cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Practice’s Radical Possibilities for the Legal Profession: '[Two Lawyers and Two Clients] for the Situation'

Collaborative Practice (CP) significantly changes the way that legal disputes are resolved from beginning to end. CP is a dramatic shift from the way law is generally practiced today in the United States and it has the potential to transform that practice. Cochran considers the two dramatic changes that CP brings to law practice: a change in the mental attitude of lawyers and clients toward the conflict and a change in lawyers’ counseling techniques. Part Two of the article defines CP and compares it to traditional negotiation-pending-litigation (NPL). Part Three considers the change in attorney and client mental attitudes wrought by CP, where both lawyers and clients take responsibility for identifying a resolution that will meet the needs of all of the parties. Part Four considers the type of client-counseling that is often generated by CP - lawyers in CP may strongly encourage clients to find a resolution that meets the needs of all of the parties. Cochran concludes with a consideration of the possible future of CP.
Function of microRNA activity by ActMiR in bladder cancer.

4531Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) play a key role in cancer, in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In the past years, miR expression signatures have been reported as prognostic biomarkers in bladd...
Corporate Governance Indices

How is corporate governance measured? What is the relationship between corporate governance and performance? This paper sheds light on these questions while taking into account the endogeneity of the relationships among corporate governance, corporate performance, corporate capital structure, and corporate ownership structure. We make three additional contributions to the literature: First, we find that better governance as measured by the Gompers, Ishii, and Metrick (GIM, 2003) and Bebchuk, Cohen and Ferrell (BCF, 2004) indices, stock ownership of board members, and CEO-Chair separation is significantly positively correlated with better contemporaneous and subsequent operating performance. Second, contrary to claims in GIM and BCF, none of the governance measures are correlated with future stock market performance. In several instances inferences regarding the (stock market) performance and governance relationship do depend on whether or not one takes into account the endogenous nature of the relationship between governance and (stock market) performance. Third, given poor firm performance, the probability of disciplinary management turnover is positively correlated with stock ownership of board members, and board independence. However, better governed firms as measured by the GIM and BCF indices are less likely to experience disciplinary management turnover in spite of their poor performance. The above results highlight the strategic importance of board incentives. Our recommendations on board incentives are consistent with the implications of Hermalin and Weisbach (2007).
Abstract 82: TGF-β Regulates Matrix Production in Aortic Fibroblasts Through MicroRNA-29b

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) cause ∼15,000 annual deaths in the United States. The mechanisms of AAA expansion remain incompletely explored. MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, and play crucial roles in vascular integrity. TGF-β can act as a profibrotic stimulus, is a known regulator of miR-29b expression in some cell types, and may play a protective role in AAA development. Numerous extracellular matrix genes are predicted targets of miR-29b. We have previously shown that miR-29b is decreased in both human AAA, and in aneurysmal aortic segments in murine AAA models. Further inhibition of miR-29b in vivo reduces abdominal aortic aneurysm progression in two murine AAA models: the porcine-pancreatic-elastase (PPE) model in C57Bl/6 mice, and the angiotensin II-infusion (AngII) model in ApoE -/- mice, and is associated with a pro-fibrotic response within the vessel wall. We performed vascular cell culture studies using human aortic adventitial fibroblasts (AAFs) and aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) to evaluate the expression and regulation of miR-29b. Treatment with recombinant human TGFβ1 significantly decreased miR-29b levels in aortic adventitial fibroblasts, but not smooth muscle cells (vs. untreated cells). TGFβ1 treatment increased soluble collagen production by AAFs nearly 4-fold, and increased gene expression of COL1A1 and COL3A1 . In ASMCs, TGFβ1 primarily increased ELN expression, and COL1A1 and COL3A1 to a lesser extent. We altered miR-29b expression in vitro by transfecting AAFs and ASMCs with either an antagomir (anti-29b) to inhibit activity or a pre-miR (pre-29b) to enhance activity (vs. scrambled miR control). Successful transfection (>50% of all cells) was confirmed by visual fluorescent microscopic analysis and FACS for labeled tag. Anti-29b significantly augmented the effects of TGFβ treatment upon soluble collagen protein levels and collagen gene expression in AAFs, while pre-29b inhibited this response nearly to untreated-control levels. A similar gene expression response was seen in ASMCs. These data suggest that TGFβ regulation of miR-29b in aortic fibroblasts leads to a profibrotic response, partly explaining its protective effects in AAA development.
Racial differences in colorectal cancer survival at a safety net hospital.

Abstract Background While racial disparity in colorectal cancer survival have previously been studied, whether this disparity exists in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving care at safety net hospitals (and therefore of similar socioeconomic status) is poorly understood. Methods We examined racial differences in survival in a cohort of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer treated at the largest safety net hospital in the New England region, which serves a population with a majority (65%) of non-Caucasian patients. Data was extracted from the hospital’s electronic medical record. Survival differences among different racial and ethnic groups were examined graphically using Kaplan-Meier analysis. A univariate cox proportional hazards model and a multivariable adjusted model were generated. Results Black patients had significantly lower overall survival compared to White patients, with median overall survival of 1.9 years and 2.5 years respectively. In a multivariate analysis, Black race posed a significant hazard (HR 1.70, CI 1.01–2.90, p = 0.0467) for death. Though response to therapy emerged as a strong predictor of survival (HR = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.7, p = 0.0021), it was comparable between Blacks and Whites. Conclusions Despite presumed equal access to healthcare and socioeconomic status within a safety-net hospital system, our results reinforce findings from previous studies showing lower colorectal cancer survival in Black patients, and also point to the importance of investigating other factors such as genetic and pathologic differences.
Short Term Energy Storage on Grid

This paper summarizes short term storage applications for electric grid that are available today. It focuses on U.S. Electric grid and current challenges of interconnected electrical generation and distribution. Differences between short term and long term energy storage systems are explained with more detail on short term technologies, current and the possible applications on electric grid. For comparison purposes rated power discharge times, reaction times, life cycles as well as per unit power and per unit energy costs are presented.
Employer Knowledge of and Attitudes toward Employees who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

IntroductionThe study presented here investigated employers’ knowledge about how persons who are blind or visually impaired perform typical job tasks (that is, use accommodations), how this knowled...
Evaluation of a Water-Soluble Bait for Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Control

Laboratory and field-cage experiments evaluated the efficacy of a water-soluble bait for control of adult diabroticites. The bait was composed of a water-soluble feeding stimulant derived from a bi...
Bias correction of simulated historical daily streamflow at ungauged locations by using independently estimated flow duration curves

Abstract. In many simulations of historical daily streamflow distributional bias arising from the distributional properties of residuals has been noted. This bias often presents itself as an underestimation of high streamflow and an overestimation of low streamflow. Here, 1168 streamgages across the conterminous USA, having at least 14 complete water years of daily data between 1 October 1980 and 30 September 2013, are used to explore a method for rescaling simulated streamflow to correct the distributional bias. Based on an existing approach that separates the simulated streamflow into components of temporal structure and magnitude, the temporal structure is converted to simulated nonexceedance probabilities and the magnitudes are rescaled using an independently estimated flow duration curve (FDC) derived from regional regression. In this study, this method is applied to a pooled ordinary kriging simulation of daily streamflow coupled with FDCs estimated by regional regression on basin characteristics. The improvement in the representation of high and low streamflows is correlated with the accuracy and unbiasedness of the estimated FDC. The method is verified by using an idealized case; however, with the introduction of regionally regressed FDCs developed for this study, the method is only useful overall for the upper tails, which are more accurately and unbiasedly estimated than the lower tails. It remains for future work to determine how accurate the estimated FDCs need to be to be useful for bias correction without unduly reducing accuracy. In addition to its potential efficacy for distributional bias correction, this particular instance of the methodology also represents a generalization of nonlinear spatial interpolation of daily streamflow using FDCs. Rather than relying on single index stations, as is commonly done to reflect streamflow timing, this approach to simulation leverages geostatistical tools to allow a region of neighbors to reflect streamflow timing.
What Jancis Robinson Didn’t Know May Have Helped Her

A position has been advanced by a number of philosophers, notably by Burnham and Skilleas, that certain knowledge is required to aesthetically appreciate a fine wine. They further argue that pleasure is not an integral part of aesthetically appreciating wine. Their position implies that a novice cannot aesthetically appreciate a fine wine. This paper draws on research into tasting and psychology to rebut these claims. I argue that there is strong evidence from both the average consumer and from wine experts that they are unable to separate enjoyment from aesthetic evaluation; secondly, I argue that wine knowledge may actually preclude tasting of the wine as it exists in the glass due to perceptual bias. I conclude by arguing that it is unclear how exactly knowledge of things like terroir is supposed to affect the taste, as well as question what role conforming to a certain style plays in aesthetic success, as arguments that require knowledge for appreciation typically emphasize knowledge of styles of wine.
Understanding the Link between Victimization and Alcohol Use among Homeless Youth Using Ecological Momentary Assessment.

Most prior research on victimization and alcohol use among homeless youth is retrospective and thus does not allow researchers to determine the sequencing of these events. We address this gap using...
Foreign body presenting as a non-healing ulcer of the hard palate: A case report

Abstract Foreign bodies of the head and neck are common in a pediatric otolaryngology practice. We present a case of a chronic hard palate lesion in an otherwise healthy toddler that raised the concern of a malignant or inflammatory lesion but was found to be an embedded foreign body when examined under anesthesia. Such a misdiagnosis is made more likely because of the challenges of a thorough office examination in an uncooperative child. Foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract can have atypical presentations and this should be kept in mind when formulating a differential diagnosis.
Tissue Engineering in the Genitourinary System

In general, genitourinary tissue has traditionally been replaced with autologous tissues harvested from other sites of the body (Atala and Retik, 1994). However, these approaches rarely replace the entire function of the original tissue. Congenital defects occur more often in the genitourinary system than in any other system within the human body. The genitourinary system, composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and genital organs, is exposed to a variety of possible injury sites as the fetus develops. Some of the congenital abnormalities require early reconstruction with nonurologic tissues. For example, a baby born with bladder exstrophy, a condition wherein the bladder develops outside the abdominal wall, requires prompt surgical intervention and possibly reconstruction of the bladder with nonurologic tissues, such as gastrointestinal segments. Similarly, baby girls born with vaginal maldevelopment, may require reconstruction with intestinal segments or skin (Atala and Hendren, 1994; Hendren and Atala, 1994). Boys born with hypospadias, a condition wherein the urethra does not develop normally, require early creation of a neo-urethra with skin or mucosa from multiple body sites (Atala and Retik, 1996; Retik et al, 1994).
Cardiovascular reactivity to psychosocial stressors. A review of the effects of beta-blockade.

Fifty-nine studies examining the effects of beta-blockers on cardiovascular reactivity to psychosocial stressors are reviewed. Across all classifications of beta-blockers, heart rate reactivity was reduced (p
Quantitative composition of nasal secretions in normal subjects.

Abstract A method of collection of nasal secretion, by absorption onto previously weighed strips of filter paper, is described. The method permits quantitative determination of electrolyte and protein composition. Concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, albumin, IgA, IgG, and IgM globulins are reported for normal subjects under basal conditions.
Fuzzy Rationality Implementation in Financial Decision Making

Expected utility theory is by far the best normative theory for decision making under uncertainty. It helps the decision maker find the proper balance between expected profits and risks, and has been acknowledged as a key approach to rational economic behavior of individuals. The whole measurement process in the expected utility theory is based on the solution of preferential equations, with the help of which utilities and probabilities are being elicited. However, the resulting estimates are in an interval form, which disobeys some main rationality assumptions of the theory. Therefore, fuzzy rational decision analysis in introduced as a way to unify the normative rationality with the fuzziness of real preferences. This chapter outlines a series of practical techniques dealing with the interval nature of assessed utility and probability measures, using the intrinsic optimism-pessimism attitude of the DM. Main preference-related and uncertainty-related problems are stressed.
Kidney transplant recipients with polycystic kidney disease have a lower risk of post-transplant BK infection than those with end-stage renal disease due to other causes.

BACKGROUND Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy is associated with high risk of kidney allograft loss. Whether the cause of native end-stage renal disease influences the risk of BK infection is unclear. METHODS A retrospective, single-center study of 2741 adult kidney transplant recipients between 1994 and 2014 was performed. Recipients had end-stage renal disease due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD, n = 549), diabetes mellitus (DM, n = 947), hypertension (HTN, n = 442), or glomerulonephritis (GN, n = 803). RESULTS A total of 327 recipients (12%) developed post-transplant BK viremia over a median follow-up time of 5 years. The incidence rate of BK viremia was lowest in patients with PKD (1.46 per 100 person-years) compared to other causes of ESRD (DM = 2.06, HTN = 2.65, and GN = 2.01 per 100 person-years). A diagnosis of PKD was associated with a lower risk of post-transplant BK viremia (adjusted HR (95% CI) = 0.67 (0.48-0.95), P = 0.02). BK nephropathy was significantly less common in patients with PKD (0.21 per 100 person-years) compared to those with HTN (0.80 per 100 person-years, P ≤ 0.001). Among patients with PKD, the risk of BK viremia was lower in patients with nephrectomy, compared to those without nephrectomy (adjusted HR (95% CI) = 0.42 (0.19-0.92), P < 0.05). CONCLUSION ESRD due to PKD is associated with a lower risk of post-transplant BK infection. The renal tubular epithelial cells in PKD are unique; they are in a proliferative but non-differentiated state. Whether this characteristic of renal tubular epithelial cells alters the BK viral reservoir or replication in PKD patients warrants further study.
The Classroom Teacher

This chapter continues to follow three secondary biology teachers and reveals their Personal Practice Assessment Theories (PPATs)—those constructs based on beliefs, values, forms of knowledge, mental model of learning, experiences, and assessment goals that undergird their decision making. These PPATs are placed in an Assessment Development Model (ADM) that serves as a theoretical framework for analysis of the dynamic interactions between PPATs and contextual elements and their impact on the purpose, planning, implementation, and reflection on assessment practices. Forms of knowledge, whether propositional, theoretical, or strategic, served as an internally constructed contextual element that played a significant role in the teachers’ ability to translate theory into practice. Other constraining and facilitating contextual elements are discussed as well.
Learning RUMs: Reducing Mixture to Single Component via PCA

We consider the problem of learning a mixture of Random Utility Models (RUMs). Despite the success of RUMs in various domains and the versatility of mixture RUMs to capture the heterogeneity in preferences, there has been only limited progress in learning a mixture of RUMs from partial data such as pairwise comparisons. In contrast, there have been significant advances in terms of learning a single component RUM using pairwise comparisons. In this paper, we aim to bridge this gap between mixture learning and single component learning of RUM by developing a `reduction' procedure. We propose to utilize PCA-based spectral clustering that simultaneously `de-noises' pairwise comparison data. We prove that our algorithm manages to cluster the partial data correctly (i.e., comparisons from the same RUM component are grouped in the same cluster) with high probability even when data is generated from a possibly {\em heterogeneous} mixture of well-separated {\em generic} RUMs. Both the time and the sample complexities scale polynomially in model parameters including the number of items. Two key features in the analysis are in establishing (1) a meaningful upper bound on the sub-Gaussian norm for RUM components embedded into the vector space of pairwise marginals and (2) the robustness of PCA with missing values in the $L_{2, \infty}$ sense, which might be of interest in their own right.
Simplified Formulation of Mechanics of Structure Genome

This paper presents a simplified formulation of the mechanics of a structure genome (MSG). The MSG is a unified theory for multiscale constitutive modeling for all types of composite structures. It...
Current Operative Management of Meckel Diverticulum

Meckel diverticulum is a true diverticulum, containing all layers of the bowel wall. It results from failure of the omphalomesenteric duct to regress. The incidence is estimated to be 1–2%, though the true rate is unknown as only approximately 4% are symptomatic and the risk of developing symptoms decreases with age. While the actual values vary, the often taught “rule of 2s” remains useful: the incidence is 2%, the male to female ratio is 2:1, the presentation is mostly before 2 years of age, the location is within 2 ft. (60 cm) from the ileocecal valve, and they are approximately 2 cm in diameter and 2 in (5 cm) long and can contain two types of heterotopic mucosa [1].
Vestibular and Oculomotor Findings Neurologically-normal, Non-concussed Children

Purpose Balance and vestibulo-ocular deficits, secondary to abnormalities of the vestibular system, have been recognized as objective measures of dysfunction and markers of morbidity and recovery from concussions. In order to understand how to interpret these deficits in concussed youth, it is important to quantify the performance of normal controls on vestibulo-ocular testing. Limited data exist describing the distribution of findings in a control population, or at what age the examination can be reliably completed. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of non-concussed, neurologically normal children …
P-103 Implementing the integrated palliative outcome scale (IPOS) in a specialist palliative care service

Background Evidence shows that routine measurement of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) is important in palliative care (Bausewein, Daveson, Currow, Downing et al., 2016; Collins, Witt, Bausewein, Daveson et al., 2015). Increasing emphasis is placed on PROMs by those who commission services (Bausewein, Schildmann, Rosenbruch, Haberland et al., 2018). IPOS is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire in a suite of six palliative care-specific measures developed by the Outcome Assessment and Complexity Collaborative (OACC). OACC recommend a phased implementation (Witt, de Wolf-Linder, Dawkins, Daveson et al., 2015; Dawkins & de Wolf-Linder, 2015). Aim Embed three measures from the OACC suite into clinical practice in our service. Method Phased implementation began with identification of IPOS champions for each service area. Champions received training on Phase of Illness (POI) and Australia-Modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS). Email communication was sent to all staff regarding OACC. Posters were displayed and project team members were available to answer questions. POI and AKPS were then routinely recorded across the service. A training package was devised and delivered to all staff on using IPOS with patients. Community teams implemented IPOS into clinical practice first, followed by the inpatient units. Initial audit used a randomised purposive sampling approach to obtain a sample of 10% of the caseload over the initial three month period which included patients from all service areas. The patient records for these patients was then reviewed using a standardised proforma to determine whether IPOS had been considered and completed where appropriate. Results 84% of patients had at least one IPOS considered. IPOS was not considered at only 36% of encounters. IPOS is now completed weekly and reviewed in MDT for all inpatients. It is considered at each encounter for community patients. Responses are used to guide clinical decision-making. Conclusions Appropriate use of IPOS was much higher in our implementation period than reported for other services (Bausewein, Schildmann, Rosenbruch, Haberland et al., 2018). We attribute this success to the quality and structure of staff training, phased implementation and to the visibility of the project team throughout the implementation process (Antunes, Harding & Higginson on behalf of EUROIMPACT, 2014).
Dominant T-Cell Clonal Expansion Associated with Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) provides a valuable therapy for a variety of malignancies, solid tumors, hematological disorders and autoimmune diseases. One of the major complications in recipients after transplantation is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), which can cause delayed T-cell reconstitution and therefore increase the risk of infection and mortality. It has been suggested that T cells play an important role in the development of GvHD. Several previous studies have identified T-cell clones associated with acute GvHD in adult patients . However, T-cell clonal expansion in the early stage of post-transplantation might also be caused by T-cells which are unrelated to acute GvHD. In this study, we used TCRβ CDR3 size spectratyping to detect T-cell clonal expansion among the polyclonal complexities of peripheral blood. We examined the TCR β repertoire distribution at the onset of acute GvHD in 10 pediatric patients. We then compared that result with the TCR β pattern at the same post-AHSCT stage in another 10 pediatric patients without acute GvHD. Method: An RT-PCR assay for Vβ CDR3 size distribution was performed. Each fluorescent PCR product was detected by an automated 310 DNA sequencer. The data were analyzed by GeneScan software. Results and Discussion: As expected, the TCRβ repertoire distribution was much skewed for all patients in both groups, because the immune suppression occurred at early stage of post-AHSCT. There were about 4–8 T-cell clones expanded in each patient for both groups. The TCRβ subfamilies among those clones varied significantly from patient to patient. However, Vβ2, Vβ9, Vβ13 and Vβ20 were commonly found in both groups, indicating in these cases that clonal expansion was not related to the occurrence of acute GvHD. Notably, TCR V β 16 was found in 9 of 18 samples from 7 of 10 patients with acute GvHD. This TCR subfamily was not dominant in the patients without acute GvHD. This finding strongly suggests that the T-cell clone carrying TCR V β 16 subfamily might be associated with acute GvHD in pediatric patients. The characterization of this T-cell clone is under study.
On Thomas Seebohm’s History as a Science and the System of the Sciences

In this paper I do three things: I comment on the idea of the “system” of the sciences in relation to Husserl’s work and the role of history within that system; I talk about Seebohm’s approach to history as a science; and I evaluate his idea of the relation between history and the other sciences with respect to his take on the “paradox of subjectivity.”
Complementary Medicine and Natural Medications in Psychiatry: A Guide for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist.

Background Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is commonly and increasingly used in America and worldwide and can include both pharmacologic (e.g., vitamins and supplements) and nonpharmacologic (e.g., yoga) interventions. These therapies may be of interest to patients who desire “natural” alternatives or complements to standard treatments. CAM may be used by patients, with or without supervision from a licensed medical professional, to treat psychiatric conditions. Objective To provide an overview of more commonly used CAM interventions that have relevance to mental health care providers, particularly consultation-liaison psychiatrists, and to describe the indications, safety, and dosing of these treatments. Methods We searched PubMed to identify articles that described the uses, safety, mechanisms, and recommendations for CAM therapies in relation to the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Articles most relevant to this review were included, with a preferential focus on meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Results We summarized common CAM therapies that have shown efficacy for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. These therapies include natural medications, nutritional psychiatry, light therapy, yoga, and exercise. Conclusions Certain CAM interventions may be effective as monotherapies and/or as adjunctive treatments for psychiatric conditions. However, they may also have safety risks, contraindications, and/or interactions with medications. It is therefore important for physicians and other mental health care professionals to inquire about patient use of CAM and to understand the indications, safety, and dosing of these therapies.
Power Control in Internet of Drones by Deep Reinforcement Learning

Internet of Drones (IoD) employs drones as the internet of things (IoT) devices to provision applications such as traffic surveillance and object tracking. Data collection service is a typical application where multiple drones are deployed to collect information from the ground and send them to the IoT gateway for further processing. The performance of IoD networks is constrained by drones' battery capacities, and hence we utilize both energy harvesting technologies and power control to address this limitation. Specifically, we optimize drones' wireless transmission power at each time epoch in energy harvesting aided time-varying IoD networks for the data collection service with the objective to minimize the average system energy cost. We then formulate a Markov Decision Process (MDP) model to characterize the power control process in dynamic IoD networks, which is then solved by our proposed model-free deep actor-critic reinforcement learning algorithm. The performance of our algorithm is demonstrated via extensive simulations.
Consistent diffusivity measurement between Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Abstract Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) are two popular methods to measure the diffusivity of lithium ions in electrode particles. What has puzzled the community for a long time is that these two techniques often give an order of magnitude difference in the results. By analyzing the diffusion profile and approximation error for various particle geometries, we show that these two techniques are consistent only when the current excitation does not impact deep inside the particles, which corresponds to the condition of short pulse time for GITT or high frequency for EIS. GITT does not depend on particle size by its assumption while EIS does. Thus we propose an innovative approach of using EIS to determine diffusivity accurately independent of particle size or geometry. We further demonstrate experimentally that the two techniques yield identical results under the right measurement conditions. This work may provide insight on the scattering of measured diffusivity data in the literature.
Efficient matrix factorisation of the modular path integral for extended systems

The modular path integral (MPI) formulation offers a numerically exact, versatile, and highly efficient approach to the quantum dynamics of extended systems characterised by a single-file arrangeme...
E-002 Development of a phantom that can mimic idiopathic intracranial hypertension and transverse sinus stenosis

Purpose Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a pathologic elevation of the intracranial pressure (ICP) with normal CSF composition which mostly affects younger women who are obese. IIH is most commonly presented along with focal stenosis of venous transverse sinus (TS). Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an effective procedure that can resolve PT in patients with IIH and TS stenosis but has significant relapse rates. A benchtop phantom that can reliably mimic IIH pathophysiology and induce TS stenosis would allow evaluation of factors causing restenosis. Materials and Methods Our benchtop phantom constitutes an interchangeable 3D printed TS flow model submerged in a rigid water-filled chamber akin to dura mater. The phantom is equipped with an underwater pressure sensor connected to a microcontroller and capable of continuously relaying the ICP values to a computer in real time. Two calibrated needle gauges connected externally on either side of the TS flow model monitor IVP gradient across the stenosis (figure 1A). ICP is manipulated by infusing additional water analogous to increasing CSF, through the inlet provided on top of the phantom. To better approximate the compliance of the TS in vivo, we tested seven thin-walled flow models of same size made of four different materials with a range of shore hardness factors (27A – 60A). With glycerol-water mixture pumped through the model, the ICP was increased in the phantom from 0 – 60 cmH2O in 5 cmH2O increments and IVP gradient was recorded across the stenosis (n=3 trials per flow model). Measurements were obtained with the phantom positioned to resemble TS in both upright and supine positions respectively. Results Among all the flow models tested, the model 3D printed with Agilus 30A was found to be a good surrogate for TS when the phantom was oriented in supine position. It produced a stenosis with a mean IVP gradient of 7.84 mmHg at a mean ICP of 25.5 cmH2O, agreeing with typical lumbar puncture opening pressure values (>25 cmH2O) seen in most IIH patients (figure 1B). Conclusion We developed a benchtop phantom that can mimic the pathophysiology of IIH and can reliably induce TS stenosis by increasing the ICP to the levels typically observed in patients. We anticipate that our phantom will facilitate evaluating anatomical and physiological parameters that induce restenosis and will eventually allow testing of new devices that could minimize VSS relapse rate in IIH patients. Disclosures K. Valluru: None. T. Shen: None. K. O’Reilly: None. H. Haraldsson: None. E. Kao: None. J. Leach: None. A. Wright: None. M. Ballweber: None. K. Meisel: None. D. Saloner: None. M. Amans: 1; C; NIH R01 HL149124-01A1.
Preventing Minority Disenfranchisement Through Dynamic Bayesian Reapportionment of Legislative Voting Power

Political reapportionment aims to distribute the power of n decision makers equitably. However, the models used to describe the underlying game, for the purposes of reapportionment, have been a priori models. They are based on assumptions which include: that elected representatives vote independently of one another and of party ideology, that they cast Yeas and Nays with equal probability, and that they are never absent or abstaining. The prior power distributions engendered by such models differ significantly from those realized in practice. Traditional reapportionment provides no means for eliminating the inequities that may ensue—except, perhaps, through litigation.
Model and computational advancements to full vectorial Maxwell model for studying fiber amplifiers

Abstract We present both modeling and computational advancements to a unique three-dimensional discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin finite element model for the simulation of laser amplification in a fiber amplifier. Our model is based on the time-harmonic Maxwell equations, and it incorporates both amplification via an active dopant and thermal effects via coupling with the heat equation. As a full vectorial finite element simulation, this model distinguishes itself from other fiber amplifier models that are typically posed as an initial value problem and make significantly more approximations. Our model supports co-, counter-, and bi-directional pumping configurations, as well as inhomogeneous and anisotropic material properties. The long-term goal of this modeling effort is to study nonlinear phenomena that prohibit achieving unprecedented power levels in fiber amplifiers, along with validating typical approximations used in lower-fidelity models. The high-fidelity simulation comes at the cost of a high-order finite element discretization with many degrees of freedom per wavelength. This is necessary to counter the effect of numerical pollution due to the high-frequency nature of the wave simulation. To make the computation more feasible, we have developed a novel longitudinal model rescaling, using artificial material parameters with the goal of preserving certain quantities of interest. Our numerical tests demonstrate the applicability and utility of this scaled model in the simulation of an ytterbium-doped, step-index fiber amplifier that experiences laser amplification and heating. We present numerical results for the nonlinear coupled Maxwell/heat model with up to 240 wavelengths.
Increasing power efficiency

Narrow-bandwidth signals and relaxed neural-recording parameters can substantially reduce the power requirements of brain–machine interfaces without degrading their performance.
HexTouch: Affective Robot Touch for Complementary Interactions to Companion Agents in Virtual Reality

There is a growing need for social interaction in Virtual Reality (VR). Current social VR applications enable human-agent or interpersonal communication, usually by means of visual and audio cues. Touch, which is also an essential method for affective communication, has not received as much attention. To address this, we introduce HexTouch, a forearm-mounted robot that performs touch behaviors in sync with the behaviors of a companion agent, to complement visual and auditory feedback in virtual reality. The robot consists of four robotic tactors driven by servo motors, which render specific tactile patterns to communicate primary emotions (fear, happiness, disgust, anger, and sympathy). We demonstrate HexTouch through a VR game with physical-virtual agent interactions that facilitate the player-companion relationship and increase the immersion of the VR experience. The player will receive affective haptic cues while collaborating with the agent to complete the mission in the game. The multisensory system for affective communication also has the potential to enhance sociality in the virtual world.
Förster resonance energy transfer, absorption and emission spectra in multichromophoric systems. II. Hybrid cumulant expansion.

We develop a hybrid cumulant expansion method to account for the system-bath entanglement in the emission spectrum in the multi-chromophoric Forster transfer rate. In traditional perturbative treatments, the emission spectrum is usually expanded with respect to the system-bath coupling term in both real and imaginary time. This perturbative treatment gives a reliable absorption spectrum, where the bath is Gaussian and only the real-time expansion is involved. For the emission spectrum, the initial state is an entangled state of the system plus bath. Traditional perturbative methods are problematic when the excitations are delocalized and the energy gap is larger than the thermal energy, since the second-order expansion cannot predict the displacement of the bath. In the present method, the real-time dynamics is carried out by using the 2nd-order cumulant expansion method, while the displacement of the bath is treated more accurately by utilizing the exact reduced density matrix of the system. In a sense, the hybrid cumulant expansion is based on a generalized version of linear response theory with entangled initial states.
Living on the Margins Beyond Gender Binaries: What are the Challenges to Securing Rights

This article identifies the extent to which deeply embedded ideas and beliefs about the innate normalcy of the man/woman gender binary feed longstanding attitudes against those persons whose gender...
Understanding limits of species identification using simulated imaging spectroscopy

Abstract Imaging spectroscopy is a powerful tool for mapping and monitoring the spatial distribution of species compositions. Most spectroscopy studies rely on extensive field campaigns to assess classification accuracies against ground-truth samples. Their findings are correlative and not based on first principles and by design they often do not provide for an end-to-end traceability of error budgets. In this study, we present a simulation approach for modeling canopy-level reflectance using three-dimensional plant models arranged on a synthetic landscape. This type of simulation offers an important avenue for understanding the interplay between instrument parameters and landscape characteristics for different ecosystems. The simulation approach was applied using species-level leaf reflectance data from the biodiversity hotspot in the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa. We simulated 140 random realizations, each of 20x20m in size, encompassing 10 to 70 species to understand how changing the diversity and image resolution (pixel size) affected spectral mixing and the ability to discern species within the plot. Overall, across all resolutions and species mixtures, the mean classification accuracy was 0.690±0.184 (mean F1-score±standard deviation across realizations), however, this varied widely from 0.812±0.057 at a pixel size of 60 cm for landscapes with 30 species to 0.196±0.106 for landscapes with 70 species and a pixel size of 240 cm. As expected, classification accuracy decreased with increasing spatial grain from 0.763±0.064 at 15 cm resolution to only 0.414±0.214 at 240 cm. Classification accuracies across different levels of species richness remained fairly constant except in the coarsest grain size (240 cm). This suggests an increasing challenge in species identification as grain sizes become coarser than the constituent organisms. In summary, this approach can facilitate detailed simulation of reflectance while exploring various ecological scenarios such as changing species composition or the impacts of environmental variability such as drought.
The Reception of Aquinas in Nouvelle théologie

The Oxford Handbook of the Reception of Aquinas provides a comprehensive survey of Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant philosophical and theological reception of Thomas Aquinas over the past 750 years. This Handbook will serve as a necessary primer for everyone who wishes to study Aquinas's thought and/or the history of theology and philosophy since Aquinas's day. Part V focuses on the twentieth century and takes into account the diversity of theological movements in the past century as well as extensive philosophical treatment.
Lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence and health-related outcomes among transgender adults age 50.

Background and objectives Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been linked with poor health among young transgender, and age 50+ cisgender LGB and heterosexual, adults. The objective was to examine lifetime prevalence of IPV, and its association with health, among age 50+ transgender adults. Consistent with the Gender Minority Stress Framework, any IPV was hypothesized to be associated with worse health. Research design and methods Responses from 3,462, age 50+ transgender adults from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (James et al., 2016) were assessed for lifetime IPV and type. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for demographic characteristics, examined the association between any IPV and substance use, and mental and general health measures. Results Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported any lifetime IPV, including transgender-specific (41%), physical (36%), psychological (29%), severe physical violence (24%), stalking (12%), and sexual (10%), abuse. Given any, compared to no, experience of IPV, the odds of having a disability (AOR=1.21, CI=1.00-1.46) and rating current health more negatively (AOR=1.17, CI=1.08-1.26); smoking (AOR=1.31, CI=1.08-1.58) and qualifying for screening for serious mental illness (AOR=1.32, CI=1.04-1.66) within the last month; and ever using drugs (AOR=1.42, CI=1.22-1.65) and attempting suicide (AOR=1.98, CI=1.66-2.46) were significantly higher; only binge drinking was unrelated to IPV. Discussion and implications More than half of respondents experienced IPV, with trans-specific IPV reported most commonly. Lifetime prevalence of any IPV was significantly associated with worse health. Recommendations include health surveillance that recognizes gender identity, and longitudinal study and routine screening of IPV, including trans-specific abuse, among transgender adults age 50+.
The Application of Exercise Training for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the presence of symptoms and/or signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction in people with diabetes after the exclusion of other causes. It is associated with pain, paresthesia, sensory loss, muscle atrophy with fat infiltration, and muscular dysfunction typically starting distally in the feet and progressing proximally. Muscle deterioration within the leg and foot can lead to muscle dysfunction, reduced mobility, and increases the risk of disability, ulceration, and amputation. Exercise training is an established method for increasing the different components of physical fitness, including enhancing body composition and improving neuromuscular strength. A number of experimental studies have utilized exercise training to treat various impairments associated with DPN, such as nerve conduction velocity, pain tolerance, and balance. However, the broad spectrum of exercise training modalities implemented and differences in target outcome measurements have made it difficult to understand the efficacy of exercise training interventions or provide appropriate exercise prescription recommendations. Therefore, the aims of this review were to (1) briefly describe the pathophysiology of DPN and (2) discuss the effects of exercise training interventions on sensorimotor, metabolic, and physical functions in people with DPN.
Neurologic Complications of Surgery and Anesthesia

Surgery and anesthesia carry risks of ischemic, hemorrhagic, hypoxic, and metabolic complications, all of which can result in neurologic symptoms and deficits. Patients with underlying cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors are particularly vulnerable. In this article the authors review the neurologic complications of surgery and anesthesia, with a focus on the role of the neurologic consultant in preoperative evaluation and risk stratification and diagnosis and management of postoperative complications.
Diabetes Device Downloading: Benefits and Barriers Among Youth With Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND The majority of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) fail to meet glycemic targets despite increasing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use. We therefore aimed to determine the proportion of caregivers who review recent glycemic trends ("retrospective review") and make ensuant insulin adjustments based on this data ("retroactive insulin adjustments"). We additionally considered that fear of hypoglycemia and frequency of severe hypoglycemia would be associated with performing retrospective review. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of youth with T1D, collecting demographics, diabetes technology usage, patterns of glucose data review/insulin dose self-adjustment, and Hypoglycemia Fear Survey (HFS). RESULTS Nineteen percent of eligible caregivers (191/1003) responded. Performing retrospective review was associated with younger child age (12.2 versus 15.4, P = .0001) and CGM use (92% versus 73%, P = .004), but was not associated with a significant improvement in child's HbA1c (7.89 versus 8.04, P = .65). Retrospective reviewers had significantly higher HFS-behavior scores (31.9 versus 27.7, P = .0002), which remained significantly higher when adjusted for child's age and CGM use (P = .005). Linear regression identified a significant negative association between HbA1c (%) and number of retroactive insulin adjustments (0.24 percent lower mean HbA1c per additional adjustment made, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Retrospective glucose data review is associated with improved HbA1c when coupled with data-driven retroactive insulin adjustments. Barriers to data downloading existed even in this cohort of predominantly CGM-using T1D families.