cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope design

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) enables high-resolution and high-contrast imaging of the retina by employing spatial filtering for scattered light rejection. However, to obtain optimized image quality, one must design the cSLO around scanner technology limitations and minimize the effects of ocular aberrations and imaging artifacts. We describe a cSLO design methodology resulting in a simple, relatively inexpensive, and compact lens-based cSLO design optimized to balance resolution and throughput for a 20-deg field of view (FOV) with minimal imaging artifacts. We tested the imaging capabilities of our cSLO design with an experimental setup from which we obtained fast and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) retinal images. At lower FOVs, we were able to visualize parafoveal cone photoreceptors and nerve fiber bundles even without the use of adaptive optics. Through an experiment comparing our optimized cSLO design to a commercial cSLO system, we show that our design demonstrates a significant improvement in both image quality and resolution.
The Transformative Innovations Needed by Green Chemistry for Sustainability

Green chemistry is discussed as a central design framework for the implementation of new scientific knowledge into everyday life. When addressed in such a manner, sustainability and economic viability are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Design and Reliability of Acoustic Wedge Transducer Assemblies for Outdoor Touch Panels

Acoustic wedge transducer assemblies (AWTA) for generating and detecting surface acoustic waves (SAW) on non-piezoelectric substrates were designed, fabricated and evaluated for outdoor touch panel applications. An AWTA consists of a piezoelectric acoustic transducer plate bonded to an acoustic prism that is bonded to a glass panel. The acoustic prism converts a longitudinal acoustic wave into a SAW on the glass. This conversion is based on the acoustic analogy of optics Snell's law. Thus, the prism material must have low longitudinal acoustic velocity and low acoustic attenuation. For nearly all SAW-based touch panels on the market, the acoustic prisms are made of Lucite. An issue with Lucite is high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), much higher than that of glass panels and piezoelectric ceramics. In outdoor environments with large temperature variations, this large CTE mismatch causes the Lucite prism to break off the glass panel and the piezoelectric transducer to break apart from the Lucite prism. After extensive search, we identified liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and bismuth (Bi) as potential acoustic prism materials having low CTE. Wedge transducer assemblies with Lucite, LCP, and Bi prisms, were fabricated and evaluated. Following Telcordia GR-468-Core recommendation, the wedge assemblies went through thermal cycling between ${-}{\rm 45}^{\circ}{\rm C}$ and 85 $^{\circ}{\rm C}$ for 1000 cycles. The wedge assemblies with Lucite prism broke before 50 cycles. Wedge assemblies with LCP and Bi prisms survived 1000 cycles. In terms of acoustic performance, wedge assembly with LCP prisms is as good as wedge assembly with Lucite prism. Accordingly, LCP is the best prism material for SAW-based touch panels in outdoor applications.
The Game of Reading and Writing: How Video Games Reframe Our Understanding of Literacy

Abstract This essay focuses on how video games both highlight our traditional assumptions about reading and writing and suggest alternative paradigms that combine the new and the traditional: • Play. Video games reveal how pleasure and desire are inherent to the reading and writing process. This dimension of gaming helps explain why video games can produce resistance in terms of approaches to writing instruction grounded in maintaining the cultural distinction between play and work. • Authority. The interactivity of video games complicates questions of who authors and authorizes meaning in a discourse community. Video game players are simultaneously readers and writers whose gaming decisions are inscribed within a certain horizon of possibilities but not predictability. The video game is an inherently dialogic discursive space that problematizes the institutionalized distinction between “reading” and “writing” • Return to the visual. The case of video games not only helps restore the understanding of writing as a visual form of communication but also challenges the apparent static quality of the printed text, emphasizing the temporal quality of all communication. In so doing, the study of video games promises to fundamentally rewrite the conceptual binary of process and product in composition pedagogy.
Expression and cellular localization of the Mas receptor in the adult and developing mouse retina.

Purpose Recent studies have provided evidence that a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists in the retina and plays an important role in retinal neurovascular function. We have recently shown that increased expression of ACE2 and angiotensin (1-7) [Ang (1-7)], two components of the protective axis of the RAS, in the retina via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery, conferred protection against diabetes-induced retinopathy. We hypothesized that the protective molecular and cellular mechanisms of Ang (1-7) are mediated by its receptor, Mas, and the expression level and cellular localization dictate the response to Ang (1-7) and activation of subsequent protective signaling pathways. We tested this hypothesis by examining the expression and cellular localization of the Mas receptor in adult and developing mouse retinas. Methods The cellular localization of the Mas receptor protein was determined with immunofluorescence of the eyes of adult and postnatal day 1 (P1), P5, P7, P15, and P21 mice using the Mas receptor-specific antibody, and mRNA was detected with in situ hybridization of paraffin-embedded sections. Western blotting and real-time reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR analysis were performed to determine the relative levels of the Mas protein and mRNA in adult and developing retinas, as well as in cultured retinal Muller glial and RPE cells. Results In the adult eye, the Mas receptor protein was abundantly present in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptor cells; a lower level of expression was observed in endothelial cells, Muller glial cells, and other neurons in the inner nuclear layer of the retina. In the developing retina, Mas receptor mRNA and protein expression was detected in the inner retina at P1, and the expression levels increased with age to reach the adult level and pattern by P15. In the adult mouse retina, Mas receptor mRNA was expressed at a much higher level when compared to angiotensin II (Ang II) type I (AT1R) and type II (AT2R) receptor mRNA. Conclusions The Mas receptor is expressed in developing and adult mouse retinas, and is more abundant in retinal neurons than in endothelial and Muller glial cells. These observations suggest that Mas receptor-mediated signaling may play important roles that extend beyond mediating the vascular effects of Ang (1-7) in developing and adult retinas. In addition, the relatively high expression of the Mas receptor when compared to AT1R suggests that they may play a more important role in maintaining normal retinal physiology than previously considered.
Stream biogeochemical and suspended sediment responses to permafrost degradation in stream banks in Taylor Valley, Antarctica

Abstract. Stream channels in the McMurdo Dry Valleys are characteristically wide, incised, and stable. At typical flows, streams occupy a fraction of the oversized channels, providing habitat for algal mats. In January 2012, we discovered substantial channel erosion and subsurface thermomechanical erosion undercutting banks of the Crescent Stream. We sampled stream water along the impacted reach and compared concentrations of solutes to the long-term data from this stream ( ∼ 20 years of monitoring). Thermokarst-impacted stream water demonstrated higher electrical conductivity, and concentrations of chloride, sulfate, sodium, and nitrate than the long-term medians. These results suggest that this mode of lateral permafrost degradation may substantially impact stream solute loads and potentially fertilize stream and lake ecosystems. The potential for sediment to scour or bury stream algal mats is yet to be determined, though it may offset impacts of associated increased nutrient loads to streams.
Image-Based Pupil Plane Characterization via Principal Component Analysis for EUVL Tools

We present an approach to image-based pupil plane amplitude and phase characterization using models built with principal component analysis (PCA). PCA is a statistical technique to identify the directions of highest variation (principal components) in a high-dimensional dataset. A polynomial model is constructed between the principal components of through-focus intensity for the chosen binary mask targets and pupil amplitude or phase variation. This method separates model building and pupil characterization into two distinct steps, thus enabling rapid pupil characterization following data collection. The pupil plane variation of a zone-plate lens from the Semiconductor High-NA Actinic Reticle Review Project (SHARP) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will be examined using this method. Results will be compared to pupil plane characterization using a previously proposed methodology where inverse solutions are obtained through an iterative process involving least-squares regression.
Periodic Silicon Ridge Waveguides Exhibiting Degenerate Band Edge Resonances

We experimentally demonstrate degenerate band edge resonances in Si ridge waveguides that are compatible with active electro-optical devices. Quality factors of the first band edge resonances scale to the fifth-power of the number of periods.
What Makes Jessica Rabbit Sexy? Contrasting Roles of Waist and Hip Size

While waist/hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) have been the most studied putative determinants of female bodily attractiveness, BMI is not directly observable, and few studies have considered the independent roles of waist and hip size. The range of attractiveness in many studies is also quite limited, with none of the stimuli rated as highly attractive. To explore the relationships of these anthropometric parameters with attractiveness across a much broader spectrum of attractiveness, we employ three quite different samples: a large sample of college women, a larger sample of Playboy Playmates of the Month than that has been previously examined, and a large pool of imaginary women (e.g., cartoon, video game, graphic novel characters) chosen as the “most attractive” by university students. Within-sample and between-sample comparisons agree in indicating that waist size is the key determinant of female bodily attractiveness and accounts for the relationship of both BMI and WHR with attractiveness, ...
Injecting Facts Into the Heated Debates Over Medicaid Expansion

Wherry and Miller's quasi-experimental analysis of National Health Interview Survey data examined changes between 2010 to 2013 and late 2014 in key patient-centered outcomes among low-income adults...
Simple Explanation of Nationalization Tungsten Mine Present Siuation and Develop Countermeasure

In this paper present siuation and brought on reason of nationalization tungusten mine were anal-ysed.Established modern business systen will be bisic way out. Closed some business of no nature resources or no-reduce loss is certainly in order to fit market economical development.
A mixed methods study of clinical information availability in obstetric triage and prenatal offices.

Objective To determine the effect of availability of clinical information from an integrated electronic health record system on pregnancy outcomes at the point of care. Materials and methods We used provider interviews and surveys to evaluate the availability of pregnancy-related clinical information in ambulatory practices and the hospital, and applied multiple regression to determine whether greater clinical information availability is associated with improvements in pregnancy outcomes and changes in care processes. Our regression models are risk adjusted and include physician fixed effects to control for unobservable characteristics of physicians that are constant across patients and time. Results Making nonstress test results, blood pressure data, antenatal problem lists, and tubal sterilization requests from office records available to hospital-based providers is significantly associated with reductions in the likelihood of obstetric trauma and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Better access to prenatal records also increases the probability of labor induction and decreases the probability of Cesarean section (C-section). Availability of lab test results and new diagnoses generated in the hospital at ambulatory offices is associated with fewer preterm births and low-birth-weight babies. Discussion and conclusions Increased availability of specific clinical information enables providers to deliver better care and improve outcomes, but some types of clinical data are more important than others. More available information does not always result from automated integration of electronic records, but rather from the availability of the source records. Providers depend upon information that they trust to be reliable, complete, consistent, and easily retrievable, even if this requires multiple interfaces.
Whole-Exome Sequencing for Diagnosis of Turner Syndrome: Toward Next-Generation Sequencing and Newborn Screening.

Context Turner syndrome (TS) is due to a complete or partial loss of an X chromosome in female patients and is not currently part of newborn screening (NBS). Diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in missed crucial diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. Objectives This study sought to determine if whole-exome sequencing (WES) as part of a potential NBS program could be used to diagnose TS. Design, Setting, Patients Karyotype, chromosomal microarray, and WES were performed on blood samples from women with TS (n = 27) enrolled in the Personalized Genomic Research study at the National Institutes of Health. Female control subjects (n = 37) and male subjects (n = 27) also underwent WES. Copy number variation was evaluated using EXCAVATOR2 and B allele frequency was calculated from informative single nucleotide polymorphisms. Simulated WES data were generated for detection of low-level mosaicism and complex structural chromosome abnormalities. Results We detected monosomy for chromosome X in all 27 TS samples, including 1 mosaic for 45,X/46,XX and another with previously unreported material on chromosome Y. Sensitivity and specificity were both 100% for the diagnosis of TS with no false-positive or false-negative results. Using simulated WES data, we detected isochromosome Xq and low-level mosaicism as low as 5%. Conclusion We present an accurate method of diagnosing TS using WES, including cases with low-level mosaicism, isochromosome Xq, and cryptic Y-chromosome material. Given the potential use of next-generation sequencing for NBS in many different diseases and syndromes, we propose WES can be used as a screening test for TS in newborns.
Interaction of Illumination with Previous Reinforcement History during Stable FI Performance

8 rats were trained either to a high response rate typography by an adjusting ratio technique or to a low rate typography by an adjusting interval technique before establishing stable FI 60-sec. performance under dim illumination. The effects of subsequent dark and bright light on FI performance were found to be dependent upon the early training procedure. Some independent variable effects upon baseline schedules of reinforcement may actually result from interactions with previous schedules in Ss’ behavioral history.
Manifest sharing with session types

Session-typed languages building on the Curry-Howard isomorphism between linear logic and session-typed communication guarantee session fidelity and deadlock freedom. Unfortunately, these strong guarantees exclude many naturally occurring programming patterns pertaining to shared resources. In this paper, we introduce sharing into a session-typed language where types are stratified into linear and shared layers with modal operators connecting the layers. The resulting language retains session fidelity but not the absence of deadlocks, which can arise from contention for shared processes. We illustrate our language on various examples, such as the dining philosophers problem, and provide a translation of the untyped asynchronous π-calculus into our language.
Obesity and Endometrial Cancer Precursors

The menstrual cycle is composed of two phases – proliferative and secretory. During the proliferative phase, estrogen stimulates the endometrium leading to growth of both the stromal and epithelial compartments. During this period of abundant mitotic activity, mutations inevitably arise within the epithelial compartment. It is typically the rise of progesterone during the secretory cycle that selects against further proliferation of these mutant cells. However, in patients with excess estrogen (e.g., obesity), these mutant populations have a selective advantage, leading to further proliferation and increased mutation rates. The result is a progression of “latent precancers” to endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) – a precursor of endometrial endometrioid-type adenocarcinoma.
Exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter during gestation alters postnatal oligodendrocyte maturation, proliferation capacity, and myelination

Accumulating studies indicate that the brain is a direct target of air pollution exposure during the fetal period. We have previously demonstrated that exposure to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) during gestation produces ventriculomegaly, periventricular hypermyelination, and enlargement of the corpus callosum (CC) during postnatal development in mice. This study aimed to further characterize the cellular basis of the observed hypermyelination and determine if this outcome, among other effects, persisted as the brain matured. Analysis of CC-1+ mature oligodendrocytes in the CC at postnatal days (PNDs) 11-15 suggest a premature maturational shift in number and proportion of total cells in prenatally CAPs-exposed males and females, with no overall change in total CC cellularity. The overall number of Olig2+ lineage cells in the CC was not affected in either sex at the same postnatal timepoint. Assessment of myelin status at early brain maturity (PNDs 57-61) revealed persistent hypermyelination in CAPs-exposed animals of both sexes. In addition, ventriculomegaly was persistent in CAPs-treated females, with possible amelioration of ventriculomegaly in CAPs-exposed males. When oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) pool status was analyzed at PNDs 57-61, there were significant CAPs-induced alterations in cycling Ki67+/Olig2+ cell number and proportion of total cells in the female CC. Total CC cellularity was slightly elevated in CAPs-exposed males at PNDs 57-61. Overall, these data support a growing body of evidence that demonstrate the vulnerability of the developing brain to environmental insults such as ambient particulate matter. The sensitivity of oligodendrocytes and myelin, in particular, to such an insult warrants further investigation into the mechanistic underpinnings of OPC and myelin disruption by constituent air pollutants.
Male reproductive endocrinopathy: Evaluation

Male endocrine evaluation is an essential part of the management of the infertile couple. A thorough history, physical exam in addition to the results of the endocrine evaluation allows the physician to possibly diagnose and treat the patient as indicated.
An Observational and Modeling Study of Mesoscale Air Masses with High Theta-E

AbstractTypically, the cool side of an airmass boundary is stable to vertical motions due to its associated negative buoyancy. However, under certain conditions, the air on the cool side of the bou...
The Role of Clinical-Pathologic Correlation and Use of Cytologic Preparations in Intraoperative Neuropathology Consultation

The after hours call from the operating suite where a ­neurosurgeon is operating tends to be one that sends blood pressure soaring. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are basic steps that can help make the experience much less ­stressful. Generally you know the age, which narrows the differential considerably. The location, history of the patient (e.g., neurofibromatosis, or known breast cancer), and type and duration of symptoms can all also be very illuminating. We glean the electronic record for information prior to regularly sche­duled cases, although that doesn’t generally work as well for the evening/weekend emergent surgery. Sometimes, you have to lead your call to the operating room with questions, before you can give any kind of useful answers! It never fails to amaze us how often one piece of clinical information clears up the most confusing issues about which you’ve been sitting agonizing at the microscope. The radiological characteristics of the lesion can be among the MOST important collection of facts in compiling a differential (e.g., well-­circumscribed versus infiltrative, enhancing versus nonenhancing, diffusion and perfusion characteristics and location). This is why there is an entire chapter in this book from a neuroradiologist, in addition to the scans included with each case history presented here.
GROWTH AND VARIABILITY OF SCHOOL DISTRICT INCOME TAX REVENUES: IS TAX BASE DIVERSIFICATION A GOOD IDEA FOR SCHOOL FINANCING?

School districts in Ohio have the option of diversifying their revenue base by adopting income taxes. Using a panel of Ohio school districts that adopted a local income tax from 1990 to 2008, we find that revenues are procyclical and fluctuate only mildly. The estimated short‐ and long‐run income elasticity of school district income tax revenues is 1.05 and 1.04, respectively. We also find that the school district tax base fully adjusts to its long‐run equilibrium within 2 years. Finally, we show that school district income tax adoption does not provide more stability to total school district tax revenues in the short or the long run. (JEL H71, H75)
Solar Photocatalysis Using Fixed-Film TiO2 for Microcystins from Colonial Microcystis aeruginosa

Microcystins (MCs) are endotoxins produced by cyanobacteria in freshwaters globally. With known potential for human health risks, rapid and effective treatment methods are needed for MCs. Previous studies have shown photocatalysis can achieve rapid half-lives with UV lamps and slurries of TiO2. In this experiment, rates and extents of solar photocatalysis of MCs were measured using bench-scale reactors with fixed films of TiO2 for solutions with a range of cellular:aqueous MC ratios. Since cellular MCs can be removed physically, photocatalysis rates were measured following sand filtration to discern the extent of MC removal post-filtration. Since UV energy drives photocatalysis using TiO2, rates of removal were calculated as a function of cumulative UV insolation and time. For water containing 90% aqueous MC treatment, filtration removed 0% MCs, and the photocatalysis half-life for MCs was 0.37 MJ/m2 (or 135 min). Previous studies have used clarified waters; however, results from this study are likely representative of scenarios with waters containing confounding water characteristics and use of solar light for UV, as anticipated in developing countries with less advanced water treatment methods. Photocatalysis is a rapid and effective process for decreasing concentrations of MCs and could be useful for mitigating risks from MC exposures in drinking water.
Myeloid and lymphoid chimerism after T-cell-depleted bone marrow transplantation: evaluation of conditioning regimens using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify human minisatellite regions of genomic DNA.

Determining both myeloid and lymphoid chimerism after T-cell-depleted allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) could be helpful in the understanding of the biology of engraftment and could provide a rational method of assessing the ability of different conditioning regimens to promote engraftment. We prospectively investigated the role of different pretransplant conditioning regimens in 29 leukemic patients post-BMT by assessing myeloid and T-cell chimerism using a rapid and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Minisatellites are hypervariable regions of DNA consisting of tandem repeats of a core nucleotide sequence, and allelic polymorphism results from differences in the number of the repeats. We used this variation to distinguish between donor and recipient cells post-BMT. Seventeen patients (9 sibling and 8 unrelated donors) received conditioning with hyperfractionated total body irradiation (TBI), thiotepa, and cyclophosphamide (Cy). Of the other 12 patients (all sibling donors), 11 received TBI plus Cy plus another agent: VP16, carboplatinum, or AZQ. One patient received TBI plus thiotepa plus VP16. All but one of the patients studied received marrow from HLA-identical donors. PCR analysis confirmed donor lymphoid engraftment within 8 days of transplant in six of six patients studied. All granulocyte DNA was of donor origin within the first 4 weeks of transplant, regardless of the conditioning regimen. The day +28 T cells were exclusively of donor origin in 14 of 17 patients who received TBI plus thiotepa plus Cy, but were mixed chimeric in 10 of 12 patients who received other conditioning regimens (P < .001). Early graft rejection was seen in one unrelated transplant recipient conditioned with TBI plus thiotepa plus Cy. Late graft failure was observed in 3 of 12 patients with mixed T-cell chimerism and in none of 16 patients with full donor chimerism at day +28. However, 5 of 16 patients who had complete T-cell chimerism at day +28 developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), whereas no patient with mixed chimerism had acute GVHD. Our results indicate that minisatellite PCR is a rapid and sensitive method for assessing chimerism post-BMT, that the donor T cells are important for consistent durable engraftment, and that TBI plus thiotepa plus Cy may be superior to the other regimens studied in inducing full donor chimerism. Larger numbers and longer follow-up are necessary to confirm these data and also to assess the relationship between complete donor T-cell chimerism and leukemia-free survival.
Emissionsspektroskopie auf Basis von Plasma-, Bogen- und Funkenatomisierung

In diesem Kapitel werden spektroskopische Methoden beschrieben, die auf den in Tabelle 10.1 aufgefuhrten energiereicheren Atomisierungsquellen, namlich dem induktiv gekoppelten Plasma (engl. inductively coupled plasma, ICP), dem Gleichstromplasma (engl. direct current plasma, DCP), dem elektrischen Bogen und dem elektrischen Funken beruhen.1 Die beiden letztgenannten Quellen wurden seit der Jahrhundertwende fur spektroskopische Untersuchungen eingesetzt und fanden Anfang der 30er Jahre weite Verbreitung in der Elementaranalyse. Im Gegensatz dazu sind Plasmaquellen relativ neu und wurden uberwiegend wahrend der 70er Jahre entwickelt.
Prognostication in Stroke Rehabilitation

Good early prediction of ultimate outcome following stroke rehabilitation benefits patients and health care professionals. Numerous research studies have reported stroke outcomes, but the conclusions are not always in agreement because of differences in study methodology and in patient characteristics. However, some general conclusions about prognostication can be made. Early survival is poorer in those patients who have cerebral hemorrhage, coma at onset, or heart disease. Recovery from neurological impairment such as hemiplegia is influenced by lesion-related variables such as lesion size and location. Recovery from hemiplegia follows a predictable pattern, with most motor recovery occurring within the first 6 months. The disability status of stroke patients at late follow-up depends most on initial activities of daily living (ADL) scores recorded post onset. Characteristics that predict a less favorable outcome are older age and presence of urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, and visuospatial deficits. Social and psychological variables, especially prestroke family interaction and presence of an able spouse, may strongly influence ultimate disability status and the return of patients to their home.
Pretreatment multiparametric MRI is independently associated with biochemical outcome in men treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of pre-treatment multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in a modern cohort of intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with primary radiotherapy. Methods and materials One hundred twenty three men with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer were treated with primary EBRT and/or brachytherapy and had evaluable pre-treatment mpMRI with endorectal coil. Images were assessed for the presence of radiographic extraprostatic extension (rEPE), seminal vesicle invasion (rSVI), lymph node involvement (LNI), sextant involvement, and largest axial tumor diameter. Imaging characteristics were analyzed along with clinical risk factors against freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF). Median follow-up time was 50 months. Results Fourteen (11%) men developed biochemical failure. The 5-year FFBF was 94% in intermediate-risk patients and 82% in high-risk patients (p 15 mm (27% vs. 48%, p = 0.02) were identified in men with intermediate vs. high risk prostate cancer, respectively. mpMRI features associated with 5-y FFBF biochemical failure on univariate analysis included rEPE (80% vs 98%), rSVI (55% vs. 96%), LNI (65% vs. 93%), and largest axial tumor size >15mm (81% vs. 94%, all p Conclusions Pre-treatment mpMRI findings are strongly associated with biochemical outcomes in a modern cohort of intermediate and high-risk patients treated with primary radiotherapy. mpMRI may aid risk stratification beyond clinical risk factors in men treated with radiation therapy; further study is warranted to better understand how mpMRI can be used to individualize therapy.
Registration and fusion of 3D head-neck MRI and 3D/4D tongue ultrasound

Static 3D head-neck MRI can provide excellent coverage of the entire vocal tract and surrounding anatomy with good spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratios. Real-time MRI takes advantage of these strengths and adds temporal resolution for dynamic speech production, but depends on regular repetition of the same speech utterances for several minutes. (Dynamic or cine MRI also depends on regular repetitions, but the process is stroboscopic rather than reconstructive, and the end result is a reduced number of time frames with longer frame durations.) Real-time MRI is not suitable for non-repetitive speech utterances. In contrast, 3D/4D ultrasound can provide excellent spatial resolution with good temporal resolution of non-repetitive speech utterances, but with lower signal-to-noise ratios and poor anatomical coverage. This study presents methods for registering and fusing static head-neck MRI and 3D/4D tongue ultrasound data, taking advantage of the strengths of both MRI and 3D/4D ultrasound to investigate the production of non-repetitive speech utterances.
A real scent of Christmas

Our series on the five senses concludes with an exploration of the all-important sense of smell. Now is the time to help children explore a range of wonderful smells associated with the festive season.
Explaining Job Satisfaction and Commitment Among Prison Officers: The Role of Organizational Justice:

The organizational justice doctrine has been applied widely in understanding the performance of criminal justice institutions. Although most of the research has been conducted in the West, few stud...
Interhypothalamic adhesion as a cause of aborted third-ventriculostomy: neuroradiological and neuroendoscopic considerations in a pediatric case.

Background Interhypothalamic adhesions (IHAs) are horizontally oriented parenchymal bands of tissue connecting the medial hypothalamic regions across the third ventricle. They can be assessed with high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) techniques. Case Description We report MR and neuroendoscopic features of IHA in a 3-year-old boy without symptoms referable to the hypothalamus. He presented with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to posterior fossa tumor. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was attempted but not performed because of the presence of a thick IHA, which prevented an approach to the floor of the third ventricle. During the procedure the patient also experienced supraventricular tachycardia. The procedure was aborted, and an external ventricular drainage was left in the ventricles until resolution of hydrocephalus after posterior fossa surgery. To the best of our knowledge, no study has previously described in detail endoscopic images of IHA. Conclusions MR imaging allows one to preoperatively identify most anatomic anomalies of the ventricular system and the floor of the third ventricle. However, an IHA that may prevent an approach to the floor of the third ventricle due to his thickness may be missed. This can be recognized only on direct vision, underlining the importance of endoscopy in neurosurgery.
Aerosol vaccination with Bacille Calmette-Guerin induces a trained innate immune phenotype in calves

Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a live attenuated vaccine for use against tuberculosis (TB); however, it is known to reduce childhood mortality from infections other than TB. The unspecific protection induced by BCG vaccination has been associated with the induction of memory-like traits of the innate immune system identified as ‘trained’ immunity. In humans and mouse models, in vitro and in vivo BCG training leads to enhanced production of monocyte-derived proinflammatory cytokines in response to secondary unrelated bacterial and fungal pathogens. While BCG has been studied extensively for its ability to induce innate training in humans and mouse models, BCG’s nonspecific protective effects have not been defined in agricultural species. Here, we show that in vitro BCG training induces a functional change in bovine monocytes, characterized by increased transcription of proinflammatory cytokines upon restimulation with the toll-like receptor agonists. Importantly, in vivo, aerosol BCG vaccination in young calves also induced a ‘trained’ phenotype in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), that lead to a significantly enhanced TLR-induced proinflammatory cytokine response and changes in cellular metabolism compared to PBMCs from unvaccinated control calves. Similar to the long-term training effects of BCG reported in humans, our results suggest that in young calves, the effects of BCG induced innate training can last for at least 3 months in circulating immune populations. Interestingly, however, aerosol BCG vaccination did not ‘train’ the innate immune response at the mucosal level, as alveolar macrophages from aerosol BCG vaccinated calves did not mount an enhanced inflammatory response to secondary stimulation, compared to cells isolated from control calves. Together, our results suggest that, like mice and humans, the innate immune system of calves can be ‘trained’; and that BCG vaccination could be used as an immunomodulatory strategy to reduce disease burden in juvenile food animals before the adaptive immune system has fully matured.
Abstract P007: Age and Gender Differences in Response to Repeat Blood Pressure Measurement After Brief Rest Period

Background: Office-based blood pressure (BP) measurement is a snapshot of a patient’s ambulatory BP, and is subject to variations which may influence management. The objective of this study is to a...
Expanding Eligibility in Stroke Prevention Trials to Patients with Early Disability.

Abstract Background and Purpose: Early disability after stroke is common, though many patients improve. Stroke secondary prevention trials often prohibit the recruitment of nonambulatory patients, limiting their access to potential treatment options and impeding trial enrollment. We aimed to determine outcomes after early dependence around the time of transition from acute care to recovery. Methods: Data were obtained from a composite of patients enrolled in acute stroke clinical trials within the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA-Acute). Early disability was defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 4 or 5 between days 3-10 after onset, representing the time of discharge or transition to a rehabilitation-focused care setting. We developed multivariable models to identify factors associated with recovery to independent ambulatory function and recurrent stroke during the 90 days after stroke. Results: 4965 patients were included, with 2905 (59%) having early disability. Patients with early dependence were older, more likely to be women, had higher baseline NIHSS scores, and had more atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus, compared with those who were initially ambulatory. Recovery to ambulatory function occurred in 58% with early mRS = 4, compared to only 16% with early mRS = 5. Of those with early mRS = 4, return to independent ambulatory status by 90 days was associated in multivariable analysis with age, diabetes, prior stroke, NIH motor and gaze subscores, and thrombolysis. Recurrent ischemic stroke through day 90 was reported in 126 of 2905 (4.3%) subjects with early dependence compared to 63 of 2060 (3.1%), which was not different after adjustment for age, sex, and risk factors (odds ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.73). Conclusions: Favorable outcomes are common among ischemic stroke patients previously enrolled in acute clinical trials despite early dependence (mRS = 4) after initial acute hospital care. Further, their risk of recurrent stroke is high in the short term. These patients likely benefit from aggressive poststroke care and should be actively recruited into secondary prevention trials.
People of Somali Heritage

Somalia, with a population of over 10.8 million occupies the “horn” of Africa, a large land mass jutting into the Indian Ocean just south of the Arabian Peninsula, wrapping around Ethiopia and Kenya to the west. With a long coastline on the Indian Ocean, and also on the Gulf of Aden, which leads into the Red Sea and Suez Canal, Somalia has a long history of trade and interaction with other cultures. Most of the country is arid and sparsely settled by nomadic herders. The southern part has a tropical climate supporting agriculture and settled communities, including the large capital city, Mogadishu.
Targeting DNAJB9, a novel ER luminal co-chaperone, to rescue ΔF508-CFTR

The molecular mechanism of Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) of Cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) is largely unknown. Particularly, it is unknown what ER luminal factor(s) are involved in ERAD. Herein, we used ProtoArray to identify an ER luminal co-chaperone, DNAJB9, which can directly interact with CFTR. For both WT- and ΔF508 (deletion of phenylalanine at position 508, the most common CF-causing mutant)-CFTR, knockdown of DNAJB9 by siRNA increased their expression levels on the cell surface and, consequently, upregulated their function. Furthermore, genetic ablation of DNAJB9 in WT mice increased CFTR expression and enhanced CFTR-dependent fluid secretion in enteroids. Importantly, DNAJB9 deficiency upregulated enteroids’ fluid secretion in CF mice (homozygous for ΔF508), and silencing one allele of DNAJB9 is sufficient to rescue ΔF508-CFTR in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that DNAJB9 may be a rate-limiting factor in CFTR ERAD pathway. Our studies identified the first ER luminal co-chaperone involved in CFTR ERAD, and DNAJB9 could be a novel therapeutic target for CF.
Global personality dysfunction and the relationship of pathological and normal trait domains in the DSM‐5 alternative model for personality disorders

Author(s): Morey, Leslie C; Good, Evan W; Hopwood, Christopher J | Abstract: OBJECTIVE:The DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders distinguishes core personality dysfunction common to all personality pathology from maladaptive traits that delineate specific variants of disorder. Previous research shows the convergence between maladaptive and normal range trait domains as well as substantial correlations between maladaptive traits and core dysfunctions, leading some to conclude that personality traits and dysfunction are redundant. This study sought to examine the potential utility of the concept of core dysfunctions as a means of clarifying the nature of the relationship between maladaptive and normal-range traits. METHOD:Three nonclinical samples (n = 178, 307, and 1,008) were evaluated for personality dysfunction, maladaptive traits, and normal-range traits using different measures. RESULTS:Results indicated that: (1) normal trait domains and core dysfunction contribute independently to understanding maladaptive traits; (2) the correlation of a normal trait domain with its putative maladaptive equivalent is consistently accounted for in part by core dysfunction; and (3) the multitrait multimethod matrices of normal and maladaptive personality trait domains demonstrate appreciable discriminant validity problems that are clarified by a consideration of core dysfunction. CONCLUSION:These results suggest that maladaptive traits reflect the distinguishable contributions of core personality dysfunction (problems) and normal-range personality traits (person).
Why understanding culture is essential for supporting children and families

Understanding culture is essential for understanding child development, and thus for designing and evaluating interventions to improve children’s physical and mental health. We outline seven key as...
Time for bed! Earlier sleep onset is associated with longer nighttime sleep duration during infancy.

Abstract Objective/background Clinical recommendations include putting infants to bed using a consistent bedtime routine at an appropriate hour to promote longer nighttime sleep. Actigraphy was used in this exploratory study to examine how bedtime routines and nighttime sleep onset were associated with nighttime total sleep time (TST) and efficiency from 6 to 24 weeks of age. Patients/methods Infants (n = 24) wore sleep actigraphs for three, one-week periods at 6, 15, and 24 weeks of age. Nighttime TST, sleep efficiency, sleep onset and offset were quantified. Mothers reported on infant bedtime routines using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire at each age. Multilevel models examined between- and within-person associations. Results As infants aged, sleep onset was earlier, and bedtime routines became shorter (p's Conclusion Infants who fell asleep earlier also slept longer at night. Keeping infants up later in hopes of them sleeping in longer may be counterproductive.
Intrathecal Access Through Suboccipital Port in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Complex Spines: Case Series and Technical Note.

Introduction Many patients with the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have complex spinal anatomy, secondary to thoraco-lumbar spinal fusions. Their fragile musculoskeletal anatomy potentiates limb and joint injury if conventional spinal fluid access modalities are utilized. This creates a challenge when attempting to deliver intrathecal medications such as nusinersen (Spinraza®). Catheter placement in the cervical subarachnoid space with a caudally directed tip is potentially beneficial. This article describes our experience with Spinraza injections into the thecal space through a suboccipital port. This allowed for simple, chronic, and reliable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aspiration and intrathecal injections. Methods A total of 15 patients with SMA and complex spinal anatomy were implanted with a cervical subarachnoid catheter, connected to a suboccipital access port. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of these patients for clinical outcomes and complications. All patients then underwent serial port cannulation, aspiration of CSF, and injection of Spinraza following standard manufacturer dosage guidelines. Results The age range was 3 to 49. Two had type-1 SMA, 10 had type-2 SMA, and three had type-3 SMA. We were able to successfully cannulate the port, aspirate CSF, and inject Spinraza during all access attempts. Two incidents of subcutaneous CSF leaks were resolved through reoperation and one incident of transient CSF leak was resolved without surgical repair. Conclusion Patients with SMA requiring intrathecal injections of Spinraza can be treated safely and efficiently with this novel implantation technique. The complication rates are low and the injection time is dramatically lower than with conventional injection techniques.
Genetic ultrasonic biosensor for picturing proteases

A genetically encoded biosensor allows noninvasive imaging of protease activity using ultrasound.
Design of a β-Ga 2 O 3 Schottky Barrier Diode With p-Type III-Nitride Guard Ring for Enhanced Breakdown

This work presents the electrostatic analysis of a novel Ga2O3 vertical Schottky diode with three different guard ring (GR) configurations to reduce the peak electric field at the metal edges. Highly doped p-type GaN, p-type nonpolar AlGaN, and polarization-doped graded p-AlGaN are simulated and analyzed as the GR material, which forms a heterojunction with the Ga2O3 drift layer. GR with nonpolar graded p-AlGaN with a bandgap larger than Ga2O3 is found to show the best performance in terms of screening the electric field at the metal edges. The proposed GR configuration is also compared with a reported Ga2O3 Schottky diode with no GR and a structure with high-resistive nitrogen-doped GR. The optimized design is predicted to have a breakdown voltage as high as 6.2 kV and a specific ON-resistance of 3.55 $\text{m}\Omega $ -cm2, which leads to an excellent power figure of merit of 10.8 GW/cm2.
Zero-shot imputations across species are enabled through joint modeling of human and mouse epigenomics

Recent large-scale efforts to characterize functional activity in human have produced thousands of genome-wide experiments that quantify various forms of biochemistry, such as histone modifications, protein binding, transcription, and chromatin accessibility. Although these experiments represent a small fraction of the possible experiments that could be performed, they also make human more comprehensively characterized than any other species. We propose an extension to the imputation approach Avocado that enables the model to leverage genome alignments and the large number of human genomics data sets when making imputations in other species. We found that not only does this extension result in improved imputation of mouse functional experiments, but that the extended model is able to make accurate imputations for protein binding assays that have been performed in human but not in mouse. This ability to make "zero-shot" imputations greatly increases the utility of such imputation approaches and enables comprehensive imputations to be made for species even when experimental data are sparse.