cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid rabbit: Highly optimized GPU accelerated cone-beam CT reconstruction

Graphical processing units (GPUs) have become widely adopted in the medical imaging community. The parallel SIMD nature of GPUs maps perfectly to many reconstruction algorithms. Because of this, it is relatively straightforward to parallelize common reconstruction algorithms (e.g. FDK backprojection). This means that significant performance improvements must come from careful memory optimizations, exploiting ASICs and a few other tricks to boost instruction throughput. We present optimizations that build off of previous work to optimize a GPU accelerated FDK backprojection implementation using the RabbitCT dataset.
Comparison of 2 models for gene-environment interactions: an example of simulated gene-medication interactions on systolic blood pressure in family-based data.

Nearly half of adults in the United States who are diagnosed with hypertension use blood-pressure-lowering medications. Yet there is a large interindividual variability in the response to these medications. Two complementary gene–environment interaction methods have been published and incorporated into publicly available software packages to examine interaction effects, including whether genetic variants modify the association between medication use and blood pressure. The first approach uses a gene–environment interaction term to measure the change in outcome when both the genetic marker and medication are present (the “interaction model”). The second approach tests for effect-size differences between strata of an environmental exposure (the “med-diff” approach). However, no studies have quantitatively compared how these methods perform with respect to 1 or 2 degree of freedom (DF) tests or in family-based data sets. We evaluated these 2 approaches using simulated genotype–medication response interactions at 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across a range of minor allele frequencies (MAFs 0.1–5.4 %) using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 19 family sample. The estimated interaction effect sizes were on average larger in the interaction model approach compared to the med-diff approach. The true positive proportion was higher for the med-diff approach for SNPs less than 1 % MAF, but higher for the interaction model when common variants were evaluated (MAF >5 %). The interaction model produced lower false-positive proportions than expected (5 %) across a range of MAFs for both the 1DF and 2DF tests. In contrast, the med-diff approach produced higher but stable false-positive proportions around 5 % across MAFs for both tests. Although the 1DF tests both performed similarly for common variants, the interaction model estimated true interaction effects with less bias and higher true positive proportions than the med-diff approach. However, if rare variation (MAF <5 %) is of interest, our findings suggest that when convergence is achieved, the med-diff approach may estimate true interaction effects more conservatively and with less variability.
Time to first cigarette and serum cholesterol levels.

Abstract Rationale Cigarette smoking is a primary cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, prior research has rarely distinguished smoking behavior from nicotine dependence. Objective The current study presents a novel investigation into whether time to first cigarette (TTFC), a reliable proxy for nicotine dependence, is associated with lipid cholesterol, a biomarker for CVD, after controlling for smoking behavior and other risk factors. Methods In total, 3903 current adult smokers were drawn from four consecutive cross-sectional waves (2005–06, 2007–08, 2009–10, and 2011–12) of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES). Weighted regressions were used to examine whether earlier TTFC is associated with differences in a) numeric values; b) guideline-based binary outcomes of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the LDL/HDL ratio; and c) 10-year risk scores for CVD. Results Earlier TTFC (within 5, 30, or 60 min vs. >60 min) was significantly (p 0.05). Conclusion More “addicted” smokers, as indicated by earlier TTFC, have less favorable lipid profiles, even after accounting for current and lifetime smoking history and other CVD risk factors. Future research should further explore whether TTFC could be a useful tool for refining clinically significant CVD risk among smokers.
Improved Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Schizophrenia During a Smoking Cessation Attempt with Varenicline and Behavioral Therapy

ABSTRACTObjective: Smoking prevalence rates are elevated in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) compared with the general population, with attendant disproportionate smoking-related morbidity and mortality. Pharmacotherapies that improve abstinence rates in this population are underutilized, partly due to concerns about neuropsychiatric safety, particularly for those with comorbid depression or prior suicide attempt. Prospective assessment of the psychiatric safety profile of varenicline in those with SSD is needed. Methods: Adult smokers with SSD entered a 12-week trial of varenicline and behavioral therapy for smoking cessation. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) at baseline and weekly thereafter. Participants with baseline and one or more postbaseline CDSS assessments, n = 179, were included in a secondary analysis of change in depressive symptoms with varenicline treatment, adjusting for abstinence status and baseline depres...
Spatiotemporal movement variability in ALS: Speaking rate effects on tongue, lower lip, and jaw motor control.

Abstract Purpose Although it is frequently presumed that bulbar muscle degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is associated with progressive loss of speech motor control, empirical evidence is limited. Furthermore, because speaking rate slows with disease progression and rate manipulations are used to improve intelligibility in ALS, this study sought to (i) determine between and within-group differences in articulatory motor control as a result of speaking rate changes and (ii) identify the strength of association between articulatory motor control and speech impairment severity. Method Ten talkers with ALS and 11 healthy controls repeated the target sentence at habitual, fast, and slow rates. The spatiotemporal variability index (STI) was calculated to determine tongue, lower lip, and jaw movement variability. Results During habitual speech, talkers with mild-moderate dysarthria displayed significantly lower tongue and lip movement variability whereas those with severe dysarthria showed greater variability compared to controls. Within-group rate effects were significant only for talkers with ALS. Specifically, lip and tongue movement variability significantly increased during slow speech relative to habitual and fast speech. Finally, preliminary associations between speech impairment severity and movement variability were moderate to strong in talkers with ALS. Conclusion Between-group differences for habitual speech and within-group effects for slow speech replicated previous findings for lower lip and jaw movements. Preliminary findings of moderate to strong associations between speech impairment severity and STI suggest that articulatory variability may vary from pathologically low (possibly indicating articulatory compensation) to pathologically high variability (possibly indicating loss of control) with dysarthria progression in ALS.
Working memory predicts presence of auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis.

Objective: The recent dramatic increase in research investigating auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) has broadened the former narrow focus on schizophrenia to incorporate additional populations ...
Residual analysis of nitric oxide fumigation on fresh fruit and vegetables

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a newly discovered fumigant which is effective against a wide range of postharvest pests. To register NO with US EPA for commercial use as a pesticide and to ensure its safety to consumers, it is necessary to analyze residues of NO fumigated products. In this study, we analyzed nitrate (NO 3 − ) and nitrite (NO 2 − ) ion concentrations in liquid extracts as residues on 20 fresh products at 24 h after 16 h fumigation treatments and compared them from untreated controls to determine effects of nitric oxide fumigation. Each product was subjected to two identical NO fumigation treatments except one treatment was terminated by flushing with N 2 and the other terminated by flushing with air. For most products, there were no significant differences in NO 3 − or NO 2 − level between the treatment that was terminated with nitrogen flush and the control. Only when NO fumigation treatment was terminated by flushing with normal air, there were significantly higher NO 3 − and NO 2 − concentrations in all fumigated products than both control and N 2 flushed fumigated products. NO 2 − concentration was generally not detectable in both fumigated and control products. Therefore, our results indicated that there were no significant levels of residues from NO fumigated fresh products at 24 h after fumigation when fumigation was terminated properly with nitrogen flushing.
The Role of Endogenous Oxytocin in Anxiolysis: Structural and Functional Correlates

Abstract Background Oxytocin is anxiolytic, and administration of synthetic oxytocin in humans reduces amygdala reactivity to negative stimuli. However, it is unknown whether endogenous oxytocin levels—which are heritable and stable across time—attenuate anxiety via similar mechanisms. Methods In this study, we used plasma assays and structural and functional neuroimaging to examine potential anxiolytic effects of endogenous oxytocin in 73 participants. Results We found that higher endogenous oxytocin levels are associated with reduced central amygdala volume and blood oxygen level–dependent activity in response to aversive stimuli. In contrast to previous reports, we found that oxytocin was not related to patterns of functional connectivity between the amygdala and other brain regions. Conclusions Together, our results underscore the importance of considering individual differences in participants' endogenous oxytocin with respect to anxiety-related neural activity and neuromorphology.
Effects of Sampling Time, Cultivar, and Methodology on Water- and Ethanol-Soluble Carbohydrate Profiles of Three Cool-Season Grasses in Central Kentucky

Abstract Cool-season grasses (CSGs) accumulate variable amounts of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs, monosaccharides and disaccharides, and fructans), depending on climate, time of day and year, and genotype. Fructan concentrations in CSG are sometimes estimated as the difference between concentrations of WSC and ethanol-soluble carbohydrates (ESCs, monosaccharides and disaccharides, and variable amounts of fructan). Characterizing both WSC and ESC may improve understanding of soluble carbohydrate profiles in pastures and inform grazing management decisions, particularly for horses at risk for laminitis. Three CSG cultivars from Kentucky pastures were collected in the morning and afternoon on two springtime dates. Water-soluble carbohydrates and ESC were extracted with water or 80% ethanol, respectively, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a colorimetric assay. Method of analysis (HPLC or colorimetry), and extraction solvent, affected the composition of WSC or ESC determined in CSG samples, demonstrating the need to consider methodology when interpreting results. Total soluble carbohydrate (mean of WSC and ESC) concentrations across cultivars and harvests were generally higher in the afternoon than in the morning, based on both HPLC (P = .0023) and colorimetric (P
Latency analysis of large volume satellite data transmissions

A wide array of time-sensitive satellite data is required in the research and development activities for natural hazard assessment, storms and weather prediction, hurricane tracking, disaster and emergency response, and so on. Identifying and analyzing the latencies of large volumes of real-time and near real-time satellite data is very useful and helpful for detecting transmission issues, managing IT resources, and configuring and optimizing data management systems. This paper introduces how to monitor and collect important timestamps of data transmissions, organize them in a NoSQL database, and explore data latency via a user-friendly dashboard. Taking Sentinel series satellite data as an example, data transmission issues are illustrated and investigated further. Latency analysis and explorations help data providers and managers improve data transmission and enhance data management.
Reading the Old Testament as Story: A Pedagogy for Spiritual Formation:

Since the middle of the 20th century, noted Old Testament scholars and theologians like Bernard Anderson, Hans Frei, Craig Bartholomew, and Michael Goheen have raised the concern that the contempor...
The Moral Complexity of Cause Lawyers Within the State

Douglas NeJaime’s Cause Lawyers Inside the State1 is a significant contribution to our understanding of cause lawyers. Most basically, NeJaime calls attention to a remarkably neglected topic: cause lawyers who work in the state rather than in public interest firms, law school clinics, or other non-governmental organizations (NGOs). His analysis undermines a narrative that students of cause lawyering too often presuppose: that to be a cause lawyer means standing outside the state, and usually in opposition to it. Almost by definition, a “cause” exists because the dominant institutions of society have failed to represent the interests and ideas of some subgroup, at least in its own eyes; and government is the most dominant of dominant institutions. Causes therefore draw their energy from the desire to change the direction the state has taken. Cause lawyers are a nuisance to the state, and they mean to be a nuisance. It comes as a surprise, then, that they would actually be invited to become insiders; that is, no doubt, the main reason that cause lawyering within the state has attracted insufficient previous attention. Of course, there are causes and there are causes: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights is a cause, but so is the Race for the Cure and promoting classical music in public schools. The latter two will hardly ever stand in opposition to government. I take it that NeJaime’s focus is on politically controversial causes, and that will be my focus as well. NeJaime provides a compelling analysis of the major ways in which cause lawyers can operate within the state to further their cause. His scholarship is comprehensive and first-rate. He considers cause lawyers working for a variety of causes—not only LGBTQ rights, but also disability rights, civil rights and affirmative action, feminist causes, and conservative causes.
Computers and Networking

The core infrastructure of any modern Radiology department is made up of computers/computer workstations and the connectivity or networking capability between these devices. All transactions between modalities, PACS, scheduling, billing, dictation, and reporting systems are made possible through specialized computer programs or applications that are executed by computers. Computer systems are quite diverse and are often designed to augment a specific task, whether it is to support image reconstruction for a modality such as computed tomography (CT) or digital radiography (DR) or rapid image display as in PACS. Fundamentally, all computers are built around a similar base design with enhancements in specific areas to address certain needs such as rapid storage access and data transfer for fileservers and improved video characteristics for PACS client display stations. The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize the reader with the fundamentals of computer architecture, networking, and computer applications.
Psychophysiological Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal tract is composed of the anatomical structures involved in the transportation and digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients into the blood stream, and the removal of nonabsorbable products from the body (Hassett, 1978; Wolf & Welsh, 1972). Functionally, these structures can be divided into four main components: the esophagus, the stomach, and the small and large intestines. Additionally, the smooth muscle secretory glands composed of the liver, the pancreas, and the gallbladder aid in digestion by providing bile, cholesterol, and other enzymes that enhance the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
A nine month study of graph construction skills and reasoning strategies used by ninth grade students to construct graphs of science data by hand and with computer graphing software

A nine month descriptive study of graph construction and interpretation skills was conducted in an urban city ninth grade self-contained classroom. Basic graphing skills and reasoning levels were measured for 30 students in October and May with (1) The Test of Graphing Skills, (2) The Group Assessment of Logical Thinking, and (3) a test of hand graph construction. Observations of all graphing activities throughout the year were made in algebra, science, social studies, and English classes. Copies of most student graph work were collected. Interviews in February and April with selected students using graphing software supplied data for studying in detail how students reasoned about construction of scaled axes. Results. (1) Graph construction and interpretation skills were rarely taught and/or used. (2) There was little change in student understanding of graph construction from October to May. (3) Data indicated some transfer of graph construction concepts from algebra work to science work in June. (4) Wavering's (1985) hypothesis that graph construction could be interpreted in terms of the concrete to formal operational reasoning levels of the student was rejected. (5) An analysis of student interview data, using a Vee heuristic suggested by Novak and Gowin (1984), identified the following misconceptions. (A) Graphs are not viewed as mathematical objects, but rather as a way to list and record events. (B) Scaled axes are not recognized as ratios. (C) Students do not have clearly separated concepts for discrete and continuous data or categorical and scaled axes. (D) Students do not understand how to assign appropriate data values to the origin. (E) Students do not use best fit lines. Conclusions. (1) Teachers do not recognize the extent or nature of student misconceptions about graph construction. (2) Student misconceptions are not corrected by being exposed to correctly constructed graphs during classwork. (3) Software graphing utilities tend to hide student misconceptions and lead both teacher and student to believe that the student understands how a graph is constructed, when in actuality the student does not understand the graph as a mathematical representation of the relationship between two variables.
AN INTRODUCTION TO NOISE ANALYSIS

This chapter focuses on noise analysis. The most common and most troublesome type of noise is the noise that is not simple to characterize. For example, the static on a household radio is caused by a veritable infinity of sources. Probability theory can be approached either on a strictly mathematical level or in an empirical setting. The mapping that assigns a number to each outcome is called a random variable. The properties of the distribution function shows that the density function can never be negative and that the integral of the density function over infinite limits must be unity. The chapter presents two very common density functions: (1) Gaussian density function and (2) uniform density function. If any single sample of a stochastic process contains all of the information about the process, the process is called ergodic. Each sample function of the input process yields a sample function of the output process.
Preparation and swelling behavior of pH/temperature responsive semi-IPN hydrogel based on carboxymethyl xylan and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)

In this study, carboxymethyl xylan was synthesized from wheat straw xylan and then pH/temperature dual-responsive hydrogels based on the carboxymethyl xylan (CMX) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) were firstly synthesized through semi-interpenetrating polymer network synthetic route. The temperature-responsive behavior was investigated by swelling experiment and DSC test, showing that the CMX content played an important role in the phase transition, and the CMX–PNIPAm hydrogel had higher pH sensitivity compared with PNIPAm hydrogel. The CMX content and the interconnected pore structure within the network improved the swelling, and the CMX–PNIPAm hydrogels had a high de-swelling rate. Addition of AAc in the hydrogels can improve pH sensitivity but decrease temperature sensitivity. The excellent swelling reversibility in response to temperature was verified through the oscillatory experiments of swelling and de-swelling. It is expected that the CMX–PNIPAm hydrogels could be used in biomedical fields as an intelligent material, especially for drug delivery.
Prolonged Survival in a Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Receiving Acupuncture and DHEA-Promoting Herbs with Conventional Management: A Case Report.

Introduction Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal, chronic, degenerative disease most commonly affecting the elderly population. The pathologic finding of this restrictive lung condition is excessive deposition of fibrotic tissue in the alveolar interstitium. Conventional therapies minimally alter the course of disease, and mean survival time from diagnosis is only 2 to 4 years. Case presentation A 65-year-old man, diagnosed with IPF in 2007, was being monitored by a conventional pulmonologist while being treated with weekly acupuncture targeting a Chinese medicine diagnosis of spleen dampness and lung qi weakness and with botanical medicine targeting the stimulation of adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone secretion. He survived for 10 years after diagnosis. Discussion Studies exist linking dehydroepiandrosterone with IPF disease activity as well as acupuncture with antifibrotic activity. Larger clinical studies are needed to substantiate the link between acupuncture and/or dehydroepiandrosterone-stimulating herbs for the treatment of IPF.
From protecting peasant livelihoods to essentializing peasant agriculture: problematic trends in food sovereignty discourse

In response to neoliberal food and agriculture policy, peasant movements fought for increased state support of the small-farm sector. Via Campesina now proposes agroecology and localized trade as e...
BEYOND SCIMITAR SYNDROME: A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF COMPLEX CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Scimitar Syndrome is a rare entity within congenital heart disease. The clinical presentation may be insidious and associated with a number of cardiopulmonary anomalies. A 47 year old male presented with progressive exertional dyspnea, palpitations, and a new systolic murmur in the setting of known
Effects of 6-thioguanine-containing RNA on in vitro protein synthesis

Abstract 6-Thioguanine was administered to rats 12 hr after partial hepatectomy at a dose of 40 mg/kg of body weight; 6 hr later, polyadenylic acid-containing RNA was isolated and was used to measure initiation of protein synthesis in vitro in a wheat germ system. In vitro initiation was found to be 2.3-fold greater when 6-thioguanine-containing RNA was employed, than when polyadenylic acid-containing RNA isolated from untreated animals was used. The homopolymer, poly(TG), did not promote peptide synthesis in the wheat germ in vitro system employed.
Remnant trees increase bat activity and facilitate the use of vineyards by edge-space bats

Conversion of natural habitats to vineyard monoculture is rapidly increasing both globally and on the California central coast. Although agricultural expansion typically decreases species diversity and abundance, landscape heterogeneity can maintain biodiversity, ecosystem function, and provide pest control services within agricultural systems. Large remnant oak trees are sometimes retained within vineyards, yet little is known about their value to biodiversity or the beneficial services to grape growers. While insectivorous bats (order: Chiroptera) are natural predators of agricultural pests and commonly utilize trees for foraging and roosting, no study has quantified the influence of remnant trees within vineyards on bat abundance and diversity. During 2014 and 2015, we recorded bat activity and species richness as well as insect abundance at isolated remnant trees and paired open areas within 14 vineyards in coastal central California. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess the influence of remnant trees on total and species-specific bat activity and insect abundance, and how these effects were influenced by individual tree and landscape-scale characteristics. We recorded 11,465 bat passes representing 11 bat species. Overall, bat activity rates were 1.5 times greater at trees compared to open areas. Activity levels of low-frequency echolocators adapted to open habitats did not differ between trees and open areas; however, activity levels of high frequency echolocators adapted to edge habitats were 2.4 times higher at trees than open areas. Bat activity at trees increased with larger tree size, closer neighboring remnant trees, and lower remnant tree density in the surrounding landscape. Our study indicates that remnant trees within vineyards provide important habitat value for bats at the landscape-scale by allowing edge-space adapted bat species access to vineyards. Retention of individual large trees can help to maintain biodiversity and ecological function in vineyard landscapes, a benefit for both conservation and agricultural production.
A Phase I Trial of the VEGF Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Pazopanib in Combination with the MEK Inhibitor Trametinib in Advanced Solid Tumors and Differentiated Thyroid Cancers.

Purpose: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) responds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors inhibitors. VEGF signals through RAS/RAF/MEK signaling. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of VEGF receptor inhibitor pazopanib and MEK inhibitor trametinib in advanced solid tumors and DTC. Experimental Design: Advanced solid tumor patients were enrolled in a phase I, multi-center trial with a DTC expansion cohort. Patients received pazopanib 400-800 mg and trametinib 1-2 mg daily. Efficacy in the expansion cohort was assessed with objective response (OR) at six months of treatment. Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in 5 dose levels. Maximum tolerated dose was not reached; the recommended phase II dose was pazopanib 800 mg po and trametinib 2 mg po qd. There was one dose limiting toxicity on dose level 1 with grade 3 fatigue and muscle weakness. Common grade 3 adverse events were elevated transaminases(19%), diarrhea(15%), hypertension(12%), and fatigue(8%). Thirteen patients were enrolled in the DTC cohort; OR was 33% (95% CI: 9.9, 65.1%) and median progression-free survival was 10.7 months. The cohort was terminated after planned interim analysis suggested insufficiently increased activity against the historical control of pazopanib alone. Reduction in tumor diameter negatively correlated with p-ERK change in tumor (Spearman9s rho = -0.71; p = 0.05). NRAS mutation was associated with response (Fisher9s Exact p=0.008). Conclusions: Pazopanib+trametinib was tolerable at full single-agent doses with clinical activity in DTC but did not achieve the pre-specified response rate target.
An Investor Perspective on the Black Box of Corporate Social Responsibility

In summarizing the findings of their recent study, the authors report findings that suggest that not all socially responsible corporate policies are likely to have the same effect on a company's ownership and value. Using environmental policy as their proxy for CSR activities, the authors classify corporate environmental practices into two categories: (1) actions that reduce the likelihood of harmful outcomes by reducing the corporate exposure to environmental risk; and (2) actions that enhance companies' perceived ‘greenness’ through investments that go beyond both legal requirements and any conceivable risk management rationale. Although both groups of environmental practices are likely to be viewed as socially beneficial, corporate expenditures that reduce a firm's environmental risk exposure are more likely to benefit shareholders by limiting the risk of losses arising from environmental accidents, lawsuits, and fines—and possibly thereby reducing the firm's cost of capital. By contrast, corporate expenditures that enhance the firm's perceived greenness by going beyond legal requirements and risk management rationales could actually reduce shareholder value. Consistent with this hypothesis, the authors find that institutional investors tend to own smaller than average percentages of both companies the authors identify as ‘toxic’ and make limited efforts to manage their environmental risk, and companies they label ‘green’ with low environmental risk exposure but relatively high CSR spending on the environment. At the same time, such investors hold larger‐than‐average positions in ‘neutral’ companies with relatively low, or effectively managed, environmental risk exposures and limited investment in ‘greenness’ programs. The authors also find that both toxic and green companies have lower (Tobin's Q) valuations than neutral companies, and that otherwise toxic companies that effectively manage their environmental risk exposures have higher valuations.
Factors Associated With Negative Attitudes Toward Speaking in Preschool-Age Children Who Do and Do Not Stutter.

Purpose This study explored relations between the negativity of children's speech-related attitudes as measured by the Communication Attitude Test for Preschool and Kindergarten Children Who Stutter (KiddyCAT; Vanryckeghem & Brutten, 2007) and (a) age; (b) caregiver reports of stuttering and its social consequences; (c) types of disfluencies; and (d) standardized speech, vocabulary, and language scores. Method Participants were 46 preschool-age children who stutter (CWS; 12 females, 34 males) and 66 preschool-age children who do not stutter (CWNS; 35 females, 31 males). After a conversation, children completed standardized tests and the KiddyCAT while their caregivers completed scales on observed stuttering behaviors and their consequences. Results The KiddyCAT scores of both the CWS and the CWNS were significantly negatively correlated with age. Both groups' KiddyCAT scores increased with higher scores on the Speech Fluency Rating Scale of the Test of Childhood Stuttering (Gillam, Logan, & Pearson, 2009). Repetitions were a significant contributor to the CWNS's KiddyCAT scores, but no specific disfluency significantly contributed to the CWS's KiddyCAT scores. Greater articulation errors were associated with higher KiddyCAT scores in the CWNS. No standardized test scores were associated with KiddyCAT scores in the CWS. Conclusion Attitudes that speech is difficult are not associated with similar aspects of communication for CWS and CWNS. Age significantly contributed to negative speech attitudes for CWS, whereas age, repetitions, and articulation errors contributed to negative speech attitudes for CWNS.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can occur following exposure to heparin and is characterized by thrombocytopenia with increased risk for thrombosis. This condition is mediated by formation of immunoglobulin G antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin complexes that can subsequently lead to platelet activation. Herein, we detail the clinical and laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes of two patients who developed HIT and thrombosis after undergoing collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis (HPC-A) for autologous HPC transplant. Given that heparin may be used during HPC-A collections, these cases emphasize the importance of prompt consideration of HIT in patients that develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis following HPC-A collection with heparin anticoagulation.
Valve Replacement in Children with Single Ventricle Physiology.

Severe atrioventricular valve (AVV) or semilunar valve (SLV) regurgitation in the setting of a single ventricle physiology may proceed to valve replacement if repair strategies fail. Outcome data for these children are limited. We present transplant-free survival of a case series of children with single ventricle physiology undergoing either atrioventricular replacement (AVVR) or semilunar valve replacement (SLVR) from a multi-institutional, US-based registry (Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium—PCCC). Outcomes were derived from PCCC and by linkage with the National Death Index (NDI) and Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN). Fifty children with single ventricle physiology were identified to have received either AVVR (n = 38) or SLVR (n = 12). There were 17 in-hospital deaths including 8 intraoperative deaths (all intraoperative deaths were among children requiring AVVR). The in-hospital mortality was 42% and 8% for AVVR and SLVR, respectively. Among the 33 children surviving to hospital discharge, follow-up was available in 15 (46%). Death or cardiac transplant after hospital discharge occurred in 10—death in 4 (all among those requiring AVVR), cardiac transplant in 6 (2 following AVVR, 4 following SLVR). Valve replacement in children with single ventricle physiology, especially AVVR, is associated with poor outcomes. Alternative palliation strategies should be considered in children with single ventricle physiology with significant AVV or SLV regurgitations.
Elucidation of MicroRNA-Gene Regulation in Human Cancer with Integrative Network Models

Computational modeling of complex gene regulation among different mechanisms involving transcript factors, microRNAs, lncRNAs, epigenetic modification, in a chaotic disease system such as cancer, has posed unprecedented challenges. In this study, we introduce a new integrative framework that handles genomics data integration and network model fusion with focus on the inference of context-dependent microRNA-gene interactions. Using breast cancer as a case study, we have identified stage-specific microRNA-gene binding patterns. Functional analysis indicates microRNA regulated signaling during cancer progression.
A pooled analysis of phase II trials of gemcitabine (GEM)-containing doublets plus bevacizumab (BEV): Should combination chemotherapy serve as the backbone in clinical trials of advanced pancreatic cancer (APC)?

4038 Background: GEM has served as the chemotherapy platform for most phase III clinical trials in APC, inc. CALGB 80303 (GEM +/- BEV). However, GEM-based combination regimens may confer superior o...
The Light-Cone Fock State Expansion and QCD Phenomenology

The concept of the “number of constituents” of a relativistic bound state, such as a hadron in quantum chromodynamics, is not only frame-dependent, but its value can fluctuate to an arbitrary number of quanta. Thus when a laser beam crosses a proton at fixed “light-cone” time τ = 3Dt + z/c = 3Dx 0 + x z , an interacting photon can encounter a state with any given number of quarks, anti-quarks, and gluons in flight (as long as n q - n q = 3D3). The probability amplitude for each such n-particle state of on-mass shell quarks and gluons in a hadron is given by a light-cone Fock state wavefunction \({\Psi _{n/H}}({x_i}{\overrightarrow {,k} _{ \bot \iota }},\lambda )\) , where the constituents have longitudinal light-cone momentum fractions $${x_i} = 3D\frac{{k_i^ + }}{{{p^ + }}} = 3D\frac{{{k^0} + k_i^x}}{{{p^0} + {p^z}}},\sum\limits_{i = 3D1}^n {{x_i} = 3D1} $$ (1) relative transverse momentum $${\overrightarrow k _{ \bot \iota }},\sum\limits_{i = 3D1}^n {{{\overrightarrow k }_{ \bot \iota }}} = 3D{\overrightarrow 0 _ \bot }$$ (2) and helicities λ i . The ensemble {ψ n/H } of such hght-cone Fock wavefunctions is a key concept for hadronic physics, providing a conceptual basis for representing physical hadrons (and also nuclei) in terms of their fundamental quark and gluon degrees of freedom.[1]
Lasting consequences of concussion on the aging brain: findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Abstract Studies suggest that concussions may be related to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Alzheimer's Disease. Most neuroimaging studies show effects of concussions in frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, yet the long-term impacts of concussions on the aging brain have not been well studied. We examined neuroimaging data from 51 participants (mean age at first imaging visit=65.1 ± 11.23) in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) who reported a concussion in their medical history an average of 23 years prior to the first imaging visit, and compared them to 150 participants (mean age at first imaging visit=66.6 ± 10.97) with no history of concussion. Participants underwent serial structural MRI over a mean of 5.17±6.14 years and DTI over a mean of 2.92±2.22 years to measure brain structure, as well as 15O-water PET over a mean of 5.33±2.19 years to measure brain function. A battery of neuropsychological tests was also administered over a mean of 11.62±7.41 years. Analyses of frontal and temporal lobe regions were performed to examine differences in these measures between the concussion and control groups at first imaging visit and in change over time. Compared to those without concussion, participants with a prior concussion had greater brain atrophy in temporal lobe white matter and hippocampus at first imaging visit, which remained stable throughout the follow-up visits. Those with prior concussion also showed differences in white matter microstructure using DTI, including increased radial and axial diffusivity in the fornix/stria terminalis, anterior corona radiata, and superior longitudinal fasciculus at first imaging visit. In 15O-water PET, higher resting cerebral blood flow was seen at first imaging visit in orbitofrontal and lateral temporal regions, and both increases and decreases were seen in prefrontal, cingulate, insular, hippocampal, and ventral temporal regions with longitudinal follow-up. There were no significant differences in neuropsychological performance between groups. Most of the differences observed between the concussed and non-concussed groups were seen at the first imaging visit, suggesting that concussions can produce long-lasting structural and functional alterations in temporal and frontal regions of the brain in older individuals. These results also suggest that many of the reported short-term effects of concussion may still be apparent later in life.
Prognostic Utility of Right Ventricular Remodeling Over Conventional Risk Stratification in Patients With COVID-19.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a growing pandemic that confers augmented risk for right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and dilation; the prognostic utility of adverse RV r...
Direct Current Stimulation Disrupts Endothelial Glycocalyx and Tight Junctions of the Blood-Brain Barrier in vitro.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive physical therapy to treat many psychiatric disorders and to enhance memory and cognition in healthy individuals. Our recent studies showed that tDCS with the proper dosage and duration can transiently enhance the permeability (P) of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in rat brain to various sized solutes. Based on the in vivo permeability data, a transport model for the paracellular pathway of the BBB also predicted that tDCS can transiently disrupt the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) and the tight junction between endothelial cells. To confirm these predictions and to investigate the structural mechanisms by which tDCS modulates P of the BBB, we directly quantified the EG and tight junctions of in vitro BBB models after DCS treatment. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd3) were cultured on the Transwell filter with 3 um pores to generate in vitro BBBs. After confluence, 0.1-1 mA/cm^2 DCS was applied for 5 and 10 min. TEER and P to dextran-70k of the in vitro BBB were measured, HS (heparan sulfate) and hyaluronic acid (HA) of EG was immuno-stained and quantified, as well as the tight junction ZO-1. We found disrupted EG and ZO-1 when P to dextran-70k was increased and TEER was decreased by the DCS. To further investigate the cellular signaling mechanism of DCS on the BBB permeability, we pretreated the in vitro BBB with a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NMMA. L-NMMA diminished the effect of DCS on the BBB permeability by protecting the EG and reinforcing tight junctions. These in vitro results conform to the in vivo observations and confirm the model prediction that DCS can disrupt the EG and tight junction of the BBB. Nevertheless, the in vivo effects of DCS are transient which backup its safety in the clinical application. In conclusion, our current study directly elucidates the structural and signaling mechanisms by which DCS modulates the BBB permeability.
Concept of nondestructive evaluation

The history of nondestructive evaluation, a recently evolved basic testing philosophy, and some application of NDE are examined with emphasis on aerospace applications. The discussion covers the definition of NDE, chronological development, NDE methods and systems, the use of NDE for process control, NDE for ceramics and composites, NDE for fracture control in glass, and science aspects of NDE. Specific examples of NDE applications are given.
Fast alignment of digital images using a lower bound on an entropy metric

We propose a registration algorithm based on successively refined quantization and an alignment metric derived from a minimal spanning tree entropy estimate. The metric favors edge alignment, is fast to compute, and compares well in experiments with competing approaches.
Vascular Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction Mediated by Amyloid-β Proteins

Neuronal inflammation is very common in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This inflammation can be caused by infiltration of neutrophils across the blood brain barrier. Endothelial permeability changes are required for the infiltration of high molecular weight components to the brain. Deposition of toxic amyloid-beta (A beta) fibrils in the cerebral vasculature, as well as in brain neurons, has been implicated in the development of AD. This study investigates the effect of A beta fibrils on the permeability of the endothelium and the mechanism for the observed permeability changes. A beta(1-40) and A beta(1-42) fibrils, but not monomers, were found to increase permeability of bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in a dose- and time dependent manner as detected by transendothelial electrical resistance. This increase in permeability is only partially (25%) inhibited by catalase and is not associated with an increase in cytosolic Ca+2 or tyrosine phosphorylation. These results indicate that hydrogen peroxide is not the primary mediator for the permeability changes. Treatment of cells with both amyloid fibrils resulted in stress fiber formation, disruption and aggregation of actin filaments, and cellular gap formation. The results of this study reveal that A beta increases the permeability of endothelium by inducing change in the cytoskeleton network.
On the evaluation of software inspections and tests

The goal of software inspections and tests is to reduce the expected cost of software failure over the life of a product. This paper extends the use of defect triggers, the events which cause defects to be discovered, to help evaluate the effectiveness of inspection and test activities. In the case of inspections, the defect trigger is defined as a set of values which associate the skills of the inspector with the discovered defect. Similarly, for tests, the defect trigger values embody the various strategies being used in creating test scenarios. The usefulness of triggers in evaluating the effectiveness of software inspections and tests is demonstrated by evaluating the inspection and test activities of some software products. These evaluations are used to point to both deficiencies in inspection and test strategies, and progress made in improving such strategies. >
Trapping and killing of Candida albicans by Corynebacterium parvum-activated livers.

Abstract Corynebacterium parvum vaccination significantly increased the number of leukocytes adherent to hepatic vessels. Perfused C. parvum-treated livers killed significantly more Candida albicans than did livers not treated with C. parvum, an effect reversed by the macrophage inhibitors silica, phenylbutazone, and iodoacetate.
Retinoic acid receptors (RARs and RXRs) in human fetal lung tissue and in a human pulmonary epithelial cell line. 247

Retinoic acid receptors (RARs and RXRs) in human fetal lung tissue and in a human pulmonary epithelial cell line. 247
Radiative Heat Transfer Between Parallel Plates Separated by a Nonisothermal Medium With Anisotropic Scattering

Abstract : The problem of radiative heat transfer is considered for the case of partially reflecting parallel plates separated by an emitting, nonisothermal medium which scatters radiant energy in an anisotropic fashion. Both linear and parabolic temperature profiles are considered. The solutions are obtained by representing the integral term of the transport equation by a quadrature. The resulting set of non-homogeneous differential equations are solved by a method utilizing idempotents. Application of this method to problems involving spherical enclosures is discussed. (Author)
Problem-solving Research for Management: A Perspective

Abstract We convened a symposium titled “Problem-solving Research for Management: Shared Responsibilities” at the 123rd annual meeting of the American Fisheries Society in Portland, Oregon. Our symposium sought to encourage researchers and managers to work together more effectively by reviewing successful research projects that have incorporated problem-solving approaches. In this first paper, we carefully define and distinguish between management and research by exploring the goals and tools of each discipline. In our view, problem-solving for management, as an iterative approach of which research is a major component, serves as a template for improving the relationship between managers and researchers as well as contributing to the solution of management problems. To improve the less-than-stellar record of interaction between these two groups, not only must problem-solving approaches be incorporated into the effort, but managers and researchers also must come to recognize, appreciate, and understand the...