cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attention and Feature Integration: Illusory Conjunctions in a Patient With a Parietal Lobe Lesion

This article explores the relation between spatial attention and feature integration in a parietal patient. When the patient had to focus her attention in the middle of the visual field by performing a digit task, she committed a much larger number of illusory conjunctions on the side contralateral to her lesion than on the side ipsilateral to her lesion. When the digit task was eliminated, thereby relaxing the requirement of focused attention, the number of illusory conjunctions on the contralateral side was dramatically reduced. These results indicate that the spatial attention mechanism plays a central role in feature integration.
Self-Financing and Distance-Based Highway Pricing Scheme: State Highway System Perspective

A distance-based highway pricing scheme has been considered a means to tackle highway revenue shortfalls as an alternative to the current taxation on motor fuels. To establish fee rates for a distance-based pricing scheme, this study argues that maintenance and management of the highway system be self-financed by its users, who are responsible for maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of the highway system. Each user’s highway cost responsibility is determined by its vehicle class, road functional class, types and frequency of interventions, and other technical parameters. This paper uses the State Highway Cost Allocation Study (HCAS) tool to analyze expenditures, revenues, and usages of a state highway system to obtain cost borne by various user groups. On the basis of Indiana State Highway data, cost responsibility of each highway user varies between 0.66¢/km and 25.05¢/km among 20-vehicle types. Sensitivity analysis was carried out considering several technical parameters including load equivalency factor, non-load-related impacts on pavement, and minimum requirements for construction and rehabilitation to reveal the reasonable ranges of cost responsibility of different users.
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Brazilian Elodea (Egeria densa) for the Chick

Abstract Three experiments were conducted using broiler chicks to evaluate the aquatic weed Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa) as a potential feed ingredient. Chemical analyses of the sun-dried Brazilian elodea meal (BEM) provides proximate analysis values, amino acid, and mineral composition. The product was superior to corn and soybean meal with respect to calcium, phosphorus, and trace elements with potassium at 3.28%. In Experiment 1, chicks fed 5% BEM pelleted diet exhibited a growth response, but 10% BEM depressed growth. Relative weight of heart, liver, proventriculus, and ventriculus was not influenced by BEM in the diet. Spleen weight decreased linearly with 5 and 10% BEM inclusion in the diet. Hepatic lipid, copper, lead, and zinc levels were not influenced by dietary BEM. Hepatic manganese increased in response to dietary increase in manganese due to BEM. The growth response with 5% BEM was not realized in Experiment 2 when the amount of added fat was kept constant in all diets. In Experiment 3, broilers were fed 5 and 10% BEM to 7 weeks of age. Performance and dressing percentage of birds grown to slaughter age was not impaired by feeding 5% BEM. However, the response to 10% BEM was similar to the 3 week data. Sun-dried BEM may be used in broiler diets at 5% with no adverse effects on growth, feed efficiency, or dressing percentage.
Comparison of Some Data Models for Engineering Objects

Many proposals using object-oriented data models for engineering objects have appeared in the literature. These data models try to represent the data in engineering systems more naturally by organizing it logically and/or physically into objects relevant to the engineering applications using the database. In this article we review and examine several of these proposed data models to identif important properties of the models. We show that none of the data models excels in all areas, but each has desirable properties.
Predictors of response to tiotropium versus salmeterol in asthmatic adults

Background Tiotropium has activity as an asthma controller. However, predictors of a positive response to tiotropium have not been described. Objective We sought to describe individual and differential responses of asthmatic patients to salmeterol and tiotropium when added to an inhaled corticosteroid, as well as predictors of a positive clinical response. Methods Data from the double-blind, 3-way, crossover National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Clinical Research Network's Tiotropium Bromide as an Alternative to Increased Inhaled Glucocorticoid in Patients Inadequately Controlled on a Lower Dose of Inhaled Corticosteroid (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00565266) trial were analyzed for individual and differential treatment responses to salmeterol and tiotropium and predictors of a positive response to the end points FEV 1 , morning peak expiratory flow (PEF), and asthma control days (ACDs). Results Although approximately equal numbers of patients showed a differential response to salmeterol and tiotropium in terms of morning PEF (n = 90 and 78, respectively) and ACDs (n = 49 and 53, respectively), more showed a differential response to tiotropium for FEV 1 (n = 104) than salmeterol (n = 62). An acute response to a short-acting bronchodilator, especially albuterol, predicted a positive clinical response to tiotropium for FEV 1 (odds ratio, 4.08; 95% CI, 2.00-8.31; P P = 0.021), as did a decreased FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ratio (FEV 1 response increased 0.39% of baseline for every 1% decrease in FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ratio). Higher cholinergic tone was also a predictor, whereas ethnicity, sex, atopy, IgE level, sputum eosinophil count, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, asthma duration, and body mass index were not. Conclusion Although these results require confirmation, predictors of a positive clinical response to tiotropium include a positive response to albuterol and airway obstruction, factors that could help identify appropriate patients for this therapy.
Summarization of Twitter Microblogs

Owing to the sheer volume of text generated by a microblog site like Twitter, it is often difficult to fully understand what is being said about various topics. This paper presents algorithms for summarizing microblog documents. Initially, we present algorithms that produce single-document summaries but later extend them to produce summaries containing multiple documents. We evaluate the generated summaries by comparing them to both manually produced summaries and, for the multiple-post summaries, to the summarization results of some of the leading traditional summarization systems.
Partial scan designs without using a separate scan clock

Existing flip-flop selection and test generation methods for partial scan designs assume the use of a separate scan clock. With a separate clock for the scan operation, the states of the non-scan flip-flops can be frozen during the scan operation and any state can be scanned into the scan register without affecting the states of the non-scan flip-flops. Under this assumption, test vectors can be efficiently generated by a sequential circuit test generator. However, this requirement results in the need for multiple clock trees and poses problems in the routing of clock signals that, in general, are subject to a tight constraint on clock skew. In this paper, we lift this assumption and address the problems of test generation, scan flip-flop selection and ordering of scan registers for partial scan designs that use the system clock for the scan operation. An existing test generation algorithm is modified to incorporate the scan-shifting concept for such designs. This modified test generation scheme also implicitly compacts the test vectors and results in significantly reduction in the length of test vectors as shown by our experimental results on ISCAS89 benchmark circuits. The test vectors generated by this method can be applied at speed and thus can also detect delay faults. We show that cycle breaking remains to be an effective heuristic for scan flip-flop selection for our test generation method. The ordering of scan flip-flops in the scan chain affects the final fault coverage for the new test generation method. We formulate the ordering problem as a combinatorial optimization problem. Experimental results on test generation and ordering of scan flip-flops are presented to show the effectiveness of our approach.
Removal of ossified ligamentum flavum via a minimally invasive surgical approach

Ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the thoracic spine is a rare cause of myelopathy, often presenting with progressive symptomatology over an extended period of time. Surgical decompression via wide laminectomy has been the mainstay of treatment for this symptomatic disease phenomenon, but complications such as kyphotic deformity have developed due to extensive bone removal and release of the posterior tension band. The authors present a case of OLF excised via a minimally invasive microsurgical approach in which an expandable tubular retractor system was used. This approach enables complete decompression of the spinal canal while minimizing nerve, vascular, and musculoskeletal disruption, thus maintaining the native biomechanical disposition of the intact vertebral column.
A Review of “Fisheries Techniques, third edition.”

The new edition of Fisheries Techniques has finally arrived. For 30 years, previous versions of this text have functioned as the essential, go-to reference on basic questions regarding fisheries sa...
A Detailed Examination of the Finite-Volume, Time-Domain Method for Maxwell's Equations

A detailed analysis of the finite-volume, time-domain scheme, as applied to Maxwell's equations is provided herein. To accomplish the temporal discretization, the classical four-stage Runge-Kutta integrator is invoked. For the spatial discretization, this analysis articulates the role of the primitive vector in the reconstruction of flux quantities at boundary surfaces from cell average values. The accuracy of the spatial discretization scheme is directly tied to the accuracy of the discretization of the primitive vector's derivative. To realize a stable scheme, central, forward and backward differences may be invoked (the stencils may be explicit or implicit). However, for the latter two, a stable scheme is accomplished only if the fluxes are split in the direction of the outwardly pointing normal from a cell surface. For numerical examples, we consider third-order windward biased stencils; examples are given to demonstrate many of the key attributes and deficiencies of the method.
Unusual News Events and the Cross-Section of Stock Returns

We show that stocks that experience a sudden increase in idiosyncratic volatility earn abnormally high contemporaneous returns but significantly underperform otherwise similar stocks in the future. Our findings indicate that volatility shocks can be traced to unusual firm-level news. We conjecture that these unusual news events increase the level of investor disagreement about firms’ fundamental values. Because short-selling of highly volatile stocks is costly, prices rise to reflect the more optimistic views but then revert down as investors’ opinions start to converge. The observed patterns of trade order imbalances and changes in investor disagreement lend support for this hypothesis.
A serial focus group model for understanding experiences of older adult volunteers and non-profit agency managers

Serial focus group data shed light on the experiences of senior volunteers and nonprofit agency professional staff with the aim of maximizing the volunteer experience and contribution. Data were analyzed using a serial focus group approach to suggest pathways towards increasing mutual benefits. Themes from both volunteers and non-profit professionals included the need for better utilization of volunteers, the importance of communication and the advantage of defining roles at the beginning of the volunteer experience. Data from the groups also highlighted the need for planning on the part of the nonprofit staff and flexibility from the volunteers. Discussion and implications follow the report on the data .
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy A Patient’s Guide

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an important new treatment for symptoms associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Cardiomyopathy is most commonly caused by irreversible damage from coronary artery disease (such as by a heart attack), but may also be the result of genetic factors, viral infections, or toxins (such as alcohol). The symptoms of CHF typically include shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and legs, fatigue, exercise intolerance, diminished appetite, and depression. It is estimated that over 22 million people are living with CHF worldwide and an additional 2 million people are newly diagnosed each year. Physicians group CHF patients into 4 different categories or functional classifications on the basis of the individual’s physical limitations due to CHF symptoms. These are referred to as New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes I, II, III, and IV. Class I and II patients are minimally or mildly symptomatic, whereas class III and IV patients are moderately or severely symptomatic. Medications are the mainstay of therapy for patients with cardiomyopathy and CHF. Medications help rid the body of extra fluid, strengthen the heart’s contraction, and ease the heart’s workload by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the resistance to pumping blood. Lifestyle adjustments are an equally important part of living with CHF and include regular exercise and dietary restrictions, such as minimizing salt and fluid …
Humbleness as a practical vehicle for engineering ethics education

Summary form only given. This paper, representing a work-in-progress, proposes the practice of humbleness as a practical vehicle for training students in engineering ethics. To help understand the relationship between humbleness and engineering ethics, this paper adopts a two-fold approach. First, it focuses on the antithesis of humbleness, namely arrogance, and argues that whenever the occurrence of an engineering disaster in the real world had been traced, following investigation, to unethical decision making, arrogance had invariably emerged as the root cause of the problem. Second, in sharp contrast to arrogance, humbleness is defined as unpretentious, freedom from conceit and vanity, and placing a moderate estimate on one's own abilities or worth. Thus, humbleness is likely to refine, sharpen, and broaden one's thinking, keep one's mind clear and open to the unlimited possibilities in nature, contain selfishness, and prepare one for ethical decision making in real-world situations. Under this work-in-progress, an experiment has been under way between 1999 and the present, spanning Arizona State University and Stevens Institute of Technology, focused on analyzing the practice of humbleness and its impact on a specific attribute of ethical decision making, in engineering design teams. Students working in teams are instructed to extend measured trust to their peers, subject to verification, and listen to their ideas with genuine respect and constructive criticism, as a practical manifestation of humbleness. Preliminary data indicates that the groups' decisions are highly constructive, synergistic, and positive, leading to successful projects that are highly beneficial to society and potentially patentable.
Effect of diester type plasticizers on the differential thermal spectrum of a polyvinyl chloride system.

One of the most successful formulated plastics for medical and paramedical applications is the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) family. A variety of excellent properties is possible by incorporating other agents such as plasticizers into PVC. Plasticized systems are currently being used for flexible tubings, blood bags, various types of catheters, and protective materials. Because of the lack of published information on the effects of plasticizers on the thermal spectra of PVC and the paucity of data on this polymer using differential thermal analysis, a study was initiated to note what effects a group of plasticizers would have on the thermal behavior of formulated PVC systems. A group of diester plasticizers was used to note how each member of the series would influence the depolymerization process. Results of this study suggest a method of predicting whether a plasticizer will increase or decrease the tendency of the polymer to degrade.
The Moderating Effect Of Culture On Full Versus Partial Mode Of Communication On Managerial Decision-Making

This paper examines the effect of face-to-face versus electronic mode of communication on effective decision-making when moderated by the individualism and collectivism. Hypotheses that collectivists use face-to-face mode of communication and individualists use electronic mail mode of communication to make effective decisions were tested on managers from two countries (Mexico and United States).
Acute myocardial infarction in patients with syncope.

Objective We sought to determine the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in emergency department (ED) patients with syncope, the characteristics of these AMIs and how helpful the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was in identifying these cases. Methods In a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with syncope, the initial ECG was found to be abnormal using a prespecified definition (any nonsinus rhythm or any new or age- indeterminate abnormalities). Patients were then followed up to identify an AMI diagnosed within 30 days of presentation. Results There were 1474 consecutive patient visits for syncope or near-syncope over a 45-month period spanning from Jul. 1, 2000, to Feb. 28, 2002, and Jul. 15, 2002, to Aug. 31, 2004, of which 46 (3.1%) were diagnosed with AMI. The majority of the AMI patients (42) had no ST segment elevation. The initial ECG was abnormal in 37 out of 46 cases. The diagnostic performance of the initial ECG was sensitivity 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67%-89%), specificity 64% (95% CI 61%-67%), negative predictive value 99% (95% CI 98%-100%), positive predictive value 7% (95% CI 6%-8%), positive likelihood ratio 2.2 (95% CI 1.6-2.5) and negative likelihood ratio 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.5). Conclusion The incidence of AMI in patients presenting with syncope is low. A normal ECG has a high negative predictive value, although its sensitivity is limited.
Hybrid of Neural Classifier and Swarm Intelligence in Multiclass Cancer Diagnosis with Gene Expression Signatures

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Methods and Systems Experimental Results Conclusions References ]]>
Challenges of doing research that involves patients

Several influential groups (e.g. Institute of Medicine) have emphasized the importance of capturing patients’ perspectives, as they are encouraged to become more actively engaged in their healthcare. Likewise, human factors researchers are increasingly focusing on the role of the patient. Doing research that involves patients can be challenging. Based on the literature and our own experience we illustrate some of these challenges. We also emphasize the benefits of directly involving patients in human factors research.
Atomic Resolution Electronic Structure Using Spatially Resolved Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Electronic structure in small areas is obtainable by inspection of near edge fine structure of core excitations. We can accomplish this today with near atomic resolution, using EELS at high energy. At IBM, we have obtained results using a sub-0.2nm probe at 120KeV with enough current to allow 200meV resolution studies at the Si L2,3 edge. It is especially crucial for Si-based structures that this allows us to obtain Z-contrast dark field images of the Si lattice at an acceleration voltage that is low enough to minimize radiation damage, but with a high enough current to allow good quality spectra to be obtained. A review of instrumental requirements, spectral interpretation, and applications to Si-Ge alloys is presented.
Survivorship of Experimental Cohorts of the Green Cloverworm on Screenhouse and Open-Field Soybean

Survivorship of experimental cohorts of Plathypena scabra (F.) was studied in small soybean plots during the 1970 growing season at Ames, Iowa. The cohorts required 49 and 51 days, respectively, to complete development. Green cloverworm survival was relatively low in both cohorts but was substantially higher in screenhouse than in open-field plots. The greatest change in difference between green cloverworm numbers in the screenhouse and the open field occurred during egg and early larval stages, and early mortality accounted for a large portion of the total survival difference between the 2 environments. Numbers of Orius insidiosus (Say) and Nabis sp. were much higher in the open-field plots than in the screen house, but differences in meteorological factors measured were not strong and persistent in both cohorts. We therefore believe that predation was the primary cause of differential mortality between the 2 environments. Further experimentation is planned to establish the validity of this hypothesis.
Tem Specimen Preparation by Mechanical Microthinning

Mechanical abrasion has been used by the authors to prepare a variety of materials, mainly ceramics, which have been thinned to electron transparency. The basic premise of this technique is the rotation of a spherically shaped wood tool at right angles to a rotating 3mm specimen disk (∼100 μm thick). A slurry of 1/2 μm diamond powder in a glycerin vehicle thins the specimen and carries away the abraded matter. In addition to the wood tool other materials such as brass, teflon and polyethylene have been tried without success. Abrasion “marks” left on the thin specimen surface can be ignored in some situations or removed by a touch up ion milling at 3 keV for ∼1/2 hr. Recently, attempts to thin N+ implanted Al from the un-implanted side using a wood tool were found to be extremely time consuming, i.e. 60 hr or more. It was found that a spherical stainless steel tool produced a suitably thin transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen using glycerin as the vehicle and no diamond powder. Depending upon the pressure applied to the tool these specimens could be thinned in as little as 3 hr. The turning marks left by the lathe tool proved to be sufficient to thin the soft aluminum. From this result It appears that soft tools will thin hard materials and hard tools can be used to thin soft materials efficiently. A number of other specimens recently prepared using mechanical microthinning will also be presented.
Assessment of Polyanilines as Alternative Anti-Corrosion Materials: A Theoretical Analysis of Metal-Polymer Adhesion.

Current corrosion control methods use coatings which are toxic and environmentally hazardous materials, such as, chromium. More work needs to be done to find a substitute that is competitive with current industrial technologies. Many polymeric materials have been tested as possible alternatives to the present systems. These include polysiloxanes, polymer blends based on polymethylmethacrylate/polysiloxanes and co-polymers of these materials. [1] Oxidized and carbided metal surfaces have been analyzed as chromium substitutes as well. [2] So far the technology has not advanced to a industrially competitive level. Polyaniline is on of the most promising materials for environmentally safe corrosion control.
Beam Reflection by Transversely Chirped Volume Bragg Grating

Transversely chirped volume Bragg grating (TCVBG) provides tunability of resonant wavelength in different designs of laser cavities. Resonant reflectivity suppression and quality deterioration of Gaussian beam reflected by TCVBG are calculated, together with spectral characteristics.
Delayed Gamma-ray Spectroscopy for Non-Destructive Assay of Nuclear Materials

This project addresses the need for improved non-destructive assay techniques for quantifying the actinide composition of spent nuclear fuel and for the independent verification of declared quantities of special nuclear materials at key stages of the fuel cycle. High-energy delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy following neutron irradiation is a potential technique for directly assaying spent fuel assemblies and achieving the safeguards goal of quantifying nuclear material inventories for spent fuel handling, interim storage, reprocessing facilities, repository sites, and final disposal. Other potential applications include determination of MOX fuel composition, characterization of nuclear waste packages, and challenges in homeland security and arms control verification.
Adaptability Analysis of TOFD Weld Detection for UHV Substation Primary Equipment

According to the GIS,materials,craft structures and processing characteristics of UHV primary equipment,ultrasonic testing method based on time of flight diffraction( TOFD) w as presented for the w eld detection of primary equipment. Firstly,the adaptability and parameters selection principle of TOFD ultrasonic testing method w ere analysed from aspects of equipment material,base metal thickness,etc. Then,tw o briquettes w ith different thickness: aluminium alloy and carbon steel,w ere used for experimental verification. The results show that the w elds of aluminium alloy and carbon steel w ith thickness of about 6 mm and 10 mm above can be detected by high frequency probe w ith using TOFD method,w hich can clearly and accurately determine the size,nature,height of defect.
Application Research on Dynamic VAR Compensation Technology for Power Transmission Channel from West to East

In order to find out the influence of SVC installation to the dynamic voltage support ability of Guangxi power network,the capacity and the security stability level of power transmission channel from west to east in China Southern Grid,the following researches have been made: voltage and reactive power sensitivity of the channel,the influence of SVC installation to the power transmission capacity of the main channel and to the security stability control strategy under heavy disturbance mode,characteristics of transient voltage recovery, economic comparison of various configuration schemes.Weak buses of dynamic reactive power and voltage support are determined,and the optimal installation locations of SVC in the channel are proposed.The results can provide significant reference to power system planning and operation.
A seroepidemiological survey on hepatitis B virus infection in a school for deaf-mutes of Baoshan of Yunnan

Objective To explore the serological evidence of hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection in school for deaf-mute.Methods 90 blood samples were collected from the teachers and deaf-mute students and were tested for HBV 5 serum markers.Results 68 deaf-mute students and 22 teachers had no vaccination history of hepatitis B vaccine in school.The HBsAb positive rate was 24.4%.The HBsAg positive rate was respectively 5.9% and 4.5% in deaf-mute students and teachers.HBsAb positive rate and HBV infection rate were statistically lower than the national average(P0.05).The HBsAg positive rate of deaf-mute students was the same as the national general population and local normal students in statistically(P0.05),but lower than teachers,rate(P0.05).Conclusion The chance that deaf-mute students were infected with HBV was smaller than cultural population,but there exists the potential risk that HBV spread in the deaf-mute students population.
Salivary indicators of systemic disease

The great potential of salivary secretion as a source of important medical information is beginning to be realized. Deviations in flow rate and composition of saliva have been observed in various disease states and suggest many applications of salivary testing. The flow rate of submaxillary saliva is a clue to prognosis in Bell's palsy. Whole saliva is used in a test for digitalis toxicity. Tests for salivary electrolyte changes may prove useful in diagnosis of aldosteronism and of essential hypertension.
Metachromasia in the Human Prostate: A Histochemical Difference Between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostatic Carcinoma

AbstractMetachromasia is a histological staining reaction in which a dye is changed by the tissue from its original to a contrasting color. With toluidine blue at a pH of 8.3 or 3.8 metachromatic staining is seen in the tissue of benign prostatic hyperplasia. When adenocarcinoma is adjacent to or even within the prostate containing benign hyperplasia, no metachromasia is seen around the benign acini. No such staining was seen in glands examined that contained either well differentiated or moderately well differentiated adenocarcinoma. No metachromatic periacinar staining was noted in the normal prostate. This observation may provide information as to the morphogenesis of prostatic hyperplasia.
Storage characteristics of multiple-donor pooled red blood cells compared to single-donor red blood cell units.

BACKGROUND Each unit of blood donated is processed and stored individually resulting in variability in the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) collected, RBC properties, and the 24-hour posttransfusion RBC survivability. As a result, each unit differs in its ability to deliver oxygen and potentially its effects on the recipient. The goal of this study was to investigate the storage of pooled RBCs from multiple donors in comparison to control standard RBC units. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Two units of irradiated, leukoreduced RBCs of same ABO, D, E, C, and K antigen phenotype were collected from each of five donors using apheresis. One unit from each donor was pooled in a 2-L bag and remaining units were used as controls. After being pooled, RBCs were separated in five bags and stored at 4°C along with the controls. Quality indexes were measured on Days 2, 14, and 28 for all the units. RESULTS Adenosine triphosphate assays for both pooled and controls showed a slight decrease from Day 2 to Day 28 (pooled/control from 5.22/5.24 to 4.35/4.33 µmol/g hemoglobin [Hb]). 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate was successfully rejuvenated for all RBC units on Day 28 (pooled 11.46 µmol/g Hb; control 11.86 µmol/g Hb). The results showed a nonsignificant difference between pooled and control units, with a general trend of lower standard deviation for pooled units when compared to controls. CONCLUSION Pooled units have reduced unit-to-unit variability. Future exploration of their immunogenicity is required before using pooled units for transfusion.
Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Pulmonary Vein Isolation Plus What?

It was evident early in the experience of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) that pulmonary vein (PV) isolation at the level of the venous ostium was ineffective for patients with recurrent persistent or long-standing persistent AF [(1)][1]. Although electrical PV isolation at the level
Ecological momentary assessment for rehabilitation of chronic illness and disability.

AbstractPurpose: The main objectives of this manuscript were to provide a theoretical perspective on naturalistic delivery in rehabilitation based upon a literature review and establish a rationale for using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for naturalistic assessment for chronic illness and disability (CID) in rehabilitation.Method: Existing literature on EMA use across CID cohorts was gathered and analyzed to form a theoretical overview of implementation of this method in research. This review summarizes study results and provides a comprehensive literature table for greater analysis.Results: EMA has been shown to optimize clinician time and reduce costs, reach greater numbers of people with disability-related needs, and reduce the need for retrospective recall through the collection of more objective data. Mixed method approaches were most commonly seen in the literature, and sampling schedules and the outcomes assessed varied widely.Conclusions: EMA is emerging as a novel modality of assessment i...
Sex differences in coronary heart disease risk factors: rename it ischaemic heart disease!

It has become evident that there are sex differences in coronary heart disease (CHD) presentation, treatment and outcomes, and there is excessive CHD mortality in women compared with men now observed worldwide (figure 1).1 Given the high global burden of CHD, it is imperative to gain an understanding of sex differences in risk factor control in contemporary practices in various regions of the world. Zhao et al 2 report on risk factor management for secondary prevention of CHD in three regions (Europe, Asia and the Middle East) from 2012 to 2013 in the SUrvey of Risk Factors (SURF) study. They found that risk factor management is less in women than men and that sex differences varied by region. Overall, cardiovascular health index score, age adjusted, was better in Asia, and modestly worse in Europe and the Middle East in women compared to men. The SURF extends existing literature on sex differences in CHD risk factor control to women in Asia and the Middle East, although the results may not be representative of a region. For instance, Saudi Arabia alone represented the Middle East, while 60% overall of participants were from Europe. Nevertheless, this study documents the need for region/country specific data to shape specific policy and priorities. Figure 1 Distribution of deaths by leading cause groups, males and females, world, 2004. Women comprised less than one-third of the participants in the current registry, comparable with other international registries of stable and unstable ischaemic heart disease (IHD), …
CD34 immunostaining of bone marrow biopsy specimens is a reliable way to classify the phases of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Flow cytometry studies have shown that high expression of CD34 antigen in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is indicative of accelerated or blastic phases. It has also been suggested that similar information can be obtained by CD34 immunostaining of bone marrow biopsy specimens. To test this hyphothesis, the authors studied 59 conventionally fixed, paraffin-embedded bone marrow trephine biopsy specimens, representing the three phases of the disease (stable, accelerated, and blast crisis). Immunohistochemical staining for CD34 was performed using QBEndl0, a monoclonal antibody reactive in routine paraffin-embedded tissue. The differences in CD34 positivity among chronic, accelerated, and blastic phases of CML were highly significant ( P = .0001). This study demonstrated that CD34 immunohistochemical staining of bone marrow biopsy specimens represents a reliable method for classifying patients with CML and may provide essential diagnostic and prognostic information when a marrow aspirate is unavailable.
Computational Models of Music Cognition

Computational modeling has become an important part of the field of music cognition. The current chapter surveys important problems in computational modeling of music, approaches that have been taken to them, and general issues that arise. We begin with problems of perception or information-processing—problems of extracting various kinds of information from music as it is heard. Here we focus primarily on two especially well-studied problems, key-finding and meter-finding, but briefly consider several other problems as well. We then turn to three other broad issues: the modeling of musical experience, the modeling of performance, and the modeling of composition.
Calcium transients in amphibian muscle.

The calcium-sensitive bioluminescent protein aequorin has been microinjected into isolated amphibian twitch muscle fibers in order to detect the intracellular calcium transients associated with excitation-contraction coupling. While it is not yet possible to make quantitative estimates of the changes in calcium concentration involved, it is possible to detect substantial changes in intracellular calcium transients resulting from changes in temperature, stimulation frequency, fiber length, and the osmotic strength of the bathing medium.—Taylor, S. R., R. Rudel and J. R. Blinks. Calcium transients in amphibian muscle. Federation Proc. 34: 1379–1381, 1975.
Using decision scenarios to evaluate laypeople's computer-mediated medication information sharing choices

Motivation - Abstract surveys are currently the primary source of data guiding policy-makers as they frame laypeople's choices to electronically share their health information with care providers. Research approach - We presented laypeople (N=31) with two decision scenarios; one required them to choose whether to share their medication information with three types of physicians, the other required them to recommend sharing choices to four different patients. Findings/Design - Participants' sharing choices, their rationale for their choices, and their recommendations for other patients were contrary to what might be expected, given abstract survey responses. Research limitations/Implications - Our focus on sharing medication information with physicians and recruitment of only neurology patients limits the generalizability of the findings. Originality/Value -Walking decision-makers through realistic decision scenarios, and asking them to provide recommendations to other patients allowed us to assess laypeople's true decision criteria. This research therefore demonstrates the value of using realistic decision scenarios to inform policymaking.
Einleitung: Vom Adam Smith Problem (ASP) zum Adam-Smith-Projekt (A-S-P)

»Der Mann mit den zwei Gesichtern« – so konnte man das Bild betiteln, das lange Zeit von Adam Smith gezeichnet wurde. Einerseits einfuhlsamer Moralphilosoph, der mit der Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS) seiner Zeit einen wahren Bestseller landete, andererseits kaltherziger Okonom, der mit dem Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (WN) die moderne Wirtschaftswissenschaft begrundete. Die ersten Portratisten des januskopfigen Philosophen waren deutsche Nationalokonomen.
Legitimate Peripheral Participation in a Makerspace for Emancipated Emerging Adults

Following emancipation from foster care, youth often transition into adulthood without the support of family or school. For some emancipated emerging adults (EEAs), alternative support may come fro...
Soft Robotic Burrowing Device with Tip-Extension and Granular Fluidization

Mobile robots of all shapes and sizes move through the air, water, and over ground. However, few robots can move through the ground. Not only are the forces resisting movement much greater than in air or water, but the interaction forces are more complicated. Here we propose a soft robotic device that burrows through dry sand while requiring an order of magnitude less force than a similarly sized intruding body. The device leverages the principles of both tip-extension and granular fluidization. Like roots, the device extends from its tip; the principle of tip-extension eliminates skin drag on the sides of the body, because the body is stationary with respect to the medium. We implement this with an everting, pressure-driven thin film body. The second principle, granular fluidization, enables a granular medium to adopt a dynamic fluid-like state when pressurized fluid is passed through it, reducing the forces acting on an object moving through it. We realize granular fluidization with a flow of air through the core of the body that mixes with the medium at the tip. The proposed device could lead to applications such as search and rescue in mudslides or shallow subterranean exploration. Further, because it creates a physical conduit with its body, electrical lines, fluids, or even tools could be passed through this channel.
Variations in prenatal screening in a US federal healthcare system: Same coverage, different options.

The Military Health System (MHS) is a federally funded organization that provides care to active duty service members and their beneficiaries. Our objective was to determine what methods of prenatal screening are used by military treatment facilities (MTFs), assess variations between institutions, and determine how practice patterns align with national recommendations. We surveyed all MTFs offering comprehensive prenatal care (n = 49). Departments were asked about aneuploidy screening options, availability of diagnostic testing, and carrier screening. In all, 43 MTFs (88%) completed the survey. Most (39/43) patients were stratified based on risk (predominantly maternal age at delivery and history). The most commonly offered test was combined 1st/2nd trimester screening (59%). Sixty percent routinely offered diagnostic testing, though less than half routinely offered microarrays. The majority offered universal carrier screening for cystic fibrosis (98%) and complete blood count with screening for thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies (88%). At the time of data collection, only five facilities (12%) had implemented spinal muscular atrophy carrier screening. Considerable heterogeneity exists in prenatal aneuploidy testing and carrier screening within the MHS. Standardized guidelines, protocols, and laboratory support would improve processes across the system. Additional resources including genetic counseling support and provider education are needed.
Burying stereotypes: Archaeology, representations, and everyday activism at Appalachian company coal mining towns

ABSTRACTPoliticians, scholars and the popular media have problematically represented Appalachia for the past 150 years. Appalachians are the homogenous, white ‘Other’ in a backward land of isolated...
Mental health, stress, and resilience correlates of heart rate variability among military reservists, guardsmen, and first responders

The use of heart rate variability (HRV) for monitoring stress has been growing in the behavioral health literature, especially in the areas of posttraumatic stress disorder, stress reactivity, and resilience. Few studies, however, have included general populations under workplace conditions. This study evaluates whether military and other first responders show lower HRV during stress than at baseline and greater post stress rebound, controlling for a myriad of potential confounders. A convenience sample of Reserves, National Guard, veteran, fire, and police personnel provided HRV and self-reported questionnaire responses before, during, and after a cognitive-stressor task with a smart phone application. Timing of HRV application; mental and physical health scores; coping and posttraumatic growth indicators, including being open to new possibilities; and emotional support were predictors of trajectories of the HRV response to stress. Findings from this exploratory study emphasize the strong link between stress and relaxation breathing in both respiratory sinus arrhythmia and low frequency heart rate variability and the need for controlling potential covariates for understanding the relationship between HRV and the stress response and providing a basis for hypothesis driven research.
RULE DOMAINS AND PHONOLOGICAL CHANGE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a problem in historical linguistics, the problem of rule addition, from the perspective of lexical phonology and morphology (LPM). Rule addition played an important role in the debate of several decades ago on the characterization of language change in the generative framework. Within the LPM model, rule addition can be approached from a somewhat different viewpoint. This model proposes a set of possible rule domains, as well as a constrained mapping between rules and their respective domains. In particular, dialects vary as to what rule domains are selected by accent retraction. Moreover, the cross-dialectal variation follows a clear pattern that receives a straightforward account within the model of LPM. A further property of this model is the lexical/postlexical segregation. The lexical component includes levels smaller than the word, while the postlexical component includes levels larger than the word. The word is thus caught, as it were, at the intersection point between these two components. This is because of the ambiguity of the word domain, which belongs both to the syntax and to the morphology.
The Role of Secretory Pathways in Candida albicans Pathogenesis

Candida albicans is a fungus that is a commensal organism and a member of the normal human microbiota. It has the ability to transition into an opportunistic invasive pathogen. Attributes that support pathogenesis include secretion of virulence-associated proteins, hyphal formation, and biofilm formation. These processes are supported by secretion, as defined in the broad context of membrane trafficking. In this review, we examine the role of secretory pathways in Candida virulence, with a focus on the model opportunistic fungal pathogen, Candida albicans.
Experience of one center on the Norwood stage I procedure

Objective To review the clinical experience with the Norwood stage Ⅰ procedure. Methods Between June 2016 to October 2018, totally 5 neonates underwent Norwood stage Ⅰ procedure. There were 3 boys and 2 girls, weighing(2.98 ± 0.60)kg with median of 2.95 kg.Age at surgeries ranged from 1 to 8 days. All 5 cases underwent the Norwood stage Ⅰ procedure under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, including 3 cases of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts(MBTS) and 2 cases of RV-PA shunt. Results The third case was successfully closed the chest on postoperative day 2 and extubated, but died from DIC due to severe infection on the postoperative day 6. The fifth case died from pericardiol tamponade at 10 hours after the operation. The first, second and fourth cases were followed up 1 month after discharge with NYHA Ⅰ, but the first and second cases dropped out of follow-up due to some personal resaons. The fourth case underwent the bidirectional Glenn procedure 9 monthes after the stage Ⅰ procedure and recovered smoothly. Conclusion The application of these modified methods and techiques based on the classical Norwood procedure help to accumulate experience in sugical treatment of HLHS in China. Key words: Heart defects, congenital; Norwood procedures, state Ⅰ
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act in Small to Medium-Sized Primary Care Practices.

Background: Despite major efforts to transition to a new physician payment system under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), little is known about how well practices are prepared. This study aimed to understand how small and medium-sized primary care practices in the Heart of Virginia Healthcare (https://www.vahealthinnovation.org/hvh/) perceive their quality incentives under MACRA. Methods: This study analyzed data from 16 focus-groups (70 participants), which yielded a range of physician, advanced practice clinician, office manager, and staff perspectives. Focus-groups were audio-recorded and transcribed, then imported into NVivo for coding and analysis of themes. A multidisciplinary research team reviewed the transcripts to maximize coding insights and to improve validity. Results: The main findings from the focus-groups are: 1) MACRA awareness is relatively higher in independent practices, 2) steps taken toward MACRA differ by practice ownership, and 3) practices have mixed perceptions about the expected impact of MACRA. Two additional themes emerged from data: 1) practices that joined accountable care organizations are taking proactive approaches to MACRA, and 2) independent practices face ongoing challenges. Conclusions: This study highlights a dilemma in which independent practices are proactively attempting to prepare for MACRA’s requirements, yet they continue to have major challenges. Practices are under extreme pressure to comply with reimbursement regulations, which may force some practices joining a health system or merging with another practice or completely closing the practices. Policy makers should assess the unintended consequences of payment reform policies on independent practices and provide support in transitioning to a new payment system.
Abstract 15305: Gastric Ulcer Perforation Mimicking Inferoposterior ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction on Electrocardiogram

Introduction: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and gastric perforation are emergencies with progressively higher mortality without emergent intervention. Here we present a case of gastric...