cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Maximal" thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Surgical anatomy and operative technique.

Removal of all thymic tissue is the goal of surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis. In this report we describe an operation that predictably achieves that goal in most patients. The results of surgical-anatomic studies in 50 consecutive specimens obtained by this technique indicate that an en bloc transcervical-transsternal "maximal" thymectomy is required to ensure removal of all available thymus in all patients. This procedure is recommended for all patients undergoing thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis with or without thymoma and in the treatment of thymoma with or without myasthenia gravis.
Why So Few New Cardiovascular Drugs Translate to the Clinics.

There are multiple reasons for the failure to successfully translate new drugs to the clinics. One reason, noted by others, is the lack of reproducibility of studies and the problems with accuracy and rigor. However, another reason for translational failure has not been emphasized by others, that is, the lack of state-of-the-art cardiovascular measurements, because of effects of anesthesia, lack of direct measurements of cardiovascular function, and problems of species differences. In part, this is because of the impact of molecular medicine on traditional physiology, which not only affects priority for publication in top-tier journals, but also funding priorities for National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections, resulting in the closure of almost all cardiovascular physiology laboratories, leaving the cardiovascular physiology in many molecular publications to incidental data that are not peer-reviewed and in many cases are inaccurate. It is the plea of this Viewpoint to correct this deficiency in expertise in our scientific community, a project with no simple solutions. It is widely recognized that relatively few cardiovascular therapeutic modalities are emerging from the plethora of studies in genetically altered mouse models over the past quarter century, for example, the success rate for new drug development projects in Phase II trials fell from 28% to 18%.1 The most popular explanation for this decline has been the irreproducibility of data, in that only in 20% to 25% of projects repeated in industry were the data completely in line with what was in the literature, often because published data were incorrect.1 The current Viewpoint offers a novel reason for failure of translation, that is, the difficulties, limitations, and errors in studying cardiovascular physiology in the 21st century. The goal of this Viewpoint is not to dwell on papers with false or inaccurate data, but rather to offer other reasons …
Ligand Optimization by Improving Shape Complementarity at a Hepatitis C Virus RNA Target

Crystal structure analysis revealed key interactions of a 2-amino-benzimidazole viral translation inhibitor that captures an elongated conformation of an RNA switch target in the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we have designed and synthesized quinazoline derivatives with improved shape complementarity at the ligand binding site of the viral RNA target. A spiro-cyclopropyl modification aimed at filling a pocket in the back of the RNA binding site led to a 5-fold increase of ligand affinity while a slightly more voluminous dimethyl substitution at the same position did not improve binding. We demonstrate that precise shape complementarity based solely on hydrophobic interactions contributes significantly to ligand binding even at a hydrophilic RNA target site such as the HCV IRES conformational switch.
How Medical Marijuana Smoothed the Transition to Marijuana Legalization in the United States.

Public support for legalizing marijuana use increased from 25% in 1995 to 60% in 2016, rising in lockstep with support for same-sex marriage. Between November 2012 and November 2016, voters in eight states passed ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana sales for nonmedical purposes—covering one-fifth of the US population. These changes are unprecedented but are not independent of the changes in medical marijuana laws that have occurred over the past 20 years. This article suggests five ways in which the passage and implementation of medical marijuana laws smoothed the transition to nonmedical legalization in the United States: (a) They demonstrated the efficacy of using voter initiatives to change marijuana supply laws, (b) enabled the psychological changes needed to destabilize the “war on drugs” policy stasis, (c) generated an evidence base that could be used to downplay concerns about nonmedical legalization, (d) created a visible and active marijuana industry, and (e) revealed that the federal govern...
Formative Assessments: A Law School Case Study

Several empirical studies have shown that formative assessment improves student learning. We build on those studies by reporting the results of a natural experiment at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Students in one of three first-year sections had the opportunity to complete a formative assessment in their spring-semester Constitutional Law course. The assessment consisted of an essay question that the professor had used on a prior exam. Students who submitted an essay answer received prompt, extensive written feedback; they also had the chance to discuss their answer with the professor. Over the course of three years, about half of the students enrolled in the section took advantage of the formative assessment. Those students achieved significantly higher grades on the final exam even though the assessment score did not factor into their course grade. Notably, students receiving this formative feedback also secured a significantly higher GPA in their other spring-semester classes. Both of these effects persisted after controlling for LSAT score, UGPA, gender, race, and fall-semester grades. These controls helped reduce any effect of selection bias on our findings. In addition to exploring these relationships between formative assessment and academic achievement, we discuss several race and gender effects that emerged in our analyses. Women, for example, were significantly more likely than men to complete the formative assessment. Women also received significantly higher grades than men in a spring-semester course on Legal Analysis and Writing; men, conversely, received significantly higher grades than women in a Legislation course. A race effect, meanwhile, emerged for students with LSAT scores at or above the school median: Among those students, nonwhite students who completed the formative assessment achieved significantly higher grades in Constitutional Law than white students who submitted the same exercise. All of these relationships deserve further empirical study. In particular, our results suggest the importance of examining the transfer effects of formative feedback, gender differences in law school learning, and paths for improving the academic experience of minority students.
Leisure-time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Older People: The Influence of Sport Involvement on Behaviour Patterns in Later Life

Given the dramatic demographic change underway in most industrialized nations, the health of older adults is a major concern, particularly given the prevalence of sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity among ageing populations. Researchers have suggested sport participation in later life promotes other health-related behaviours, however, these relationships are poorly understood. It is possible for individuals to be classified as sufficiently active and still spend most of their day involved in sedentary pursuits. Moreover, there is little information on older sport participants’ use of time compared to leisurely active or inactive peers and whether type of physical activity involvement is associated with differences in older adults’ behaviour patterns. With this in mind, data from 1,723 respondents (65 years and older) who completed the sport module of the 2010 Canadian General Social Survey–Time Use were used to investigate the influence of physical activity involvement (competitive sport vs. non-competitive sport vs. physically active leisure vs. inactivity) on time spent in leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Results indicated that competitive sport participants spent less time engaging in sedentary behaviours compared to the physically active leisure or inactive respondents; however, sport participants (both competitive and non-competitive) also spent less time engaging in leisure-time physical activities than the physically active leisure group. Implications of these findings to assumptions related to the activity levels of older sport participants, suggestions for future research, and considerations for sport-related interventions aimed at enhancing health in older adulthood are discussed.
Cognitive and Behavioral Regulation of Pain: The Facilitative Effects of Analgesic Suggestions

This study investigated the effects of analgesic suggestions on tolerance of noxious stimulation measured by cold pressor test. Seventy-two people who volunteered for this project were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: Group 1 received Kanfer’s verbal/symbolic intervention with analgesic suggestions. Group 2 received verbal/symbolic treatment with neutral suggestions. Group 3 received Lamaze breathing relaxation with analgesic suggestions. Group 4 received breathing relaxation with neutral suggestions. Group 5 (control) received biofeedback instructions with analgesic suggestions; and Group 6 (control) received biofeedback instructions with neutral suggestions. Measures of hand immersion duration and subjective discomfort ratings were obtained on pre- and postassessment schedules. Results indicated that duration of hand immersion increased significantly in verbal/symbolic-analgesic suggestions, verbal/symbolic-neutral suggestions, and Lamaze breathing/relaxation-analgesic suggestions groups. Results indicated that analgesic suggestions enhanced significantly the pain-coping effects of verbal/symbolic and breathing/relaxation.
Survival impact of pre-treatment neutrophils on oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) represents an array of disease processes with a generally unfavorable prognosis. Inflammation plays an important role in tumor development and response to therapy. We performed a retrospective analysis of HNSCC patients to explore the relationship of the lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), local control (LC) and distant control (DC). All patients received definitive treatment for cancers of the oropharynx or larynx between 2006–2015. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were collected pre-, during-, and post-treatment. The correlations of patient, tumor, and biological factors to OS, CSS, LC and DC were assessed. 196 patients met our inclusion criteria; 171 patients were Stage III or IV. Median follow-up was 2.7 years. A higher neutrophil count at all treatment time points was predictive of poor OS with the pre-treatment neutrophil count and overall neutrophil nadir additionally predictive of DC. Higher pre-treatment and overall NLR correlated to worse OS and DC, respectively. A higher pre-treatment neutrophil count correlates to poor OS, CSS and DC. Lymphocyte counts were not found to impact survival or tumor control. Higher pre-treatment NLR is prognostic of poor OS.
Satellite observations of sediment transport patterns in the Lac Saint-Pierre region of the St. Lawrence River

Satellite data from Landsats 4 and 5 were utilized to delineate the seasonal variations of sediment transport zones in the Lac Saint-Pierre region of the St. Lawrence River corridor. A seasonally cyclic succession of patterns displaying persistent, mutually independent, and extensive (in both space and time) turbidity zones was clearly in evidence. Visible and thermal data in both imagery and digital formats were used to show the close relationships existing among the distinct zonal synoptic patterns, the bathymetry of lake and river, and the near surface aquatic temperatures.
MothSutra: For Bicycle Delivery Men – translating across dual nations, cultures, and languages

AbstractThis essay examines Mothsutra: For Bicycle Delivery Men, a visual composite poetic work in English with illustrations by Chinese American writer, Russell C. Leong, translated into Chinese by Xinqiu Xie. Leong and Xie describe and critique the nature of cross-cultural translation that embodies three dimensions: that of nation (US and China), culture (immigrant working class), and language (English and Chinese).
Detection of human DNA adducts by 32P-postlabeling.

Humans are exposed to a wide variety of genotoxic and tumorpromoting agents in their environment. These may occur as individual carcinogens such as certain aromatic amines or hydrocarbons in occupational settings, or as incompletely defined complex mixtures such as cigarette smoke. The important role of tumor promoters in multistage carcinogenesis of experimental animals and humans (Pitot, 1986) is documented by many lines of evidence, but no practical end-point has been developed for the biomonitoring of human exposure to tumor promoters. On the other hand, most known human carcinogens are tumor initiators, and fortunately, a number of sensitive assays have been developed over the past 10–15 years to measure the formation of covalent addition products (adducts) of DNA, a key event in tumor initiation. Some of the assays, such as 32P-postlabeling, allow one to monitor activities of unidentified carcinogens and carcinogen mixtures at the target site (DNA), a feature that is particularly important for assessing human carcinogen exposure. Assays for DNA adducts are currently acquiring an increasingly significant role in the identification of environmental carcinogens and in the estimation of their role played in the causation of human cancer. This article reviews the current status of the 32P-postlabeling assay and its application to human exposures.
"Family Social For-Profit Enterprises: Integrating Family, Community and Market Logics"

Family enterprises are a long-standing and pervasive organizational form. The recent emergence of social for-profit enterprise (SFP) legal structures offers new options for incorporation to family ...
Vehicle Accessibility: Association with Novice Teen Driving Conditions

Novice teen drivers have disproportionally elevated crash rate compared to older drivers’. The high crash rate among novices is generally attributed to multiple risk factors, including driving inexperience, young age, risky driving behavior, vehicle accessibility, time of day, and driving with teenage passengers. The current naturalistic driving study with novice-teenagers evaluated the associations between vehicle accessibility (primary or shared) and driving conditions. Of 83 study participants 55 had primary vehicle access. Teens who shared a vehicle drove 22% more miles with an adult passenger in the vehicle compared to teens with primary vehicle access. Primary vehicle access was significantly associated with increased driving exposure (i.e. number of trips and miles driven) and driving with teen passengers. Driving with an adult present is protective, while greater exposure and driving with teenage passengers are known risk factors. Our findings indicate that primary vehicle access increases exposure overall and to driving with teen passengers, thereby increasing crash risk.
Polysomnography-Detected Bruxism in Children is Associated With Somatic Complaints But Not Anxiety.

Study Objectives:Sleep bruxism (SB) is common in children and is associated with somatic symptoms and sleep disturbance. Etiological theories posit the role of anxiety, suggesting youth with anxiet...
Two Ways of Being for an End

Five times in the extant corpus, Aristotle refers to a distinction between two ways of being a ‘that for the sake of which’ that he sometimes marks by using genitive and dative pronouns. Commentators almost universally say that this is the distinction between an aim ( hou heneka + genitive) and beneficiary ( hou heneka + dative). I propose that Aristotle had a quite different distinction in mind, namely: (a) that which holds between something and the aim or objective it is in the business of producing or achieving, and (b) that which holds between some instrument and the user of that instrument.
Adjuvant enzalutamide (Enza) for men with non-metastatic high-risk prostate cancer (HRPCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

88Background: Management of HRPCa is a clinical challenge. Novel AR inhibitors could potentially impact outcome in HRPCa men following RP. We conducted a phase II study evaluating the efficacy/safety of Enza in men with HRPCa following RP. Methods: HRPCa pts (≥pT3a, GS≥8, iPSA ≥20 ng/mL, +ve lymph nodes (LN), or ≥35% chance of biochemical recurrence (BCR) at 5 yrs based on MSKCC’s nomogram) with undetectable PSA within 3 months from RP were eligible. Enza 160mg PO daily was given in 28-day cycles until disease progression, intolerability, consent withdrawal, or study completion at 24 months. Accrual goal was N=40 to provide 80% power to detect a 75% decrease in the risk of BCR from historical 55% rate. BCR was defined as PSA ≥0.2ng/mL on 2 consecutive lab results or any PSA rise that resulted in subsequent therapy. Results: 42 men enrolled. Median age 59 (range 43-70), based on biopsy 45% were GS7; 36% GS8, 19% GS9. 76% men had cT1, 24% cT2, median iPSA was 8.2 (range 2-77). On prostatectomy pathology: 50...
Evangelical Christian Crisis Responses to Same-Sex Sex Scandals

This research examines the crisis responses of four evangelical leaders (Paul Crouch, Ted Haggard, Lonnie Latham, and Eddie Long) involved in same-sex sex scandals by comparing their responses agai...
Conclusions and Future Research Directions

There has been tremendous work in the field of HC, and it’s not possible to cover everything. In this book, we discussed about various problems that are associated with LSHC along with different approaches to solve it. Specifically, two of the chapters are devoted to discuss in detail about hierarchical inconsistencies and feature selection problems. We also discussed about the MTL learning paradigm that leverages multiple hierarchies classifying the similar types of data. Overall, our main intention in this book was to provide comprehensive overview about the LSHC literature that we believe would be helpful for the readers with intermediate expertise in data mining having a background in classification (supervised learning). We have put an extra effort to present the contents in as simplistic manner as possible, providing examples and figures whenever we felt it would be helpful in understanding the concepts. We hope that readers enjoyed reading this book and gained substantial knowledge about advancements in LSHC field.
M-PCM-OFFD: An effective output statistics estimation method for systems of high dimensional uncertainties subject to low-order parameter interactions

Abstract The evaluation of output performance statistics for systems of high-dimensional uncertain input parameters is crucial for robust real-time decision-making tasks of large-scale complex systems that operate in an uncertain environment. We develop a framework that integrates Multivariate Probabilistic Collocation Method (M-PCM) and Orthogonal Fractional Factorial Design (OFFD) to achieve an effective and scalable output statistics estimation. In this paper, we prove that when the degree of each uncertain parameter does not exceed 3 and under the widely held assumption for high-dimensional systems that the interactions among uncertain input parameters are negligible beyond certain order, the integrated M-PCM–OFFD method breaks the curse of dimensionality for correct output mean estimation by maximally reducing the number of simulations from 2 2 m to 2 log 2 ( m + 1 ) for a system mapping of m uncertain input parameters. In addition, the resulting reduced-size simulation set is the most robust to numerical truncation errors of simulators among all subsets of the same size in the M-PCM simulation set. The analysis also provides new insightful formal interpretations of the optimality of OFFDs.
Ion Trapping, Storage, and Ejection in Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations

A new Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) module, having electrode arrays patterned on a pair of parallel printed circuit boards (PCB), was constructed and utilized to investigate capabilities for ion trapping at a pressure of 4 Torr. Positive ions were confined by application of RF voltages to a series of inner rung electrodes with alternating phase on adjacent electrodes, in conjunction with positive DC potentials on surrounding guard electrodes on each PCB. An axial DC field was also introduced by stepwise varying the DC potentials applied to the inner rung electrodes to control the ion transport and accumulation inside the ion trapping region. We show that ions can be trapped and accumulated with up to 100% efficiency, stored for at least 5 h with no significant losses, and then could be rapidly ejected from the SLIM trap. The present results provide a foundation for the development of much more complex SLIM devices that facilitate extended ion manipulations.
High $k_{t}^{2}$ Exceeding 6.4% Through Metal Frames in Aluminum Nitride 2-D Mode Resonators

This work describes a new method to enhance the electromechanical coupling coefficient ( $k_{t}^{2}$ ) of 2-D mode resonators (2DMRs). This approach exploits the multimodal excitation of different Lamb waves to achieve a quasi-uniform vertical displacement distribution in the electrode regions of 2DMRs. To do so, the 2DMRs reported in this work rely on the use of metal frame structures placed at the edges of each metal strip forming the electrode gratings. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this new technique in enhancing $k_{t}^{2}$ , we report the design and simulated performance through the finite-element methods of a 2.5-GHz 2DMR using metal frames. Our analysis proves that this device can simultaneously exhibit high $k_{t}^{2}$ in excess of 6.4% and wide lithographic frequency tunability in excess of 10%, thus approaching the reported performance of aluminum nitride (AlN) film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) operating within the same frequency range.
Predictive Models Using Neural Networks

One of the most powerful predictive analytics techniques is neural network. The concept of the neural network is over fifty years old, but it is recent advance in computing speed, memory, and data storage that have enabled their more current widespread use. In this chapter, a variety of different neural network architectures will be described. Next, an analysis of how to optimize and evaluate neural networks will be presented, followed by using a decision tree to show how to describe a neural network. Finally, multiple neural networks will be applied to the automobile insurance data set to determine which neural network provides the best-fit model.
Intravenous infusion of iPSC-derived neural precursor cells increases acid β-glucosidase function in the brain and lessens the neuronopathic phenotype in a mouse model of Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by GBA1 mutations leading to functional deficiency of acid-β-glucosidase (GCase). No effective treatment is available for neuronopathic GD (nGD). A subclass of neural stem and precursor cells (NPCs) expresses VLA4 (integrin α4β1, very late antigen-4) that facilitates NPC entry into the brain following intravenous (IV) infusion. Here, the therapeutic potential of IV VLA4+NPCs was assessed for nGD using wild-type mouse green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive multipotent induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived VLA4+NPCs. VLA4+NPCs successfully engrafted in the nGD (4L;C*) mouse brain. GFP-positive cells differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brainstem, midbrain and thalamus of the transplanted mice and significantly improved sensorimotor function and prolonged life span compared to vehicle-treated 4L;C* mice. VLA4+NPC transplantation significantly decreased levels of CD68 and glial fibrillary acidic protein, as well as TNFα mRNA levels in the brain, indicating reduced neuroinflammation. Furthermore, decreased Fluoro-Jade C and NeuroSilver staining suggested inhibition of neurodegeneration. VLA4+NPC-engrafted 4L;C* midbrains showed 35% increased GCase activity, reduced substrate [glucosylceramide (GC, -34%) and glucosylsphingosine (GS, -11%)] levels and improved mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in comparison to vehicle-4L;C* mice. VLA4+NPC engraftment in 4L;C* brain also led to enhanced expression of neurotrophic factors that have roles in neuronal survival and the promotion of neurogenesis. This study provides evidence that iPSC-derived NPC transplantation has efficacy in an nGD mouse model and provides proof of concept for autologous NPC therapy in nGD.
Artificial intelligence, Autonomy, and Human-Machine Teams — Interdependence, Context, and Explainable AI

Because in military situations, as well as for self-driving cars, information must be processed faster than humans can achieve, determination of context computationally, also known as situational assessment, is increasingly important. In this article, we introduce the topic of context, and we discuss what is known about the heretofore intractable research problem on the effects of interdependence, present in the best of human teams; we close by proposing that interdependence must be mastered mathematically to operate human-machine teams efficiently, to advance theory, and to make the machine actions directed by AI explainable to team members and society. The special topic articles in this issue and a subsequent issue of AI Magazine review ongoing mature research and operational programs that address context for human-machine teams.
Integrating lattice materials science into the traditional processing-structure-properties paradigm

Periodic lattice materials have been studied extensively in numerous science and engineering fields. Despite the vast knowledge that has emerged, the activities have been stove-piped within individual research communities, often in isolation from those in related fields. To bring this work into a holistic framework, the present article considers the elements needed to integrate the study of lattice materials into the processing–structure–properties paradigm that underpins materials science as an academic discipline. The emphasis is on concepts of structure involving topology, morphology, and defects of lattice materials, with illustrations of structure–property relations in the context of lattice strength.
In vivo fluorescence imaging of Noggin-mediated tumor growth arrest in MV522 xenograft model.

4544 Noggin is a secreted cysteine-knot protein, which antagonizes BMP signaling by direct binding to TGFbeta superfamily members BMP-7 and BMP-4 and is involved in negative regulation of vasculogenesis. We previously demonstrated that noggin overexpression in endothelial cells abrogated migration, blocked endothelial transmigration in basal membrane inserts and caused abrogation of endotubular formation in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we hypothesized that noggin effects could be anti-angiogenic and investigated whether noggin expression could potentially disrupt tumor growth in vivo. Wild-type MV522 lung carcinoma cells or MV522 overexpressing DsRed2 protein (MV522-DsRed2) were transduced by using bicistronic GFP/noggin lentiviral vectors. The expression of noggin in MV522 was confirmed by RT-PCR. Five groups of mice harboring ectopic MV522 tumors were studied: MV522-GFP (G), MV522-GFP-Noggin (GN), MV522-DsRed2 (R), tumors grown using mixed MV522-GFP and MV522-DsRed2 cells (GR), as well as MV522-GFP-Noggin and MV522-DsRed2 cells (GNR). GR and GNR tumors were grown using the same numbers of GFP+ and GFP-noggin+ cells mixed with DsRed2+ cells. The control group included wild-type MV522 (W) tumors. Tumors were implanted ectopically in the flank of nu/nu mice either subcutaneously, or in the muscle. Tumor growth was monitored using in vivo fluorescence imaging system. Ten days after the implantation there was visible tumor formation in the intramuscularly injected mouse groups W, G, R and GR and green, red and green/red fluorescence signals, respectively, were detected in G, R and GR tumors. Tumors in those groups grew rapidly and at 3 weeks after the implantation exceed the volumes of 2.5 cm3. In contrast, GN and GNR mice showed no tumor growth and no fluorescent signal was detectable during 4 weeks of observation. In the subcutaneously implanted mice (groups G, R and GR) the initial tumor growth was detectable only by fluorescence imaging. Twenty days after implantation tumor growth was present in the abdomen of these mice and the whole abdominal region was fluorescent. In the GNR mice slowly growing subcutaneous tumors were detected by using the fluorescence imaging system. However, these tumors consisted mainly of DsRed2-positive cells and their total signal area and intensity were less than 10% of G, R and GR groups. Therefore, the effect of noggin was inhibitive not only to the growth of tumors that were overexpressing it (i.e. MV522-GFP-Noggin), but also inhibited tumor growth in mixed populations of cells (i.e. MV522-DsRed2 implanted together with MV522-GFP-Noggin) suggesting that the tumor formation by tumorigenic MV522-DsRed2 cells was inhibited as a result of noggin secretion by neighboring cells. Taken together, our study demostrated that tranduced or secreted noggin protein shows strong inhibition of the invasive growth of MV522 tumors and has a potential for antiangiogenic treatment of cancer.
Short-Term and Long-Term Discount Rates For Real Estate Investment Trusts

How should we discount cash flows generated by real estate projects up to 30 years in the future? In this paper, we develop a methodology to estimate the term structure of discount rates. We provide empirical estimates of the yield curve for the REIT market, and three subsectors: Equity, Mortgage, and Hybrids. We explore three empirical hypotheses related to the behavior of the yield curve: First, we examine whether the term structure for REITs should be upward or downward sloping. Second, because REIT betas tend to be counter-cyclical, we examine the hypothesis that discount rates implied by our term structure model should be higher than those implied by the traditional CAPM. Third, in the spirit of Campbell 1991, we decompose the variance of REIT prices into variation due to the cost of capital and variation due to expected cash flows and find some unexpected results.
Keeping Bioethics Concrete: How Social Scientific Research Generates Values

“Men hoist the banner of the ideal, and then march in the direction that concrete conditions suggest and reward.” (Dewey 2013 [1929], 267)A rich interdisciplinary discussion of the role of social s...
LEFT SIDED SERRATIA MARCESCENS ENDOCARDITIS: WHEN LESS ISN't MORE

Intravenous drug use related endocarditis(IVDURE) has become an epidemic which typically involves the tricupsid valve. Although IVDURE is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus Aureus it can sometimes be caused by rare organisms, such as Serratia marcescens(SM), that have a propensity to be more
CoMuTe: A Convolutional Neural Network Based Device Free Multiple Target Localization Using CSI

With the growth of Internet-of-Things (IoT), Location based Services (LBS) are gaining significant attention over the past years. Location information is one of the important ingredients for many LBS where the system requires to localize multiple targets in indoor setting. As an emerging technique, device-free localization (DFL) is promising to localize the target without attaching any transceivers. In this paper, we propose CoMuTe, the first convolutional neural network (CNN) based device free multiple target localization leveraging the Channel State Information (CSI) from multiple wireless links. The system represents the CSIs as Multi-link Time-Frequency (MLTF) image by organizing them as time-frequency matrices and utilize these MLTF images as the input feature for CNN network. The CoMuTe models multi target localization as a multi label spot classification approach under the assumption that each MLTF image is associated with multiple labels/spots. The localization is performed with a training stage and a localization stage. In the training stage, the CSI based MLTF images are constructed with single target at each location. The constructed images are used to train the CNN via a gradient based optimization algorithm. In the localization stage, the test MLTF image obtained for targets at multiple spots is fed to the CNN network and locations of the targets are calculated using sigmoid activation function in the output layer under the multi label classification framework. Extensive experiments are conducted to select appropriate parameters for the CNN architecture as well as for the system design. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of CoMuTe over existing multi target localization approaches.
Benign Non-cystic Mediastinal Disease

Knowledge of the range of non-neoplastic and benign mediastinal and thymic lesions is indispensable due to their morphological similarity to their neoplastic counterparts. Therefore, non-neoplastic lesions should always be included in the differential diagnosis during diagnostic workup of any mediastinal mass. Clinically and radiologically, these lesions often closely mimic mediastinal malignancies and tissue diagnosis is usually necessary for definitive diagnosis. Consideration of the age of the patient, symptomatology, laboratory results, as well as the exact topography of the lesion diagnosis or even resection of the entire lesion is often is usually necessary for definitive diagnosis. Important for correct diagnosis of thymic lesions is also Consideration of the age of the patient, symptomatology, laboratory results, as well as the exact topography of the lesion are other important factors in the evaluation of mediastinal lesions. Another crucial parameter in the assessment of thymic pathology is the size and weight of the thymus in relation to an age-specific reference range.
New OLI advantages in digital globalization

Abstract Digitization and globalization have converged to create a new normal of digital globalization, fortifying deeper, broader, and more intricate connections between nations, businesses, and individuals. This connectivity has redefined who participates in globalization and how international expansion unfolds. This new reality raises a series of complex issues that challenge existing IB theories and conclusions. I submit a new lens toward internationalization advantages for multinationals: new O (open resource advantage), L (linkage advantage), and I (integration advantage). While these new OLI advantages are complementary and coupled with traditional OLI (ownership, location, and internalization) advantages, digital globalization slackens conventional OLI benefits and solidifies the new ones. This article offers insights into how multinationals leverage new OLI advantages and manage global business with digital connectivity in order to improve speed, flexibility, orchestration, and efficiency for both interfirm and intrafirm activities.
Scaling Up Exact Neural Network Compression by ReLU Stability.

We can compress a neural network while exactly preserving its underlying functionality with respect to a given input domain if some of its neurons are stable. However, current approaches to determine the stability of neurons with Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) activations require solving or finding a good approximation to multiple discrete optimization problems. In this work, we introduce an algorithm based on solving a single optimization problem to identify all stable neurons. Our approach is on median 100 times faster than the state-of-art method, which allows us to explore exact compression on deeper (5 x 100) and wider (2 x 800) networks within minutes. For classifiers trained under an amount of L1 regularization that does not worsen accuracy, we can remove up to 40% of the connections
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract: Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common cyanotic congenital heart defects. The diagnosis of TOF is generally made by echocardiography. Cardiac CT may be needed to delineate preoperative anatomy or postoperative complications. Complete surgical repair includes relief of RVOT obstruction or pulmonary stenosis and patch closure of the ventricular septal defect. Surgical approaches emphasize maintaining pulmonary valve competence whenever possible. Residual VSD or residual RVOT obstruction may persist. Cardiac CT may be needed to evaluate branch pulmonary artery anatomy or abnormal coronary artery traveling across the right ventricular outflow tract. Cardiac CT can be used to assess ventricular volume and ventricular function when cardiac MRI is not the best option in the setting of pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The preferred cardiac CT technique is prospective gated cardiac CT using dual-source multidetector CT scanners for anatomic evaluation, but retrospective gated CT is preferred for ventricular function evaluation.
Invited: Getting the Most out of your Circuits with Heterogeneous Logic Synthesis

High Level Synthesis (HLS) speeds hardware development and opens the door to non-expert designers, focusing on functionality rather than implementation. The expense and rigidity of commercial electronic design automation (EDA) tool-chains can be an obstacle for these users. LSOracle is an opensource logic synthesis tool which leverages multiple underlying data structures, including and-inverter graphs (AIGs), majority-inverter graphs (MIGs), and xor-and graphs (XAGs) to automatically optimize circuits using the best representation for each region of a design, without manual intervention. The use of MIGs and XAGs gives particularly strong performance in arithmetic logic, cryptography cores, and machine-learning accelerators; applications which may be of particular interest for HLS users. Here we present an overview of the approach and demonstrate an open-source HLS-to-GDS II workflow using LSOracle, Bambu, and OpenROAD. We test the integration on a small benchmark suite and show a reduction in delay of up to 31%.
Time-trends in publication productivity of young transplant surgeons in the United States.

To further clarify whether the transplant surgical research workforce is adequately poised to further scientific achievement, we have investigated the publication productivity of young transplant surgeons. Our hypothesis is that recent young transplant surgeons write fewer academic manuscripts than their senior colleagues did when they were young surgeons. We compared the number of first and senior author publications in the first 5 years after completion of fellowship among recent transplant surgeons (completed fellowship 2000–2004) and former young surgeons (completed fellowship 1990–1994). Recent young surgeons wrote fewer overall manuscripts (0.94 vs. 1.67, p < 0.05), as well as basic science manuscripts (0.21 vs. 0.54, p < 0.05) and clinical manuscripts (0.73 vs. 1.14, p < 0.05). Adjusting for the number of trainees, we note that recent young surgeons published 59% fewer basic science publications (IRR 0.41, 95% CI 0.29–0.57, p < 0.001) and 33% fewer clinical publications (IRR 0.67, 95% CI 0.56–0.82, p < 0.001). Among fellows in the 2000–2004 cohort, there was a 32% lower chance of publishing at least one paper compared with fellows in the 1990–1994 cohort (IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.89, p = 0.006). These findings raise concerns about the future place of transplant surgeons within the science that shapes our own field.
Functional role in ligand binding and receptor activation of an asparagine residue present in the sixth transmembrane domain of all muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract The molecular mechanisms through which muscarinic receptors are activated upon binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) are still poorly understood. Classical structure-function relationship studies have previously established that the ACh ester moiety plays a key role in muscarinic receptor recognition and activation. Consistent with this notion, all recently proposed three-dimensional muscarinic receptor models predict that an asparagine residue present in transmembrane domain VI of all muscarinic receptors is critically involved in the binding of the ACh ester moiety by means of hydrogen bonding. To test the correctness of this hypothesis, we created several mutant m3 muscarinic receptors in which this residue (Asn507) was replaced with alanine, serine, or aspartic acid. Radioligand binding studies with transfected COS-7 cells showed that, in contrast to the predictions made based on molecular modeling studies, all three mutant receptors were able to bind ACh and the structurally related muscarinic agonist, carbachol, with high affinities which differed from the corresponding wild type values by less than 5-fold. However, all three mutations led to dramatic reductions (235-28,300-fold) in binding affinities for certain subclasses of muscarinic antagonists including atropine-like agents and pirenzepine. The m3(Asn507-->Ala) and m3(Asn507-->Asp) mutant receptors were able to mediate carbachol-induced phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in a fashion similar to that of the wild type receptor. Interestingly, the m3(Asn507-->Ser) mutant receptor displayed about 2-fold increased basal inositol phosphate levels, raising the possibility that it is constitutively active. In conclusion, our data suggest that the asparagine residue present in transmembrane domain VI of all muscarinic receptors is not critical for ACh binding and agonist-induced receptor activation, but plays a key role in the binding of certain subclasses of muscarinic antagonists.
Promoting classroom interactivity in computer science courses using laptops, pen-based computers, Tablet PC's, and Dyknow software

This tutorial will teach participants about the use of pen-based hardware and a software system named DyKnow Vision (www.dyknow.com, patents pending) to teach computer science classes. The tutorial will be based on experiences using the system to teach at DePauw University. Although the DyKnow system can be used with a variety of inexpensive hardware configurations, at DePauw University, DyKnow is used in a classroom equipped with a pen-based computer or Tablet PC for each student. The tutorial will teach participants about various pen-based computing devices, including inexpensive graphics tablets that can turn an ordinary laptop or desktop machine into a pen-based system, video tablets, and Tablet PCs. Uses of these devices to support effective pedagogy in the computer science classroom will be emphasized.
A historic account of the invasion of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the continental United States, with remarks on their identification.

BACKGROUND:Drosophila suzukii is an oriental species first reported outside Asia from Hawaii in 1980. The first confirmed records for the continental United States were made in 2008 in California. The identification of this pest is difficult because very few published resources exist. RESULTS: It has since been recorded in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Utah, Michigan, Wisconsin, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Males are relatively easy to identify by the black apical wing spots and the single row of combs on the first and second tarsal segment of the fore leg. The male genitalia are also very characteristic and will aid in identifying teneral specimens. Females can be identified by the large ovipositor, which is 6–7 times as long as the diameter of the spermatheca. Immature stages can only be identified by molecular techniques. CONCLUSION: Although this species has been recorded from many US states and Canadian provinces, it has not been established in all of these places, and the main economic damage is restricted to the western part of North America. With the characters laid out in this paper, it should be possible to identify the pest with high certainty. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Nicotine dependence and transitional shifts in exercise behavior among young U.S. adult smokers.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to examine the association between nicotine dependence and longitudinal exercise transitional shift patterns among young U.S. adult daily smokers. Methods Data from the 2003–2005 National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey was used, which is a longitudinal study over a two year period. Participants included 1168 US adult daily smokers (18–24 years). Nicotine dependence was assessed using the modified Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Four transitional shift patterns were created based on meeting current exercise guidelines; stable inactive (inactive across time), activity relapsers (starts out active and then becomes inactive), activity adopters (inactive and then becomes active), and stable active (active across time). Results After adjustments, for every 1-unit increase in baseline nicotine dependence, participants had 16% (OR = 1.16, p = 0.01) greater odds of being in the stable inactive group compared to the stable active group. Conclusions Nicotine dependence appears to play an important role in shaping longitudinal exercise patterns among young U.S. adult smokers.
Recent contributions of statistical mechanics in chemical engineering

Some of the recent advances that have been made by chemical engineers in the field of statistical mechanics, as well as some of the new products and processes that have resulted from these advances, are reviewed. New approaches to molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, quantum mechanics, master equations, hierarchical methods, liquid state theory, and field theory are discussed. Applications and commercial results in the microelectronics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical process industries are highlighted.
Paratubal borderline serous tumors

Abstract Background While ovarian borderline tumors are common, their fallopian tube counterparts are extremely rare. We describe the first case of a serous borderline paratubal tumor with a review of the literature on paratubal and tubal low malignant potential tumors. Case A 26 year-old woman presented with acute onset of sharp right lower quadrant pain and nausea. Abdominal and pelvic CT revealed 12.5 cm cystic ovarian mass and she was admitted for pain control. On hospital day two, her pain escalated and torsion was suspected; thus, she underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy with right fallopian tube cystectomy and partial salpingectomy. Inspection of the cyst wall demonstrated multiple papillary excrescences and frozen section returned at least borderline fallopian tube neoplasm. After a fertility-sparing comprehensive surgical staging procedure was performed, she was diagnosed with stage IC fallopian tube serous borderline tumor and underwent no further therapy. Currently, she is without evidence of disease recurrence. Conclusion Borderline fallopian tube or paratubal tumors are usually early stage at diagnosis and commonly present in the third decade with pain or are discovered on routine examination. Continued reporting of these tumors is essential to understanding the prognosis and treatment of this rare tumor.