cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
McBAGEL: a shared and structured electronic workspace for problem-based learning

Our approach to learning is based on the premises that learning is facilitated by generative problem solving, collaborative work on problems, and use of multiple cases; that knowledge construction and skill acquisition can be scaffolded through software; and that a computer environment which integrates a shared and structured electronic workspace can effectively support all of the above. McBAGEL (Multiple Case-Based Approach to Generative Environments for Learning) is a computer environment integrating many of these functions. McBAGEL has profited from the close interaction between its designers and its users: the middle school students and teachers. The first extended field tests of McBAGEL will be conducted in spring 1996 in several middle schools around Atlanta.
Semi automated adjudication of vital sign alerts in step-down units

Machine Learning (ML) has shown predictive utility in analyzing vital sign (VS) data collected from physiologically unstable monitored patients. Training an ML model usually requires sizable amounts of labeled ground-truth data typically obtained via laborious manual chart reviews by expert clinicians.
Social Shame vs. Private Shame: A Real Dichotomy?

In the many studies of shame that have been carried out in several disciplines during the past years, shame has generally been understood as an emotion that bears importantly on our sense of self and has crucial implications for ethics. While most accounts of shame agree on several core aspects, notably taking shame to be an emotion of negative self-assessment, one main area of disagreement focuses on the question of whether shame is a social or a private emotion: whether it is essentially anxiety about the way others judge us, or rather about our faults or inadequacies as perceived and judged by ourselves. In my view, however, the dichotomy arises as a result of conceiving the moral self in restrictive terms, but phenomenology can offer a more adequate picture, that allows us to take into account and fully articulate both dimensions. Both the social and the private are necessary to understand this emotion and its special relevance for selfhood and ethics. My aim in this paper is therefore to challenge this dichotomy and point towards self-revelation as the essential feature of this emotion.
The CII-specific autoimmune T-cell response develops in the presence of FTY720 but is regulated by enhanced Treg cells that inhibit the development of autoimmune arthritis

Fingolimod (FTY720) is an immunomodulating drug that inhibits sphingosine-1-phosphate binding and blocks T-cell egress from lymph nodes. We analyzed the effect of FTY720 on the autoimmune T- and B-cell response in autoimmune arthritis and studied the mechanisms by which it alters the function of T cells. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR1 humanized mice were immunized with type II collagen (CII) and treated with FTY720 three times per week for 3 weeks. Arthritis was evaluated and autoimmune T- and B-cell responses were measured using proliferation assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, HLA-DR tetramers, and flow cytometry. The functional capacity of regulatory T (Treg) cells from FTY720-treated mice was measured using an in vitro suppression assay, and the role of Treg cells in inhibiting arthritis in FTY720-treated mice was evaluated using mice treated with anti-CD25 to deplete Treg cells. Treatment with FTY720 delayed the onset of arthritis and significantly reduced disease incidence. FTY720 did not prevent the generation of a CII-specific autoimmune T-cell response in vivo. However, as the treatment continued, these T cells became unresponsive to restimulation with antigen in vitro, and this anergic state was reversed by addition of interleukin 2. Measurements of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in the lymph nodes revealed that the ratio of Treg to helper T (Th) cells increased twofold in the FTY720-treated mice, and in vitro assays indicated that the regulatory function of these cells was enhanced. That FTY720 stimulation of Treg cells played a major role in arthritis inhibition was demonstrated by a loss of disease inhibition and restitution of the T-cell proliferative function after in vivo depletion of the Treg cells. While FTY720 affects the recirculation of lymphocytes, its ability to inhibit the development of autoimmune arthritis involves several mechanisms, including the enhancement of Treg cell function by increasing the Treg/Th ratio and increased regulatory function on a per-cell basis. FTY720 did not inhibit the development of the autoimmune T-cell response, but disease inhibition appeared to be mediated by Treg cell–mediated suppression of the CII-specific T cells. These data suggest that specific targeting of Treg cells with FTY720 may be a novel therapy for autoimmunity.
Graphic Related Standards

This paper will provide an overview of the many standards under development which relate to computer graphics. This paper will not restrict itself to the work of ANSI Technical Committee X3H3 (graphic languages), although the committee’s activities will be reported. Most of the countries in Europe have active graphic standards projects at both the national and international levels. The relationships between the various European activities is similar to that described below. The pervasive nature of computer graphics and its growing importance have caused many other standards committees to also consider graphics. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author, recently appointed vice chairman of ANSI X3H3. They do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the standards committees referenced, nor of IBM.
Interventions and Future Therapies: Lessons from Animal Models

The chapters in this book provide ample evidence that age-related hearing loss is caused by multiple factors combining genetic traits with a constant barrage of lifetime insults to the hearing organ. Such insults may include noise exposure in occupational settings or at leisure (from loud machinery to iPods or rock concerts), chemicals and solvents in the work place, life style (drinking, smoking), diseases (diabetes, infections), and even the adverse “ototoxic” effects of medications on the inner ear. It is not even necessary that the insults be severe enough to cause immediate damage. Kujawa and Liberman (2006) subjected adult mice to a noise level that did not induce any threshold shifts two weeks after exposure. However, as the animals aged, they showed a continuing primary neural degeneration and deterioration of neural responses. Age-related changes in the central auditory system add to the complexity of the problem. Determining the cause(s) of hearing difficulties in an aging patient is challenging to say the least, let alone the question of how to prevent or treat such hearing impairment.
Righting the Ship? Philanthropic Support for Digital Journalism 2004-2012

In the midst of much hand-wringing in the early 2000s over the clear crisis befalling the newspaper industry, a group of foundations focused on supporting robust public dialogue and quality journalism shifted their programmatic focus toward incubating innovative efforts to bring quality news to the Web and mobile devices.This report evaluates eight years of sustained grantmaking by three major foundations, offering insights into the types of programs funded, the size and nature of organizations receiving funding, the survival of seeded start-ups, and the development of the scale of this emerging field of philanthropic funding
REAL-TIME ATLAS-BASED STEREOTACTIC NEURONAVIGATION

BACKGROUND: Surgery for tumors in eloquent brain faces immense challenges when attempting to maximize resection and avoid neurological deficits. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging, and/or functional MRI were performed on 3 patients preoperatively for the purposes of tumor resection by the use of neuronavigation. The DAT was registered to the patients' navigation coordinate system and utilized coordinates from the navigation system during surgery. This provided the surgeon with a list of proximal anatomic and functional structures and a real-time image of the atlas at that location fused to the patient's MRI. The clinical feasibility of this approach was evaluated during the resection of 3 eloquent tumors (right postcentral gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, and left occipital cuneus gyrus). RESULTS: Tumor resection was performed successfully in all 3 patients. With the use of the coordinates from the navigation system, anatomic and functional structures and their distances were visualized interactively during tumor resection by using the DAT. CONCLUSIONS: This is a proof of concept that an interactive atlas-based navigation can provide detailed anatomic and functional information that supplements MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI. The atlas-based navigation generated distances to important anatomic structures from the navigation probe tip. It can be used to guidedirect electrical stimulation and highlight areas to avoid during tumor resection. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Imaging.
Conjugated Polymer Assemblies on Carbon Nanotubes

The assembling behavior of four thiophene-containing conjugated polymers, regioregular poly(3-hexythiophene) (rr-P3HT), poly(3,3-didodecylquaterthiophene) (PQT-12), poly(2,5-bis(3- tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT-14), and poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-ylthiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole) (PTzQT-14), on carbon nanotubes was investigated through microscopic studies of nanowire formation and theoretical simulation. It is found that polymer backbone rigidity and shape influence the attachment mode on carbon nanotubes. rr-P3HT and PQT-12 have a zigzag backbone structure that allows a thermodynamically stable coaxial attachment on CNTs, providing an ordered growth front for the nanowire formation. In contrast, fused rings in PTzQT-14 and PBTTT-14 create a stair-step like backbone structure that causes a kinetically controlled wrapping conformation on CNTs, generating a twisted growth front that hinders the nanowire formation. In addition, the rigidity of polymer ba...
Course Syllabus for “Religion and Science: Divergence and Convergence”

(1999). Course Syllabus for “Religion and Science: Divergence and Convergence”. Religion & Education: Vol. 26, Science, Religion, and Education, pp. 43-47.
How Doped MoS2 Breaks Transition-Metal Scaling Relations for CO2 Electrochemical Reduction

Linear scaling relationships between the adsorption energies of CO2 reduction intermediates pose a fundamental limitation to the catalytic efficiency of transition-metal catalysts. Significant improvements in CO2 reduction activity beyond transition metals require the stabilization of key intermediates, COOH* and CHO* or COH*, independent of CO*. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that the doped sulfur edge of MoS2 satisfies this requirement by binding CO* significantly weaker than COOH*, CHO*, and COH*, relative to transition-metal surfaces. The structural basis for the scaling of doped sulfur edge of MoS2 is due to CO* binding on the metallic site (doping metal) and COOH*, CHO*, and COH* on the covalent site (sulfur). Linear scaling relations still exist if all the intermediates bind to the same site, but the combined effect of the two binding sites results in an overall deviation from transition-metal scaling lines. This principle can be applied to other metal/p-block materials...
Dyslipoproteinemia and diabetes.

Lipoprotein changes in diabetes are discussed from both a pathophysiologic and clinical veiwpoint. Though differences in concentrations are often small and vary according to the type of diabetes, other changes in lipoprotein metabolism are presented. The interrelationships between diabetes, insulin, and heart disease are also discussed, with the central role of insulin being stressed. Finally, the clinical management of lipid disorders in diabetes is addressed.
Nursing image as reflected in sex role preferences.

This study examined the relationships between sex role preference and image of nursing among 43 female freshman students of nursing. Student nurses who envisioned themselves as fulfilling a more traditional female role saw nursing differently from those who envisioned themselves as more liberal. The Dreyer Sex Role Preference Profile delineated two groups. A two-tailed test of proportions was used to analyze the data with significance determined at the .05 level. The groups differed significantly on nine of the 19 attributes of nursing, and differed in the importance to self on eight of the 19 items. Interestingly, however, none saw themselves as strongly traditional.
Network Analysis of US Air Transportation Network

There has been a considerable growth in interest in network analysis. Air transportation networks are regarded as complex networks which are full of dynamics and complexity. This study focuses on the US air transportation network, which is one of the most diverse and dynamic transportation networks in the world. All of the data are drawn from the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The topology features show that the network is a scale-free small-world network; the degree distribution follows a truncated power law. The network also confirms the 9/11 impact on the US air travel industry. A discrete dynamic model is constructed to investigate the evolution of the network. Our analysis offers direct confirmation for the existence of preferential attachment in the air transportation network. We conclude that both an aging effect and preferential attachment are the two mechanisms driving the network evolution.
A Comparison of American and Hong Kong Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Product Placement in Movies

Product placement, which is the appearance of brands in motion pictures, television programs, video games, and other entertainment venues has seen tremendous growth in the United States and worldwide. However, product placement is relatively new in Hong Kong and has seen some backlash among consumers. Several studies have examined consumers’ attitudes toward this practice, and some have compared cross-cultural attitudes. The present study examines attitudinal difference across U.S. and Hong Kong consumers regarding attitudes toward product placement in movies. Results indicate several significant differences in attitudes, indicating a need to consider standardization modification strategies when exporting U.S.-based entertainment to Hong Kong.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Concurrently Diagnosed New Rapid Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter and New Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background Characteristics and outcomes of concurrently diagnosed new rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) and new heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are not well described. Methods A retrospective cohort study of subjects referred for expedited transesophageal echocardiography-guided rhythm-control strategies for concurrent new rapid AF/AFL and new LVEF ≤ 40% diagnosed during the same admission was analyzed. Results Twenty-five subjects (median age 57 years; 96% male; 96% Caucasian; median CHA2DS2-VASc = 2) presented with new AF (n = 18) or AFL (n = 7) with rapid ventricular rate (median 135 beats/min) and new reduced LVEF (median 27%; range, 10–37.5%). Seven (28%) subjects had left atrial appendage thrombi (LAAT) and five (20%) subjects had heavy or binge alcohol use. Baseline characteristics were similar between those with and without LAAT. Thirteen subjects with AF and without LAAT underwent direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) and 10 (77%) had AF recurrence within 90 days. Improvement of long-term LVEF to >40% was comparable for subjects with and without initial LAAT (83% vs 94%; P = 0.46). Three of four subjects who received primary prophylaxis implantable cardioverter-defibrillators improved their LVEF to >35% after sinus rhythm maintenance. The median long-term follow-up time was 3.0 years. Conclusions Subjects with concurrently diagnosed new rapid AF/AFL and new reduced LVEF are characterized by a high prevalence of LAAT and significant alcohol use. AF subjects without initial LAAT who underwent DCCV had a high 90-day AF recurrence rate. The presence of LAAT did not have a prognosticative effect on eventual LVEF improvement, which was observed in almost all subjects.
Risk associated with perioperative red blood cell transfusion in cranial surgery

We assessed the impact of intra- and postoperative RBC transfusion on postoperative morbidity and mortality in cranial surgery. A total of 8924 adult patients who underwent cranial surgery were identified in the 2006-2011 American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patients undergoing a biopsy, radiosurgery, or outpatient surgery were excluded. Propensity scores were calculated according to demographic variables, comorbidities, and preoperative laboratory values. Patients who had received RBC transfusion were matched to those who did not, by propensity score, preoperative hematocrit level, and by length of surgery, as an indirect measure of potential intraoperative blood loss. Logistic regression was used to predict adverse postoperative outcomes. A total of 625 (7%) patients were transfused with one or more units of packed RBCs. Upon matching, preoperative hematocrit, length of surgery, and emergency status were no longer different between transfused and non-transfused patients. RBC transfusion was associated with prolonged length of hospitalization (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2), postoperative complications (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0-3.8), 30-day return to operation room (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.2), and 30-day mortality (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.4-7.6). RBC transfusion is associated with substantive postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing both elective and emergency cranial surgery. These results suggest judicious use of transfusion in cranial surgery, consideration of alternative means of blood conservation, or pre-operative restorative strategies in patients undergoing elective surgery, when possible.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP IN THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF MICROFINANCE ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA INTO DEPOSIT TAKING INSTITUTIONS

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of leadership in the transformation process of microfinance organizations in Kenya into deposit taking institutions. Methodology : This study adopted descriptive research design. For purposes of collecting primary data, the use of a questionnaire developed by the researcher was used. Data was then analyzed using Excel and SPSS and presented in tables, graphs and charts. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to the above five organizations and 42 of them were returned. This represents a 35% response rate. Results : The study concluded that leadership plays a positive role in the transformation success. This conclusion was supported by correlation results which revealed that there is a positive correlation between leadership and transformation success. Therefore an increase in the effectiveness of leadership is associated with an increase in transformation success. The conclusions were also supported by regression results that revealed a positive and significant relationship between leadership and transformation success. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends to the leaders of transformation organizations to be on the front line in communicating change to subordinates, supporting them as well as being actively involved in the change process.
Defying Putin: Leaders of the Opposition Movement Against Russian Authoritarianism

Since being named acting president of Russia in 1999, Vladimir Putin has gone from a little-known ex-KGB agent to one of the most powerful men in the world. Handpicked by his ailing predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, Putin came to power following a decade of economic turmoil and political instability. His decisiveness, especially in regard to civic uprisings in Chechnya, garnered early support among the Russian people. In fact, Putin’s approval ratings remained high even as his actions became increasingly authoritarian. Given Russia’s position of power and its recent invasion of Crimea, there is reasonable concern among the international community over Putin ’s ongoing obstructions to democracy both within and outside the country ’s borders. Over the past few years, however, opposition groups have emerged with ho pes of limiting Putin’s power. While widespread reform has yet to occur, movements to mobilize the Russian public are beginning to take place.
Analysis of Distributional Variation Through Graphical Multi-Scale Beta-Binomial Models

Many scientific studies involve comparing multiple datasets collected under different conditions to identify the difference in the underlying distributions. A common challenge in these multi-sample...
Radical wellness for a radically ethical life

Ethics is dedicated to establishing ways for human beings to strive for the good life. Analogously, the field of Dietetics is focused on ways people might live physically healthy lives; while, Neuroscience is committed to brain health. Each discipline is dedicated to the establishment of a life free of dis-ease. But it is in the union of ethics, neuroscience and diet where the vital features of each area converge to produce the greatest benefits within every stage of life. Thus, I will outline the Socratic concept of the good life; next, I will offer a parallel between the Socratic soul and the parts of the contemporary model of the brain. My conclusion: Human beings must live nutritionally healthy lives so that brains are properly nourished and strengthened throughout life, and into old age, bringing clarity and focus to ethical decisions; and, thus, providing the crucial ingredients for the good life.
Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on carriage of Staphylococcus aureus : results of the impact of probiotics for reducing infections in veterans (IMPROVE) study

Infection by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Colonization by S. aureus increases the risk of infection. Little is known about decolonization strategies for S. aureus beyond antibiotics, however probiotics represent a promising alternative. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) HN001 in reducing carriage of S. aureus at multiple body sites. One hundred thirteen subjects, positive for S. aureus carriage, were recruited from the William S. Middleton Memorial Medical Center, Madison, WI, USA, and randomized by initial site of colonization, either gastrointestinal (GI) or extra-GI, to 4-weeks of oral L. rhamnosus HN001 probiotic, or placebo. Nasal, oropharyngeal, and axillary/groin swabs were obtained, and serial blood and fecal samples were collected. Differences in prevalence of S. aureus carriage at the end of the 4-weeks of treatment were assessed. The probiotic and placebo groups were similar in age, gender, and health history at baseline. S. aureus colonization within the stool samples of the extra-GI group was 15% lower in the probiotic than placebo group at the endpoint of the trial. Those in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group had 73% reduced odds (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.07–0.98) of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus presence, and 83% reduced odds (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.73) of any S. aureus presence in the stool sample at endpoint. Use of daily oral L. rhamnosus HN001 reduced odds of carriage of S. aureus in the GI tract, however it did not eradicate S. aureus from other body sites. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01321606 . Registered March 21, 2011.
It Takes a Village: Individual- and Community-Level Effects of Women's Education on Child Malnutrition in Nigeria

Women9s education is widely recognized as a key factor in improving well-being in developing countries. However, previous research rarely considers both the individual and contextual effects of education. As broad societal transformations take place, education may shape women9s capacity to take advantage of better access to power and resources, resulting in a dispersion effect of expanded women9s education on well-being. Combining multilevel modeling with spatial data techniques, this study investigates variation in child malnutrition in Nigeria based on a set of individual and community characteristics. Nigeria is an interesting development case study because it outperforms other lower middle-income countries in GDP per capita, yet lags behind in many indicators of well-being. Drawing on data from the Demographic and Health Surveys and the Global Administrative Areas database, the analysis pools data on 24,990 children across 458 communities. Results indicate that women9s education has a robust association with malnutrition at the community level, even controlling for a variety of household characteristics. This suggests that education has a protective effect on child health not only because more individual women are going to school, but also because everyone benefits from the education and empowerment of women in the community.
13C and 18O isotopic disequilibrium in biological carbonates: I. Patterns

Biological carbonates frequently precipitate out of 18O and 13C equilibrium with ambient waters. Two patterns of isotopic disequilibrium are particularly common. “Kinetic” disequilibria, so designated because they apparently result from kinetic isotope effects during CO2 hydration and hydroxylation, involve simultaneous depletions of 18O and 13C as large as 4%. and 10 to 15%., respectively. Rapid skeletogenesis favors strong kinetic effects, and approximately linear correlations between skeletal δ18O and δ13C are common in carbonates showing mainly the kinetic pattern. “Metabolic” effects involve additional positive or negative modulation of skeletal δ13C, reflecting changes in the δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon, caused mainly by photosynthesis and respiration. Kinetic isotope disequilibria tend to be fairly consistent in rapidly growing parts of photosynthetic corals, and time dependent isotopic variations therefore reflect changes in environmental conditions. δ18O variations from Galapagos corals yield meaningful clues regarding seawater temperature, while δ13C variations reflect changes in photosynthesis, modulated by cloudiness.
A Selective Review of Volumetric and Morphometric Imaging in Schizophrenia

Brain imaging studies have long supported that schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain, involving many discrete and widely spread regions. Generally, studies have shown decreases in cortical gray matter (GM) volume. Here, we selectively review recent papers studying GM volume changes in schizophrenia subjects, both first-episode (FE) and chronic, in an attempt to quantify and better understand differences between healthy and patient groups. We focused on the cortical GM of the prefrontal cortex, limbic and paralimbic structures, temporal lobe, and one subcortical structure (the caudate nucleus). We performed a search of the electronic journal database PsycINFO using the keywords “schizophrenia” and “MRI,” and selected for papers published between 2001 and 2008. We then screened for only those studies utilizing manual or manually edited tracing methodologies for determining regions of interest (ROIs). Each region of interest was indexed independently; thus, one paper might yield results for numerous brain regions. Our review found that in almost all ROIs, cortical GM volume was decreased in the patient populations. The only exception was the caudate nucleus – most studies reviewed showed no change, while one study showed an increase in volume; this region, however, is particularly sensitive to medication effects. The reductions were seen in both FE and chronic schizophrenia. These results clearly support that schizophrenia is an anatomical disorder of the brain, and specifically that schizophrenia patients tend to have decreased cortical GM in regions involved in higher cognition and emotional processing. That these reductions were found in both FE and chronic subjects supports that brain abnormalities are present at the onset of illness, and are not simply a consequence of chronicity. Additional studies assessing morphometry at different phases of the illness, including prodromal stages, together with longitudinal studies will elucidate further the role of progression in this disorder.
Abstract 3220: Does Multimodality MRI have Added Benefit in the Diagnosis and Management of “Classic” Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage?

Introduction: It is unclear whether MRI adds benefit to non-contrast head CT (CT) in the diagnosis and management of patients with “classic” hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) on CT, and ...
Weinreich, Uriel (1926–1967)

Uriel Weinreich (1926–1967) was a linguistics professor at Columbia University (1951–1967), where he founded and directed an innovative Yiddish dialectological atlas project. Weinreich wrote a grammar and a dictionary of Yiddish and ground-breaking articles on semantics. His legacy is evident in the works of his students, notably William Labov.
Adaptive measurement of crossover frequencies for intelligibility prediction

In SII theory, frequencies where speech spectra can be divided into two equally-intelligible subbands are called crossover frequencies. These frequencies play a crucial role in SII calculations, and also designate spectral regions that contain important speech recognition cues. Typically, crossover frequencies are found by measuring psychometric curves for speech processed by a series of low-pass and high-pass filters, and then finding the two curves’ intersection: an inefficient, time-consuming process. The present study introduces an up/down quantile estimation algorithm that adaptively steers filter cutoff frequencies toward the crossover frequency. Changes in cutoff frequency are governed by comparisons of block trials for low-pass and high-pass filtered speech that meet theoretical requirements for convergence toward the crossover frequency. Preliminary results for trials with nonsense syllables show that the proposed method’s estimates match those obtained in published trials using the conventional method. Applications in SII measurements and speech recognition cue measurement will be discussed. In SII theory, frequencies where speech spectra can be divided into two equally-intelligible subbands are called crossover frequencies. These frequencies play a crucial role in SII calculations, and also designate spectral regions that contain important speech recognition cues. Typically, crossover frequencies are found by measuring psychometric curves for speech processed by a series of low-pass and high-pass filters, and then finding the two curves’ intersection: an inefficient, time-consuming process. The present study introduces an up/down quantile estimation algorithm that adaptively steers filter cutoff frequencies toward the crossover frequency. Changes in cutoff frequency are governed by comparisons of block trials for low-pass and high-pass filtered speech that meet theoretical requirements for convergence toward the crossover frequency. Preliminary results for trials with nonsense syllables show that the proposed method’s estimates match those obtained in published trials using the conventional ...
Abstract 595: Circulating levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk

Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an ubiquitous molecule in living organisms that serves as a cofactor in energy production via the electron-transport chain (ETC). Research has previously shown that deficiencies in CoQ10 can result in a variety of detrimental outcomes including cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. More recently, epidemiological studies have reported low CoQ10 levels being associated with increased risk of breast, ovarian, and skin cancers. However, studies exploring the link between CoQ10 and lung cancer risk are largely lacking. Methods: A nested case-control study including 201 lung cancer cases and 395 matched controls from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) was conducted. Plasma CoQ10 levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A conditional logistic regression model was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between plasma CoQ10 concentrations and lung cancer risk. CoQ10 level was categorized by tertile distribution among controls. Results: Plasma CoQ10 concentration was inversely associated with risk of lung cancer. Compared to the first tertile, the ORs (95% CI) were 0.82 (0.52-1.31) and 0.57 (0.34-0.96) for the second and third tertile, respectively, (P for trend=0.038), after adjusting for age, smoking status and pack-years of smoking. Additional adjustment for alcohol consumption, education, income, history of COPD and BMI slightly attenuated the association (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.34-1.08, comparing third to first tertile). No notable difference was found between African Americans and European Americans. Stratified analysis identified a significant association between CoQ10 and lung cancer in current smokers (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.26-0.87, third vs. first tertile), but not in former/never smokers (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.35-2.03). The significant associations between CoQ10 and lung cancer risk were more evident in cases who were diagnosed within one year of blood draw (OR=0.17, 95% CI=0.04-0.73, third vs. first tertile, P for trend=0.023) than in cases diagnosed after one year following blood draw (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.36-1.41). Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that Coenzyme Q10 may be a potential marker for lung cancer, although the stronger effect shortly after diagnosis indicates the association may be related to dietary or other changes associated with the cancer diagnosis rather than CoQ10 being a causal risk biomarker. Further studies exploring the link between CoQ10 and lung cancer risk are necessary to better understand the role of CoQ10 in lung carcinogenesis. Citation Format: Chris Shidal, Hyung-Suk Yoon, Wei Zheng, Jie Wu, Adrian A. Franke, William J. Blot, Xiao-Ou Shu, Qiuyin Cai. Circulating levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 595.
Robotics in spinal surgery

Although the da Vinci robot system has garnered much attention in the realm of surgery over the past few decades, several new surgical robotic systems have been developed for spinal surgery with varying levels of robot autonomy and surgeon-specified input. These devices are currently being considered as potential avenues for increasing the precision of any surgical intervention. The following review will attempt to provide an overview of robotics in modern spine surgery and how these devices will continue to be employed in various sectors across the field.
Correction to: Gaps in the College Application Gauntlet

The original version of this article contain errors. The authors would like to correct the errors as given below.
Evidence for inhibited temperament as a transdiagnostic factor across mood and psychotic disorders.

Abstract Background The conceptualization of risk for psychiatric illness is moving from risk factors for specific psychiatric disorders to factors that confer risk for multiple disorders. One potential transdiagnostic risk factor is inhibited temperament, a trait characterized by a fearful or avoidant response to novelty. Inhibited temperament is an established risk factor for anxiety disorders, and evidence suggests inhibited temperament is elevated in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Methods In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that inhibited temperament is a transdiagnostic factor in 490 participants including individuals with schizophrenia (n=184), psychotic bipolar disorder (n=61), major depression disorder (n=53), or no disorders (n=192). Participants completed assessments of temperament, personality, clinical symptoms, cognition, and functioning. An ANOVA was used to test for group differences in inhibited temperament scores. Regressions were used to test whether inhibited temperament scores were associated with the current measures and whether the associations were similar across disorders. Results Inhibited temperament was similarly elevated in all patient groups compared to controls. Inhibited temperament was similarly associated with anxiety, depression, negative affect, and quality of life across patient groups. Inhibited temperament was not associated with cognition or functional impairment. Limitation Although the inhibited temperament measure is commonly used, it is a retrospective self-report which may be susceptible to biases. Conclusions The current study provides evidence that inhibited temperament is a transdiagnostic factor impacting affective systems across mood and psychotic disorders. Inhibited patients may especially benefit from treatments that specifically target anxiety and depression.
Sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders in Wuhai, Inner Mongolia: an assessment

Objective To evaluate the completion of a goal in elimination of iodine deficiency disorders IDD) in the 12th five-year plan for prevention and control of endemic diseases, to analyze the present situation of IDD in prevention and to improve sustainable control strategies in the city of Wuhai in Inner Mongolia. Methods In 2015, using the specific sampling method, 5 units were selected from 3 counties of Wuhai according to their sub-area positions of east, south, west, north and center, and then 1 township was randomly selected from each unit, 40 school children (half males and half females) aged 8-10 and 20 pregnant women were investigated in each township. Goiter of children aged 8-10 was examined by B ultrasonic, the urinary iodine levels were detected by acid digestion arsenic-cerium contact method and the salt iodine levels were measured with the method of direct titrimetric method. Results Totally 900 edible salt samples of local residents had been examined and the median iodized salt iodine was 24.2 mg/kg, the consumption rate of iodized salt was 99.56% (896/900), the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.78% (896/900), and the rate of qualified iodized salt was 99.78% (898/898). The goiter rate of children was 0.33% (2/600), urinary iodine level (UI) median was 221.6 μg/L in 600 children aged 8-10, the ratio of urinary iodine levels between 100-199 μg/L was 31.7% and the median of urinary iodine was 122.15 μg/L in 300 pregnant women, the ratio of urinary iodine between 150-250 μg/L was 26.7% (80/300). Conclusion Wuhai has achieved the goal of prevention and control of endemic disease prevention andcontrol of the 12th five-year plan, and reached the continuous state of elimination of IDD. Key words: Iodine; Urine; Data collection
Studio Practices in Management Education: Creative Adventures in Aesthetic Formativeness:

As collaborative artistic inquiries, studios challenge logical–analytical approaches to knowledge. Studio activities entail materializing artifacts to explore a range of management and organization...
Potential-pH diagrams considering complex oxide solution phases for understanding aqueous corrosion of multi-principal element alloys

The potential-pH diagram, a graphical representation of the thermodynamically predominant reaction products in aqueous corrosion, is originally proposed for the corrosion of pure metals. The original approach only leads to stoichiometric oxides and hydroxides as the oxidation products. However, numerous experiments show that non-stoichiometric oxide scales are prevalent in the aqueous corrosion of alloys. In the present study, a room temperature potential-pH diagram considering oxide solid solutions, as a generalization of the traditional potential-pH diagram with stoichiometric oxides, is constructed for an FCC single-phase multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) based on the CALculation of PHAse Diagram method. The predominant reaction products, the ions in aqueous solution, and the cation distribution in oxides are predicted. The oxide solid solution is stabilized by the mixing free energy (or mixing entropy) and the stabilizing effect becomes more significant as the temperature increases. Consequently, solid solution oxides are stable in large regions of the potential-pH diagram and the mixing free energy mostly affects the equilibrium composition of the stable oxides, while the shape of stable regions for oxides is mostly determined by the structure of the stable oxides. Agreements are found for Ni2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ between the atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry measurements and thermodynamic calculations, while deviations exist for Cr3+ and Co2+ possibly due to surface complexation with species such as Cl− and the oxide dissolution. By incorporating the solution models of oxides, the current work presents a general and more accurate way to analyze the reaction products during aqueous corrosion of MPEAs.
Chapter 47 Vector autoregressions and cointegration

Abstract This paper surveys three topics: vector autoregressive (VAR) models with integrated regressors, cointegration, and structural VAR modeling. The paper begins by developing methods to study potential “unit root” problems in multivariate models, and then presents a simple set of rules designed to help applied researchers conduct inference in VARs. A large number of examples are studied, including tests for Granger causality, tests for VAR lag length, spurious regressions and OLS estimators of cointegrating vectors. The survey of cointegration begins with four alternative representations of cointegrated systems: the vector error correction model (VECM), and the moving average, common trends and triangular representations. A variety of tests for cointegration and efficient estimators for cointegrating vectors are developed and compared. Finally, structural VAR modeling is surveyed, with an emphasis on interpretation, econometric identification and construction of efficient estimators. Each section of this survey is largely self-contained. Inference in VARs with integrated regressors is covered in Section 2, cointegration is surveyed in Section 3, and structural VAR modeling is the subject of Section 4.
AVPLUG: Approach Vector PLanning for Unicontact Grasping amid Clutter

Mechanical search, the finding and extracting of a known target object from a cluttered environment, is a key challenge in automating warehouse, home, retail, and industrial tasks. In this paper, we consider contexts in which occluding objects are to remain untouched, thus minimizing disruptions and avoiding toppling. We assume a 6-DOF robot with an RGBD camera and unicontact suction gripper mounted on its wrist. With this setup, the robot can move both camera and gripper in order to identify a suitable approach vector, reach in to achieve a suction grasp of the target object, and extract it. We present AVPLUG: Approach Vector PLanning for Unicontact Grasping, an algorithm that uses an octree occupancy model and Minkowski sum computation to find a collision-free grasp approach vector. Experiments in simulation and with a physical Fetch robot suggest that AVPLUG finds an approach vector up to 20× faster than a baseline search policy.
A systematic review of spinal cord ischemia prevention and management after open and endovascular aortic repair.

Abstract: Objective Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is one of the most devastating complications after descending thoracic aortic (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic (TAA) repairs. Patients who develop SCI have a poor prognosis with mortality rates reaching 75% within the first year after surgery. Many factors have been shown to increase the risk of this complication, including extent of TAA repair, length of aortic and collateral network coverage, embolization, and reduced spinal cord perfusion pressure. As a result, a variety of treatment strategies have evolved. We aimed to provide an up-to-date review of SCI rates with associated treatment algorithms from open and endovascular DTA and TAA repairs. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, a literature review with the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms “spinal cord ischemia; spinal cord ischemia prevention and mitigation strategies; spinal cord ischemia rates; spinal cord infarction” was performed in the Cochrane and PubMed databases to seek all peer-reviewed studies of DTA and TAA repairs with SCI complications, limited to 2012-2021 and the English language. MeSH subheadings including diagnosis, complications, physiopathology, surgery, mortality, and therapy were used to further restrict the articles. Studies were excluded if they were not in humans, not pertaining to SCI in DTA/TAA operative repairs, and if the study primarily discussed neuromonitoring techniques. Additionally, studies with Results Of 450 studies returned by the MeSH search strategy, 41 met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. For endovascular DTA repair patients, overall SCI rates ranged from 0-10.6% with permanent SCI symptoms ranging from 0-5.1%. Endovascular and open TAA repairs had rates of overall SCI of 0-35%. Permanent SCI symptom rate was reported by only one open study at 1.1% while endovascular TAA repairs had between 2-20.5%. Conclusion This review provides an up-to-date review of current rates of SCI as well as prevention and mitigation strategies for DTA and TAA repairs. We find that a multimodal approach, including a bundled institutional protocol, staging of multiple repairs, preservation of collateral blood flow network, augmented spinal cord perfusion, selective cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and distal aortic perfusion in open TAA repairs, appears to be important in reducing the risk of SCI.
TU‐CD‐207‐10: Dedicated Cone‐Beam Breast CT: Design of a 3‐D Beam‐Shaping Filter

Purpose: To design a 3 -D beam-shaping filter for cone-beam breast CT for equalizing x-ray photon fluence incident on the detector along both fan and cone angle directions. Methods: The 3-D beam-shaping filter was designed as the sum of two filters: a bow-tie filter assuming cylindrical breast and a 3D difference filter equivalent to the difference in projected thickness between the cylinder and the real breast. Both filters were designed with breast-equivalent material and converted to Al for the targeted x-ray spectrum. The bow-tie was designed for the largest diameter cylindrical breast by determining the fan-angle dependent path-length and the filter thickness needed to equalize the fluence. A total of 23,760 projections (180 projections of 132 binary breast CT volumes) were averaged, scaled for the largest breast, and subtracted from the projection of the largest diameter cylindrical breast to provide the 3D difference filter. The 3 -D beam shaping filter was obtained by summing the two filters. Numerical simulations with semi-ellipsoidal breasts of 10–18 cm diameter (chest-wall to nipple length=0.75 x diameter) were conducted to evaluate beam equalization. Results: The proposed 3-D beam-shaping filter showed a 140% -300% improvement in equalizing the photon fluence along the chest-wall to nipple (cone-angle) direction compared to a bow-tie filter. The improvement over bow-tie filter was larger for breasts with longer chest-wall to nipple length. Along the radial (fan-angle) direction, the performance of the 3-D beam shaping filter was marginally better than the bow-tie filter, with 4%-10% improvement in equalizing the photon fluence. For a ray traversing the chest-wall diameter of the breast, the filter transmission ratio was >0.95. Conclusion: The 3-D beam shaping filter provided substantial advantage over bow-tie filter in equalizing the photon fluence along the cone-angle direction. In conjunction with a 2-axis positioner, the filter can accommodate breasts of varying dimensions and chest-wall inclusion. Supported in part by NIH R01 CA128906 and R21 CA134128. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not reflect the official views of the NIH or NCI.