cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Swept-source based, single-shot, multi-detectable velocity range Doppler optical coherence tomography

Phase-Resolved Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography (PR-DOCT) allows visualization and characterization of the location, direction, velocity, and profile of flow activity embedded in a static sample structure. The detectable Velocity Dynamic Range (VDR) of each particular PR-DOCT system is governed by a detectable Doppler phase shift, a flow angle, and an acquisition time interval used to determine the Doppler phase shift. In general, the lower boundary of the detectable Doppler phase shift is limited by the phase stability of the system, while the upper boundary is limited by the π phase ambiguity. For a given range of detectable Doppler phase shift, shortening the acquisition duration will increase not only the maximum detectable velocity but unfortunately also the minimum detectable velocity, which may lead to the invisibility of a slow flow. In this paper, we present an alternative acquisition scheme for PR-DOCT that extends the lower limit of the velocity dynamic range, while maintaining the maximum detectable velocity, hence increasing the overall VDR of PR-DOCT system. The essence of the approach is to implement a technique of multi-scale measurement to simultaneously acquire multiple VDRs in a single measurement. We demonstrate an example of implementation of the technique in a dual VDR DOCT, where two Doppler maps having different detectable VDRs were simultaneously detected, processed, and displayed in real time. One was a fixed VDR DOCT capable of measuring axial velocity of up to 10.9 mm/s without phase unwrapping. The other was a variable VDR DOCT capable of adjusting its detectable VDR to reveal slow flow information down to 11.3 μm/s. The technique is shown to effectively extend the overall detectable VDR of the PR-DOCT system. Examples of real time Doppler imaging of an African frog tadpole are demonstrated using the dual-VDR DOCT system.
Ontological approach to improving design quality

The creation of quality software depends on the existence of a quality software design. In particular, it is important to identify inconsistencies that might be injected at the design level. We have developed a common ontology that integrates software specification knowledge and software design knowledge in order to facilitate the interoperability of formal requirements modeling tools and software design tools with the end goal of detecting errors in software designs. Our approach focuses initially on the integration of unified modeling language (UML) with the formal requirements modeling language, knowledge acquisition in automated specification (KAOS), in order to help automate the detection of inconsistencies in UML designs thereby enhancing the quality of the original design and ultimately integrating the multiple views inherent in UML. We demonstrate the integration of UML and KAOS with an elevator system case study.
Standard uptake values in whole-body FDG PET: effects of acquisition and processing parameters

Standard uptake values, SUV, are commonly used semiquantitative parameters in tumor diagnosis, staging and monitoring therapy response. However, their accuracy and reproducibility is affected by the glucose level, length of the uptake period, and body weight and composition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of PET acquisition parameters (count rate, SNR, 2D vs 3D, object geometry) and image reconstruction parameters (Filtered backprojection, (FBP), iterative reconstruction (OSEM), filter selection) on calculated SUVs. The evaluation was done using circular and elliptical cylinders with spherical sources from 0.6-3.5 cm in dia, with sphere to background activity concentration varied from 2:1 to 20:1. Coincidence count rate varied from 5 kcps to 600 kcps. All studies were acquired in 2D and 3D mode, with variable emission (3-10 min) and transmission time durations (2-10 min). Reconstruction was performed with both FBP and OSEM with 2-10 iterations and 8-32 subsets. SUVs were estimated using the average and the maximum count density from ROIs placed in the center of the structure of interest The evaluation was done on the CTI ECAT HR + high resolution PET scanner and the biograph PET/CT LSO system. The variation in the calculated SUVs as a function of selected acquisition and processing parameters in addition to the variations due to patient dependent parameters indicated that distinguishing between benign and malignant disease based on SUVs, and using SUVs as semiquantitative parameters in the follow-up studies has to be interpreted with caution.
Early reemployment for dislocated workers in the United States

On the basis of data from field experiments, in 1993 the United States enacted legislation requiring that all states implement Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services programmes as part of their employment and training systems. Using statistical models, these programmes identify likely dislocated unemployment insurance claimants and provide them with job search assistance during the early weeks of their unemployment. All states have now implemented these systems, and early implementation results are now available.
Recasting Labor History: A Response to Philip Scranton

In his imaginative and ambitious essay, Philip Scranton urges labor historians to reorganize their approach to labor history by placing technology, specifically labor process technology, at the center of their research. He argues that doing so will reorient the way we conceptualize labor history. It will cut across industry and occupation designations, demonstrate the interplay of different factors affecting capitalist development, and expand our analyses into important new areas. It will shed light on the social worlds created in the workplace; provide a new view of entrepreneurs' broad concerns, including markets and product differentiation; lead us to focus on patterns of accumulation; link broad structures with "concrete social practice" ; stress diversity; point out contingencies; add the concept of space to that of time; and offer new ways to explore labor militancy and activism. Scranton's essay is rich in suggestions for future research, and its enthusiasm is infectious. It also poses a fundamental question ?what is our objective in studying labor history? Is the subject workers, capitalist development, power?or all three? Is labor history a valid field of inquiry or is it meaningful only as part of a larger industrial history? Although the essay offers a valuable start for reshaping and recasting our thinking about labor history, its approach is still incomplete. Rather than providing a singularly superior approach, as much of the essay implies, the concentration on labor process technologies stands as an additional and very revealing way to view capitalist development and the history of working people. What we need, however, is an even more broadly integrative approach, one that takes into account time, place, and technology, but does not bracket technolo gy apart from the social relationships, particularly those of gender and race, that fundamentally define and explain it. And while it is necessary to acknowledge the complexity of capitalist enterprise and the multiplicity of employers' concerns, it is important not to do so at the expense of muting the politics and power of class relations or idealizing craft production. I will return to these considerations, but first let me review some of the essay's central arguments and contributions. Scranton asks historians to deconstruct the accepted account of industrializa tion and labor degradation of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and look instead at the "differentiation of workplace technical relations." He correctly points out that studying the "dominion of bulk/mass production housed in standardizing corporations" will not fully reveal the complex story of capitalist
The VHDL validation suite

A validation suite for the IEEE standard VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) is discussed along with its executive manager. Test points are generated from the VHDL LRM (language reference manual) syntax diagrams and sentences. Each test in the suite contains a test header which is specially formatted and keeps information such as test point, test objective, test result, and test type. The suit executive manager is menu-driven and efficiently classifies the tests based on different criterion defined in the test header. Coverage is defined to measure how closely a VHDL tool covers the LRM and is also computed by the suite executive manager. >
Passive Messianism: To a More Pro-Active Approach

Passive messianism represented a condition as well as an ideology that influenced Jewish behavior based on the interpretation of their religious text. For instance, ever since their return from Babylonian captivity, Jews have believed that the reason for their exile from Jerusalem was due to God’s sovereign authority to punish them for not abiding in the Torah. The Tanak (Hebrew Bible) supports this claim. It is filled with stories of how Jewish Prophets prayed for God’s mercy as well as prophesized throughout the Jewish community the message of repentance. One such message appears in the book of II Chronicles 7:14. It states that “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Such passages are typically found throughout the Tanak, and plainly suggest why exiled Jews tended to allow themselves to be victimized, electing to wait on divine intervention to solve their problems. Moreover, Robert Seltzer in his book “Jewish People Jewish Thought” tries to explain Jewish passiveness when he writes, “Ancient Israel received from God the gifts of land and statehood solely in order to be able to carry out the Torah. Later, Israel was exiled from the holy land to enable it to perfect itself and to fulfill its mission by remaining faithful to God and the Torah, despite suffering and agony”(587). This passage seems to suggest that Jews accepted their condition as part of some sort of divine purpose. Furthermore, the appearance of passive messianism during the 19th century is fully supported by a number of primary documents taken from that period. A case in point is the response published in 1819 by the Hamburg Rabbinical Court titled “These Are the Words of the Covenant.” This document clearly confirms and supports the claim that the behavior of Jews as a whole is passive, and is rooted in the rabbinical interpretation of their covenant relationship with God. The document states that “All the prophets have been unanimous in affirming that the God of our fathers would gather our scattered ones, and this is our hope throughout our exile.”
Melatonin Signaling Controls the Daily Rhythm in Blood Glucose Levels Independent of Peripheral Clocks.

Melatonin is rhythmically secreted by both the pineal gland and retina in a circadian fashion, with its peak synthesis occurring during the night. Once synthesized, melatonin exerts its effects by binding to two specific G-protein coupled receptors–melatonin receptor type 1(MT1) and melatonin receptor type 2(MT2). Recent studies suggest the involvement of MT1 and MT2 in the regulation of glucose homeostasis; however the ability of melatonin signaling to impart timing cues on glucose metabolism remains poorly understood. Here we report that the removal of MT1 or MT2 in mice abolishes the daily rhythm in blood glucose levels. Interestingly, removal of melatonin receptors produced small effects on the rhythmic expression patterns of clock genes within skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Taken together, our data suggest that the loss of the daily rhythm in blood glucose observed in MT1-/- and MT2-/- mice does not occur as a consequence of ‘disrupted’ clocks within insulin sensitive tissues. Finally our results highlight a diurnal contribution of melatonin receptor signaling in the daily regulation of blood glucose levels.
Preparing scientifically literacy citizens: evidence on pre-service teacher candidates’ difficulties in critically examining news-media reports.

Scientifically literate citizens are able to evaluate news reports and formulate evidence-based responses to everyday problems. Yet our formal schooling is limited in preparing literate citizens, especially in the context of responding to news on discoveries in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) that yield products to improve human condition. Using an exploratory, descriptive design, this study documented how 14 pre-service elementary teacher candidates’ critical examination of news media reports as they developed arguments about the use products from STEM discoveries in response to dire human need. The results indicated candidates’ difficulties in combining factual, “hard” evidence with personal perspectives. As a result their integration of evidence to develop well-supported arguments for civic action was limited. Instead of processing the meaning of information, candidates reverted to trust or doubt the source of evidence or the motivation of stakeholders in the socio-scientific issue at hand. The findings suggest the need for additional studies on the evidence-interpretation processes of pre-service teacher candidates, especially in the context of news reports about STEM discoveries for improving human-condition. By better understanding the argument and reasoning processes of teacher candidates, we can improve the preparation of our citizens for evidence-based civic action based on news-media reports.
Phase II trial of cisplatin and alpha-interferon in advanced malignant melanoma.

PURPOSETo evaluate the antitumor activity of combination cisplatin (CDDP) and alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) in advanced, measurable metastatic melanoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSAdult patients with metastatic melanoma were required to have bidimensionally measurable lesions and a Karnofsky performance status > or = 60%. Serum creatinine or = 60 mL/min, adequate organ and bone marrow function, and radiologic proof of the absence of brain metastases were required. CDDP 40 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on day 1 and day 8, and alpha-IFN 3 million units/m2 subcutaneously on days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12 were administered every 3 to 4 weeks.RESULTSForty-two patients were entered onto this phase II trial and were assessable for response and toxicity. Three patients achieved complete responses (CRs) that lasted 31+, 5, and 8+ months. Seven patients had partial responses (PRs) and a median response duration of 4.4 months. The overall objective response rate was 24% (95% confidence interva...
The Rhetorical Turn: Deliberate or Deliberative Democracy?

Some leading deliberative theorists have recently turned to rhetoric in an effort to address two concerns about deliberative theory: (1) that it emphasizes rational discourse to the neglect of emotion and other forms of communication, and (2) that it focuses only on face-to-face exchanges in micro-settings, thus limiting the scope of deliberative theory’s application to mass democracy. John Dryzek and Simone Chambers, among others, have attempted to reformulate deliberative theory to include rhetoric, so that deliberative standards can apply to mass democracy marked by emotional and interest-based appeals and not just to the reason-giving found in jury rooms, deliberative polls, and other micro-publics. This paper examines this rhetorical turn, and asks whether these theories remain deliberative or if the turn to rhetoric come at the cost of surrendering the core claim that democratic legitimacy rests in political dialogue, not monologue. The paper concludes that by focusing on rhetoric’s capacity to induce reflection by citizens, both Dryzek and Chambers have substantially moved away from the dialogical core of deliberative theory. They now present what we might call theories of deliberate democracy rather than deliberative democracy.
On the Hedges Correction for a t-Test

When cluster randomized experiments are analyzed as if units were independent, test statistics for treatment effects can be anticonservative. Hedges proposed a correction for such tests by scaling them to control their Type I error rate. This article generalizes the Hedges correction from a posttest-only experimental design to more common designs used in practice. We show that for many experimental designs, the generalized correction controls its Type I error while the Hedges correction does not. The generalized correction, however, necessarily has low power due to its control of the Type I error. Our results imply that using the Hedges correction as prescribed, for example, by the What Works Clearinghouse can lead to incorrect inferences and has important implications for evidence-based education.
Analysis and Simulation of a Composite Aeronautical Fading Channel

This paper analyzed the aeronautical fading channel in different flight states.The channel models and their parameters are different in states of parking,taxi,taking on,taking off and en-route.It is important to simulate these models.Based on the relationship analysis of fading channel models,a composite fading channel model was proposed.It designed the simulation method of the composite fading channel when it was used in aeronautical channel emulator.Based on Rayleigh fading and lognormal distribution,Nakagami and Suzuki distribution can be implemented.The composite fading channel was simulated in the paper.The simulation results show they are similar to the theory value.The composite channel model and the implement methods can be used to design channel model emulator and simulation of communication system.
HCP-15BEVACIZUMAB IN HIGH GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS FOLLOWING INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE (ICH) - A REVIEW OF FIVE CASES

BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab is approved for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) and has been associated with clinical improvement and steroid reduction. ICH is a contraindication to bevacizumab therapy. However, in patients with symptomatic enhancing tumors and poor Karnofsky performance status, bevacizumab may be the only beneficial treatment option. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with recurrent malignant glioma who were treated with bevacizumab despite prior ICH at our center. RESULTS: Five patients (3 males; 2 females) with a median age of 51 years (range 20-60 years) were identified. All patients developed intratumoral bleed (three grade 2; two grade 1); one was receiving bevacizumab and two were on anticoagulation for systemic venous thrombosis. The mean volume of ICH was 9.4 cm3 (range 0.2-39.5 cm3). After a median duration of 61 days (range 14-140 days) from the ICH, bevacizumab was started or resumed at the standard dose of 10 mg/kg every two weeks. Brain imaging performed immediately prior to bevacizumab treatment showed persistent or evolving hemorrhage in four patients and complete resolution of ICH in one patient. Following bevacizumab therapy, all patients achieved initial clinical improvement. One patient received bevacizumab while intubated, was successfully extubated but developed other systemic complications, and died 42 days after receiving bevacizumab; post-bevacizumab CT brain scan was stable without ICH progression. The other four patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a median duration of 4 months (range 1.4-22 months) and did not demonstrate any evidence of recurrent or worsening ICH on brain imaging. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, although small, bevacizumab use was safe in patients with recurrent malignant glioma following ICH for which no other meaningful treatment options existed.
Student attitudes towards library usage and sources at a Turkish university

Library instruction programs for students are still in developmental stages at many Turkish universities. English-language resources are available to teach information literacy skills to students m...
Interaction of Hydrostatic Pressure, Time and Temperature of Pressurization and Pediocin AcH on Inactivation of Foodborne Bacteria

High hydrostatic pressure, because it can kill microorganisms, is being investigated for potential use as a nonthermal food preservation method. The objective of this study was to determine the hydrostatic pressurization parameters, pressure, time, and temperature, and a bacteriocin that in combination would destroy 7 to 8 log cycles of pathogenic and spoilage bacterial populations. We suspended cells of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Lactobacillus sake, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Serratia liquefaciens, and Pseudomonas fluorescens in peptone solution and exposed them to the combination of treatments. The combined parameters used were hydrostatic pressure (138 to 345 MPa), time (5 to 15 min), temperature (25 to 50 degrees C), and pediocin AcH (3,000 AU/ml, final concentration). In general, cell death increased as the pressure, time, or temperature increased; however, the cells developed proportionately greater sensitivity as the pressure increased to 276 MPa and higher and the temperature increased above 35 degrees C. Pressurization for longer than 5 min, especially at lower pressure and temperature ranges, had very little added benefit. Among the four gram-negative species, E. coli O157:H7 was the most resistant to pressurization while among the four gram-positive species, L. sake and L. mesenteroides had greater resistance. The death rate at high pressure (345 MPa) and high temperature (50 degrees C) in combination followed first-order kinetics; at lower pressure and temperature combination it showed a late tailing effect. Estimated D value data indicated that even at 345 MPa and 50 degrees C an 8-log-cycle viability loss could not be achieved within 5 min for all eight species. However, when pediocin AcH was included during pressurization this loss was achieved.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Interhospital Transfer to a Designated Stroke Center.

UNLABELLED Patients with acute ischemic stroke have improved outcomes when cared for in designated stroke centers (SC), in part due to enhanced thrombolytic use. Whether patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) also benefit from SC care is unknown. In this study, we compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ICH patients who underwent interhospital transfer (IHT) to a Joint Commission (JC) designated SC, to ICH patients who presented directly to the SC's emergency department (ED). METHODS Patients with ICH admitted between 2006 and 2013 were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital death or hospice. RESULTS Among 760 consecutive admissions for ICH, 321 (42.2%) were IHTs. There has been a 30% annual increase in IHT of ICH patients since 2006. The IHT group was younger (70.26 vs 72.28; P =.055), had lower ICH scores (P = .007), a higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (P = .037), and lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = .003) than those arriving directly to the ED. Female sex was a predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.26). CONCLUSION IHT is increasingly common for patients with ICH. The benefit of transfer remains unclear, as younger, healthier patients were the most likely to be transferred. Comprehensive stroke registries are needed to determine if outcomes differ for ICH patients based on transfer or SC care.
Photochemistry of Organic Pollutants in/on Snow and Ice

Organic pollutant cycling and fate is impacted by the presence of snow and ice, which can serve as a repository for deposited species and also as a chemical reaction medium. Photochemistry (light-induced chemistry) occurring in/on snow and ice at Earth’s surface is now known to play an important role in a variety of environmentally relevant processes including the production and release of atmospherically relevant species such as halogens, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Less is known about the role of snow and ice photochemistry in organic pollutant fate, but increasing recent evidence points to the potential importance of photochemical alteration of organic pollutants in sunlit snowpacks. This chapter describes recent work during and since International Polar Year (2007) aimed at investigating the potential importance of photochemistry to organic pollutant processing in snow and ice.
A qualitative investigation into military veterans’ experiences in a problem-solving court: Factors that impact graduation rates

ABSTRACTVeterans treatment courts (VTCs) are designed to offer a rehabilitative approach to criminal justice, focusing on treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. This qualitative study develops an in-depth understanding of a Midwestern VTC by asking participants (n = 15) their views on the most helpful aspects of the program and how the program could be more helpful. Three themes emerged from the data. 1) Military veterans felt that they were treated in a compassionate and caring manner, while also being held accountable for their behaviors. 2) Military veterans felt that they were not labeled by their mental health diagnoses, but that their identities as people and military veterans were more fully recognized. 3) Military veterans were dissatisfied with some of the services they received from the local VA. These findings are discussed in the context of problem-solving courts and military veterans’ experiences of services.
Work-based learning: A training model for state wide system changes.

TOPIC Despite the substantial amount of money invested in staff training each year, many people trained fail to transfer what they learn to the workplace. We document a training initiative that was implemented to develop and maintain a competent workforce. PURPOSE A work-based learning (WBL) model was used as a guide to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively deliver psychiatric rehabilitation services. SOURCES USED This training framework afforded practitioners an opportunity to acquire the critical knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for individuals living with serious mental illnesses. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Preliminary pre and posttest results show an overall increase in practitioner knowledge. Additionally, individualized technical assistance has the potential to increase positive learning outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
Distributed resources and distributed governance: Stakeholder participation in demand side management governance

Abstract The electric sector has undergone a remarkable transition over the past several decades, witnessing dramatic changes in the range of technologies used to provide power to consumers, the diversity of actors that have a stake in the sector, and the regulatory institutions that structure governance. In this paper, we argue that the centralized, formal, quasi-judicial regulatory approach traditionally used to regulate utilities among U.S. states is ill-suited to manage the emergent transition toward increased use of distributed resources such as demand-side management. Indeed, as the use of distributed resources has grown, states have begun to develop formal and informal ways to meaningfully engage market participants and other stakeholders in regulatory decision making. We call this trend “distributed governance,” embodying the idea that the new paradigm for electricity regulation is no longer centralized, but rather is distributed among state, market, and civic participants. In this paper, we examine distributed governance within the context of U.S. states’ demand-side management policies and programs. Using regulatory documents from Public Utility Commissions across the U.S., interviews with electric sector stakeholders in two states, and literature from public policy and management scholars, we develop propositions about distributed governance for distributed resources in the electric sector.
A 1-MHz Linear Phased Array Ultrasound System for Intracranial Imaging

In the Cerebrovascular Research Center at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, there has been a long term interest in the noninvasive evaluation of intracranial cerebrovascular disease. One approach to this evaluation is to image the major intracranial arteries in a real time two dimensional image format using a,1MHz linear phased array ultrasound system.
Trifecta Outcomes to Assess Learning Curve of Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.

Background and objectives The learning curve for achieving desirable perioperative outcomes in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has not been well studied. Information is available regarding "trifecta" outcomes of no complications, no positive margins, warm ischemia time (WIT) of ≤25 minutes, and a ≤15% decrease in postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study was conducted to assess the impact of the learning curve on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing RAPN. Methods We reviewed 131 consecutive patients who underwent RAPN by a single, fellowship-trained surgeon from October 2007 through June 2015. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups, and mean perioperative values were compared. The learning curve was evaluated as the time it took the surgeon to attain a trifecta outcome. Results Means for the RENAL Nephrometry Score, procedure length, WIT, and estimated blood loss (EBL) were 5.3 ± 1.2, 172.1 ± 43.5 minutes, 22.7 ± 7.0 minutes, and 267.2 ± 341.8 mL, respectively. Significance was noted for differences in WIT (P = .50), postoperative creatinine (P = .006), postoperative estimated (e)GFR (P = .40), and percentage change in creatinine (P = .023). The learning curve for achieving positive outcomes was noted in >61-90 cases after 66-80 months of performing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy surgeries at a rate of 20 cases per year. Conclusion RAPN is a safe, feasible procedure with slightly better surgical outcomes than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the learning curve for achieving trifecta outcomes can involve a significant number of cases over several years.
Monotone Multitransition Solutions

Having established the existence of monotone 2-transition solutions of (PDE), now in the spirit of Chap. 8, we can ask for monotone k-transition solutions or even infinite-transition solutions. For the latter case, in contrast to Chap. 8, where all transitions take place in a single gap, infinitely many gaps are involved.
Institutional Protocols for Vaginal Preparation With Antiseptic Solution and Surgical Site Infection Rate in Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery During Labor.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the association of institutional protocols for vaginal preparation with antiseptic solution and the surgical site infection rate in women undergoing cesarean delivery during labor.METHODS:This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of adjunctive az
Experiences of Racism and Preterm Birth: Findings from a Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2004 through 2012.

Abstract Background Racial disparities in birth outcomes represent a significant public health concern in the United States. Factors associated with racism have been posited as a mechanism underlying these disparities. Yet, findings from previous studies are mixed and based on small, geographically limited samples. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiences of racism and preterm birth in a population-based sample and to explore the role of adequacy of prenatal care within that relationship. Methods Data from the 2004 through 2012 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System were analyzed. The sample included non-Hispanic Black mothers from 11 states and New York City who delivered neonates from 2004 to 2012 (n = 11,582). Survey-weighted regression analyses were used to examine the association between women feeling upset by experiences of racism in the 12 months before delivery and subsequent preterm birth. Adequacy of prenatal care was tested as an effect modifier. Results Feeling upset by experiences of racism was significantly associated with greater odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04–1.59). Results from interaction models revealed that the associations of experiences of racism with preterm birth differed by level of prenatal care, although the interaction term was not significant. Conclusions Findings suggest that, for non-Hispanic Black women, the emotional effect of experiences of racism may contribute to the risk of preterm birth. Future studies should consider the role of adequate prenatal care in this relationship. Racism is an important public health problem with a measurable impact on preterm birth and should be addressed to eliminate racial inequities in birth outcomes.
The Psychopharmacology of Effort-Related Decision Making: Dopamine, Adenosine, and Insights into the Neurochemistry of Motivation

Effort-based decision making is studied using tasks that offer choices between high-effort options leading to more highly valued reinforcers versus low-effort/low-reward options. These tasks have been used to study the involvement of neural systems, including mesolimbic dopamine and related circuits, in effort-related aspects of motivation. Moreover, such tasks are useful as animal models of some of the motivational symptoms that are seen in people with depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and other disorders. The present review will discuss the pharmacology of effort-related decision making and will focus on the use of these tasks for the development of drug treatments for motivational dysfunction. Research has identified pharmacological conditions that can alter effort-based choice and serve as models for depression-related symptoms (e.g., the vesicular monoamine transport-2 inhibitor tetrabenazine and proinflammatory cytokines). Furthermore, tests of effort-based choice have identified compounds that are particularly useful for stimulating high-effort work output and reversing the deficits induced by tetrabenazine and cytokines. These studies indicate that drugs that act by facilitating dopamine transmission, as well as adenosine A2A antagonists, are relatively effective at reversing effort-related impairments. Studies of effort-based choice may lead to the identification of drug targets that could be useful for treating motivational treatments that are resistant to commonly used antidepressants such as serotonin transport inhibitors.
Face Recognition Framework Based on Correlated Images and Back-Propagation Neural Network

The human face facial complexity and the face changes make the face recognition system a challenging task to design and difficult to implement. The correlation between the training images which has a high impact on the accuracy of the face recognition system never considered by researchers. In this paper, we presented an enhanced framework to improve the face recognition using the classical conventional Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN). A key contribution of this work is based on obtaining a robust training dataset called the T-Set using the correlation between all the images in the training dataset not based on the image density which adds a distinct layer between the dataset. We used the PCA descriptor for features extraction and dimension reduction to show that there is a promising enhancement even with using traditional algorithms. We combined five distance methods (Correlation, Euclidean, Canberra, Manhattan, and Mahalanobis) to obtain the T-Set using the square-root of the sum of the squares to achieve higher accuracy. We added a strength factor to each of the distance methods, and we achieved higher face recognition accuracy than the current approach. Our experimental results on YALE and ORL datasets demonstrate that the approach we proposed improved the accuracy of face recognition system with respect to the existing methods.
On Sparse Channel Estimation in Aeronautical Telemetry

This paper examines the application of sparse estimation techniques for the estimation of a discrete-time equivalent multipath channel in the aeronautical telemetry context. The sensing matrix comprises samples of shaped offset QPSK-TG (a continuous phase modulation) based on the pilot bit sequence currently defined in the aeronautical telemetry standard. Representative algorithms from the three broad classes of sparse estimators were examined side by side using computer simulations to estimate the postequalizer bit error rate (BER). Ideal and nonideal frequency offset synchronization were assumed in the simulations. The results show that the performance of the matching pursuit (MP) algorithms seemed to be better suited to this application in the sense that no additional steps were required and the postequalizer BER of the best MP algorithm was slightly better than that of the other sparse estimation techniques. In the case of both ideal and nonideal frequency offset synchronization, the postequalizer BER achieved by the generalized orthogonal MP algorithm was approximately 1.5 dB better than that obtained using the nonsparse-constrained maximum likelihood channel estimate.
Detecting fruit surface wetness using a custom-built low-resolution thermal-RGB imager

Abstract Sweet cherry fruit cracking caused by seasonal rains is a major source of crop loss in the U.S. Pacific Northwest region and around the globe. In-field monitoring of cherry fruit surface wetness and temperature is, therefore, very important in fruit loss management. To determine the feasibility of low-resolution thermal-RGB imagery for detecting sweet cherry surface wetness, an experiment was carried out in plots of Skeena and Selah cherry varieties with Y-trellised and vertical architecture, respectively, at the Roza Farm of Washington State University, Prosser, WA. To wet cherries, 5 mm of rain was applied by running a rain simulator for 4 min (1.25 mm min−1) above canopies. Rainwater samples were collected using five rain gauges to quantify the applied amount of water. The in-field sensing setup included two custom-built thermal-RGB imagers, a microclimate-measuring unit and two leaf wetness sensors. The imagers were installed at a height of 2.1 m above the ground surface and were about 20 cm from the target cherries. The leaf wetness sensors were next to the cherries in the field of view of the imagers. A custom computer vision algorithm was developed and used to identify leaves and cherries in thermal and RGB images and extract the surface temperatures. The relationship between raw and normalized surface temperature, and wetness level and duration was investigated. The applicability of normalized cherry surface and air temperature difference was also studied. The results revealed that low-resolution thermal-RGB imagery can be used for detecting cherry fruit wetness level and duration. There was also a high correlation between the surface temperature of leaves and cherry fruits during the wetness period suggesting the temperature of leaves as reliable surrogate for cherry surface wetness and temperature monitoring. By utilizing the proposed imagery-based system, decision aid tools may be developed for efficient rainwater removal to prevent fruit cracking.
Quantifying association between liver tumor incidence and early-stage liver weight increase - An NTP data analysis.

Abstract Two-year toxicology and carcinogenesis rodent studies conducted at the National Toxicology Program (NTP) are used to identify potential adverse health effects in humans due to chemical exposure, including cancer. Liver tumor, the most frequently diagnosed tumor type of chemically induced neoplastic effects documented in NTP’s carcinogenicity studies, is usually difficult to be detected at early stage due to the inconspicuous symptoms. However, the abnormal growth of liver cells can lead to liver weight increase, so it is hypothesized that liver tumor incidence is associated with early stage liver weight increase. In this study, the association between liver weight increase and liver tumor incidence are quantified by (1) calculating the correlation coefficient of and (2) building quantitative linear relationship between benchmark dose estimates derived from these two types of data collected from NTP studies. Together with 151 chemical/species/sex combinations of liver tumor data showing positive evidence collected from 76 NTP long-term studies, short-term liver weight data reported in the same NTP report were extracted to be paired with the liver tumor data for the analyses. Results show that the estimated correlation coefficients (as high as 0.78) along with the adequately fitted linear models suggest that the association between relative liver weight increase and aggregated liver tumor incidence are relatively strong. Additional analyses focused on some more specific situations (e.g., specific tumor type or specific strain/sex combination) further confirmed the strong association. Given the design of this study, the interpretation of the findings is not that liver weight increase can be used to predict liver tumor incidence, instead, evident increase in liver weight might be used as a reason to prioritize the test article for a two-year toxicology and carcinogenesis study.
Clinical Advancement and Challenges of ex vivo Expansion of Human Cord Blood Cells.

Apart from peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC), umbilical cord blood (UCB) is now a recognized source of stem cells for transplantation. UCB is an especially important source of stem cells for minority populations, which would otherwise be unable to find appropriately matched adult donors. UCB has fewer mature T lymphocytes compared with peripheral blood, thus making a UCB transplantation (UCBT) with a greater degree of HLA mismatch possible. The limited cell dose per UCB sample is however associated with delayed engraftment and a higher risk of graft failure, especially in adult recipients. This lower cell dose can be optimized by performing double unit UCBT, ex vivo UCB expansion prior to transplant and enhancement of the capabilities of the stem cells to home to the bone marrow. UCB contains naive and immature T cells, thus posing significant challenges with increased risk of infections, graft versus host diseases (GVHD) and relapse following UCBT. Cell engineering techniques have been developed to circumnavigate the immaturity of the T cells, and include virus-specific cytotoxic T cells (VSTs), T cells transduced with disease-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR T cells) and regulatory T cell (Tregs) engineering. In this article, we review the advances in UCB ex vivo expansion and engineering to improve engraftment and reduce complications. As further research continues to find ways to overcome the current challenges, outcomes from UCBT will likely improve.
Patience is not always a virtue: effects of terrain complexity on the host-seeking behaviour of adult blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in the presence of a stationary host.

Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), are the primary vectors of Lyme disease in the U.S.A. In this study, adult ticks were observed on public trails exhibiting increasing levels of terrain complexity with a potential host nearby. The goal of this study was to (a) examine the extent to which adult ticks may actively search (vs. sit-and-wait) for a nearby host, (b) determine whether or not ticks could locate the position of the host in natural conditions and (c) determine the role of terrain complexity on the distances ticks travelled in a short period of time (30 min). Results indicate that, when a potential stationary host is within 50 cm, ticks will utilize an active-search strategy. The majority of ticks moved in the direction of the host in natural conditions. Finally, ticks in a less complex terrain were more active and travelled greater horizontal distances than ticks in a more complex terrain. In conclusion, the use of an active-search approach would likely increase the foraging success of ticks, especially in terrains with minimal complexity, near host animals that have stopped to rest or feed, reinforcing that humans should be vigilant about checking for ticks after being outdoors.
Healthcare utilisation prior to suicide in persons with alcohol use disorder: national cohort and nested case–control study

Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is common and associated with increased risk of suicide. Aims To examine healthcare utilisation prior to suicide in persons with AUD in a large population-based cohort, which may reveal opportunities for prevention. Method A national cohort study was conducted of 6 947 191 adults in Sweden in 2002, including 256 647 (3.7%) with AUD, with follow-up for suicide through 2015. A nested case–control design examined healthcare utilisation among people with AUD who died by suicide and 10:1 age- and gender-matched controls. Results In 86.7 million person-years of follow-up, 15 662 (0.2%) persons died by suicide, including 2601 (1.0%) with AUD. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risks for suicide associated with AUD were 8.15 (95% CI 7.86–8.46) and 2.22 (95% CI 2.11–2.34). Of the people with AUD who died by suicide, 39.7% and 75.6% had a healthcare encounter <2 weeks or <3 months before the index date respectively, compared with 6.3% and 25.4% of controls (adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) and difference (PD), <2 weeks: PR = 3.86, 95% CI 3.50–4.25, PD = 26.4, 95% CI 24.2–28.6; <3 months: PR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.94–2.12, PD = 34.9, 95% CI 32.6–37.1). AUD accounted for more healthcare encounters within 2 weeks of suicide among men than women (P = 0.01). Of last encounters, 48.1% were in primary care and 28.9% were in specialty out-patient clinics, mostly for non-psychiatric diagnoses. Conclusions Suicide among persons with AUD is often shortly preceded by healthcare encounters in primary care or specialty out-patient clinics. Encounters in these settings are important opportunities to identify active suicidality and intervene accordingly in patients with AUD.
How Sioux-Settler Relations Underscore the Dakota Access Pipeline

This chapter frames the controversy over rerouting a crude oil pipeline to run through the territory of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota—beneath the water supply—by examining the key events that shaped Sioux-settler relations in the 1800s. For years, settlers had been making their way Westward, and travel began in earnest in the middle of the century. Skirmishes erupted between migrants and Indians, and a treaty was brokered in 1851 that would ostensibly keep settlers at bay and reserve 134 million acres for Native peoples. But the treaty failed to restrain settlers, and discovery of gold, first in California, and then in the sacred Black Hills, became a turning point in hostile relationships. The battle at Greasy Grass, the murder of Crazy Horse and the massacre at Wounded Knee in the later part of the 1800s would be remembered as episodes that etched the fate of Native Americans at the hands of the US government.
A Boat Load Too Many: How the League Uses Global Migration

This article makes a simple argument: global immigration has provoked a crisis in some liberal democracies. The crisis is manifested along two dimensions. The first is the liberal dimension and the second the democratic component. The liberal dimension is conceptualized as a public good. Political parties, mostly but not exclusively on the right, have seized upon the immigration shock to undermine the public good principle—such as universal rights and equal treatment before the law—by shifting to the democratic people element of democracy. This shift redefines liberal democracy into a club good. This article shows how the League (formerly known as the Northern League) in Italy exploited the global immigration crisis to undermine liberal democracy by attacking the liberal democratic idea(l) of access to public goods offered by the welfare state to an exclusive club goods that should be only available to the “true” Italian citizen.