cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Method to Obtain Bounds on Accuracies and Prediction Error Variances in Mixed Models

Abstract Variances of errors of prediction and accuracies of solutions are functions of diagonal elements of the inverse of a coefficient matrix. Computing this inverse is expensive for large systems. Upper and lower bounds for diagonal elements of the inverse can be obtained from simple functions of elements of the original coefficient matrix. For a sire coefficient matrix of the form Z′MZ + l k, a particular sire's accuracy lies between two formulas that are functions of the appropriate diagonal element of Z′MZ and also the sum of squares of off-diagonal elements in that same row. Numerically, a sire whose true accuracy is .767 might be shown to have an accuracy between .762 and .774 with use of these bounds. Bounds are proved by partitioned matrices and positive definite quadratic forms. The method is demonstrated for only a simple model, but these procedures may provide a general approach for dealing with more complex models.
Sound speed and attenuation measurements in gassy sediments in the Gulf of Mexico

The speed and attenuation of sound in gassy marine sediments in the Mississippi delta area have been measured by means of small (1 to 500 mg) explosive charges buried 30 m below the mud line. The respective values obtained were 800 m/sec and 1.4 dB/kHz-m. Effective gas content was estimated to be approximately 0.06 percent.
Gene therapy in tissue engineering

Summary form only given. In this presentation, we will review some of the current research and clinical efforts which use gene therapy technologies to help achieve the goals of tissue engineering.
ARE INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH MILD DISABILITIES EFFECTIVE? A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF MODEL PROGRAMS

This review compared eight different inclusive models for elementary students with mild disabilities, primarily with learning disabilities. Model programs were described according to curricular innovations and the way school personnel and classrooms were organized. Quantified academic outcomes were also discussed. Methodological concerns prevented conclusions about the superiority of inclusive programming over pull-out programs. There were indications that inclusive programming can be effective for some, although not all, students with mild disabilities. More conclusive evidence suggests that the impact of organization and instructional changes on the achievement of nondisabled students was positive. Common elements in models reviewed included a redesigning of general education classrooms so that they more closely resembled special education: low student-to-staff ratio, intensive and prescribed basic skills instruction, performance monitoring, and the opportunity for intensive, one-to-one instruction. Res...
Antibiotic prophylaxis in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

To evaluate the role of prophylactic antibiotic therapy in the prevention of superimposed infection in acute necrotizing pancreatitis, Sharma and Howden conducted a meta-analysis that included the only three randomized, controlled trials published between 1996 and 2000. The selected studies compared supportive treatment plus antibiotic prophylaxis and supportive treatment alone in patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. The primary endpoints were occurrence of pancreatic infection, sepsis, and overall mortality. The pooled data consisted of 84 patients in the treatment group and 76 patients in the control group. Absolute and relative risk reduction as well as number needed to treat were calculated for each of the outcomes. Only one of the three trials demonstrated a significant benefit of antibiotic therapy in the prevention of sepsis and death. However, the analysis of the pooled data suggested that sepsis and death were less likely to occur in patients enrolled in the antibiotic arm. The numbers needed to treat to prevent one episode of sepsis and death were five and eight, respectively. Interestingly, the analysis failed to show a significant benefit of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing pancreatic infections. The authors concluded that antibiotics should be given to patients with sterile necrosis because both overall morbidity and mortality can be reduced.
Left‐Definite Regular Hamiltonian Systems

Linear Hamiltonian systems allow us to generalize, as well as consider, self-adjoint problems of any even order. Such left-definite problems are interesting, not only because of the generalization, but also because of the new intricacies they expose, some of which have made it possible to go beyond fourth order scale problems. We explore the left definite Sobolev settings for such problems, which are in general subspaces determined by boundary conditions. We show that the Hamiltonian operator remains self-adjoint, and inherits the same resolvent and spectral resolution from its original L2 space when set in the left-definite Sobolev space.
Efficacy of Combining Interview Techniques in Detecting Deception Related to Bio‐threat Issues

The purpose of this project was to assess the detecting deception efficacy of three well-validated "detecting deception" methods - i.e., forced choice testing (FCT), modified cognitive interviewing (MCI) and autobiographical implicit association testing (aIAT) - when applied to the issue of bio-threat. The detecting deception accuracies of FCT and MCI were 81% and 75%, respectively. Although the aIAT mean response times in block 5 differed significantly between deceptive and truthful persons, the classification accuracy was low. FCT alone reduced the group of 64 persons to 11 and detected 50% of the liars; the false positive rate was 9%. MCI alone reduced the group of 64 to 24 and detected 92% of the liars; the false positive rate was 54%. When FCT was paired with MCI, 75% of liars were detected and the false positive rate was 13%. Forced choice testing and MCI show promise as methods for detecting deception related to bio-threat under low-base-rate conditions. These methods took little time, enhanced the odds of detecting deceptive individuals and exhibited high positive likelihood ratios, suggesting that they have merit as screening tools. The aIAT required more time and was less accurate but may still serve as a useful screening tool.
Fast algorithms for direction-of-arrival finding using large ESPRIT arrays

Abstract To explore the redundancy in large ESPRIT arrays, we propose fast algorithms for direction-of-arrival (DOA) finding without computing (partial) eigendecompositions. For batch processing, the algorithms have computational complexity O(M2d) for the covariance matrix case and O(MNd) for the data matrix case, where M is the number of sensors, d the number of signals and N the number of snapshots. For a real-time implementation of the proposed algorithms, the computational complexity is O(Md) + O(d3) per data vector update. We also present numerical simulation results to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Use of electron-beam computed tomography in the evaluation of chest pain patients in the emergency department.

Abstract Study objective: We sought to determine whether electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) could be used as a triage tool in the emergency department for patients with angina-like chest pain, no known history of coronary disease, normal or indeterminate ECG findings, and normal initial cardiac enzyme concentrations. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 105 patients admitted between December 1995 and October 1997 to the ED of a large tertiary care hospital with 70,000 annual ED visits. The study group was comprised of women aged 40 to 65 years and men aged 30 to 55 years who presented with angina-like chest pain requiring admission to the hospital or chest pain observation unit. All patients underwent EBCT of the coronary arteries, along with other cardiac testing as deemed necessary by staff physicians. Results: Of the 105 patients, 100 underwent other cardiac testing during hospitalization. Evaluation included treadmill exercise testing in 58, coronary angiography in 25, radionuclide stress testing in 19, and echocardiography in 11. Results of EBCT and cardiac testing were negative for both in 53 patients (53%), positive for both in 14 (14%), positive for tomography and negative for cardiac testing in 32 (32%), and negative for tomography and positive for cardiac testing in only 1 patient. This positive test result, on a treadmill exercise test, was ruled a false positive by an independent staff cardiologist. Two other female patients with normal exercise sestamibi or coronary angiography and EBCT findings also had false-positive treadmill exercise results. The sensitivity of EBCT was 100% (95% confidence interval, 77% to 100%), with a negative predictive value of 100% (95% confidence interval, 94% to 100%). Specificity was 63% (95% confidence interval, 54% to 75%). Conclusion: EBCT is a rapid and efficient screening tool for patients admitted to the ED with angina-like chest pain, normal cardiac enzyme concentrations, indeterminate ECG findings, and no history of coronary artery disease. Our study suggests that patients with normal initial cardiac enzyme concentrations, normal or indeterminate ECG findings, and negative results on EBCT may be safely discharged from the ED without further testing or observation. Larger studies are required to confirm this conclusion. [Laudon DA, Vukov LF, Breen JF, Rumberger JA, Wollan PC, Sheedy PF II: Use of electron-beam computed tomography in the evaluation of chest pain patients in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med January 1999;33:15-21.]
Performance of diversity combining and coding for DS/DPSK over a worst case pulse jammed multipath-fading channel

The effectiveness of antenna and spread-spectrum diversity is evaluated for DS/DPSK (direct sequence/differential phase-shift keying) signaling over a worst-case pulse-jammed multipath-fading channel. Two diversity combining techniques are proposed. One uses predetection selective combining followed by postdetection equal gain combining, and the other uses postdetection equal gain combining only. The use of coding with hard and soft decision decoding is also considered. It is shown that the proposed diversity techniques can provide a significant improvement in the performance of coded antijam systems operating over jammed multipath-fading channels. >
A Physical Model and Control Strategy for Biped Running

We are in the process of building a biped robot capable of highly dynamic maneuvers. Implementing such maneuvers in real-time entails heuristic controllers founded on a grasp of the dynamics. We present here an analysis of the mechanics of biped running and a control strategy for stable running. By expounding on the direction of the ground-reaction forces and utilizing an impulse representation of the contact phase, we present a tractable model of the mechanics. This model motivates the control strategy and provides a basis for extending the strategy to more general systems. The control strategy consists of a simple set of three rules, where the key rule considers the leg-length upon liftoff. This rule offers a simple control for both steady-state and accelerated running. We present the equilibrium running index as a characterization of biped running. It relates the parameters affecting running and has broad applicability to biological and robotic systems. The control strategy was verified in simulation and the results are presented.
Hierarchical Bayesian random intercept model-based cross-level interaction decomposition for truck driver injury severity investigations

Traffic crashes occurring on rural roadways induce more severe injuries and fatalities than those in urban areas, especially when there are trucks involved. Truck drivers are found to suffer higher potential of crash injuries compared with other occupational labors. Besides, unobserved heterogeneity in crash data analysis is a critical issue that needs to be carefully addressed. In this study, a hierarchical Bayesian random intercept model decomposing cross-level interaction effects as unobserved heterogeneity is developed to examine the posterior probabilities of truck driver injuries in rural truck-involved crashes. The interaction effects contributing to truck driver injury outcomes are investigated based on two-year rural truck-involved crashes in New Mexico from 2010 to 2011. The analysis results indicate that the cross-level interaction effects play an important role in predicting truck driver injury severities, and the proposed model produces comparable performance with the traditional random intercept model and the mixed logit model even after penalization by high model complexity. It is revealed that factors including road grade, number of vehicles involved in a crash, maximum vehicle damage in a crash, vehicle actions, driver age, seatbelt use, and driver under alcohol or drug influence, as well as a portion of their cross-level interaction effects with other variables are significantly associated with truck driver incapacitating injuries and fatalities. These findings are helpful to understand the respective or joint impacts of these attributes on truck driver injury patterns in rural truck-involved crashes.
An Astronomical Theory

Suppression of sun heat—The theory implies glacial action to account for the denudation of the country—The views of Mr. Jennings—Laplace’s hypothesis of creation—The moon convulsed with volcanic action—Metallic state of meteors—shriver of gold—Condition of the planets—One system of law has controlled the development of the solar system—Von Mayer’s meteoric theory—Variable stars Sun spots, and their periodical character; and are due to the influence of the large planets—They are coexistent with magnetic storms.
Extreme ultraviolet frequency combs

We report the latest progress on extreme ultraviolet frequency combs and their applications, including the recent demonstration of long coherence time in XUV and on molecular alignment at 100 MHz repetition frequency for high harmonic generations. Article not available.
THE ROLE OF VASCULAR IMAGING IN GUIDING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS: A META-ANALYSIS OF BARE METAL STENT AND DRUG-ELUTING STENT TRIALS

The role of the routine use of vascular imaging including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in guiding percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is still controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of available trials that compared imaging-guided PCI and
Evaluation of a Filter-Syringe Set for Preparation of Packed Cell Aliquots for Neonatal Transfusion

A closed-system filter-syringe set designed for preparation of prefiltered aliquots of packed red cells for neonatal transfusion was evaluated. In three experiments, filter-syringe sets were sterile-connected, and aliquots were prepared at six intervals during 35-day storage of CPDA-1 packed cells. Hemoglobin (HGB), supernatant potassium (K+), and free hemoglobin (fHGB) in the aliquot and primary storage container were compared. There was no tubing weld failure, filter-occlusion, or bacterial contamination of the units. Hemoglobin remained stable over 35 days of storage, with comparable values in the primary collection container and syringe aliquot. Supernatant potassium in the units increased to an average of 89.5 mEq/L at 35 days, and levels in the aliquots closely matched those in the primary containers at each storage interval (maximum average 91.8 mEq/L). Free hemoglobin also progressively and comparably increased in both the primary containers and syringe aliquots. The gentle negative pressure and turbulence during use of the filter-syringe set apparently causes little hemolysis. The set simplifies preparation of aliquots for neonatal small volume and syringe-pump transfusion at costs comparable to alternative preparation methods. When sterile-connected, the filter-syringe set facilitates "assigned unit" inventory management for neonatal transfusion, which has been shown to be highly effective in limiting donor exposures.
The effects of sloping bottom on horizontal longitudinal coherence

The sound field horizontal longitudinal correlation as a function of horizontal span and range in sloping bot-tom environment is studied by numerical simulations.The wedge mode theory is used to explain the numerical results.It is shown that there is much difference of the sound field horizontal longitudinal correlation between the up-sloping and the down-sloping sea bottoms.In comparison to a flat-bottom sound channel,the down-sloping bottom induces in-crease of the horizontal longitudinal coherence and the up-sloping one induces decrease of the horizontal longitudinal coherence.Oscillating phenomenon of the horizontal longitudinal correlations caused by the interference between normal modes is observed,and the up-sloping or down-sloping bottom will correspondingly decrease or increase the radius of the oscillation.
Measurement selection for observability in dynamic state estimation

This paper aims to maintain observability for dynamic state estimators of generating units during steady state as well as transient operating conditions. To accomplish this goal, an observability analysis is carried out by selecting different sets of measurements and evaluating the level of observability under transient conditions. The analysis follows previous results on the use of Lie derivatives for observability analysis of nonlinear dynamic systems. This paper utilizes this approach for the observability analysis of the dynamic equations of a two-axis synchronous generator within a medium size utility test system by considering various sets of measurements. Those measurements which provide higher level of observability associated with the nonlinear dynamic equations of the generator are then identified. Furthermore, these results are validated by simulating scenarios involving transients and observing the performance of the dynamic state estimator that uses these measurements.
PET/CT for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Should We Routinely Include the Head and Abdomen?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to determine the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of the head and abdomen portions of PET/CT scans of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) to determine whether these areas should be routinely included with PET/CT of the neck and chest. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Patients with pathologically proven HNSCC who underwent full-body PET/CT were evaluated for metastases to the head, chest, and abdomen. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether the head and abdominal findings changed the clinical management, beyond the findings in the neck and chest. RESULTS. Five hundred ninety-eight patients who underwent 1625 PET/CT scans were included. All studies included the head, neck, and chest. For 542 of 598 patients (91%), the PET/CT scans included the abdomen. Two of 598 patients (0.3%) had distant calvarial metastases. Neither of the calvarial metastases changed patient management. Twelve of 542 patients (2.2%) had abdominal metastases. For 10 of 542 pa...
Influences on ICT teachers knowledge and routines in a technical e-safety context

Abstract The article presents the results of research on the knowledge and routines of ICT teachers in a technical e-safety context. Primary, lower secondary and high school teachers can have a significant impact on the e-safety of children and youngsters by raising their awareness of the risks associated with the use of technologies. Technical e-safety has roughly been acknowledged as an area where interpersonal relationships are not prioritised. A qualitative analysis of open-coded in-depth interviews with ICT teachers using the Grounded Theory method identified determinants that influence teachers’ knowledge and routines and a model of formation was developed. Firstly, there are external and internal influences. Another factor is teachers’ attitudes to e-safety rules that should support safe behaviour. Thirdly, teachers have barriers to protection in their minds and these could hinder their safe behaviour. Previous negative experiences have also been identified as another significant factor that affects a teacher’s e-safety habits. The developed theory describes causal and intervening relationships between the given categories. The developed theory will serve as a basis for proposing steps to improve ICT teachers’ knowledge of e-safety and ways teacher education might be adapted to achieve that.
The More You Give, the More You Get? The Impact of Corporate Political Activity on the Value of Government Contracts

Firms have been relying on corporate political activity (CPA) to achieve access and to affect public policy change for decades. Most research on CPA and public policy outcomes has implicitly assumed that access afforded by CPA results in an either‐ or (dichotomous) policy outcome such as votes or election outcomes. Based on recent research on how CPA can be a strategic signal to government agencies, however, it is possible that CPA may in fact, have a linear association with public policy outcomes as opposed to merely a dichotomous one, and we explore this relationship in the unique public policy context of government contract awards. We specifically analyze how higher levels of CPA impact the financial value of government contracts awarded to firms. Utilizing the S&P 1500 sample for 16 years (1997–2012) we find that CPA has a one to one association with the value of contract awards, indicating that CPA and public policy outcomes can be linked in ways that motivate firms to continuously invest in CPA, to maximize their political rents. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this finding in light of extant research on CPA and its direct impact on public policy outcomes.
Discovery of PET radiopharmaceuticals at the academia-industry interface

Project-specific collaborations between academia and pharmaceutical partners are a growing phenomenon within molecular imaging and in particular in the positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical community. This cultural shift can be attributed in part to decreased public funding in academia in conjunction with the increased reliance on outsourcing of chemistry, radiochemistry, pharmacology and molecular imaging studies by the pharmaceutical industry. This account highlights some of our personal experiences working with industrial partners to develop new PET radiochemistry methodologies for drug discovery and neuro-PET research studies. These symbiotic academic-industrial partnerships have not only led to novel radiotracers for new targets but also to the application of new carbon-11 and fluorine-18 labeling methodologies and technologies to label previously unprecedented compounds for in vivo evaluations.
Absorption from the Human Colon

In approaching a study of absorption from the human colon, it is important to consider a spectrum of circumstances under which absorption across a membrane can be examined. At one end of the spectrum, a clean membrane can be established in vitro with an Ussing chamber having artificial, saline solutions on both sides of the membrane. At the other extreme, the colon in vivo functions in the presence of extremely heterogenous contents, an important difference to be taken into account in the interpretation and the application of experimental data to the human situation. We also must realize that any differences in gut function under different circumstances may be determined by the properties of the membrane itself or by the manner in which the organ functions in life. A second factor quite apart from membrane function, is the chemical nature of the gut contents, that is, the material in the lumen that will be absorbed. It already has been mentioned that the lumen of the colon contains a complex bacterial eco-system. These circumstances obviously affect the substrate that is available for absorption.
“Hold the phone!”: Turn management strategies and techniques in Video Relay Service interpreted interaction

The initial paradigm of Video Relay Service (VRS) in the United States viewed interpreters as merely conduits for telephone communication; however, this paradigm has begun to shift. Recent research suggests that VRS interpreters are actively involved in coordinating interpreted interaction ( Marks 2015 ; Warnicke and Plejert 2012 , 2016 ). This study aims add to the body of VRS research by analyzing features of turn management in ASL-English video relay interpreted calls. These features of turn management are grouped into two categories: techniques and strategies. Techniques denote acts that are performed in addition to the rendition, and strategies refer to instances of turn management that are embedded within renditions. Results show that VRS interpreters employ a variety of turn management techniques and strategies, especially in cases of overlapping talk between Deaf and hearing callers. The findings presented are relevant to the shifting paradigm of VRS interpreter work and training.
Adherence to quality indicators and surveillance guidelines in the management of Barrett's esophagus: a retrospective analysis.

Background Adherence to quality indicators and surveillance guidelines in the management of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) promotes high-quality, cost-effective care. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate adherence to standardized classification (Prague Criteria) and systematic (four-quadrant) biopsy protocol, (2) to identify predictors of practice patterns, and (3) to assess adherence to surveillance guidelines for non-dysplastic BE (NDBE). Methods This was a single-center retrospective study of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) performed for BE (June 2008 to December 2015). Patient demographics, procedure characteristics, and histology results were obtained from the procedure report-generating database and chart review. Adherence to Prague Criteria and systematic biopsies was based on operative report documentation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of practice patterns. Guideline adherent surveillance EGD was defined as those performed within 6 months of the recommended 3- to 5-year interval. Results In total, 397 patients (66.5 % male; mean age 60.1 ± 12.5 years) had an index EGD during the study period. Adherence to Prague Criteria and systematic biopsies was 27.4 % and 24.1 %, respectively. Endoscopists who performed therapeutic interventions for BE were more likely to use the Prague Criteria (OR: 3.16; 95 %CI: 1.47 – 6.82; P Conclusion Adherence to quality indicators and surveillance guidelines in BE is low. Operator characteristics, including experience with endoscopic therapy for BE and time in practice predicted practice pattern. Future efforts are needed to reduce variability in practice and promote high-value care.
Cell-to-cell communication in a differentiating ovine lens culture system.

Purpose This study was performed to determine whether the junctions between both the epithelial and the differentiating fiber-like cells of ovine lens cultures, like gap junctions in other tissues, exhibit cell-to-cell communication that is inhibited by n-octanol, and to determine whether lens connexins and the fiber cell membrane proteins MP20 and MP26 are expressed by these ovine lens cell cultures. Methods Cells were injected with Lucifer yellow CH to measure cell-to-cell communication. Antibodies to connexin-related lens membrane protein MP70, connexin 43 (Cx43), and connexin 46 (Cx46) and to membrane proteins MP20 and MP26 were used to immunofluorescently label lens cultures and probe Western blots of membranes isolated from lens cultures. Results Both epithelial cells and differentiating clear cells exhibited cell-to-cell transfer of Lucifer yellow that was inhibited by n-octanol. Although a Cx43 antibody immunofluorescently labeled small plaques between the epithelial cells, an MP70 antibody labeled large plaques as well as small punctate areas of the differentiating fiber-like cells. It is interesting that Cx43 and MP70 were frequently present in the same plaques at cell interfaces between epithelial cells as well as some of the larger plaques on the differentiating fiber-like cells. Cx46 and MP70 antibodies labeled the same plaques in membranes of differentiating fiber-like cells and late-stage epithelial cells. The electrophoretic mobility of all three connexin proteins was modified after treatment with alkaline phosphatase. Immunohistochemical staining of these differentiating regions and Western immunoblotting of purified membranes derived from differentiated cultures also showed the presence of MP20 and MP26. Conclusions The different cell types in the ovine lens culture exhibit gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication that is likely effected by one or more of the connexin proteins.
Game over for Tetris as a platform for cognitive skill training

Abstract Despite popular enthusiasm for using computer games as a way to train educationally relevant cognitive skills, a review of the research reveals a frequent lack of transferable learning outcomes resulting from computer game play (Mayer, 2014). One explanation could be that computer game environments are fast and forward-moving, whereas learning that leads to transfer is reflective, effortful, and requires integrating new information with prior knowledge. What can be added to computer games to facilitate learning that transfers outside of the game context? This study investigated how to train transferable spatial skills with Tetris. In Study 1 (value added study), participants who played Tetris along with explicit instruction in Tetris cognitive strategies across 4 sessions did not show greater gains in 6 cognitive skills, including spatial and perceptual skills, than participants who only played Tetris across 4 sessions. In Study 2 (cognitive consequences study), participants who played Tetris in Study 1 did not show greater gains in 6 cognitive skills than participants who did not play Tetris. This research demonstrates the failure of Tetris to train cognitive skills even with evidence-based training enhancements, and highlights the idea that fast-paced computer game playing can foster highly specific skills that do not transfer.
Abstract 16167: Stellate Ganglion Blockade and Bilateral Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation in Patients With Life-Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias

Introduction: Autonomic modulation is an increasingly recognized strategy to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) refractory to beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs an...
Development of Recombinant Measles Vaccines

Despite the fact that a highly effective, live attenuated vaccine against measles virus has been in use since the 1960s (Preblud and Katz, 1988), measles is still a major health issue and an estimated 1.5 million children die of measles each year (Cutts et al., 1991). The reasons for the apparent failure of the vaccination strategy in both developed and developing countries are complex, and involve both social and scientific considerations (Aaby and Clements, 1989; National Vaccine Advisory Committee, 1991; Kurstak, 1993a).
Crowd on a Chip: Label-Free Human Monoclonal Antibody Arrays for Serotyping Influenza

Rapid changes in influenza A virus (IAV) antigenicity create challenges in surveillance, disease diagnosis, and vaccine development. Further, serological methods for studying antigenic properties of influenza viruses often rely on animal models and therefore may not fully reflect the dynamics of human immunity. We hypothesized that arrays of human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) to influenza could be employed in a pattern-recognition approach to expedite IAV serology and to study the antigenic evolution of newly emerging viruses. Using the multiplex, label-free Arrayed Imaging Reflectometry (AIR) platform, we have demonstrated that such arrays readily discriminated among various subtypes of IAVs, including H1, H3 seasonal strains, and avian-sourced human H7 viruses. Array responses also allowed the first determination of antigenic relationships among IAV strains directly from hmAb responses. Finally, correlation analysis of antibody binding to all tested IAV subtypes allowed efficient identification of broa...
Biological notes on the mealybug Dysmicoccus obesus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on loblolly pine in southern Arkansas

Dysmicoccus obesus (Lobdell) was first found in Arkansas in 1983 living in crevices, under bark scales of loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.). Most mealybugs (77%) were found on the bole between 0–90 c...
A Transparent Translation from Legacy System Model into Common Information Model

Advances in the smart grid are forcing utilities toward better monitoring, control, and analysis of distribution systems, and require extensive cyber-based, intelligent systems and applications to realize various functionalities. The ability of systems, or components within systems, to interact and exchange services or information with each other is the key to the success of smart grid technologies, and it requires efficient information exchanging and data sharing infrastructure. The Common Information Model (CIM) is a standard that allows different applications to exchange information about an electrical system, and it has become a widely accepted solution for information exchange among different platforms and applications. However, most existing legacy systems were developed using their own languages rather than CIM. Integrating such legacy systems is a challenge for utilities, and the appropriate use of the integrated legacy systems is even more intricate. Thus, this paper describes an approach and open-source tool developed to translate legacy system models into CIM format. The developed tool was tested for a commercial distribution management system and simulation results have proved its effectiveness.
Romantic partner satisfaction among low‐income mothers: Links to child‐peer and teacher relationships via mother‐child conflict

The current project explores maternal inter-parental (IP) romantic partner satisfaction in relation to mother-child conflict and later peer and teacher relations from early to middle childhood among a sample of low-income, ethnically diverse mothers (N = 271) who were part of a longitudinal study testing the effectiveness of the Family Check-Up intervention. We hypothesized spillover effects from IP dissatisfaction during early childhood to mother-child conflict two years later. Greater mother-child conflict in turn was expected to lead to poorer peer relations and greater conflict with teachers in middle childhood. Results support a spillover effect from lower IP satisfaction at age 3 to higher mother-child conflict at age 5 to poorer peer relations and greater conflict with teachers at school at ages 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5. Mother-child conflict significantly mediates these pathways. Results support the importance of IP satisfaction and mother-child conflict in early childhood as critical factors in pathways leading to low-income children's social relationships at school during middle childhood.
Impact of sarcopenia on the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a frequently forgotten association.

The development of sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease has been recognized as a predictor of poor outcome. Sarcopenia, or the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass begins to manifest in the early stages of chronic liver disease and worsens with progression to advanced liver disease with a prevalence approaching 60% in patients with end-stage liver disease (1).
Timeout for Contrast: Using Physician Behavior Modification to Reduce Contrast in the Catheterization Laboratory

Background. As the number of procedures using contrast media continues to rise, the ensuing complications place an ever increasing burden on the healthcare system. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common postprocedural complication after cardiac catheterization. Objectives. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of physician behavioral modification on reducing the amount of contrast used during the procedure. Methods. All patients who underwent procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory from January 2013 to August 2016 were identified in addition to the total contrast used during the procedure, the type of procedure performed, and the operator performing the procedure. A new addition was made to the preprocedure checklist in September-October 2013 in the form of maximum allowed contrast for the patient. Results. A total of 12,118 cases were identified. Across all procedures, the mean contrast used during the 8 months prior to the intervention was 118 ml per procedure. Mean contrast used per procedure for the first year after the revised timeout was 105 ml, for the second year was 106 ml, and for the third year was 99 ml. Conclusion. A significant reduction in radiocontrast use across all operators and procedures after the introduction of a revised timeout procedure that was seen, which is a change that was sustained over a period of three years. With this straightforward intervention involving physician behavioral modification, patients were exposed to less of the nephrotoxic contrast and were consequently at a lower risk of developing dose-depended CIN and other associated complications.
Fighting influenza through hemagglutinin diversity.

A multivalent vaccine that presents diverse influenza virus subtype H1 hemagglutinins on its surface induces broadly neutralizing antibodies in an animal model by displaying conserved epitopes at higher density than strain-specific epitopes.
Constrained Liner Revision Is Less Effective With Each Subsequent Constrained Liner Revision at Preventing Instability.

Abstract Background Constrained liners are used to treat recurring total hip arthroplasty dislocations in certain patients. Little is known about the fate of constrained liner revisions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate and survivorship free of revision for mechanical failure of constrained liners in patients who were revised to their first, second, and third constrained liners. Methods From 1989 to 2016, using our institution’s total joint registry, we identified 554 revisions to a first constrained liner. Of the 554, 40 had mechanical failure of their index constrained liner and had revision to a second constrained liner. Of the 40, 13 had mechanical failure of their second constrained liner and had revision to a third constrained liner. Patients included in the failure analysis had minimum 2-year follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years. Results In patients receiving their first, second, and third constrained liners, the survivorship free of revision for mechanical failure at 4 years was 90%, 52%, and 28%, respectively. Patients with a second and third constrained liner were more likely to have a revision for mechanical failure (second odds ratio 8, P Conclusion After revision to a second or third constrained liner there is high rate of mechanical failure. When a total hip arthroplasty becomes unstable after constrained liner, surgeons should exercise caution before revising to another constrained liner.
DRUMBALL: Multimodal Meaning Production through Digital Drum Talk

In this demonstration, I present an interactive prototype of the Drumball system, an embodied learning environment that allows for drum patterns to be turned into and used as letters, words or phrases. The system acts as a transducer of rhythmic input into multimodal output, and was designed to investigate the affordances of this embodied learning approach on the early literacy skills acquisition of children. The project follows a design thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test) to explore cultural systems as a grounding for learning technologies design. The session provides a space to think beyond the traditional keypad interface and its reliance on alphabetic input, to explore how the application of the talking drum cultural system in the domain of human-computer interaction can be used to transform children's early experiences with literacy. I will demonstrate creating sequences of letters and words using the system by playing drum tones of varying pitches (tone, slap and bass).
SIMD||DNA: Single Instruction, Multiple Data Computation with DNA Strand Displacement Cascades

Typical DNA storage schemes do not allow in-memory computation, and instead transformation of the stored data requires DNA sequencing, electronic computation of the transformation, followed by synthesizing new DNA. In contrast we propose a model of in-memory computation that avoids the time consuming and expensive sequencing and synthesis steps, with computation carried out by DNA strand displacement. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach by developing schemes for massively parallel binary counting and elementary cellular automaton Rule 110 computation.
Imaging propagative exciton polaritons in atomically thin WSe 2 waveguides

This work reports a nano-optical imaging study of the transverse-electric exciton polaritons in atomically thin WSe${}_{2}$ nanoflakes by using a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope excited by an $s$-polarized laser. These exciton polaritons demonstrate the signature back-bending polariton dispersion, a long propagation length, and a tailored polariton wavelength by controlling the thickness of WSe${}_{2}$. The discovery of long-propagating exciton polaritons in WSe${}_{2}$ atomic layers paves the way for the future development of actively tunable polaritonic devices in the near-infrared region.
The Unequal Effects of COVID-19 Across Countries

I evaluate the effects of COVID-19 across countries. Where income is low, fewer jobs can be performed from home, the hospital capacity is lower, and enduring long periods with no income is harder, making the crisis more dire. On the other hand, younger populations make death less likely in low income countries. To study the overall effect, I extend the SIR model in Eichenbaum et. al (2020c), with a subsistence level of consumption, work-at-home possibilities, hospital capacity constraints, and a death rate that depends on the age distribution. I find that in low income countries infections are larger, but there are no differences in the death rate because of their younger populations. A reduction in income per capita of 1% increases infections by 330 people per million. The fall of consumption relative to steady state increases by 0.03% per percentage point increase in income. Using Google mobility data, I confirm that traffic around workplaces has fallen more in rich countries, consistent with the theory. Social distancing policies are ineffective to reduce inequality. A better strategy would consist of loans to finance imports: assuming an interest rate of 5%, the optimal loan would reduce the elasticity of infections to GDP by 10%. In addition, loans are cheaper in low income countries: they range from a present value under $200 per capita in Ecuador to almost $5,000 in Ireland.
Racial Differences and Temporal Obesity Trends in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Obesity increases with age, is disproportionately prevalent in black populations, and is associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). An "obesity paradox," or improved survival with obesity, has been reported in patients with HFpEF. The aim of this study was to examine whether racial differences exist in the temporal trends and outcomes associated with obesity among older patients with HFpEF. DESIGN Community surveillance of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) hospitalizations, sampled by stratified design from 2005 to 2014. SETTING Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (NC, MS, MD, MN). PARTICIPANTS A total of 10,147 weighted hospitalizations for ADHF (64% female, 74% white, mean age 77 years), with ejection fraction ≥50%. MEASUREMENTS ADHF classified by physician review, HFpEF defined by ejection fraction ≥50%. Body mass index (BMI) calculated from weight at hospital discharge. Obesity defined by BMI ≥30 kg/m2 , class III obesity by BMI ≥40 kg/m2 . RESULTS When aggregated across 2005-2014, the mean BMI was higher for black compared to white patients (34 vs 30 kg/m2 ; P < .0001), as was prevalence of obesity (56% vs 43%; P < .0001) and class III obesity (24% vs 13%; P < .0001). Over time, the annual mean BMI and prevalence of class III obesity remained stable for black patients, but steadily increased for white patients, with annual rates statistically differing by race (P-interaction = .04 and P = .03, respectively). For both races, a U-shaped adjusted mortality risk was observed across BMI categories, with the highest risk among patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 . CONCLUSION Black patients were disproportionately burdened by obesity in this decade-long community surveillance of older hospitalized patients with HFpEF. However, temporal increases in mean BMI and class III obesity prevalence among white patients narrowed the racial difference in recent years. For both races, the worst survival was observed with class III obesity. Effective strategies are needed to manage obesity in patients with HFpEF.
If You Ignore Manipulation Errors in Your Experiments You Might Be P-Hacking Without Knowing.

This research brief is a cautionary note on the dangers of using p-values as empirical evidence for crossover effects in consumer research. If you rely on experimental manipulation to produce between-subjects variation on a moderator construct, and then test for interaction effects on the manipulation (rather than the moderator construct), your evidence of a crossover effect might be based on spurious statistical significance. The main purpose here is to alert experimenters about ignoring manipulation errors, rather than proposing specific solutions (even though I briefly review the literature proposing methods to ameliorate the situation).
The Cost of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Compliant Versus Non-Compliant Patients

A literature review conducted, on the cost of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) between patients who are compliant versus non-compliant, reflects on the data for the United States with an emphasis on the areas within the Florida Panhandle. An overview of costs associated with noncompliant COPD patients and strategies for encouraging patients to adhere to treatment and improve healthcare outcomes is provided. A review of recent peer-reviewed articles was performed to determine the additional costs associated with non-compliance. The direct cost of COPD was estimated at $6,246 per patient annually. Nationally projected expenditures for COPD were $49.9 billion in 2010, while costs in Florida were $2.5 billion. Florida’s costs for COPD management ranks much higher than the national average. Potential causes for the differentiation are associated with newer medications and devices that contribute to a higher out-of-pocket expense for patients, patient denial about the seriousness of their illness, and/or inability to understand compliance with treatment. The relationship between the primary care provider and COPD patient is critical for adherence to therapy.