cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of a novel dual-electrode bipolar radiofrequency ablation device: a chronic porcine study.

Objective : Over recent years, a variety of energy sources, including bipolar radiofrequency, have been used to replace the traditional incisions of the Cox-Maze procedure for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel dual-electrode bipolar radiofrequency ablation device Synergy (Atricure, Inc., Cincinnati, OH USA) for AF in a chronic porcine model. Methods : Six domestic pigs underwent a modified Cox-Maze IV procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass using the Synergy device. Animals survived for 30 days. Each pig then underwent induction of AF and was killed to remove the heart en bloc for histologic assessment. Each ablation line was dissected perpendicularly at 5-mm intervals to assess the lesion width, depth, and transmurality. Results : All animals survived the operation. Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage and the pulmonary veins were documented by pacing acutely and at 30 days after the operation in all six animals. All animals failed to be induced in AF at 30 days. There was no gross evidence of intra-atrial thrombus formation or stricture of the pulmonary veins. All ablations (n = 209) examined were discrete, linear, and transmural, with a mean lesion width of 3.0 ± 0.7 mm and a mean lesion depth of 5.4 ± 3.3 mm. The mean ablation time was 16.3 ± 4.4 seconds, with a mean total energy delivery of 238 ± 170 J. Conclusions : The Atricure Synergy was able to create reliable chronic transmural lesions of the modified Cox-Maze IV procedure on a porcine beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. The ablation lines were significantly wider when compared with its predecessor, the Isolator II.
Studies of Neurons of Rat's Sensory Cortex.∗:

SummaryResting and action potentials were recorded intracellularly from neurons of rat sensory cortex. Resting membrane potentials in most of the neurons were found to be 25–60 mv but a few cells had potentials of 60–80 mv. Action potentials of spontaneously firing cortical neuron as well as those evoked by thalamic stimulation were not more than 50 mv in amplitude. d-Tubo-curarine chloride applied locally to the cortical surface did not modify evoked discharges of single cortical neuron nor resting membrane potentials significantly, though there was a marked change in evoked response recorded simultaneously from the surface or by a larger microelectrode from deeper layers of the cortex. d-Tubocurarine sometimes induced neurons to fire “spontaneously”but only during its application to the cortex.
Some Further Thoughts on the Ph.D. in Mathematics

(1970). Some Further Thoughts on the Ph.D. in Mathematics. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 77, No. 6, pp. 646-651.
Electroluminescence of Yb-Doped InP

Detailed experimental and theoretical studies of the electroluminescence excitation mechanism of Yb3+ in InP are presented. The electroluminescence spectra and the kinetics of Yb implanted InP were investigated under pulsed and dc excitations at temperatures over the range 9 - 70 K. The electroluminescence spectrum of the 4f transitions 2F5/2 - 2F7/2,, at 9 K, consists of a peak at 1001 nm and broader peaks in the spectral range between 1003 nm and 1010 nm. The intensity and current versus voltage characteristics have been recorded. The emission intensity increased linearly with current and started to saturate at high currents. The plot of the natural logarithm of intensity versus V−1/2 shows a straight line characteristic over three orders of emission intensity, showing that the direct impact excitation mechanism is a dominant process. At low temperature, the rise and decay times of the 1001 nm emission line were 9.63 µs and 10.50 µs, respectively. The thermal quenching energy, EA, was found to be 100 meV for both the electroluminescence intensity and the decay time.
Modelling of segmented high-performance thermoelectric generators with effects of thermal radiation, electrical and thermal contact resistances

In this study, segmented thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have been simulated with various state-of-the-art TE materials spanning a wide temperature range, from 300 K up to 1000 K. The results reveal that by combining the current best p-type TE materials, BiSbTe, MgAgSb, K-doped PbTeS and SnSe with the strongest n-type TE materials, Cu-Doped BiTeSe, AgPbSbTe and SiGe to build segmented legs, TE modules could achieve efficiencies of up to 17.0% and 20.9% at ΔT = 500 K and ΔT = 700 K, respectively, and a high output power densities of over 2.1 Watt cm(-2) at the temperature difference of 700 K. Moreover, we demonstrate that successful segmentation requires a smooth change of compatibility factor s from one end of the TEG leg to the other, even if s values of two ends differ by more than a factor of 2. The influence of the thermal radiation, electrical and thermal contact effects have also been studied. Although considered potentially detrimental to the TEG performance, these effects, if well-regulated, do not prevent segmentation of the current best TE materials from being a prospective way to construct high performance TEGs with greatly enhanced efficiency and output power density.
Pseudopathologic Fracture of the Neck of the Femur. A Case Report

The most common site for a pathologic fracture due to metastatic disease is the proximal aspect of the femur1. Recognition of the radiographic characteristics of a fracture that occurs through a primary malignant or metastatic lesion is crucial for proper diagnosis. Failure to recognize radiographic clues can lead to mismanagement of the patient and nontreatment of an underlying malignant disease. Likewise, being overly suspicious about findings on the radiographs can lead to unnecessary testing and can delay prompt surgical treatment. A preexisting lesion should be suspected when a patient who does not have osteoporosis has sustained a femoral neck fracture during normal activity or after minor trauma or when a patient who has a known primary malignant disease has sustained such a fracture. We present the case of a fifty-four-year-old female smoker with no prior medical problems for whom radiographs made after a fall were suggestive of a pathologic subcapital fracture of the right femoral neck. The appropriate evaluation for patients with a pseudopathologic fracture of the femoral neck is reviewed. Our patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication. Afifty-four-year-old, obese woman was bumped by a pedestrian and fell from a standing position. She was immediately transported to the emergency department for evaluation. During the interview by the orthopaedic resident on call, the patient described severe right groin pain and an inability to bear weight on the right lower extremity. She had no history of pain in the right hip or groin area. The patient stated that she had a twenty-pack-year history of smoking. She did not have any history of malignant disease or other medical problems, and she took no medications. There was no personal or family history of osteoporosis, and she had had no previous fractures. The range of motion …
The polysaccharides of Candida albicans.

SummaryA polysaccharide preparation derived from autoclaved cells of Candida albicans or saline washings of unheated cells has been shown by quantitative immunogolic methods to contain a common antigen shared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a type-specific Candida polysaccharide antigen. Antiserum obtained from rabbits immunized with heat-killed Candida albicans or Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains considerably more antibody reacting to the common antigen than to the type-specific antigen.
Analysis of sensitivities of virus isolation for different types of influenza by chicken embryonated eggs method

Objective To analyze the sensitivities for influenza virus isolation by chicken embryonated eggs method and biological characteristics of isolated strains.Methods Respiratory specimens from influenza like illness(ILI)patients were collected and specimens positive for viral nucleic acid amplification tests were inoculated into specific-pathogen-free(SPF)chicken embryonated eggs,virus titers were detected by hemagglutination tests(HA)and subtyped by hemagglutination inhibition tests(HI).Results The positive rates for influenza A(H1N1),A(H3N2),B and H1N1pdm2009viruses were 52.3%(45/86),4.3%(3/ 70),62.4%(194/311)and 87.8%(294/335),respectively.The initial HA mean geometric titers were 1:18.9,1:15.9,1:18.8 and 1:5.9,respectively.However,additionally another 2or 3passages in embryonated eggs were necessary to increase HA titers to over 1:8,as demanded by virus typing with HI method.Conclusion Chicken embryonated eggs were sensitive hosts for influenza A(H1N1)and B virus,and that continuous passages in chicken embryonated eggs could increase positive rates and HA titers for several types of influenza virus.
A low-cost solar micro-inverter with soft-switching capability utilizing circulating current

This paper presents a low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverter with soft-switching capability. The system is based on a partial power processing resonant front end dc-dc stage, followed by an interleaved inverter stage. The proposed new soft-switching modulation scheme enables significant cost and volume reduction of the magnetics in the inverter stage. In order to shrink the magnetics, the interleaved inverter modulation scheme adopts a real-time varying phase-shift delay control in a way such that a smaller inter-phase transformer (IPT) can be utilized due to reduced voltage-second and the additional conduction loss caused by the circulating current can be minimized. In addition, the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operation in the full operation range can be maintained. As a result, the power MOSFETs body-diode reverse-recovery loss can be eliminated and the power stage switching frequency can be further increased. The operation principle of new modulation scheme and ZVS operation are analyzed. Key simulation result and baseline experimental results are presented to validate the analysis.
Alternatives within academia

When I started graduate school, I wanted to become a professor at a small teaching college. I envisioned myself helping students develop a passion for science and guiding them in the pursuit of their chosen careers. But as I progressed through my own academic training, I felt tremendous pressure
Is Hyaluronic Acid or Corticosteroid Superior to Lactated Ringer Solution in the Short Term for Improving Function and Quality of Life After Arthrocentesis? Part 2

Purpose Although arthrocentesis has been used for the management of patients with temporomandibular joint pain, the benefit of hyaluronic acid (HA) or corticosteroid (CS) remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of HA, CS, and lactated Ringer solution (LR; placebo) after arthrocentesis for changes in quality of life (QoL), jaw function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale [JFLS] score), and maximum incisal opening (MIO). Materials and Methods This was a prospective multicenter double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Consecutive patients presenting to the oral and maxillofacial departments at Emory University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California–Los Angeles, the University of Cincinnati, and the Oregon Health Sciences University were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to HA, CS, or LR. All patients underwent arthrocentesis and then instillation of HA, CS, or LR. All patients were evaluated clinically at 1 and 3 months. The outcome variables were QoL, JFLS score, and MIO. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed, with a P value less than .05 considered significant. Results One hundred two patients were enrolled in the study. Four were lost to follow-up, leaving 98 patients for analysis of data at 1 month. An additional 51 were lost to follow-up at 3 months, leaving 51 patients for data analysis at this time point. There was no difference among groups for QoL Mental Health Composite score at 1 month ( P = .70) or 3 months ( P = .69). There was no difference among groups for JFLS score at 1 month ( P = .71) or 3 months ( P = .98). There was no difference among groups for MIO at 1 month ( P = .47) or 3 months ( P = .31). All groups showed within-group improvements in JFLS score and MIO at 1 and 3 months. Conclusion Arthrocentesis alone is as efficacious as arthrocentesis with HA or CS in improving jaw function and MIO at 1 and 3 months. QoL is not improved with arthrocentesis alone or in combination with CS or HA.
How well can the observed Arctic sea ice summer retreat and winter advance be represented in the NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2

The capability of a numerical model to simulate the statistical characteristics of the summer sea ice date of retreat (DOR) and the winter date of advance (DOA) is investigated using sea ice concentration output from the Climate Forecast System Version 2 model (CFSv2). Two model configurations are tested, the operational setting (CFSv2CFSR) which uses initial data from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis, and a modified version (CFSv2PIOMp) which ingests sea ice thickness initialization data from the Pan-Arctic Ice Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS) and includes physics modifications for a more realistic representation of heat fluxes at the sea ice top and bottom. First, a method to define DOR and DOA is presented. Then, DOR and DOA are determined from the model simulations and observational sea ice concentration from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Means, trends, and detrended standard deviations of DOR and DOA are compared, along with DOR/DOA rates in the Arctic Ocean. It is found that the statistics are generally similar between the model and observations, although some regional biases exist. In addition, regions of new ice retreat in recent years are represented well in CFSv2PIOMp over the Arctic Ocean, in terms of both spatial extent and timing. Overall, CFSv2PIOMp shows a reduction in error throughout the Arctic. Based on results, it is concluded that the model produces a reasonable representation of the climatology and variability statistics of DOR and DOA in most regions. This assessment serves as a prerequisite for future predictability experiments.
Lay Awareness of the Relationship between Age and Cancer Risk

Cross-sectional studies suggest many people are unaware that cancer risk increases with age, but this misbelief has rarely been studied prospectively, nor are its moderators known. To assess whether people recognize that cancer risk increases with age and whether beliefs differ according to gender, education, smoking status, and family history of cancer. First, items from the cross-sectional Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 2069) were analyzed to examine the association of age and perceived cancer risk. Second, the prospective National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (n = 3896) was used to assess whether perceived cancer risk changes over a decade. Third, beliefs about the age at which cancer occurs were analyzed using the US Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer survey (n = 1080). As a comparator, perceived risk of heart disease was also examined. Cross-sectionally, older age was associated with lower perceived cancer risk but higher perceived heart disease risk. Prospectively, perceived cancer risk remained stable, whereas perceived heart attack risk increased. Seventy percent of participants reported a belief that cancer is equally likely to affect people of any age. Across three surveys, women and former smokers/smokers who recently quit tended to misunderstand the relationship between age and cancer risk and also expressed relatively higher perceived cancer risk overall. Data from three national surveys indicated that people are unaware that age is a risk factor for cancer. Moreover, those who were least aware perceived the highest risk of cancer regardless of age.
Reductive Decomposition Reactions of Ethylene Carbonate by Explicit Electron Transfer from Lithium: An eReaxFF Molecular Dynamics Study

A detailed understanding of the mechanism of the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for designing high-capacity and longer-lifecycle lithium-ion batteries. The anode-side SEI primarily consists of the reductive dissociation products of the electrolyte molecules. Any accurate computational method for studying the reductive decomposition mechanism of electrolyte molecules is required to include an explicit electronic degree of freedom. In this study, we employed our newly developed eReaxFF method to investigate the major reduction reaction pathways of SEI formation with ethylene carbonate (EC) based electrolytes. In the eReaxFF method, electrons are treated explicitly in a pseudoclassical manner. The method has the ability to simulate explicit electrons in a complex reactive environment. Our eReaxFF-predicted results for the EC decomposition reactions are in good agreement with the quantum chemistry data available in the literature. Our molecular dynamics (MD) simulations capture...
Health of US parents with and without disabilities.

Abstract Background The health of parents with disabilities is not well understood. Existing research has used small, non-representative samples. The lack of research using national representative data has hindered advocacy and policy-making efforts. Objective In the present study, we used nationally-representative data to examine the prevalence rates of chronic physical health conditions among parents with disabilities and compared them to parents without disabilities. Methods We analyzed pooled and linked data from the 2007–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the corresponding National Health Interview Survey. We conducted logistic regression analyses to examine age-adjusted health differences of US parents with and without disabilities, controlling for covariates. Outcome measures included obesity, arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, high cholesterol, hypertension, and stroke. Results After controlling for all model covariates and adjusting for age, parents with disabilities had significantly higher odds (aOR ranging from 1.69 to 4.82) of having each of the chronic conditions (P Conclusions Parents with disabilities have significantly poorer health than parents without disabilities.
508. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Gene and Stem Cell Based Therapies for the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a serious public health problem affecting millions of Americans, is characterized by reduced bone mass and poor bone microarchitecture which can result in fractures. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of osteoporosis are complex and multifactorial, inflammation is clearly involved in the disease development. Therefore, anti-inflammatory strategy holds great potential for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a multifunctional protein with anti-inflammatory, proteinase inhibitory and cytoprotective properties. We previously showed that AAT therapy had therapeutic effect in inflammation related disease models including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and stroke. In this study, we tested the effect of AAT on osteoclastogenesis and the therapeutic potential of AAT for preventing bone loss in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. In vitro studies showed that AAT significantly inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner. AAT also inhibited the gene expressions of TNF-alpha and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) in the early and late stages of osteoclast differentiation. To test the protective effect of AAT on osteoporosis, OVX mice were injected with either clinical grade AAT (2 mg/mouse/3 days), recombinant adeno associated virus vector expressing AAT (rAAV8-CB-AAT, 1×1011 particles/mouse), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) infected with lentiviral vector expressing AAT (MSC-Lenti-AAT) or PBS (100 microliter/mouse/3 days). We used age-matched and sham operated animals as a normal control. Eight weeks after the treatment, all animals were sacrificed and subjected to μCT scanning for the evaluation of vertebra bone microarchitecture including trabecular BV (bone volume), TV (Total volume), BV/TV (bone volume density), Tb.N (trabecular number), Tb.Th (trabecular thickness), Conn.Dn (connectivity density), Tb.Sp (trabecular separation) and SMI (structure model index). Results from this study showed that AAT therapies (protein, gene and stem cell-based) significantly increased TV/BV and Tb.N, and decreased SMI compared to PBS injection in OVX mice. Gene therapy also increased Conn.Dn and Tb.Th compared to PBS injection in OVX mice. These results demonstrate that AAT protein, gene and MSCs based therapies mitigate ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mouse model. Since AAT protein and gene therapies have been proven to be safe in humans, our results not only demonstrate novel functions of AAT, but also imply a new strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channel activation by apical P2Y receptor agonists requires hydrocortisone in differentiated airway epithelium.

In the present study we investigated the role of hydrocortisone (HC) on UTP-stimulated ion transport in differentiated, pseudostratified epithelia derived from normal human bronchial basal cells. The presence of a UTP stimulated, paxilline-sensitive large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) current was demonstrated in control epithelia but was not stimulated in epithelia differentiated in the absence of HC (HC0). Addition of the BK opener NS11021 directly activated channels in control epithelia however under HC0 conditions, activation only occurred when UTP was added after NS11021. The PKC inhibitors GF109203x and Go6983 blocked BK activation by UTP in control epithelia, suggesting that PKC-mediated phosphorylation plays a permissive role in purinoceptor-stimulated BK activation. Moreover HC0 epithelia expressed significantly more KCNMA1 containing the stress-regulated exon (STREX), a splice-variant of the α-subunit that displays altered channel regulation by phosphorylation, compared to control epithelia. Furthermore, BK channels as well as purinergic receptors were shown to localize in unique and overlapping domains at the apical membrane of ciliated surface cells. These results establish a previously unrecognized role for glucocorticoids in regulation of BK channels in airway epithelial cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Emily Dickinson's 'TWAS WARM - AT FIRST - LIKE US - (Fr614)

Emily Dickinson's “'Twas warm - at first - like Us -” (Fr614, c. 1863), originally published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1929, presents the speaker's first-person account of a conventional nineteent...
State of the plate: Assessing present and future contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to Hawai‘i’s food security

Abstract Seafood provides the most important source of protein on the planet, and millions in coastal communities depend on this sector for nutrition, livelihoods, and cultural values. Despite seafood's important role, in many locations the contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to local food security have not been accurately assessed. An overview is provided of current and future contributions of seafood to food security in Hawai‘i through metrics using a supply chain approach from hook-to-plate, encompassing production and consumption. Hawai‘i's local seafood production is nearly 21,000 metric tons per year, with ~90% sourced from pelagic fisheries, and 6% from reef fisheries. Seafood is a bright spot in the overall Hawai‘i food system, providing a relatively higher degree of self-sufficiency than other food sources. Annual local production of seafood in Hawai‘i is estimated at 20,424,243 ± 1,958,488 kg (μ ± SD). Accounting for imports and exports, the total locally available seafood (32,450,820 kg ± 1,571,905 kg) accounts for about 134 ± 6.5 million meals available every year. Wild-capture fisheries (pelagic and nearshore) in Hawai‘i are modeled to be able to meet 45% or less of the growing seafood demand in Hawai‘i by 2040, compared to an estimated 55% in 2015. A projected 20% increase in total seafood demand by 2040 would exceed current average annual local production by up to 37%. Improvement in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and innovations in value and supply chains are critical if Hawai‘i is to improve its seafood security and the food provisioning functions of ocean and coastal environments.
Anesthesia for Spinal Surgery in Children

The evolution of pediatric anesthesia and pediatric spine surgery has had a parallel trajectory and as it stands, pediatric spine surgery has cemented itself as a cornerstone of most pediatric anesthesia practices. Certainly, the advancement of pediatric anesthesia has facilitated safe and effective care of these patients. In addition to scoliosis, spinal dysraphisms such as myelomeningocele and tethered cord frequently require surgical intervention. Many of these patients have multiple medical issues and pose distinct anatomic and physiologic challenges that affect preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management.
Singend sterben — mit Fichte nach Langemarck: Authentischer Fichteanismus im Ersten Weltkrieg

Fichtes Philosophie erlebte wahrend des Ersten Weltkriegs eine Renaissance. Zu dessen Legitimation wie zur Starkung der Kampfmoral berief man sich insbesondere auf die Reden an die deutsche Nation. Anhand einer zeitgenossischen Interpretation erweist der Beitrag deren Authentizitat, indem er die Begriindbarkeit der Vorbildfunktion der Langemarck-Legende vermittels philosophischer Argumente des spateren Fichte zeigt.
The Effect of Warm-Up on Rote Learning Performance

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine if mentally retarded subjects, when compared to nonretarded subjects, exhibit a deficit in the early stages of rote verbal learning. Its second purpose was to determine if the hypothesized early stage deficit in retarded children could be reduced. Ninety mentally retarded and 90 nonretarded subjects were randomly assigned to three pretraining groups. The pretraining task was a list of four nonmeaningful paired associates. One group received no pretraining, the second received 3 trials on the pretraining list, and the third, 9 trials. The experimental task consisted of six nonmeaningful paired associates. Analysis of the data indicated that the retarded subjects exhibited a pronounced deficit in the early stage of learning and that pretraining had no effect on performance.
Wind energy in the built environment

Abstract: As cities seek to address the environmental impact of existing energy supplies, many are looking to wind energy as a potential alternative. This chapter examines the characteristics of wind in cities and the potential for urban wind energy development. It describes different wind energy technologies, including both large and small turbines, and considers their suitability for urban areas. The chapter addresses key issues for the viability of urban wind power projects and concludes with a review of the various impacts of wind project development including safety, visual, aural and environmental, among others.
Memorable Medical Quotations

Winston Churchill once wrote, “It is a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations.” I believe that it is perhaps even better for presumably educated persons, such as physicians, to read insightful quotations said and written by our predecessors. These quotes are a valuable part of our heritage, and they afford insights into the thinking of yesterday’s great men and women of medicine. If nothing else, they will expand your consciousness, enhance your vocabulary, and help you become a more thoughtful physician.
On the Functional Significance of c-fos Induction During the Sleep-waking Cycle

A striking finding in recent years has been that the transition from sleep to waking is accompanied in many brain regions by a widespread activation of c-fos and other immediate-early genes (IEGs). IEGs are induced by various electrical or chemical signals to which neural cells are exposed and their protein products act as transcription factors to regulate the expression of other genes. After a few hours of sleep, the expression of these transcription factors in the brain is absent or restricted to very few cells. However, after a few hours of spontaneous waking or sleep deprivation, the expression of c-fos and other IEGs is high in cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, septum, and several thalamic and brainstem nuclei. While cells expressing c-fos during waking are widely distributed, they represent only a subset of all neurons in any given area. These observations raise several questions: Why is c-fos expressed during waking and not during sleep? Is waking always accompanied by c-fos induction? Which subset of cells express c-fos during waking and why only a subset? Once c-fos has been induced, what are the functional consequences of its activation? In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the meaning of c-fos activation in the brain in relation to the sleep-waking cycle and suggest that c-fos induction in the cerebral cortex during waking might be related to the occurrence of plastic phenomena.
Theories in Cross-Cultural Contexts

This chapter examines the strengths and weaknesses of Western-based models of career development when used in an international setting. A case study of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is used as they are the fasting growing ethnic group in the US. Professional career counsellors require a better understanding of career development among Asian Americans in order to provide effective and culturally appropriate guidance. In order to understand career development for this group, the authors analyse career development on an individual level, group and societal level processes, and problems associated with current research and directions for future research.
An Analysis of Speech as a Modality for Activity Recognition during Complex Medical Teamwork

We analyzed the nature of verbal communication among team members in a dynamic medical setting of trauma resuscitation to inform the design of a speech-based automatic activity recognition system. Using speech transcripts from 20 resuscitations, we identified common keywords and speech patterns for different resuscitation activities. Based on these patterns, we developed narrative schemas (speech "workflow" models) for five most frequently performed activities and applied linguistic models to represent relationships between sentences. We evaluated the narrative schemas with 17 new cases, finding that all five schemas adequately represented speech during activities and could serve as a basis for speech-based activity recognition. We also identified similarities between narrative schemas of different activities. We conclude with design implications and challenges associated with speech-based activity recognition in complex medical processes.
Educational Outreach & Stakeholder Role Evolution in a Cyberinfrastructure Project

Over the last several years, a growing body of work has examined the nature of large-scale virtual organizations for data-intensive cooperative science. These projects, known as Cyberinfrastructures (CI) in the United States, are established realms of inquiry for the eScience and Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) communities. Scholarship in these communities extends technology focused inquiries to investigate the sociotechnical concerns to such infrastructure creation and maintenance. In this paper we present findings from our qualitative study of a federated cyberinfrastructure organization known as GENI. We contribute to this body of scholarship by investigating how stakeholders in the GENI project position existing, and newly created, resources for use in educational settings. We examine how stakeholders acquaint new potential stakeholders with this CI in order to draw them into the community, and the ways in which stakeholder's roles evolve over time. Our findings illustrate several ways stakeholders leverage and align existing relationships and resources to expand the CI project's user base. Finally, this paper suggests avenues of further inquiry and implications for organizing future CI projects.
Sonographic Detection of Pseudoaneurysm From Ankle Sprain Injury

Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, of the anterior tibial artery, are very rare. Pseudoaneurysms of the anterior tibial artery are commonly due to iatrogenic injury, blunt trauma, fracture, or sharp pe...
State-Specific Patterns of Cigarette Smoking, Smokeless Tobacco Use, and E-Cigarette Use Among Adults - United States, 2016.

Introduction State-level monitoring of changes in tobacco product use can help inform tobacco control policy and practice. This study examined state-specific prevalence of cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarette use among US adults. Methods Data came from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based telephone survey of US adults aged 18 years or older (N = 477,665). Prevalence estimates for current (every day or some days) cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and e-cigarette use were calculated for all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) and stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. Because the 2016 BRFSS measured e-cigarette use for the first time, estimates of ever e-cigarette use and concurrent use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes were also calculated. We assessed subgroup differences with χ2 tests. Results In 2016, prevalence of current cigarette smoking among US adults ranged from 8.8% (Utah) to 24.8% (West Virginia), while prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use ranged from 1.3% (DC) to 9.8% (Wyoming). For e-cigarettes, ever use ranged from 16.2% (DC) to 28.4% (Arkansas), and current use ranged from 2.4% (DC) to 6.7% (Oklahoma). Across all states, current e-cigarette use was significantly higher among current cigarette smokers than among former or never cigarette smokers. States with the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking generally had a high prevalence of current e-cigarette use. Conclusion Prevalence of adult cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and e-cigarette use varies across states. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive statewide tobacco control and use prevention efforts that address the diverse tobacco products used among adults.
The Metalloproteinase adam19b Is Required for Sensory Axon Guidance in the Hindbrain

Little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the formation of the cranial peripheral sensory system in vertebrates. In an effort to identify genes involved in the formation of these circuits, we performed a forward genetic screen utilizing a transgenic zebrafish line (p2rx3.2:gfp sl1) that expresses eGFP (green fluorescent protein) in sensory neurons of the Vth, VIIth, IXth and Xth cranial ganglia. In this report, we describe a novel zebrafish mutant in which a missense mutation in the adam19b gene selectively affects the epibranchial sensory circuits.
Relationships of biological and environmental factors to cognition of preterm infants in the toddler and preschool periods.

One hundred and nine preterm infants were studied to examine the relative effects of biologic/neurologic factors (length of hospital stay, 18 month cognitive status) and environment (socioeconomic status) on cognition in the toddler (18 months) and preschool periods (3 years). Length of hospital stay was significantly related to toddler cognitive outcome, and less so to preschool outcome. Socioeconomic status predicted only preschool cognitive outcome and not toddler outcome. Cognitive status at 18 months significantly predicted 3 year outcome, and there was relatively little change between those periods. Together, cognitive status at 18 months and socioeconomic status significantly predicted preschool IQ, accounting for 34% of the variance. Results showed that perinatal biologic risks became less salient while socioeconomic status became increasingly important at the preschool period. Relative lack of change in cognitive status indicated the importance of early cognitive evaluation in preterm infants.
Rapid Charge-Transfer Cascade through SWCNT Composites Enabling Low-Voltage Losses for Perovskite Solar Cells

Good charge selective contacts are vital to achieving efficient perovskite solar cells. The selectivity of such a contact is determined by its energetic offset or alignment with the bands of the pe...
Parallel numerical integration methods for orbital motion

Various parallel methods exist for the numerical integration of the ordinary differential equations used to describe satellite motion. Several parallel integration methods were tested and compared to two of the most efficient serial methods in use today. Tests were completed for two cases, the normalized two-body problem and a single GPS satellite including nominal force models. In the high accuracy regime, none of the parallel methods showed significant speed-up compared to the serial methods for the two-body problem. The five processor, 10th order PIRKN method using a Gauss-Legendre corrector was the most promising method tested. It exhibited a speed-up of 1.18 at twelve digits of accuracy and 1.19 at fourteen digits of accuracy compared to the summed form of a Stormer-Cowell Predictor-Corrector method, but no speed-up compared to a general Class II Predictor-Corrector method. For the GPS orbit problem, none of the PIRK methods approached the performance of the fastest serial method, a general Class II Predictor-Corrector method. Variations of the Parallel Extrapolation method performed as well as but did not greatly exceed the performance of the fastest serial method.
Multiple behavioral contexts of a melanized tail display in a desert lizard

Conspicuous color displays in animals are often studied in the context of how they communicate an individual's reproductive value, ability to escape capture, or overall health. The study of sexual dichromatism often focuses on the evolution of male display traits balanced between detectability and mate acquisition, representing constraints stemming from both natural and sexual selection. Melanistic coloration and melanin color patterns play important roles in both intraspecific and interspecific signaling in animals; as melanin serves multiple purposes in organismal biology, the evolution of melanin‐based visual displays might not be restricted to a single behavioral or ecological context. Here, we examine the behavioral contexts of the conspicuous melanin‐based tail display in the greater earless lizard (Cophosaurus texanus), asking if this melanized tail pattern is associated with (a) female association preference of males varying in the concentration of melanin, (b) individual locomotor performance capacity, and (c) thermal ecology. We found the amount of tail melanin is linked with both locomotor performance and female association preference, with greater concentrations of melanin predicting the evolution of faster performance capacities and females preferring males with more discrete melanin bars. We found limited support that differences in melanin are linked with thermoregulation or thermal ecology. Overall, we find that multiple behavioral contexts shape the evolution of this melanized display trait. We conclude that behavioral constraints stemming from both natural and sexual selection can interact synergistically to favor the evolution and expression of a melanistic visual display, even in potentially costly ecological contexts.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) at Breast MRI: Predictors of Upgrade to Invasive Carcinoma

Rationale and Objectives To determine the upgrade rate of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and to identify patient, imaging, and pathologic features that may predict the risk of upgrade. Materials and Methods Medical chart review from January 2007 to December 2016 identified 60 patients with 61 cases of MRI-detected DCIS and negative mammographic evaluations within 1 year prior to the MRI. Imaging and pathology reports were reviewed. Standard statistical tests, including Student's t-tests and chi-square tests, were used to compare patient, imaging, and pathologic features between the cases of DCIS that did and did not upgrade to invasive carcinoma at surgery. Results Over a 10-year period, 60 patients (mean age 52 years, range 30–76 years) were diagnosed with 61 cases of MRI-detected DCIS. Two-thirds of DCIS cases were detected on MRI examinations that were performed for purposes of high-risk screening (67.2%, 41/61). MRI features that led to the DCIS diagnosis were nonmass enhancement in 78.7% (48/61), enhancing mass in 16.4% (10/61), nonmass enhancement and enhancing mass in 3.3% (2/61), and enhancing focus in 1.6% (1/61). Thirteen cases (21.3%, 13/61) were upgraded to invasive ductal carcinoma at surgery. DCIS cases that upgraded were larger on MRI (40 mm vs 17 mm, p Conclusion The upgrade rate of MRI-detected DCIS to invasive ductal carcinoma at surgery is 21.3%. Features that are associated with upgrade include large size on MRI and the presence of comedonecrosis at biopsy.
Evaluation capacity building in the nonformal education context: Challenges and strategies.

Abstract Policymakers’ demand for increased accountability has compelled organizations to pay more attention to internal evaluation capacity building (ECB). The existing literature about ECB has focused on capacity building experiences and organizational research, with limited attention on challenges that internal evaluation specialists face in building organizational evaluative capacity. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a Delphi study with evaluation specialists in the United States’ Cooperative Extension Service and developed a consensus on the most pervasive ECB challenges as well as the most useful strategies for overcoming ECB challenges. Challenges identified in this study include limited time and resources, limited understanding of the value of evaluation, evaluation considered as an afterthought, and limited support and buy-in from administrators. Alternatively, strategies found in the study include a shift in an organizational culture where evaluation is appreciated, buy-in and support from administration, clarifying the importance of quality than quantity of evaluations, and a strategic approach to ECB. The challenges identified in this study have persisted for decades, meaning administrators must understand the persistence of these issues and make an earnest investment (financial and human resource) to make noticeable progress. The Delphi approach can be used more often to prioritize ECB efforts.
Latinx College Students: How Schemas and Attachments Impact Depression and Relationship Satisfaction:

Latinx college students face challenges regarding depression. The relationships between early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and attachment style on depression and relationship satisfaction were investi...
4.4 A 28/37GHz Scalable, Reconfigurable Multi-Layer Hybrid/Digital MIMO Transceiver for TDD/FDD and Full-Duplex Communication

This paper describes an advanced mm-wave MIMO transceiver with several innovative attributes. It introduces a multi-layer hybrid/digital MIMO architecture that comprises multiple tiles having fully connected (FC) RF-domain complex-weights in the first layer, followed by fully connected (analog or digital) baseband layer(s). This architecture mitigates complexity versus spectral-efficiency tradeoffs of hybrid MIMO architectures (Fig. 4.4.1), and enables efficient upward scaling in the number of MIMO streams. The architecture can be configured into numerous multi-layer hybrid MIMO modes comprising FC or partially-connected (PC) RF tiles, or as the front-end of a fully digital MIMO array, or as a conventional phased-array [1]. Another important contribution of this paper is the demonstration of full-duplex (FD) multi-antenna communication, enabled by on-chip self-interference cancellation (SIC). In the RX path, the MIMO transceiver features three-step successive SIC with a per-element SIC step that cancels TX leakage in the RF domain independently for each element. It is important to note that such SIC is available only with tiles that have FC in the first layer. To realize autonomous SIC, an on-chip adaptation engine is implemented that optimally sets SIC weights for each element using a time-multiplexed least-mean square (LMS) algorithm.
Benefits of Cooperating with Big Neighbors: The Case of Bangladesh and India

Bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and India has been on the ascendant. On the economic front, Bangladesh–India trade has grown to become the largest bilateral trade relationship in South Asia. For Bangladesh, increased cooperation with India has resulted in economic gains through different channels including increased exports to India, inflow of Indian investment, and imports of electricity from neighboring Indian states. Further, mutual benefits could be realized through deepening cooperation. A Free Trade Agreement with India can unlock the trade potential of Bangladesh by improving its market access and providing cheaper and better-quality inputs for exporters. Bangladeshi firms could become key investors in the Northeastern region of India. Access to electricity generated in Nepal and Bhutan through India can open the opportunity for sub-regional energy trade and fulfill Bangladesh’s rapidly growing demand for energy. Finally, expanding direct connectivity between India’s Northeastern region and the rest of India via Bangladesh can generate positive spillover effects through increased trade, investment, and people to people contact.
Abstract TP233: Clinical Predictors of Endovascular Stroke Treatment Among Emergency Department Patients Screened With Multimodal Computed Tomography

Background: Endovascular therapy (EVT) offers dramatic benefit to selected patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic stroke. However, identification of EVT candidates requires advanced im...
Global warming, heat-related illnesses, and the dermatologist.

Abstract Global warming, provoked by the greenhouse effect of high levels of atmospheric gases (most notably carbon dioxide and methane), directly threatens human health and survival. Individuals vary in their capacity to tolerate episodes of extreme heat. Because skin is the organ tasked with heat dissipation, it is important for dermatologists to be versed in the physiology of cutaneous heat dissipation and cognizant of clinical settings in which the skin’s thermoregulatory responses may be impaired. When the external temperature is lower than that of the skin, the skin releases internal heat through direct thermal exchange with the environment, a process that is aided by an expansion of cutaneous blood flow and eccrine sweating. Cooling through the evaporation of sweat is effective even when the external temperature exceeds that of skin. Many factors, including environmental and physiological (e.g., age and sex), and pathological (e.g., preexisting illnesses, disorders of eccrine function, and medications) considerations, affect the skin’s capacity to thermoregulate. Identification of individuals at increased risk for heat-related morbidity and mortality will become increasingly important in the care of patients.
Spatial approaches to measure subnational inequality: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations expressed an interest in reducing subnational (i.e., province and state level) inequality. We propose using a spatial decomposition of the Gini coefficient (SDGC) to track changes in subnational inequality. Typically, agencies do not track summary measures of subnational clustering of development indicators. Tracking changes in the SDGC can help measure and reduce regional inequality. To illustrate the use of the SDGC, we first present data for 93 nations to obtain cross‐sectional variation. Next, to illustrate how the SDGC trends over time, changes in the Human Development Index in Mongolia are compared to Russia and China. The SDGC can show improvement, decline and persistent clustering of subnational level inequality. The SDGC is a useful measure for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.