cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Business practices and information strategy in performance improvement

Business practices facilitated by information strategies could potentially ensure the quality and improvement in organisational performance. It is evident that information technologies/information systems (IT/IS) has become a high value-adding enabler for organisational performance in today's aggressively competitive business. Implementation of large information systems, such as enterprise resources planning systems has been the prime enforcer of best practices in many organisations. With the help of a national survey of US manufacturing companies, this paper analyses the correlation between management practices and quality. The paper also identifies the domain of influence of information strategies in business performances.
Vitreous Web after Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Bevacizumab with Fluid-Air Exchange

Background: Intravitreal bevacizumab may result in intraocular inflammation of infectious and non-infectious etiology. Appropriate recognition of a sterile process can circumvent unnecessary treatment for endophthalmitis.Design: Observational case report.Methods: A marked web-like inflammatory response within the vitreous following intraoperative intravitreal bevacizumab is described in a patient with pre-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and epiretinal membrane who underwent pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peel, endolaser, and fluid-air exchange. Wide-field fundus photography captured the full extent of this reaction.Results: On post-operative day one, the patient presented with vitreous opacities in the form of a web of multiple white strands inferior to an air bubble, with minimal anterior or vitreous cell. At one week, the inflammatory reaction had completely resolved.Conclusion: Existing reports of intraocular inflammation following intravitreal bevacizumab range from uveitis to infe...
Effect of Pyridoxine Deficiency on the Metabolism of Linoleic Acid in the Rat

The influence of pyridoxine upon the metabolism of linoleic acid was studied in rats fed a pyridoxine-free diet for several weeks and then supplemented for 1 or 6 days with zero, 10 or 50 fig pyridoxine hydrochloride and given an oral tracer dose of methyl linoleate-l-I4C. Supplementation with 50 Mgfor 6 days reduced the amount of radioactivity expired as I4CO2.Supplementation also resulted in de creased amount of I4Cin lipids of liver and of testes. In both organs most of the I4C was in the phosphatide lipid. Extensive catabolism of linoleate-l-14C occurred in all groups with re-incorporation of 14Cinto saturated and unsaturated shorter chain fatty acids. In testicular phosphatides the amount of I4Cin linoleate was significantly reduced and the amount in shorter chain fatty acids and in other polyunsaturated acids increased by pyridoxine supplementation. There was no effect on I4C distribu tion in hepatic fatty acids. Pyridoxine supplementation for 6 days resulted in the following changes in fatty acid composition: slightly reduced concentrations of linoleate and slightly increased concentrations of arachidonate in liver phosphatides; slight increase in concentration of stearic acid in liver triglycA©rides; increase in con centration of arachidonate, slight increase in linoleate, and an increase in concentra tion of docosapentaenoate in testicular phosphatides; and an increase in concentration of docosapentaenoate in testicular triglycA©rides.
On extending Biot's theory of multiple scattering at low frequencies from acoustic to elastic media

Summary. We derive a linear, inhomogeneous boundary condition that approximately describes long-wavelength multiple scatter about a plane of spherical inclusions embedded in an elastic wholespace. This boundary condition relates the discontinuity in the displacement-stress vector to a description of the material properties of the inclusions and to spatial derivatives up to fourth order of the average displacement field across the plane. The boundary condition is an elastic medium analogue to Biot’s boundary condition for scattering in an acoustic medium. While the acoustic theory predicts that a plane of rigid, fixed inclusions can support a boundary wave, our results suggest that in elastic media analogous modes are leaky.
Warm Demander Pedagogy: Culturally Responsive Teaching that Supports a Culture of Achievement for African American Students.

This study operationalizes warm demander pedagogy as a component of culturally responsive teaching. These instructional methods emerged during a study that examined the pedagogy of two African American urban teachers as compared to the literature. Through observations and interviews, the study examined the following: (a) How did each teacher describe her instructional practices and beliefs? (b) What similarities and differences existed between the teachers’ practices and beliefs? (c) Was there evidence that the shared cultural/ethnic background of teachers and students influenced instructional practices? The study proposes warm demander and culturally responsive pedagogy to support a culture of achievement for students of color.
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF STEROID HORMONE SIGNALING IN PLANTS

Brassinosteroids (BRs), the polyhydroxylated steroid hormones of plants, regulate the growth and differentiation of plants throughout their life cycle. Over the past several years, genetic and biochemical approaches have yielded great progress in understanding BR signaling. Unlike their animal counterparts, BRs are perceived at the plasma membrane by direct binding to the extracellular domain of the BRI1 receptor S/T kinase. BR perception initiates a signaling cascade, acting through a GSK3 kinase, BIN2, and the BSU1 phosphatase, which in turn modulates the phosphorylation state and stability of the nuclear transcription factors BES1 and BZR1. Microarray technology has been used extensively to provide a global view of BR genomic effects, as well as a specific set of target genes for BES1 and BZR1. These gene products thus provide a framework for how BRs regulate the growth of plants.
Ectomycorrhizal communities of Quercus garryana are similar on serpentine and nonserpentine soils

Serpentine soils, rich in iron, magnesium, and heavy metals, select for unique plant communities and for endemic species. Because mycorrhizal fungi mediate the interaction between plants and soil, we hypothesized that distinct ectomycorrhizal fungi would colonize Quercus garryana roots on serpentine and nonserpentine soils. We sampled roots of Q. garryana on serpentine soils at two locations in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon and identified ectomycorrhizas by morphological and molecular methods. The same six most abundant and most frequent mycorrhizal species, Cenococcum geophilum, Tuber candidum, Genea harknessii, Tomentella sp., Sebacina sp., and Inocybe sp., were found on serpentine and nonserpentine soils. Based on similarities calculated using the Sorensen index in Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling, mycorrhizal communities on serpentine and nonserpentine soils were not significantly different. This study showed that ectomycorrhizal species associated with Q. garryana exhibit edaphic tolerance and were neither reduced nor excluded by serpentinite or peridotite parent materials.
The HIV Medication Taking Self-efficacy Scale: psychometric evaluation.

Aim This paper is a report of an examination of the psychometric properties of the HIV Medication Taking Self-efficacy Scale.
A multidisciplinary approach to improving the user experience: information development, test, and user experience design teams working together

In this paper we discuss how the combined efforts of three teams, Information Development (ID), Test, and User Experience Design (UED), improved the overall customer experience with store development in IBM® WebSphere® Commerce, a software package that enables merchants to host their businesses online.The project began in the spring of 2001 with a formal effort to solicit customer feedback on documentation. A few months later, a test team was created to simulate the customer experience. The test team performed the store development tasks as customers would, following only the instructions in the documentation. As ID and Test continued working together, they began to realize that, in order to improve the documentation, they had to revisit and improve the actual store development. This led to the involvement of the UED team.UED, Test, and ID continued working together to understand the store development processes our customers follow and the challenges they face. Through collaboration, the team identified areas for improvement in both the tools and the documentation, and developed an action plan to address these problems.
The rmal stresses in axially symmetric fracture mechanics problems for bodies with an external crack

The methcxl of integral transforms is used in this work to solve for both the temperature distribution and the stress function for several axially symmetric fracture mechanics problems. The problems considered are symmetric in temperature and stresses with respect to the plane of the crack. Due to the mixed boundary conditions in the plane of the crack, this method leads to two sets of dual integral equations. One of these is a result of solving the conduction problem, and the other occurs in the solution of the thermoelastic problem. In this work, the problem of determining stress intensity factors for an axially symmetric problem of an external circumferential crack in a long cylinder of finite radius is solved. The crack is opened up by a temperature applied on the crack face. Each set of dual integral equations is formulated into a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. The solution to the integral equation for the thermoelastic problem is directly related to the stress intensity factor for a crack of a given size. Each Fredholm integral equation is discretized into matrix form using an appropriate quadrature rule. The axially symmetric problem of an infinite linearly elastic-perfectly plastic body with an external crack is considered. An applied temperature on the crack surface gives rise to thermal stresses in the body. To account for small-scale plastic deformation near the crack tip, Dugdale's hypothesis is used. The size of the plastic zone, the temperature field, the normal stresses in the plane of the crack, and the displacement of the crack surface are found for several applied temperatures. An estimate of the plastic zone size for the finite cylinder is determined by extending the previous analysis using Dugdale's hypothesis.
Effective dose: a useful concept in diagnostic radiology.

Effective dose (E) was introduced by the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) to provide a summation of radiation doses to tissues and organs for radiological protection. For a non-uniform irradiation, E is designed to provide an estimate of the corresponding uniform whole-body dose that would result in the same stochastic detriment. E, which has the same units as equivalent dose, is obtained by summing individual organ equivalent doses (HT) multiplied by the corresponding tissue weighting factors.
The Safety and Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine When Used for More Than 24 Hours in an Adult Intensive Care Setting

Dexmedetomidine is a new analgesic and anxiolytic used in the intensive care setting. It has been indicated for use for less than 24 hours to aid in intubation or extubation of a patient. The advan...
Foam liquefaction model under abnormal thermal environment: a multiphase, coupled-physics, ALE approach.

Liquefaction has become an important topic to studies of abnormal thermal response of removable epoxy foam (REF). Based on x-ray videos of several component-scale heating experiments, REF undergoes decomposition and a liquefied, mobile phase is visible in all of the tests. Depending on pressure, level of confinement, and orientation of heating, this intermediate phase will either dissolve more foam, flow to other regions, or evaporate quickly. In order to capture the decomposition, liquefaction, and flow characteristics properly, this report describes a multiphase approach to model a foam liquefaction event. The corresponding moving-boundary problem is solved using GOMA. Movement of fluid-solid, vapor-fluid interfaces are tracked based on the arbitrary Lagrangian-Euleran technique. The model was calibrated against a set of sideheated experiments conducted at the Radiant Heat Facility. Results indicate sensitivity with respect to diffusivities of the reacting species and viscosity. The heat load balances in each of the three phases are also analyzed. Currently, this model predicts faster foam recession than experimentally observed due to the adiabatic assumption made about the thermal environment.
Brain cell karyotypes of six species of New and Old World sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Brain cell karyotypes of four Old World and two New World sand fly species are described and compared. Phlebotomus colabaensis Young & Chalam and Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti have three pairs of chromosomes (2N = 6); none are heteromorphic. Lutzomyia spinicrassa Morales, Osorno, Osorno & Hoyos, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli, and Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva have eight chromosomes (2N = 8); none are heteromorphic. In contrast, Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead has five pairs of chromosomes (2N = 10), one of which is a heteromorphic pair, X and Y. Cytogenetic similarities among certain other nematocerans and sand flies are discussed.
[C+NC+CC] Coupling-Enabled Synthesis of Influenza Neuramidase Inhibitor A-315675

An efficient synthesis of the neuramidase inhibitor A-315675 is reported. The fully functionalized pyrrolidine core of the target is assembled in one pot via an exo-selective asymmetric [C+NC+CC] coupling reaction.
Determination of conventional cations,anions and heavy metal ions in water- soluble dye by ion chromatography

Objective A rapid and practical method was established for direct detection of seven common inorganic anions,cations and heavy metal ions( PO43-,SO42-,Na+,Mg2+,Ca2+,Cu2+,Zn2+). Methods Eleven water-soluble dyes were detected by ion chromatography with ELCD detector. Results Eleven kinds of water-soluble dye samples have been developed with TOSOH IC-2010 system equipped with three different chromatographic columns. Complete separations of those common anions and cations demonstrated within 30 minutes respectively. The present method was successfully applied to the determination of inorganic anions and cations in this 11 kinds of water-soluble dye samples. Conclusion This is a practical method for on-line quality monitoring of inorganic anions and cations in the productive process of water-soluble dye.
Associations of Educational Attainment With Disability and Life Expectancy by Race and Gender in the United States A Longitudinal Analysis of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Objective: This study provides estimates of associations of education with life expectancy and the percentage of remaining life from age 40 with disability. Method: We used the Panel Study of Incom...
The ultraviolet and visible luminescence of Bi 3+ in the orthorhombic perovskite, GdAlO 3

Abstract The spectroscopic properties of the Bi3+ ion as a function of its concentration is examined to clarify the nature of optical transitions that are responsible for the ultraviolet (333 nm) and visible emission of GdAlO3:Bi3+. The UV band which is characterized by small Stokes shift (0.52 eV) is ascribed to emission from isolated Bi3+ ions (3P0,1 → 1S0 transition). The peak emission wavelength and the width of the visible band depend on the Bi3+ concentration. This emission is ascribed to pairs or cluster of Bi3+ ions in the perovskite lattice. The spectroscopic properties of the pair emission in GdAlO3 are contrasted with the impurity trapped excitonic emission in CaSnO3. A comparative study of the behavior of Bi3+ luminescence in a series of materials with the orthorhombic perovskite structure is presented.
Health Vulnerability of Immigrants with Limited English Proficiency: A Study of Older Korean Americans.

Objectives To examine the extent to which limited English proficiency (LEP) poses a risk to physical and mental health, using older Korean Americans as a target population. Design Cross-sectional survey. Participants Older Korean Americans (N = 1,301). Measurements Health outcomes were indexed using binary variables covering activity limitation, self-rated health, and probable depression. Participants who reported that they spoke English less than very well were categorized as manifesting LEP. Results Approximately 71% of the sample had LEP. Those with LEP scored lower on all measures of health than their English-proficient counterparts. In multivariate models, the risk of having activity limitations was 2.72 times as great (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.72–4.29, P < .001), a fair or poor rating of health 2.59 times as great (95% CI = 1.91–3.49, P < .001), and probable depression 1.73 times as great (95% CI = 1.29–2.31, P < .001) in participants with LEP. Conclusion Limited English proficiency was identified as a critical source of health vulnerability. Systematic efforts should be made to reach out to older immigrants with LEP and include them in health-related research and prevention and intervention programs.
The Impact of Popular Mobilization in Britain and the Caribbean

Once institutionalized in 1788–92, abolitionist petitioning followed the same pattern for the next half-century. There were successive extra-Parliamentary campaigns in 1806–7, 1814, 1823, 1830–1, 1832–3 and 1838. All except that of 1806–7 were characterized by a national petition campaign. The longest period without a general call for petitions was between 1792 and 1814. The polarization of politics after 1792 and the active governmental discouragement of public petitioning after 1795 deterred the uneasy London Committee from activity.1 Most historians view the whole period between 1793 and 1814 as a dormant period for popular abolitionism. In explaining the victory over the slave trade in 1806–7, they therefore tend to focus almost exclusively on Parliamentary activity.2 Yet the Parliamentary campaigns of 1806–7 were caried out amidst a simultaneous revival of popular canvassing. As in 1791, the abolitionists again adopted this more active strategy in the wake of an unexpected setback for slave trade abolition in Parliament in 1805. They concluded that in the absence of a clear public message an unpressured Parliament was unreliable. The network of local organizations was revived.
Investigating the Limits of Neurovascular Coupling.

O'Herron et al. (2016) perform two-photon imaging of vascular and neural responses in cat and rodent primary visual cortex to investigate the limits of neurovascular coupling. Their results suggest important constraints on making inferences about neuronal responses from hemodynamic activity.
Epilepsy and Mental Retardation

The cumulative risk of seizures and epilepsy was studied in a prospectively identified cohort of 221 children with mental retardation born between 1951 and 1955 in Aberdeen, Scotland and reported from the Montefiore-Einstein Epilepsy Management Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
BEPOC: A biometrics-enabled point-of-care patients and electronic medical records management system for medical missions

In spite of the tremendous efforts and successes in global health conditions, many citizens in low-income countries still suffer from health crises resulting from inadequate availability and poor quality of health care. As a result, many organizations from the developed economies engage in periodic medical missions to these countries to provide temporary health care services which have yielded considerable positive results. Although these missions have proven successful in saving lots of lives, however they have been performed below the quality, standards, and procedures that those medical professionals are used to due mainly to the operating environments. On subsequent missions to the same areas, these health care providers are usually unable to reliably identify their previous patients due to unavailability of reliable patient documentation system; and therefore cannot rely on historical medical records or data to provide better quality treatment. Consequently, there is no reliable means of reviewing previous treatments and no medical continuity of care for the patients. Furthermore, due to the existence of duplicate patient records, it's difficult to effectively conduct post analysis and evaluation of these missions short of mere statistical data collection. Though there are many reliable patient management systems utilized in many hospitals all over the world, these systems cannot be deployed effectively in the operating environments for medical missions; and also due to the charitable nature of these missions, these systems may be unaffordable. What is needed to effectively address these problems is an affordable, easily accessible system that supports reliable patient identification and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) activities within the operating terrain.
Deep tissue imaging by time-reversal optical phase conjugation techniques

We recently demonstrated that it is possible to use optical phase conjugation as a means to time reverse the scattering of light through biological tissue 1. This newly observed phenomenon, termed turbidity suppression by optical phase conjugation (TSOPC), can potentially be adapted for numerous biophotonics applications, such as coherent deep optical imaging of tissue, enhanced light delivery for photodynamic therapy and high sensitivity absorption spectrum measurements. In this talk, we shall report on our recent findings and discuss the potential applications.
A Brief Comparison of Multifractal Geometry & Stochastic Quantization

We suggest that the multifractal geometry of the Standard Model (SM) near the electroweak scale may be placed on equal footing with the stochastic quantization method. This analogy gives support to earlier attempts by Beck to derive the SM parameters using the dynamics of coupled map lattices .
Dissecting GAO's Bid Protest 'Effectiveness Rate'

This paper reports on research into what happens in procurements that are protested to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, after GAO dismisses the bid protest because the contracting agency has advised GAO that it is taking 'corrective action.'The Government Accountability Office recently issued its annual bid protest report, which contains data of great interest to agencies, contractors and counsel who practice in front of GAO. Transparency has been a hallmark of GAO and its bid protest process ever since the office, then called the General Accounting Office, issued its first published bid protest decision, Autocar Sales & Serv. Co., 5 Comp. Gen. 712, in 1926.
Experimental harvest and regrowth in Appalachian black cohosh ( Actaea racemosa , Ranunculaceae) populations: Implications for sustainable management of a medicinal forest herb

A broad range of understory forest herbs are harvested for medicinal properties, particularly from species-rich forests of the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. Many species have been collected and used for centuries with little understanding of harvest impacts, some with resulting population declines. Species valued for belowground components, such as Actaea racemosa L. (black cohosh), appear particularly vulnerable to harvest impacts. Between 2005 and 2011, we conducted experimental harvests on natural A. racemosa populations in central Appalachian oak (Quercus L.) forests. Responses were examined during 3 yr of moderate (33% plant removal) and intensive (66% removal) harvest treatments and up to 3 yr of regrowth, to simulate local harvesting practices and assess recovery potential. After 2 yr of moderate harvests, aboveground growth remained similar to controls. However, after 3 yr of moderate harvests or 2 yr of intensive harvests, significant declines were evident. After our third harvest year, leaf area and stem density were 65–80% lower in moderate harvest plots and 80–90% lower in intensive harvest plots, compared with controls. These differences persisted for at least 2 yr after harvests treatments ended. Curve-fitting models suggested recovery of leaf area and mean plant height to preharvest levels after 4–7 yr without further plant removal. In contrast, stem density showed little to no increase during our study period, and model projections suggested declines, rather than recovery. Thus, although individual growth metrics suggested that limited harvesting may be sustainable, results for stem density indicated little new recruitment into the population and concern for long-term population persistence. Forest herbs harvested for belowground components create particular challenges for sustainable management. Our concerns for A. racemosa are applicable to other economically important forest perennials in our region and worldwide and emphasize the need for continued study and monitoring to maintain viable populations and associated natural systems.
Comparative efficacy and safety of sorafenib in elderly versus non-elderly patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with varying liver dysfunction.

430Background: Sorafenib is the only FDA-approved systemic therapy for advanced HCC. The incidence of HCC increases with age, peaking above 70 years; however, we have limited efficacy and safety da...
In-situ calibration Of MEMS inertial sensors for long-term reliability

Inertial sensors are pervasive in handheld electronics, UAVs, ioTs, and wearable electronics, as they enable motion awareness. MEMS inertial sensors have been successful at the SWAP corresponding to a few mm3 volumes and a few milliwatts. However, the scale factor, the conversion factor between the measured rate and the output voltage, and the bias, the output voltage at zero rate, drift over time. This aging behavior prevents them from replacing more expensive and higher SWAP inertial sensors. In order to remedy the aging, an in-package calibration approach has been explored in our group. A piezoelectric multi-modal mechanical (X, Y, θ z ) stimuli stage capable of ≈ 100ppm precision, in-situ calibration of MEMS inertial sensors packaged on the stage is demonstrated. The calibration system is capable of extracting instantaneous scale factor, bias drifts and cross axis sensitivities of MEMS Coriolis force gyroscopes. The bulk PZT calibration stage is capable of generating non-resonant sinusoidal angular rates of 0 — 300deg/s for scale factor and bias measurements and X-Y in-plane acceleration stimulus of 0 — 90m/s2 to extract the gyroscope in-plane acceleration sensitivities at 100V P , 0–250Hz drive voltage and frequencies. To achieve a long term stable calibration stage, an optical metrology system is used to calibrate the motion stage. The optical metrology system can ensure 10ppm stable stage metrology, to enable long term stable gyroscope calibration. The optical system uses an atomically stable laser source and a CMOS imager that can be potentially integrated in the same package as the calibration system, for closed loop control of the calibration stage.
Guideline Implementation: What the Literature Doesn’t Tell Us

Article-at-a-Glance Background Despite large numbers of studies and literature reviews about guideline implementation, it remains unclear whether and how clinical guidelines can be used to improve the quality of medical care. This study sought to learn whether these studies and reviews have recognized the importance of systems thinking and organizational change for implementation. Methods A literature search was conducted for systematic reviews of guideline implementation or practice improvement studies. Each review was studied for the extent to which it identified or discussed the value of systems changes, organizational support, practice environmental factors, and use of a change process. Results Forty-seven good-quality systematic reviews were found. They largely concurred that using reminders and perhaps using feedback in the course of clinical encounters were the most effective ways of implementing guidelines. However, these same reviews rarely identified these strategies as systems changes, and there was little discussion about any need for organizational support or attention to various environmental variables that might affect implementation. The change process required to introduce a new or changed practice system received even less attention. Conclusion Reviews of guideline implementation trials have focused on how to change the behavior of individual clinicians. There has been little attention to the impact of practice systems or organizational support of clinician behavior, the process by which change is produced, or the role of the practice environmental context within which change is being attempted. New attention to these issues may help us to better understand and undertake the process of improving medical care delivery.
A New Optically Isotropic Phase in the Dilute Region of the Sodium Octanoate — Decanol — Water System

A phase diagram is presented for the dilute region of the sodium octanoate-n-decanol-water system at 30°C based on studies using polarized light screening and optical microscopy. It includes surfactant concentrations up to 10 wt%. An optically isotropic phase is found which has not been previously reported for this system. It contains some 3 to 4 wt% surfactant and some 2 to 5 wt% alcohol and for a given water content, has an alcohol-to-surfactant ratio greater than that of the lamellar liquid crystalline phase. Two-phase and three-phase regions involving this new phase are seen at nearby compositions. Also of interest is that the lamellar phase extends well into the dilute region studied and occurs at water contents exceeding 90 wt%.
Nonlinear response of a nonhomogeneous clamped-free beam to pulse loads

The response of a cantilever beam, represented as a non-linear nonhomogeneous system is determined for pulse loads of the form of a stepfunction and a triangular pulse of finite duration. The non-linearity of the beam arises from a non-linear stress-strain relation and the not linearized curvature. The system exhibits a softening characteristic and is approximately solved by a one-term solution. The response amplitude as well as the period are increased due to the non-linearities of the system. Various cases of variable mass distribution and stiffness have been evaluated.
A Novel Reduced-Layer Deep Learning System via Pixel Rearrangement for Object Detection in Multispectral Imagery

In this paper, we study the problem of object detection on multispectral images. We present a generalized “Fully” Convolutional Neural Network (FCNN)-based deep learning system with a novel Pixel Rearrangement Technique, with reduced computational complexity and improved prediction accuracy than its state-of-the-art counterparts. In particular, we (a) define a key strategy based on spectral signatures to select a set of highly informative multispectral bands for the system; (b) for the first time, introduce a pixel rearrangement technique that efficiently utilizes pixels from the network's feature maps that results into accurate pixelwise prediction images; (c) propose dual stage global and adaptive thresholding methodologies that transform the pixelwise prediction images to binary. We evaluate the proposed system for automatic airborne building detection using the SpaceNet dataset. We use the three NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPUs at CMINDS Research Center and Tensorflow deep learning framework to implement the proposed system. Our findings show an improvement in the performance by 0.3% in comparison to the top winning submission of the national SpaceNet Building Challenge II, that took place in April 2017, but with an additional 43% reduction in the number of FCNN layers. Finally, we also present a comparison chart with various existing approaches to highlight the proposed reduced computational complexity system.
Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) as germline determinants of melanoma immunotherapy response.

3017Background: Approximately 40-60% of metastatic cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients do not respond to the current immunotherapy (IT) regimens, pointing to other yet unknown factors conferring IT re...
New Insights into the Regulation of Leptin Gene Expression.

Leptin is a key hormone in the homeostatic regulation of body weight. While past research focused mainly on overall leptin actions, a recent study by Dallner et al. (2019) takes a fresh look at the regulatory elements of the leptin gene locus, providing new insights into processes that modulate leptin levels.
Immune-stimulatory gene expression in stroma cells of African-American prostate cancer tissues.

e16544Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) of African Americans (AA) has a two-fold higher mortality compared to PCa of European Americans (EA). PCa-adjacent stroma cells from these two populations we...
Minimally invasive cervical laminectomy for spondylotic myelopathy in medically fragile patients.

Background Cervical spondylotic myelopathy often affects elderly and fragile patients who are not optimal candidates for major surgical procedures. Here, we report patients previously judged not suitable for cervical surgery, who were successfully treated with minimally invasive (MI) cervical decompressions without complications. Methods Retrospectively, we reviewed medically fragile patients (e.g., too many comorbidities), previously deemed unsuitable for surgery who successfully tolerated MI cervical decompressions. The accompanying preoperative comorbidities, surgical risks, complications, and neurological outcomes were assessed. Results Three male patients, with a mean age of 73 years, exhibited an average preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score of 8. The preoperative Charlson comorbidity indices, the Elixhauser comorbidity indices (respectively averaging 5.7 and 5.7 points, the preoperative Edmonton fragility index (average 12 points), and national surgical quality improvement program risks were calculated. Surgical times averaged 185 min and patients were followed for an average of 11.3 months. No patient had any immediate or delayed postoperative complications. The length of hospital stay was 1 day for each patient. The postoperative mJOA scores averaged 11, which was clinically significant. Further, the postoperative magnetic resonance imaging obtained approximately 3 months postoperative demonstrated adequate cord decompression. Conclusion Medically fragile patients with significant cervical spondylotic myelopathy but major comorbidities precluding major surgery successfully underwent MI cervical decompressions.
An Unusual Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Cecal Dieulafoy's Lesion.

Colonic Dieulafoy's lesions are an exceptionally rare cause of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. These lesions are almost exclusively found in the upper GI tract based on previous reviews. We present a case of an 81-year-old man who presented with melena progressing to hematochezia and was found to have a cecal Dieulafoy's lesion on colonoscopy. Hemostasis with clipping was achieved and allowed for the resumption of anticoagulation. This case demonstrates the importance of considering this diagnosis in lower GI bleeding when evidence of more common causes may not be present, especially considering these lesions amenability to endoscopic therapy.
Distributed Dataset Synchronization in Disruptive Networks

Disruptive network scenarios with ad hoc, intermittent connectivity and mobility create unique challenges to supporting distributed applications. In this paper, we propose Distributed Dataset Synchronization over disruptive Networks (DDSN), a protocol which provides resilient multi-party communication in adverse communication environments. DDSN is designed to work on top of the Named-Data Networking protocol and utilizes semantically named, and secured, packets to achieve distributed dataset synchronization through an asynchronous communication model. A unique design feature of DDSN is letting individual entities exchange their dataset states directly, instead of using some compressed form of the states. We have implemented a DDSN prototype and evaluated its performance through simulation experimentation under various packet loss rates. Our results show that, compared to an epidemic routing based data dissemination solution, DDSN achieves 33-56% lower data retrieval delays and 40-44% lower overheads, with up to 20% packet losses. When compared to the existing NDN dataset synchronization protocols, DDSN can lower the state and data synchronization delays from one-third to two-third, and lower the protocol overhead by up to one-third, with the performance difference becoming more pronounced as network loss rates go up.
Effects of different attractants and human scent on mesocarnivore detection at camera traps

Abstract Context Camera traps paired with baits and scented lures can be used to monitor mesocarnivore populations, but not all attractants are equally effective. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of different attractants on the success of luring mesocarnivores to camera traps; fewer studies have examined the effect of human scent at camera traps. Aims We sought to determine the effects of human scent, four attractants and the interaction between attractants and human scent in luring mesocarnivores to camera traps. Methods We compared the success of synthetic fermented egg (SFE), fatty acid scent (FAS) tablets, castor oil, and sardines against a control of no attractant in luring mesocarnivores to camera traps. We deployed each attractant and the control with either no regard to masking human scent or attempting to restrict human scent for a total of 10 treatments, and replicated treatments eight to nine times in two different phases. We investigated whether: (1) any attractants increased the probability of capturing a mesocarnivore at a camera trap; (2) not masking human scent affected the probability of capturing a mesocarnivore at a camera trap; and (3) any attractants increased the probability of repeat detections at a given camera trap. We also analysed the behaviour (i.e. speed and distance to attractant) of each mesocarnivore in relation to the attractants. Key results Sardines improved capture success compared with the control treatments, whereas SFE, castor oil, and FAS tablets had no effect when all mesocarnivores were included in the analyses. Masking human scent did not affect detection rates in the multispecies analyses. Individually, the detection of some species depended on the interactions between masking (or not masking) human scent and some attractants. Conclusions Sardines were the most effective as a broad-based attractant for mesocarnivores. Mesocarnivores approached traps baited with sardines at slower rates, which allows for a higher success of capturing an image of the animal. Implications Human scent may not need to be masked when deploying camera traps for multispecies mesocarnivore studies, but researchers should be aware that individual species respond differently to attractants and may have higher capture success with species-specific attractants.
The Importance of Natriuretic Peptides in Cardiometabolic Diseases

The natriuretic peptide (NP) system is composed of 3 distinct peptides (atrial natriuretic peptide or ANP, B-type natriuretic peptide or BNP, and C-type natriuretic peptide or CNP) and 3 receptors (natriuretic peptide receptor-A or NPR-A or particulate guanynyl cyclase-A natriuretic peptide receptor-B or NPR-B or particulate guanynyl cyclase-B, and natriuretic peptide receptor-C or NPR-C or clearance receptor). ANP and BNP function as defense mechanisms against ventricular stress and the deleterious effects of volume and pressure overload on the heart. Although the role of NPs in cardiovascular homeostasis has been extensively studied and well established, much remains uncertain about the signaling pathways in pathological states like heart failure, a state of impaired natriuretic peptide function. Elevated levels of ANP and BNP in heart failure correlate with disease severity and have a prognostic value. Synthetic ANP and BNP have been studied for their therapeutic role in hypertension and heart failure, and promising trials are under way. In recent years, the expression of ANP and BNP in human adipocytes has come to light. Through their role in promotion of adipocyte browning, lipolysis, lipid oxidation, and modulation of adipokine secretion, they have emerged as key regulators of energy consumption and metabolism. NPR-A signaling in skeletal muscles and adipocytes is emerging as pivotal to the maintenance of long-term insulin sensitivity, which is disrupted in obesity and reduced glucose-tolerance states. Genetic variants in the genes encoding for ANP and BNP have been associated with a favorable cardiometabolic profile. In this review, we discuss several pathways that have been proposed to explain the role of NPs as endocrine networkers. There is much to be explored about the therapeutic role of NPs in improving metabolic milieu.
Pass/Fail: A Student Perspective on the Monumental Change Coming to USMLE Step 1

As the United States Medical Licensing Examination moves to a pass/fail Step 1 exam, current medical students wonder what this will entail for their future and the future of medical education. This article provides background information and attempts to highlight the hopes, worries, and perspectives of medical students likely to be affected first by this momentous change.
Complications of Spine Surgery in "Super Obese" Patients.

Study Design:Retrospective chart review with matched control.Objective:To evaluate the indications and complications of spine surgery on super obese patients.Methods:A retrospective review assessed...
Shared Decision-Making in the Context of Uncertain Care Goals and Outcomes: Dissecting a Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Case Complicated by Enterocutaneous Fistulae.

Surgeons care deeply about their patients, their patient’s surgical outcomes, and their fund of knowledge as it relates to disease, treatment options, and risk is remarkable. Unfortunately, surgica...
Accessibility of Residential Houses to Community Facilities

Many housing types (HTs), such as duplex, high-rise apartment, and single-family villa, exist to support diverse lifestyles and household affordability in residential subdivisions. Located within or around these residential areas, there are also many kinds of community facilities (CF’s), which provide various services critical to good quality of living. These facilities include schools, libraries, parks, and shopping centers, factories, hospitals, or ports. This research investigates the patterns of distance-based accessibilities from different housing types in relation to surrounding community facilities for four counties in North Carolina, U.S. More specifically, the county-wide land parcel and building databases are used in ArcGIS to classify HTs and CFs. CFs are further split into positive facilities, to which people prefer to live close, and negative facilities, to which people prefer to keep away in certain distances. An optimal assignment model is developed to calculate air distances between homes and facilities. The model results using descriptive statistics, such as min, max, mean, median, standard deviations, and variances are calculated for home-facility distances. Correlations and spatial statistics of the accessibility patterns are also explored. Some accessibility patterns are identified and discussed from which sound planning policies on locating and homes and facilities can be made.
Analysis of the Skeletal Muscle Proteome Uncovers Alteration in Splicing, Mitochondria, and Immune Factors with Aging

SummaryA progressive decline of skeletal muscle strength with aging is a primary cause of mobility loss and frailty in older persons, but the causes of the decline are unknown. Proteins in muscle specimens collected from 58 healthy persons aged 20 to 87 years were analyzed by quantitative proteomics. Of the 5,891 proteins quantified, several proteins classes changed with aging. At older age, ribosomal proteins and proteins related to energetic metabolism, including those related to the TCA cycle, mitochondria respiration, and glycolysis were more abundant, while proteins with important roles in innate and adaptive immunity were less abundant. Interestingly, protein members of the spliceosome machinery were also overrepresented in older muscle, paralleled by global changes in alternative splicing. In sum, the skeletal muscle proteome implicated in energy metabolism, inflammation, proteostasis and splicing changes substantially with healthy aging. Our study will guide future studies of the skeletal muscle of older persons.
Outcomes of mechanical circulatory support for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Background Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with the Impella device (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) has been associated with higher in-hospital mortality than intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in the Premier Healthcare Database and National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Methods The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to describe trends and outcomes of Impella usage in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) treated with MCS (Impella or IABP) using real-world observational data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) including hospitalizations for AMICS managed with MCS between January 2012 to December 2017. The primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, transfusion, acute kidney injury, stroke, total costs, and length of stay. Propensity score matching was performed with hierarchical models using risk factor and Elixhauser comorbidity variables. Results and conclusion We identified 54,480 hospitalizations for AMICS managed with MCS including 5750 (10.5%) utilizing Impella. Throughout the study period, Impella usage increased yearly to 19.9% of AMICS cases in 2017. After propensity score matching, Impella was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-2.13) and transfusions (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.40-2.78) than IABP, without association with acute kidney injury or stroke. Impella use was associated with higher hospital costs (mean difference $22,416.80 [95% CI $17,029-27,804]). Impella usage for AMICS increased significantly from 2012 to 2017 and was associated with increased in-hospital mortality and costs. Randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to assess the safety and efficacy of Impella.
Gray-level transformations for interactive image enhancement

Abstract A gray-level transformation method suitable for interactive image enhancement is presented. It is shown that the well-known histogram equalization technique is a special case of this method. Experimental results which illustrate the enhancement capabilities of the procedure are also described.
Effects of Solar Angle of Incidence on Intramodular Photovoltaic Irradiance Uniformity

Using a photovoltaic module where each of the 72 cells are monitored separately, we have measured the optical effects of sunlight hitting the module at different angles. As the angle of incidence increased to 60-70 degrees, we observed an increase in the nonuniformity of the light reaching the cells across the module area (up to 4% as measured by resulting cell current). The effect is hypothesized to be the result of a combination of two mechanisms: light trapping within the top sheet glass layer and reflection from the aluminum frame at the edge of the module. We confirm these effects with time-series measurements on split reference cells fielded outdoors, and with ray-tracing modeling to determine how this phenomenon may affect PV performance and module characterization.