cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congener Patterns of Persistent Organic Pollutants Establish the Extent of Contaminant Biotransport by Pacific Salmon in the Great Lakes

In the Great Lakes, introduced Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) can transport persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), to new environments during their spawning migrations. To explore the nature and extent of POP biotransport by salmon, we compared 58 PCB and 6 PBDE congeners found in spawning salmon directly to those in resident stream fish. We hypothesized that stream fish exposed to salmon spawners would have congener patterns similar to those of salmon, the presumed contaminant source. Using permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), we found that POP congener patterns of Pacific salmon varied among regions in the Great Lakes basin (i.e., Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, or Lake Superior), tissue type (whole fish or eggs), and contaminant type (PCB or PBDE). For stream-resident fish, POP congener pattern was influenced by the presence of salmon, location (i.e., ...
ACQUAINTANCE NETWORKS AMONG LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA PATIENTS

A case-control study of clustering through acquaintanceship among lymphoma and leukemia patients was conducted for the years 1967 through 1972 in Orleans County, New York. Twenty lymphoma and 17 leukemia cases met criteria for inclusion in the study. Data on acquaintanceship linkage were gathered from the source cases and controls, and from their acquaintances yielding a data base of 13,409 unique individuals linked by acquaintance. Three different analyses were carried out: a statistical analysis of linkage via intermediaries of case pairs in comparison with control pairs; a computer simulation of disease transmission from selected source cases to selected targets and controls based on the acquaintance data; and a secondary attack rate type analysis. The first two types of analysis yielded statistically significant case-control differences at the .05 level. The third method also yielded a positive result but was not subject to quantitative hypothesis testing. An additional conclusion is that these epidemiologic methods for disease with long induction periods merit further study.
Self-Emasculation and Self-Castration: Immediate Surgical Management and Ultimate Psychological Adjustment

Self-emasculation and self-castration most often occur in individuals with known psychiatric disease. In the 3 patients presented 2 performed self-castration apparently while suffering the effects of drugs or alcohol. In both instances apparent psychological adjustment was satisfactory after appropriate psychological care. In the third patient total self-emasculation occurred against the background of known schizophrenia. Immediate surgical management of each patient is presented.
Truth telling and severe fetal diagnosis: a virtue ethics perspective.

PURPOSE Increased use of prenatal technologies has increased the numbers of women and partners whose fetus is diagnosed with a severe impairment. Virtue ethics provides a useful perspective to consider truth telling in this context, specifically how couples and providers interpret the diagnosis and prognosis to create truth. Virtue ethics is person-centered rather than act-centered, with moral actions guided by how a virtuous person would act in the same circumstance. Phronesis (practical wisdom) guides these actions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifteen women and 10 male partners with a severe fetal diagnosis participated in this longitudinal ethnography examining their experiences across 3 available care options: termination, routine obstetric care, and perinatal end-of-life care. Data from 39 interviews were analyzed to determine how they created meaning and truth in context of the diagnosis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Providers' interactions were usually, but not always, characterized by the practice of phronesis. Couples were in a more complex moral situation than were providers. Those who terminated created a socially acceptable truth within a negative social environment related to abortion. Those seeking routine care had uncertain fetal prognoses and struggled with the meanings of "odds" of survival. One couple with end-of-life care experienced a close alignment of the facts and the truth they made public.
Ultrasonic Seismic Wave Attenuation (Q) for Better Subsurface Imaging, Energy Exploration, and Tracking of Sequestrated Carbon Dioxide

Summary Parameters related to seismic and ultrasonic elastic waves traveling through a porous rock material with compliant pores, cracks and isometric pores are subject to variations which are dependent on the physical properties of the rock such as density, porosity, permeability, frame work moduli, fluid moduli, micro structural variation, and effective pressure. Our goal is to understand these variations through experiments completed using rhyolites, coal, and carbonate samples. Understanding these lithologies are relevant to enhanced oil recovery, enhanced geothermal, and CO2 storage activities. Working in the COREFLOW laboratory at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) we performed several experiments on these rock types with various different pore filling fluids, effective pressures, and temperatures. We measured P, S1 and S2 ultrasonic velocities using a New England Research (NER) Autolab 1500 device and calculated the lame parameters (Bulk modulus (K), Young’s modulus (E), Lame’s first parameter (λ), Shear modulus (G), Poisson’s ratio (ν), P-wave modulus (M)). Using an aluminum reference core and the ultrasonic waveform data collected, we employed the spectral ratio method to estimate Q. This method uses the ratio of the amplitude-frequency spectrum (obtained via fast Fourier Transform and processed using Matlab) of the rock core compared with the amplitude-frequency spectrum of the aluminum reference core to calculate the quality factor (Q). The primary focus of these calculations was P waveform attenuation. The quality factor is a dimensionless value that represents the attenuation of a seismic wave as it travels through a rock. Seismic attenuation is dependent on wave velocity, the path length or time the wave is in the rock, and of course the physical properties of the rock through which the wave travels. Effective pressures used in our experiments varied between 0.01 MPa and 50 MPa and temperatures varied between 21o C to 80o C which allowed us to more accurately represent subsurface conditions. Pore-filling fluids consisted of deionized water, oil/water mix, gas, and supercritical CO2. Carbonate samples were tested dry (atmospheric gas as pore fluid) and with deionized water, oil, and CO2. By understanding how seismic waves attenuate we can better understand what collected seismic signals traveled through. This knowledge and understanding of seismic wave attenuation could prove to be a powerful tool for better subsurface imaging, tracking of sequestrated CO2, and energy exploration.
E-043 Intradural or Extradural? A role for High Resolution MRI and Intracranial Aneurysms

Introduction High Resolution post contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging has been used to evaluate vessel walls in atherosclerotic disease as well as vasculitides in order to characterise wall thickness and enhancement. High resolution magnetic resonance imaging may also be useful in characterising aneurysms by identifying regions of all thickening which may have implications for microsurgical repair, such as in giant aneurysms where wall thickening at the neck may impede exclusion of the aneurysm sac from the circulation. Increased visiblity of the cavernous sinus and dura may also help better localise paraclinoid aneurysms. Methods High resolution Magnetic imaging was performed in 18 patients harbouring intracranial aneurysms and results were reviewed and observations correlated. Patterns of enhancement in normal vessels were also assessed by experienced neuroradiologists in order to form a baseline for image interpretation. Results Of 18 HRMR exams of aneurysms, 5 were paraclinoid, 2 were thrombosed large aneurysms, 3 were fusiform aneurysms, 7 were intradural aneurysms (MCA 2, PCOM 1, ACOM 4) and one dolichoectatic vessel. In the paraclinoid aneurysms, relationship to the cavernous sinus and dura helped localise the aneurysm as intra or extradural. Conclusion In vivo imaging of aneurysm walls may help in treatment planning by both localisation and identification of wall characteristics that may hinder surgery or stable coiling. Further research is necessary. Disclosures K. Walsh: None. M. Bain: None. F. Hui: 3; C; Microvention, Penumbra.
Maury Maverick and the Liberal Bloc

A CONGRESSMAN'S career seldom inspires the historian, particularly when the congressional tenure is short. Maury Maverick, a New Dealer from San Antonio, served only four years, but his career was exceptional. A rebel in the House, he challenged its leadership; a rebel against southern and national traditions and policies that he deemed archaic and reactionary, he inspired the "liberal bloc" that was formed upon his arrival in 1935. His was often the voice of this little-noted cluster of liberals (or progressives, the terms being used interchangeably then) who sought to strengthen the New Deal's commitment to reform. His defeat in 1938 was symptomatic of the political problems that afflicted politicians whose ideas were more radical than the President's, and whose defeats that year measure the collapse of the New Deal. Maverick was thirty-eight in February 1934, when he decided to run for Congress from Texas' newly created twentieth district. In Bexar County and San Antonio, where one fourth of the population was Mexican in origin and one tenth was Negro, he was well known for his deep concern for the under-privileged. In 1932 he had lived in the "hobo, slum, Negro, and poverty areas" of the Southwest, where he had experienced some of the tragedy wrought by the depression.' Upon his return, he had organized transient relief stations and founded a cooperative colony.2 He was also known as a civil libertarian. During the 1920s, he had denounced lynching, the poll tax, and the Ku Klux Klan; and he had joined the American Civil Liberties Union. Most San Antonians knew that for Maverick social justice was an act of faith. A scion of the genteel, Jeffersonian Maurys of Charlottesville, Virginia, and of the freewheeling Mavericks who had fought for Texan independence, he never equivocated. Maverick felt that he entered the world "a well-dressed gentleman," yet he "plainly heard a
Conductive property of graphite electrically conductive concrete

Trial studies are applied to conductive property of graphite electrically conductive concrete(GECC).Influence of curing age,admixture amount of graphite,character of power supply and outer stress on GECC resistivity is analyzed.Significant effect of curing age on low graphite content GECC happens,but little on high.Polarization effect can be avoided effectively using alternating current,which makes the estimates more precise and saves more energy.Percolation threshold of GECC is between 10% and 15%.Compression sensibility of GECC is not obvious,but it also can be applied qualitatively for GECC of 10% content.
Kinetic Basis of Carbohydrate-Mediated Inhibition of Human Glucokinase by the Glucokinase Regulatory Protein

The glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP) is a competitive inhibitor of glucokinase (GCK), triggering its localization to the hepatocyte nucleus upon glucose deprivation. Here we establish the kinetic mechanism of GKRP action by analyzing its association with a genetically encoded, fluorescent variant of human GCK. Our results demonstrate that binding of GKRP to GCK involves two steps, formation of an initial encounter complex followed by conformational equilibration between two GKRP–GCK states. Fructose 6-phosphate, a known enhancer of GKRP action, promotes formation of the initial encounter complex via a 2.6-fold increase in kon and stabilizes the complex through a 60-fold decrease in koff.
A design review: Concepts for mitigating SQL injection attacks

Recently, it is not unusual to notice media coverage of some major breach in some large organization's cyber security. A large number of said breaches are due to vulnerabilities in their software or system. Once an in-depth analysis of these vulnerabilities was performed, it came to light that a large number of these vulnerabilities were the result of development issues. To be more specific, either the developers or the design process was the cause of the vulnerabilities. A particular vulnerability initiated by developers or a subpar design process is injection attacks. In particular SQL injection attacks (SQLIA) have been the culprit of most organizational cyber security breaches. This form of attack could have a detrimental impact on a business or organization. These impacts could range from monetary loss, exposure of confidential business information, exposure of customer data, a decrease in company stock value, or some combination of these four. SQL injection attacks are relatively common in interactive web applications. Not only are SQL injection attacks common they are easily detectable and are reasonably simple to mitigate. There is a plethora of literature on defending against SQL injection attacks once a system or software is functional. The goal of this work is to address the issue of SQL injection attacks starting in the design process. The contribution of this paper is a proposed design review methodology that allows designers to examine the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) in the design phase to expose any attack surfaces that allow for an injection attack to occur. In particular, the method proposed in this work combines human computer interaction concepts along with cyber security principles and software security techniques to design a user interface that is not subject to SQL injection attacks. Because injection attacks occur from malicious user input, this method concentrates on the design of the interface to eliminate all entry points that allow for injection attacks.
Effect of birth and fraternal litter size and cross-fostering on growth and reproduction in swine.

Twelve hundred fifty-one pigs from six farrowings (FGRP) were classified within a FGRP by their birth litter size (BL- = below average and BL+ = above average), randomly allotted to nursing litter sizes of 6 or 12+ pigs/sow (NL- vs NL+) and reared by their own or foster dams (XF- vs XF+). Pigs were weighed at birth, 21 d and when near 105 kg. A random sample of 40 gilts per FGRP was retained for observation of pubertal age and primipara conception. Twenty-four gilts per FGRP were farrowed and rebred for a second parity. Pigs born in large litters were younger at 105 kg than those born in small litters (189 vs 196 d +/- 1.4); no other differences (P greater than .05) were observed for BL. Pigs reared in larger litters had lower survival rate from birth to weaning (79 vs 86% +/- 1), had slower weight gains to 21 d of age (5.3 vs 6.6 kg +/- .17) and were older at 105 kg (195 vs 190 d +/- 1.4) than those reared in small litters (P less than .04). Cross-fostered pigs were slower gaining to 21 d (5.9 vs 6.1 kg +/- .14) and were older at 105 kg (195 vs 191 d +/- 1.4) than pigs not cross-fostered pigs (P less than .02). Growth beyond 105 kg and pubertal age were unaffected by any factor studied (P greater than .05). Although size of birth litter did not affect (P greater than .05) any reproductive trait, an interaction between litter size and farrowing group was detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Physician Quality Reporting System: Initiative to Improve Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

3 Introduction 3 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) 4 Methods 7 Literature Review 7 PQRS Participation 8 Provider Perception 9 Public Performance Data 11 Motivation 12 Cost of Participation 13 Patient Outcomes 15 Conclusions 16 Bibliography 18 Appendix One 20 Appendix Two 21
A Genetically Encoded β-Lactamase Reporter for Ultrasensitive (129) Xe NMR in Mammalian Cells.

Molecular imaging holds considerable promise for elucidating biological processes in normal physiology as well as disease states, but requires noninvasive methods for identifying analytes at sub-micromolar concentrations. Particularly useful are genetically encoded, single-protein reporters that harness the power of molecular biology to visualize specific molecular processes, but such reporters have been conspicuously lacking for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Herein, we report TEM-1 β-lactamase (bla) as a single-protein reporter for hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe NMR, with significant saturation contrast at 0.1 μm. Xenon chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) interactions with the primary allosteric site in bla give rise to a unique saturation peak at 255 ppm, well removed (≈60 ppm downfield) from the 129Xe-H2O peak. Useful saturation contrast was also observed for bla expressed in bacterial cells and mammalian cells.
Periodontal bacterial colonization in synovial tissues exacerbates collagen-induced arthritis in B10.RIII mice.

It has been previously hypothesized that oral microbes may be an etiological link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease. However, the mechanistic basis of this association is incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the role of periodontal bacteria in induction of joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in B10.RIII mice. CIA-prone B10.RIII mice were infected orally with a polybacterial mixture of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia for 24 weeks before induction of CIA. The ability of polybacterial mixture to colonize the periodontium and induce systemic response, horizontal alveolar bone resorption in infected B10.RIII mice was investigated. Arthritis incidence, severity of joint inflammation, pannus formation, skeletal damage, hematogenous dissemination of the infection, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) levels, and interleukin-17 expression levels were evaluated. B10.RIII mice had gingival colonization with all three bacteria, higher levels of anti-bacterial immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, significant alveolar bone resorption, and hematogenous dissemination of P. gingivalis to synovial joints. Infected B10.RIII mice had more severe arthritis, and higher serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 levels and activity. Histopathological analysis showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration, destruction of articular cartilage, erosions, and pannus formation. Additionally, involved joints showed had expression levels of interleukin-17. These findings demonstrate that physical presence of periodontal bacteria in synovial joints of B10.RIII mice with collagen-induced arthritis is associated with arthritis exacerbation, and support the hypothesis that oral bacteria, specifically P. gingivalis, play a significant role in augmenting autoimmune arthritis due to their intravascular dissemination to the joints.
Verification of Balloon Integrity by Ultrasound Imaging in Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

Purpose: An overview of the ultrasound imaging artifacts encountered in Mammosite balloon APBI is presented. Analysis of ultrasound measurement errors and the dosimetric impact of balloon leakage were used to determine whether clinically relevant changes in balloon size can be reliably detected. Methods: Ultrasound imaging of a Mammosite balloon phantom was performed to better understand measurement errors and accuracy. The dose to the prescription point as a function of balloon diameter was computed for different sized balloons. The results were compared to phantom measurements of balloon diameter versus filling volume to assess the dose change that would result from tissue moving inward with a shrinking balloon boundary. In APBI patients undergoing a course of 10 treatment fractions, the accuracy and variability of balloon size measured with ultrasound imaging was compared to CT. Results: Ultrasound artifacts combine to form a false image of the distal balloon boundary. Proper US probe orientation and choice of measurement point locations improved distance measurement accuracy. A 1 mm change in balloon diameter is measurable with ±0.1 mm error and corresponds to <4% change in dose 1 cm from the balloon. Measurement errors relative to CT averaged less than 1.4 mm and variability (standard deviation) over the course of treatment averaged 1.9 mm. Conclusions: Properly performed ultrasound image acquisition and analysis can detect dosimetrically relevant changes in the size of a leaking balloon. This study confirms that US imaging is a valid method of verifying APBI balloon integrity over the course of treatment.
Reversible splenial lesions presenting in conjunction with febrile illness: a case series and literature review

Transient restricted diffusion and increased T2 signal intensity within the splenium of the corpus callosum is an increasingly recognized albeit uncommon imaging feature in the setting of acute encephalitis and antecedent viral illness. This review will discuss three index cases obtained from an institutional databank. Additionally, the current understanding of the underlying neurophysiologic pathogenesis will be discussed together with differential clinical and imaging diagnostic considerations, treatment options, and outcome metrics.
Precision pulse capsulotomy: Initial clinical experience in simple and challenging cataract surgery cases.

Purpose To evaluate precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC) in simple and challenging cataract surgery cases. Setting Clinica Quesada, San Salvador, El Salvador. Design Prospective case series. Methods This single-center prospective study assessed cataract surgeries with anterior capsulotomy performed using a PPC device through a 2.2 mm corneal incision in the presence of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device. This was followed by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Outcomes included capsulotomy appearance and diameter, surgical complications, and postoperative visual acuity. Results The study comprised 38 eyes. All cases resulted in 360-degree complete, round capsulotomies averaging 5.5 mm in diameter with intracapsular IOL fixation. No PPC-related complications were observed intraoperatively or on follow-up at 3 to 8 months. The PPC was useful in challenging cases with corneal opacities that obscured the capsulotomy path or with poorly dilated pupils. Precision pulse capsulotomy occurs instantaneously everywhere along the capsulotomy path, which allowed safe release of subcapsular pressure in intumescent cataracts with consistent creation of a round, appropriately sized capsulotomy. The PPC edge quality was shown in a case with 6 clock hours of zonular dialysis in which iris hooks held the capsulotomy edge for over 45 minutes for removal of a 4+ cataract. Conclusions Precision pulse capsulotomy had a short learning curve and was integrated seamlessly into the surgical routine. The combination of suction with ultrafast capsulotomy provided capsulotomy roundness, sizing, safety, and edge quality that significantly facilitated difficult cases. The ease of use, consistency, and efficiency of PPC capsulotomy might support its use under many practice scenarios.
Discovery of imidazo[1,2-a]-, [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-, and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-8-carboxamide negative allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5.

Abstract Based on a hypothesis that an intramolecular hydrogen bond was present in our lead series of picolinamide mGlu 5 NAMs, we reasoned that an inactive nicotinamide series could be modified through introduction of a fused heterocyclic core to generate potent mGlu 5 NAMs. In this Letter, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of compounds that demonstrate the viability of that approach. Selected analogs were profiled in a variety of in vitro assays, and two compounds were evaluated in rat pharmacokinetic studies and a mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ancillary pharmacology screening revealed that members of this series exhibited moderate inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT), and SAR was developed that expanded the selectivity for mGlu 5 versus DAT.
Genetic constraints on wing pattern variation in Lycaeides butterflies: A case study on mapping complex, multifaceted traits in structured populations

Patterns of phenotypic variation within and among species can be shaped and constrained by trait genetic architecture. This is particularly true for complex traits, such as butterfly wing patterns, that consist of multiple elements. Understanding the genetics of complex trait variation across species boundaries is difficult, as it necessitates mapping in structured populations and can involve many loci with small or variable phenotypic effects. Here, we investigate the genetic architecture of complex wing pattern variation in Lycaeides butterflies as a case study of mapping multivariate traits in wild populations that include multiple nominal species or groups. We identify conserved modules of integrated wing pattern elements within populations and species. We show that trait covariances within modules have a genetic basis and thus represent genetic constraints that can channel evolution. Consistent with this, we find evidence that evolutionary changes in wing patterns among populations and species occur in the directions of genetic covariances within these groups. Thus, we show that genetic constraints affect patterns of biological diversity (wing pattern) in Lycaeides, and we provide an analytical template for similar work in other systems.
Synthesis and reactivity of a nickel(II) thioperoxide complex: demonstration of sulfide-mediated N2O reduction

The thiohyponitrite ([SNNO]2-) complex, [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(κ2-SNNO)] (L tBu = {(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC( t Bu)}2CH), extrudes N2 under mild heating to yield [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(η2-SO)] (1), along with minor products [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(η2-OSSO)] (2) and [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(η2-S2)] (3). Subsequent reaction of 1 with carbon monoxide (CO) results in the formation of [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(η2-SCO)] (4), [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(S,O:κ2-SCO2)] (5), [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(κ2-CO3)] (6), carbonyl sulfide (COS) (7), and [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(S2CO)] (8). To rationalize the formation of these products we propose that 1 first reacts with CO to form [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(S)] (I) and CO2, via O-atom abstraction. Subsequently, complex I reacts with CO or CO2 to form 4 and 5, respectively. Similarly, the formation of complex 6 and COS can be rationalized by the reaction of 1 with CO2 to form a putative Ni(ii) monothiopercarbonate, [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(κ2-SOCO2)] (11). The Ni(ii) monothiopercarbonate subsequently transfers a S-atom to CO to form COS and [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(κ2-CO3)] (6). Finally, the formation of 8 can be rationalized by the reaction of COS with I. Critically, the observation of complexes 4 and 5 in the reaction mixture reveals the stepwise conversion of [K(18-crown-6)][L tBuNiII(κ2-SNNO)] to 1 and then I, which represents the formal reduction of N2O by CO.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship

More patients prefer surgeries with smaller incisions, decreased pain, and quicker return to their daily activities. With an increase in laparoscopy, as well as robotic surgery, there are now specialized fellowships focused on training residents in this field. The number of applicants in this specialty has also increased. The goal of this chapter is to help you determine whether this fellowship is the right decision for your future endeavors and then the appropriate steps to take to accomplish this goal.
Combination chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer in older adults: Efficacy and safety analysis of patients at a majority-Hispanic NCI-designated cancer center.

389Background: Pancreatic cancer (PCa) is more frequent in older adults, but older patients are underrepresented in large clinical trials. There is limited data on efficacy and safety of regimens s...
Organizing teachers in Pennsylvania, 1935–1941

ABSTRACTBy eliminating mandatory agency fees, the US Supreme Court’s Janus decision has created an opportunity for the American teachers’ unions to renew their commitment to organizing teachers. Th...
Who Is the One Being Disrespectful? Understanding and Deconstructing the Criminalization of Elementary School Boys of Color:

This research aims to contribute to understanding what criminalization for boys of color looks like in urban elementary school settings and to offering insights into what we must do to disrupt crim...
Unsupervised seismic facies using Gaussian mixture models

AbstractAs the use of seismic attributes becomes more widespread, multivariate seismic analysis has become more commonplace for seismic facies analysis. Unsupervised machine-learning techniques pro...
Tosio Kato’s Work on Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics: A Brief Report

We present the highpoints of Tosio Kato’s work on the mathematics behind Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics.
Monitoring Long Term Voltage Instability Due to Distribution and Transmission Interaction Using Unbalanced $\mu$ PMU and PMU Measurements

This paper extends the idea of the Thevenin equivalent into unbalanced $3\phi $ circuits and proposes a $3\phi $ long-term voltage stability indicator (VSI), that can identify critical loads in a $3\phi $ system. Furthermore, in order to identify whether the voltage stability limit is due to the transmission network or a distribution network, a transmission-distribution distinguishing index (TDDI) is proposed. The novelty in the proposed indices is that they can account for the unbalance in the lines and loads, enabling them to use unbalanced phasor measurements naturally. This is supported by mathematical derivations and numerical results. A convex optimization formulation to estimate the $3\phi $ Thevenin equivalent using PMU and $\mu $ PMU measurements is proposed, making it possible to calculate VSI and TDDI in an online model-free manner. Numerical simulations performed using co-simulation between Pypower and GridlabD are presented for the IEEE 9 bus and the 30 bus transmission networks combined with several modified IEEE 13 node and 37 node distribution networks. These case studies validate the proposed $3\phi $ -VSI and TDDI over a wide range of scenarios and demonstrate the importance of $\mu $ PMU measurements in identifying the regions causing long term voltage instability.
Developing A Mathematical Model For Locating Facilities And Vehicles To Minimize Response Time

Traditional mathematical models for locating/allocating vehicles and facilities are reviewed and extended to illustrate how to formulate and solve a problem of minimized response time, given resource constraints. Results indicate that the average response time can be significantly improved through strategically allocating vehicles throughout the service area. Furthermore, the modified model was shown to outperform the traditional model as the number of vehicles allocated to a fixed number of facilities increase. Implications are identified for applications such public transit systems, wholesale and distribution operations.
Commitment to the University as Defined by the Allen and Meyer Model: Student-Athlete Versus Nonstudent-Athlete Differences

Organizational commitment to the university of student-athlete and nonstudent-athlete undergraduate college students was measured by modifying an established measure of affective, continuance, and ...
Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of the computerized dynamic posturography PROPRIO for adults with chronic traumatic brain injury.

Purpose: Balance deficits after brain injury, including reactive recovery from unexpected perturbations, can persist well after rehabilitation is concluded. While traditional clinical assessments a...
Huxley, Julian Sorell

Huxley was one of the most influential British biologists of his day. His many roles – research biologist, ornithologist, writer, adviser, administrator, ethologist, and ethicist – were all directed to the support and understanding of Darwinian evolution and its implications for society and the future of all life on this globe. Brought up in an era of skepticism toward Darwin’s theory, he saw the growing importance of Mendelian heredity and he perceived an incipient process that was melding together these two theories, giving to biology an unaccustomed unity. This was the subject of his most famous and influential book Evolution: The Modern Synthesis of 1942. Yet his position on natural selection was nuanced, not claiming that all adaptive variations are the product of natural selection.
The Russians are Coming, Again: Jeremy Kuzmarov and John Marciano, (New York: Monthly Review Press, 2018, 237 pp., $16)

The primary purpose of this book is to challenge the popular view that Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, represents a challenge to US democracy much as the former Soviet Union was alleged to have been...
Seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Emirati patients: A case series.

Abstract Objective To describe clinical and radiological characteristics of seropositive neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in Emirati patients. While epidemiology of seropositive NMO in Abu Dhabi has been reported in a previous paper, its clinical and MRI profiles among Emirati patients have not been previously fully investigated. Methods In our case series, we describe clinical and MRI characteristics of 5 Emirati patients with NMO, consecutively admitted at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a major tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Results Patients were all females, mean age of onset (SD) was 41 (11) years, and 67% had autoimmune comorbidities. Most patients initially presented with acute myelitis (80%) while 20% got optic neuritis. Mean (SD) number of further relapses after onset was 3 (1) and mean (SD) disease duration was 12 (11) years. At MRI, apparent longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis was present in all patients affecting mostly the central gray matter of the cervical cord but extending as well to the thoracic portion. Furthermore, seropositive NMO related brain lesions were also observed. Conclusions Our work provides valuable information regarding seropositive NMO with the potential to increase recognition of this disorder in Abu Dhabi and confirms NMO findings described in the other populations with this disorder. Further research is needed to advance clinical and MRI characterization of seronegative NMO in the region.
Central Moments Based Statistical Analysis for the Determination of Functional Sites in Proteins with Thematics

One of the big challenges in genomics is to obtain information related to protein function. Computational methods that allow fast and accurate determination are needed. We present here the application of a statistical analysis coupled with THEMATICS that allows the fast identification of functional sites in proteins. The method is amenable for automation and thus for the purpose of high throughput analysis. We show the detailed analysis of two proteins and a summary of the application of the method to a set of 15 proteins with diverse functions.
The First Outside Director

Little is known about the process by which pre-IPO companies select independent, outside board members—directors unaffiliated with the company or its investors. Private companies are not required to disclose their selection criteria or process, and are not required to satisfy the regulatory requirements for board members set out by public listing exchanges. In this Closer Look, we look at when, why, and how private companies add their first independent, outside director to the board. We ask: • Why do pre-IPO companies rely on very different criteria and processes to recruit outside directors than public companies do? • What does this teach us about governance quality? • How important are industry knowledge and managerial experience to board oversight? • How important are independence and monitoring? • Does a tradeoff exist between engagement and fit on the one hand and independence on the other?
Comparison of Methods for Surface Modification of Barium Titanate Nanoparticles for Aqueous Dispersibility: Toward Biomedical Utilization of Perovskite Oxides.

Colloidal perovskite barium titanate (BaTiO3, or BT) nanoparticles (NPs), conventionally used for applications in electronics, can also be considered for their potential as biocompatible computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. NPs of BT produced by traditional solid-state methods tend to have broad size distributions and poor dispersibility in aqueous media. Furthermore, uncoated BT NPs can be cytotoxic because of leaching of the heavy metal ion, Ba2+. Here, we present and compare three approaches for surface modification of BT NPs (8 nm) synthesized by the gel collection method to improve their aqueous stability and dispersibility. The first approach produced citrate-capped BT NPs that exhibited extremely high aqueous dispersibility (up to 50 mg/mL) and a small hydrodynamic size (11 nm). Although the high dispersibility was found to be pH-dependent, such aqueous stability sufficiently enabled a feasibility analysis of BT NPs as CT contrast agents. The second approach, a core/shell design, aimed to encapsulate BT nanoaggregates with a silica layer using a modified Stober method. A cluster of 7-20 NPs coated with a thick layer (20-100 nm) of SiO2 was routinely observed, producing larger NPs in the 100-200 nm range. A third approach was developed using a reverse-microemulsion method to encapsulate a single BT core within a thin (10 nm) silica layer, with an overall particle size of 29 nm. The -OH groups on the silica layer readily enabled surface PEGylation, allowing the NPs to remain highly stable in saline solutions. We report that the silica-coated BT NPs in both methods exhibited a low level of Ba2+ leaching (≤3% of total barium in NPs) in phosphate-buffered saline for 48 h compared to the unmodified BT NPs (14.4%).
652 Early outcomes of an app acute checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) care clinic

Background Checkpoint inhibitors continue to be used for a wide variety of oncologic and hematologic indications. Early recognition and intervention is crucial to prevent significant morbidity and/or mortality from immune related adverse events (irAE’s). Physicians and APPs outside of hematology/oncology practices are generally not familiar with these types of side effects which may lead to treatment delays, and inappropriate management. We recently identified this as a gap in continuity of care amongst patients undergoing CPI therapy for their malignancy, and therefore developed a CPI acute care outpatient clinic, designed to meet this need. Methods Starting April 2020, we developed an CPI focused clinic led by 3 APPs to provide outpatient irAE management 5 days a week. Three types of needs were identified: acute (within 24 hours), post hospitalization (within 48 hours of discharge), and long term follow-up (high grade irAE). Results From April 24-August 24, 2020 our CPI clinic had a total of 50 visits (30 unique patients). Given that many patients to our practice are from > 2 hours away, as well as the constraints of the current pandemic, visits were conducted as in person, video consult (telemedicine), or phone. The most common regimens for patients were PD-1 alone (10), PD-1 + targeted (7), dual CPI (6), PD-1 + chemotherapy, and clinical trial, PD-L1 alone, PD-L1 + chemotherapy (1 each). The top three types of malignancies seen were melanoma (7), lung (6) and gynecological (4). The most common irAE referral reason was hepatitis (8), diarrhea/colitis (6) and thyroiditis (4). Only three patients (10%) required higher level care (i.e ED or admission) than was able to be provided in the clinic. Twenty-two patients (73%) required steroids as their initial treatment for irAE, with 4 patients (13%) requiring referral to other specialties. Twelve patients (40%) presented with ≥2 irAE’s at the time of being seen in clinic. Conclusions Herein we present early data from an acute care APP led CPI outpatient clinic. Most patients required initiation of steroids for their irAE, however only a small majority required higher level of care and were able to be managed as an outpatient. We acknowledge that while our cohort of patients is small, it does provide early evidence of the utility of a CPI acute care clinic and additional hypothesis generating clinical questions. Ethics Approval This study was approved by the institutional review board at Mayo Clinic
Donation after circulatory death is associated with increased fibrosis on 1-year post-transplant kidney allograft surveillance biopsy.

The use of kidneys donated after circulatory death (DCD) provides an invaluable expansion of the organ supply for transplantation. Here we investigated the effect of DCD on fibrotic changes on 1-year post-transplant surveillance kidney allograft biopsy. Recipients of a deceased donor kidney transplant between 2013 and 2017 at a single institution, who survived 1 year and underwent surveillance biopsy, were included in the analysis (n = 333: 87 DCD kidneys, 246 kidneys donated after brain death [DBD]). Banff scores for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were summed as IFTA and compared between the groups. DCD and DBD groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. Delayed graft function was 39% in DCD vs. 19% in DBD, p = 0.0002. Patient and graft survival were comparable for DCD and DBD cohorts. IFTA scores were higher in DCD compared to DBD (2.43±0.13 vs. 2.01±0.08, p = 0.0054). On multivariate analysis, the odds of IFTA>2 in the DCD group was 2.5x higher (95%CI: 1.35-4.63) than in the DBD group. Within the DCD group, kidneys with IFTA>2 had inferior 5-year graft survival (p = 0.037). In conclusion, compared DBD kidneys, DCD kidneys developed a greater degree of fibrotic changes on 1-year post-transplant surveillance biopsy, which affected graft longevity within the DCD cohort. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Near-Optimal Statistical Query Hardness of Learning Halfspaces with Massart Noise.

We study the problem of PAC learning halfspaces with Massart noise. Given labeled samples $(x, y)$ from a distribution $D$ on $\mathbb{R}^{d} \times \{ \pm 1\}$ such that the marginal $D_x$ on the examples is arbitrary and the label $y$ of example $x$ is generated from the target halfspace corrupted by a Massart adversary with flipping probability $\eta(x) \leq \eta \leq 1/2$, the goal is to compute a hypothesis with small misclassification error. The best known $\mathrm{poly}(d, 1/\epsilon)$-time algorithms for this problem achieve error of $\eta+\epsilon$, which can be far from the optimal bound of $\mathrm{OPT}+\epsilon$, where $\mathrm{OPT} = \mathbf{E}_{x \sim D_x} [\eta(x)]$. While it is known that achieving $\mathrm{OPT}+o(1)$ error requires super-polynomial time in the Statistical Query model, a large gap remains between known upper and lower bounds. In this work, we essentially characterize the efficient learnability of Massart halfspaces in the Statistical Query (SQ) model. Specifically, we show that no efficient SQ algorithm for learning Massart halfspaces on $\mathbb{R}^d$ can achieve error better than $\Omega(\eta)$, even if $\mathrm{OPT} = 2^{-\log^{c} (d)}$, for any universal constant $c \in (0, 1)$. Furthermore, when the noise upper bound $\eta$ is close to $1/2$, our error lower bound becomes $\eta - o_{\eta}(1)$, where the $o_{\eta}(1)$ term goes to $0$ when $\eta$ approaches $1/2$. Our results provide strong evidence that known learning algorithms for Massart halfspaces are nearly best possible, thereby resolving a longstanding open problem in learning theory.
Effec tiveness Of An On-line Computerized Eye Movement Training Program to Improve Oculomotor Control In Adults Readers: A Pilot Study

This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of an on-line computerized eye movement training program in improving reading eye movement skills and reading comprehension in adult readers. Subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group received 10 weeks of on-line computerized eye movement training, while the control group received no training. Subjects who completed the training program demonstrated improved reading eye movements, without appreciable change in reading comprehension. There were few or no changes in targeted variables with control group subjects. The use of the on-line computerized eye movement training program shows promise as a tool to enhance oculomotor efficiency with adult readers. Additional research incorporating a more diverse and larger sample size will be needed to corifirm this finding.
Energetic winds from low mass young stellar objects

The wind properties from low mass young stellar objects, including deeply embedded infrared sources, classical T Tauri stars and weak emission pre-main sequence stars (“naked” T Tauri stars) are reviewed. Wind diagnostics for these objects are described and wind properties such as ubiquity, morphology, and energetics are compared. Energetic winds are found only among those objects for which there is evidence for circumstellar disks. We offer the hypothesis that the presence of energetic winds and opaque circumstellar disks are linked, and that accretion of material from the disk may be the ultimate powering source for the wind.
The Evolution of Magnanimity : When is It Better to Give than to Receive?

Conspicuous consumption associated with status reinforcement behavior can be explained in terms of costly signaling, or strategic handicap theory, first articulated by Zahavi and later formalized by Grafen. A theory is introduced which suggests that the evolutionary raison d'etre of status reinforcement behavior lies not only in its effects on lifetime reproductive success, but in its positive effects on the probability of survival through infrequent, unpredictable demographic bottlenecks. Under some circumstances, such "wasteful" displays may take the form of displays of altruistic behavior and generosity on the part of high status individuals, in that is signals the ability to bear the short-term costs of being generous or "cooperative," while at the same time reinforcing the long-term benefits of higher status.
Concept Analysis: Nurse-to-Nurse Lateral Violence

PURPOSE. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of nurse-to-nurse lateral violence (LV). SOURCE. Published literature-LV among nurses is significant and results in social, psychological, and physical consequences, negative patient and nursing outcomes, and damaged relationships. An extensive review of literature through Health Source, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ProQuest health, and Medical Complete was used to determine agreement and disagreement across disciplines and emerging trends. CONCLUSION. This concept analysis demonstrates that nurse-to-nurse LV is nurse-to-nurse aggression with overtly or covertly directing dissatisfaction toward another. Origins include role issues, oppression, strict hierarchy, disenfranchising work practices, low self-esteem, powerlessness perception, anger, and circuits of power. The result of this analysis provides guidance for further conceptual and empirical research as well as for clinical practice. Organizations must learn how to eliminate antecedents and provide nurses with skills and techniques to eradicate LV to improve the nursing work environment, patient care outcomes, and nurse retention. Language: en
Identity and Violence: The Illusion of Destiny

In this brilliant short book, Amartya Sen argues that most of the conflicts in the contemporary world arise from individuals' notions of who they are, and which groups they belong to local, national, religious - which define themselves in opposition to others. Our identification with these groups determines, for example, which side we belong to in a war, and whether we are an object of hatred by others or a member of a privileged caste. If we are to overcome and resolve conflicts in our increasingly globalised world, we need to recognise that we all have multiple identities and that we share most of those identities with others than our differences make us distinct from them.