cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Olanzapine Plus Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Women With High Irritability Who Meet Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Objective: This double-blind study examined whether olanzapine augments the efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in reducing anger and hostility in borderline personality disorder patients. Method: Twenty-four women with borderline personality disorder (DSM-IV criteria) and high levels of irritability and anger received 6 months of DBT. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either low-dose olanzapine or placebo and were assessed with standardized measures in a double-blind manner. The study was conducted from September 2000 to December 2002. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that both treatment conditions resulted in significant improvement in irritability, aggression, depression, and self-inflicted injury (p <.01 for each). Irritability and aggression scores tended (p <.10) to decrease more quickly for the olanzapine group than for the placebo group. Self-inflicted injury tended (p <.10) to decrease more for the placebo group than for the olanzapine group. Conclusions: Olanzapine may promote more rapid reduction of irritability and aggression than placebo for highly irritable women with borderline personality disorder. Effect sizes were moderate to large, with the small sample size likely limiting the ability to detect significant results. Overall, there were large and consistent reductions in irritability, aggression, depression, and self-injury for both groups of subjects receiving DBT.
Functional Connectivity Architecture of the Human Brain: Not All the Same

Imaging studies suggest that individual differences in cognition and behavior might relate to differences in brain connectivity, particularly in the higher order association regions. Understanding the extent to which two brains can differ is crucial in clinical and basic neuroscience research. Here we highlight two major sources of variance that contribute to intersubject variability in connectivity measurements but are often mixed: the spatial distribution variability and the connection strength variability. We then offer a hypothesis about how the cortical surface expansion during human evolution may have led to remarkable intersubject variability in brain connectivity. We propose that a series of changes in connectivity architecture occurred in response to the pressure for processing efficiency in the enlarged brain. These changes not only distinguish us from our evolutionary ancestors, but also enable each individual to develop more uniquely. This hypothesis may gain support from the significant spatial correlations among evolutionary cortical expansion, the density of long-range connections, hemispheric functional specialization, and intersubject variability in connectivity.
Multiple memory systems, development and conditioning

A century of behavioral and neurobiological research suggests that Pavlovian conditioning involves three component memory systems: sensorimotor, affective and cognitive. In classical eyeblink conditioning, there is evidence that these three memory systems involve, respectively, the cerebellum, amygdala and hippocampus. This article reviews developmental research on eyeblink conditioning in rodents that is beginning to characterize ontogenetic dissociations and interactions among these memory systems. This research shows that the functional development of the affective system (conditioned fear response) precedes that of the sensorimotor system (conditioned eyeblink reflex). Modulation of these two systems by cognitive processes also seems to emerge at different points in ontogeny. Implications for cognitive development and research on multiple memory systems are discussed.
Sacrificing Moche Bodies

The Moche of Peru (AD 100–800) practiced two forms of bodily transformation: human sacrifice and dismemberment. The sacrificial process converted the body into a sacred object and imbued it with meaning. The second transformation – dismemberment – partitioned the cathected body into ritually efficacious body parts suitable for use as offerings to the supernatural. In contrast to classic perspectives on sacrifice, which focus on the act of immolation, I expand this perspective to include post-sacrifice transformations, including dismemberment, consumption, and distribution.
Continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes: a step closer to commercial realization

High-purity aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes MWNTs were synthesized through the catalytic decomposition of a ferrocene-xylene mixture at ; 6758C in a quartz tube reactor and over quartz substrates, with a conversion of ; 25% of the total hydrocarbon feedstock. Under the experimental conditions used, scanning electron microscope images reveal that the MWNT array grows perpendicular to the quartz substrates at an average growth rate of ; 25 mmrh. A process of this nature which does not require preformed substrates, and which operates at atmospheric pressure and moderate temperatures, could be scaled up for continuous or semi-continuous production of MWNTs. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Cochlear implantation via the middle fossa: surgical and electrode array considerations.

Abstract Cochlear implantation via the middle cranial fossa may access the entire length of the cochlea without opening the middle ear. Concerns include safety and electrode array design. The objectives of this study were to determine the depth to the superior portion of the basal turn (SPBT) and distances from the facial and greater petrosal nerves, and to describe some ideas about electrode arrays. The study involved operative dissection of 41 bequeathed otitis-free adult crania (82 temporal bones). Mastoid size was assessed by x-ray. Commercially available MED-EL split arrays were inserted. The depth from the floor of the middle cranial fossa to SPBT of the cochlea ranged from 0.5 mm to 4.2 mm. Small mastoid size correlated with shallow depth. Distances from the centre of the SPBT to the labyrinthine portion of the facial nerve, to the geniculate ganglion, and to the greater petrosal nerve ranged from 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, 2.0 mm to 3.2 mm, and 1.8 mm to 2.8 mm, respectively. More than 75% of electrodes in...
Embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes harbor a subpopulation of niche-forming Sca-1+ progenitor cells

The adult mammalian heart is known to contain a population of cardiac progenitor cells. It has not been unambiguously determined, however, whether these cells form as part of the developmental program of the heart or migrate there by way of the circulatory system. This study was done in order to determine the origin of this population of cells. A population of cardiomyocytes was established from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells using a genetic selection technique. In order to determine whether cardiac progenitor cells exist within this ES cell-derived cardiomyocyte population, the cells were analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) using an antibody directed against stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1). We observed that approximately 4% of the cardiomyocyte population was composed of Sca-1+ cells. When the Sca-1+ cells were isolated by magnetic cell sorting and differentiated as cellular aggregates, contractions were observed in 100% of the aggregates. Gene expression studies using quantitative RT-PCR showed that these cells expressed terminally differentiated cardiac-specific genes. When three-dimensional cellular aggregates were formed from ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes co-cultured with adult HL-1 cardiomyocytes, the Sca-1+ cells were found to “sort out” and form niches within the cell aggregates. Our data demonstrate that cardiac progenitor cells in the adult heart originate as part of the developmental program of the heart and that Sca-1+ progenitor cells can provide an important in vitro model system to study the formation of cellular niches in the heart.
Peaks and Pits of Using Large Data Bases to Measure Quality of Care

This review of the advantages (peaks) and problems (pits) of large data bases to study quality contrasts their suitability with randomized control trials. Researchers need to advise policymakers and others about when statistically significant differences in quality are also politically and socially significant and deserve responsible reactions.
Acoustic and Aerodynamic Assessment

The goal of this essay is to emphasize the correspondence among interactive phonatory variables, complementary assessment measures, and voice problems. An additional related goal is to suggest that...
Identification of the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus) olfactory co-receptor Orco: expression profile and confirmation of atypical membrane topology.

Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug) is an agronomically important pest species of numerous cropping systems. Similar to other insects, a critical component underlying behaviors is the perception and discrimination of olfactory cues. Consequently, the molecular basis of olfaction in this species is of interest. To begin to address this issue, we utilized homology-based PCR as a commonly accepted abbreviation but if necessary it is polymerase chain reaction methods to identify the L. hesperus olfactory receptor co-receptor (Orco) ortholog, a receptor that has been shown to be essential for olfaction. The L. hesperus Orco (LhOrco) shares significant sequence homology with known Orco proteins in other insects. Parallel experiments using the sympatric sister species, Lygus lineolaris (tarnished plant bug), revealed that the Lygus Orco gene was completely conserved. Surprisingly, a majority of the membrane topology prediction algorithms used in the study predicted LhOrco to have both the N and C terminus intracellular. In vitro immunofluorescent microscopy experiments designed to probe the membrane topology of transiently expressed LhOrco, however, refuted those predictions and confirmed that the
Quantitative bounds on morphodynamics and implications for reading the sedimentary record.

Sedimentary rocks are the archives of environmental conditions and ancient planetary surface processes that led to their formation. Reconstructions of Earth’s past surface behaviour from the physical sedimentary record remain controversial, however, in part because we lack a quantitative framework to deconvolve internal dynamics of sediment-transport systems from environmental signal preservation. Internal dynamics of landscapes—a consequence of the coupling between bed topography, sediment transport and flow dynamics (morphodynamics)—result in regular and quasiperiodic landforms that abound on the Earth and other planets. Here, using theory and a data compilation of morphodynamic landforms that span a wide range of terrestrial, marine and planetary depositional systems, we show that the advection length for settling sediment sets bounds on the scales over which internal landscape dynamics operate. These bounds provide a universal palaeohydraulic reconstruction tool on planetary surfaces and allow for quantitative identification of depositional systems that may preserve tectonic, climatic and anthropogenic signals.
Applying Workplace Models of Learning in Social Science Computer Labs

Sociologists have made great strides in integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) into their teaching but have paid less attention to the physical and social settings in which ICTs are often embedded. An increasingly important setting in many social science departments is the computer lab. I present four workplace-based models of learning as a scheme to optimize the learning that can occur in labs. Each of these models is built on a conception of post-industrial work as intensely social and interactive and of learning as “situated, distributed, and activity-based.” The models and the metaphors that these conceptions elicit are formal worker training (the lab as classroom), on-the-job training (the lab as shopfloor), apprenticeship (the lab as guild), and project-based learning (the lab as project setting). I argue for the application of these models in lab settings as a way to prepare students for the changing nature of post-industrial work.
The RUM Paradox

This paper establishes the following: Random Utility Models (RUMs) that assume consistent preferences result in inconsistent and therefore irrational choice behavior. Paradoxically, it is possible to create RUMs that result in consistent choice behavior, but these models assume inconsistent preferences.
Trapping mobile Pt species by PdO in diesel oxidation catalysts: Smaller is better

Abstract Pt is an active catalyst for treatment of diesel exhaust emissions but is known to sinter and form large particles under oxidizing conditions. Pd is added to suppress the sintering of Pt and improve the performance of the Pt catalysts through the formation of a Pt–Pd alloy. In a previous study, using model catalysts, we demonstrated that mobile Pt species can diffuse on the surface and get trapped on PdO particles, leading to the formation of metallic Pt–Pd alloys in flowing air at 650 °C. In this work we explore the implications of this trapping phenomenon to powder catalysts. We physically mixed Pt/MgAl2O4 and PdO/La–Al2O3 catalyst powders and aged them at 800 °C in air. Mobile Pt species emitted from the Pt/MgAl2O4 migrated through the vapor phase and were trapped by PdO nanoparticles located on the La–Al2O3 support. Since the Pt moved from the MgAl2O4 support to the PdO, we infer that PdO is better at trapping Pt than the MgAl2O4 support. We also investigated the effect of PdO particle size on the trapping efficiency for Pt. It was found that small PdO particles were more effective, leading to smaller size of Pt–Pd particles as confirmed by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and reactivity for methane oxidation.
Vida PURA: results from a pilot test of culturally adapted screening and brief intervention for Latino day laborers

Material and methods We conducted qualitative interviews with Latino day laborers and social service to inform the cultural adaptation of screening and brief interventions. Case summaries and coded transcripts were reviewed for prevalent themes. Themes were used to identify sources of mismatch between traditional screening and brief intervention and the target population. The adapted intervention was then pilot tested to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness. In the pilot test, 104 men were screened using the AUDIT and men with a score 6 or greater were offered a brief intervention (56%). Those receiving an intervention completed follow-up surveys at 2 and 8 eight weeks. Alcohol use was assessed using the AUDIT and 14 day timeline follow-back.
Worst-case robot navigation in deterministic environments

We design and analyze algorithms for the following two robot navigation problems: (1) TARGET SEARCH. Given a robot located at a point s in the plane, how will a robot navigate to a goal t in the presence of unknown obstacles? (2) LOCALIZATION. A robot is “lost” in an environment with a map of its surroundings. How will it find its true location by traveling the minimum distance? Since efficient algorithms for these two problems will make a robot completely autonomous, they have held the interest of both robotics and computer science communities. Previous work has focussed mainly on designing competitive algorithms where the robot's performance is compared to that of an omniscient adversary. For example, a competitive algorithm for target search will compare the distance traveled by the robot with the shortest path from s to t. We analyze these problems from the worst-case perspective, which, in our view, is a more appropriate measure. Our results are: (1) For target search, we analyze an algorithm called Dynamic A*. The robot continuously moves to the goal on the shortest path which it recomputes on the discovery of obstacles. A variant of this algorithm has been employed in Mars Rover prototypes. We show that D* takes O( n log n) time on planar graphs and also show an O(n log2 n) bound on arbitrary graphs. Thus, our results show that D* combines the optimistic possibility of reaching the goal very soon while competing with depth-first search within a logarithmic factor. (2) For the localization problem, worst-case analysis compares the performance of the robot with the optimal decision tree over the set of possible locations. No approximation algorithm has been known. We give an O(log 3 n)-approximation algorithm and also show a Ω(log 2–e n) lower bound for the grid graphs commonly used in practice. The key idea is to plan travel on a “majority-rule map” which eliminates uncertainty and permits a link to the ½-Group Steiner problem. We also extend the problem to polygonal maps by discretizing the domain using novel geometric techniques.
Targeting childhood, adolescent and young adult non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: therapeutic horizons

Summary Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the third most common malignancy in children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA). NHL is a diverse set of diseases that arise at key regulatory checkpoints during B or T cell development in the bone marrow, germinal centre or thymus. While advances in the use of conventional cytotoxic agents have led to dramatic improvements in survival, these cures are associated with significant acute and long-term toxicities. Moreover, the prognosis for CAYA patients with relapsed or refractory NHL remains dismal, with the vast majority dying of their disease. Thanks to a large number of candidate-based biological studies, together with large-scale sequencing efforts, there has been an explosion of knowledge regarding the molecular pathophysiology of B- and T-NHL. This has ushered development of a flurry of novel therapeutic approaches that may simultaneously provide new hope for relapsed patients and an opportunity to reduce the therapeutic burden in newly diagnosed CAYA. Here we review a selection of the most promising new therapeutic approaches to these diseases. While the vast majority of these agents are untested in children, on-going work from many cooperative groups will soon explore their use in paediatric disease, in hope of further improving outcomes while maximizing quality of life.
The Role of Models in Marketing

This article explains the usefulness of models for marketing.The methods of classifying marketing models and the relationships between models, systems, hypotheses and theory in marketing are also s...
Tomographic multiplexing using fluorescence lifetime and spectral contrast

We present a resolution matrix-based approach to constrain cross-talk in tomographic multiplexing. This approach provides zero cross-talk solutions for lifetime multiplexing and the conditions for achieving zero cross-talk in spectral multiplexing.
Time-resolved photoluminescence spectra of Ga x In 1-x P under picosecond-laser-pulse excitation measured by a streak camera

We have measured the time-resolved photoluminescence spectra of ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{In}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$P (x=0.56) with 10-ps time resolution using a streak camera. From the theoretical fitting of photoluminescence spectra we determine the time evolution of the carrier density and carrier temperature. We find the carrier-energy-loss rate to be slower than predicted from a simple model if we assume a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function. This is attributed to the screening of the hot-carrier energy relaxation under high-carrier densities. Integro-differential equations describing the time dependence of the carrier temperature are solved, and the results are compared with the experimental data.
Texture Evolution in Hydroentangled Nonwovens

We recently reported on a co-occurrence-based method for texture analysis. This paper uses this texture analysis method to examine the development of the texture during hydroentangling as a functio...
Quantifying Sustainability in System Design

A standard definition of sustainability as development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” requires the ability to identify and quantify needs as well as quantify a compromised ability of future generations to meet their needs. In a new Engineering course in the “Appropriate and Sustainable Engineering” program, Seattle Pacific University is addressing how to analyze systems during the design activity to address such sustainability issues. These include the use of exergy and resource depletion as measurable effects of systems, the consideration of life-cycle phases of development, manufacturing, testing, operations, and disposal, decision-making considering sustainability trade-off criteria, and managing life-cycle and design resources. Specific system design and analysis techniques are also included, such as considerations for human-systems integration, safety and reliability in all life-cycle phases. Being able to quantify the sustainability measures yields an ability to quantitatively differentiate among competing alternative system designs based on specific life-cycle considerations and quantified sustainability impacts.
Feather Evidence Helps Clarify Locality of Anthropological Artifacts in the Museum of Mankind

Species of birds used on ethnographic artifacts collected during the eighteenth century and stored at the Museum of Mankind (British Museum) were identified by using microscopic and whole-feather characters. One of the objects (VAN 345), labeled as having been collected on Vancouver's voyage to Tahiti, was a feather pendant made of long strands of chicken feathers with small red feathers at the base. The small red feathers were examined microscopically, compared with museum study skins of all possible species, and identified as Vestiaria coccinea ('I'wi). Since this species is known only from the Hawaiian Archipelago, it was determined that the locality data on the object was in error. This study presents the procedure for feather identification and discusses the possible explanations for the discrepancies in the locality data. The identification of the'I'iwi on this object supports previous speculation on the validity of locality data on these Polynesian artifacts and that some objects attributed to the Vancouver collection may have been collected on Cook's expedition to Hawai'i.
Trends in HIV Continuum of Care Outcomes over Ten Years of Follow-Up at a Large HIV Primary Medical Home in the Southeastern United States.

Abstract Longitudinal studies of retention in care (RIC) and viral suppression (VS) in the southeastern United States (US), a region disproportionately affected by HIV infection, are lacking. HIV-infected adults with ≥1 medical visit at the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic (Nashville, Tennessee) from 2004 to 2013 were included. RIC was ≥2 (a) laboratory dates [CD4+ counts or HIV-1 viral loads (VLs)] or (b) provider encounters and/or laboratory dates in the year of interest, ≥90 days apart. VS was a VL of <200 copies/ml at last measurement in the year of interest. Modified Poisson regression estimated relative risk (RR) of RIC and VS, adjusting for age, race, sex, HIV transmission risk, and socioeconomic status (SES). Among 4,641 persons, 76.8% achieved RIC and 70.2% achieved VS. RIC and VS increased from 2004 to 2013 (p < .001 each). For lack of RIC, younger patients (RR = 1.2 and RR = 1.1, 18–24 and 25–34 vs. 35–44 year-olds, respectively), Blacks (RR = 1.3 vs. Whites), and injection drug users (IDUs...
Past-year nonmedical use of prescription drugs among women on probation and parole: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Prescription drug–related overdose deaths have increased dramatically in recent years. Women in the justice system experience high rates of drug use, victimization, trauma symptoms, and...
Recurrent lupus profundus-like panniculitis associated with streptococcal throat infections in an immunocompetent child.

We report the unusual case of an immunocompetent child in whom recurrent lupus profundus-like panniculitis associated with group A Streptococcus throat infections developed. Her skin findings were independent of the presence of bacterial organisms and resistant to antibiotics alone, suggesting an inflammatory, immune-mediated process. Surprisingly, histopathology testing found characteristics of lupus erythematosus profundus in an acute panniculitis stage.
Distributed optimal control synthesis for multi-robot systems under global temporal tasks

This paper proposes a distributed sampling-based algorithm for optimal multi-robot control synthesis under global Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) formulas. Existing planning approaches under global temporal goals rely on graph search techniques applied to a synchronous product automaton constructed among the robots. In our previous work, we have proposed a more tractable centralized sampling-based algorithm that builds incrementally trees that approximate the state-space and transitions of the synchronous product automaton and does not require sophisticated graph search techniques. In this work, we provide a distributed implementation of this sampling-based algorithm, whereby the robots collaborate to build subtrees that decreases the computational time significantly. We provide theoretical guarantees showing that the distributed algorithm preserves the probabilistic completeness and asymptotic optimality of its centralized counterpart. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first distributed, computationally efficient, probabilistically complete, and asymptotically optimal control synthesis algorithm for multi-robot systems under global temporal tasks.
Variations in chemical speciation and reactivity of phosphorus between suspended-particles and surface-sediment in seasonal hypoxia-influenced Green Bay

Abstract Water, suspended-particles, and surface-sediment samples were collected from Green Bay, Lake Michigan, for the measurements of phosphorus (P) species, including dissolved/particulate-P, inorganic/organic-P, and five different forms of particulate-P, namely exchangeable- or labile-P (Ex-P), iron-bound-P (Fe-P), biogenic-apatite and/or CaCO3-associated-P (CFA-P), organic-P (Org-P) and detrital-apatite-P (Detr-P) to elucidate their reactivity and transformation pathways in the water column. Suspended particles contained mainly Ex-P (25 ± 15%), Fe-P (28 ± 12%) and Org-P (29 ± 7%). In contrast, Detr-P (34 ± 10%) and Org-P (36 ± 12%) were the predominant P species in surface sediment. Contents of Ex-P, Fe-P, Org-P and CFA-P decreased consistently from suspended-particles to surface-sediment, but an increase was observed for the Detr-P, indicating a net loss of Ex-P, Fe-P, Org-P and CFA-P from particulate into dissolved phase. Such active regeneration of P in the water column between particulate and dissolved phases may serve as an internal phosphate source in Green Bay, especially under hypoxic conditions. Degradation of organic matter in south central bay areas seemed to promote hypoxia and enhance the reductive-dissolution of Fe-P and preservation of Org-P under low-oxygen conditions in the central bay. Overall, Ex-P, Fe-P, CFA-P and Org-P species, which comprised up to 50–90% of total particulate-P, can be collectively considered as potentially-bioavailable-P (BAP). Under low-phosphate (0.022 ± 0.014 μM in Green Bay) and summer low-oxygen/hypoxic conditions, suspended-particles may release up to 71% of their BAP before deposited in sediment although the BAP regeneration decreased along the south-north transect in Green Bay.
Precision oncology in liver cancer.

With the widespread adoption of molecular profiling in clinical oncology practice, many physicians are faced with making therapeutic decisions based upon isolated genomic alterations. For example, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) while anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies are ineffective in Ras-mutant colorectal cancers. The matching of mutations with drugs aimed at their respective gene products represents the current state of “precision” oncology. Despite the great expectations of this approach, only a fraction of cancers responds to ‘targeted’ interventions, and many early responders will ultimately develop resistance to these agents. The underwhelming success of mutation-driven therapies across all cancer types is not due to an inability to detect genetic changes in tumors; rather a deficit in functional insight into the genomic alterations that give rise to each cancer. The Achilles heel of precision oncology thus remains the lack of a robust functional understanding of an individual cancer genome that then allows prediction of the best therapy and resultant outcome for that patient. Current practice focuses on one ‘actionable’ mutation at a time, while solid cancers typically possess many mutations that involve different cellular sub-populations within a tumor. No method or platform currently exists to guide the interpretation of these complex data, nor to accurately predict response to treatment. This problem is particularly germane to primary liver cancers (PLC), for which only a handful of targeted therapies have been introduced. Here, we will review strategies aimed at overcoming some of these challenges in precision oncology, using liver cancer as an example.
Neuroimaging of Multiple Sclerosis: An Update

Publisher Summary Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have become an important tool for supporting a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), for ruling out MS mimickers, and for monitoring disease evolution in clinical trials. MRI is able to demonstrate spatial and temporal dissemination of demyelinating plaques in the brain and spinal cord and is able to detect clinically silent lesions. This is why MRI is integrated in the diagnostic scheme of MS and used to monitor treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Although conventional MRI is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of MS, the ability of conventional MRI techniques to accurately assess inflammatory and neurodegenerative changes is limited. To increase the detection of cortical lesions, the three-dimensional double inversion recovery imaging (3D-DIR) is probably the most effective technique today. Other 3D sequences using high-resolution T1-weighted images, such as T1-weighted 3D-spoiled gradient-recalled-echo (SPGR) [24], T1-weighted phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) [25], or 3D magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE) [26], also allow the detection of cortical lesions and their classification as purely intracortical, mixed GM and WM, or juxtacortical. These sequences have high spatial resolution and contrast between GM and WM and provide a clearer delineation of the GM–WM boundary than DIR sequences. Lesions appear hypointense on these T1 sequences.
Modern Accelerator Technologies for Spatially-Explicit Integrated Environmental Modeling

Integrated environmental system modeling is a promising practice to better understand interactions between the human and major components of environmental systems. Spatially-explicit modeling approach is a natural choice for those modeling activities because landscape is one of few shared components across all models. In this chapter, authors first present several examples of integrated environmental modeling, then explain the importance and role of spatially-explicit landscape in those efforts. After that, authors review current applications of modern accelerator technologies in environmental modeling. At last, authors identify the several potential research of integrated environmental system model, which could further be developed in the near future using modern accelerator technologies.
Improving the accuracy of identifying the lognormal curve in the Johnson system

Multiple estimation methods provide discriminants to determine curves in the Johnson (1949) system, but few studies have been conducted to explore their accuracy. In this study, a simulation study ...
The Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer: From Discovery Mission to Earth System Sounding

The Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) was launched aboard the Aura spacecraft in 2004 and decommissioned in February 2018. Over more than a decade of observations, TES has shown the potential of high-resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) measurements to alter our understanding of atmospheric composition and its relationship to the Earth System. We survey some of the major contributions TES has made to understanding air quality, chemistry-climate interactions, atmospheric hydrology, and carbon cycle science. We then show how innovations in retrieval methods pioneered by the TES team are now being applied to multi-spectral, multi-instrument records, establishing a new paradigm for composition measurements into the future.
Communication, democracy, and intelligentsia

In the early 1990s, a group of Russian and American scholars teamed up to investigate the impact of Gorbachev’s reform on Soviet society, focusing especially on the role the intelligentsia played i...
Age-Related Variations in Volar Cortical Angle of the Distal Radius.

Background: The ideal volar locking plate for the treatment of distal radius fracture should anatomically fit the volar surface of the distal radius. The purpose of this study was to measure the volar cortical angle (VCA) of uninjured adult distal radii to determine how well the VCA matches that of modern volar locking plates and whether variations in the VCA are related to demographic factors. Methods: A retrospective radiographic analysis of 273 uninjured adult distal radii was performed. Patients were stratified into age quintiles: less than 27 years, 27 to 43 years, 44 to 51 years, 52 to 64 years, and 65 years or older. The VCA was measured on lateral wrist radiographs, and patient demographics, including age and sex, were collected. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between VCA and demographic factors. Results: The VCA ranged from 23.2° to 42.6°, with a mean of 32.2° (SD = 3.79). Mean VCA was 32.8 (SD = 4.17) in the youngest cohort ( 65 years). Mean VCA decreased with age, approximately 0.04° per year after adjusting for sex. Men had a 1.6° greater VCA than women after adjusting for age. Conclusion: Mean VCA was greater than the VCA of modern volar locking plates. The VCA decreased with age in both men and women, and men had a greater VCA than women. Such differences must be taken into account to avoid malreduction, tendon irritation, or intra-articular screw placement using current volar plate designs.
Orbital Vascular Anatomy

A thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy in the orbit and periorbital tissues is critical for understanding alterations due to disease as well as avoiding these vessels during surgery in and around the orbit. The complexity and interindividual variability of the vessel anatomy is quite significant. Understanding the possible differences between the vascular patterns within individual patient orbits is particularly important for ensuring maximum preservation of blood supply and limiting bleeding within the orbit during surgical procedures. In addition, it allows for better treatment of vascular-related abnormalities that affect the globe and orbit.
Doctor-patient sleep discussions for US adults: results from the SHADES study

Abstract Objectives Determine the current rate of patient-provider sleep discussions and identify factors associated with occurrence of these discussions. Design Secondary cross-sectional analysis of self-report data collected during the Sleep and Healthy Activity Diet Environment and Socialization study. Logistic regressions were used. Setting Urban and suburban Southeastern Pennsylvania Participants A total of n = 998 adults (aged 22-60), 38.6% female, racially and socioeconomically diverse, from urban and suburban Southeastern Pennsylvania. Measurements Outcome measures were responses to 3 questions: (1) ever discussed sleep with a provider, (2) a provider ever discussed importance of sleep schedule, and (3) a provider ever discussed importance of enough sleep. Descriptive/independent variables included demographic factors and a wide range of patient-reported measures of health and sleep habits. Results About a third of individuals have ever discussed sleep with a provider. Factors associated with higher odds of sleep-related discussions included sleep medication use, worse insomnia severity, race (Black/African American, Hispanic, Latino, other/multiracial), female sex, higher education, higher body mass index, and worse depression severity. Factors associated with lower odds were Asian race and low income. Sleep discussions were not associated with certain factors indicative of sleep disorders: sleep duration, snoring, shift work schedule, not working, and anxiety. Conclusions Low rates of patient-provider sleep discussions and factors associated (or not) with their occurrence indicate missed opportunities for improved health outcomes.
Advanced Processing for High Frequency Active Systems

Abstract : The purpose of the effort reported here is to investigate advanced signal processing and modern multi-target batch tracking algorithms for high frequency active applications. High frequency active sensor systems are currently being evaluated by the Navy to meet the Sea Power 21 Sea Shield objectives for force protection and port security. These systems have elementary baseline signal processing and tracking capabilities and could benefit from incorporating advanced acoustic processing and multi-target tracking algorithms designed for distributed active sensors. The incorporation of an improved processing is aimed at reducing the high rate of false tracks being reported during system testing. This effort used active measurements from prototype actve sonar sensors to demonstrate false alarm reduction and multi-target tracking on structured test data provided by ARL/UT, assess overall tracking performance and identify areas requiring algorithm improvements.
Patient-reported financial toxicity and adverse medical consequences in head and neck cancer.

Abstract Objectives Financial toxicity (FT) is a significant barrier to high-quality cancer care, and patients with head and neck cancer (HNCA) are particularly vulnerable given their need for intensive support, daily radiotherapy (RT), and management of long-term physical, functional, and psychosocial morbidities following treatment. We aim to identify predictors of FT and adverse consequences in HNCA following RT. Materials and methods We performed a prospective survey study of patients with HNCA seen in follow-up at an academic comprehensive cancer center (CCC) or Veterans Affairs hospital between 05/2016 and 06/2018. Surveys included validated patient-reported functional outcomes and the COST measure, a validated instrument for measuring FT. Results The response rate was 86% (n = 63). Younger age and lower median household income by county were associated with lower COST scores (i.e., worse FT) on multivariable analysis (p = .045 and p = .016, respectively). Patients with worse FT were more likely to skip clinic visits (RR (95% CI) 2.13 (1.23–3.67), p = .007), be noncompliant with recommended supplements or medications (1.24 (1.03–1.48), p = .02), and require supportive infusions (1.10 (1.02–1.20), p = .02). At the CCC, patients with worse FT were more likely to require feeding tubes (1.62 (1.14–2.31), p = .007). Overall, 36% reported that costs were higher than expected, 48% were worried about paying for treatment, and 33% reported at least a moderate financial burden from treatment. Conclusion HNCA patients experience substantial FT from their diagnosis and/or therapy, with potential implications for medical compliance, QOL, and survivorship care.
Perception of and risk factors for type 2 diabetes among students attending an upstate New York college: a pilot study

Detecting early type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk factors may reduce or prevent the development of the disease. We conducted a pilot study to generate preliminary data on the perception of T2D and further determined the prevalence of T2D risk factors among college students at an upstate New York campus. Metabolic profiles were available for 44 college students for cross-sectional analysis. The American Diabetes Association screening guidelines were used to determine risk factors, and perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and self-efficacy were determined with the Health Belief Model’s constructs. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, nutrition knowledge, and metabolic profiles were obtained. The most common T2D risk factors were lack of physical activity (61.4%), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c, 56.8%), high fasting blood glucose (FBG, 45.5%), family history of T2D (43.2%), increased body mass index (BMI, 36.4%), and high blood pressure (15.9%). A high proportion (70%) of participants with detected impaired FBG perceived they were at low risk of developing T2D. Participants with a family history of T2D (mean rank = 24.2) perceived the seriousness of T2D at a similar level as those without family history (mean rank = 21.2), with no significant difference (U = 205, P = 0.430). Nearly 30% of students did not feel confident they could prevent the development of T2D. Pearson’s correlations revealed direct relationships between perceived risk of T2D and BMI (r = 0.49, P = 0.001), fat mass percent (r = 0.51, P 75). However, knowledge scores regarding recommended intake of fruits, vegetables, high sodium foods, and whole grains to prevent T2D were only 36.36%, 34.09%, 47.73%, and 63.6%, respectively. The discordance between college students’ perceived risk and prevalence of T2D risk factors warrants strategies to address misperceptions of T2D risk and improve lifestyle behaviors among this study sample.
The aerodynamic force platform as an ergometer.

Animal flight requires aerodynamic power, which is challenging to determine accurately in vivo. Existing methods rely on approximate calculations based on wake flow field measurements, inverse dynamics approaches, or invasive muscle physiological recordings. In contrast, the external mechanical work required for terrestrial locomotion can be determined more directly by using a force platform as an ergometer. Based on an extension of the recent invention of the aerodynamic force platform, we now present a more direct method to determine the in vivo aerodynamic power by taking the dot product of the aerodynamic force vector on the wing with the representative wing velocity vector based on kinematics and morphology. We demonstrate this new method by studying a slowly flying dove, but it can be applied more generally across flying and swimming animals as well as animals that locomote over water surfaces. Finally, our mathematical framework also works for power analyses based on flow field measurements.
Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Infection in Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with malignancy are particularly vulnerable to infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Disease-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) given their immunodeficiency secondary to their underlying disease and cancer-directed therapy. We report a case series of patients with cancer who received convalescent plasma, an investigational therapy for severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Patients with cancer were identified who received convalescent plasma. Enrolled patients had confirmed COVID-19 with severe or life-threatening disease and were transfused with convalescent plasma from donors with a SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody titer of ≥ 1:320 dilution. Oxygen requirements and clinical outcomes of interests were captured as well as laboratory parameters at baseline and 3 days after treatment. RESULTS: We identified 24 patients with cancer, 14 of whom had a hematological malignancy, who were treated with convalescent plasma. Fifteen patients (62.5%) were on cancer-directed treatment at the time of COVID-19 infection. After a median of hospital duration of 9 days, 13 patients (54.2%) had been discharged home, 1 patient (4.2%) was still hospitalized, and 10 patients had died (41.7%). Non-intubated patients, particularly those on nasal cannula alone, had favorable outcomes. Three mild febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions were observed. C-reactive protein significantly decreased after 3 days of treatment, while other laboratory parameters including ferritin and D-dimer remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Convalescent plasma may be a promising therapy in cancer patients with COVID-19.
Simultaneous Quantification of Protein Binding Kinetics in Whole Cells with Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Edge Deformation Tracking.

Most drugs work by binding to receptors on the cell surface. Quantification of binding kinetics between drug and membrane protein is an essential step in drug discovery. Current methods for measuring binding kinetics involve extracting the membrane protein and labeling, and both have issues. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging has been demonstrated for quantification of protein binding to cells with single-cell resolution, but it only senses the bottom of the cell and the signal diminishes with the molecule size. We have discovered that ligand binding to the cell surface is accompanied by a small cell membrane deformation, which can be used to measure the binding kinetics by tracking the cell edge deformation. Here, we report the first integration of SPR imaging and cell edge tracking methods in a single device, and we use lectin interaction as a model system to demonstrate the capability of the device. The integration enables the simultaneous collection of complementary information provided by both methods. Edge tracking provides the advantage of small molecule binding detection capability, while the SPR signal scales with the ligand mass and can quantify membrane protein density. The kinetic constants from the two methods were cross-validated and found to be in agreement at the single-cell level. The variation of observed rate constant between the two methods is about 0.009 s−1, which is about the same level as the cell-to-cell variations. This result confirms that both methods can be used to measure whole-cell binding kinetics, and the integration improves the reliability and capability of the measurement.
Local Composite Quantile Regression Smoothing: Flexible Data Structure and Cross-Validation

In this paper, we study the local composite quantile regression estimator for mixed categorical and continuous data. The local composite quantile estimator is an efficient and safe alternative to the local polynomial method and has been well-studied for continuous covariates. Generalization of the local composite quantile regression estimator to a flexible data structure is appealing to practitioners as empirical studies often encounter categorical data. Furthermore, we study the theoretical properties of the cross-validated bandwidth selection for the local composite quantile estimator. Under mild conditions, we derive the rates of convergence of the cross-validated smoothing parameters to their optimal benchmark values for both categorical and continuous covariates. Monte Carlo experiments show that the proposed estimator may have large efficiency gains compared to the local linear estimator. Furthermore, we illustrate the robustness of the local composite quantile estimator using the Boston housing dataset.
Rideshare Strategies for Small Mars Missions

Frequent low-cost access to Mars can be enabled by taking advantage of the increasing number of rideshare-compatible launches. The cost to manifest a small spacecraft as a secondary can be a small fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch. However, not all rideshare opportunities are equally suitable for a mission to Mars. Much depends on the delivery orbit, mass available, launch date, and propulsion strategy. This paper outlines various mission starting points along with corresponding methods to deliver payloads to Mars from each option. These starting points include low-Earth Orbit (LEO), geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), Lunar transfer orbit (LTO), and Earth escape.