cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Women’s Magazines and Women’s Roles

Today information, entertainment, and advice come to us from a dizzying array of media, many of them electronic: film, television, video, and computer. Newspapers and magazines continue to play a role in influencing how we dress, conduct our relationships, cook, raise children, purchase products, spend our time, and plan for the future, but they must compete for our attention with the bolder, faster images and messages that arrive in our homes and workplaces at the click of a button. To understand the different role that magazines played in the lives of many women in the 1940s and 1950s, we must imagine a society very different from our own — one in which the only two technological links between the average American home and the larger culture were the telephone and the radio. The television set was not a common fixture until the late 1950s, and even then programming was extremely limited, by today’s standards. Cable television service and the VCR were still in the future; the personal computer was undreamed of.
Radiation incidents and accidents in diagnostic radiology. What to do next in CT

Radiation incidents in diagnostic radiology are rare and may not be as life threatening as in radiation oncology, yet it is equally important to devise plans of action to address radiation incidents in diagnostic radiology. This talk will discuss various measures medical physicists can do to address such situations with focus on CT studies. Radiation incidents can lead to deterministic effects such as hair-loss or skin erythema, which are rare but possible due to prolonged fluoroscopy procedures or CT scans (CT perfusion studies) due to incorrect settings. When radiation incidents occur, a physicist can do the following. First, physicist should record details of scan settings that have led to the radiation incident. Next, assess and make necessary changes to avoid future incidents. This should be followed by detail assessment of radiation exposure to patients (skin dose and organ dose) and work with the radiologists and other physicians to address the radiation events. Further, medical physicists can take precautions to avoid such incidents in future. Recently introduced ‘CT Dose Alert’ can be customized for each CT protocol such that incorrect settings that could lead to unintended high radiation exposure can be flagged prior to CT scan. This presentation will discuss in detail about the CT dose alert and CT dose notifications, which are key to avoid unintended radiation exposure to patients undergoing CT studies.
Personalized Medicine Tackles Clinical Resistance: Alectinib in ALK-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Progressing on First-Generation ALK Inhibitor

Over the last 2 years, our therapeutic armamentarium against genomically defined subgroups of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has extended to patients with acquired resistance to front-line targeted therapy. Alectinib (Alecensa; Roche/Genentech), a second-generation, orally active, potent, and highly selective inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), is indicated for patients with metastatic, ALK rearrangement-positive NSCLC whose disease has worsened after treatment with crizotinib or who became intolerant to the drug. Alectinib received orphan drug designation, breakthrough therapy designation, priority review status, and accelerated approval by the FDA. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5177-82. ©2016 AACR.
Interactions between land use change and carbon cycle feedbacks

Using the Community Earth System Model, we explore the role of human land use and land cover change (LULCC) in modifying the terrestrial carbon budget in simulations forced by Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, extended to year 2300. Overall, conversion of land (e.g., from forest to croplands via deforestation) results in a model-estimated, cumulative carbon loss of 490 Pg C between 1850 and 2300, larger than the 230 Pg C loss of carbon caused by climate change over this same interval. The LULCC carbon loss is a combination of a direct loss at the time of conversion and an indirect loss from the reduction of potential terrestrial carbon sinks. Approximately 40% of the carbon loss associated with LULCC in the simulations arises from direct human modification of the land surface; the remaining 60% is an indirect consequence of the loss of potential natural carbon sinks. Because of the multicentury carbon cycle legacy of current land use decisions, a globally averaged amplification factor of 2.6 must be applied to 2015 land use carbon losses to adjust for indirect effects. This estimate is 30% higher when considering the carbon cycle evolution after 2100. Most of the terrestrial uptake of anthropogenic carbon in the model occurs from the influence of rising atmospheric CO2 on photosynthesis in trees, and thus, model-projected carbon feedbacks are especially sensitive to deforestation.
High GMS score hypospadias: Outcomes after one- and two-stage operations.

Summary Introduction Established criteria to assist surgeons in deciding between a one- or two-stage operation for severe hypospadias are lacking. While anatomical features may preclude some surgical options, the decision to approach severe hypospadias in a one- or two-stage fashion is generally based on individual surgeon preference. This decision has been described as a dilemma as outcomes range widely and there is lack of evidence supporting the superiority of one approach over the other. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine whether the GMS hypospadias score may provide some guidance in choosing the surgical approach used for correction of severe hypospadias. Study design GMS scores were preoperatively assigned to patients having primary surgery for hypospadias. Those patients having surgery for the most severe hypospadias were selected and formed the study cohort. The records of these patients were reviewed and pertinent data collected. Complications requiring further surgery were assessed and correlated with the GMS score and the surgical technique used for repair (one-stage vs. two-stage). Results Eighty-seven boys were identified with a GMS score (range 3–12) of 10 or higher. At a mean follow-up of 22 months the overall complication rate for the cohort after final planned surgery was 39%. For intended one-stage procedures ( n = 48) an acceptable result was achieved with one surgery for 28 patients (58%), with two surgeries for 14 (29%), and with three to five surgeries for six (13%). For intended two-stage procedures ( n = 39) an acceptable result was achieved with two surgeries for 26 patients (67%), three surgeries for eight (21%), and four surgeries for three (8%). Two other patients having two-stage surgery required seven surgeries to achieve an acceptable result. Complication rates are summarized in the Table. The complication rates for GMS 10 patients were similar (27% and 33%, p = 0.28) for one- and two-stage repairs, respectively. GMS 11 patients having a one-stage repair had a significantly higher complication rate (69%) than those having a two-stage repair (29%) ( p = 0.04). GMS 12 patients had the highest complication rate with a one-stage repair (80%) compared with a complication rate of 37% when a two-stage repair was used ( p = 0.12). Conclusions Guidelines to help standardize the surgical approach to severe hypospadias are needed. Staged surgery for GMS 11 and 12 patients may result in a lower complication rate but may not reduce the number of surgeries required for an acceptable result. Although further study is needed, the GMS score may be helpful for establishing such criteria. Table . Complication rates for patients with GMS 10, 11, and 12 hypospadias. GMS score One-stage repair N = 48 Two-stage repair N = 39 p -Value 10 8/30 (27%) 2/6 (33%) 0.28 11 9/13 (69%) 4/14 (29%) 0.04 12 4/5 (80%) 7/19 (37%) 0.12
Prevalence of incidental actionable germline mutations in 1,000 advanced cancer patients on a prospective somatic genomic profiling program.

1510 Background: Next generation sequencing is increasingly used in cancer research and precision oncology. This practice may also reveal germline variants of potential clinical significance. We he...
Stability of multi-rate simulation algorithms

Multi-rate simulation, in which a differential-equation model is partitioned into segments that are solved using different integration step lengths, has the potential to speed up simulations significantly. This is an important consideration especially for studies that involve many repeated simulation runs (e.g. multi-parameter, multi-objective optimizations) as well as for real-time simulation of systems with a wide dynamic range.The multi-rate approach does however raise questions of accuracy and stability arising from the methods of communicating data between segments and the effects of using different integration step lengths.A stability analysis of multi-rate integration is presented in which a general form of vector difference equation is developed that can be applied to the combination of a given system and an explicit, single-step integration algorithm. This yields stability criteria that provide information about permissible step lengths and system parameters. For the purposes of this analysis a number of simplifying assumptions are made. It is assumed that the system is divided into two regions, that the differential equations are linear and that a zero-order hold is used in communicating data between segments.
Plasma calcium concentrations are decreased at least 9 hours before parturition in multiparous Holstein-Friesian cattle in a herd fed an acidogenic diet during late gestation

Calcium homeostatic mechanisms are challenged in periparturient multiparous dairy cattle due to the rapid transport of large amounts of calcium into the mammary gland associated with colostrogenesis, resulting in decreased plasma total calcium concentration ([Ca]). An unresolved issue is the timing of the decrease in plasma [Ca] relative to the time of parturition, with the consensus view being that plasma [Ca] does not decrease until after parturition. The objective of this study, therefore, was to characterize the change in plasma [Ca] over time in periparturient dairy cattle. Plasma and mid-stream urine samples were collected daily starting 3 d before calving from 104 periparturient Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in a herd fed an acidogenic total mixed ration during the late dry period. Mixed-models ANOVA and linear and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. Plasma [Ca] decreased in periparturient multiparous cattle (n = 70) but not in primiparous cattle (n = 34). Compared with mean values approximately 72 h before parturition ([Ca] = 2.32 mmol/L), mean plasma [Ca] in multiparous cattle first decreased at 9 h before parturition (2.13 mmol/L) and remained decreased for up to 48 h after parturition, with the lowest mean value (1.87 mmol/L) occurring at 28 h after parturition. Mean 24-h urine Ca excretion was calculated to decrease by 3.5 to 3.8 g in periparturient multiparous cattle. Regression analysis indicated that plasma [Ca] in the 12-h period before and 24-h period after parturition was strongly and negatively associated with age but was also negatively associated with milk production indices. We conclude that plasma [Ca] was decreased at least 9 h before parturition in multiparous dairy cattle fed an acidogenic diet in late gestation, and that calcium homeostasis was disrupted for 2 to 3 d around parturition.
Situated Learning in Seminars from a Community of Practice Perspective

This chapter illustrates the process through which a community of practice (CoP) was established and maintained by conscious efforts by participants. Personal narratives by both teacher and students were validated as a legitimate form of knowledge. The highly interactive nature of the classroom environment was propitious to community building, which turned out to be conducive to critical reflection on learning. By highlighting the tensions, challenges, and struggles within the community of practice created in the bilingual teacher education program, this chapter demonstrates how critical theory of literacy learning and social identity can contribute to CoP theory building.
Age-related differences in BOLD modulation to cognitive control costs in a multitasking paradigm: Global switch, local switch, and compatibility-switch costs.

Abstract It is well documented that older adults recruit additional brain regions compared to those recruited by younger adults while performing a wide variety of cognitive tasks. However, it is unclear how such age-related over-recruitment interacts with different types of cognitive control, and whether this over-recruitment is compensatory. To test this, we used a multitasking paradigm, which allowed us to examine age-related over-activation associated with three types of cognitive costs (i.e., global switch, local switch, compatibility-switch costs). We found age-related impairments in global switch cost (GSC), evidenced by slower response times for maintaining and coordinating two tasks vs. performing only one task. However, no age-related declines were observed in either local switch cost (LSC), a cognitive cost associated with switching between the two tasks while maintaining two task loads, or compatibility-switch cost (CSC), a cognitive cost associated with incompatible vs. compatible stimulus-response mappings across the two tasks. The fMRI analyses allowed for identification of distinct cognitive cost-sensitive brain regions associated with GSC and LSC. In fronto-parietal GSC and LSC regions, older adults' increased activations were associated with poorer performance (greater costs), whereas a reverse relationship was observed in younger adults. Older adults also recruited additional fronto-parietal brain regions outside the cognitive cost-sensitive areas, which was associated with poorer performance or no behavioral benefits. Our results suggest that older adults exhibit a combination of inefficient activation within cognitive cost-sensitive regions, specifically the GSC and LSC regions, and non-compensatory over-recruitment in age-sensitive regions. Age-related declines in global switching, compared to local switching, was observed earlier in old age at both neural and behavioral levels.
An empirical analysis of interspersal research evidence, implications and applications of the discrete task completion hypothesis.

Abstract Because assignment completion is often reinforced, researchers have posited that when students work on assignments with many discrete tasks (e.g., 20 mathematics problems), that each completed discrete task may be a conditioned reinforcer (e.g., Skinner et al., 1999). If the discrete task completion hypothesis is accurate, then relative task completion rates should influence choice behavior in the same manner as relative rates of reinforcement. In the current study, previous interspersal research was combined across experiments and regression analysis revealed a linear relationship between relative problem completion rates (RPCR) and choice in accordance with the matching law (Herrnstein, 1961, 1970). These results support the discrete task completion hypothesis and suggest that interspersing additional brief tasks enhances interval schedules of reinforcement. Theoretical and applied implications of the current study and the discrete problem completion hypothesis are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
1:1 laptop implications and district policy considerations

Background: The state of Iowa has seen a drastic increase in the number of schools that provide one laptop for each student. These 1:1 schools have invested large amounts of time and money into becoming a 1:1 school. The current research on 1:1 schools is sparse, and policy makers are actively trying to evaluate those
Significant Luminosity Differences of Two Twin Type Ia Supernovae

The Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) 2011by, hosted in NGC 3972, and 2011fe, hosted in M101, are optical "twins," having almost identical optical light-curve shapes, colours, and near-maximum-brightness spectra. However, SN 2011fe had significantly more ultraviolet (UV; 1600 < lambda < 2500 A) flux than SN 2011by before and at peak luminosity. Theory suggests that SNe Ia with higher progenitor metallicity should (1) have additional UV opacity near peak and thus lower UV flux; (2) have an essentially unchanged optical spectral-energy distribution; (3) have a similar optical light-curve shape; and (4) because of the excess neutrons, produce more stable Fe-group elements at the expense of radioactive 56Ni and thus have a lower peak luminosity. Foley & Kirshner (2013) suggested that the difference in UV flux between SNe 2011by and 2011fe was the result of their progenitors having significantly different metallicities. The SNe also had a large, but insignificant, difference between their peak absolute magnitudes (Delta M_V, peak = 0.60 +/- 0.36 mag), with SN 2011fe being more luminous. We present a new Cepheid-based distance to NGC 3972, significantly improving the precision of the distance measurement for SN 2011by. With these new data, we determine that the SNe have significantly different peak luminosities (Delta M_V, peak = 0.335 +/- 0.069 mag), corresponding to SN 2011fe having produced 38% more 56Ni than SN 2011by, and providing additional evidence for progenitor metallicity differences for these SNe. We discuss how progenitor metallicity differences can contribute to the intrinsic scatter for light-curve-shape-corrected SN luminosities, the use of "twin" SNe for measuring distances, and implications for using SNe Ia for constraining cosmological parameters.
A Photovoice Phenomenological Study Exploring Campus Belonging for Queer Students of Color

Utilizing data from a phenomenological study, this study revealed what comprised the phenomenon of belonging for queer students of Color at a predominantly White institution. Specifically, queer st...
NeurEx: digitalized neurological examination offers a novel high-resolution disability scale.

Objective To develop a sensitive neurological disability scale for broad utilization in clinical practice. Methods We employed advances of mobile computing to develop an iPad-based App for convenient documentation of the neurological examination into a secure, cloud-linked database. We included features present in four traditional neuroimmunological disability scales and codified their automatic computation. By combining spatial distribution of the neurological deficit with quantitative or semiquantitative rating of its severity we developed a new summary score (called NeurEx; ranging from 0 to 1349 with minimal measurable change of 0.25) and compared its performance with clinician- and App-computed traditional clinical scales. Results In the cross-sectional comparison of 906 neurological examinations, the variance between App-computed and clinician-scored disability scales was comparable to the variance between rating of the identical neurological examination by multiple sclerosis (MS)-trained clinicians. By eliminating rating ambiguity, App-computed scales achieved greater accuracy in measuring disability progression over time (n = 191 patients studied over 880.6 patient-years). The NeurEx score had no apparent ceiling effect and more than 200-fold higher sensitivity for detecting a measurable yearly disability progression (i.e., median progression slope of 8.13 relative to minimum detectable change of 0.25) than Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) with a median yearly progression slope of 0.071 that is lower than the minimal measurable change on EDSS of 0.5. Interpretation NeurEx can be used as a highly sensitive outcome measure in neuroimmunology. The App can be easily modified for use in other areas of neurology and it can bridge private practice practitioners to academic centers in multicenter research studies.
A method for analyzing inpatient care variability through physicians' orders.

Abstract Objective Administrators assess care variability through chart review or cost variability to inform care standardization efforts. Chart review is costly and cost variability is imprecise. This study explores the potential of physician orders as an alternative measure of care variability. Materials & methods The authors constructed an order variability metric from adult Vanderbilt University Hospital patients treated between 2013 and 2016. The study compared how well a cost variability model predicts variability in the length of stay compared to an order variability model. Both models adjusted for covariates such as severity of illness, comorbidities, and hospital transfers. Results The order variability model significantly minimized the Akaike information criterion (superior outcome) compared to the cost variability model. This result also held when excluding patients who received intensive care. Conclusion Order variability can potentially typify care variability better than cost variability. Order variability is a scalable metric, calculable during the course of care.
Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics: Shale Gas, Tight Oil, and Induced Seismicity

Since the beginning of the US shale gas revolution in 2005, the development of unconventional oil and gas resources has gathered tremendous pace around the world. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the key geologic, geophysical, and engineering principles that govern the development of unconventional reservoirs. The book begins with a detailed characterization of unconventional reservoir rocks: their composition and microstructure, mechanical properties, and the processes controlling fault slip and fluid flow. A discussion of geomechanical principles follows, including the state of stress, pore pressure, and the importance of fractures and faults. After reviewing the fundamentals of horizontal drilling, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and stimulation of slip on pre-existing faults, the key factors impacting hydrocarbon production are explored. The final chapters cover environmental impacts and how to mitigate hazards associated with induced seismicity. This text provides an essential overview for students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in unconventional reservoirs.
Defossilization: A Review of 3D Printing in Experimental Paleontology

3D printing has made it possible to recreate, actuate, and modify replicas of ancient life in transformative ways— revolutionizing studies of ancient life. While 3D printing has previously been emphasized as an educational tool in paleontology, it has also created a wide array of experimental opportunities previously unavailable to investigators. Although 3D printing has been used extensively for experimental studies in many STEM fields, the biases of the fossil record and constraints of the fossilization process create unique challenges for paleontological studies. Here, we outline a guide for using this technology for experimental paleontology: from designing a virtual model to choosing the most effective printing material—highlighting successful employment of these methods by previous investigators. As it can be challenging to adopt new methods in a meaningful way, we hope that this paper will serve as a useful tool for current and future paleontologists who seek to apply these techniques.
cube2net: Efficient Query-Specific Network Construction with Data Cube Organization

Networks are widely used to model objects with interactions and have enabled various downstream applications. However, in the real world, network mining is often done on particular query sets of objects, which does not require the construction and computation of networks including all objects in the datasets. In this work, for the first time, we propose to address the problem of query-specific network construction, to break the efficiency bottlenecks of existing network mining algorithms and facilitate various downstream tasks. To deal with real-world massive networks with complex attributes, we propose to leverage the well-developed data cube technology to organize network objects w.r.t their essential attributes. An efficient reinforcement learning algorithm is then developed to automatically explore the data cube structures and construct the optimal query-specific networks. With extensive experiments of two classic network mining tasks on different real-world large datasets, we show that our proposed cube2net pipeline is general, and much more effective and efficient in query-specific network construction, compared with other methods without the leverage of data cube or reinforcement learning.
Cadaveric Simulation of Endoscopic Endonasal Procedures: Analysis of Droplet Splatter Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ObjectiveThe primary mode of viral transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is thought to occur through the spread of respiratory droplets. The objective of this...
Clinical efficacy of the over-the-scope clip device: A systematic review

Background The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system has been increasingly utilized as a non-surgical option to endoscopically manage refractory gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, perforations/luminal defects and fistulas. Limited data exist evaluating the efficacy and safety of OTSC. Aim To determine the clinical success and adverse event (AE) rates of OTSC across all GI indications. Methods A PubMed search was conducted for eligible articles describing the application of the OTSC system for any indication in the GI tract. Any article or case series reporting data for less than 5 total patients was excluded. The primary outcome was the rate of clinical success. Secondary outcomes included: Technical success rate, OTSC-related AE rate and requirement for surgical intervention despite-OTSC placement. Pooled rates (per-indication and overall) were calculated as the number of patients with the event of interest divided by the total number of patients. Results A total of 85 articles met our inclusion criteria (n = 3025 patients). OTSC was successfully deployed in 94.4% of patients (n = 2856/3025). The overall rate of clinical success (all indications) was 78.4% (n = 2371/3025). Per-indication clinical success rates were as follows: (1) 86.0% (1120/1303) for GI hemorrhage; (2) 85.3% (399/468) for perforation; (3) 55.8% (347/622) for fistulae; (4) 72.6% (284/391) for anastomotic leaks; (5) 92.8% (205/221) for defect closure following endoscopic resection (e.g., following endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection); and (6) 80.0% (16/20) for stent fixation. AE's related to the deployment of OTSC were only reported in 64 of 85 studies (n = 1942 patients), with an overall AE rate of 2.1% (n = 40/1942). Salvage surgical intervention was required in 4.7% of patients (n = 143/3025). Conclusion This systematic review demonstrates that the OTSC system is a safe and effective endoscopic therapy to manage GI hemorrhage, perforations, anastomotic leaks, defects created by endoscopic resections and for stent fixation. Clinical success in fistula management appears limited. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials comparing OTSC with conventional and/or surgical therapies, are needed to determine which indication(s) are the most effective for its use.
Outcomes Among Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices Receiving Maintenance Outpatient Hemodialysis: A Case Series.

Rationale & Objective The incidence of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as destination therapy for heart failure is increasing and kidney failure requiring maintenance hemodialysis is a common complication. Because little is known about the safety or efficacy of outpatient hemodialysis among patients with LVADs, this study sought to describe their clinical course. Study Design Case series of patients with an LVAD undergoing maintenance outpatient hemodialysis whose clinical data were obtained from an electronic medical record. Setting & Participants Adults who received an LVAD, survived to hospital discharge, and were subsequently treated with maintenance hemodialysis by a not-for-profit dialysis provider between 2011 and 2019. Results 11 patients were included. 6 had a known history of chronic kidney disease. Patients underwent outpatient hemodialysis for a mean duration of 165.2 (range, 31-542) days, during which they were treated with 544 total dialysis sessions. 6 of these sessions were stopped early due to dialysis-related adverse events (1.1%). More than 80% of follow-up time was spent out of the hospital; however, 55% of patients were rehospitalized within 1 month of starting outpatient hemodialysis. The most common reason for hospitalization was infection (32%), followed by hypervolemia (14%), and cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack (11%). 4 patients recovered kidney function, 1 underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation, 2 continued treatment, 2 died, and 2 were lost to follow-up. Limitations Retrospective design, small number of cases, and lack of complete follow-up data. Conclusions Approximately half the patients with complete follow-up either recovered kidney function or underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation. This case series demonstrates that outpatient hemodialysis centers, in partnership with LVAD treatment teams, can successfully provide hemodialysis to patients on LVAD support.
Positron emission tomography objective parameters for assessment of left ventricular assist device infection using 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a life-saving therapy, but it poses a substantial infection risk. Current evaluation of LVAD infection with 18F-FDG PET/CT is predominately subjective. We present qualitative and semi-quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters for early detection of LVAD infection and site localization. We retrospectively reviewed all 25 LVAD patients at our institution who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging between 2014 and 2018. LVADs were subdivided into five assessed regions: driveline exit site, subcutaneous driveline, LVAD pump, LVAD inflow, and LVAD outflow cannulae. Ultimate diagnosis of LVAD infection was determined by a multidisciplinary primary care team. Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of PET/CT data were performed, including calculation of the standardized uptake value maximum, mean, and peak (SUVmax, SUVmean, and SUVpeak, respectively), as well as metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). A total of 14 patients presented with symptoms of infection, and LVAD infection was ultimately diagnosed in 19 of the 25 cases. All cases were correctly identified on 18F-FDG PET/CT with no false positive and no false negative cases, corresponding to a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The mean SUVmax range at noninfected sites was 2.5-3.4, and the range was 5.7-8.1 at infected sites, resulting in a significant difference (P < 0.01) at all LVAD regions. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a useful adjunctive tool for assessment of LVAD infection and infection localization, which is crucial for clinical management. A cut-off SUVmax 5 is recommended to help diagnose LVAD infection.
Message-Passing De-Quantization With Applications to Compressed Sensing

Estimation of a vector from quantized linear measurements is a common problem for which simple linear techniques are suboptimal-sometimes greatly so. This paper develops message-passing de-quantization (MPDQ) algorithms for minimum mean-squared error estimation of a random vector from quantized linear measurements, notably allowing the linear expansion to be overcomplete or undercomplete and the scalar quantization to be regular or non-regular. The algorithm is based on generalized approximate message passing (GAMP), a recently-developed Gaussian approximation of loopy belief propagation for estimation with linear transforms and nonlinear componentwise-separable output channels. For MPDQ, scalar quantization of measurements is incorporated into the output channel formalism, leading to the first tractable and effective method for high-dimensional estimation problems involving non-regular scalar quantization. The algorithm is computationally simple and can incorporate arbitrary separable priors on the input vector including sparsity-inducing priors that arise in the context of compressed sensing. Moreover, under the assumption of a Gaussian measurement matrix with i.i.d. entries, the asymptotic error performance of MPDQ can be accurately predicted and tracked through a simple set of scalar state evolution equations. We additionally use state evolution to design MSE-optimal scalar quantizers for MPDQ signal reconstruction and empirically demonstrate the superior error performance of the resulting quantizers. In particular, our results show that non-regular quantization can greatly improve rate-distortion performance in some problems with oversampling or with undersampling combined with a sparsity-inducing prior.
Gestationally-Dependent Immune Organization at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

The immune system and placenta have a dynamic relationship across gestation to accommodate fetal growth and development. High-resolution characterization of this maternal- fetal interface is necessary to better understand the immunology of pregnancy and its complications. We developed a single-cell framework to simultaneously immuno-phenotype circulating, endovascular, and tissue-resident cells at the maternal-fetal interface throughout gestation, discriminating maternal and fetal contributions. Our data reveal distinct immune profiles across the endovascular and tissue compartments with tractable dynamics throughout gestation that respond to a systemic immune challenge in a gestationally-dependent manner. We uncover that mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils drive the temporal immune composition of the placenta with remarkably diverse populations, including PD-L1-expressing subsets having compartmental and early gestational bias. Our approach and accompanying datasets provide a resource for additional investigations into gestational immunology and evoke a more significant role for the innate immune system in establishing the microenvironment of early pregnancy. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/449807v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (56K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@6235corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@fba572org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12b0af4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@dc44da_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Manufacturing Stable Bacteriophage Powders by Including Buffer System in Formulations and Using Thin Film Freeze-drying Technology

Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has re-gained attention lately given the ever-increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistance ‘super-bugs’. To develop therapeutic phage into clinically usable drug products, the strategy of solidifying phage formulations has been implemented to diversify the dosage forms and to overcome the storage condition limitations for liquid phage formulations. In our work, we hypothesize and tested that an advanced technology, thin film freeze-drying (TFFD), can be used to produce phage containing dry powders without significantly losing phage viability. Here we selected T7 phage as our model phage in a preliminary screening study. We found that a binary excipient matrix of sucrose and leucine at ratios of 90:10 or 75:25 by weight, protected phage from the stresses encountered during the TFFD process. In addition, we confirmed that incorporating a buffer system in the formulation significantly improved the survival of phage during the initial freezing step and subsequent sublimation step in the solidifying processes. The titer loss of phage in SM buffer (Tris/NaCl/MgSO4) containing formulation was as low as 0.19 log plaque forming units, which indicated that phage function was well preserved after the TFFD process. The presence of buffers markedly reduced the geometric particle sizes as determined by a dry dispersion method using laser diffraction, which indicated that the TFFD phage powder formulations were easily sheared into smaller powder aggregates, an ideal property for facilitating a variety of topical drug delivery routes including pulmonary delivery through dry powder inhalers, nebulization after reconstitution, and intranasal or wound therapy, etc. From these findings, we show that introducing buffer system can stabilize phage during dehydration processes, and TFFD, as a novel particle engineering method, can successfully produce phage containing powders that possess the desired properties for bioactivity and potentially for inhalation therapy.
From Pixels to Animation: An Introduction to Graphics Programming

Graphics hardware the Borland graphics interface text in graphics mode MicroSoft graphics graphs and charts colour models and programming colours the BIOS graphics interface SVGA programming creating your own graphics primitives filling primitives animation linear transformations in graphics ray tracing fractals.
Structure-Function Analysis of Serologically Selected Cell Lines Expressing Mutant A β k Polypeptides

A panel of twleve mutant A β k expressing cell lines has been produced from a mutagenized B cell hybridoma using a protocol of negative and positive immunoselection. Each of the serologically-defined epitopes on the A β k polypeptide has been altered in one or more of the mutant cell lines. Immunoselection techniques have been used to select also for secondary mutations in some cell lines, resulting either in reversion to the wild-type or near wild-type phenotype or in the alteration of additional A β k serologic epitopes. Characterization of the ability of the mutant cell lines to stimulate antigen and alloantigen-reactive T cell hybridomas has shown that they display distinct functional phenotypes ranging from nearly wild-type to almost completely defective. DNA sequence analysis of the A β k gene cloned from each mutant cell line has revealed the structural basis for the mutant serologic and functional phenotypes. To date, each β chain mutant has been found to have a single amino acid substitution (resulting from a single nucleotide substitution) in the β1 domain. The substitutions are clustered in or near the third allelicly-defined variable region of the Aβ polypeptide (residues 61–70). These results indicate that this region of the Aβ polypeptide comprises multiple serologically defined epitopes. Furthermore, specific residues within this region appear to be important for effective T cell activation.
Optimization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell catalyst layer with bidirectionally-graded composition

Abstract The catalyst layer (CL) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is comprised of multiple constituent materials including platinum catalyst, carbon support and ionomer. The loading and spatial distribution of these materials must be optimized to improve fuel cell performance and reduce cost. In this study, the CL composition is optimized simultaneously in both the in-plane and through-thickness directions for the first time. An improved agglomerate approach is employed within a 2D cathode model and optimal CL constituent (Pt, C, and ionomer) distributions are obtained to maximize the current density under different operating regimes. The optimum distributions are found to depend significantly on the operating regime, with regions of high constituent loading located in the high reaction-rate zones. In comparison to unidirectional grading (either in the in-plane or through-thickness direction), higher performance is obtained with a bidirectionally-graded CL composition. We also conducted two-component optimization by considering the joint distributions of Pt with Nafion®, and C with Nafion®. Higher performance improvements are obtained for two-component optimization.
Managing Accountability Innovations in Distance-Learning Programs

Accountability is a complex process in any organizational learning experience and even more so in distance-learning environments. Some of the complications include issues of measuring performance, using authentic assessments, meeting performance-based standards, and integrating all with distance-learning technologies. This paper describes online-accountability innovations used in distance-learning programs and how these online tools help students provide evidence of their readiness for educational-leadership positions.
Object modeling and matching from multi-view ground images for automated Mars rover localization

This paper presents an innovative method for object modeling and matching from multi-view ground images for automated Mars rover localization. In this method, rocks are first extracted from a selection of 3D ground points that are generated from dense matching. The extracted rocks are then modeled using analytical surfaces such as ellipsoids, hemispheres, cones, and tetrahedrons. The extracted rocks of two rover stations are matched through a robust algorithm that matches the geometric configuration patterns of the rocks from the two stations using an improved Hough transform technique, followed by a heuristic refinement. Finally, peaks of the matched rocks serve as cross-site tie points in bundle adjustment of the rover image network. Experiments conducted using Navcam images acquired from the 2003 Mars Exploration Rover mission have demonstrated that the proposed method is capable of selecting cross-site tie points for two rover stations that are 26 m apart. The issues of integration of visual odometry with bundle-adjustment are also briefly discussed.
Multiple Lysozymes of Duck Egg White

Abstract Lysozyme was purified from a pooled sample of Peking duck egg whites by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Three different lysozymes were found, and each was shown to be pure by several criteria. The three enzymes were like chicken lysozyme in molecular size and specific activity, although they could be distinguished from it, as well as from one another, by electrophoretic and immunological criteria. The three duck enzymes were shown to be very similar to one another on the basis of amino acid composition (in particular, all lacked histidine) and immunological tests. Lysozyme was then partially purified from 44 individual duck egg whites and subjected to starch gel electrophoresis at pH 5.3, at which the three different lysozymes are readily distinguishable from each other. Each individual egg white contained either any one of the three lysozymes alone or a combination of any two of them. No single egg white contained all three duck lysozymes. The frequency of the six different phenotypes, as well as the marked similarity of the three enzymes to one another, leads us to suggest the existence of three alleles at one locus in the duck population which we examined.
Exploiting Recurring Usage Patterns to Enhance Filesystem and Memory Subsystem Performance

In many cases, normal uses of a system form patterns that will repeat. The most common patterns can be collected into a prediction model which will essentially predict that usage patterns common in the past will occur again in the future. Systems can then use the prediction models to provide advance notice to their implementations about how they are likely to be used in the near future. This technique creates opportunities to enhance system implementation performance since implementations can be better prepared to handle upcoming usage.
American trypanosomiasis. I. Clinical and epidemiologic background of Chagas' disease in the United States.

Summary Most United States physicians are likely to think of American trypanosomiasis as a remote and dramatic tropical illness. Accumulated evidence suggests that it is quite likely to occur in certain areas of this country as a rather nondescript, self-limiting, or even lethal febrile disease of infants. For the physician puzzled by an infant with an obscure febrile illness, the most important single clue to Chagas' disease is a history of home infestation by, and bites from, triatomiid bugs. In such a situation, a vigorous effort should be made to demonstrate T. cruzi in the patient's blood; if this effort fails, other diagnostic procedures are described which may prove effective.
Prediction by regression and intrarange data scatter in surface-process studies

Modeling is a major component of contemporary earth science, and regression analysis occupies a central position in the parameterization, calibration, and validation of geomorphic and hydrologic models. Although this methodology can be used in many ways, we are primarily concerned with the prediction of values for one variable from another variable. Examination of the literature reveals considerable inconsistency in the presentation of the results of regression analysis and the occurrence of patterns in the scatter of data points about the regression line. Both circumstances confound utilization and evaluation of the models. Statisticians are well aware of various problems associated with the use of regression analysis and offer improved practices; often, however, their guidelines are not followed. After a review of the aforementioned circumstances and until standard criteria for model evaluation become established, we recommend, as a minimum, inclusion of scatter diagrams, the standard error of the estimate, and sample size in reporting the results of regression analyses for most surface-process studies.
Digital Design Fundamentals

Introduction to digital systems number systems boolean and switching algebra gates and the design of switching circuits sequential circuits asynchronous sequential circuits pulse-mode or multiply clocked sequential circuits special topics of switching theory large-scale system design.
Mechanisms behind adhesive erythrocytes in sickle‐cell disease

Erythrocytes containing primarily hemoglobin S (SS RBCs) are abnormally adherent to a number of ligands, including normal constituents of the extracellular matrix as well as those present on the surfaces of other blood cells and endothelial cells. However, SS RBCs are not really very different from normal (AA) RBCs, except that they are younger. In general, they express the same range of adhesion receptors, and the levels of expression of these receptors, although increased in some cases, are not sufficient to explain the difference between the adhesivity of SS and AA RBCs. However, SS RBCs have activated adhesion receptors, and the signaling pathways responsible for this activation are also upregulated in SS RBCs. In addition, SS RBCs convey different extracellular signals, which are also likely to affect their adhesion to other blood cells and endothelial cells. Together, SS RBCs induce cell–cell interactions mediated by the B-CAM/LU, ICAM4 (LW), CD44 (In), CD47, α4β1 integrin, and CD36 adhesion molecules on SS RBCs with target ligands on leukocytes and endothelial cells. Other, as yet unidentified cell surface moieties on SS RBCs are probably also responsible for SS RBC interactions with P-selectin. Interestingly, at least some of these RBC adhesion receptors may also mediate adhesion and adverse physiologic events in the setting of transfusion of stored normal RBCs. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind SS RBC adhesion may offer opportunities for improving both therapy of sickle-cell disease as well as transfusion practices.
Renal Cortical Scintigraphy and Diuresis Renography in Infants and Children

Renal scintigraphy is performed frequently in infants and children. Renal cortical scintigraphy using 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid is predominantly performed to assess the renal sequelae of urinary tract infection. It is most commonly performed for the evaluation of chronic renal scars, although it is also undertaken in the assessment of acute pyelonephritis. Diuresis renography using 99mTc mercaptoacetyltriglycine is of great use in the evaluation of renal tract obstruction, which may occur at a variety of levels, but most commonly occurs at the ureteropelvic junction. Consensus statements have been formulated in an attempt to standardize methods of performing these investigations. However, several areas of controversy exist in the performance of these studies, and these are outlined. Radionuclide cystography and renal function estimation using clearance calculations are not covered in this article.