cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Career Satisfaction and Burnout Among U.S. Neurosurgeons: A Feasibility and Pilot Study

Objective Neurosurgery is a challenging and stressful field. Excessive stress and professional dissatisfaction can lead to medical errors, negatively impact patient care, and cause physician burnout. Our objective is to develop and critically evaluate a survey measuring professional stress and satisfaction and to obtain preliminary data on sources and degree of stress and the prevalence of burnout among American neurosurgeons. Methods A 107-item questionnaire was developed and sent to 169 American neurosurgeons to evaluate career satisfaction and stressors, quality of professional life, and burnout. Participants were also asked about the survey itself. Most variables were evaluated using the Likert-type scale. Burnout was measured using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results The 85 (50%) respondents were typically male, full-time, board-certified neurosurgeons. Ninety-five percent were satisfied as neurosurgeons (73% very satisfied). Most (88%) would choose neurosurgery again as a career, but only 55% would recommend it to a child. Low salary/income, low collections/billing, and uncertainty regarding future earnings/health care reform were reported as stressful factors by the majority of participants. Compared with published norms, the median scores were lower for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and higher for personal accomplishment. The burnout rate was 27%. Conclusion Our survey was well received and, according to respondents, encompassed the major issues associated with career stress, satisfaction, and burnout but needs to be shortened. Respondents were generally satisfied with their career but identified several major stressors. A larger study to identify predictors of career satisfaction/dissatisfaction will help generate dialogue on improving the quality of professional life for neurosurgeons.
Molecular-beam-epitaxy-grown single-longitudinal-mode GaAs-AlGaAs interferometric lasers on stepped-channelled substrates

The GaAs-AlGaAs double-heterostructure interferometric lasers were successfully grown by molecular beam epitaxy on [011]-oriented-stepped-channelled GaAs(100) substrates. These lasers have a side-mode suppression ratio of greater than 200:1.
Geoelectric stratigraphy and subsurface evaluation of quaternary stream sediments at the Cooper Basin, NE Texas

An electrical resistivity survey of a portion of the Cooper Reservoir Basin in northeast Texas has been used to delineate the major lithostratigraphic units of Quaternary flood plain deposits and subsurface paleogeomorphic features of interest to geoarchaeologists. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the fluviatile deposits along the South Sulphur River which flows through Cooper Basin, to identify the basin morphology, and to detect buried geomorphic features. Buried stream channels were considered to be important targets since buried prehistoric site locations are thought to be related to patterns of fluvial facies. Two general techniques were used in the survey. First, soundings were conducted over borehole locations to correlate lithologies with resistivity variations. Second, multiple resistivity profiles were established along traverses across the flood plain. By repeating each traverse but with increased probe separations, a composite of profiles was developed yielding electrical cross-sections of the subsurface. These cross-sections were then interpreted in terms of the lithologic stratigraphy in the basin. Sounding data were evaluated using empirical methods, and profile data were evaluated qualitatively. the sounding data defined the major resistivity horizons which correlate to the primary sedimentary units in the Cooper Basin. Profile data, used to construct resistivity cross-sections, revealed a series of buried erosional features interpreted as channel segments and allowed for the estimation of relative time boundaries within sediments buried under the flood plain as the basin evolved.
Histogram Techniques for Studying Phase Transitions

The use of histogram techniques to increase the efficiency of Monte Carlo computer simulations is discussed. The early history, as well as more recent refinements are presented. The power of the technique is demonstrated by Monte Carlo studies of three statistical mechanical models.
The limitations of instructional technology

The authors present five reasons why high technologies have failed to have much impact on education. They are as follows: (1) teaching and learning are inherently human activities with affecting (e.g. attitudinal)-as well as achievement-oriented objectives; high technology substitutes machines for humans; (2) instructional media, like all media, have an affect on the users that transcends the content material. Like the media of television, the effect is thought to be detrimental to intellectual development; (3) the hardware and software have not yet reached the required level of perfection; (4) the use of the technology requires skill, knowledge, coordination, management, and organizational expertise which the educational bureaucracies have been unable or unwilling to commit to this purpose; and (5) sophisticated technology costs too much and part of this cost is the high level of expertise needed to apply it. Although the primary technology discussed is computer-assisted instruction, the limitations described apply to most instructional technologies. >
Guiding principles in the design of ligand-targeted nanomedicines

Medicines for the treatment of most human pathologies are encumbered by unwanted side effects that arise from the deposition of an effective drug into the wrong tissues. The logical remedy for these undesirable properties involves selective targeting of the therapeutic agent to pathologic cells, thereby avoiding collateral toxicity to healthy cells. Since significant advantages can also accrue by incorporating a therapeutic or imaging agent into a nanoparticle, many laboratories are now combining both benefits into a single formulation. This review will focus on the major guiding principles in the design of ligand-targeted nanoparticles, including optimization of their chemical and physical properties, selection of the ideal targeting ligand, engineering of the appropriate surface passivation and linker strategies to achieve selective delivery of the entrapped cargo to the desired diseased cell.
Changes in procoagulant and fibrinolytic gene expression during bleomycin-induced lung injury in the mouse

Bleomycin-induced lung injury is an established murine model of human pulmonary fibrosis. Although procoagulant molecules (e.g., tissue factor [TF]) and fibrinolytic components (e.g., urokinase [u-PA] and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI-1]) have been detected in alveolar fluid from injured lungs, the origin of these molecules remains unknown. We therefore examined the expression of procoagulant and fibrinolytic components in relation to the distribution of parenchymal fibrin in bleomycin-injured lungs. Extravascular fibrin localized to the alveolar and extracellular matrix in injured lung tissue. Injured lung tissue extracts contained elevated levels of PAI-1 activity and decreased levels of u-PA activity. Whole lung PAI-1 and TF mRNAs were dramatically induced by lung injury. In situ hybridization of injured lungs revealed that PAI-1, u-PA, and TF mRNAs were induced within the fibrin-rich fibroproliferative lesions, primarily in fibroblast-like and macrophagelike cells, respectively, while TF mRNA was also induced in perilesional alveolar cells. Taken together, these observations suggest that the induction of PAI-1 and TF gene expression plays and important role in the formation and persistence of extracellular fibrin in bleomycin injured murine lungs.
Nup96-dependent hybrid lethality occurs in a subset of species from the simulans clade of Drosophila.

The cross of Drosophila melanogaster females to D. simulans males typically produces lethal F1 hybrid males. F1 male lethality is suppressed when the D. simulans Lhr1 hybrid rescue strain is used. Viability of these F1 males carrying Lhr1 is in turn substantially reduced when the hybrids are heterozygous for some mutant alleles of the D. melanogaster Nup96 gene. I show here that similar patterns of Nup96-dependent lethality occur when other hybrid rescue mutations are used to create F1 males, demonstrating that Nup96 does not reduce hybrid viability by suppressing the Lhr1 rescue effect. The penetrance of this Nup96-dependent lethality does not correlate with the penetrance of the F1 hybrid rescue, arguing that these two phenomena reflect genetically independent processes. D. simulans, together with two additional sister species, forms a clade that speciated after the divergence of their common ancestor from D. melanogaster. I report here that Nup96− reduces F1 viability in D. melanogaster hybrids with one of these sister species, D. sechellia, but not with the other, D. mauritiana. These results suggest that Nup96-dependent lethality evolved after the speciation of D. melanogaster from the common ancestor of the simulans clade and is caused by an interaction among Nup96, unknown gene(s) on the D. melanogaster X chromosome, and unknown autosomal gene(s), at least some of which have diverged in D. simulans and D. sechellia but not in D. mauritiana. The genetic properties of Nup96 are also discussed relative to other hybrid lethal genes.
Modification of a Braided Support Catheter into a Rapid Exchange System for Navigation of a Distal Protection Device through Significant Vascular Tortuosity

Cerebral embolic protection devices (EPD) reduce the rate of periprocedural thromboembolic complications and are currently used in all carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures. However, tortuous vascular anatomy of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may prevent navigation of distal EPDs, thereby leading to inadequate cerebral protection. We present a case in which significant tortuosity of the ICA distal to the stenotic lesion precluded navigation of currently available distal EPDs. During a CAS procedure, significant vascular tortuosity of the distal cervical ICA was noted which prevented navigation of currently available distal EPDs due to catheter kinking. In order to overcome this anatomic barrier, a novel rapid exchange catheter system (RECS) was created using a modified DAC 038 braided catheter through which a distal EPD and microguidewire were placed. This newly devised RECS allowed navigation of the distal EPD past the tortuous ICA bend and successful completion of the CAS procedure without periprocedural complications. We demonstrate that modification of currently available devices can, in select cases, effectively address cases of significant vascular tortuosity which limit the use of conventional distal EPDs.
Quantitative ultrastructural, autoradiographic evidence for the magnitude and early involvement of the Golgi apparatus complex in the endocytosis of wheat germ agglutinin by cultured neuroblastoma

Several ligands undergo endocytosis into the Golgi apparatus. We have examined with a quantitative ultrastructural, autoradiographic method the sequential endocytosis of tritiated wheat germ agglutinin (3H-WGA) by cultured murine neuroblastoma cells. Cells were incubated with 3H-WGA for 1 hour at 4 degrees C, washed, and incubated in complete medium without ligand at 37 degrees C for 5, 15, 30, and 120 minutes. At 5 minutes, the optimized sources/micron 2 of neuroblastoma cell area, which represented the grain density of each compartment, were as follows: smooth vesicles and tubules, 1.03 +/- 0.88; Golgi-associated vesicles, i.e., clusters of vesicles within a 1 micron radius of the Golgi cisterns, 1.03 +/- 0.31; Golgi cisterns, less than 0.01; and lysosomes, 0.26 +/- 0.16. At 15 minutes grain densities were: smooth vesicles and tubules, 0.9 +/- 0.34; Golgi-associated vesicles, 1.41 +/- 0.28; Golgi cisterns, 0.73 +/- 0.41; and lysosomes, 0.1 +/- 0.09. At 30 minutes grain densities were: smooth vesicles and tubules, 0.46 +/- 0.46; Golgi-associated vesicles, 1.78 +/- 0.34; Golgi cisterns, 0.89 +/- 0.78; and lysosomes, 0.39 +/- 0.14. At 2 hours, smooth vesicles, tubules, and Golgi cisterns were not labeled, Golgi-associated vesicles were still labeled (0.71 +/- 0.1), and lysosomes were heavily labeled (2.17 +/- 0.22). These results are consistent with the hypotheses that either the Golgi complex (cisterns and associated vesicles) is an early and intermediate step of the endocytosis of 3H-WGA into lysosomes or that it constitutes part of a separate and quantitatively significant pathway of endocytosis of this ligand.
Retrospective review of superficial femoral artery stenting in diabetic patients: thiazolidinedione use may decrease reinterventions

Diabetics are known to have inferior outcomes following peripheral vascular interventions. Thiazolidinediones are oral diabetic agents which improve outcomes following coronary bare metal stenting. No studies have been performed evaluating thiazolidinedione use and outcomes following lower extremity endovascular interventions. We hypothesize that diabetic patients taking thiazolidinediones at the time of primary superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting have fewer reinterventions. A retrospective review was performed to identify diabetic patients undergoing primary SFA stenting. The unit of analysis was the extremity. The primary outcome was freedom from target lesion revascularization stratified by thiazolidinedione use, evaluated by Kaplan Meier curves and a log rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to determine variables associated with freedom from target lesion revascularization. SFA stents were placed in 138 extremities in 128 diabetic patients between August 1, 2001 and July 15, 2012. Twenty-four patients were taking thiazolidinediones at the time of SFA stenting. All patients taking thiazolidinediones had TASC A or B lesions. Twenty-seven extremities in the non-thiazolidinedione group had TASC C or D lesions and were excluded to control for disease severity. Freedom from target lesion revascularization was significantly higher in diabetics taking thiazolidinediones at 2 years, 88.5% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.02, SE < 10%. Cox modeling identified a protective trend for thiazolidinedione use (thiazolidinedione use HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.09-1.13), whereas critical limb ischemia and insulin use were associated with trends for worse freedom from target lesion revascularization. This pilot, translation study demonstrates that diabetic patients taking thiazolidinediones at the time of primary SFA stenting have decreased reintervention rates at 2 years. These results may be explained by higher adiponectin levels or other anti-inflammatory effects in patients taking thiazolidinedione. National and regional quality improvement registries should consider collecting information regarding specific diabetic regimens and use of PPAR agonists such as cilostazol and fibrates.
Management of Cannulated Screw Failure and Recurrent SCFE Displacement - Case Report.

SCFE occurs in 10 per 100,000 in some regions of the United States with the incidence continuing to increase. Percutaneous screw fixation is a well-accepted treatment for this disorder for over 20 years but management of complications is not well elucidated in the literature. We describe a case where a traumatic unstable SCFE that was initially treated with closed reduction and fixation with a single transphyseal screw went on to hardware failure with recurrence of the deformity. The complication was successfully treated with closed reduction and re- cannulating the fractured screw within the epiphysis and extracting it using a conical extraction screw commonly referred to as an “easy out.” Three trans physeal screws were then placed for improved fixation strength. Follow-up at 9 months demonstrates a fused physis and no signs of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Modular robust model predictive control

This paper presents a method of combining model predictive control (MPC) with explicitly defined stability criteria for improved robust performance. The stability criteria is fundamental in its basis and can be applied universally to a process of any size. The stability criteria is independent variables based and can be used with linear or non-linear process; when used with linear process it imparts a quasi-linear optimal closed loop behavior. The stability criteria determines speed of optimization. A braking action can be included in conjunction with the stability criteria to permit a complete cycle control involving startup, normal operation and shutdown. The stability criteria supports both hierarchical and distributed MPC implementation consistently; that allows for the formation of a hierarchical and distributed MPC system within a process while permitting it to be connected to neighboring processes as part of a unified control system for an entire production chain involving a network of modular robust MPCs. Intrinsically, the stability criteria makes a MPC both robust and modular.
An electronically scanning array with closely-spaced antenna elements

The mode-based beamforming concept is applied to develop an electronic scanning array with closely-spaced antenna elements. The major advantage of this approach is that the antenna element spacing of the array can be as small as 0.1lambda without suffering significant performance degradation due to mutual coupling effects. Thus, comparing with traditional array modules, mode-based array modules can be much smaller in size and be more readily integrated into nowadays miniaturized handheld wireless devices. While providing a brief discussion of the background concept, experimental results have been provided to demonstrate and proof the feasibility of this mode-based approach. A compact four-monopole array module including matching networks and the MDN has been fabricated. The orthogonal radiation modes for this particular module have been clearly seen in the measurements. In addition, the beamforming and full 360-degree scanning capability has been demonstrated by using a software-based signal combining technique. The experimental results have provided a strong support to the proposed concept, showing its promising potential for many classical as well as new applications.
Mental health benefits under SCHIP.

This paper summarizes the issues associated with covering a comprehensive range of mental health benefits under the State Children?s Health Insurance Program, and provides estimates of the cost of such services. The authors conclude that, since states are already largely responsible for low-income children with serious mental health problems through various state-funded programs, states should consider broadening SCHIP coverage to include the range of treatments that are considered effective. (Health Affairs 2000 November/December; 19(8): 291-297).
Solutions of the Operator Equation A * K + KA + KRK = −W

The operator equation in the title appears in a number of control and stability problems. For example the solutions of Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) problems in both finite-and infinite-dimensional settings (e.g. [1]) lead to equations of this type. ThenR=0 and W is positive semidefinite the solution, if it exists and is positive semidefinite, determines that the abstract linear differential equation $$ \mathop {{\text{ }}\dot x}\limits^. = Ax $$ is Lyapunov stable (see e.g. [1]). This operator equation also arises in linear quadratic differential games (e.g. [1]). The purpose of this note is to show that there is a general abstract setting for the solution which is independent of dimensionality and also the specific context in which the equation arises. For example in both LQR and differential games problems certain a priori assumptions are made on the corresponding linear dynamical systems, such as stabilizability or detectability, which are often difficult to verify in practice (see e.g. [1]). This is particularly true in the case of detectability (e.g. [l]). Another virtue of our approach is that it presents an explicit method for solving these operator equations, whereas the more traditional approaches in infinite dimensional settings are usually only concerned with the existence of solutions and perhaps some of their properties (see e.g. [1]). This is not to infer that our method is some kind of magic bullet, since its major component is the computation of a line integral over the imaginary axis. However this integral can often be used to initiate numerical approximations to solutions, and in a finite-dimensional setting depends only on the ability to compute the eigenvalues of a specific Hamiltonian matrix. The presentation in this note is limited to a relatively narrow class of problems. The main reason for this is to expose our method to as broad a group as pssible and not overburden it with excessive technical details. Indeed one may treat the operators involved as matrices. However the methods of proof in many instancs must make allowance for infinite-dimensionality and unbounded operators. In the matrix case the method may be succinctly outlined as follows.
What consumers want from sportswear? An anatomy of consumer perceived value

To understand how consumers are redefining values during the current economic downturn, this study empirically investigated the US consumer perceived values (CPV) of casual sportswear and determined the effects of key demographic factors on CPV of casual sportswear. The proposed CPV model in four constructs: price value, quality value, social value, and emotional value integrates cognitive aspects of consumer perception with the intrinsic features of casual sportswear. The results show that the model is valid, the measurement is adequate, and the survey instrument can generate reliable data. Four value constructs capture most of the variance of CPV of casual sportswear. Gender, income level, and education level significantly differentiated the level of perceived values while race did not show any significant impacts.
Patterns of Association among Female Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta)

We examined subgroup association patterns among adult female members of a clan of free-living spotted hyenas ( Crocuta crocuta ) and between adult females and their juvenile offspring during three consecutive stages of development of offspring. These stages represented the approximate periods of residence of offspring at the communal den, from 1 to 8 months of age, between leaving the communal den and weaning, from 8 to 14 months, and between weaning and reproductive maturity or dispersal, from 14 to 36 months of age. Mean association indices among adult female dyads varied with social rank, with the highest mean association index observed for the alpha female. Adult females associated more closely with their adult female kin than with unrelated adult females. Female kin from high-ranking matrilines associated more closely than did kin from lower-ranking matrilines. Within mother-offspring pairs, association patterns were strongly influenced by the mother's social rank during all three stages of development of offspring, with high-ranking mother-offspring dyads associating more tightly than low-ranking dyads at each stage. Mean mother-offspring association indices declined as offspring grew older, but we found no significant differences based on sex of offspring during any of the developmental stages examined.
The impact of transforming healthcare delivery on cystic fibrosis outcomes: a decade of quality improvement at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Background In 2001, Cincinnati Children9s Hospital embarked on a journey to improve healthcare delivery to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Data from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Patient Registry revealed our below-average clinical outcomes, prompting us to initiate improvement interventions. Objective To improve clinical outcomes for patients with CF through a comprehensive quality-improvement approach directed at increasing patient centredness and improving healthcare delivery. Interventions In 2001, we shared our below-average outcomes with patients, families and care providers. We instituted a quality-improvement steering committee with parental and hospital leadership, and our data-management support was restructured to provide real-time clinical data to monitor our progress. In 2002, our weekly chart conference changed to a prospective planning session and individualised daily schedules were created for inpatients. In 2003, an influenza vaccination campaign was initiated and our infection-control practices were redesigned. In 2005, best-practice guidelines were developed for airway-clearance therapy. In 2007, evidence-based clinical algorithms were designed and implemented and key care-team members were added. Measurements Primary outcome measures were median forced expiratory volume in 1 s per cent predicted (age range 6–17 years) and median body mass index percentile (age range 2–20 years). Results From 2000 to 2010, median forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased from 81.7% to 100.1% predicted and median body mass index increased from the 35th to the 55th centile. Discussion By focusing on specific outcomes, empowering families and patients, effectively using data, and standardising care processes, we transformed the culture and delivery of care for our patients with CF and learned valuable lessons potentially translatable to other chronic-care providers.
Properties of a Game Based on Euclid's Algorithm

(1973). Properties of a Game Based on Euclid's Algorithm. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 87-92.
Payment reform and the mission of academic medical centers.

U.S. academic medical centers (AMCs) are facing new challenges to their financial well-being. As payers seek to control health care costs, teaching hospitals and their medical staffs can anticipate continued payment reductions. Under the fee-for-service system, hospitals respond to payment cuts by increasing their volumes of admissions and ambulatory services while improving efficiency. Although costs per case may decline, overall costs do not. The inevitable result is a further reduction in per-case payments, and the cycle continues — with many undesirable consequences. Costs are inflated, and the quality and safety of care are eroded as the result of unnecessary or . . .
Planning energy-efficient bipedal locomotion on patterned terrain

Energy-eﬃcient bipedal walking is essential in realizing practical bipedal systems. However, current energy-eﬃcient bipedal robots (e.g., passive-dynamics-inspired robots) are limited to walking at a single speed and step length. The objective of this work is to address this gap by developing a method of synthesizing energy-eﬃcient bipedal locomotion on patterned terrain consisting of stepping stones using energy-eﬃcient primitives. A model of Cornell Ranger (a passive-dynamics inspired robot) is utilized to illustrate our technique. First, an energy-optimal trajectory control problem for a single step is formulated and solved. The solution minimizes the Total Cost Of Transport (TCOT is deﬁned as the energy used per unit weight per unit distance travelled) subject to various constraints such as actuator limits, foot scuﬃng, joint kinematic limits, ground reaction forces. The outcome of the optimization scheme is a table of TCOT values as a function of step length and step velocity. Next, we parameterize the terrain to identify the location of the stepping stones. Finally, the TCOT table is used in conjunction with the parameterized terrain to plan an energy-eﬃcient stepping strategy.
Resistance of Musca domestica and Blattella germanica to insecticides in Changsha city

Objective To know the resistance of Musca domestica and Blattella germanica in Changsha city,and provide scientific evidence for killing flies and cockroaches.Methods Topical application methods.Results Musca domestica and Blattella germanica had resistance to permethrin,beta-cypermethrin,tetramethrin and DDVP to some degree.Conclusion As far as resistance is concerned,we should use insecticides scientifically and prevent the resistance from increasing.
Suppression of bioactive and immunoreactive follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels by a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist: pharmacodynamic studies.

Dose-dependent gonadotropin suppression by a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, Nal 1 Glu 6 ([Ac-D 2 Nal 1 , D 4 ClPhe 2 , D 3 Pal 3 , Arg 5 , DGlu(AA) 6 ,-DAla 10 ]GnRH), was determined in five postmenopausal women by frequent sampling for immunoreactive luteinizing hormone (I-LH) and immunoreactive follicle stimulating hormone (I-FSH) for 72 hours after single intramuscular (IM) injections of 10, 50, 150, and 300 μ g/kg. Bioactive (B) LH and B-FSH also were measured after the IM administration of the 50- μ g/kg dose. Serum levels of Nal 1 Glu 6 were determined by a radioreceptor assay for the first 24 hours after the 50- μ g/kg IM dose and in three women after a 10 -μ g/kg intravenous (IV) dose. While the disappearance rate of serum Nal 1 Glu 6 after a 10- μ g/kg IV injection was rapid, gonadotropin suppression persisted longer than detectable serum levels. In contrast, after a 50- μ g/kg IM injection, the decline from peak circulating levels was slower, contributing to its longer duration of action (>24 hours). All IM doses tested resulted in a similar 51% to 63% decrease in I-LH, which was maximal by 8 hours. The duration of action was dose-dependent, with decreased levels lasting up to 72 hours at the 300- μ g/kg dose. While decline of I-FSH was smaller (14% to 33%), the duration of suppression was also dose-dependent, although the nadir occurs later (8 to 9 hours after administration) and suppression lasted longer (72 hours at the 150- μ g/kg dose). The reduction of B-LH was greater than that of I-LH and the suppression of B-FSH also was greater than that of I-FSH. Thus, Nal 1 Glu 6 is a potent antagonist to GnRH action, with prompt and sustained suppression of pituitary gonadotropin secretion. It provides a useful tool for studies of GnRH-dependent events in humans.
A Shop-Floor Control Architecture for Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

The evolution to computer-integrated manufacture (CIM) has been slower than expected. This can be attributed directly to high software development and maintenance costs and the difficulty in achiev...
Commentary: Leading a fulfilled life as an indigenous academic:

Indigenous women who pursue advanced degrees in higher education often find their careers there as well. If they land a position as an academic, they face numerous opportunities and challenges. The...
Exploring Richer Ecologies Between Designers and Users

The fundamental contribution of Semiotic Engineering to human-computer interaction (HCI) has been to propose and establish a discourse to conceptualize HCI not primarily about how users interact with computers but as computer-mediated communication between designers and users at interaction time. It represents an important contribution to explore the future of HCI beyond the focus of usability and interfaces. In our own research over the last few decades, we have also explored alternative approaches to create richer frameworks and ecologies on how designers and users can interact in the design of computational artifacts. This contribution briefly describes some of these approaches by characterizing the problems that they addressed and the potential solutions that they explored.
Combining Stereo Vision and Inertial Navigation for Automated Aerial Refueling

This paper describes the design of an extended Kalman filter to obtain the precise relative position of two aircraft in a refueling maneuver while operating in GPS-denied environments. The extended...
Effects of dermal wounding on distal primary tumor immunobiology in mice.

Abstract Background Before primary oral tumors are treated, various prophylactic procedures that require tissue repair are often necessary (e.g. biopsies, tooth extractions, radiation, and tracheotomies). Wound healing and tumor growth harness similar immune/inflammatory mechanisms. Our previous work indicates that tumors impair wound healing, although the extent to which tissue repair conversely influences tumor growth is poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that dermal wound healing exacerbates primary tumor growth and influences tumor immunobiology. Materials and methods Female, immunocompetent mice were inoculated subcutaneously with murine oral cancer cells (AT-84) to induce flank tumors. Half of the mice received dermal excisional wounds (4 × 3.5 mm diameter) on their dorsum 16 days later, whereas the skin of controls remained intact. Tumor and blood tissues were harvested 1 and 5 days post wounding, and tumor myeloid cell populations and inflammatory gene expression were measured. Circulating myeloid cells, cytokines, and corticosterone were also quantified. Results Wounding increased tumor mass, early tumor infiltration of macrophages, and tumor inflammatory gene expression. While wounding attenuated tumor growth–induced increases in circulating myeloid cells, no effects of wounding on circulating cytokine/endocrine measures were observed. Conclusions These results indicate that modest skin immune/inflammatory processes can enhance distal tumor growth and alter innate tumor immunity. The implication for this work is that, in the presence of a tumor, the benefits of tissue-damaging procedures that occur clinically must be weighed against the potential consequences for tumor biology.
A Tight Estimate of Job Completion Time in Vehicular Clouds

Inspired by the success of conventional cloud services and by the reality of present-day vehicles endowed with powerful on-board computers that can act as servers in a datacenter, researchers have recently introduced the concept of a vehicular cloud . Our main contribution is to offer a tight theoretical analysis of the expected job completion time in vehicular clouds characterized by short vehicular residency times, under a redundancy-based job assignment strategy. We also discuss various approximations of the expected completion time. A comprehensive set of simulations have confirmed the accuracy of our theoretical predictions.
Sesame Oil and an Aqueous Extract Derived from Sesame Oil Enhance Regression of Preexisting Atherosclerotic Lesions in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice

Diet and exercise are recommended both as a prophylactic and as a therapeutic approach for patients with established coronary artery disease. We previously reported that sesame oil (SESO) and its aqueous extract (SOAE) showed antiatherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory properties. We also observed that genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) might be activated. In this study, we tested whether post-treatment with SESO or SOAE would reduce preexisting atherosclerosis by enhancing RCT. Female low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-R-/-) mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 3 months, followed by post-treatment with either control or SESO or SOAE for 1 month. Plasma lipids and atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the study. RNA was extracted from the aortic tissues and used for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. SESO and SOAE post-treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions in LDL-R-/- mice compared to controls. No significant change in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, or LDL cholesterol levels was observed. Aortic gene analysis showed that the SESO/SOAE post-treatment reduced inflammatory gene expression and induced genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and RCT. This is the first study that demonstrates that post-treatment with SESO and SOAE could be an effective treatment for preexisting atherosclerosis and inflammation. The study also may suggest that reducing inflammation might be conducive to an accelerated regression of lesions.
Parents' interactions with contextual factors in youth sport participation: the case of Korean immigrants in the USA

Parents interact with their surrounding environment as they support their children's sport activities. Family ecological theory suggests that these interactions occur at various levels - the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystems. In trying to understand how Korean immigrant parents support their children's sport participation, this study conducts in-depth interviews with a total of 17 Korean immigrant parents. This study finds that the variety of contextual factors they interact with include family, neighbourhood, school, sport organisations, work, policy and system, and cultures. The study also finds how the parents interact differently with these contexts according to their gender and children's level of sport. Free of the 'education fever' that engulfs nearly all parents in Korea, the immigrant parents found themselves at liberty to interact more actively with the values and customs of US society to support their children's sport participation.
Magnesium kommt aufs Altenteil

Als Teil der Entwicklungsgeschichte der Silicone haben wir in den letzten beiden Kapiteln relativ ausfuhrlich die Kipping-Grignard-Methode zur Herstellung von Siliconpolymeren kennengelernt. Die Methode macht jeden angehenden Hersteller von Siliconen aber von der Magnesiumversorgung abhangig, weil das Organomagnesiumhalogenid die zentrale Rolle bei der Verknupfung von Methyl oder anderen organischen Gruppen mit Silicium spielt. Wegen des grosen Vorrats an freier Energie, der in metallischem Magnesium steckt, laufen die Folgereaktionen bis zu Ende. Wie wir gesehen haben, lauft jede Reaktion in der Reaktionskette unter Freisetzung von Warme ab, weil die freie chemische Energie zunachst ihre chemische Arbeit verrichtet und der Uberschus in minderwertige Warmeenergie umgewandelt wird. Magnesium ist daher zugleich ein traditionelles Synthesereagenz und eine Quelle fur freie Energie, mit der die gesamte Reaktionsabfolge nach Kipping und Grignard angetrieben wird.
Determination of cerebral cortical capillary blood volume from mean transit time analysis.

A full understanding of the delivery of oxygen to a tissue cannot be attained by study of the blood flow to that tissue alone. An important component of the delivery system is the particular spatial arrangement of the capillaries supplying the tissue. This is especially critical in capillary networks that function through dynamic control of local tissue perfusion by regulating the number of open and closed capillaries. This form of vascular regulation has been generally known as ‘capillary recruitment’ and this concept implies that there are dynamic changes in tissue blood volume in response to changes in tissue metabolic demand. Capillary recruitment has long been suspected of being an integral part of cerebrovascular function, but until recently, experimental evidence for significant participation has been lacking (Weis et al., 1982; Pardridge and Fierer, 1985).
The role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to integrate identified genomic alterations (GA) into cancer treatment decisions in gastrointestinal (GI) tumors.

e22115 Background: GI cancers account for about 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the US. Therapeutic options in relapsed/refractory disease are limited and the outcomes are poor. Advanced therapeuti...
Intranasal Sufentanil Versus Intravenous Morphine for Acute Pain in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract Background Patients in the United States frequently seek medical attention in the emergency department (ED) to address their pain. The intranasal (i.n.) route provides a safe, effective, and painless alternative method of drug administration. Sufentanil is an inexpensive synthetic opioid with a high therapeutic index and rapid onset of action, making it an attractive agent for management of acute pain in the ED. Objective The objective of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of i.n. sufentanil as the primary analgesic for acute pain in the ED. Methods This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, controlled trial that evaluated the use of i.n. sufentanil 0.7 μg/kg via mucosal atomizer device vs. intravenous morphine 0.1 mg/kg in adult patients who presented to the ED with acute pain. The primary outcome was patient's pain score at 10 min after administration of intervention. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, the need for rescue analgesia, and patient satisfaction after treatment. Results Thirty patients were enrolled in each group. There was no significant difference in pain scores at 10 min after administration of intervention (sufentanil: 2.0, interquartile range = 2.0–3.3 vs. morphine: 3.0, interquartile range = 2.0–5.3, p = 0.198). No serious adverse events were reported. Rescue analgesia was not requested in either group. No significant difference in median satisfaction scores was found. Conclusion The use of i.n. sufentanil at 0.7 μg/kg/dose resulted in rapid and safe analgesia with comparable efficacy to i.v. morphine for up to 30 min in patients who presented with acute pain in the ED.
Contemporary Classics? The Early Onset of Influence of Articles Published in Criminology and Criminal Justice Journals, 2010–2015

Citation analysis is a valuable method for tracking the growth and transmission of scientific knowledge. In criminology and criminal justice, such analyses tend to be focused on “classic” works or ...
An Analytical Framework to Address the Data Exfiltration of Advanced Persistent Threats

Detecting and preventing the data exfiltration of advanced persistent threats is a challenging problem. These attacks can remain in their target system for several years while retrieving information at a very slow rate, possibly after reformatting and encrypting the data they have accessed. Tainting and tracking some of the files in the system and deploying honeypots are two of the potentially effective measures against advanced persistent threats. In this paper, we introduce an analytical framework to study the effect of these measures on the amount of files that an attacker can exfiltrate. In particular, we obtain upper bounds on the expected amount of files at risk given a certain ratio of tainted and honey files in the system by using dynamic programming and Pontryagin's maximum principle. In addition, we show that in some cases tainting more of the files does not necessarily improve the security of the system. The results highlight the effectiveness and the necessity of deception for combatting advanced persistent threats.
Comparison of Left Ventricular Mass Calculation Methods via Two-Dimensional Echocardiogram in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Systemic Hypertension.

Left ventricular (LV) mass is a major determining tool for myocardial injury in hypertensive patients. Issues with LV mass calculations exist given that there are multiple methods to assess mass, including from the parasternal long axis (PLA), parasternal short axis (PSA), and 2-dimensional (2D) volumetric methods. The aim of this study was to compare the agreement of LV mass calculations using the PLA, PSA, and 2D volumetric methods. This study retrospectively reviewed 200 consecutive, initial echocardiograms for the indication of hypertension. A single reader calculated the LV mass in each patient via the PLA, PSA, and 2D volumetric methods. Percent differences for each study were calculated. LV mass threshold cutoffs of 51 g/m2.7 (cardiac organ injury) and 38.6 g/m2.7 (elevated LV mass) were used to compare categorical differences between the different measurement methods. Paired comparisons demonstrated an absolute mean percent difference of 8.46% to 9.41% among the different methods. LV mass calculated by the 2D volumetric method was less compared with PLA and PSA methods (31.64 vs 33.90 vs 35.51 g/m2.7; p
Non-spatial features reduce the reliance on sustained spatial auditory attention

Top-down spatial attention is effective at selecting a target sound from a mixture. However, non-spatial features often distinguish sources in addition to location. This study explores whether redundant non-spatial features are used to maintain selective auditory attention for a spatially defined target. We recorded electroencephalography (EEG) while subjects focused attention on one of three simultaneous melodies. In one experiment, subjects (n=17) were given an auditory cue indicating both the location and pitch of the target melody. In a second experiment (n=17 subjects), the cue only indicated target location, and we compared two conditions: one in which the pitch separation of competing melodies was large, and one in which this separation was small. In both experiments, responses evoked by onsets of events in sound streams were modulated equally as strong by attention, suggesting that the target stimuli were correctly selected regardless of the cue or pitch information available. In all cases, parietal alpha was lateralized following the cue, but prior to melody onset, indicating that subjects always initially focused attention in space. During the stimulus presentation, however, this lateralization weakened when pitch cues were strong, suggesting that strong pitch cues reduced reliance on sustained spatial attention. These results demonstrate that once a well-defined target stream at a known location is selected, top-down spatial attention is unnecessary to filter out a segregated competing stream.
A Survey of Inertial Sensor Fusion: Applications in sUAS Navigation and Data Collection

Inertial sensor arrays, which in this context means sensor arrays composed of accelerometers, gyroscopes, or a combination of both, have been studied for many years and in many contexts. The literature is vast, highly redundant, and disparate and so it can be difficult to reconcile the many ways this problem has been approached. An outline of each of the different branches of the field of inertial sensor fusion is provided in order to aid newcomers and designers, particularly those who seek to apply past work to small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). Important works are noted and useful information and techniques are briefly presented.