve these minimum numbers can be construed in terms of obstruction sets of vertices. From this perspective, the generalized matching preclusion problem was developed; the matching preclusion number of order a is the minimum number of edges whose deletion results in a graph with no perfect matchings and no obstruction sets with fewer than a vertices. In this paper, we extend known sufficient conditions regarding the matching preclusion and conditional matching preclusion numbers (orders 1 and 2, respectively) to give sufficient conditions for the matching preclusion problem of order a, for any positive integer a.
Contributions of fixed mindsets and hopelessness to anxiety and depressive symptoms: A commonality analysis approach

Abstract Background Fixed mindsets (beliefs that personal traits are unchangeable) show consistent associations with internalizing symptoms. However, the mindset-internalizing symptom link has previously been studied in isolation of other maladaptive cognitions that relate to internalizing symptoms. Thus, the unique contributions of mindsets to internalizing symptoms remains unclear. Method We used commonality analysis (CA), which yields unique and shared effects of independent variables on an outcome, to assess unique contributions of emotion and anxiety mindsets to anxiety and depression symptoms, relative to the contributions of hopelessness. Participants in two online studies (Ns=200, 430) self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms, hopelessness, and emotion and anxiety mindsets. Results In Study 1, neither mindset type contributed unique variance to depression or anxiety beyond the contribution of hopelessness. In Study 2, emotion mindsets again explained no unique symptom variance. Anxiety mindsets uniquely contributed 2.0% and 6.5% of depression and anxiety variance, respectively—but far larger proportions of symptom variance (20.0%-60.9%) were contributed by hopelessness alone, variance shared by hopelessness and anxiety mindsets, and variance shared among hopelessness, anxiety mindsets, and emotion mindsets. Limitations The cross-sectional design precludes causal conclusions, and the non-referred adult samples may limit generalizability. Discussion Mindsets contributed little unique variance to internalizing symptoms beyond hopelessness. Interventions teaching growth mindsets have been shown to reduce internalizing problem in past studies. However, these interventions might not necessarily operate by shaping mindsets; rather, they may affect symptom change by shaping closely-linked maladaptive cognitions—like hopelessness—with stronger ties to internalizing distress.
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)—Inside Out Anatomy and Exposure of the Operating Field

To optimize operating field exposure and improve understanding of surgical anatomy from the “inside out” perspective for transoral robotic surgery (TORS). In the last decade, TORS has become a common surgical technique for the management of early stage oropharyngeal cancers. Recent anatomic studies have focused on understanding the landmarks specific to each oropharynx subsite from the “inside out” perspective of a transoral surgeon. Technical, anatomic, and oncologic factors should be considered pre-operatively to optimize surgical set-up, as exposure and access are the first steps to successful transoral surgery. Developing an understanding of the relationships between important transoral anatomic landmarks from the “inside out” perspective is critical for any surgeon performing a transoral surgical approach.
The changing landscape of aortic valve replacement in the USA.

AIMS The aim of this study was to analyse the real-world national data on parallel utilisation of transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical (SAVR) aortic valve replacement. METHODS AND RESULTS We queried an all-payer, administrative United States in-patient database to identify all AVR hospitalisations in patients aged ≥18 years from January 2012 to December 2016 and examined the temporal changes in the number of AVR procedures and in-hospital mortality. A total of 463,675 AVRs were performed - 363,275 (78.4%) SAVR and 100,400 (21.6%) TAVR. AVR linearly increased (from 78,985 in 2012 to 103,415 in 2016; +30.9%; ptrend<0.001) largely due to a marked increase in TAVR (from 7,655 to 33,545; +338%; ptrend<0.001), whereas the absolute number of SAVRs remained relatively stable (from 71,330 to 69,870; -1%; ptrend<0.001). The number of TAVRs increased in all pre-specified age groups (<75, 75-79, 80-85, and ≥85 years; ptrend<0.001 for all). In contrast, the number of SAVRs increased modestly in patients aged <75 years (ptrend<0.001) and declined in those aged 75-79 years, 80-84 years, or ≥85 years (ptrend<0.001 for all). Age- and sex-adjusted in-hospital mortality after isolated (aOR 1.00 [0.95-1.05]; ptrend=0.96) or combined SAVR (aOR 1.01 [0.97-1.05]; ptrend=0.66) remained unchanged during the study period, whereas in-hospital mortality after TAVR declined (aOR 0.75 [0.70-0.79]; ptrend<0.001). Similar trends in in-hospital mortality were seen in the age subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The number of AVRs markedly increased in the USA from 2012 to 2016, mainly due to the widespread adoption of TAVR, whereas the number of SAVRs remained relatively stable. In-hospital mortality after TAVR declined, whereas that after SAVR has remained unchanged.
The growth of teledermatology: Expanding to reach the underserved.

The regulation of telemedicine in the United States is evolving, with new legislation expanding reimbursement and cross-state licensing capabilities. As telemedicine grows, communities with limited access to traditional dermatologic care may find a solution in teledermatology. A search of the medical literature and online health care law resources published within the past decade was performed to assess the current status of telemedicine availability, health record integration and security, reimbursement policy, and licensure requirements in the United States, with a focus on teledermatology. The majority of states have implemented policies requiring private insurance coverage. Medicaid reimburses some form of telemedicine in all states but restricts which modalities can be used and by which specialties. Medicare places the heaviest limitations on telemedicine coverage. Twenty-four states and Guam are members of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), and 27 states offer alternative cross-state practice options. With the advent of publicly and privately funded programs, volunteer efforts, and mobile applications, teledermatology is more readily available to rural and underserved communities.
Teaching through Storytelling

Have you ever felt envious of how a presenter told a story or engaged their audience? Even more personally, have you ever experienced how they captivated their audience while teaching the same material you teach. Did you feel like perhaps you were not so engaging with your audience or your audience wasn’t so engaged with you? Perhaps you are looking for a fresh way to present old themes and concepts. Through spending time in this workshop, you will come away with a practiced plan in hand for your next teaching endeavor. The purpose of this workshop is to empower you during the 90 minutes we have together to understand the mindset, skillset and toolset for storytelling. After we get to know each other, we’ll spend time with a brief few minutes didactic followed by time to write, craft and share that element of your story. Each person will then identify at least a single teaching topic for the focus of their story. That will be their focus for the workshop. This will process will repeat for each storytelling skill. There will be didactic, but the focus is on storytelling refinement so when you leave the workshop you have a plan specific to a topic you teach. The workshop concludes with participants voluntarily sharing their stories and reflecting on this process.
David Oliver: Social care-back to an uncertain future.

If I’d been writing this column in early 2010, on the threshold of a new five year parliament, I’d have called for a credible long term solution for social care in England, lamented the lack of meaningful action to date, and doubted the political commitment or public will to change. Sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and so it is with social care. Three general elections later, at the start of this new decade I could virtually cut and paste the same introduction. Recent history makes me doubt the future. The recommendations of the 1999 Royal Commission on Long Term Care for older people were largely ducked by Labour in the 2000 NHS plan.12 And in early 2010 the Labour government published a white paper on the future of social care funding, Building the National Care …
Antifreeze Proteins in Other Species

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) are now recognized to include three types of proteins. (1) Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), first discovered in Antarctic fish, protect freeze-avoiding organisms from lethal ice formation of their body fluids by lowering the freezing point of aqueous solutions by a non-colligative mechanism—binding to ice crystals and preventing their growth. This results in a difference between the freezing and melting points termed thermal hysteresis (TH). AFPs prevent inoculative freezing across the body surface by exterior ice and they also promote supercooling by inhibiting potential ice nucleation surfaces. (2) Recrystallization inhibition proteins (RIPs) function primarily to inhibit recrystallization of ice in freeze-tolerant organisms (those able to freeze and survive) although they also generally produce minor TH. Note that true While AFPs inhibit recrystallization of ice, the primary function of recrystallization inhibition proteins (RIPs), although they also produce minor TH, is to inhibit recrystallization in freeze-tolerant organisms (those able to freeze and survive). (3) Adaptive ice-nucleating proteins (INPs) function in freeze-tolerant species to inhibit supercooling and promote freezing at a high subzero temperature where the resulting freezing is more easily controlled. Although INPs are best known in bacteria, AFPs and RIPs traditionally have been most studied in fish, insects, and plants. However, these proteins are also present in numerous other organisms. These “other” TH-producing organisms are the focus of this chapter. They include many types of animals such as noninsect arthropods (spiders, mites, ticks, centipedes, a crustacean, and snow fleas), mollusks, ribbon worms, fish leeches, sponges, nematodes, frogs, perhaps even mammals and birds; several fungi and numerous bacteria, and archaea. Antifreeze glycolipids will also be discussed.
Ambient pressure synthesis and characterization of layered honeycomb Li2PdO3

Abstract Single-phase polycrystalline Li2PdO3 has been synthesized at 640 C in oxygen for the first time under ambient pressure. X-ray and neutron diffraction analyses show that the sample possesses a monoclinic layered structure belonging to the C2/m space group. Rietveld refinements of neutron powder diffraction data indicate ~10% Li–Pd site exchange and DIFFaX modelling manifest ~2% stacking faults present within LiPd2 layers. A band gap of ~2.23 eV was calculated for the golden Li2PdO3 using absorbance measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis of the sample shows that Li2PdO3 is stable up to 730 C under oxygen. A Curie tail is observed at low temperature magnetic measurements (T
The AgingPLUS trial: Design of a randomized controlled trial to increase physical activity in middle-aged and older adults.

Abstract Background Negative views of aging (NVOA), low self-efficacy beliefs, and poor goal planning skills represent risk factors that undermine adults' motivation to engage in physical activity (PA). Targeting these three risk factors may motivate adults to become physically active. Objective To assess the efficacy of AgingPLUS, a 4-week educational program that explicitly targets NVOA, low self-efficacy beliefs, and poor goal planning skills compared to a 4-week health education program. The study also examines the role of NVOA, self-efficacy beliefs, and goal planning as the mechanisms underlying change in PA. Design This randomized controlled trial (RCT) utilizes the experimental medicine approach to assess change in PA as a function of modifying three risk factors. The RCT recruitment target includes 288 mostly sedentary adults ranging in age from 45 to 75 years. Methods Eligible middle-aged and older adults are recruited through community sources. Participants are randomized to either the AgingPLUS or the control group. Participants in both groups are enrolled in the trial for 8 months total, with four assessment points: Baseline (pre-test), Week 4 (immediate post-test), Week 8 (delayed post-test), and Month 6 (long-term follow-up). The intervention takes place over 4 consecutive weeks with 2-h sessions each week. PA engagement is the primary outcome variable. Positive changes in NVOA, self-efficacy beliefs, and goal planning are the intervention targets and hypothesized mediators of increases in PA. Summary By utilizing a multi-component approach and targeting a cluster of psychological mechanisms, the AgingPLUS program implements the experimental medicine approach to health behavior change.
Abstract P188: Building A Pipeline To Address San Joaquin Health Inequity

Introduction: San Joaquin Valley (SJV) is the most underserved valley for health care with the lowest ratios of physicians for any region in California. For the last 40 years, SJV continues to face...
Lyapunov exponent of the random Schrödinger operator with short-range correlated noise potential

In memory of M. I. Vishik, great mathematician and dear colleague Abstract. We study the influence of disorder on propagation of waves in one-dimensional structures. Transmission properties of the process governed by the Schrodinger equation with the white noise potential can be expressed through the Lyapunov exponent γ which we determine explicitly as a function of the noise intensity σ and the frequency ω. We find uniform two-parameter asymptotic expressions for γ which allow us to evaluate γ for different relations between σ and ω. The value of the Lyapunov exponent is also obtained in the case of a short-range correlated noise, which is shown to be less than its white noise counterpart.
Low ADAMTS13 Activity Correlates with Increased Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

The causes of coagulopathy associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the relationship between von Willebrand factor (VWF) biomarkers, intravascular hemolysis, coagulation, and organ damage in COVID-19 patients and study their association with disease severity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective study of 181 hospitalized COVID-19 patients randomly selected with balanced distribution of survivors and nonsurvivors. Patients who died had significantly lower ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity, significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, significantly increased shistocyte/RBC fragment counts, and significantly elevated VWF antigen and activity levels compared with patients discharged alive. These biomarkers correlate with markedly elevated D-dimers. Additionally, only 30% of patients who had an ADAMTS13 activity level of less than 43% on admission survived, yet 60% of patients survived who had an ADAMTS13 activity level of greater than 43% on admission. In conclusion, COVID-19 may present with low ADAMTS13 activity in a subset of hospitalized patients. Presence of schistocytes/RBC fragment and elevated D-dimer on admission may warrant a work-up for ADAMTS13 activity and VWF antigen and activity levels. These findings indicate the need for future investigation to study the relationship between endothelial and coagulation activation and the efficacy of treatments aimed at prevention and/or amelioration of microangiopathy in COVID-19.
Extrinsic interactions in the microenvironment in vivo activate an antiapoptotic multidrug-resistant phenotype in CLL.

Abstract The Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has yielded exceptional clinical responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, de novo resistance can result in failure to achieve negative minimal residual disease and predicts poor treatment outcomes. Consequently, additional proapoptotic drugs, such as inhibitors of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, are in development. By profiling antiapoptotic proteins using flow cytometry, we find that leukemic B cells that recently emigrated from the lymph node (CD69+/CXCR4Low) in vivo are enriched for cell clusters simultaneously overexpressing multiple antiapoptotic proteins (Mcl-1High/Bcl-xLHigh/Bcl-2High) in both treated and treatment-naive CLL patients. These cells exhibited antiapoptotic resistance to multiple BH-domain antagonists, including inhibitors of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bcl-xL, when tested as single agents in a flow cytometry–based functional assay. Antiapoptotic multidrug resistance declines ex vivo, consistent with resistance being generated in vivo by extrinsic microenvironmental interactions. Surviving “persister” cells in patients undergoing venetoclax treatment are enriched for CLL cells displaying the functional and molecular properties of microenvironmentally induced multidrug resistance. Overcoming this resistance required simultaneous inhibition of multiple antiapoptotic proteins, with potential for unwanted toxicities. Using a drug screen performed using patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured in an ex vivo microenvironment model, we identify novel venetoclax drug combinations that induce selective cytotoxicity in multidrug-resistant CLL cells. Thus, we demonstrate that antiapoptotic multidrug-resistant CLL cells exist in patients de novo and show that these cells persist during proapoptotic treatment, such as venetoclax. We validate clinically actionable approaches to selectively deplete this reservoir in patients.
Computational Complexity of Neuromorphic Algorithms

Neuromorphic computing has several characteristics that make it an extremely compelling computing paradigm for post Moore computation. Some of these characteristics include intrinsic parallelism, inherent scalability, collocated processing and memory, and event-driven computation. While these characteristics impart energy efficiency to neuromorphic systems, they do come with their own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges in neuromorphic computing is to establish the theoretical underpinnings of the computational complexity of neuromorphic algorithms. In this paper, we take the first steps towards defining the space and time complexity of neuromorphic algorithms. Specifically, we describe a model of neuromorphic computation and state the assumptions that govern the computational complexity of neuromorphic algorithms. Next, we present a theoretical framework to define the computational complexity of a neuromorphic algorithm. We explicitly define what space and time complexities mean in the context of neuromorphic algorithms based on our model of neuromorphic computation. Finally, we leverage our approach and define the computational complexities of six neuromorphic algorithms: constant function, successor function, predecessor function, projection function, neuromorphic sorting algorithm and neighborhood subgraph extraction algorithm.
Tuning preparation conditions towards optimized separation performance of thermally polymerized organo-silica monolithic columns in capillary liquid chromatography

Tuning of preparation conditions, such as variations in the amount of a porogen, concentration of an aqueous acid catalyst, and adjustment in polymerization temperature and time, towards optimized chromatographic performance of thermally polymerized monolithic capillaries prepared from 3-(methacryloyloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane has been carried out. Performance of capillary columns in reversed-phase liquid chromatography was assessed utilizing various sets of solutes. Results describing hydrophobicity, steric selectivity, and extent of hydrogen bonding enabled comparison of performance of hybrid monolithic columns prepared under thermal (TSG) and photopolymerized (PSG) conditions. Reduced amounts of porogen in the polymerization mixture, and prolonged reaction times were necessary for the preparation of monolithic columns with enhanced retention and column efficiency that reached to 111,000 plates/m for alkylbenzenes with shorter alkyl chains. Both increased concentration of catalyst and higher temperature resulted in faster polymerization but inevitably in insufficient time for pore formation. Thermally polymerized monoliths produced surfaces, which were slightly more hydrophobic (a methylene selectivity of 1.28±0.002 TSG vs 1.20±0.002 PSG), with reduced number of residual silanols (a caffeine/phenol selectivity of 0.13±0.001 TSG vs 0.17±0.003 PSG). However, steric selectivity of 1.70±0.01 was the same for both types of columns. The batch-to-batch repeatability was better using thermal initiation compared to monolithic columns prepared under photopolymerized conditions. RSD for retention factor of benzene was 3.7% for TSG capillaries (n=42) vs. 6.6% for PSG capillaries (n=18). A similar trend was observed for columns prepared within the same batch.
Markov modeling of continuous parameters in speech recognition

This paper presents how to avoid the labelling part of a speech recognition strategy based on hidden Markov models, while keeping a stochastic formulation. After a brief recall of how a Markov model can be used for speech recognition, we propose another formulation, in which the labels are suppressed, dealing only with continuous parameters. The notion of speech generator is then introduced, and the formulas for speech training as well as decoding are rewritten. This new formulation leads to the fact that the probability densities p(x | G) , where G is a generator, and x an acoustic vector, must be estimated. We explain our choice of non-parametric methods, using Parzen estimators. Those estimators require a kernel function, which we choose in a simple manner, and the value for the radius of the kernel, which is the key problem. Successively statistical solution, information theory solution, and an original topological solution are presented, the last being retained. We finally present the results of an application of this model to a 5000 words speech recognition system. The results showed that one can decrease the error-rate, by switching from a simple labelling scheme to this continuous parameter model.
The effects of vertical mixing on the circulation of the AABW in the Atlantic

We study the dependence of the volume and transport of the Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) in the Atlantic Ocean on vertical mixing. Numerical results from a set of OGCM runs show that, while the vertical extent of the AABW cell decreases with intensifying vertical mixing, the cell's transport increases. An analytical model of the deep boundary layers is then used to interpret the results. The decrease in the AABW thickness is explained by the downward expansion of the upper, North Atlantic Deep Water cell. The intensification of the AABW transport is attributed to the increase in the deep meridional pressure gradient, which drives the flow. An estimate of the AABW transport is then derived from the density balance in the deep western boundary layer and compared with the OGCM results.
Regulating energy balance : The substrate strikes back

Hormones and dietary nutrients control appetite and metabolism by acting on the brain, where the signals they elicit promote hunger or satiety. Neurons in the hypothalamus integrate these signals to regulate energy balance.
Ovarian histopathology of bitches immunized with porcine zonae pellucidae

: The ovarian histopathology of bitches immunized with crude (cPZP) or partially purified (pPZP) porcine zona pellucida proteins was examined in order to determine the cause of abnormal estrous cycles. The majority of immunized bitches had ovarian cytes. Those immunized with cPZP had follicular cysts lined with a thin layer of granulosa cells, while in those immunized with pPZP, the cysts were lined by a basement membrane with a clump of luteinized cells. In two bitches immunized with cPZP, oocytes were present only in primordial follicles. Similar abnormalities were not found in a bitch immunized with human serum albumin or in 12 untreated bitches. Oocytes flushed from the oviducts of mated, immunized bitches were degenerating, which may have been a primary cause of infertility in such bitches. Ovaries studied 2–6 weeks after immunization showed no loss of gap junctional communication between oocytes and granulosa cells, nor was any inflammatory reaction seen. IgG was bound to the zona as revealed by fluoresceinated protein A staining of frozen sections of those ovaries. Abnormal estrous cycles in PZP-immunized bitches appear to result from follicular dysgenesis or cyst formation, but the etiology of these conditions is unresolved.
The impact of kin support on urban American Indian families

Scholars believe that family ties extending out to previous generations, called kin support, may have allowed American Indians to withstand traumatic events. Although a series of traumatic and historical events disrupted the social structures of family life, kin support was found to be a major factor in the survival of American Indians. This study utilized the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to compare American Indians and whites (n = 1227) in factors that impact kin support. While urban American Indian mothers were similar to whites in a number of elements, American Indian mothers that were not married, fell below the poverty threshold, were younger in age and co-resided with kin were more likely than their white counterparts to receive kin support. Implications for urban American Indian mothers suggest that maintaining their role as kin keeper may serve as an intrinsic reward and motivation for caring for kin. The role of a kin keeper may also promote the unique contribution in their families and the preservation of their culture. Given the minimal research in this area, results of this study can be used to guide future research and the development of intervention strategies for practitioners working with American Indian families.
Busbar for the Low Aspect Ratio Device

The high current required to drive the toroidal field coil of Low Aspect Ratio reactor-size devices (due to the single turn design) results in difficult choices for the electrical bus. In this paper, the implications of both superconducting and resistive busbar are investigated. Special attention is given to the possibility of using a high-Tc busbar. 14 refs., 5 figs.
The Fary-Milnor theorem in Hadamard manifolds

The Fary-Milnor theorem is generalized: Let γ be a simple closed curve in a complete simply connected Riemannian 3-manifold of nonpositive sectional curvature. If γ has total curvature less than or equal to 4π, then γ is the boundary of an embedded disk. The example of a trefoil knot which moves back and forth abritrarily close to a geodesic segment shows that the bound 4π is sharp in any such space. The original theorem was for closed curves in Euclidean 3-space and the proof by integral geometry did not apply to spaces of variable curvature. Now, instead, a combinatorial proof has been devised.
Chapter 27 – Chloroplast RNA Processing and Stability

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the processing, degradation, and stability of chloroplast mRNAs. First, there is a discussion of the processing of the uniquely discontinuous 23S rRNA. The stable nature of chloroplast mRNAs signifies that transcription and translation in the organelle are not tightly coupled as in prokaryotes, and there is extensive post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Notable reviews on these and related topics are included. Chloroplast RNA processing is explained with a broad overview of 23S rRNA processing, and 5’ pre-mRNA processing. An analysis of the role of specific c regions in the 5’UTR on petD processing is discussed in the section on polycistronic mRNA processing, and of psbB in the section on cis-acting elements in mRNA stability. Stability and 5’ processing appear to be closely linked for this mRNA. A number of nuclear mutants have been isolated are discussed. The mechanism that determines the distinct half-lives of different chloroplast mRNAs remains to be elucidated. It should also be noted that most of the mentioned studies focused on mRNAs coding for photosynthetic proteins; it remains to be seen if these principles will apply to genes for translation and other aspects of chloroplast biology.
Distinctions Among Accreditation Agencies For Business Programs

Over the past twenty years, business accreditation has become a growth industry. In 1988, some eleven percent of business programs were accredited by an accrediting body devoted solely to business program accreditation. Today, over forty-two percent boast of such external validation of their programs. Although the three principal accrediting agencies all profess to uphold the highest academic standards, marked differences exist. The ACBSP and IABSP share certain qualities that distinguish them from AACSB. However, the AACSB brand, long synonymous with the biggest and the best, remains unchallenged.
In extremis leadership of Sartrean authenticity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the body of knowledge of authentic leadership in extreme contexts by developing a framework grounded in the Sartrean existentialist perspective on authenticity and illustrating this framework using the works of Xenophon. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use Sartre’s existential view of authenticity to develop a framework of authentic leadership in extreme contexts. They then use this framework to examine Xenophon’s recount of the retreat of the 10,000 in the classic work, Anabasis. For this analysis, the authors iterate between the ideas of the past and the concepts of the present to understand how this classic has influenced and informed the current body of knowledge about leadership. Findings – Using a Sartrean existentialist lens, “in extremis” authentic leaders exhibit an awareness of context extremity, responsibility in leading and following to share risks in extreme contexts and self-determination that inspires mutual trust and loyalty. Pract...