cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lifelong multi-task multi-view learning using latent spaces

In this paper, we study the problem of MTMV learning in a lifelong learning framework. Lifelong machine learning, like human lifelong learning, learns multiple tasks over time. Lifelong multi-task multi-view (Lifelong MTMV) learning is a new data mining and machine learning problem where new tasks and/or new views may come in anytime during the learning process. Our goal is to efficiently learn a model for a new task or new view by selectively transferring knowledge learned from previous tasks or views. To this end, we propose a latent space lifelong MTMV (lslMTMV) learning method to exploit task relatedness and information from multiple views. In this new method, we map views to a shared latent space and then learn a decision function in the latent space. Our new method supports knowledge sharing among multiple views and knowledge transfer from existing tasks to a new learning task naturally. We have evaluated our method using 3 real-world data sets. The experimental study results demonstrate that the classification accuracy of our algorithm is close or superior to state-of-the-art offline MTMV learning algorithms while the time needed to train such models is orders of magnitude less.
First-principles calculations of phonons and Raman and infrared spectra in Cd-IV-N 2 compounds

A first-principles study of the phonons at the zone center in Cd-IV-N2 compounds is presented with IV = Si, Ge, Sn. The calculations are performed for the most likely Pbn21 crystal structure, after showing that it is indeed lower in total energy compared to the closely related Pmc21 structure. The normal mode frequencies are calculated using density functional perturbation theory and symmetry labeled. The longitudinal optical-transverse optical splittings are determined using the Born effective charges which are also reported. These are used to simulate polarized Raman spectra for different scattering configurations as well as the infrared absorption and reflection spectra. The mode frequencies are found to decrease from Si to Ge to Sn as group-IV cation. The spectra show a wide variety of number of prominent peaks and relative intensities in spite of the great similarities of these three materials. Phonon densities of states and their analysis in atom by atom contributions are also reported.
TRANSITION METAL-MEDIATED [2+2+2]CYCLOADDITIONS: BETTER THAN THE DIELS-ALDER REACTION?

Transition metal complexes, particularly those based on cobalt, enable [2+2+2]cycloadditions of unsaturated moieties to give six- and five-membered rings, chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectively. In particular, the use of cobalt catalysts and reagents in conjunction with α, ω-diynes, enynes, endiynes, nitriles, and isocyanates, leads to a versatile synthetic entry into a number of molecules of synthetic interest, including annulated aromatics, cyclo- pentadienones, pyridines, and oligocarbo- and heterocyclic systems. Utilization of terminally silylated starting materials provides access to silylated products which can be further elaborated using silicon chemistry. This approach has allowed the development of novel routes to natural and unnatural alkaloids, prostaglandins, and steroids. Mechanistic details of the reactions under discussion will be presented.
Immunity in young adults with major depressive disorder

Objective : The authors previously found evidence for an age-related association between major depression and altered immunity. The present study was designed to assess a range of immune measures in young adults with major depression. Method : A homogeneous group of 21 unmedicated, ambulatory young adults with unipolar major depressive episode, as determined with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, were assessed in comparison with 21 matched nondepressed subjects. An extended battery of quantitative and functional immune measures was obtained on the same day from depressed and nondepressed subjects. Results : Young adult subjects with major depression had more circulating leukocytes and granulocytes, fewer CD56+ (natural killer [NK]) cells, and, when the number of circulating NK cells was controlled, less NK cell activity. Mitogen responses, consistent with the authors' previous report, showed little difference between the young adults with and without major depression except for a possibly greater response at the highest dose of phytohemagglutinin. Conclusions : Major depression in young adults is associated with alterations in aspects of the immune system primarily involving NK cells. Some but not all of these immune changes differ from those found in older depressed adults.
Chapter 81 – Sturge–Weber Syndrome

Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is the association of the facial port-wine birthmark with malformed leptomeningeal blood vessels and abnormal venous eye vessels. Occurrence is sporadic and in both males and females and reported in all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The genetic cause accounting for SWS is a somatic mosaic mutation in the GNAQ gene encoding the Gαq protein. Testing for this somatic mosaic mutation may be useful in the future for differentiating a SWS diagnosis in these patients from other capillary malformation related syndromes, such as ­megalencephaly-capillary malformation-polymicrogyria syndrome, which also have capillary malformations but are otherwise different in terms of prognosis and associated complications. With the discovery of the causative somatic mosaic mutation, current SWS research will likely result in new in vitro and animal models, potential novel treatment strategies, and new insights into the pathophysiology of this vascular malformation disorder.
Legalities and Ethics—Do the Right Thing

Four lanes of speeding commuters sling-shot out of the Waldo Tunnel separated by less than the width of a handshake, except no one here is in a handshaking mood. Hands clench steering wheels as the drizzle-slick highway abruptly drops and slaloms right, left, right, then, for good measure, narrows to three lanes. It gets worse: Dead center, through their windshields, towers what may be the most seductive distraction in the Western world: the Golden Gate Bridge .
Corneal Haze after Refractive Surgery

Loss of corneal clarity (haze) after refractive surgery can be a serious condition, leading to decrease in VA, myopic regression and irregular astigmatism. Most cases of post-PRK haze are clinically insignificant and self-limiting. In addition to haze post-PRK, haze can also be seen after LASIK, epi-LASIK, and LASEK. Haze is due to abnormal collagen deposition and decreased corneal refractility. Grading, as described by Fantes et al., is necessary for proper management. Adequate follow-up postoperatively can detect and help prevent development of haze. MMC can adequately prevent and treat haze after refractive surgery.
Aplastic anemia: Etiology, molecular pathogenesis, and emerging concepts

Aplastic anemia (AA) is rare disorder of bone marrow failure which if severe and not appropriately treated is highly fatal. AA is characterized by morphologic marrow features, namely hypocellularity, and resultant peripheral cytopenias. The molecular pathogenesis of AA is not fully understood, and a uniform process may not be the culprit across all cases. An antigen-driven and likely autoimmune dysregulated T-cell homeostasis is implicated in the hematopoietic stem cell injury which ultimately founds the pathologic features of the disease. Defective telomerase function and repair may also play a role in some cases as evidenced by recurring mutations in related telomerase complex genes such as TERT and TERC. In addition, recurring mutations in BCOR/BCORL, PIGA, DNMT3A, and ASXL1 as well as cytogenetic abnormalities, namely monosomy 7, trisomy 8, and uniparental disomy of the 6p arm seem to be intimately related to AA pathogenesis. The increased incidence of late clonal disease has also provided clues to accurately describe plausible predispositions to the development of AA. The emergence of newer genomic sequencing and other techniques is incrementally improving the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of AA, the detection of the disease, and ultimately offers the potential to improve patient outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current understanding of the immunobiology, molecular pathogenesis, and future directions of such for AA.
An Investigation of Eighteenth-Century English Red Japanned Furniture in the Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The decorative surfaces of four pieces of eighteenth-century English red japanned furniture, including a card table and side chair by Giles Grendey (1693–1780), were examined. Cross-sectional micro...
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Use of Ambulatory and Emergency Care for Atopic Dermatitis among US Children

Previous studies indicate racial/ethnic differences in health care utilization for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD), but do not account for disease severity impact. We sought to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and health care utilization, both overall and by specific visit type, while accounting for AD control. A longitudinal cohort study of children with AD in the United States was performed to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and health care utilization for AD. AD control and health care utilization were assessed biannually. Our study included 7,522 children (34.2% white, 54.2% black, and 11.5% Hispanic) who were followed for a median of 4 years (interquartile range 0.9–8.4 years). After adjusting for sociodemographic and other factors, black and Hispanic children were up to nearly threefold more likely than white children to receive medical care for AD across almost all levels of AD control. Black and Hispanic children had higher odds of primary care and emergency visits compared to whites. Black children with poorly controlled AD were significantly less likely to see a dermatologist than white children with similarly poorly controlled AD (odds ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.64–0.85 for limited control; odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval = 0.47–0.76 for uncontrolled AD). Together, these findings suggest the presence of racial/ethnic disparities in health care utilization for AD.
White-tailed deer browse preference for an invasive shrub, Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), depends on woody species composition

Selective browsing by abundant, generalist herbivores on preferred species could allow less-preferred invasive species to flourish. We tested such an effect by examining rates at which white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) consume Amur honeysuckle [Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder], an invasive shrub, relative to native woody species across eight forested sites in southwestern Ohio. We tested three hypotheses: (1) deer prefer to browse on L. maackii versus other woody plants; (2) L. maackii is not a preferred source of browse, but is consumed where preferred foods are scarce; and (3) L. maackii provides an important food resource for deer in early spring when other foods are scarce. We used counts of browsed and unbrowsed twigs of each species to calculate, for each site, both the proportion of each species’ twigs browsed and the degree to which deer selectively favor each species (“electivity”) during early to mid-growing season. Across the eight sites, electivity of L. maackii correlated with the proportion of its twigs browsed, and both measures were negatively associated with the density of L. maackii twigs. Lonicera maackii electivity was negative at most sites, indicating it is generally not preferred, undermining hypothesis 1. The hypothesis that deer consume L. maackii when more-preferred foods are depleted was not supported, as there was no negative relationship between L. maackii browse and the density of twigs of more-preferred species. We found a negative relationship between the proportion of L. maackii twigs browsed and the density of L. maackii among sites, which supports the third hypothesis. This finding, combined with seasonal patterns of deer browse on L. maackii, indicates that this invasive shrub is an important source of browse for deer during early spring, regardless of its abundance.
A More Robust Stator Insulation Failure Prognosis for Inverter-Driven Machines

Accurate insulation failure prognosis can avoid both unexpected failures and premature removal of machines from operation. One online prognosis technique uses a feature in the insulation current to accurately estimate remaining useful life. This technique, however, assumes consistent voltage application from the switching devices, which is not always typically the case. Degradation in the gate oxide of MOSFET devices produces an effect that can mask insulation degradation. Neglecting gate oxide degradation of MOSFETS in stator insulation prognosis techniques can lead to underestimation of remaining useful life. This work proposes a second signature in the phase current measurement of an inverter-driven electric machine to distinguish between insulation and MOSFET degradation. This signature does not require additional sensors and can be detected online. This modified stator insulation prognosis technique improves confidence in the remaining useful life estimate.
Clinical Assessment of Characteristics of Apraxia of Speech in Primary Progressive Aphasia

Purpose We sought to examine interrater reliability in clinical assessment of apraxia of speech (AOS) in individuals with primary progressive aphasia and to identify speech characteristics predictive of AOS diagnosis. Method Fifty-two individuals with primary progressive aphasia were recorded performing a variety of speech tasks. These recordings were viewed by 2 experienced speech-language pathologists, who independently rated them on the presence and severity of AOS as well as 14 associated speech characteristics. We calculated interrater reliability (percent agreement and Cohen's kappa) for these ratings. For each rater, we used stepwise regression to identify speech characteristics significantly predictive of AOS diagnosis. We used the overlap between raters to create a more parsimonious model, which we evaluated with multiple linear regression. Results Results yielded high agreement on the presence (90%) and severity of AOS (weighted Cohen's κ = .834) but lower agreement for specific speech characteristics (weighted Cohen's κ ranging from .036 to .582). Stepwise regression identified 2 speech characteristics predictive of AOS diagnosis for both raters (articulatory groping and increased errors with increased length/complexity). These alone accounted for ≥ 50% of the variance of AOS severity in the constrained model. Conclusions Our study adds to a growing body of research that highlights the difficulty in objective clinical characterization of AOS and perceptual characterization of speech features. It further supports the need for consensus diagnostic criteria with standardized testing tools and for the identification and validation of objective markers of AOS. Additionally, these findings underscore the need for a training protocol if diagnostic tools are to be effective when shared beyond the research teams that develop and test them and disseminated to practicing speech-language pathologists, in order to ensure consistent application.
¿Vino nuevo en odres viejos? El estudio narratológico de los videojuegos

Una de las controversias fundacionales para el campo de estudio de los juegos es aquella en torno al rol que deberian desempenar las herramientas de la narratologia. Se ha cuestionado su capacidad para lidiar con medios interactivos. El fin de esta ponencia es ilustrar una avenida puramente narrativa para el estudio de los juegos, fundada en un reanalisis de la “narracion visual” en medios ludicos. Para ejemplificar este nuevo acercamiento, se compara el relato de la pelicula de animacion Pinocchio (1940) con el de una de sus adaptaciones a videojuego, revelando profundas diferencias en la focalizacion, el ritmo y la caracterizacion del personaje principal. Finalmente, se esquematiza el supuesto problema de la indeterminacion ficcional y sus consecuencias para el analisis narratologico de los juegos.
Eosinophilic Polymyositis: A Rare Cause of Atraumatic Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm.

Background Eosinophilic polymyositis is a rare disorder in which eosinophils infiltrate muscle and supporting connective tissue structures, resembling autoimmune or immunologically mediated disease. This disorder can be associated with muscle inflammation and death, and can be a cause of atraumatic compartment syndrome. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of a case report as well as review of pertinent literature. Results This report presents a rare case of atraumatic compartment syndrome of the forearm caused by eosinophilic polymyositis. It provides a case summary and histological examination of this patient. Conclusion This is an important case to report because it highlights eosinophilic polymyositis as a unique etiology of compartment syndrome. In appropriate clinical situations where patients do not improve despite standard interventions, one should consider the rare and unusual etiology of compartment syndrome due to eosinophilic polymyositis. Furthermore, primary surgical intervention should not be delayed while waiting to ascertain a definitive diagnosis.
Periodic bouncing modes for two uniformly magnetized spheres. II. Scaling

A uniformly magnetized sphere moves without friction in a plane in response to the field of a second, identical, fixed sphere and makes elastic hard-sphere collisions with this sphere. Numerical simulations of the threshold energies and periods of periodic finite-amplitude nonlinear bouncing modes agree with small-amplitude closed-form mathematical results, which are used to identify scaling parameters that govern the entire amplitude range, including power-law scaling at large amplitudes. Scaling parameters are combinations of the bouncing number, the rocking number, the phase, and numerical factors. Discontinuities in the scaling functions are found when viewing the threshold energy and period as separate functions of the scaling parameters, for which large-amplitude scaling exponents are obtained from fits to the data. These discontinuities disappear when the threshold energy is viewed as a function of the threshold period, for which the large-amplitude scaling exponent is obtained analytically and for which scaling applies to both in-phase and out-of-phase modes.
Inhibition of a cortico-thalamic circuit attenuates cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in relapse prone rats

Relapse often occurs when individuals are exposed to stimuli or cues previously associated with the drug-taking experience. The ability of drug cues to trigger relapse is believed to be a consequence of incentive salience attribution, a process in which the incentive value of reward is transferred to the reward-paired cue. Sign-tracker (ST) rats that attribute enhanced incentive value to reward cues are more prone to relapse compared to goal-tracker (GT) rats that primarily attribute predictive value to such cues. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying this individual variation in relapse propensity remains largely unexplored. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has been identified as a critical node in the regulation of cue-elicited behaviors in STs and GTs, including cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Here we used a chemogenetic approach to assess whether top-down cortical input from the prelimbic cortex (PrL) to the PVT plays a role in mediating individual differences in relapse propensity. Chemogenetic inhibition of the PrL-PVT pathway differentially affected neuronal activity (i.e. Fos) in the PVT in STs compared to GTs. This manipulation also selectively decreased cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in STs, without affecting behavior in GTs. In contrast, cocaine-primed drug-seeking behavior was unaffected in both phenotypes. These results highlight an important role for the PrL-PVT circuit in mediating individual differences in cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, or relapse propensity.
Machine Vision, Medical AI, and Malpractice

The introduction of novel medical technology into clinical practice gives rise to novel questions of legal liability when something goes wrong. The complexity of the technology is often paralleled by the complexity of the liability analysis, which is why questions of malpractice involving medical artificial intelligence are so vexing. There are myriad medical use cases for artificial intelligence (AI), but some of the most promising applications involve the use of machine vision for imaging diagnostics. However, these machine vision applications involve complicated software models, the operation of which can be opaque at times even to its designers. This introduces concerns from physicians over whether they can trust a machine they do not fully understand or rely on its judgements. This can also arouse fear over the possibility of malpractice claims. Some of the recent advances in machine learning technology make its results easier to interpret, allowing medical professionals to feel more confident in using the technology. This article illustrates how such innovations are likely to impact the legal system and malpractice suits. We conclude that the unique capabilities and functions of AI and machine vision, especially when conjoined with the aforementioned advances in their interpretability, create an opportunity to argue that the technology actually minimizes physician liability. These advances in machine vision interpretability also change the legal landscape for the manufacturers of this technology. We examine impacts to products liability, focusing specifically on the issue of whether such technology would (or will soon) be considered a "product," and how this might affect manufacturers’ product development and marketing strategies. We also consider how the learned intermediary defense might be deployed in failure-to-warn cases involving medical machine vision, again looking to how the legal doctrine is likely to impact manufacturer behavior in the design and deployment of such technologies.
Philosophical Standpoints of Textbooks in Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics has proven to be a challenging subject for instructors to teach and conceptually difficult for students to understand. A major source of the difficulty is the lack of everyday experience that quantum mechanics can be related to and the change in thinking required in transitioning from deterministic classical mechanics to a probabilistic quantum theory. Philosophically, the transition has been difficult to reconcile even amongst the physics community. Despite this, the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of instruction in quantum mechanics have not been well documented. In this paper, the philosophical commitments of two popular textbooks that are a staple in undergraduate and graduate classrooms around the world are analyzed to examine their interpretative and philosophical grounding. The textbooks are analyzed from the perspective of a student encountering quantum mechanics for the first time and are related to the well documented problems students face in trying to understand quantum mechanics. Recommendations for future textbooks are also made along with a call to enable students to engage in meaningful discourse and debate over the meanings of quantum mechanical systems.
Topological event rates and the evolution of the grain face distribution in grain growth

Abstract A theory is formulated that relates the rates of the three topological events to the evolution of the face distribution function. Implementation of the theory requires introduction of the concept of participation probabilities which reflect the face distribution of those grains that are incident upon the events. The prediction of the evolving face distribution is tested with a 3-D Monte Carlo simulation of the grain growth process that permits evaluation of the topological event rates by face class and the participation probabilities. The theory also develops a relation between the average number of faces per grain and the topological rates as well as the asymptotic distribution function; these results are also tested using the simulation. The transient period prior to normal grain growth is explained in terms of the evolution of the event rates that control the creation of small grains and evolve the face distribution to its final shape.
Interactive Visual Prototyping of Computer Vision Applications.

Cameras are a useful source of input for many interactive applications, but computer vision programming is difficult and requires specialized knowledge that is out of reach for many application developers. This dissertation contributes a novel architectural framework for developing computer vision applications, in which developers use visual examples to train and tune computer vision recognizers. We claim that this framework allows people with minimal programming experience, and no specialized knowledge of computer vision, to use camera data in a wide variety of compelling camera-based applications: home monitoring and surveillance, automated reminder systems, robotic navigation, interactive art, gesture-controlled appliances, video games, and many others. We demonstrate our claim through the design and evaluation of a prototyping tool for camera-based interaction, which we built, distributed, and incrementally refined over the course of several years. In addition to presenting a new software framework for building computer vision applications, and an associated set of interaction techniques, this thesis describes the lessons we learned in the process of evaluating and improving our approach. We discuss how to package complex algorithms in a way that makes them accessible and practical; how to strike a balance between power and flexibility on the one hand, and simplicity and ease of use on the other; and how to address the unique set of challenges and opportunities presented when using computer vision in real-world applications.
Beyond the traditional NDVI index as a key factor to mainstream the use of UAV in precision viticulture.

In the last decade there has been an exponential growth of research activity on the identification of correlations between vegetational indices elaborated by UAV imagery and productive and vegetative parameters of the vine. However, the acquisition and analysis of spectral data require costs and skills that are often not sufficiently available. In this context, the identification of geometric indices that allow the monitoring of spatial variability with low-cost instruments, without spectral analysis know-how but based on photogrammetry techniques with high-resolution RGB cameras, becomes extremely interesting. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of new canopy geometry-based indices for the characterization of vegetative and productive agronomic parameters compared to traditional NDVI based on spectral response of the canopy top. Furthermore, considering grape production as a key parameter directly linked to the economic profit of farmers, this study provides a deeper analysis focused on the development of a rapid yield forecast methodology based on UAV data, evaluating both traditional linear and machine learning regressions. Among the yield assessment models, one of the best results was obtained with the canopy thickness which showed high performance with the Gaussian process regression models (R2 = 0.80), while the yield prediction average accuracy of the best ML models reached 85.95%. The final results obtained confirm the feasibility of this research as a global yield model, which provided good performance through an accurate validation step realized in different years and different vineyards.
Life cycle and economic assessment of corn production practices in the western US Corn Belt

Abstract Environmental impacts of corn production practices have been studied using life cycle assessment (LCA) across different regions across the world. Yet, most LCA on corn production focused on process-based approach, without considering environmental impacts embedded in economic service activities (e.g., insurance and overhead management). Besides, joint assessment on environmental and economic impacts of various corn production practices as well as trade-offs analysis between different environmental impact categories for different corn production practices also remains rare. To fill these knowledge gaps, a hybrid inventory approach is applied to account for environmental impacts of corn production employing different practices in different regions of Nebraska (a representative state of western US Corn Belt). The environmental and economic impacts of corn production are found to vary with geographical regions, water sources, and corn seed hybrids. Trade-offs between global warming potential (GWP) and overall environmental burdens (represented as a composite single score) are found among practices; that is, practices with lower GWP do not necessarily have a lower overall environmental single score (a composite of ten environmental impact categories). Improving the energy efficiency of existing diesel irrigation pumps offers an important avenue to reduce GHGs and environmental impacts from irrigated corn practices. Environmental impacts from economic service activities only have a marginal contribution to the overall results; among all practices, the largest contributions are on fossil fuel depletion (1.6 to 6.6%), implying that a process-based inventory is sufficient. The production costs and crop yield among the seven practices range from $145.6 to $218.0 per ton and 2286 to 6858 kg per acre. The analysis of crop yield variability shows that the irrigated practices help reduce variability of GWP, environmental single score, and production cost, compared to the rainfed practices. The methodology framework applying hybrid LCA and joint environmental and economic assessment at detailed process level can also be used to quantify the environmental impacts of other crops and be extended to develop fast and flexible assessment tool towards sustainable agricultural production.
Role of 99mTc-MDP Bone Scan in Staging Vertebral Chordoma

3051 Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of 99mTc-MDP bone scan in the staging of vertebral chordoma, and compare scintigraphy with morphologic characteristics on computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: With IRB approval, a retrospective review was performed for patients with biopsy-proven chordoma who underwent 99mTc-MDP bone scan within three months of pathologic diagnosis. Multiple scintigraphic features were analyzed, including location, degree of primary tumor uptake (none, mild, moderate, marked), and presence of metastatic disease. Scintigraphic appearance was correlated to CT features, including maximal dimension and pattern of bone involvement (no change, purely lytic, lytic with surrounding sclerosis, or mixed lytic/sclerotic). The electronic medical record was cross-referenced for demographic data, and both the clinical and imaging records were evaluated for subsequent development of osseous metastatic disease. Results: There were 32 patients with a mean age of 55.6 ± 16.8 years (range 22-88 years), including 17 males and 15 females. 23 tumors were found in the sacrococcygeal region, six in the lumbar spine and three in the cervical spine. The average maximal tumor dimension was 7.9 ± 6.1 cm (range 1.3-33.6 cm). There was no significant difference in the size based on tumor location (sacrococcygeal 8.6 ± 6.7, lumbar 7.5 ± 4.8, and cervical 4.1± 1.2 cm; sacrococcygeal vs. lumbar p= 0.63, lumbar vs. cervical p= 0.24, sacrococcygeal vs. cervical p= 0.10). On CT, 4/32 (13%) chordomas exhibited no osseous change, 7/32 (22%) were purely lytic, 8/32 (25%) were lytic with surrounding reactive/sclerotic bone, and 13/32 (141%) were mixed lytic and sclerotic. On bone scan, 14/32 (44%) chordomas had no uptake, 11/32 (34%) had mild uptake, 6/32 (19%) had moderate uptake, and 1/32 (3%) had marked uptake. 5/32 (16%) patients had an area of increased uptake on bone scan that was suspicious for a metastasis. Follow-up imaging showed that all five potential metastases were instead due to benign etiologies, which included: degenerative disc disease, fibrous dysplasia, femoral subchondral insufficiency fracture, vertebral hemangioma, and hyperostosis frontalis interna. There was no association between the pattern of osseous involvement and the presence or degree of radiotracer uptake on bone scan (p= 0.56). There was also no association between the primary lesion size and presence of radiotracer uptake (p= 0.24) or degree of radiotracer uptake (p= 0.30). The average length of patient follow-up was 50.0 ± 43.8 months. Only 1/32 (3%) developed subsequent osseous metastatic disease, which was discovered on conventional imaging. Conclusions: A significant proportion of vertebral chordomas are occult on 99mTc-MDP bone scan, irrespective of their pattern of bone involvement on CT. Osseous metastases from chordoma are uncommon at the time of initial staging, and bone scan is prone to false positive findings. These results call into question the routine use of 99mTc-MDP bone scan in staging vertebral chordoma.
Flume and single-pass washing systems for fresh-cut produce processing: Disinfection by-products evaluation

Abstract Free chlorine is widely used in fresh-cut produce washing to minimize microbial cross-contamination, but its application can also lead to the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs). This study compared DBPs in process water and washed produce during commercial operation. Samples of shredded lettuce and diced cabbages washed in chlorinated water in the traditional double-flume wash and novel immersion-free single-pass wash systems were collected at multiple time points and locations from the processing lines. A suite of 33 conventional and emerging DBPs, including 4 trihalomethanes (THMs), 9 haloacetic acids (HAAs), 9 nitrogenous DBPs (N-DBPs), and 11 carbonaceous DBPs (C-DBPs), were investigated. Overall, N-DBPs and HAAs dominated the concentration of detected DBPs. Wash water in the flumes contained 7–111 folds higher DBP levels compared to that in the single-pass system, with the abundance of DBPs following the order of N-DBPs > HAAs > C-DBPs > THMs. DBPs were detected on washed produce, presenting primarily in the forms of N-DBPs and HAAs followed by C-DBPs and THMs. While higher levels of DBPs were detected in flume-washed produce, the final potable water rinse significantly reduced the DBP concentration in these products. The concentrations of THMs and HAAs on these washed products were used to estimate potential exposure via consumption of fresh-cut produce and the levels were below the daily allowable exposure for drinking water standard established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The detected high concentration and potential toxicity of N-DBPs indicate the need for further research. The findings of this study advance the understanding of the formation and removal of DBPs during wash processes, and identify additional research opportunities for further reduction in DBPs and food safety improvement.
Simultaneous Endoscopic and Microscopic Visualization in Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.

BACKGROUND Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a socially limiting condition leading to decreased quality of life that can be treated with microvascular decompression (MVD). Endoscopy has been described as an adjunct to traditional microscopy for MVD, although the best visualization technique is debated. OBJECTIVE To review the current literature on use of endoscopy in MVD for HFS and to describe the simultaneous microscopic and endoscopic visualization technique along with a video illustration. METHODS Patients who underwent MVD for HFS were retrospectively reviewed from January 2011 to December 2019. The first set of patients in the series were done using traditional endoscopic assisted visualization, followed by a change in technique in the subsequent patients using the simultaneous endoscopic technique. The surgical technique is described as well as illustrated with a video. RESULTS In total, 21 patients underwent 24 MVDs to treat HFS. The simultaneous endoscopic/microscopic technique was used in 48% of cases for visualization. All but one patient had resolution of their symptoms immediately after the procedure. In total, 7 patients had recurrence of HFS, with 4 (17%) resolving spontaneously and 3 (13%) ultimately undergoing redo MVD. Postoperatively 7 patients (29%) had transient complications that all resolved completely. There was no significant difference between the traditional alternating microscopic and endoscopic technique with the simultaneous endoscopic microscopic technique. CONCLUSION Endoscopic assistance during MVD for HFS is beneficial and may be streamlined by using the simultaneous microscope and endoscope visualization technique.
Biomarker signatures for neuropathic pain after SCI

Abstract Chronic neuropathic pain is an incapacitating secondary consequence of spinal cord injury occurring in 40%–70% of injured people. There is no clear injury characteristic or patient phenotype that predicts who will develop neuropathic pain. However, promising work is ongoing to combine objective laboratory-based assays, standardized testing, and clinical factors to predict, identify, and/or monitor neuropathic pain. Biomarkers prognostic of neuropathic pain may allow for early intervention and identify novel mechanism-based treatments. In this chapter we discuss current biomarker discovery approaches and elaborate on some of the promising biomarker candidates.
Differential thermal analysis of high-alumina allophane

Curve characteristics of differential thermalgram of high alumina allophane, observing endothermal peak for water loss
Helping Discussions to 'Catch Fire'

In a great discussion-based class one experiences a convergence of energy and thought among the students. An idea or comment nags several students, won't let go, and generates energy. The discussion assumes a life of its own, almost apart from direction of the teacher. Students exercise leadership for expressing and testing ideas; they replicate the exploratory process in class. In an intangible instant, one perspective seems to sweep the class; the light goes on; the class "clicks." This is one of the most gratifying moments in teaching, and is something that many teachers consciously strive for. Would that it happened every time; but it does not. Some class discussions run flat, despite one's best efforts. Others spin out of control or dive into an abyss of false thinking. In both the good and the bad instances is the element of surprising spread of an idea, attitude, or energy. What can the instructor do to encourage the good outcomes, and thwart the bad? This column offers some suggestions.
Regulation of Intracellular Proteolysis in Escherichia coli

Individual nitrogenous metabolites have been examined as regulating agents for the breakdown of intracellular proteins in Escherichia coli . Generally, NH 4 + is the most effective regulator. Its depletion progressively increases the basal proteolytic rate to maximum in most strains when the doubling time is increased to 2 h. In E. coli 9723, the rate is further increased at longer doubling times. Amino acids have individual effects on intracellular proteolysis. The basal rate in amino acid-requiring auxotrophs of E. coli 9723 is stimulated weakly by starvation for histidine, tryptophan, or tyrosine, moderately by four other amino acid depletions, and more strongly by eight others. The degree of stimulation roughly correlates with the frequency of the amino acid in the cell proteins. Amino acid analogues that incorporate extensively into protein generally slightly inhibit intracellular proteolysis, except for selenomethionine, which is slightly stimulatory. Metabolic inhibitors were studied at graded concentrations. Chloramphenicol inhibits the basal level of intracellular proteolysis when protein synthesis is slightly or moderately inhibited, and stimulates proteolysis slightly at higher levels. Graded inhibition of ribonucleic acid synthesis with rifampin progressively stimulates intracellular proteolysis. Uracil depletion is also stimulatory. Inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis with mitomycin C or by thymine starvation slightly inhibits intracellular proteolysis. Intracellular proteolysis is postulated to be regulated primarily by active ribosomal function. At 43 to 45 C, intracellular proteolysis becomes maximally induced and unresponsive to normal regulatory control by metabolites. Most regulation is directed towards the breakdown of the more stable cell proteins. Total proteolysis in all cell proteins is no more than doubled by the most effective conditions of starvation.
Critical Care Management of Bariatric Surgery Complications

Obesity remains a major medical disease that often requires surgical intervention in morbidly obese patients. Surgical procedures have evolved and are performed routinely in most major medical centers. Outcomes are often dependent on patient characteristics, type of procedure, and preoperative planning. Risk stratification often depends on screening and optimizing known comorbidities often encountered in this patient population. A thorough understanding of the physiologic changes seen in obese patient and the commonly performed operations will allow the physician to perform optimal treatment strategies.
Neuronal Activity Drives Presynaptic pH Regulation: Insights from Live Fluorescent pH Imaging in Drosophila Melanogaster Motor Nerve Terminals. (P1.051)

OBJECTIVE: We use the glutamatergic larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of Drosophila melanogaster to study the mechanisms by which neuronal activity drives presynaptic acid loading and extrusion. BACKGROUND: Neuronal activity is often accompanied by intracellular acid loads which are cleared by acid-extruding proteins. Mutations in human neuronal acid extruders are associated with hyperexcitability disorders and hereditary sensory loss. Although growing evidence suggests rapid intracellular pH regulation is vital to neuronal function little is known of the cellular mechanisms which integrate pH regulation with neuronal activity. DESIGN/METHODS: We monitored cytosolic pH in Drosophila larval motor nerve terminals through neuronal expression of genetically-encoded pH-indicators (GEpHIs) using the GAL4-UAS system. Fluorescence signals from an established GEpHI and a novel ratiometric GEpHI ("pHerry") were collected through live imaging and calibrated to measure cytosolic pH in real time. RESULTS: Trains of action potentials acidified nerve terminals from a resting cytosolic pH of 7.30±0.02 to 7.14±0.01. Realkalinization occurred upon cessation of stimulation with a time course of 20.54±1.05s (τ). Similar acid transients were observed during endogenous nerve activity in vivo . The magnitude of cytosolic acid transients correlated with cytosolic calcium increase upon stimulation, and inhibition of the plasma membrane calcium-ATPase attenuated cytosolic pH shifts. Mutant flies deficient in synaptic vesicle exocytosis displayed exaggerated activity-induced acid loading and impaired acid clearance while flies deficient in vesicle endocytosis displayed attenuated acid loading and enhanced acid clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Activity-induced intracellular acid loading occurs in individual presynaptic terminals and the extent of acid loading is tied to calcium extrusion mechanisms. Acid extrusion is also activity-dependent and mediated though transient deposition of synaptic vesicle acid extruding proteins onto the plasma membrane during endocytosis. Live pH imaging with GEpHIs can be adapted to mammalian systems to further investigate the role of neuronal pH regulation in neuropathology. Study Supported by: NINDS R01NS061914 and NSF IOS-1147467 Disclosure: Dr. Rossano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Macleod has nothing to disclose.
Topographical representations of mental images in primary visual cortex

WE report here the use of positron emission tomography (PET) to reveal that the primary visual cortex is activated when subjects close their eyes and visualize objects. The size of the image is systematically related to the location of maximal activity, which is as expected because the earliest visual areas are spatially organized1–5. These results were only evident, however, when imagery conditions were compared to a non-imagery baseline in which the same auditory cues were presented (and hence the stimuli were controlled); when a resting baseline was used (and hence brain activation was uncontrolled), imagery activation was obscured because of activation in visual cortex during the baseline condition. These findings resolve a debate in the literature about whether imagery activates early visual cortex6–11 and indicate that visual mental imagery involves 'depictive' representations, not solely language-like descriptions12–14. Moreover, the fact that stored visual information can affect processing in even the earliest visual areas suggests that knowledge can fundamentally bias what one sees.
General Results on Glueball Masses in QCD

Abstract A number of authors have investigated mass inequalities for mesons and baryons in QCD. These provide rigorous non-perturbative constraints on the mass spectrum. Similar inequalities for glueballs are investigated. For nonzero spin J , in the large- N c approximation, m J − ⩾ m J + is found. (For J = 0, the existence of a gluon condensate can modify this statement.) There are also constraints on how fast m J can grow with J . For example, for m J = a + bJ α , 0 ⩽ α ⩽ 1 is found, a result consistent with Regge behaviour.
Concentration profiles of rod-like polymers in narrow channels

Abstract The concentration profiles of a rod-like polymer in a channel of width less than twice the polymer length are determined under the condition that Brownian forces are dominant. The constraints posed by a second wall are a new feature to the previously described solution for such polymers near a single, nonadsorbing wall (L. Auvray, J. Phys. (Paris) 42, 79 (1981)). The simple method of counting configurations outlined here could be extended to more complex geometries or to rod-like polymers experiencing long range interactions from a nearby surface.
QUANTITATIVE EFFECTS OF ALKYL BENZENE SULFONATE (ABS) ON KB CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE.

SummaryAn established KB cell-line in tissue culture was used as a means of obtaining a more rapid indication of toxic responses than is presently available through classical toxicological animal feeding studies. The method of tissue culture and the application of growth analyses, i.e., DNA, protein, and P.C.V., offer a quantitative means of detecting cytotoxicity before morphological changes become evident. Tissue culture offers a screening procedure capable of indicating substances requiring additional testing by more intensive methods, and a packed cell volume assay appears to offer a rapid direct procedure. ABS was found to be growth-suppressive and evocative of cytopathological changes, at several concentrations. In addition, these reactions were produced when relatively non-toxic levels were in contact with the growing cells for an extended period: 6 days in this series of experiments. Again, non-toxic levels showed similar toxic patterns when added in increasing increments, step-wise fashion, daily.