cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control mechanism of spontaneous in vitro contractions of the opossum sphincter of Oddi

We evaluated the control mechanism of peristaltic contractions in the opossum sphincter of Oddi (SO) by means of an in vitro preparation. At each of four sites spaced uniformly along the sphincter segment, a force transducer recorded contractions while a monopolar electrode recorded myoelectric activity. Spontaneous myoelectric and contractile activity occurred in 15 of the 20 intact SO specimens studied. Electrical recordings showed characteristic control waves and response activity. Each control wave was invariably accompanied by a phasic contraction, irrespective of whether or not response activity was superimposed on the control wave. The predominant motor activity of the SO was antegrade peristalsis. Retrograde peristalsis occurred when antegrade peristalsis failed to traverse the entire sphincter. Spontaneous SO phasic contractions were not antagonized by tetrodotoxin. Muscle rings sectioned from the SO exhibited spontaneous phasic contractions with a proximal-to-distal gradient of intrinsic contraction frequencies. We conclude that a) the frequency of SO phasic contractions is determined by control wave frequency, b) spontaneous SO peristalsis is myogenic in origin and may be modeled by a linear array of bidirectionally coupled relaxation oscillators, c) the predominance of antegrade peristalsis may be explained by a high-frequency oscillator in the proximal SO that drives the slower, more distal oscillators, d) retrograde peristalsis is initiated by an ectopic oscillator in the distal SO when antegrade contractions fail to propagate the entire length of the SO, and e) ectopic SO contractions can propagate retrograde when the more proximal oscillators are not in their absolutely refractory state.
Interleukin 2 Suppression of a Murine Bladder Cancer Implanted into Kidney, Bladder and Skin; its Organ Specificity

Abstract Little is known about organ associated tumor response to systemic interleukin 2 (IL2) therapy. The effect of IL2 on bladder cancer growth in the skin and in the genitourinary tract was investigated. C3H mice were implanted with the syngeneic transitional cell carcinoma, MBT-2, intradermally (i.d.), beneath the left renal subcapsular area, and in one experiment, simultaneously in the bladder. IL2 (human recombinant form; Biogen Research Co) was given i.p. at 5000 U thrice daily for 5 consecutive days commencing on Day 3, or for 10 to 11 days commencing on Day 10 with some doses omitted at signs of toxicity. For comparison, mice bearing 3-d and 10-d tumors in the skin and Subcapsular kidney were treated with chemotherapy (cisplatin, 6 mg./kg. × 3; mitomycin C, 3 mg./kg. × 3; cyclophosphamide, 75 mg./kg. × 1). IL2 therapy mediated growth suppression of 10-d tumors in the genitourinary organs and skin at a similar rate. In contrast to IL2, systemic chemotherapy mediated tumor suppression in an organ specific manner; renal subcapsular tumors responded to the chemotherapy, whereas i.d. tumors were insensitive. Three-day tumors (both i.d. and renal subcapsular tumor) responded relatively well to each treatment compared to 10-d tumors. These data suggest that in systemic immunotherapy with IL2, anatomic location of the tumor is less important for inducing an antitumor response than in chemotherapy.
Dental Caries in High-risk, School-age African American Children in Alabama: A Six-year Prospective.

Objectives To assess the prevalence and incidence of dental caries in school-aged African-American children who received semi-annual fluoride varnish applications.
Modeling the gradient evolution and decay of harmony systems

The diachronic trajectories of vowel harmony systems have been understudied but offer significant insight into both the possible domains of vowel harmony as well as the interaction between phonetic coarticulation and phonological harmony. This paper proposes a novel analysis of decaying labial harmony in Kazakh, unifying phonetics and phonology in one formalism (Flemming 2001) that incorporates both abstract morpho-phonological and temporal phonetic factors to drive the gradient harmony pattern in contemporary Kazakh. These factors are defined and implemented in a regression-like model that accurately predicts the degree of coarticulation on non-initial vowels. The structure of the model is then discussed in diachronic terms, outlining the development and decline of harmony, as predicted by the model. Significantly, these predictions are supported by typologically attested domains of harmony among the world’s languages. The model developed herein is thus able to accurately predict the fine-grained degree of coarticulation in Kazakh, as well as suggest a plausible pathway for the evolution and decay of harmony patterns more broadly. The diachronic trajectories of vowel harmony systems have been understudied, but offer significant insight into both the possible domains of vowel harmony as well as the interaction between phonetic coarticulation and phonological harmony. This paper proposes a novel analysis of decaying labial harmony in Kazakh, unifying phonetics and phonology in one formalism (Flemming 2001) that incorporates both abstract morpho-phonological and temporal phonetic factors to drive the gradient harmony pattern in contemporary Kazakh. These factors are defined and implemented in a regression-like model that accurately predicts the degree of coarticulation on non-initial vowels. The structure of the model is then discussed in diachronic terms, outlining the development and decline of harmony, as predicted by the model. Significantly, these predictions are supported by typologically attested domains of harmony among the world’s languages. The model developed herein is thus able to accurately predict the fine-grained degree of coarticulation in Kazakh, as well as suggest a plausible pathway for the evolution and decay of harmony patterns more broadly.
Hepatitis C Virus: New antiviral screening assays

The lack of tissue culture systems that consistently support HCV replication (Ch. 11) has prompted the development of other assays with individual virus gene products that may be converted into high throughput screens for drug screening and discovery. A powerful tool in the design of such assays has been the development of cell lines and cell-free systems that express one or more HCV proteins (Table 11.1). For example, the recent development of HCV subgenomic replicons in Huh7 cells provides opportunities to test antiviral compounds against the virus polymerase, which is responsible for the replication of the subgenomic plasmids in this system (Lohmann et al., 1999; Blight et al., 2000). In addition, the development of cell lines or chimeric viruses with replication dependent upon HCV NS3 expression (Hirowatari, Hijikata & Shimotohno, 1995; Hahm et al., 1996; Song et al., 1996; Filocamo, Pacini & Migliaccio, 1997) will allow screening against the NS3 protease and helicase. Another important contribution has been the publication of the crystal structure for several HCV proteins. This information will be central to the rational design of inhibitors based upon the three-dimensional active sites of the corresponding virus proteins. For example, the recent crystallographic structure of the NS3 helicase domain (Yao & Weber, 1998; Kwong, Kim & Lin, 2000) (Sections 2.4 and 2.5), which recognizes and unwinds double-stranded RNA in an NTP-dependent reaction during virus replication, has revealed amino acid residues that could be sites for inhibitor design and interaction.
Abstract 1428: Targeting RRM2 by siRNA inhibits cellular invasion and represents a rational approach for inhibition of metastasis of head and neck and lung cancers

Background: Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) has been frequently observed to be aberrantly overexpressed in various tumors. RRM2 is a key enzyme, and essential regulator of balanced deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs). It is critical for DNA replication and repair, and hence cell survival. In addition to DNA synthesis, it has been reported to modulate cellular invasiveness. However, the mechanisms through which RRM2 affects the invasive phenotype have not been elucidated. Methods: We evaluated the expression of RRM2 protein in metastatic (n = 40) and non-metastatic (n = 40) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissue samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We identified varying degrees of RRM2 expression levels in HNSCC and NSCLC cell lines. We also generated RRM2 overexpressing stable cell lines; Tu686 (HNSCC) and A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). In addition, we knocked down RRM2 and Twist 1 expression by siRNA technology. Results: Our results showed that RRM2 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis in HNSCC (p value Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that RRM2 substantially promoted cell invasion by stabilizing Twist 1 and suppressing E-Cadherin. Thus, an elevated RRM2 may serve as a potential biomarker for metastasis of HNSCC and NSCLC. Targeting RRM2 and its downstream signaling intermediaries may represent a rational approach for developing novel anticancer therapeutics. We are in the process of conducting an animal study to validate the strategy of silencing of RRM2 by using RRM2-siRNA nanoparticle to inhibit metastasis. (This work is supported by grants from NIH U01CA151802, P50CA128613). Citation Format: Mohammad Aminur Rahman, A.R.M. Ruhul Amin, Jun Zhang, Sreenivas Nannapaneni, Nabil F. Saba, Zhuo Georgia Chen, Dong M. Shin. Targeting RRM2 by siRNA inhibits cellular invasion and represents a rational approach for inhibition of metastasis of head and neck and lung cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1428. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1428
Optogenetic Stimulation Shifts the Excitability of Cerebral Cortex from Type I to Type II: Oscillation Onset and Wave Propagation

Constant optogenetic stimulation targeting both pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons has recently been shown to elicit propagating waves of gamma-band (40-80 Hz) oscillations in the local field potential of non-human primate motor cortex. The oscillations emerge with non-zero frequency and small amplitude-the hallmark of a type II excitable medium-yet they also propagate far beyond the stimulation site in the manner of a type I excitable medium. How can neural tissue exhibit both type I and type II excitability? We investigated the apparent contradiction by modeling the cortex as a Wilson-Cowan neural field in which optogenetic stimulation was represented by an external current source. In the absence of any external current, the model operated as a type I excitable medium that supported propagating waves of gamma oscillations similar to those observed in vivo. Applying an external current to the population of inhibitory neurons transformed the model into a type II excitable medium. The findings suggest that cortical tissue normally operates as a type I excitable medium but it is locally transformed into a type II medium by optogenetic stimulation which predominantly targets inhibitory neurons. The proposed mechanism accounts for the graded emergence of gamma oscillations at the stimulation site while retaining propagating waves of gamma oscillations in the non-stimulated tissue. It also predicts that gamma waves can be emitted on every second cycle of a 100 Hz oscillation. That prediction was subsequently confirmed by re-analysis of the neurophysiological data. The model thus offers a theoretical account of how optogenetic stimulation alters the excitability of cortical neural fields.
When Children Are Water: Representation of Central American Migrant Children in Public Discourse and Implications for Educators

ABSTRACTSince June, 2014 when the U.S. government began to document an increase in unaccompanied/separated children arriving in the United States from Central America, these children have become a frequent topic in media discourse. Because rhetoric about immigration issues have been shown to affect schooling of these children, the present article aims to examine how these children are represented in the discourse of one community. Findings from this critical multimodal discourse analysis reveal multiple strategies of representation that result in the dominant metaphor of IMMIGRANT CHILDREN ARE DANGEROUS WATER and negative perceptions that have implications for the education of these students.
General Solution for Open Channel Profiles

General method lends itself either to hand calculation or to calculation on digital computer; numerical examples are presented to illustrate procedure.
An overview of Osmotic Drug Delivery System: An update review

The pharmaceutical industry has faced several marked challenges in order to bring new chemical entities (NCEs) into the market over the past few decades. Various novel drug delivery approaches have been used as a part of life cycle management from which Osmotic drug delivery systems look the most promising one. After discussing the history of osmotic pump development, this article looks at the principles, advantages and disadvantages of osmotic drug delivery systems. Then, the basic components of osmotic pump and factors affecting the design of oral osmotic drug delivery systems are discussed in detail. In the later part of the manuscript, various types of osmotic pumps available in the market and evaluation methods for osmotic drug delivery systems are discussed in detail.
A Survey of Odontomachus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and General Observations of Nesting Preferences in the Commonwealth of Dominica in the West Indies

Odontomachus spp. were collected from various locations across the Commonwealth of Dominicain the West Indies. Specimens were collected in nest series and information about their location, elevation, nesting substrate, and co-habitation with termitidae and other formicidae were recorded. Many colonies were found to be co-habitating in terrestrial termite mounds or rotting wood along with their termitidae inhabitants. No Odontomachus sp were found in elevations higher than 1686 ft above sea level. High resolution images of each species collected were recorded. Two species were found, most prominently Odontomachus bauri (Emery), and additionally in a single sample, Odontomachusruginodis (Smith). The specimens of O. ruginodis that were collected are new records for the Commonwealth of Dominica.
A random number generator based on insulator-to-metal electronic phase transitions

Random number generators (RNG) are a fundamental hardware component in modern cryptographic systems [1]. The generation of random numbers can be subdivided into two classes, pseudo-RNGs and hardware RNGs. In pseudo-RNGs software algorithms are implemented on deterministic hardware but are dependent on a set of initial values or “seed”, which reduces the security. In contrast, hardware RNGs generate random numbers from a naturally occurring physical phenomenon, such as thermal noise. However, implementations often suffer from large silicon footprints due to the need to create resistor-amplifier-ADC chains [2] or bias removal circuits [3]. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a compact and scalable 1T1R based RNG by harnessing the inherent stochasticity in the insulator-to-metal phase transition (IMT) in vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ).
Postpartum outcomes of a pilot prenatal care-based psychosocial intervention for PTSD during pregnancy

This study examines postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and secondary outcomes including postpartum depression and birth outcomes for pregnant women who screened positive for PTSD and received a psychosocial education intervention compared to women with PTSD in the usual prenatal care setting. All women entering prenatal care at two federally qualified health centers were screened for symptoms of current PTSD; one site was selected randomly to have prenatal care advocates deliver eight Seeking Safety topics for women with clinical or subclinical PTSD. Women were not blind to condition. Baseline and postpartum interviews, including demographic characteristics and assessment of mental health, social support, and coping skills, were conducted. Medical record data was collected to document preterm delivery and low birth weight. Of the 149 participants at baseline, 128 (86%) participated in the postpartum interview. Intervention women, compared to controls, significantly decreased PTSD symptoms, and showed a non-significant trend for improved social support. However, depression, coping, and birth outcomes did not differ. This study suggests some initial support for the Seeking Safety intervention in prenatal care settings and requires further research to determine the best approaches to its implementation.
Crystal chemistry and magnetic properties of the solid solutions Ca14-xRExMnBi11 (RE = La-Nd, Sm, and Gd-Ho; x ≈ 0.6-0.8).

The new solid solutions Ca14−xRExMnBi11 (RE = La–Nd, Sm, and Gd–Ho; x ≈ 0.6–0.8) were prepared by using a Pb-flux technique and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All synthesized materials crystallize in the tetragonal Ca14AlSb11 structure type (space group: I41/acd, Pearson index: tI208). The magnetic responses of all the members of the series were investigated, and for all REs in this study, except for Sm, a ferromagnetic ordering was observed at TC = 35–44 K. The Sm-containing sample shows a ferromagnetic-like transition at 40 K and enters a long-range antiferromagnetic state below 17 K. The magnetic behavior of Ca14−xRExMnBi11 differs from that of the isostructural Ca14−xRExMnSb11 series, emphasizing the importance of the weak magnetic interactions in complex crystal structures.
Polypeptide-Containing Neurons and Their Function in Airway Smooth Muscle

A large number of biologically active peptides have recently been identified and characterized in the central and peripheral nervous systems of mammals as well as those of primitive invertebrates (Said, 1980; Dockray, 1979). These neuropeptides, acting centrally or locally, are now recognized as one of the principal means of neurohormonal regulation of various body functions. The occurrence of bronchoactive and vasoactive peptides in the lung was first documented 20 years ago (Said, 1967). An increasing number of peptides in the lung have since been detected, localized, and chemically and biologically characterized by radioimmunoassay (RIA), immunofluorescence, and biochemical and bioassay techniques (Said, 1982, 1984) (Table I).
Investigation of unique broadband nonlinear RF response of electronic devices

Modern electronic devices with the same part number fabricated by the same company show different nonlinear responses when probed by broadband radio frequency (RF) signals. The difference in the response is primarily due to process variation during device fabrication. In this paper, the individual variation of device intermodulation response is studied. Experiments are performed to demonstrate that devices with the same design and layout can be differentiated based on their broadband intermodulation responses. This makes it possible to use RF technology to remotely identify and authenticate electronic devices.
Zero-one rounding of singular vectors

We propose a generic and simple technique called dyadic rounding for rounding real vectors to zero-one vectors, and show its several applications in approximating singular vectors of matrices by zero-one vectors, cut decompositions of matrices, and norm optimization problems. Our rounding technique leads to the following consequences. 1 Given any A∈ℝm ×n, there exists z∈{0, 1}n such that $$ \frac{\left\|Az\right\|_{q}}{\left\|z\right\|_{p}} \geq \Omega\left(p^{1 - \frac{1}{p}} (\log n)^{\frac{1}{p} - 1}\right) \left\|A\right\|_{p \mapsto q}, $$ where $\left\|A\right\|_{p \mapsto q} = \max_{x \neq 0} \left\|Ax\right\|_{q} / \left\|x\right\|_{p}$. Moreover, given any vector v∈ℝn we can round it to a vector z∈{0, 1}n with the same approximation guarantee as above, but now the guarantee is with respect to $\left\|Av\right\|_{q}/\left\|Av\right\|_{p}$ instead of $\left\|A\right\|_{p \mapsto q}$. Although stated for p ↦q norm, this generalizes to the case when $\left\|Az\right\|_{q}$ is replaced by any norm of z. 2 Given any A∈ℝm ×n, we can efficiently find z∈{0, 1}n such that $$ \frac{\left\|Az\right\|}{\left\|z\right\|} \geq \frac{\sigma_{1}(A)}{2 \sqrt{2 \log n}}, $$ where σ1(A) is the top singular value of A. Extending this, we can efficiently find orthogonalz1, z2, …, zk∈{0, 1}n such that $$ \frac{\left\|Az_{i}\right\|}{\left\|z_{i}\right\|} \geq \Omega\left(\frac{\sigma_{k}(A)}{\sqrt{k \log n}}\right), \quad \text{for all $i \in[k]$}. $$ We complement these results by showing that they are almost tight. 3 Given any A∈ℝm ×n of rank r, we can approximate it (under the Frobenius norm) by a sum of O(r log2m log2n) cut-matrices, within an error of at most $\left\|A\right\|_{F}/\text{poly}(m, n)$. In comparison, the Singular Value Decomposition uses r rank-1 terms in the sum (but not necessarily cut matrices) and has zero error, whereas the cut decomposition lemma by Frieze and Kannan in their algorithmic version of Szemeredi's regularity partition [9,10] uses only O(1/e2) cut matrices but has a large ${\epsilon} \sqrt{mn} \left\|A\right\|_{F}$ error (under the cut norm). Our algorithm is deterministic and more efficient for the corresponding error range.
Solubilization and reconstitution of kidney 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1 alpha- and 24-hydroxylases from vitamin D-replete pigs.

Pig kidney mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1 alpha- and 24-hydroxylase activities have been solubilized with cholate/Emulgen 911 and reconstituted with NADPH, ferredoxin reductase and ferredoxin. All three of these components are required for full catalytic activity of both enzymes. Both products were identified by co-chromatography with authentic metabolites on both normal and reverse-phase h.p.l.c. using solvent systems which were shown to separate 10-oxo-19-nor-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 from 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2-D3]. In addition, periodate treatment of the 24,25-(OH)2-D3 product resulted in complete loss of the product as measured by protein-binding assay. Further purification by p-chloroamphetamine-Sepharose chromatography of a solubilized extract from a pig fed a normal diet increased the specific content of the cytochrome P-450 from 0.019 to 0.239 nmol/mg and the 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity from 4.75 to 268 pmol/h per mg. Activity of the 24-hydroxylase in the crude solubilized extract was 6.3 pmol/h per mg, but was undetectable after partial purification by a p-chloroamphetamine-Sepharose column. However, further fractionation of this material by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography resulted in a further increase in 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity to 430 pmol/h per mg and detection of 24-hydroxylase in a separate fraction at a level of 53 pmol/h per mg. Production of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 was linear with time up to 2 h and was dependent upon ferredoxin concentration as well as cytochrome P-450 concentration in the range of 0-40 nM. In the presence of excess ferredoxin and adequate amounts of cytochrome P-450, 1,25-(OH)2-D3 production was also dependent upon substrate concentrations in the range of 0.25 to 2.5 microM yielding an estimated Km of 1 microM. In the presence of excess substrate and ferredoxin, the catalytic-centre activity of the enzyme was estimated to be 1 h-1.
Operative time in esophagectomy: Does it affect outcomes?

Abstract Background The effect of operative duration on postoperative outcomes of esophagectomy is not well understood. The relationship between operative duration and postoperative complications was explored. Methods Esophagectomies with gastric reconstruction performed between 2010 and 2015 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Linear and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine if operative duration correlated with outcomes independent of comorbidities. Subset analysis was performed by the type of esophagectomy. Results There were 5,098 patients with a median age and operative time of 64 years and 353 minutes, respectively. In the transhiatal group, longer operative times correlated with increased rates of pneumonia, prolonged intubation, unplanned reintubation, septic shock, unplanned reoperation, duration of stay, and mortality. For Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, there were similar correlations with postoperative complications but not mortality. With the McKeown approach, there were no correlations between operative duration and postoperative outcomes. Conclusion Prolonged operative time has an independent adverse impact on postoperative morbidity, which varies by surgical approach. We have identified unique cut points in the operative time for transhiatal (333 minutes) and Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (422 minutes), which can be used as a prognostic marker for postoperative outcomes as well as a quality metric in well-selected patients.
An affordance lens for wearable information systems

The proliferation of wearable technologies calls for the development of conceptual lenses to understand the drivers of their success. This research employs an affordance lens rooted in the individu...
Causes of Inferior Outcome in Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Across Oncology Services and Regardless of Clinical Trial Enrollment

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA: 15-39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have inferior survival when compared with children (1-14 years). An approach is lacking that includes both patients enrolled and not enrolled in clinical trials, and includes the contribution of health care delivery, treatment, and clinical prognosticators.Methods: We assembled a retrospective cohort of ALL patients diagnosed between 1-39 years (AYA: n = 93; child: n = 91) and treated at a single institution between 1990 and 2010, irrespective of clinical trial enrollment. We modeled relapse risk (i) during therapy and (ii) after completing therapy.Results: On-therapy relapse: AYA experienced an increased risk of on-therapy relapse versus children (HR, 10.5; P = 0.004). In multivariable analysis restricted to AYA, independent predictors of relapse included lack of clinical trial enrollment (HR, 2.6, P = 0.04) and nonwhite race/ethnicity (HR, 2.2; P = 0.05). Relapse after completing therapy: When compared with children, AYA experienced an increased risk of relapse after completing therapy (HR, 7.7; P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis restricted to AYA, longer therapy (months of maintenance: HR, 0.7; P < 0.001; months of consolidation: HR, 0.8; P = 0.03) protected against relapse.Conclusions: Among AYA, aspects of health care delivery (clinical trial enrollment, nonwhite race/ethnicity) are associated with relapse during therapy, and aspects of treatment (shorter duration of maintenance and consolidation) are associated with relapse after completing therapy.Impact: These findings highlight the importance of clinical trial enrollment and therapy duration (maintenance, consolidation) in ensuring durable remissions in AYA ALL. Future studies encompassing health care delivery, treatment, and biology are needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1133-41. ©2018 AACR.
A Proteomic Map to Navigate Subcellular Reorganization in Fatty Liver Disease.

In a tour de force in this issue of Developmental Cell, Krahmer et al. leverage proteomic platforms to reveal subcellular proteome dynamics during development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Their findings uncover a remarkable degree of subcellular reorganization, alterations in protein localization, and remodeling of organelle contact sites.
The Third Side of the Coin: Using Google Earth to Visualize Numismatic Data

This article presents one digital approach to ancient numismatics. The proposed methodology maps geo-referenced quantities of coin finds within the platform of Google Earth – a free virtual globe available through the Internet. Especially for the uninitiated scholar, Google Earth efficiently visualizes both the spatial and chronological distribution of thousands of coins and provides an intuitive and interactive space for exploring regional and empire-wide patterns in their movement. While the practical applications of this methodology are many, this article focuses on an ongoing study of Antioch-on-the-Orontes in northern Syria and its regional evolution after Roman annexation. This project draws upon Google Earth as an invaluable first step in synthesizing the wealth of disparate coin data available for the city. After outlining the methodology to achieve such a visualization, this article highlights several promising patterns revealed by Google Earth in the dataset.
IMPLANTATION OF WATCHMAN LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION DEVICE USING PERCUTANEOUS TRANSHEPATIC VASCULAR ACCESS

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a second line therapy for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with limited femoral venous access may require alternative access approaches. A 64 YO female with paroxysmal AF (CHADS2-VASc score 5 and HAS-BLED score 5),
Undergraduate course on biomedical imaging at a liberal arts college

This paper presents an intermediate-level undergraduate course on the physical principles of biomedical optics and imaging. Through in-class labs, Mathematica simulations, field trips, and group presentations, students learn about fundamental imaging concepts in optical microscopes. After developing an understanding of the role of the Fourier transform in image formation, the course shifts to non-optical imaging, including x-ray computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. The significance of this course is its hands-on nature, and this paper offers examples of laboratory exercises and simulations to promote active learning in the classroom.
The Eneström–Kakeya Theorem for polynomials of a quaternionic variable

Abstract The well-known Enestrom–Kakeya Theorem states that a polynomial with real, nonnegative, monotone increasing coefficients has all its complex zeros in the closed unit disk in the complex plane. In this paper, we extend this result by showing that all quaternionic zeros of such a polynomial lie in the unit sphere in the quaternions. We also extend related results from the complex to quaternionic setting.
Next-Generation Ultrahigh-Density 3-D Vertical Resistive Switching Memory (VRSM)—Part I: Accurate and Computationally Efficient Modeling

Resistive switching memory (RSM) shows potentials for high-capacity storage because of its simple cell structure, small footprint, and good scalability. This two-part article discusses how to implement ultrahigh-density (~terabits) storage with RSM covering design considerations from device to memory array architecture. In Part I of this two-part article, an accurate and computationally efficient model is developed to study 3-D vertical RSM (VRSM). In this article, we use 3-D VRSM with a hexagon-patterned pillar layout (3-D hexagon VRSM) as an example to elaborate our approach. Using the parasitic resistance extracted from physics-based 2-D field solver as the reference, we develop a lumped resistor network for SPICE simulation to accurately capture all leakage currents of the array. This full resistor network is further simplified to a reduced network to achieve high computational efficiency and maintain the full network accuracy (with a relative error <2%). Without this simplification, practical memory array sizes cannot be simulated efficiently. The interplay between the memory cell resistance values and selector nonlinearity (NL) on the maximum array size and the write/read margins under the worst case scenarios is discussed. Large memory cell resistance (low-resistance states ≥100 k) with enough NL (~103) from the selector is recommended for successful write/read operations in a single 3-D hexagonal VRSM array of megabit scale.
Preoperative survivin, ERCC1, and PTEN expression in stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (pts) treated with neoadjuvant and definitive chemoradiation and association with overall survival (OS).

7067 Background: Thoracic radiation and concurrent chemotherapy consisting of platinum based doublets has produced modest improvement in long term survival for patient with locally advanced (LA) NS...
Longitudinal change in parent postsecondary expectations for youth with disabilities.

Purpose: Expectations held by parents of youth with disabilities contribute to decision making and planning for adulthood. This study investigated longitudinal stability of parent expectations about the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities (i.e., likelihood of obtaining postsecondary education, living independently, becoming financially self-sufficient) and how the stability of parent expectations was related to adult outcomes.Materials and methods: Participants were parents of 3640 youth who participated in the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) waves 1 and 2 and had available data related to parent expectations.Results: Parent expectations were moderately correlated across waves; however, over one-third of parents changed their expectations across waves, including directional shifts (e.g., changing from thinking they probably will achieve the outcome to probably will not achieve it). Directional shifts in parent expectations between waves 1 and 2 significantly predicted young adult outcomes at wave 5. The children of parents who demonstrated uncertainty, as indicated by directional expectation shifts, were less likely live independently as young adults. Family involvement in the transition process is critical and should continue to be advocated for in both policy and practice. Improved supports may be warranted for families who experience uncertainty.Implications for rehabilitationPractitioners should recognize that parents of youth with disabilities have expectations for their child's transition to adulthood that may change over time and are influenced by factors such as youth age, disability classification, gender, and socioeconomic status.The ways parents' expectations change over time may have lasting implications for their child; specifically, we identified that youth of parents who change their expectations negatively (by shifting to expect less independence) are less likely to attain certain adult milestones.Parents experiencing uncertainty about their youths' postsecondary potential may require additional support and resources to understand their child's strengths and challenges, consider available services, and ultimately to promote more independent outcomes for the youth.
Single-Shot Compressed Photoacoustic Tomographic Imaging with a Single Detector in a Scattering Medium

Photon scattering imposes a fundamental restriction on optical imaging in turbid media. In this work, we propose a compressive-sensing-based photoacoustic imaging modality that allows single-shot tomography with a single detector in a scattering medium. The nonuniform optical speckle grains created in the diffusive regime, which act as a conventional drawback of optical modality, are used to generate ultrasound locally. The photoacoustic signals from spatial positions can be well extracted from a superimposed signal via introduction of locally modulated time delays. Taking advantage of the compressed measurement assisted by the acoustic mask, we demonstrate a theoretical compressed framework of three-dimensional photoacoustic surface tomography with a broad field of view after one-time optical illumination. This approach can increase the photoacoustic imaging efficiency greatly and reveals the potential for dynamic imaging in optically diffusive media.
Data-driven design of metasurface systems (Rising Researcher) (Conference Presentation)

I will discuss the development and utility of the application of Global Topology Optimization Networks (GLOnets) to metasurface design. GLOnets are generative neural networks that can generate a distribution of metasurface designs from random noise inputs, and they train by using adjoint variables calculations as terms for backpropagation. With metagratings operating across a range of wavelengths and angles as a model system, we show that devices produced from the trained generative network have efficiencies comparable to the best devices produced by gradient-based topology optimization. Our reframing of adjoint-based optimization to the training of a generative neural network applies generally to physical systems that support performance improvements by gradient descent.
Neurocovid: Pharmacological Recommendations for Delirium Associated With COVID-19.

Background The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as one of the biggest health threats of our generation. A significant portion of patients are presenting with delirium and neuropsychiatric sequelae of the disease. Unique examination findings and responses to treatment have been identified. Objective In this article, we seek to provide pharmacologic and treatment recommendations specific to delirium in patients with COVID-19. Methods We performed a literature search reviewing the neuropsychiatric complications and treatments in prior coronavirus epidemics including Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, as well as the emerging literature regarding COVID-19. We also convened a work group of consultation-liaison psychiatrists actively managing patients with COVID-19 in our hospital. Finally, we synthesized these findings to provide preliminary pharmacologic recommendations for treating delirium in these patients. Results Delirium is frequently found in patients who test positive for COVID-19, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. There appears to be a higher rate of agitation, myoclonus, abulia, and alogia. No data are currently available on the treatment of delirium in patients with COVID-19. Extrapolating from general delirium treatment, Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome/severe acute respiratory syndrome case reports, and our experience, preliminary recommendations for pharmacologic management have been assembled. Conclusions COVID-19 is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Low-potency neuroleptics and alpha-2 adrenergic agents may be especially useful in this setting. Further research into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 will be key in developing more targeted treatment guidelines.
Stably Polarized Wideband Circular Microstrip Antenna Excited in TM 12 Mode

One of the major drawbacks of the U-slotted wideband microstrip patch antennas, i.e., the polarization instability at the high-end frequencies, is addressed by utilizing the next broadside TM12 mode in circular patch antennas. The proposed antenna is capable of generating stably polarized waves over a wide frequency range of ~45% (2.05–3.25 GHz), which is not the case with the reported literature on U-slotted wideband patch antennas. The antenna comprises the U-slot and appropriately positioned shorting vias to achieve the desired impedance and radiation characteristics. It is fed by an L-probe and loaded with four non-resonating arc slits to suppress the TM12 mode’s E-plane sidelobes, which are very prominent otherwise. The polarization stability of the antenna is demonstrated through the surface current distributions on the patch, radiation patterns, and the $x$ - and $y$ -polarized gain over the frequency range of interest.
Substrate-dependent fish have shifted less in distribution under climate change.

Analyses of the impacts of climate change on fish species have primarily considered dynamic oceanographic variables that are the output of predictive models, yet fish species distributions are determined by much more than just variables such as ocean temperature. Functionally diverse species are differentially influenced by oceanographic as well as physiographic variables such as bottom substrate, thereby influencing their ability to shift distributions. Here, we show that fish species distributions that are more associated with bottom substrate than other dynamic environmental variables have shifted significantly less over the last 30 years than species whose distributions are associated with bottom salinity. Correspondingly, species whose distributions are primarily determined by bottom temperature or ocean salinity have shifted their mean centroid and southern and northern range boundaries significantly more than species whose distributions are determined by substrate or depth. The influence of oceanographic versus static variables differs by species functional group, as benthic species distributions are more associated with substrate and they have shifted significantly less than pelagic species whose distributions are primarily associated with ocean temperatures. In conclusion, benthic fish, that are more influenced by substrate, may prove much less likely to shift distributions under future climate change. Roberts et al. use over 30 years of data and nearly 100 fish species to document changes in distribution over time in conjunction with environmental data. Their results show that fish species whose distributions are more associated with bottom substrate were less likely to shift relative to species whose distributions are associated with bottom salinity and temperature, and have implications for future distribution response to climate change.
Multi-user augmented reality with communication efficient and spatially consistent virtual objects

Multi-user augmented reality (AR), where multiple co-located users view a common set of virtual objects, is becoming increasingly popular. For example, Google Just a Line allows multiple users to draw virtual graffiti in the same physical space. Multi-user AR requires network communications in order to coordinate the positions of the virtual objects on each user's display, yet there is currently little understanding of how such apps communicate. In this work, we address this key gap in knowledge by showing that the communicated data directly impacts the latency and positioning of the virtual objects rendered on the users' displays. We develop solutions to these problems that we find along three facets: (1) efficient communication strategies that trade off communication latency for spatial consistency of the virtual objects; (2) a new metric that enables mobile AR devices to update their virtual objects as they move around and observe more of the scene; and (3) a tool to automatically quantify how much the virtual objects' positions inadvertently change in time and space. Our evaluation is performed on Android smartphones running open-source AR. The results show that our system, SPAR, can decrease the latency by up to 55%, while decreasing the spatial inconsistency by up to 60%, compared to baseline methods.
Using Pantheon and DES supernova, baryon acoustic oscillation, and Hubble parameter data to constrain the Hubble constant, dark energy dynamics, and spatial curvature

We use Pantheon Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) apparent magnitude, DES-3yr binned SN Ia apparent magnitude, Hubble parameter, and baryon acoustic oscillation measurements to constrain six spatially flat and non-flat cosmological models. These sets of data provide mutually consistent cosmological constraints in the six cosmological models we study. A joint analysis of these data sets provides model-independent estimates of the Hubble constant, $H_0=68.8\pm1.8\ \rm{km \ s^{-1} \ Mpc^{-1}}$, and the non-relativistic matter density parameter, $\Omega_{\rm m_0}=0.294\pm0.020$. Although the joint constraints prefer mild dark energy dynamics and a little spatial curvature, they do not rule out dark energy being a cosmological constant and flat spatial hypersurfaces. We also add quasar angular size and H II starburst galaxy measurements to the combined data set and find more restrictive constraints.
Test of an organizational change model to reduce no-shows in dental care settings.

Objectives To test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the NIATx model for organizational change to reduce appointment no-shows in dental care settings. Methods The NIATx Dental Pilot Study used a clustered prepost interventional design and a mixed-methods approach. Five independent dental clinics serving Medicaid enrollees were recruited. Quantitative data on the impact of the NIATx model were complemented by qualitative assessment information collected from dental staff. The NIATx model was applied through a multisite learning collaborative that engaged participating organizations in adopting targeted no-show best practices. The primary outcome measure was no-show data collected at the preintervention phase (5 months), intervention phase (7 months), and postintervention phase (3 months). Results Female patients were in the majority (median 54.5 percent). Mean age ranged from 8 to 50 (median 35.2) years. The median percentage for Hispanics was 11.0 percent, and the proportion of uninsured patients was 25 percent. Preintervention no-show rates ranged from 14 percent (clinic B) to 38 percent (clinic E). All clinics had lower no-show rates during the postintervention period, with decreases ranging from 1 percent (clinic B) to 13 percent (clinic E). Overall, the no-show rates decreased in the study. Conclusions The study demonstrated the feasibility of applying the NIATx model to reduce no-show rates, with some difficulty observed with sustainability across dental practices during the postintervention period.
Critical processor download planning device in the multiprocessor systems

The article deals with the critical multi-processor systems, which can include high-availability objects, and which performance is critical for any kind of activity. Such as a person, country, company, organization, etc. In this case, failure leads to a reduction in the system's response time and a further decrease in its performance, which means the availability factor. Thus, the usage of software solutions to this issue is unacceptable, and therefore it is necessary to use specialized hardware for load planning.
Seizing the Political Moment: How the Environmental Protection Agency Can Reimagine Itself and Its Commitment to Environmental Justice

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) turns 50, we reflect on the progress of three important challenges issued by Environmental Justice (EJ) researchers and communities to the agency o...
Survey of cancer cell anatomy in nonadhesive confinement reveals a role for filamin-A and fascin-1 in leader bleb–based migration

We analyzed the localization of fluorescently tagged organelle-specific markers and actin-associated proteins in human melanoma and osteosarcoma cells undergoing leader bleb-based migration (LBBM) ...
Role of Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap in Laryngectomy Surgery: Single Surgeon Experience.

Objective To analyze the effectiveness of the pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation for salvage total laryngectomy patients. Study design Retrospective chart review of all post-surgical laryngectomy patients for a single surgeon. Methods Inclusion criteria were adult patients 18 years and older who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and treated with a salvage total laryngectomy. Exclusion criteria were any laryngectomy patient treated without the PMMC flap or those with incomplete medical records. Results A total of 31 patient charts were identified, and 16 remained after exclusion criteria. The patient age range was 42-71 years (mean = 58.19; SD = 8.093). Greater than 85% of patients had T3 and T4 laryngeal cancers. Without PCF group were 13 patients and with PCF group were only three patients. The mean hospital days in without PCF group were 9.54 and in with PCF group were 16.33. Conclusion In this single surgeon's experience, PCF was prevented by using the PMMC flap in salvage total laryngectomy patients.