cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epinome: A Visual-Analytics Workbench for Epidemiology Data

Early detection and rapid response to infectious-disease outbreaks rely on effective decision making based on information from disparate sources. To improve decision-making in outbreak detection and response, it's important to understand how public health practitioners seek relevant information. Epinome, a user-centric visual-analytics system, supports research on decision-making in public health, particularly evaluation of information search strategies. Epinome facilitates investigation of scripted high-fidelity large-scale simulated disease outbreaks. Its dynamic environment seamlessly evolves and adapts as the user's tasks and focus change. This video shows how the Epinome system facilitates interactive simulations of disease outbreaks.
Real-time in vivo imaging of size-dependent transport and toxicity of gold nanoparticles in zebrafish embryos using single nanoparticle plasmonic spectroscopy

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) show distinctive plasmonic optical properties and superior photostability, enabling them to serve as photostable multi-coloured optical molecular probes and sensors for real-time in vivo imaging. To effectively study biological functions in vivo, it is essential that the NP probes are biocompatible and can be delivered into living organisms non-invasively. In this study, we have synthesized, purified and characterized stable (non-aggregated) gold (Au) NPs (86.2 ± 10.8 nm). We have developed dark-field single NP plasmonic microscopy and spectroscopy to study their transport into early developing zebrafish embryos (cleavage stage) and their effects on embryonic development in real-time at single NP resolution. We found that single Au NPs (75-97 nm) passively diffused into the embryos via their chorionic pore canals, and stayed inside the embryos throughout their entire development (120 h). The majority of embryos (96 ± 3%) that were chronically incubated with the Au NPs (0-20 pM) for 120 h developed to normal zebrafish, while an insignificant percentage of embryos developed to deformed zebrafish (1 ± 1)% or dead (3 ± 3)%. Interestingly, we did not observe dose-dependent effects of the Au NPs (0-20 pM) on embryonic development. By comparing with our previous studies of smaller Au NPs (11.6 ± 0.9 nm) and similar-sized Ag NPs (95.4 ± 16.0 nm), we found that the larger Au NPs are more biocompatible than the smaller Au NPs, while the similar-sized Ag NPs are much more toxic than Au NPs. This study offers in vivo assays and single NP microscopy and spectroscopy to characterize the biocompatibility and toxicity of single NPs, and new insights into the rational design of more biocompatible plasmonic NP imaging probes.
Study of a novel compact standing wave RF linac

A novel, compact RF linac structure, the plane wave transformer (PWT), is studied. The PWT provides high accelerating field and high efficiency, and can be used to accelerate high-brightness beams. PWT linac prototypes with eight cells at S-band have been developed at UCLA and successfully used to accelerate an electron beam by more than 10 MeV in 40 cm. In this paper, we describe the principal properties of this structure, the electric parameters obtained from numerical simulation, and measurement results from microwave cold tests. The mechanical design for prototype linacs is also reported.
Biomechanical effect of rotator cuff augmentation with an acellular dermal matrix graft: A cadaver study

article i nfo Article history: Received 23 December 2011 Accepted 1 May 2012 Background: Acellular human dermal matrix grafts (Graftjacket; Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, TN, USA) are used clinically for rotator cuff augmentation withouta detailed understanding of their biomechanical effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of augmentation with dermal grafts on the biome- chanical effects of rotator cuff repairs. Methods: Nine matched pairs of human cadaveric shoulders were used. A single-row rotator cuff repair com- bined with an augmentation graft was performed on one shoulder, and a single-row repair was performed on the contralateral shoulder as a control. An acellular dermal matrix graft was sutured to the tendon medially and fixed to the humerus laterally. The constructs were preloaded at 10 N and then cyclically loaded between 10 and 180 N for 1000 cycles, followed by tensile testing to failure at 1.0 mm/s. Findings: The maximum load of the augmentation group (560.2 N, SD 95.5) was greater than that of the control group (345.7 N, SD 60.8), while the linear stiffness of the augmentation group (65.2 N/mm, SD 15.6) was less than that of the control group (77.2 N/mm, SD 15.7). Reliable gap distance data were not obtained during cyclic loading in 5 of 9 augmented repairs due to the elasticity of the dermal matrix graft. Interpretation: The dermal matrix graft augmentation increased the maximum load but did not increase the linear stiffness. The elasticity of the dermal matrix graft affected the biomechanical effects of the augmented rotator cuff repairs.
Platelet tritiated imipramine binding and serotonin uptake in depressed patients and controls. Relationship to plasma cortisol levels before and after dexamethasone administration.

• We measured platelet tritiated imipramine binding and serotonin uptake in 51 depressed patients and 43 normal controls. Although there were no significant differences in platelet 3 H-imipramine binding or serotonin uptake when the total group of depressed patients was compared with controls, depressed women (n = 32) had a significantly lower maximal density of 3 H-imipramine binding sites (β max ) than control women (n = 25). Moreover, among the total group of depressed patients, there were significant negative correlations between the β max values and plasma cortisol levels at 4 PM (n = 41) and 11 PM (n = 41) following dexamethasone administration. These negative correlations between β max and cortisol levels were strongest among melancholic patients both at 4 PM before dexamethasone administration (n =14) and at 11 PM after dexamethasone administration (n =15). These data suggest that the reported decrease in β max found among depressed patients may be related to and is perhaps secondary to the hypercortisolemia of depression.
Spiritual Well-Being as a Mediator of the Relation between Culture-Specific Coping and Quality of Life in a Community Sample of African Americans

This study examines the antecedent factors affecting the quality of life of African Americans. A theoretical model is proposed that identifies the effects of culture-specific coping and spiritual well-being as predictors of quality of life. A sample of 281 African Americans was administered a battery of questionnaires that examined the constructs of interest. The theoretical model was tested within a structural equation—modeling framework to identify both direct and indirect effects. Results indicate overall model fit, with both culture-specific coping and spiritual well-being as significant predictors of quality of life. Spiritual well-being partially mediated the effects of culture-specific coping on quality of life. The article concludes with a discussion of the study's findings in relation to quality of life issues for African Americans.
Tauopathy with paired helical filaments in an aged chimpanzee

An enigmatic feature of age-related neurodegenerative diseases is that they seldom, if ever, are fully manifested in nonhuman species under natural conditions. The neurodegenerative tauopathies are typified by the intracellular aggregation of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and the dysfunction and death of affected neurons. We document the first case of tauopathy with paired helical filaments in an aged chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Pathologic forms of tau in neuronal somata, neuropil threads, and plaque-like clusters of neurites were histologically identified throughout the neocortex and, to a lesser degree, in allocortical and subcortical structures. Ultrastructurally, the neurofibrillary tangles consisted of tau-immunoreactive paired helical filaments with a diameter and helical periodicity indistinguishable from those seen in Alzheimer's disease. A moderate degree of Abeta deposition was present in the cerebral vasculature and, less frequently, in senile plaques. Sequencing of the exons and flanking intronic regions in the genomic MAPT locus disclosed no mutations that are associated with the known human hereditary tauopathies, nor any polymorphisms of obvious functional significance. Although the lesion profile in this chimpanzee differed somewhat from that in Alzheimer's disease, the copresence of paired helical filaments and Abeta-amyloidosis indicates that the molecular mechanisms for the pathogenesis of the two canonical Alzheimer lesions--neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques--are present in aged chimpanzees.
Structuring operating systems using adaptive objects for improving performance

Programmers of high-performance applications often complain that the abstractions provided by the operating system (OS) hinder the optimal exploitation of the underlying hardware. We believe that this should not be the case with a well designed OS. The key is that OS subsystems must be customizable, adaptable and extensible, to permit an optimal match between the application needs and the hardware architecture. In the CHamelEon project, we seek to demonstrate the practical feasibility of dynamically customizing OSs in a distributed or clustered system. We intend to test our prototype with a small set of commercial applications. >
Distributed simulation: an enabling technology for the evaluation of virtual enterprises

This paper presents an application of distributed simulation to the evaluation of virtual enterprises. Each company or candidate can use a simulation of its facilities to determine if it has the capability to perform its individual function in the virtual enterprise. Then, these simulations can be integrated into a distributed simulation of the complete enterprise, and used to predict the viability and profitability of the proposed product collaboration. In this paper, a prototype distributed simulation for such a purpose is presented. First, information flows as well as material flows among members in a virtual enterprise are identified using IDEFO, a formal function modeling method. Sequences of the identified functions are then presented using the finite state automata formalism. These interactions are then implemented for a commercial simulation package. Finally, a distributed simulation composed of three individual simulations is successfully tested across platforms over both the internet and the local area network.
A genetically defined trans‐acting locus regulates S‐locus function in Brassica

Summary A new locus, SCF1, which regulates S-locus function has been identified in Brassica campestris. The spontaneous scf1 mutation described in this paper causes the stigma to be receptive to all pollen including selfpollen, but does not affect the pollination phenotype of the male gametophyte. In the stigmas of scf1 homozygotes, the S-locus-linked SLG gene and two other unlinked members of the S-multigene family, all of which encode secreted glycoproteins, are coordinately down-regulated at the RNA level, while the expression of the S-locus-derived SRK gene, which encodes a putative receptor protein kinase, is unaffected. It is proposed that the SCF1 locus encodes a positive trans-acting factor required for the enhanced transcription of several genes in the stigmatic papillar cells during pistil maturation. The effects of the scf1 mutation provide strong support for the involvement of the cloned S-genes in the operation of the pollen-stigma interaction of incompatibility in B. campestris and related crucifer species.
Simultaneous Pose Estimation and Camera Calibration from Multiple Views

We present an algorithm to estimate the body pose of a walking person given synchronized video input from multiple uncalibrated cameras. We construct an appearance model of human walking motion by generating examples from the space of body poses and camera locations, and clustering them using expectation-maximization. Given a segmented input video sequence, we find the closest matching appearance cluster for each silhouette and use the sequence of matched clusters to extrapolate the position of the camera with respect to the person's direction of motion. For each frame, the matching cluster also provides an estimate of the walking phase. We combine these estimates from all views and find the most likely sequence of walking poses using a cyclical, feed-forward hidden Markov model. Our algorithm requires no manual initialization and no prior knowledge about the locations of the cameras.
RELATIONSHIP OF NITROGEN-SULFUR FERTILIZATION AND HYBRID TO SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF shrunken2 SWEET CORN KERNELS

Sweet corn hybrids significantly affected the primary components of eating quality, i. e. sweetness (P < 0.001), sweet corn aroma (P = 0.004), crisp pericarp (P = 0.002) and tender endosperm (P = 0.020). To some degree, N-S fertilization had an influence on the sweetness of the kernerl (P = 0.067). Hybrids with high levels of kernel DMS and sucrose had more intense sweet corn aroma and sweetness, respectively, with a corresponding increase in sweet corn flavor. A positive relationship was also observed between sweet corn aroma and kernel DMS concentration. Although overall liking did not display significant differences between hybrids and was not correlated with any of the chemical components of flavor, it was positively related to aroma, sweetness and texture, and negatively related to grassiness and starchiness in the kernels. The results in this study demonstrated the importance of conducting sensory evaluation to understand the complex nature of the sensory quality in food crops.
Tissue factor and cancer

The hemostatic system is involved in multiple interactions with transformed cells that progress from a dormant, non-vascularized tumor to highly metastatic phenotypes. Oncogenic transformations up regulate not only the initiator of the coagulation cascade, tissue factor (TF), but also induce other molecules that are required for TF's direct cell signaling activity, including the protease activated receptor (PAR) 2 and factor VIIa. TF-dependent signaling is a major driver for primary tumor progression, whereas TF-initiated coagulation and other components of the hemostatic system support metastasis. Basic research continues to identify pivotal molecular interactions in these processes and provides potential leads for targeting specific tumor promoting pathways associated with hemostasis and thrombosis.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Juvenile Mania: An Overlooked Comorbidity?

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the psychiatric, cognitive, and functional correlates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with and without comorbid bipolar disorder (BPD). Method DSM-III-R structured diagnostic interviews and blind raters were used to examine psychiatric diagnoses at baseline and 4-year follow-up in ADHD and control children. In addition, subjects were evaluated for cognitive, academic, social, school, and family functioning. Results BPD was diagnosed in 11% of ADHD children at baseline and in an additional 12% at 4-year follow-up. These rates were significantly higher than those of controls at each assessment. ADHD children with comorbid BPD at either baseline or follow-up assessment had significantly higher rates of additional psychopathology, psychiatric hospitalization, and severely impaired psychosocial functioning than other ADHD children. The clinical picture of bipolarity was mostly irritable and mixed. ADHD children with comorbid BPD also had a very severe symptomatic picture of ADHD as well as prototypical correlates of the disorder. Comorbidity between ADHD and BPD was not due to symptom overlap. ADHD children who developed BPD at the 4-year follow-up had higher initial rates of comorbidity, more symptoms of ADHD, worse scores on the CBCL, and a greater family history of mood disorder compared with non-BPD, ADHD children. Conclusions The results extend previous results documenting that children with ADHD are at increased risk of developing BPD with its associated severe morbidity, dysfunction, and incapacitation.
Genetic toxicology of the photosensitization of Chinese hamster cells by phthalocyanines.

Chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (CAPC) was recently shown to photosensitize cell killing in culture and tumor destruction in vivo. Because this compound is potentially useful in the photodynamic therapy of cancer, its properties as a genotoxic agent were evaluated. Applying the technique of alkaline elution to study DNA integrity, it was found that CAPC could produce single-strand breaks in the DNA of Chinese hamster cells after exposure to white fluorescent light. At equicytotoxic doses, the number of DNA strand breaks produced by CAPC photosensitization was about three times lower than that induced by X-irradiation. During incubation in growth medium after exposure to CAPC-plus-fluorescent light, cells rejoined DNA strand breaks at a rate similar to that observed after X-irradiation. Resistance to 6-thioguanine (6-TG') or to ouabain (OUA') were used as end points of mutagenic potential. Following a treatment that caused -90% cell killing, there was a slight mutagenic effect, i.e. the frequencies were increased by -40% above the background or spontaneous mutations. However, this enhancement was not statistically significant. Taken together, the foregoing, plus an earlier observation that there is no variation in the sensitivity of cells to CAPC + light through the cell cycle, lead to the inferences that DNA damage does not play a major role in cell killing and that the mutagenic potential of this treatment is small.
Differential modulation of surface and intracellular protein expression by T cells after stimulation in the presence of monensin or brefeldin A.

Intracellular cytokine staining is an increasingly popular analytical tool that can be used to define the profile of cytokines in various disease states. One important requirement for this assay is the inclusion of a protein transport inhibitor in stimulated cell cultures to trap the cytokine, thus allowing a brighter signal. Two compounds commonly used for this purpose are brefeldin A (BFA) and monensin (MN). Flow cytometry was used to assess the differential effects of BFA and MN on surface CD3, -4, -8, and -69 expression and the intracellular expression of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. We found that BFA blocked the majority of CD3+ cells from expressing surface CD69, but BFA did not inhibit intracellular CD69 expression. MN did not significantly inhibit surface CD69 expression. With regard to lymphocyte marker expression following activation, surface CD4 expression was significantly downregulated; however, less downregulation was observed with BFA treatment than with MN treatment. Analyzing intracellular cytokine expression, BFA trapped a greater percentage of TNF-α inside activated cells than MN. An analysis of the cytokine concentration in culture supernatants indicated that cells treated with MN released TNF-α and IFN-γ from the cells, while the BFA-treated cells released IFN-γ only. With prolonged (18-h) stimulation, the cells treated with MN were less viable than those treated with BFA. We conclude that the choice of a protein transport inhibitor is an important variable in this assay. When developing this method as a tool for clinical immunology laboratory analysis, investigators should consider the differential effects of BFA and MN on results.
Giving support to others reduces sympathetic nervous system-related responses to stress

Social support is a major contributor to the link between social ties and beneficial health outcomes. Research to date has focused on how receiving support from others might be good for us; however, we know less about the health effects of giving support to others. Based on prior work in animals showing that stimulating neural circuitry important for caregiving behavior can reduce sympathetic-related responses to stressors, it is possible that, in humans, giving to others can reduce stressor-evoked sympathetic nervous system responding, which has implications for health outcomes. To test the effect of giving support on the physiological stress response, participants either wrote a supportive note to a friend (support-giving condition) or wrote about their route to school/work (control condition) before undergoing a standard laboratory-based stress task. Physiological responses (heart rate, blood pressure, salivary alpha-amylase, salivary cortisol), and self-reported stress were collected throughout the protocol. In line with hypotheses, support giving (vs. control) reduced sympathetic-related responses (systolic blood pressure and alpha-amylase) to the stressor. No effects of support giving were found on self-reported psychological stress or cortisol levels. Results add to existing knowledge of the pathways by which support giving may lead to health benefits and highlight the contribution of giving to others in the broader social support-health link.
Walk the Talk: Creating Learning Communities to Promote a Pedagogy of Justice

Discusses ways in which law schools can create an environment that reflects social justice principles with specific emphasis on the importance of learning communities. Offers suggestions and provides examples on how to develop learning communities in the larger classes as well as in an Academic Support Program.
Myoglobin content and oxygen diffusion: model analysis of horse and steer muscle

We test the hypothesis that myoglobin is important for O2 supply near the oxidative capacity of muscle. This hypothesis is evaluated with a simple model that incorporates the properties of heart and skeletal muscle tissue taken from steers and horses exercising at their maximum O2 consumption rate. These tissue samples allowed us to set the bounds on oxidative demand and O2 flux from red blood cells to the core of the muscle fiber, to estimate the blood and tissue capacities for O2 diffusion, and to define the capillary blood PO2 driving this O2 flux. A model combining blood convection with tissue diffusion indicates that O2 diffusion alone is insufficient to achieve the measured O2 fluxes in many samples. The myoglobin content of these fibers is significantly correlated with this O2 diffusion limitation and provides sufficient additional O2 flux to meet muscle O2 demand. The presence of myoglobin maintains the PO2 in the fiber core above anoxic levels for the majority of muscles. Thus myoglobin is critical to O2 supply at fluxes near the maximum and prevents anoxia by maintaining PO2 above levels needed to support mitochondrial function.
A Review of: “John Davis, ed. Africa and the War on Terrorism.”

Until now no comprehensive assessment of Africa's role in the war on terror existed. This book of nine essays plus an introduction and conclusion by the editor provides an excellent source to overc...
Anthropogene Umweltveränderungen in den Südtiroler Ötztaler Alpen in historischer Zeit

Abstract. Methodische Grundlage dieser Studie sind palaookologische Untersuchungen von Sedimenten aus Feuchtgebieten der Otztaler Alpen in Sudtirol. Schwerpunkt ist dabei das Wirken des Menschen in den letzten 2000 Jahren, das sich in der Rodung der hohenstufentypischen Walder und in der Anlage von Kulturland widerspiegelt. Ein Beispiel aus der montanen Hohenstufe belegt die sich abwechselnden Phasen von Kulturnahme und Wiederbewaldung, die in der Romischen Kaiserzeit und der Volkerwanderungszeit eine wenig stabile Besiedlung wiedergeben. Das Mittelalter und die Neuzeit sind dagegen dauerhaft besiedelt. In einem weiteren Beispiel werden die Veranderungen der subalpinen Walder in historischer Zeit unter besonderer Berucksichtigung des Bergbaus diskutiert. Dabei lassen sich in der fruhen Neuzeit Brandrodung und Erosion mit dem intensiven Erzabbau parallelisieren.
Deactivating unproductive pathways in multichromophoric sensitizers.

The effects of solvent and substituents on a multichromophoric complex containing a boron-dipyrromethene (Bodipy) chromophore and Pt(bpy)(bdt) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, bdt =1,2-benzenedithiolate) were studied using steady-state absorption, emission, and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. When the Bodipy molecule is connected to either the bpy or bdt in acetonitrile, excitation ultimately leads to the dyad undergoing triplet energy transfer (TEnT) from the redox-active Pt triplet mixed−metal-ligand−to−ligand′ charge transfer (3MMLL′CT) state to the Bodipy 3ππ* state in 8 and 160 ps, respectively. This is disadvantageous for solar energy applications. Here, we investigate two methods to lower the energy of the 3MMLL′CT state, thereby making TEnT unfavorable. By switching to a low dielectric constant solvent, we are able to extend the lifetime of the 3MMLL′CT state to over 1 ns, the time frame of our experiment. Additionally, electron-withdrawing groups, such as carboxylate and phosphonate esters, o...
Natural Enemies of the Pea Aphid (Illinoia Pisi Kalt.); Their Abundance and Distribution in Wisconsin

The pea aphid predators are many and varied. Studies this past year at Columbus, Wis., gave some idea of the abundance of certain groups and the relative importance of others. Numerous species not heretofore mentioned are included in the list.
Does Improving Marital Quality Improve Sleep?: Results from a Marital Therapy Trial

For most adults, sleep is a dyadic behavior. Only recently have studies explored the dynamic association between sleep and relationship functioning among bed partners. The current study is the first to examine bidirectional associations between changes in insomnia and changes in marital quality over time, in the context of a marital therapy trial. Among husbands, improvements in marital satisfaction were associated with a 36% decreased risk of insomnia at follow-up. Regarding the reverse direction, counter-intuitively, wife baseline insomnia was associated with improvements in husbands' marital satisfaction, but only among the non-treatment-seeking comparison group. Results are discussed in terms of implications for sleep and marital therapy, and suggest that improving sleep may be an added benefit of improving the marital relationship.
Multi-modal biometrics fusion for human recognition in video

Biometrics deal with uniquely recognizing humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. Even though the performance of a single biometrics system is constrained by the intrinsic factors of a trait, this inherent limitation of a single biometric can be alleviated by fusing the information presented by multiple sources. It has been found to be difficult to recognize a person from arbitrary views when one is walking at a distance. In this dissertation, we propose an innovative video based fusion system, which aims at recognizing non-cooperating individuals at a distance in a single camera scenario by integrating information of the side view of face and gait. Firstly, we propose a new face representation, Enhanced Side Face Image (ESFI), a higher resolution image compared with the image directly obtained from a single video frame, for a side face. It overcomes the problem of the limited resolution of face at a distance in video by integrating information from multiple video frames. The experimental results show that the idea of constructing ESFI from multiple frames is promising for human recognition in video and more discriminating face features are extracted from ESFI compared to those from the original side face images (OSFI). Secondly, we explore several schemes to fuse the information of the side view of face and gait at two different levels: the match score level and the feature level. Performance comparisons between different fusion methods are presented. The performance is also shown in Cumulative Match Characteristic (CMC) curves. The experimental results show that the integration of information from side face and gait is effective for individual recognition in video. Finally, we develop a non-reference objective measure to evaluate the quality of the super-resolved face images constructed under different conditions. Face recognition experiments are also conducted based on the super-resolved images. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed quality measure is effective in the quality assessment of super-resolved images and that the image resolution enhancement is necessary for the recognition task in the low resolution image/video scenario.
Meaningful work as realization and justification: Toward a dual conceptualization

We review and develop two alternative conceptualizations of meaningful work: a predominant perspective we label realization and an underdeveloped, yet critical, perspective we label justification. We develop each conceptualization by identifying the core problem meaningful work is thought to address and accompanying solutions. Next, we build from this distinction to propose a research agenda that advances scholarly understanding of meaningful work from a justification perspective. Through building this research agenda, we elevate scholarly understanding on meaningful work by illuminating new foci for research, highlighting the relevance of social-cultural mechanisms, and suggesting alternative outcomes.
Consumer Satisfaction with Children's Mental Health Services

Consumer satisfaction with children's mental health services was assessed via a statewide survey. All families of children receiving case management services from community mental health centers in Kansas were eligible to participate. Youth ages 12 and older who were receiving case management were also surveyed. The sample consisted of 963 parents and 331 youth. Results are presented in the form of descriptive statistics that report satisfaction with specific practices and services, as well as overall satisfaction. Also, analyses were performed to explore how overall client satisfaction is related to demographic variables and to satisfaction with specific agency practices. Implications for training and administrative procedures are discussed.
Chemotherapy and Fertility

The development of effective treatment options for young patients with malignancy has created a shift in focus from cancer cure to survivorship and management of long-term toxicities. Future fertility is an important long-term outcome for cancer patients of reproductive age. Chemotherapy can reduce fertility by direct insult to the male and female reproductive organs or to the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The effect of chemotherapeutic agents on fertility depends on the agent used, the age and pubertal status of the patient, the dose and duration of treatment, and differences in gonadal sensitivity among different patients (Chatzidarellis et al., Fertility and Sterility 94(2): 558–563, 2010). It is essential for providers to understand the impact of chemotherapy regimens on fertility for patients with reproductive potential.
Air Exposure Time of Trout Released by Anglers during Catch and Release

AbstractResearch of catch-and-release fishing has included air exposure time as a contributing factor in the lethal and sublethal impacts to fish. However, to our knowledge, no studies have observed the amount of time anglers actually expose fish to air when recreationally fishing. We observed 280 anglers on several waters where catch and release was commonly practiced for trout and timed how long they exposed trout to air before releasing them back to the water. We also noted several angling characteristics to evaluate whether they influenced air exposure times, including the type of gear (fly, lure, bait), fishing on foot or from a boat, handling method (hand, net), and a subjective measure of trout size (small, medium, large). The longest continuous interval that anglers exposed trout to air averaged 26.1 s (range, 0–160 s), and only 4% of the anglers held fish out of the water continuously for >60 s. Total air exposure averaged 29.4 s, ranged from 0 to 165 s, and differed from the longest air exposure...
Blind estimation with signal scrambling

Abstract Traditional blind identification methods deal with the estimation of an unknown system which can be described by a transfer function H(z). In some scenarios, the unknown system is a cascade of two systems with transfer functions H(z) and G(z) and both channels have to be separately estimated. This paper presents a new scrambling aided blind identification method that permits these systems to be unraveled. The identification algorithm is derived. It is shown the identification is unique up to a nonzero scalar and a delay for both channels.
PCSK9 Inhibitors Show Value for Patients and the US Health Care System.

Abstract Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as cholesterol-lowering therapies for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Objectives To estimate the long-term health and economic value of PCSK9 inhibitors for Americans (51 years and older). Methods We conducted simulations using the Future Elderly Model, an established dynamic microsimulation model to project the lifetime outcomes for the US population aged 51 years and older. Health effects estimates and confidence intervals from published meta-analysis studies were used to project changes in life expectancy, quality-adjusted life-years, and lifetime medical spending resulting from the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. We considered two treatment scenarios: 1) current FDA eligibility and 2) an extended eligibility scenario that includes patients with no pre-existing cardiovascular disease but at high risk. We assumed that the price of PCSK9 inhibitors was discounted by 35% in the first 12 years and by 57% thereafter, with gradual uptake of the drug in eligible populations. Results Use of PCSK9 inhibitors by individuals covered by current FDA approval would extend life expectancy at the age of 51 years by an estimated 1.1 years and would yield a lifetime net value of $5800 per person. If use was extended to those at high risk for cardiovascular disease, PCSK9 inhibitors would generate a lifetime net benefit of $14,100 per person. Conclusions Expanded access to PCSK9 inhibitors would offer positive long-term net value for patients and the US health care system at the current discounted prices.
Infusing Inorganics into the Subsurface of Polymer Redistribution Layer Dielectrics for Improved Adhesion to Metals Interconnects

This paper demonstrates a new class of inorganic-organic hybrid dielectric materials to address the requirements for high-temperature reliability of next-generation high-density, high-power packages and electronics in harsh environments for automotive applications. A major concern for reliability is the inadequate adhesion of metals with high-temperature polymers. Adhesion deteriorates further via thermal and oxidative exposure and moisture absorption. In this paper, a novel vapor phase infiltration (VPI) technique is applied to create an organic-inorganic hybrid dielectric surface that improves metal-polymer adhesion. The VPI process infuses inorganic constituents to a depth of at least 3 microns, as revealed by elemental analysis using SEM-EDX and XPS depth profiles. In preliminary testing, Cu/Cr films deposited onto these modified polymer surfaces exhibit 3x higher peel strength than metal films deposited on untreated polymer.
Indo-American Encounters in Melville and Thoreau: Philosophy, Commerce, and Religious Dialogue

Henry David Thoreau and Herman Melville provide complementary approaches to the encounter between India and America as developed in the literary production of the Transcendentalists and their critics. As a Transcendentalist writer shaped by Emerson who was exceptionally engaged by Hindu religious and philosophical texts, Thoreau engaged India on the level of ideas, finding the subcontinent to be a source of timeless wisdom that could contribute more to his pursuit of virtue and self-culture than the mundane events in American newspapers. Herman Melville, a figure engaged by Transcendentalism but also quite critical of the movement’s ahistorical qualities, presents a more nuanced approach to the Indo-American encounter, emphasizing material realities, travel, and trade even as he kept religious and philosophical matters in view.
Relationship Between Pregnancy Complications and Psychiatric Disorders: A Population-Based Study With a Matched Control Group

Objectives:This study sought to identify whether pregnancy complications differ between women with and without a psychiatric disorder diagnosis prior to pregnancy.Methods:Women who gave birth between 2007 and 2009 in Pennsylvania and were enrolled in Medicaid from one year prior to their pregnancy until their delivery were included (N=9,930); those with psychiatric disorders were compared with a matched control group (N=4,965 for each). Logistic regression analysis estimated the odds of having a pregnancy complication among those with a psychiatric diagnosis prior to pregnancy, adjusting for demographic characteristics and chronic general medical conditions.Results:Compared with the control group, women with a psychiatric disorder prior to pregnancy had greater odds of having at least one pregnancy complication (odds ratio=1.48, 95% confidence interval=1.37–1.61). Compared with the control group, their odds of antepartum hemorrhage were 1.50 times higher, their odds of preterm labor were 1.45 times higher...
The Paradox of Trans-American Solidarity: Gender, Race, and Representation in the Guatemalan Refugee Camps of Mexico, 1980–1990

In the 1970s and 1980s the Guatemalan government's counterinsurgency tactics prompted nearly 2 million people to abandon their homes. Drawing on heretofore unexamined documentation produced by Nort...
Film-Theatre as an Intermedial Occurrence of Theatre: Recycling Ionesco’s Bald Soprano

Can the term and the category of adaptation adequately emphasize the relationship in which theatre and film engage during the audiovisual recording of live performances? Can renaming and positionin...
Schwarzschild solution and Mach's principle

The purpose of this work is to show a possible reconciliation between Mach's principle and the Schwarzschild solution, using a description of this solution in terms of a new radial cooordinate related to the behaviour of Unruh detectors.
Psychiatric aspects of chronic organic brain syndrome

In chronic organic brain syndrome, or dementia, the patient generally retreats to simple, familiar situations and resists involvement in others. The symptoms represent both organic deficits due to brain damage and psychologic reactions to the deficits. Some causes are treatable. Because of progressive change in the total behavior of the patient, major rearrangement of life-style is often necessary. The physician should guide both patient and family in this process. Medication may also be helpful.
Multi-frame Super Resolution for Ocular Biometrics

Some biometrics methods, especially ocular, may use fine spatial information akin to level-3 features. Examples include fine vascular patterns visible in the white of the eyes in green and blue channels, iridial patterns in near infrared, or minute periocular features in visible light. In some mobile applications, an NIR or RGB camera is used to capture these ocular images in a "selfie" like manner. However, most of such ocular images captured under unconstrained environments are of lower quality due to spatial resolution, noise, and motion blur, affecting the performance of the ensuing biometric authentication. Here we propose a multi-frame super resolution (MFSR) pipeline to mitigate the problem, where a higher resolution image is generated from multiple lower resolution, noisy and blurry images. We show that the proposed MFSR method at 2× upscaling can improve the equal error rate (EER) by 9.85% compared to single frame bicubic upscaling in RGB ocular matching while being up to 8.5× faster than comparable state-of-the-art MFSR method.
Long-term trends of wet inorganic nitrogen deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park: Influence of missing data imputation methods and associated uncertainty.

Abstract Excess reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition is occurring in Rocky Mountain National Park and impacting sensitive ecosystems. In 2006, the National Park Service, State of Colorado, and Environmental Protection Agency established the goal to reduce Nr deposition to below the ecosystem critical load by 2032. Progress is tracked using 5-year averages of annual wet inorganic nitrogen (IN) deposition measured at Loch Vale, Colorado, by the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). This remote high alpine site is challenging to operate, and large fractions of the annual precipitation, at times >40%, had invalid IN concentrations. Annual wet IN deposition is calculated using the NADP protocol, which replaces missing concentrations with the annual precipitation-weighted mean (PWM) concentration of valid samples. This protocol does not account for seasonal variations in IN concentrations and the inverse relationship between concentration and precipitation amounts. Invalid samples occurred more frequently in the winter and at high and low precipitation amounts, and the NADP protocol generally overestimated annual deposition rates, by as much as 20%. Here, a new method for imputing missing weekly IN concentrations that accounts for their seasonal and precipitation dependence is introduced. Using a bootstrapping analysis shows that the new method reduced the errors in the annual deposition rates by about 30% compared to the NADP protocol and the biases were near zero. The overall trend in the wet IN deposition rates was found to be flat from 1990 to 2017, but the nitrate contribution decreased about 33%, which was offset by a nearly equal increase in ammonium wet deposition. These trends are consistent with known changes in nitrate and ammonium precursor emissions. The long-term trends in the annual IN deposition rates were similar using both data imputation methods, but the 2013–2017 average was about 10% smaller using the new method.
Examining the Predictive Validity of the Static-99R on Native American Sex Offenders

No study to date has evaluated the predictive validity of the Static-99R on a sample of Native American sex offenders. This study provides such an investigation. Findings reveal the Static-99R demo...
What You See Is What You Get—But Not Always

Medicine in the modern era is transforming faster than many had likely anticipated, literally opening doors to types of care previously unimagined. Six years ago, a group of medical professionals with interests in austere medicine attending a Special Operations Medical Association Conference
Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic disorders to affect the nervous system, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 3500 individuals worldwide. NF1 is characterized by a propensity to develop benign tumors of the nerve sheath (neurofibromas) along with other tumors of a variety of neural and non-neural tissues. Other features of NF1 include pigmentary abnormalities, skeletal dysplasias, learning disabilities, structural cerebral abnormalities, and vascular anomalies. NF1 is caused by a heterozygous mutation of the NF1 gene. NF1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene, which explains the propensity of tumor development but does not account for all the diverse features of NF1. The mainstay of care in NF1 is anticipatory guidance and surveillance for treatable complications.
Nasopharyngeal Vascular Hamartoma in a Dog.

An 8-year-old spayed female 32 kg Labrador retriever was presented for further investigation into the underlying cause of dyspnea, stertor, and sleep apnea present for three months and worsening over 30 days. There were significant reduction in airflow through the nares and loud inspiratory stridor. Thoracic and cervical radiographs made were normal. A skull CT and retrograde rhinoscopy showed a mass occluding the majority of the nasopharynx above the caudal third of the hard palate. The main differential diagnoses included a neoplastic mass vs. inflammatory mass vs. cyst vs. mucous obstruction. There was no destruction of nasal turbinates, making a benign etiology more likely. Biopsy of the mass showed an inflammatory process. En bloc excision of the mass was performed via ventral rhinotomy without complication. Histopathology of the excised mass revealed it to be a mucosal vascular hamartoma. The dog recovered uneventfully and had no further respiratory issues, short or long term. Although vascular hamartomas are a rare finding in veterinary medicine, they can be found in a wide variety of species and anatomic locations. They should be considered when naming differentials for benign mass lesions throughout the body, including the nasopharynx. Although they are benign masses in nature, they can be clinically significant and should be addressed. Prognosis after removal in this location is excellent.
Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation

Parallel to an increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the prevalence of obesity and overweight has steadily increased in the USA accounting for 32.2% of US adult population. Recently, several studies have reported a strong association between obesity and AF. In this chapter, the author reviews the association between obesity and AF, the mechanism of obesity related AF, and the role of goal-directed weight loss in AF.
Hybridizing physical and data-driven prediction methods for physicochemical properties

We present a generic way to hybridize physical and data-driven methods for predicting physicochemical properties. The approach ‘distills’ the physical method's predictions into a prior model and combines it with sparse experimental data using Bayesian inference. We apply the new approach to predict activity coefficients at infinite dilution and obtain significant improvements compared to the physical and data-driven baselines and established ensemble methods from the machine learning literature.