cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and reproducibility of forensic likelihood ratio methods when sample size ratio varies

Existing statistical methods for estimating the log-likelihood ratio from biometric scores include parametric estimation, kernel density estimation, and recently adopted logistic regression estimation. There has been a growing interest to study the repeatability and reproducibility of these methods on biometric datasets after the 2009 National Research Council report [15] and the 2016 President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology report [1]. For a statistical forensic evaluation method to be repeatable, it needs to generate consistent log-likelihood ratios for various sample size ratios between the genuine (mated) and imposter (non-mated) scores from the same database. It is a well known fact, that for logistic regression methods, the estimated intercept value depends on the sample size ratio between the two groups. Therefore, when computing log-likelihood ratios using logistic regression estimation, different genuine and impostor sample size ratios could result in different log-likelihood ratio values. We performed extensive simulations and used face and fingerprint biometric datasets to investigate repeatability and reproducibility of existing log-likelihood ratio estimation methods.
Framing Infectious Diseases: Effective Policy Implementation and United States Public Opinion

This chapter combines quantitative and qualitative research methods—content analysis of newspaper reports and analysis of health opinion polls to assess impact of media frames in shaping public opinion. Focusing on framing of transnational infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, SARS, and avian flu) as medical dangers, economic risks, security threats, and human rights concerns, the chapter draws attention to the role of media frames in enlisting active support and engaging public opinion for effective policy implementation to control spread of these infectious diseases. The findings also address the debate on the role and importance of domestic public opinion as a factor in domestic and foreign policy decisions of governments in an increasingly globalized world.
The Axiological Problem with Trump’s Wall and Endangered Species

An overlooked moral (or at least axiological) issue is the Trump administration’s plan to finish building a physical wall on the entirety of the United States/Mexico border in terms of how building...
Self-Consciousness and the Study of Interpersonal Interaction: Approaches and Issues

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews approaches and issues related to self-consciousness and the study of interpersonal interaction. The idea that in everyday life social actors may have relatively low levels of self-awareness is not a new one. Turk (1974) has contended that in diffuse social relationships, such as those that characterize a considerable portion of family interaction, interaction goals may not be clear to the participants themselves or to those who observe their interactions. Turk relies partially on psychoanalytic theory to make the case that interaction goals may be unknowable. He does point out that in specific relationships, for example, the relationship between a salesperson and a customer, interaction goals are likely to be clear and knowable. While objective self-awareness theory and research emphasize the local environmental conditions that give rise to increased self-awareness, there are two strands of research that view self-awareness as a personality characteristic.
Seasonal Spatial Ecology of Mountain Lions (Puma concolor) in the Central Sierra Nevada

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) were captured and radio-collared in the Sierra National Forest between 1983 and 1992 to study the species' seasonal spatial patterns in a location where migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are its primary prey. Some mountain lions displayed seasonal migratory shifts in elevation that mirrored those of their migratory prey; others resided at lower elevations year-round. Home range size for all mountain lions was larger in summer ( = 231 km2) than in winter ( = 110 km2), whether or not an individual exhibited seasonal migratory shifts in elevation. Due to seasonal shifts in home range size and, for part of the mountain lion population, in elevation, minimum density of mountain lions in the study area also differed seasonally (summer, 0.87 per 100 km2; winter, 1.42 per 100 km2). Overall, these findings demonstrate differing space use strategies (migratory vs. resident) within a large carnivore population that have important management implications for large carnivores because these strategies provide context for population monitoring and conflict mitigation efforts.
E-015 Perioperative anticoagulation after flow diversion of large and fusiform vertebrobasilar aneurysms

Introduction Increasing data suggest flow diversion with the Pipeline embolization device (PED; Medtronic) may be a safe and effective treatment in select cases of basilar artery (BA) and vertebrobasilar (VBA) aneurysms. However, coverage of vertebrobasilar perforators and branches by the PED carries an estimated 8%–13% risk of perioperative stroke, especially in cases of large and/or fusiform aneurysms. Systemic anticoagulation may moderate thrombosis rate in the immediate postoperative period, but is not routinely used due to the potential risk of hemorrhagic complications with concomitant dual antiplatelet therapy. We reviewed the safety of perioperative heparinization in patients with PED embolization of BA and VBA aneurysms. Materials and methods Using procedure codes in the clinical database, we identified patients with posterior circulation aneurysms treated with flow diversion and received heparin infusion. Based on radiological reports, we selected patients with BA and VBA large and fusiform aneurysms. We extracted data from their electronic medical records, including baseline patient characteristics, perioperative antithrombotic regimens and laboratory data, device number and specifications, and clinical outcomes. We reviewed all available neuroimaging to ascertain aneurysm characteristics and radiological outcomes. Results Between 2009 and 2018, we identified a total of 7 patients (mean age 51 years [IQR 46–63]) with BA or VBA aneurysms, who underwent 8 Pipeline embolization and also received perioperative heparinization in the neurological ICU. All reached a target activated PTT (aPTT) level 1.5–2 times of the upper normal limit. Median duration of anticoagulation was 2 (IQR 1–2.3) days. All patients were also therapeutic on concomitant dual antiplatelet therapy. The median number of PEDs placed per patient was 2 (IQR 2–3). Three (37.5%) cases had adjunctive coil embolization. No intracranial or major systemic hemorrhage occurred. Complications while on anticoagulation included 1 (12.5%) self-limiting oropharyngeal mucosal hemorrhage, 1 (12.5%) sudden cardiac arrest, and 1 (12.5%) cerebellar stroke without long-term sequelae. Conclusion In our single-center experience, perioperative heparinization in a monitored ICU setting showed no association with intracranial or major systemic hemorrhage. More data are needed to optimize its role in the perioperative management of BA and VBA aneurysms treated with flow diversion. Disclosures J. Tsai: None. J. Hardman: None. N. Moore: None. M. Hussain: None. T. Masaryk: None. M. Bain: 2; C; Stryker. G. Toth: None.
Biodegradable polymerized simvastatin stimulates bone formation

Abstract Previous research from our labs demonstrated the synthesis of polymerized simvastatin by ring-opening polymerization and slow degradation with controlled release of simvastatin in vitro. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the degradation and intramembranous bone-forming potential of simvastatin-containing polyprodrugs in vivo using a rat calvarial onlay model. Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(simvastatin) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(simvastatin)-ran-poly(glycolide) were compared with simvastatin conventionally encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and pure PLGA. The rate of degradation was higher for PLGA with and without simvastatin relative to the simvastatin polyprodrugs. Significant new bone growth at the circumference of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(simvastatin) disks was observed beginning at 4 weeks, whereas severe bone resorption (4 weeks) and bone loss (8 weeks) were observed for PLGA loaded with simvastatin. No significant systemic effects were observed for serum total cholesterol and body weight. Increased expression of osteogenic (BMP-2, Runx2, and ALP), angiogenic (VEGF), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and NF-ĸB) genes was seen with all polymers at the end of 8 weeks. Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(simvastatin), with slow degradation and drug release, controlled inflammation, and significant osteogenic effect, is a candidate for use in bone regeneration applications. Statement of Significance Traditional drug delivery systems, e.g., drug encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), are typically passive and have limited drug payload. As an alternative, we polymerized the drug simvastatin, which has multiple physiological effects, into macromolecules (“polysimvastatin”) via ring-opening polymerization. We previously demonstrated that the rate of degradation and drug (simvastatin) release can be adjusted by copolymerizing it with other monomers. The present results demonstrate significant new bone growth around polysimvastatin, whereas severe bone loss occurred for PLGA loaded with simvastatin. This degradable biomaterial with biofunctionality integrated into the polymeric backbone is a useful candidate for bone regeneration applications.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Children: Risk-Based Stratification and Treatment

This paper provides a review of the epidemiology, classification, risk-based stratification, and identification of traditional and novel risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in children. Current treatment strategies designed to halt progression and best practices regarding vascular access preservation are discussed. Substantial progress in CKD diagnosis has been made, particularly in the refinement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating equations in children. A number of new risk factors for CKD progression are described, including genetic underpinnings of CKD. Efforts designed to risk-stratify those children at highest risk for progression to ESRD and to define modifiable risk factors have been undertaken by collaborative research initiatives. The management of pediatric CKD comprises appropriate diagnosis and classification of CKD severity through the use of updated eGFR estimating equations, and amelioration of existing risk factors for progression. The most important factors, hypertension and proteinuria, are validated endpoints for treatment with medications that target renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade. Optimal blood pressure management is also essential to limit the frequency of cardiovascular disease. Several multicenter collaborative studies have shed light on the myriad of comorbidities experienced by children with CKD, in addition to elucidating risk determinants for CKD progression.
Microscopic Crystal Phase Inspired Modeling of Zr Concentration Effects in Hf 1-x Zr x O 2 Thin Films

In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the Zr concentration dependent crystal phase transition of Hf 1- x Z x O 2 (HZO) and the corresponding evolution of dielectric (DE), ferroelectric (FE) and anti-ferroelectric (AFE) characteristics. Providing the microscopic insights of strain induced crystal phase transformations, we propose a physics based model that shows good agreement with our experimental results for 10nm Hf 1-x Z x O 2 (with $\text{x}=0$ through 1). Utilizing our model, we analyze HZO-FET operation as a non-volatile memory device for different x.
Robotic Cholecystectomy Is a Safe Educational Alternative to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy During General Surgical Training: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE The role of robotic surgery in general surgery (GS) continues to expand. Several programs have integrated robotic-based simulators and models into surgical education; however, residents’ robotic experience in the operating room is currently limited. We sought to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic cholecystectomy (RC) when independently performed by GS chief residents. METHODS From June 2016 to October 2018, RC and laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) performed independently by chief residents on a resident staff surgical service were prospectively included. Patient demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications were analyzed and compared between both cohorts. RESULTS A total of 20 RC and 70 LC were included. Patient characteristics, indications for surgery, and comorbidities were similar in both groups. RC was more likely to be performed electively (95% vs. 17.1%, p CONCLUSIONS RC can be safely and independently performed by GS residents with similar outcomes as LC. Efforts should be directed toward creating a platform to bridge competent simulator skills into safe performance in the operating suite. The integration of robotic training into the core GS curriculum should be encouraged.
Poultry litter as potential source of pathogens and other contaminants in groundwater and surface water proximal to large-scale confined poultry feeding operations.

Abstract Manure from livestock production has been associated with the contamination of water resources. To date, research has primarily focused on runoff of these contaminants from animal operations into surface water, and the introduction of poultry-derived pathogenic zoonoses and other contaminants into groundwater is under-investigated. We characterized pathogens and other microbial and chemical contaminants in poultry litter, groundwater, and surface water near confined poultry feeding operations (chicken layer, turkey) at 9 locations in Iowa and one in Wisconsin from May and June 2016. Results indicate that poultry litter from large-scale poultry confined feeding operations is a likely source of environmental contamination and that groundwater is also susceptible to such poultry-derived contamination. Poultry litter, groundwater, and surface water samples had detections of viable bacteria growth (Salmonella spp., enterococci, staphylococci, lactobacilli), multi-drug resistant Salmonella DT104 flost and int genes, F+ RNA coliphage (group I and IV), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs; blaDHA, blaOXA-48, blaTEM, blaCMY-2, tetM), phytoestrogens (biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin), and a progestin (progesterone). In addition, mcr-1 (a colistin ARG), was detected in a groundwater sample and in another groundwater sample, antibiotic resistant isolates were positive for Brevibacterium spp., a potential signature of poultry in the environment. Detectable estrogenicity was not measured in poultry litter, but was observed in 67% of the surface water samples and 22% were above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency trigger level of 1 ng/L. The transport of microbial pathogens to groundwater was significantly greater (p
Exploring Hadron Structure with GPDs at EIC: New Topics in Theory, Experiment, Interpretation

Exploring hadron structure with generalized parton distributions (GPDs) and related concepts is an essential part of the physics program of the planned Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). We discuss new topics in GPD physics (theory, experiment, interpretation) that have emerged in the last years and could be included in the EIC program. This includes: (a) D-term and QCD forces in the nucleon; (b) Transversity GPDs in pseudoscalar meson production and high-mass pair production; (c) Pion and kaon form factors and GPDs; (d) Transition distribution amplitudes and backward meson production; (e) Neutron GPDs and nuclear modifications; (f) Nuclear GPDs and quark/gluon imaging of nuclei; (g) Twist-3 GPDs and quark-gluon correlations; (h) Wigner functions and potential observables. We also comment on future theoretical developments needed for the GPD program at EIC and emerging connections with other areas of nuclear physics. [Conveners’ summary, Week 1 of INT Program INT-18-3].
Clinical features of scrupulosity: Associated symptoms and comorbidity.

Objective Scrupulosity is a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious or moral core fears. Clinicians often struggle to treat scrupulosity, which may be associated with several features known to predict poor treatment outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine these features in participants with scrupulous OCD, contamination OCD, and healthy controls. Method A total of 68 participants (57.4% women, agemean = 34.01) completed diagnostic interviews, and measures of symptoms and quality-of-life. Results Relative to comparison groups, scrupulous participants had higher rates of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, more severe schizotypal symptoms, and more severe symptoms of depression. In addition, OCD severity was strongly associated with poor insight in the scrupulous group. Both OCD groups reported poorer quality of life than did healthy controls. Conclusions Clinicians working with scrupulous individuals may enhance the efficacy of treatment in this challenging population by assessing carefully for these features, and incorporating treatment elements that address them.
Single-Cell RNA-seq of Human Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Late Sepsis Reveals Multiple Subsets With Unique Transcriptional Responses: A Pilot Study

Background Increased circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are independently associated with poor long-term clinical outcomes in sepsis. Studies implicate subsets of MDSCs having unique roles in lymphocyte suppression; however, characterization of these cells after sepsis remains incomplete. We performed a pilot study to determine the transcriptomic landscape in MDSC subsets in sepsis using single-cell RNAseq (scRNA-seq). Methods A mixture of whole blood myeloid-enriched and Ficoll-enriched PBMCs from two late septic patients on post-sepsis day 21 and two control subjects underwent Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq). Results We successfully identified the three MDSC subset clusters-granulocytic (G-), monocytic (M-), and early (E-) MDSCs. Sepsis was associated with a greater relative expansion of G-MDSCs versus M-MDSCs at 21 days as compared to control subjects. Genomic analysis between septic patients and control subjects revealed cell-specific and common differential expression of genes in both G-MDSC and M-MDSC subsets. Many of the common genes have previously been associated with MDSC proliferation and immunosuppressive function. Interestingly, there was no differential expression of several genes demonstrated in the literature to be vital to immunosuppression in cancer-induced MDSC. Conclusion This pilot study successfully demonstrated that MDSCs maintain a transcriptomic profile that is immunosuppressive in late sepsis. Interestingly, the landscape in chronic critical illness is partially dependent on the original septic insult. Preliminary data would also indicate immunosuppressive MDSCs from late sepsis patients appear to have a somewhat unique transcriptome from cancer and/or other inflammatory diseases.
Non-carbohydrate Dietary Factors and Their Influence on Post-Exercise Glycogen Storage: a Review

The optimization of post-exercise glycogen synthesis can improve endurance performance, delay fatigue in subsequent bouts, and accelerate recovery from exercise. High carbohydrate intakes (1.2 g/kg of body weight/h) are recommended in the first 4 h after exercise. However, athletes may struggle to consume carbohydrates at those levels. Thus, we aimed to determine whether the consumption of non-carbohydrate dietary factors (creatine, glutamine, caffeine, flavonoids, and alcohol) enhances post-exercise glycogen synthesis. Trained athletes may not realize the benefits of creatine loading on glycogen synthesis. The impacts of caffeine, glutamine, flavonoids, and alcohol on post-exercise glycogen synthesis are poorly understood. Other ergogenic benefits to exercise performance, however, have been reported for creatine, glutamine, caffeine, and flavonoids, which were beyond the scope of this review. Evidence in trained athletes is limited and inconclusive on the impact of these non-carbohydrate dietary factors on post-exercise glycogen synthesis.
Interrogating the “Nation” in Contemporary Indian Dance in India and the Diaspora

Nationalism is a problematic concept since it includes and excludes certain groups on different grounds as it suits the State. India excludes marginalized indigenous, Adivasi tribal population and ...
An analytical investigation on the resonances of surface bonded piezoelectric wafer active transducers (PWaTs)

Piezoelectric wafer active transducers (PWaTs) play an important role for smart structures. Typically, they are bonded on the surface of structures to excite and sense mechanical vibrations or waves. The resonant characteristics of the surface bonded PWaT is very different from those of the free-standing PWaT. Since the resonances of the PWaTs strongly influence the transducer efficiency, it is important to understand their resonant behaviors. In this paper, an analytical model of the surface bonded PWaT is implemented to study the resonant characteristics of surface bonded PWaT in details. The study reveals that the PWaT supports two modes that have very different propagation constants below and above a cut-off frequency, leading to different resonance behaviors. These resonance behaviors can be explained with respect to the propagation of these two modes in the PWaT and the mode conversion at the edges of the PWaT. These fundamental understanding will benefit the design and optimization of the PWaTs.
Can clinical benefits of modulators effectively ‘modulate’ adherence in people with CF?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, life-limiting genetic disease caused by a dysfunctional CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein that leads to mucus clearance abnormalities, the development of chronic endobronchial infections and progressive, irreversible lung damage. Historically, treatments for CF have largely been supportive in nature and have focused on symptomatic improvement from the many CF-related disease manifestations, including pulmonary, gastrointestinal and sinus-related morbidities. The use of acute and chronic medications to address these disease-related complications has undoubtedly improved the lives of people with CF (PwCF) and extended life expectancy. The approval of ivacaftor by the US Food and Drug Administration on 31 January 2012 for PwCF 6 years and older with a G551D mutation has heralded in a new era of CF care. For the first time, a CF therapy (termed CFTR modulator) was developed to target the underlying CFTR protein defect itself. Since its approval, several other CFTR modulators have been deployed in the clinical arena; the most recent (and arguably the most effective) of which is elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, a CFTR modulator currently approved for all PwCF 12 years and older with at least once copy of the Phe508del mutation. While the approval of CFTR modulators has revolutionised the care of PwCF and might even improve life expectancy, there remains a number of potential barriers to CFTR modulator adherence, including cost, perceived medication benefit, delays in prior authorisations, decreased access to care and individual factors …
A Multi-Dimensional Deep Learning Framework for IoT Malware Classification and Family Attribution

The emergence of Internet of Things malware, which leverages exploited IoT devices to perform large-scale cyber attacks (e.g., Mirai botnet), is considered as a major threat to the Internet ecosystem. To mitigate such threat, there is an utmost need for effective IoT malware classification and family attribution, which provide essential steps towards initiating attack mitigation/prevention countermeasures. In this paper, motivated by the lack of sophisticated malware obfuscation in the implementation of IoT malware, we utilize features extracted from strings- and image-based representations of the executable binaries to propose a novel multi-dimensional classification approach using Deep Learning (DL) architectures. To this end, we analyze more than 70,000 recently detected IoT malware samples. Our in-depth experiments with four prominent IoT malware families highlight the significant accuracy of the approach (99.78%), which outperforms conventional single-level classifiers. Additionally, we utilize our IoT-tailored approach for labeling newly detected “unknown” malware samples, which were mainly attributed to a few predominant families. Finally, this work contributes to the security of future networks (e.g., 5G) through the implementation of effective tools/techniques for timely IoT malware classification, and attack mitigation.
Distant migration of gluteal augmentation fat presenting as a soft tissue knee mass

Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat grafting is an increasingly popular procedure. While complication rates are low, the clinical and imaging evaluation of the various complications can be challenging. We report a case of distal migration of a failed gluteal fat graft in a young female patient presenting as a soft tissue mass in the knee, mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma. Surgical resection of the migrated fat graft confirmed the diagnosis. The diagnosis was challenging as the patient was initially reluctant to disclose her surgical history due to perceived negative social stigmas related to cosmetic contouring procedures. This case highlights the imaging findings of a rare complication following autologous fat grafting for gluteal augmentation and the importance of obtaining a thorough medical history.
Neuroprotective effert of carbon monoxide and Nrf2 in cerebral ischemia

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous second messenger produced when heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes catabolize heme. We have demonstrated that CO can be therapeutic in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury; however, it is unclear whether CO can also offer protection in permanent ischemic stroke or what mechanism underlies the effect. HO1 neuroprotection is shown to be regulated by Nrf2; therefore, we investigated whether CO might partially exert neuroprotection by modulating the Nrf2 pathway. To evaluate potential protective effects of CO, we exposed wildtype and Nrf2-/- mice to 250ppm CO or control air for 18h immediately after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Infarct volume and neurological deficits were assessed on day 7. Molecular mechanisms of Nrf2 pathway activation by CO were also investigated. Mice exposed to CO after permanent ischemia had 29.6±12.6% less brain damage than did controls at 7d. Additionally, 18h CO treatment led to Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1, nuclear translocation, increased binding activity of Nrf2 to HO1 antioxidant response elements, and elevated HO1 expression 6-48h after CO exposure. The CO neuroprotection was essentially completely abolished in Nrf2-/- mice. Low-concentration of exogenous CO represents a neuroprotective agent for stroke combination treatment and its beneficial effect would be at least partially mediated by activation of the endogenous Nrf2 pathway.
Are HCI issues a big factor in supply chain mobile apps

A previous survey about the use of iPhone and/or iPad apps in supply chain operations learned that the use of such apps varies greatly among different individuals and different organizations, with many respondents using apps, but not for supply chain operations [1]. In product design, an aspect of growing importance is its usability. This raises the question that is the focus of the paper. Namely, are human-computer interaction (HCI) issues a factor being addressed in the mobile apps for supply chain management? It appears that addressing HCI issues for most any kind of commercial mobile app seems to have had little focus, even though some usability problems are well-known. Nielsen summarized this as "the user experience of mobile websites and apps has improved since our last research, but we still have far to go" [2].
Diffuse hepatic calcification as a sequela to shock liver.

Abstract A 31-yr-old Japanese woman who was on chronic hemodialysis for 3 yr died of intractable congestive heart failure. Three years before death, the patient was in a state of shock for 48 h due to ventricular tachycardia and gastrointestinal bleeding, which was followed by marked elevation of serum transaminase. Four months later, abdominal plain radiography demonstrated diffuse hepatic calcification. At autopsy, microscopic examination of the liver revealed parenchymal necrosis and tiny calcifications in the central to midzonaJ area of the lobule. Calcification in the degenerative area of the hepatic lobule occurred subsequent to parenchymal ischemia after overt shock that lasted for 2 days. Although a definitive explanation for the calcification was not obtained, it may be related to the disturbances of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis as a result of ischemic liver injury or it may be related to an elevated calcium-phosphorus product in the uremic state.
A study of reactive diffusion problems with stiff integrators and adaptive grids

In the present paper the results of a comprehensive study of the numerical problems associated with flows with chemical reactions have been presented. The problems solved are simplifications of many practical problems, but they retain the key features of complex flows. Also, the time and space scaling problems are general to most problems in fluid mechanics and the results will be applicable to many areas. The major conclusions of our study are: 1. The use of newton-linearized block solvers with higher order difference methods has given very efficient calculations for flame propagation and stiff chemistry. 2. Adaptive gridding based on gradients of the dependent variables has yielded very large efficiencies for problems with large spatial and temporal gradients. As these temporal gradients decrease there is less advantage to be gained with adaptive techniques. 3. Adaptive gridding techniques offer the promise of very large economies for multi-dimensional problems. However, the problem of grid cell geometry is not completely under control, and a need for additional research is necessary in this area.
Interactive Proofs with Provable Security Against Honest Verifiers

Nearly all of the work on constructing zero-knowledge proof systems relies on very strong complexity theoretic assumptions. We consider a form of "no use" zero-knowledge, and show that every language in PSPACE has an interactive proof system that provably achieves "no-use" zero-knowledge against honest verifiers.
Relationship of MR elastography determined liver stiffness with cardiac function after Fontan palliation.

Purpose To use MR elastography to assess liver stiffness in patients with congenital heart disease palliated with the Fontan procedure and correlate findings with cardiac index and other functional parameters obtained during cardiac MRI. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study of 14 patients (15 examinations) with Fontan circulation who underwent both cardiac MRI and liver MR elastography (MRE) on the same day. Liver stiffness was determined by calculating the mean liver stiffness from four slice locations. The cardiac index and other flow measurements were calculated from phase contrast MR imaging. Results The MRE was abnormal on all examinations with a median liver stiffness of 4.0 kPa (range, 3.4–6.2 kPa; normal adult liver stiffness is < 2.51 kPa). The cardiac index decreased as the duration of Fontan circulation (Fontan duration) increased (P = 0.005). We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between liver stiffness and cardiac index (P = 0.02), as well as the ejection fraction (P = 0.002). Patients with long Fontan durations (≥20 years) had greater liver stiffness compared with those having a shorter duration (P = 0.02). Conclusion MRE shows promise as a monitoring tool in the Fontan population, demonstrating an elevated liver stiffness in all patients, which inversely correlated with the MR determined cardiac index. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1328–1335. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decision analysis - Effects of prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy on life expectancy among women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations

Background Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have an increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy are often considered as ways of reducing these risks, but the effect of the procedures on life expectancy has not been established. Methods In a decision analysis, we compared prophylactic mastectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy with no prophylactic surgery among women who carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. We used available data about the incidence of cancer, the prognosis for women with cancer, and the efficacy of prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy in preventing breast and ovarian cancer to estimate the effects of these interventions on life expectancy among women with different levels of risk of cancer. Results We calculated that, on average, 30-year-old women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations gain from 2.9 to 5.3 years of life expectancy from prophylactic mastectomy and from 0.3 to 1.7 years of life expectancy from prophylactic oophorectom...
Statin Therapy Is Associated with Improved Survival in Patients with Non-Serous-Papillary Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Aim To determine whether statin use is associated with improved epithelial ovarian cancer (OvCa) survival. Methods This is a single-institution retrospective cohort review of patients treated for OvCa between 1992 and 2013. Inclusion criteria were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I–IV OvCa. The primary exposures analyzed were hyperlipidemia and statin use. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Results 442 patients met inclusion criteria. The cohort was divided into three groups: patients with hyperlipidemia who used statins (n = 68), patients with hyperlipidemia who did not use statins (n = 28), and patients without hyperlipidemia (n = 346). OvCa outcomes were evaluated. When we analyzed the entire cohort, we found no significant differences in PFS or DSS among the groups. The median PFS for hyperlipidemics using statins, hyperlipidemics not using statins, and non-hyperlipidemics was 21.7, 13.6, and 14.7 months, respectively (p = 0.69). Median DSS for hyperlipidemics using statins, hyperlipidemics not using statins, and non-hyperlipidemics was 44.2, 75.7, and 41.5 months, respectively (p = 0.43). These findings did not change after controlling for confounders. However, a secondary analysis revealed that, among patients with non-serous-papillary subtypes of OvCa, statin use was associated with a decrease in hazards of both disease recurrence (adjusted HR = 0.23, p = 0.02) and disease-specific death (adjusted HR = 0.23, p = 0.04). To augment the findings in the retrospective cohort, the histology-specific effects of statins were also evaluated in vitro using proliferation assays. Here, statin treatment of cell lines resulted in a variable level of cytotoxicity. Conclusion Statin use among patients with non-serous-papillary OvCa was associated with improvement in both PFS and DSS.
A systematic review and summarization of the recommendations and research surrounding Curriculum-Based Measurement of oral reading fluency (CBM-R) decision rules

Research and policy have established that data are necessary to guide decisions within education. Many of these decisions are made within problem solving and response to intervention frameworks for service delivery. Curriculum-Based Measurement in Reading (CBM-R) is a widely used data collection procedure within those models of service delivery. Although the evidence for CBM-R as a screening and benchmarking procedure has been summarized multiple times in the literature, there is no comprehensive review of the evidence for its application to monitor and evaluate individual student progress. The purpose of this study was to identify and summarize the psychometric and empirical evidence for CBM-R as it is used to monitor and evaluate student progress. There was an emphasis on the recommended number of data points collected during progress monitoring and interpretive guidelines. The review identified 171 journal articles, chapters, and instructional manuals using online search engines and research databases. Recommendations and evidence from 102 documents that met the study criteria were evaluated and summarized. Results indicate that most decision-making practices are based on expert opinion and that there is very limited psychometric or empirical support for such practices. There is a lack of published evidence to support program evaluation and progress monitoring with CBM-R. More research is required to inform data collection procedures and interpretive guidelines.
Fixed cycle ordering policies for capacitated multiple item inventory systems with quantity discounts

We consider the problem of stocking inventories of multiple items that share a common resource, like a warehouse space, where the vendor of the items offers quantity discounts. For the classic version of this problem without quantity discounts, it is well known that a fixed cycle approach, where the time between order replenishments for all items is the same, is a cost effective heuristic solution methodology, one that in some instances is preferred to both independent cycle and non-stationary approaches. In this paper, we demonstrate that a fixed cycle approach can also be used to heuristically solve the quantity discount case. Computational results suggest that this approach is often more cost effective than competing solution methodologies, particularly when the resource constraint is tight.
Predicting Nonspecific Ion Binding Using DelPhi

Ions are an important component of the cell and affect the corresponding biological macromolecules either via direct binding or as a screening ion cloud. Although some ion binding is highly specific and frequently associated with the function of the macromolecule, other ions bind to the protein surface nonspecifically, presumably because the electrostatic attraction is strong enough to immobilize them. Here, we test such a scenario and demonstrate that experimentally identified surface-bound ions are located at a potential that facilitates binding, which indicates that the major driving force is the electrostatics. Without taking into consideration geometrical factors and structural fluctuations, we show that ions tend to be bound onto the protein surface at positions with strong potential but with polarity opposite to that of the ion. This observation is used to develop a method that uses a DelPhi-calculated potential map in conjunction with an in-house-developed clustering algorithm to predict nonspecific ion-binding sites. Although this approach distinguishes only the polarity of the ions, and not their chemical nature, it can predict nonspecific binding of positively or negatively charged ions with acceptable accuracy. One can use the predictions in the Poisson-Boltzmann approach by placing explicit ions in the predicted positions, which in turn will reduce the magnitude of the local potential and extend the limits of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. In addition, one can use this approach to place the desired number of ions before conducting molecular-dynamics simulations to neutralize the net charge of the protein, because it was shown to perform better than standard screened Coulomb canned routines, or to predict ion-binding sites in proteins. This latter is especially true for proteins that are involved in ion transport, because such ions are loosely bound and very difficult to detect experimentally.
Identification of Mn2+-binding Aspartates from α, β, and γ Subunits of Human NAD-dependent Isocitrate Dehydrogenase

The human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), with three types of subunits present in the ratio of 2alpha:1beta:1gamma, requires a divalent metal ion to catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate. With the aim of identifying ligands of the enzyme-bound Mn(2+), we mutated aspartates on the alpha, beta, or gamma subunits. Mutagenesis target sites were based on crystal structures of metal-isocitrate complexes of Escherichia coli and pig mitochondrial NADP-IDH and sequence alignments. Aspartates replaced by asparagine or cysteine were 206, 230, and 234 of the alpha subunit and those corresponding to alpha-Asp-206: 217 of the beta subunit and 215 of the gamma subunit. Each expressed, purified mutant enzyme has two wild-type subunits and one subunit with a single mutation. Specific activities of WT, alpha-D206N, alpha-D230C, alpha-D234C, beta-D217N, and gamma-D215N enzymes are 22, 29, 1.4, 0.2, 7.3 and 3.7 micromol of NADH/min/mg, respectively, whereas alpha-D230N and alpha-D234N enzymes showed no activity. The K(m,Mn(2+)) for alpha-D230C and gamma-D215N are increased 32- and 100-fold, respectively, along with elevations in K(m,isocitrate). The K(m,NAD) of alpha-D230C is increased 16-fold, whereas that of beta-D217N is elevated 10-fold. For all the mutants K(m,isocitrate) is decreased by ADP, indicating that these aspartates are not needed for normal ADP activation. This study demonstrates that alpha-Asp-230 and alpha-Asp-234 are critical for catalytic activity, but alpha-Asp-206 is not needed; alpha-Asp-230 and gamma-Asp-215 may interact directly with the Mn(2+); and alpha-Asp-230 and beta-Asp-217 contribute to the affinity of the enzyme for NAD. These results suggest that the active sites of the human NAD-IDH are shared between alpha and gamma subunits and between alpha and beta subunits.
Use of native and chemically modified cyclodextrins for the capillary electrophoretic separation of enantiomers

Capillary zone electrophoresis is shown to be useful for the separation of select enantiomers via the use of mobile phases containing cyclodextrins (CDs). Both native and chemically modified CDs are utilized herein. Parameters important in achieving enantiomeric separations are CD type, concentration, and mobile phase pH. In addition, rapid (1 minute) enantiomeric separations are demonstrated. Experimental parameters important in attaining short analysis times are discussed.
Effect of wafer geometry on lithography chucking processes

Wafer flatness during exposure in lithography tools is critical and is becoming more important as feature sizes in devices shrink. While chucks are used to support and flatten the wafer during exposure, it is essential that wafer geometry be controlled as well. Thickness variations of the wafer and high-frequency wafer shape components can lead to poor flatness of the chucked wafer and ultimately patterning problems, such as defocus errors. The objective of this work is to understand how process-induced wafer geometry, resulting from deposited films with non-uniform stress, can lead to high-frequency wafer shape variations that prevent complete chucking in lithography scanners. In this paper, we discuss both the acceptable limits of wafer shape that permit complete chucking to be achieved, and how non-uniform residual stresses in films, either due to patterning or process non-uniformity, can induce high spatial frequency wafer shape components that prevent chucking. This paper describes mechanics models that relate non-uniform film stress to wafer shape and presents results for two example cases. The models and results can be used as a basis for establishing control strategies for managing process-induced wafer geometry in order to avoid wafer flatness-induced errors in lithography processes.
Baclofen inhibits sympathetic preganglionic neurons in an isolated spinal cord preparation

The effects of the antispastic drug, baclofen, were examined in sympathetic preganglionic neurons(PGNs) recorded in the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat. Addition of 10−5 M baclofen to the superfusion medium inhibited the activation of PGNs by dorsal root stimulation in 96% of the neurons tested. The time course of inhibition of sympathetic reflexes paralleled the inhibition of ventral root (primarily somatic) reflexes evoked by the same stimulus. Spontaneous activity was abolished by baclofen in 69% of the spontaneously active PGNs tested. It is concluded that baclofen has a powerful sympatho-inhibitory effect at the spinal level.
A numerical comparison of the Westervelt equation with viscous attenuation and a causal propagation operator

The Westervelt wave equation can be used to describe non-linear propagation of finite amplitude sound. If one assumes that the medium can be treated as a thermoviscous fluid, a loss mechanism can be incorporated, but such a loss mechanism is not adequate if the medium is dispersive. In order to accurately describe pulse propagation in a dispersive medium the Westervelt equation must incorporate attenuation and dispersion correctly. Szabo has shown that the effects of frequency dependent attenuation and dispersion can be included by the use of a causal time-domain propagation factor (TDPF) which is obtained from a corresponding time domain convolution operator. In previous work the TDPF has been successfully employed in the linear wave equation for both isotropic and non-isotropic media, and the authors recently carried out a comparison of numerical solutions, in one dimension, to the Westervelt equation using the TDPF with those obtained using a traditional loss mechanism for a themoviscous fluid. These computations showed that the TDPF correctly incorporated the full dispersive characteristics of the media, and that the results may differ significantly from those obtained using the traditional loss term. In this work the problem of propagation of ultrasonic acoustic energy through human tissue in two dimensions is solved numerically using the Westervelt equation with the TDPF, and comparisons are made with computations treating the human tissue as a thermoviscous fluid. The equations are solved using the method of finite differences.
‘Metalinguistic’ negations, denial, and idioms

Abstract A number of unusual negations are typically marked in various ways and have irregular interpretations. I seek to determine what these negations mean or convey, what exactly they deny, and how their irregular interpretation is related to their regular interpretation. I argue that the “marks” Horn identified are not semantically significant, and that the common term ‘metalinguistic negation’ is a misnomer. Contrary to Horn, Burton-Roberts, and Van der Sandt, irregular negations are not always used to object to previous utterances. I make the case that what an irregular negation denies is an implicature of its root. Different types of irregular negation deny different root implicatures. Irregular negations exist because of three levels of linguistic conventions. While one type of irregular negation involves live implicature, I defend the hypothesis that the others are idioms (partially non-compositional compounds) that plausibly arose when implicatures died. I extend my account of how irregular negations can be so productive despite being idioms by generalizing the scalar implicature denial convention and identifying the relevant idiomatic forms for other irregular negations.
Two National Projects in Health Education

With support and encouragement from soundly based curriculum projects such as the two de scribed in this paper, instruction in the health sciences will soon acquire both a scope and a sequence that have been notoriously lacking in health education.