cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethics committee consultation due to conflict over life-sustaining treatment: A sociodemographic investigation

ABSTRACTBackground: The bioethics literature contains speculation but little data about sociodemographic differences between patients for whom ethics committees (EC) are consulted for conflict about life-sustaining treatment (LST) and the broader hospital population that these committees serve. To provide an empirical context for this discussion, we examined differences in five sociodemographic factors between patients for whom an EC was consulted for conflict over LST and the general inpatient population, hypothesizing that nonwhite patients were most likely to be disproportionately represented. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study comparing self-reported race/ethnicity, household income, insurance status, primary language, and religious affiliation between patients involved in EC consultations for conflict over LST and the general adult inpatient population at a large academic hospital from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2013. Results: There were 169 EC consultations involving conflict ...
Efficient Secure Outsourcing of Large-scale Quadratic Programs

The massive amount of data that is being collected by today's society has the potential to advance scientific knowledge and boost innovations. However, people often lack sufficient computing resources to analyze their large-scale data in a cost-effective and timely way. Cloud computing offers access to vast computing resources on an on-demand and pay-per-use basis, which is a practical way for people to analyze their huge data sets. However, since their data contain sensitive information that needs to be kept secret for ethical, security, or legal reasons, many people are reluctant to adopt cloud computing. For the first time in the literature, we propose a secure outsourcing algorithm for large-scale quadratic programs (QPs), which is one of the most fundamental problems in data analysis. Specifically, based on simple linear algebra operations, we design a low-complexity QP transformation that protects the private data in a QP. We show that the transformed QP is computationally indistinguishable under a chosen plaintext attack (CPA), i.e., CPA-secure. We then develop a parallel algorithm to solve the transformed QP at the cloud, and efficiently find the solution to the original QP at the user. We implement the proposed algorithm on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) and a laptop. We find that our proposed algorithm offers significant time savings for the user and is scalable to the size of the QP.
Hubbell Trading Post: Trade, Tourism, and the Navajo Southwest . By Erica Cottam.

Hubbell Trading Post: Trade, Tourism, and the Navajo Southwest . By Erica Cottam. (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2015. xii + 356 pp. Illustrations, maps, notes, bibliography, index. $29.95.) Erica Cottam’s Hubbell Trading Post is an engaging history of the Hubbell Trading Post and the Hubbell trading empire. Telling her story within the context of local and national influences, Cottam leaves no stone unturned; and, while she provides a detailed history, she never bores the reader with irrelevant minutiae. Begun as a historic resource study for the National Park Service that was developed into an Arizona State University dissertation and ultimately condensed to book length, Cottam’s study is exhaustive. Cottam has done … Jen.mclerran{at}nau.edu
Dynamic culture yields engineered myocardium with near-adult functional output.

Engineered cardiac tissues hold promise for cell therapy and drug development, but exhibit inadequate function and maturity. In this study, we sought to significantly improve the function and maturation of rat and human engineered cardiac tissues. We developed dynamic, free-floating culture conditions for engineering "cardiobundles", 3-dimensional cylindrical tissues made from neonatal rat cardiomyocytes or human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) embedded in fibrin-based hydrogel. Compared to static culture, 2-week dynamic culture of neonatal rat cardiobundles significantly increased expression of sarcomeric proteins, cardiomyocyte size (∼2.1-fold), contractile force (∼3.5-fold), and conduction velocity of action potentials (∼1.4-fold). The average contractile force per cross-sectional area (59.7 mN/mm2) and conduction velocity (52.5 cm/s) matched or approached those of adult rat myocardium, respectively. The inferior function of statically cultured cardiobundles was rescued by transfer to dynamic conditions, which was accompanied by an increase in mTORC1 activity and decline in AMPK phosphorylation and was blocked by rapamycin. Furthermore, dynamic culture effects did not stimulate ERK1/2 pathway and were insensitive to blockers of mechanosensitive channels, suggesting increased nutrient availability rather than mechanical stimulation as the upstream activator of mTORC1. Direct comparison with phenylephrine treatment confirmed that dynamic culture promoted physiological cardiomyocyte growth rather than pathological hypertrophy. Optimized dynamic culture conditions also augmented function of human cardiobundles made reproducibly from cardiomyocytes derived from multiple hPSC lines, resulting in significantly increased contraction force (∼2.5-fold) and conduction velocity (∼1.4-fold). The average specific force of 23.2 mN/mm2 and conduction velocity of 25.8 cm/s approached the functional metrics of adult human myocardium. In conclusion, we have developed a versatile methodology for engineering cardiac tissues with a near-adult functional output without the need for exogenous electrical or mechanical stimulation, and have identified mTOR signaling as an important mechanism for advancing tissue maturation and function in vitro.
Natural Products from the Red Seaweed Delisea Fimbriata

The exceptional feature of marine natural products chemistry which sets it apart from the more traditional natural products chemistry is the wide-spread incorporation of the halogens into organic compounds. It seems obvious, after the fact, that this rich halogen metabolism is a result of the high concentration of halide ions in sea water. The seaweeds appear to be the primary site of halogen incorporation. Among the seaweeds, the Rhodophyta have yielded the largest number of halogen metabolites. The Bonnemaisoniaceae family is, as yet, the only one which incorporates all three of the common halogens, bromine, chlorine, and iodine, into organic metabolites. The compounds found are usually simple molecules which are often volatile1,2,3. Another feature of the compounds of Bonnemaisoniaceae is their toxicity. Many of them are alkylating agents. This chemical armament is probably the reason for our observation of Asparagopsis taxiformis growing in the open on Pacific coral reefs, where most algae are heavily grazed by the diverse animal life.
Cyclotides: Overview and Biotechnological Applications

Cyclotides are globular microproteins with a unique head-to-tail cyclized backbone, stabilized by three disulfide bonds forming a cystine knot. This unique circular backbone topology and knotted arrangement of three disulfide bonds makes them exceptionally stable to chemical, thermal, and biological degradation compared to other peptides of similar size. In addition, cyclotides have been shown to be highly tolerant to sequence variability, aside from the conserved residues forming the cystine knot. Cyclotides can also cross cellular membranes and are able to modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions, both in vitro and in vivo. All of these features make cyclotides highly promising as leads or frameworks for the design of peptide-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. This article provides an overview on cyclotides and their applications as molecular imaging agents and peptide-based therapeutics.
Pseudomonas keratitis. The role of an uncharacterized exoprotein, protease IV, in corneal virulence.

Purpose The role of exoproteins in the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis was investigated in three animal models by assessing the relationship between corneal virulence and the activities of exotoxin A, elastase, alkaline protease, and an uncharacterized protease, protease IV. Methods The four Pseudomonal strains tested included a prototype strain (ATCC 27853) producing exotoxin A, elastase, and alkaline protease; a parent strain (PA103) producing only exotoxin A and protease IV; a mutant (PA103-29) producing only protease IV; and a mutant (PA103-AP1) producing exotoxin A and having only approximately 5% of the protease IV activity of its parent. Corneal virulence was evaluated in the mouse scratch, rabbit scratch, and rabbit intrastromal models in terms of clinical signs (slit lamp examination, slit lamp examination), and viable bacteria. Results Protease IV, the only protease produced by PA103 and PA103-29, was found to produce a unique band on zymograms (120 kDa) and to react distinctively with a synthetic substrate. Evidence for the role of protease IV in corneal virulence included two findings: PA103-29,which produced protease IV but not the other exoproteins, caused infections that were as severe as those caused by the prototype strain (ATCC 27853) in all three models (P>0.24); and PA103-AP1, the strain deficient in 95% of the parent protease IV activity, mediated infections characterized by slit lamp examination scores significantly lower than those of infections caused by the parent (PA103) or the prototype strain (ATCC 27853) in the rabbit and mouse scratch models (P Conclusions Protease IV was found to be a novel Pseudomonas protease contributing to corneal virulence in rabbits and mice when infections were initiated at the corneal surface. Furthermore, production of protease IV in low quantities was sufficient for virulence when the topical stages of keratitis were bypassed by an intrastromal injection of Pseudomonas.
Strategic action or self-control? Adolescent information management and delinquency.

Abstract Recent scholarship has begun to challenge the prevailing view that children are passive recipients of parental socialization, including the common belief that parental disciplinary practices are central to explaining adolescent problem behaviors. This research shows that children exert a significant influence over parents via information management, or the degree to which children disclose information about their behavior to parents. Despite the incorporation of child information management into contemporary models of parenting, significant theoretical and empirical concerns cast doubt on its utility over classic parent-centered approaches. The current paper addresses these concerns and adjudicates between disparate definitions of adolescent information management in two ways. First, it provides a theoretically grounded definition of information management as agentic behavior. Second, it specifies a model that tests definitions of secret keeping as agentic against a non-agentic definition of secret keeping supplied by criminological theories of self-control. The model is estimated with three four-wave cross-lagged panel models, which disentangle the interrelationships between parenting, child concealment of information, and child problem behavior in a sample of high risk youth. The results offer support for a definition of concealment as strategic and self-regarding, and have implications for research on delinquency, parent-child interactions, and child agency.
Baseline evaluation of the impact of updates to the MIT Earth System Model on its model parameter estimates

Abstract. For over 20 years, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Earth System Model (MESM) has been used extensively for climate change research. The model is under continuous development with components being added and updated. To provide transparency in the model development, we perform a baseline evaluation by comparing model behavior and properties in the newest version to the previous model version. In particular, changes resulting from updates to the land surface model component and the input forcings used in historical simulations of climate change are investigated. We run an 1800-member ensemble of MESM historical climate simulations where the model parameters that set climate sensitivity, the rate of ocean heat uptake, and the net anthropogenic aerosol forcing are systematically varied. By comparing model output to observed patterns of surface temperature changes and the linear trend in the increase in ocean heat content, we derive probability distributions for the three model parameters. Furthermore, we run a 372-member ensemble of transient climate simulations where all model forcings are fixed and carbon dioxide concentrations are increased at the rate of 1 % year −1 . From these runs, we derive response surfaces for transient climate response and thermosteric sea level rise as a function of climate sensitivity and ocean heat uptake. We show that the probability distributions shift towards higher climate sensitivities and weaker aerosol forcing when using the new model and that the climate response surfaces are relatively unchanged between model versions. Because the response surfaces are independent of the changes to the model forcings and similar between model versions with different land surface models, we suggest that the change in land surface model has limited impact on the temperature evolution in the model. Thus, we attribute the shifts in parameter estimates to the updated model forcings.
Effect of tropically adapted sire breeds on preweaning growth of F1 Angus calves and reproductive performance of their Angus dams

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of tropically adapted sire breeds on preweaning growth performance of F1 calves and on reproductive performance of their Angus dams. Angus (A) cows were bred in two consecutive years (1992 and 1993) by AI using semen from Brahman (B; Bos indicus; n = 10), Senepol (S; Bos taurus; n = 10), and Tuli (T; Sanga; n = 9) bulls. A total of 82 B x A, 85 S x A, and 91 T x A calves were born. The statistical model included the fixed effects of year, sire breed, calf sex, sire breed x calf sex, and cow parity and the random effect of sire within sire breed. Birth weight, weaning weight, 205-d adjusted weaning weight, ADG from birth to weaning, and hip height at weaning were greater (P .10) length of gestation, and sire breed did not affect the interval from calving to first observed estrus or pregnancy in Angus dams. These results demonstrate that preweaning growth performance of B x A calves was greater than that of either S x A or T x A calves. However, use of Brahman sires on Angus dams led to calving problems and tended to reduce the percentage of calves that survived until weaning. Thus, heavier weaning weights of B x A calves would be an advantage for cow-calf producers marketing calves, but heavier birth weights and calving difficulty attributed to Brahman sires would be a disadvantage.
Materials selection, processing, and manufacturing for a design of an elbow joint replacement prototype

A new design for a canine elbow joint replacement was manufactured and assembled. The design incorporates a ceramic ball for articulation with radius and ulna components and a bioactive ceramic for tissue contact. A variety of materials were considered, with zirconiatoughened alumina selected as the wear surface, stainless steel as the structural backbone, and osteoceramic as the bioactive bone interface. The ceramic components were manufactured by cold isostatic pressing the powders, firing the formed rods to an intermediate temperature for strength, and then machining them before a final sintering. A modified osteoceramic bone cement with better flow characteristics was chosen instead of poly(methylmethacrylate) bone cement for fixation of the ulna component.
Racial discrimination and metabolic control in women with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether self-reported racial discrimination was associated with insulin resistance (IR) and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) in women with type 2 diabetes in the United States, after controlling for covariates. METHODS: Seventy-seven Black and White women with type 2 diabetes completed the Experiences of Discrimination Scale, which assesses self-reported lifetime frequency of racially motivated discrimination. Participants provided fasting blood samples for assessment of glucose and insulin for determination of IR and A1c. Covariates included age, education, waist circumference, diabetes distress, and stressful life events. RESULTS: In unadjusted regression analysis discrimination was significantly associated with IR. There was a trend for a race by discrimination interaction, with a weaker effect for Blacks than Whites. Follow up analysis showed that discrimination was significantly associated with IR in both Blacks and Whites, even after adjustment, as was waist circumference. In unadjusted regression analysis, discrimination was significantly associated with A1c. There was a significant race by discrimination interaction. Follow up analysis showed that discrimination was not significantly associated with A1c among Blacks, but was among Whites, even after adjustment, as was diabetes distress and insulin use. CONCLUSIONS: Racial discrimination is associated with insulin resistance in Black and White women with diabetes, and with A1c in White women with diabetes.
ALLOYS OF AMORPHOUS HYDROGENATED SILICON

Alloys of α-Si:H are discussed with emphasis on the alloying element germanium. These alloys have been prepared in a triode d.c. glow discharge or a diode r.f. glow discharge system. Composition optical and electrical properties are described. The alloys produced by the two deposition techniques differ substantially. The second portion of the paper deals with the formation of heterojunction between these alloys from the point of structural mismatch. The average tetrahedral radius of network forming elements is proposed as the criterion for the density of interface defects.
Application of Computer-Aided Remote Sensing and Potential Hazard Analysis to Improve Mine Design

SUMMARY The primary thrust of the Bureau of Mines remote sensing research program has been in the area of ground control planning. Because of the safety problems, down-time, and costs involved with unanticipated hazardous ground conditions, accounting for potential hazards in mine plans can add considerably to the safety and productivity of underground coal mines. Potential causes of ground control problems include the Intersections and/or local concentrations of fractures or fracture sets (faults, joints, etc.) and sandstone paleo-channels. In the Western United States, these geologic features can often be detected at the surface in a mining area as lineaments (linear features) on satellite images and aerial photographs. The full hazard analysis involves the inclusion of data from field checking both on the surface and underground at the mine site and the corroboration of lineaments as real geologic features in the subsurface by other geological and geophysical data. By cross-comparison in the computer, these data may also indicate the degree and type of hazard that can be associated with the lineaments. Computerized remote sensing analysis minimizes interpreter bias (or dependence on level of experience) and facilitates the lineament analysis, subsequent editing, and data comparison.
Effects of Austenite Stability on Forming and Work Hardening Behavior of 1.2 GPa Gen3 AHSS

For this study, three 1.2GPa Gen3 AHSS grades with different steel designs were selected for an industrial stamping trial of a B Pillar part. Formability analyses were performed using an Argus system, the material work hardening was evaluated using sub-size tensile specimens sampled from different locations of the formed part and the TRIP effect was quantified using X-Ray diffraction. It was found that the strain distribution and strain localization are strongly related with the microstructural phase composition of the steel and with the mechanical stability of the retained austenite. The increase of the mechanical properties of the formed part represents a combined effect of strain hardening and transformation strengthening. The paint baking contribution to the increase of the yield strength of the formed panels decreases above certain percentage of induced effective strains. The remaining austenite after forming shows high thermal stability at the paint curing temperature.
Ab Initio Studies on the Stopping Power of Warm Dense Matter with Time-Dependent Orbital-Free Density Functional Theory

Electronic transport properties of warm dense matter, such as electrical or thermal conductivities and nonadiabatic stopping power, are of particular interest to geophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). One example is the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle stopping power of dense deuterium-tritium (DT) plasmas, which must be precisely known for current small-margin ICF target designs to ignite. We have developed a time-dependent orbital-free density functional theory (TD-OF-DFT) method for ab initio investigations of the charged-particle stopping power of warm dense matter. Our current dependent TD-OF-DFT calculations have reproduced the recently well-characterized stopping power experiment in warm dense beryllium. For $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle stopping in warm and solid-density DT plasmas, the ab initio TD-OF-DFT simulations show a lower stopping power up to $\ensuremath{\sim}25%$ in comparison with three stopping-power models often used in the high-energy-density physics community.
The Development and Application of a DC Microgrid Testbed for Distributed Microgrid Energy Management System

The microgrid is envisioned to be the building block of the future smart grid, for its abilities to host distributed energy resources, to improve grid reliability, and to enhance system resiliency. One of the most studied research topics of the microgrid is the distributed microgrid energy management system. However, the algorithm prototyping and hardware validation still remain great challenges at the current stage. This paper proposes a highly scalable, customizable, and low-cost DC microgrid testbed framework that enables fast distributed MG-EMS prototyping and provides proof-of-concept validation. Moreover, an application example is presented to demonstrate the functionality and validity of the proposed microgrid testbed.
Command fiber control of crayfish abdominal movement

1. The control of abdominal extension and flexion movements in the crayfishOrconectes rusticus, O. virilis andProcambarus clarkii was examined by monitoring the afferent and efferent unit activities in the dorsal nerve of the second abdominal segment during unrestrained abdominal extensions and flexions which were evoked by stimulation of command fibers (CFs) in the circumesophageal connective (CC). 2. CFs which when stimulated generate coordinated extensions and flexions are present in the CC ofP. clarkii. 3. Two classes of extension CFs are present in the CC ofP. clarkii: 1. those which excite the motor neuron (#4) which innervates the tonic receptor muscle (RM1) of the muscle receptor organ; 2. those which excite one or more of the excitatory motorneurons which do not innervate RM1 (#2, #3 and #6). 4. The extensor motorneurons are activated in reciprocal sets by CF stimulation. The inhibitory motor neuron (#5) is silent during CF evoked extensions (inP. clarkii.) 5. During flexion CF stimulation the inhibitory extensor motorneuron is excited while activity in the excitatory extensor motorneurons is suppressed. 6. The strong reciprocity observed in the superficial extensor motor neuron (SEMN) activities evoked by CF stimulation contrasts with the weak reciprocity which is characteristic of extensor motorneuron activities generated by the intact animal which moves its abdomen in response to a strong sensory stimulus (Sokolove, 1973). This difference in reciprocity supports the hypothesis that an intact animal initiates a postural movement of its abdomen by the conjoint excitation of several CFs. 7. Few if any extension CFs are present in the CC ofO. rusticus orO. virilis.
Optimizing Order-Associative Kernel Computation with Joint Memory Banking and Data Reuse

In this paper, we develop a joint strategy of memory banking and data reuse to specifically optimize the memory performance of any given order-associative and stencil-based computing kernel i.e., its iteration order can be reordered freely without compromising its correctness. Given any shape of stencil kernel, our methodology can achieve throughput of 1 kernel per clock cycle with only two memory banks and two data reuse buffers of constant small buffer sizes provided order-associativeness is given. This is a huge leap over all existing results for general stencil-based computing, where, depending the specific data reuse method, either a number of data reuse buffers proportional to the stencil size are required or a potentially problem-dependent reuse buffer size is needed. Furthermore, the optimal memory partition factor of existing methods is typically proportional to the actual stencil size of a given kernel, whereas in our method, the number of memory banks remains to be 2 irrespective of the stencil shape and size. On average, when compared with the mainstream methods, our approach achieves approximately 30-70% reduction in hardware usage, while improving performance by about 15%. Moreover, the number of independent memory banks required to accomplish conflict-free data accesses have dropped by more than 30%.
Impact of body mass index on minimally invasive ventral hernia repair: an ACS-NSQIP analysis.

Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 is a known independent risk factor for complications following open ventral hernia repair (VHR). We sought to examine the relationship between BMI and minimally invasive VHR. The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for all patients age ≥ 18 years undergoing minimally invasive VHR (2005–2015). Patients were stratified into seven BMI classes: underweight (BMI 30 kg/m2. When stratified by BMI class, we found significant differences in age, gender, race, comorbidities, and pre-operative characteristics across groups. The overall complication rate was 4.0%, ranging from 3.0% for normal BMI patients, to 6.9% for patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2. Recurrent repairs and strangulated hernias both demonstrated higher complication rates. All complications (surgical and medical) were significantly associated with BMI class after adjustment (p < 0.0001). Patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 had a 1.4 times greater risk for complications than patients with normal BMIs (18–24.9 kg/m2, p = 0.01). BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 was determined to be an independent risk factor for surgical and medical complications after minimally invasive VHR.
Do Student Characteristics Affect Teachers' Decisions to Use 1:1 Instruction?

One-to-one instruction is a critical component of evidence-based instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder, but is not used as often as recommended. Student characteristics may affect teachers’ decisions to select a treatment and/or implement it. This study examined the associations between students’ clinical and demographic characteristics and teachers’ reported use of discrete trial training (DTT) and pivotal response training (PRT). Children’s higher sensory symptoms, lower social approach, lower verbal skills and higher self-regulation difficulties were associated with more frequent 1:1 DTT and PRT. Results suggest that teachers give more frequent 1:1 instruction to children with more observable impairments, do not match children to type of 1:1 intervention, and may inadvertently neglect other students for whom individualized intervention may still be beneficial.
Lattice QCD and Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering

This document is one of a series of white papers from the USQCD Collaboration. Here, we discuss opportunities for Lattice QCD in neutrino-oscillation physics, which inevitably entails nucleon and nuclear structure. In addition to discussing pertinent Lattice QCD calculations of nucleon and nuclear matrix elements, the interplay with models of nuclei is discussed. This program of Lattice QCD calculations is relevant to current and upcoming neutrino experiments, becoming increasingly important on the timescale of LBNF/DUNE and HyperK.
The Use of Simulations to Teach Social Work Practice with Diverse Clients

ABSTRACTThis study explored the use of simulation with Master’s level students to determine the efficacy of this approach in teaching advanced social work skills with diverse client populations. Th...
Utilizing learning analytics in course design: voices from instructional designers in higher education

Studies in learning analytics (LA) have garnered positive findings on learning improvement and advantages for informing course design. However, little is known about instructional designers’ perception and their current state of LA-related adoption. This qualitative study explores the perception of instructional designers in higher education regarding factors influencing their intent and actual practice of LA approach in course design practice, based on analysis of multiple strategies such as focus group, individual, and email interviews. Most instructional designers admitted LA had great potential, but adoption was limited. Their perception, intention, and the current state of adoption are affected by individual differences, system characteristics, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Findings have imperative implications for promoting effective implementation of LA approach in higher education.
Analysis of The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease, a massive open online course in oral medicine.

Objective The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the demographic characteristics of learners participating in The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease (TOC), the first massive open online course in oral medicine, and (2) assess worldwide interest in accessible, high-quality oral medicine education. Study Design TOC development and design was reviewed in detail to provide background for course organization and content. Learner demographic characteristics were gathered and analyzed to identify course participation and engagement. Results TOC premiered on September 17, 2017 as a novel source for oral medicine–based information. By March 1, 2020, TOC had 18,122 learners, of whom 4,641 enrolled. This sample included all age groups and genders, people of varied educational and employment backgrounds, and participants from 6 continents. Learners rated the course 4.9 out of 5 stars and submitted many positive reviews. Conclusions TOC provided oral medicine–based education to individuals with interests in dental, medical, and allied health professions. Interest in oral medicine–related education was supported by high learner engagement in this course with wide global distribution.
Open Educational Resource Exercises for Fisheries Classes

Open Educational Resources (OERs) represent any form of educational resource that is available free of charge Few OERs exist for courses in fisheries or other life science courses, and the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic only exacerbates the need for such resources To rectify this shortcoming, we build on earlier work (Grossman and Chernoff 2018) and present four OERs designed for fisheries classes The OERs may be used as described or may be modified for different class levels by varying their complexity and outcomes The OERs examine behavioral repertoires and time budgets of Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus, factors affecting winners and losers of intraspecific interactions in interior Dolly Varden Charr Salvelinus malma, the effects of velocity on foraging success of Brook Trout S fontinalis, and an exploration of animal abundance and spatial distributions in a soft-bottom habitat at 875m depth in Monterey Bay, California We also provide a grading rubric for the first exercise that is easily modified for the other exercises These exercises should aid fisheries instructors in a time when remote pedagogy may be a necessity © 2020 American Fisheries Society
The Inner Voice in Dreams: Reply to Dr. Brent Willock

In this response to the comprehensive commentary of my paper by Dr. Willock (this issue), I underscore the complexity of the multiple self-state interactions that appear to be managed by an “Execut...
Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee: unicompartmental correlation to meniscal pathology and degree of chondrosis by MRI.

To assess the relationship between low- and high-grade subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) and meniscal tear/type/location, severity of meniscal extrusion, grade of chondrosis, and extent of surrounding edema-like marrow signal intensity. Our retrospective study included 219 patients with knee pain and SIFK seen on MRI. SIFK lesions were categorized from grade 1 to 4 with a low grade (1 and 2) vs high grade (3 and 4) distinction. Associations between SIFK grade, location, lesion dimensions, edema-like marrow signal intensity, incidence of meniscal tears/type/location, and chondrosis (grade 0 to grade 4), as well as patients’ age and weight, were assessed. Our analysis consisted of 115 males and 104 females with 17% of the patients showing grade 1 SIFK, 59% grade 2, 16% grade 3, and 8% grade 4. No chondrosis or low-grade chondrosis was mostly present in patients with low-grade SIFK (68.9%), whereas high-grade chondrosis was mostly present in patients with high-grade SIFK lesions (65.4%) (p < 0.01). Further sub-analysis demonstrated that high-grade SIFK was associated with high-grade chondrosis in the same compartment (p < 0.01) but not in the adjacent compartment. There was a significant difference in the extent of edema-like marrow signal intensity between the two groups, with high-grade SIFK more frequently demonstrating severe edema-like marrow signal intensity compared to low-grade SIFK (p < 0.01). High-grade SIFK lesions are associated with unicompartmental high-grade chondrosis.
Movement Capital, RAW model, or circumstances? A meta-analysis of perceived employability predictors

Abstract Within the context of modern, turbulent careers, perceived employability (PE)—one's perceived chances of obtaining a new job—has risen in importance as a crucial psychological resource that enables individuals to better cope with and navigate this environment. Increased attention to the construct has brought tremendous interest into its determinants. Several models of employability determinants have been proposed to account for PE, each taking a different perspective concerning what it means to be employable. Although hundreds of studies evaluating relationships between variables outlined by these models and PE have been carried out, the literature is scattered and contradictory. The various predictor models outline unique sets of PE determinants. Further, the specific operationalizations of these determinants vary widely across studies, as do the empirical findings. There also exists a paucity of research attempting to compare and contrast findings between these models, thus the relative strengths and weaknesses of these various frameworks in accounting for PE are unknown. To address these issues, drawing upon influential models of PE determinants, we carry out a comprehensive meta-analytic review of the literature, spanning 202 studies (k = 221 independent samples). We observed evidence suggesting that, among the various models applied, Movement Capital dimensions (i.e., human capital, social capital, career insight, adaptability) consistently exhibited the most robust correlations with PE. We also observed some evidence suggesting that certain relationships are truncated for unemployed individuals as compared to employees or students. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Magnetic Core Loss and Material Characterization

This chapter focuses on calculating magnetic material losses and characterizing magnetic materials, especially with regard to loss. First, eddy current loss and then hysteresis loss is considered, and behavioral models to predict these losses is set forth. Next, experimental procedures to characterize the material anhysteretic B–H characteristic and losses are discussed. The chapter considers a variety of empirical or behavioral approaches to modeling core loss. Then, it addresses the problem of experimentally obtaining loss coefficients for empirical core loss models, such as the modified Steinmetz equation model. The chapter considers time‐domain models for modeling hysteresis. An alternate approach to the time‐domain modeling of magnetic behavior is the Jiles–Atherton model. This approach is very attractive in that it represents hysteresis with a first‐order ordinary differential equation.
Machine Vision and Digital Image Processing Fundamentals

How to apply machine vision technology and digital imaging to an industrial process. Coverage includes: lighting systems, economic aspects, dimensional errors due to quantification, RGB and CMYB color systems, filters, bar code systems. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
Creating pathways towards aromatic building blocks and fine chemicals

Aromatic compounds represent a broad class of chemicals with a range of industrial applications, all of which are conventionally derived from petroleum feedstocks. However, owing to a diversity of available pathway precursors along with natural and engineered enzyme 'parts', microbial cell factories can be engineered to create alternative, renewable routes to many of the same aromatic products. Drawing from the latest tools and strategies in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, such efforts are becoming an increasingly systematic practice, while continued efforts promise to open new doors to an ever-expanding range and diversity of renewable chemical and material products. This short review will highlight recent and notable achievements related for the microbial production of aromatic chemicals.
Effects of titanium mesh implant on dosimetry during Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Calvarial reconstruction following resection of tumors involving the skull is often followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. Prior studies have addressed the effects of various cranioplasty materials on dose distributions in linac-based radiosurgery. We aim to determine the effects of titanium mesh implants on Gamma Knife dose. Radiation backscatter and transmission were measured for eight types of titanium mesh using film, ion chamber, and Theratron Co-60 teletherapy device. A single mesh was selected for Gamma Knife irradiation using a CaSO 4 skull filled with ballistics gel. Dose profiles for reconstructed and intact skulls were compared with the planning system prediction at 2.5 and 5.5 cm depth. Titanium contact backscatter and transmission dose perturbations ranged from -18% to 23%. Radiation dose measured at 1.5 cm below the calvarial implant increased by 0.5% to 3.3% relative to bone. Measured Gamma Knife dose profile diameters agreed with expected profiles. Maximum dose within the intact phantom was 3% less than planned due to skull attenuation. Maximum dose within the reconstructed phantom was between the intact phantom and planned doses. Titanium mesh implants and hydroxyapatite cranioplasty result in minimal alteration (< 3%) in the delivered Gamma Knife dose.
Recognizing Objects in Smart Homes Based on Human Interaction

We propose a system to recognize objects with a camera network in a smart home. Recognizing objects in a home environment from images is challenging, due to the variation in object appearances such as chairs, as well as the clutters in the scene. Therefore, we propose to recognize objects through user interactions. A hierarchical activity analysis is first performed in the system to recognize fine-grained activities including eating, typing, cutting etc. The object-activity relationship is encoded in the knowledge base of a Markov logic network (MLN). MLN has the advantage of encoding relationships in an intuitive way with first-order logic syntax. It can also deal with both soft and hard constraints by associating weights to the formulas in the knowledge base. With activity observations, the defined MLN is grounded and turned into a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) to infer object type probabilities. We expedite inference by decomposing the MLN into smaller separate domains that relates to the active activity. Experimental results are presented with our testbed smart home environment.
Multidisciplinary approach to cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection with an appeal for attention to details in assessment and standardization in reporting.

Object The goal of this study was to evaluate the problems encountered in monitoring CSF shunt infection, including the collection, analysis, and reporting of data. The authors propose a system that would produce more accurate, and hence more meaningful, information on shunt infection than do the methodologies and customs now in common use. Methods The authors reviewed and analyzed 19 years of quarterly records of a committee that has addressed CSF shunt infection in an ongoing manner. Results There are strong incentives, political and otherwise, to identify low rates of CSF shunt infection. Details of the composition and operation of a multidisciplinary approach to CSF shunt infection are summarized. Many factors affect the occurrence of shunt infection and its accurate assessment and reporting. Easily accessible sources for the identification of cases of shunt infections and for the assessment of an at-risk population often contain discrepancies in significant numbers. Conclusions Multidisciplinary over...
A Method for Comparing Chess Openings

A quantitative method is described for comparing chess openings. Test openings and baseline openings are run through chess engines under controlled conditions and compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the test openings. The results are intuitively appealing and in some cases they agree with expert opinion. The specific contribution of this work is the development of an objective measure that may be used for the evaluation and refutation of chess openings, a process that had been left to thought experiments and subjective conjectures and thereby to a large variety of opinion and a great deal of debate
The negative inotropic effect of calcium overload in cardiac purkinje fibers

The role of calcium in increasing or decreasing the force of contraction was studied in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers perfused in vitro under conditions known to alter cellular calcium. The following results were obtained: (1) increasing calcium load by perfusing a low Na solution increases contractile force in the presence of a low concentration of strophanthidin and decreases it in high strophanthidin; (2) decreasing calcium load by decreasing extracellular calcium leads to opposite effects; (3) the positive inotropic effect of low [Na]0 becomes negative in the presence of high [Ca]0; (4) high K decreases contractile force and reverses the negative inotropic effect of low Na in the presence of high strophanthidin; (5) a low Na−Ca solution increases initially the contractile force: high strophanthidin reverses the effect at normal K and exaggerates at high K, as apparently calcium overload is relieved by high K; (6) a low Na−Ca solution slowly removes calcium overload induced by high strophanthidin; (7) a low [Na]0 solution does not decrease force in the presence of high strophanthidin if extracellular calcium is also low; (8) the rebound increase in force is shifted to lower calcium concentrations after exposure to a low sodium solution with or without strophanthidin, as calcium overload becomes greater. It is concluded that in Purkinje fibers calcium overload induced by different means leads to a decrease in contractile force and that the force decline can be reversed by decreasing cellular calcium either during or after calcium overloading.
Two-gap features in the specific heat of (M,K)Fe2As2 (M = Ba, Sr)

The specific heat coefficient ${C}_{p}/T$ was investigated for the optimally doped Ba${}_{0.6}$K${}_{0.4}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ and Sr${}_{0.55}$K${}_{0.45}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$. Previously, both the single- and the two-gap pairing have been suggested for Ba${}_{0.6}$K${}_{0.4}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ single crystals. Our analysis reveals that the controversy is mainly caused by the differences in the adopted phonon background. This is especially true in the (Ba,K)Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ system, in which the phonon contribution below 20 K significantly deviates from the simplified Debye model and, in addition, strongly depends on the doping. The different pairing features reported previously can be reproduced from the same ${C}_{p}/T$ data set if the respective phonon baselines are adopted. The soft-phonon shifts, therefore, were examined on the (Ba,K)Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ and (Sr,K)Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ systems, as well as the (Ba${}_{0.6}$K${}_{0.4}$)(Fe,Co)${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ system. The data show that although the K-Ba replacement may change the low-temperature slope $\ensuremath{\beta}=\frac{d\left({C}_{p}/T\right)}{d({T}^{2})}$ by 50%, the effects of both K-Sr and Co-Fe replacements are much weaker. The carrier part, ${C}_{e}/T$, is consequently extracted for both Sr${}_{0.55}$K${}_{0.45}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ and Ba${}_{0.6}$K${}_{0.4}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$. The two-gap features appear in both cases, but the coupling strength is much stronger for the Ba-based superconductors.
Benefits of Starting an EMBS Student Club/Chapter in Your University [Student's Corner]

Do you have an IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) Student Branch Chapter or club in your area? Forming a Chapter or club is much easier and beneficial than you can imagine. The following provides a brief guide on the process of opening a Chapter that will enable you to decide whether it would be worthwhile or not.
Learning control algorithm for nonlinear maps

A feedback optimal control algorithm is developed for $N$-dimensional maps, which uses learning-based feedback optimal control techniques. The algorithm has two steps: (1) Learn the control of a reference map containing a stochastic term. (2) Apply the learned control to the laboratory system employing real time feedback. The stochastic component of the learning step is important to provide a close knit family of controls to handle laboratory uncertainty and noise. As an example, the formalism is applied to simulated two- and three-dimensional nonlinear laboratory maps in the presence of noise.
Lesions of substantia nigra protect against experimentally induced seizures

Bilateral lesions of substantia nigra (SN) were evaluated for anticonvulsant effects in rats. Electrolytic and kainic acid lesions of SN reduced bicuculline-elicited seizure activity; lesions in the ventral midbrain tegmentum adjacent to SN were without an anticonvulsant effect. Lesions of SN also reduced the incidence and duration of tonic hindlimb extension in the maximal electroshock seizure test. Bilateral SN lesions appeared to decrease seizure susceptibility to a given stimulus intensity rather than altering the motor pattern of the seizures. Our results support the view that SN efferents constitute a critical gating mechanism in the propagation of seizure activity.
Adaptation of U.S. Water Management to Climate and Environmental Change

This study addresses the current status of U.S. water resource management adaptation at the river basin scale. Four large basins, the Colorado, Platte, and Delaware rivers, as well as the Everglades Basin were examined to gain a diverse national perspective. The research program utilized qualitative methods, including observation, interviews, and questionnaires, to survey diverse basin management participants. Fifty-four participants in the case basins were interviewed on their perceptions and actions concerning the effects of climate variability and change. The research objective was to compare the cases in an adaptation assessment. Water decision makers in the United States make basin resource decisions based on a local physical and sociocultural environment. Therefore, although climate change is a global hazard, the characteristic local responses are unique for each of the study basins. The most employed adaptation method currently cited is a paradigm shift from command and control of basin resources t...