cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noah: a dynamic ridesharing system

This demo presents Noah: a dynamic ridesharing system. Noah supports large scale real-time ridesharing with service guarantee on road networks. Taxis and trip requests are dynamically matched. Different from traditional systems, a taxi can have more than one customer on board given that all waiting time and service time constraints of trips are satisfied. Noah's real-time response relies on three main components: (1) a fast shortest path algorithm with caching on road networks; (2) fast dynamic matching algorithms to schedule ridesharing on the fly; (3) a spatial indexing method for fast retrieving moving taxis. Users will be able to submit requests from a smartphone, choose specific parameters such as number of taxis in the system, service constraints, and matching algorithms, to explore the internal functionalities and implementations of Noah. The system analyzer will show the system performance including average waiting time, average detour percentage, average response time, and average level of sharing. Taxis, routes, and requests will be animated and visualized through Google Maps API. The demo is based on trips of 17,000 Shanghai taxis for one day (May 29, 2009); the dataset contains 432,327 trips. Each trip includes the starting and destination coordinates and the start time. An iPhone application is implemented to allow users to submit a trip request to the Noah system during the demonstration.
Tylodelphys scheuringi (Diplostomidae) Infecting the Brain of the Central Mudminnow, Umbra limi, in Silver Creek, Michigan, U.S.A

Abstract Tylodelphys scheuringi (Hughes, 1929) Dubois, 1938 (Trematoda) infected the brain of 22 (42%) of 52 central mudminnows, Umbra limi, collected in May through August 2005 from Silver Creek in Lower Michigan. This larval diplostomid was found unencysted under the dura mater of the optic lobes and cerebrum of the dorsal portion of the brain. The mean intensity and mean abundance of T. scheuringi were 8.5 ± 6.6 and 3.6 ± 5.9, respectively. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between intensity of T. scheuringi and mudminnow length was nonsignificant (rs = 0.11, P > 0.05). The ventricles of the brain, the eyes, and the coelom were negative for T. scheuringi. This is the second report of T. scheuringi in the brain of fish from North America.
Using Landsat thermal imagery and GIS for identification of groundwater discharge into shallow groundwater-dominated lakes

The study demonstrates the potential of combined applications of geospatial (remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS)) and field‐based methods for studies of groundwater–surface water interactions and identification of groundwater discharge into shallow groundwater‐dominated lakes. Detailed ground‐based measurements of lake temperatures were conducted during summer 2002 in several groundwater‐fed lakes of the Nebraska Sand Hills (USA) and anomalously cool zones were identified. Analysis of 20 Landsat Thematic Mapper/Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (TM/ETM+) scenes taken under different weather conditions from 1989 to 2002 revealed two major seasonal patterns of lake temperature distribution. GIS analysis of field‐based data combined with Landsat TM/ETM+ data analysis allowed for the identification of lake zones with consistently cold temperatures which are inferred to be potential groundwater discharge zones.
Propanil (3,4-dichloropropionanilide)-induced methemoglobin formation in mice in relation to acylamidase activity.

Abstract Toxic signs after ip doses of 200 to 800 mg/kg of the herbicide propanil in mice included central nervous system depression, loss of righting reflex, cyanosis and death at the higher doses. Pretreatment with triorthotolyl phosphate (TOTP), an esterase inhibitor, prevented cyanosis but slightly enhanced the CNS depressant actions of propanil. Propanil and a probable hydrolytic metabolite, 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), produced methemoglobinemia in mice. Comparison of the time- and dose-response relationships for equimolar doses of propanil and DCA showed that DCA was more potent and had a faster onset of methemoglobin production than propanil. The hydrolysis of propanil to yield 3,4-dichloroaniline by liver homogenates was completely inhibited 18 hr after mice were given 125 mg/kg of TOTP. Methemoglobin formation after propanil was inhibited in mice pretreated with 125 mg/kg of TOTP, but TOTP did not affect DCA-induced methemoglobinemia. Inhibition of propanil-amidase activity and propanil-induced methemoglobinemia had similar TOTP dose- and time-response relationships. Pretreatment with SKF-525A inhibited and phenobarbital pretreatment slightly increased both propanil- and DCA-induced methemoglobin formation. Neither pretreatment affected normal liver propanilamidase activity. These findings indicate that propanil-induced methemoglobinemia is dependent upon the metabolism of propanil by a coupled hydrolytic-oxidase enzyme system. The acute toxicity-TOTP interaction experiments indicate that methemoglobinemia can account for the cyanotic appearance of propanil-poisoned mice, but that methemoglobin formation is apparently not responsible for loss of righting reflex and death.
Factors promoting engaged exploration with computer simulations

This paper extends prior research on student use of computer simulations (sims) to engage with and explore science topics, in this case wave interference. We describe engaged exploration; a process that involves students actively interacting with educational materials, sense making, and exploring primarily via their own questioning. We analyze interviews with college students using PhET sims in order to demonstrate engaged exploration, and to identify factors that can promote this type of inquiry. With minimal explicit guidance, students explore the topic of wave interference in ways that bear similarity to how scientists explore phenomena. PhET sims are flexible tools which allow students to choose their own learning path, but also provide constraints such that students' choices are generally productive. This type of inquiry is supported by sim features such as concrete connections to the real world, representations that are not available in the real world, analogies to help students make meaning of and connect across multiple representations and phenomena, and a high level of interactivity with real-time, dynamic feedback from the sim. These features of PhET sims enable students to pose questions and answer them in ways that may not be supported by more traditional educational materials.
Luby-Rackoff backwards: Increasing security by making block ciphers non-invertible

We argue that the invertibility of a block cipher can reduce the security of schemes that use it, and a better starting point for scheme design is the non-invertible analog of a block cipher, that is, a pseudorandom function (PRF). Since a block cipher may be viewed as a pseudorandom permutation, we are led to investigate the reverse of the problem studied by Luby and Rackoff, and ask: “how can one transform a PRP into a PRF in as security-preserving a way as possible?” The solution we propose is data- dependent re- keying. As an illustrative special case, let E: {0, 1}n x {0, 1}n → {0, 1}n be the block cipher. Then we can construct the PRF F from the PRP E by setting F(k, x) = E(E(k, x), x). We generalize this to allow for arbitrary block and key lengths, and to improve efficiency. We prove strong quantitative bounds on the value of data-dependent re-keying in the Shannon model of an ideal cipher, and take some initial steps towards an analysis in the standard model.
Gamma-ray Burst Remnants: How can we find them?

By now there is substantial evidence that Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) originate at cosmological distances from very powerful explosions. The interaction between a GRB and its surrounding environment has dramatic consequences on the environment itself. At early times, the strong X-ray UV afterglow flux photoionizes the medium on distance scales on the order of 100 pc or more. Here I discuss the long-term effects resulting from the interaction between a GRB and its environment, and in particular the signatures of the emission spectrum produced while the heated and ionized gas slowly cools and recombines. Besides photoionizing the medium with its afterglow, a GRB explosion drives a blast wave which is expected to have a very long lifetime. I discuss possible candidates for such GRB remnants in our own and in nearby galaxies, and ways to distinguish them from remnants due to other phenomena, such as multiple supernova (SN) explosions.
Characterization of Multilayers as X-Ray Dispersion Devices

The appropriate application of multilayers as x-ray dispersion devices requires that their diffraction characteristics be understood. Conventional models, based on perfect-crystal and mosaic-crystal theories, predict diffraction efficiencies (integral reflection coefficients) significantly larger than values measured experimentally. It has been shown that introduction of surface roughness effects into the model can promote agreement between experimental and theoretical values, while the presence of other types of defects produce changes too small in magnitude to explain the discrepancy. Because it is reasonably well agreed that the resolving power of multilayers is only moderate, compared to the more conventional “crystal” dispersing devices, it is important to be able to predict or measure that parameter in order to assess the usefulness for a particular application. Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations have been carried out on multilayers (almost exclusively tungsten/carbon) prepared to have 2d-spacings from 50 to 140A. The experimental work used both single-crystal and double-crystal spectrometers; the calculations used the crystal diffraction model, as modified to include surface roughness.
Diagnostic performance of a computerized algorithm for augmenting the ECG with acoustical data

Introduction: Various types of cardiac disease can have characteristic electrical and hemodynamic manifestations. For example, acute myocardial ischemia is typically associated both with displacement of the ST segments of the ECG and with alterations of the mechanical properties of the left ventricle. The latter changes may produce pathological heart sounds, i.e. an S3 and/or an S4. Since ECG and acoustical parameters are orthogonal, their concordance in a given patient would constitute strong corroborative evidence of the presence or the absence, respectively, of the disease of interest. To facilitate the acquisition of these types of diagnostic information, we have developed a highly efficient system to record and interpret simultaneous 12-lead ECG and cardiac acoustical data. Methods: An expert phonocardiographer visually reviewed the acoustical recordings of each patient to determine whether an S3 or an S4 was present. Results: The following data show the ability of our computerized acoustical algorithm to detect an S3 or an S4 in patients in a variety of clinical settings. The performance of the algorithm is compared to a consensus of 2 experienced cardiologists concerning the audibility of the recorded S3 or the S4 in the each of the same patients.
Diagnostic yield of vitrectomy in eyes with suspected posterior segment infection or malignancy

Abstract Purpose To determine the yield of diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with suspected posterior segment inflammation or malignancy when clinical examination and systemic laboratory testing did not yield a specific diagnosis. Design Noncomparative interventional case series Participants Eighty-seven consecutive patients (90 eyes) who underwent diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy from 1989 through 1999. Interventions Vitreous samples were analyzed in a directed manner based on the preoperative clinical examination and systemic laboratory testing. Main outcome measures Diagnosis from each test performed on the vitreous samples. Results Diagnostic vitrectomy was performed alone in 6 eyes (7%) and as part of a therapeutic procedure in the remaining 84 eyes. The diagnostic tests performed most frequently included cytopathology (83%), microbiologic culture and sensitivity (43%), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (36%), and intraocular antibody levels for T. canis (14%). Of these, intraocular antibody testing and PCR had the highest positive yield, 46% and 39%, respectively. Overall, directed vitreous analysis identified a specific cause in 35 eyes (39%). Of the 65 cases in which an underlying infection was suspected preoperatively, the procedure yielded a specific diagnosis in 27 (42%). When intraocular malignancy was considered preoperatively (71 eyes), a diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma was obtained in seven (10%). This difference between these diagnostic yields was significant ( P = 0.02, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions Diagnostic vitrectomy with directed vitreous fluid analysis yields a specific cause and guides subsequent therapy in a high percentage of cases. This procedure is a valuable adjunct in cases that cannot be diagnosed by less invasive methods.
Performance characterization of chirped return-to-zero modulation format using an accurate receiver model

We derive an explicit relationship between the Q factor and the optical signal-to-noise ratio in optical fiber transmission systems for an arbitrary pulse shape using an accurate receiver model under the assumption that the noise is unpolarized. We also define the enhancement factor and two other parameters that explicitly quantify the relative performance of different modulation formats. We use this method to compare the performance of the chirped return-to-zero, return-to-zero, and nonreturn-to-zero modulation formats with a finite extinction ratio. The method that we propose can also be used as a tool for the design and optimization of optical receivers.
Intratumor depletion of CD4+ cells unmasks tumor immunogenicity leading to the rejection of late-stage tumors

Tumor environment can be critical for preventing the immunological destruction of antigenic tumors. We have observed a selective accumulation of CD4+CD25+ T cells inside tumors. In a murine fibrosarcoma Ld-expressing Ag104, these cells made up the majority of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes at the late stage of tumor progression, and their depletion during the effector phase, rather than priming phase, successfully enhanced antitumor immunity. We show here that CD4+CD25+ T cells suppressed the proliferation and interferon-γ production of CD8+ T cells in vivo at the local tumor site. Blockade of the effects of IL-10 and TGF-β partially reversed the suppression imposed by the CD4+ cells. Furthermore, local depletion of CD4+ cells inside the tumor resulted in a change of cytokine milieu and led to the eradication of well-established highly aggressive tumors and the development of long-term antitumor memory. Therefore, CD4+CD25+ T cells maintained an environment in the tumor that concealed the immunogenicity of tumor cells to permit progressive growth of antigenic tumors. Our study illustrates that the suppression of antitumor immunity by regulatory T cells occurs predominantly at the tumor site, and that local reversal of suppression, even at a late stage of tumor development, can be an effective treatment for well-established cancers.
A decentralized algorithm for learning in adaptable networks

A biologically motivated algorithm is described which is ideally suited for learning and adaptation in a network of neuronlike computing elements. Each computing element communicates with its immediate neighbor and uses a simple neighbor-copying rule to improve its performance. A control node communicates with all computing nodes using 'broadcast' messages. Learning and adaptation occur in the computing nodes and not in the control node. Once trained, the entire network collectively performs subsequent computing tasks. The author describes an implementation of the algorithm, in which each computing element is based on a neuron model and is simulated by a Unix-type process. Each process essentially maps one bit string to another. The implementation is augmented by a programming language interface that allows computational tasks to be solved by the underlying network. Simple computing tasks performed by the implementation are those which are traditionally difficult for conventional computing techniques. >
Automatic generation of research trails in web history

We propose the concept of research trails to help web users create and reestablish context across fragmented research processes without requiring them to explicitly structure and organize the material. A research trail is an ordered sequence of web pages that were accessed as part of a larger investigation; they are automatically constructed by filtering and organizing users' activity history, using a combination of semantic and activity based criteria for grouping similar visited web pages. The design was informed by an ethnographic study of ordinary people doing research on the web, emphasizing a need to support research processes that are fragmented and where the research question is still in formation. This paper motivates and describes our algorithms for generating research trails. Research trails can be applied in several situations: as the underlying mechanism for a research task browser, or as feed to an ambient display of history information while searching. A prototype was built to assess the utility of the first option, a research trail browser.
SUB-ALFVÉNIC NON-IDEAL MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE SIMULATIONS WITH AMBIPOLAR DIFFUSION. III. IMPLICATIONS FOR OBSERVATIONS AND TURBULENT ENHANCEMENT

Ambipolar diffusion (AD) is believed to be a crucial process for redistributing magnetic flux in the dense molecular gas that occurs in regions of star formation. We carry out numerical simulations of this process in regions of low ionization using the heavy-ion approximation. The simulations are for regions of strong field (plasma β = 0.1) and mildly supersonic turbulence (, corresponding to an Alfven Mach number of 0.67). The velocity power spectrum of the neutral gas changes from an Iroshnikov-Kraichnan spectrum in the case of ideal MHD to a Burgers spectrum in the case of a shock-dominated hydrodynamic system. The magnetic power spectrum shows a similar behavior. We use a one-dimensional radiative transfer code to post-process our simulation results; the simulated emission from the CS J = 2-1 and H13CO+ J = 1-0 lines shows that the effects of AD are observable in principle. Linewidths of ions are observed to be less than those of neutrals, and we confirm previous suggestions that this is due to AD. We show that AD is unlikely to affect the Chandrasekhar-Fermi method for inferring field strengths unless the AD is stronger than generally observed. Finally, we present a study of the enhancement of AD by turbulence, finding that AD is accelerated by factor 2-4.5 for non-self-gravitating systems with the level of turbulence we consider.
Fabry Disease (α-Galactosidase A Deficiency)

Publisher Summary Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism caused by the deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme, α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). This enzymatic defect results in the progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) and related glycosphingolipids with terminal α-galactosyl moieties in the lysosomes of endothelial, epithelial, perithelial, and smooth muscle cells throughout the body. In classically affected males, who have essentially no α-Gal A activity, clinical manifestations result predominantly from the progressive lysosomal deposition of GL-3 in the vascular endothelium. Onset usually occurs in childhood or adolescence with periodic crises of severe pain in the extremities (acroparesthesias), the appearance of vascular cutaneous lesions (angiokeratomas), hypohidrosis, and the characteristic corneal and lenticular opacities. Episodic crises of agonizing, burning pain in the distal extremities most often begin in childhood or early adolescence and signal clinical onset of the disease. These crises typically last from minutes to several days and usually are triggered by exercise, fatigue, emotional stress, or rapid changes in temperature and humidity. The early acroparesthesias that occur in children presumably result from glycosphingolipid deposition in the microvasculature that supplies blood to the peripheral nerve cells. The endothelial glycosphingolipid accumulation narrows the vascular lumen and vessel spasms or frank infarction cause the excruciating pain. Angiokeratomas appear as clusters of individual punctate, dark red to blue-black angiectases in the superficial layers of the skin, and are often one of the earliest manifestations of the disease. Most classically affected males develop cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease in middle age. The progressive vascular involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly after treatment of the renal insufficiency by chronic dialysis or transplantation.
Diet in the Amphisbaenian Bipes biporus

Dietary habits of the amphisbaenian Bipes biporus from the Baja California peninsula were examined based on analysis of stomach contents of over 200 museum specimens. Ants and termites were the most common prey items as measured by frequency, but a wide variety of other invertebrate prey items were noted. Many prey items were soft-bodied, but some hard-bodied invertebrates were consumed, and tooth marks on these hard-bodied prey items indicate that B. biporus may bite its prey as a means of capture or ingestion. Prey items varied widely in size but were always smaller in diameter than the gape of the B. biporus individual that had consumed them. Bipes biporus fits the pattern of a generalist predator that exploits prey items found both under the soil and on the soil surface covered by objects such as fallen bark or debris.
Relative male age, fertility, and competitive mating success in Drosophila melanogaster.

Female choice experiments were used to investigate the effect of relative male age on mating success in D. melanogaster. Experiments were conducted with a Canton-S (CS) strain, in which two virgin males of different ages (2, 4, or 8 days old) were offered to virgin females. Older males were found to be more successful under competitive conditions. In another group of experiments, vermilion (v) males of different ages competed with CS males of different ages. The competitive success of v males was found to increase with their relative age. Male fertility at 2, 4, and 8 days of age was documented for both male genotypes mated with CS females. CS males fathered more offspring per copulation than v males, and the fertility o fall males was found to increase with age. Discussion focuses on the changes in male mating success and fertility with age and genotype.
CD36 Deficiency Rescues Lipotoxic Cardiomyopathy

Obesity-related diabetes mellitus leads to increased myocardial uptake of fatty acids (FAs), resulting in a form of cardiac dysfunction referred to as lipotoxic cardiomyopathy. We have shown previously that chronic activation of the FA-activated nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), is sufficient to drive the metabolic and functional abnormalities of the diabetic heart. Mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of PPARalpha (myosin heavy chain [MHC]-PPARalpha) exhibit myocyte lipid accumulation and cardiac dysfunction. We sought to define the role of the long-chain FA transporter CD36 in the pathophysiology of lipotoxic forms of cardiomyopathy. MHC-PPARalpha mice were crossed with CD36-deficient mice (MHC-PPARalpha/CD36-/- mice). The absence of CD36 prevented myocyte triacylglyceride accumulation and cardiac dysfunction in the MHC-PPARalpha mice under basal conditions and following administration of high-fat diet. Surprisingly, the rescue of the MHC-PPARalpha phenotype by CD36 deficiency was associated with increased glucose uptake and oxidation rather than changes in FA utilization. As predicted by the metabolic changes, the activation of PPARalpha target genes involved in myocardial FA-oxidation pathways in the hearts of the MHC-PPARalpha mice was unchanged in the CD36-deficient background. However, PPARalpha-mediated suppression of genes involved in glucose uptake and oxidation was reversed in the MHC-PPARalpha/ CD36-/- mice. We conclude that CD36 is necessary for the development of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy in MHC-PPARalpha mice and that novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing CD36-mediated FA uptake show promise for the prevention or treatment of cardiac dysfunction related to obesity and diabetes.
Anesthetic choices in surgery

Advances in technology and pharmacology continue to change techniques for anesthesia. So-called "fast-track" anesthesia has led to the development of new anesthetic agents and changes in anesthetic practice, including the increased use of regional anesthesia, techniques involving continuous plexus catheters to improve postoperative analgesia, and total intravenous anesthesia. Technological advances now provide additional options for airway management when a difficult airway is encountered. Advances have also produced additional intraoperative monitoring through the use of depth-of-anesthesia monitors and transesophageal echocardiography. Future areas of development are likely to include target-controlled infusion pumps as well as techniques and medi-cations that improve fast-track anesthesia safely.
A Longitudinal Perspective on Differentiation of Self, Interpersonal and Psychological Well-Being in Young Adulthood

The over-time relationship between differentiation of self and interpersonal and psychological well-being was examined in a sample of young adults in order to test the hypothesis that greater differentiation of self—that is, lower emotional reactivity, better capacity to take an “I” position in relationships, less emotional cutoff, and lower fusion with others—predicted greater interpersonal and psychological health. Results of hierarchical regression analyses confirmed that greater Time 1 differentiation of self predicted lower Time 2 psychological and interpersonal distress after controlling for Time 1 distress levels. Further, canonical correlation analyses revealed several significant patterned associations between aspects of differentiation of self and specific interpersonal problems. Implications for family interventions are discussed.
The impact of labor market regulations

The authors investigate the impact of labor market regulations in settings where compliance is incomplete. They review some stylized facts about labor market behavior, present an analytical model that may explain such behavior, and provide a checklist for assessing the distortionary impact of a regulation such as the minimum wage. They take as their starting point the limited evidence about the distortionary effects of such regulations and argue that there may be natural limits on the efficiency losses engendered by labor market regulations. First, the regulations may not be binding at market equilibrium. For example, minimum wages may be set so low that they are ineffective. Second, even if they are binding, the relevant elasticities of supply and demand may be so low that the regulations have little impact on efficiency. Third, even if the regulations are binding and elasticities are sizable, compliance may be low. The authors argue that the likelihood of compliance will be greatest when the regulations are binding and the relevant elasticities are sizable. That is, if the distortionary costs of regulations are not rendered insignificant by the first two reasons, then the returns to noncompliance will be high and, other things being equal, employers will evade or avoid the regulations, thereby minimizing the imact on efficiency. The argument rests on profit maximization subject to a hard budget constraint. Public enterprises, which are not concerned only with profit maximization and often have softer budget constraints than the private sector, may be more willing to conform to profit-reducing regulations, but in this case the authors argue that compliance may reduce already-existing efficiency losses.
A Nonlinear Filter to Remove Impulse Noise from Meteorological Data

Abstract Nonlinear median filters were modified to use threshold logic and used to remove impulse noise (spikes) from a set of meteorological data. The impulse noise in the dataset, which originated in the communications section of the Portable Automated Mesonet, could be characterized as random bit noise. Most of the pulses had a duration of one time interval, which in this case was one minute. The filters were effective irrespective of the frequency of occurrence and of the amplitude of the noise spikes. Pulses were removed even when the frequency of occurrence rose to every other data point as was observed in several short intervals. The amplitude of pulses removed ranged over three orders of magnitude.
Pursuing lines of flight: Enacting equity-based preservice teacher learning in first-year teaching:

This article examines how one first-year physics teacher translated his inquiry-based, socially just pre-professional learning into classroom practice in his first several months of teaching, using rhizomatics, a non-linear theory of social activity, as a theoretical and methodological frame. This case highlights the complexity of enacting a social justice-oriented pedagogical practice as a new teacher in a constrained school environment. Although the participant experienced positive interactions with his students, he faced multiple external challenges as well as his own internal conflicts about teaching methods. These conditions influenced him to adopt more traditional practices than those that were espoused in the participant’s teacher education programme, although some evidence of progressive teaching surfaced inconsistently. Authors provide recommendations for teacher educators and policy makers to better support new teachers as they transition into the first year of teaching, and call on researchers ...
491 NETWORKING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE CHILD DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING.

Purpose of Study This project was motivated by the need to educate and engage parents in the developmental milestones of their young children. This would empower parents to bring appropriate concerns to the attention of their primary care providers and would serve as more effective early intervention for developmental disabilities. This project took place within the Cottonwood Health Center and Aspen Dental Clinic, which are part of a community health center in Soldotna, Alaska. Methods Primary care providers were engaged to discuss current public health needs within the community health center. The need for early intervention and improved care for children with developmental disorders was identified. Literature was reviewed, showing that early intervention improves functional outcomes, decreases comorbidity, and reduces the future costs of therapy. Existing resources within the community were explored. Partnership began with a local organization that was implementing a family-centered screening called the “Watch Me Grow” program. This program uses the Ages and Stages Questionnaires. Results A poster was designed to encourage referrals to this community organization while providing some basic developmental milestones for the families served by the community health center. Benefits of the program were presented to the administration of Cottonwood and Aspen. Conclusion Key contact members from participating organizations were identified and proper follow-up of the referral process was established. Consistent with the goals of Cottonwood, this project sought to establish networks within the local area. This partnership allows for a broader team of care providers for families of children with developmental disabilities.
Differential diagnosis of artial tachyarrhythmias.

Distinguishing between various supraventricular tachyarrhythmias requires careful study of atrial deflections and their morphology. Carotid sinus massage and administration of edrophonium chloride are additional helpful diagnostic tools.
An integrated geophysical approach for water infiltration detection and characterization at Monte Cotugno rock-fill dam (southern Italy)

Abstract This study concerns with an integrated geophysical approach for the detection and spatial-temporal characterization of the water infiltration into the Monte Cotugno dam embankment. This strategic civil infrastructure is the largest rock-fill dam in Europe and represents the nodal point of the water system feeding the Basilicata, Puglia and Calabria regions (southern Italy). Here, we propose an approach based on the combination of geophysical techniques as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) with Thermal-InfraRed mapping (TIR) and geotechnical in-situ measurements. Such an approach was applied for the diagnosis of the Monte Cotugno dam with the aim both to gain information about the geometry of visible micro-fractures in the dam coverage and have a rapid mapping of the dam inner areas affected by water infiltration phenomena. The sensing methods were deployed in a cascade modality, where the Thermal-InfraRed (TIR) method was used for surveying the dam along the overall length in order to achieve information about the dam coverage status. In particular, TIR analysis allowed us to identify five areas affected by significant fractures and coating detachment. Afterwards, GPR surveys were performed on the sloping side of the dam by investigating few areas among those identified by TIR analysis. In this way, it was possible to get indications whether the water infiltration affected the deeper parts of the dam. Lastly, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method was applied in order to detect deeper inner areas affected by water leakages. Finally, a joint interpretation of the three sensing methods was confirmed by shallow boreholes (
Early indicators of relapses vs pseudorelapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) relapses and pseudorelapses to identify early features that differentiate between them at onset of symptoms. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 74 hospitalizations of patients with NMOSD who were admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital for workup and treatment of a presumed relapse. Standard workup included MRI and blood and urine testing for metabolic and infectious etiologies. The gold standard for a relapse was defined as new or worsening symptoms and a change in neurologic examination correlating with a new or enhancing MRI lesion. A pseudorelapse was a clinical exacerbation with similar symptoms and signs but the MRI was negative, and workup identified an alternative cause for the symptoms that, when treated, resulted in the improvement of neurologic symptoms. Factors considered to be early predictors of relapses vs pseudorelapses were analyzed using the Fisher test. Results: Among 74 NMOSD hospitalizations for presumed relapse, 57 were confirmed relapses while 17 had a negative MRI and an identifiable cause of pseudorelapse. The most common causes of pseudorelapse were infection, pain, and dysautonomia. The only early predictor that reliably differentiated relapse from pseudorelapse among this NMOSD patient population was vision loss ( p = 0.039). Race, sex, presentations of weakness, numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction, white blood cell count, and urinary tract infection were not different among patients with relapses vs pseudorelapses. Conclusions: Vision loss in NMOSD is strongly suggestive of a true relapse vs a pseudorelapse. Pseudorelapses localized to the spinal cord in patients with previous myelitis presented similarly to true relapses and could only be ruled out by a negative MRI.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the survival of adolescents and young adults with acute myeloid leukemia: a retrospective study using the US National Cancer Data Base.

Few studies have examined the effect of race on survival of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with acute myeloid leukemia. We studied patients in the US National Cancer Data Base aged 15-39 years diagnosed with AML from 2001 to 2011 (excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia). We examined overall survival (OS) according to race and determined OS trends over three time-periods: 2001-2004, 2005-2008, and 2009-2011. We identified 8684 patients, with a median follow-up of 62.8 months. Multivariable analysis showed that Blacks had a significantly worse (HR 1.21; 95%CI: 1.11-1.32) and Hispanics a significantly better OS (HR 0.90; 95%CI: 0.82-0.99) than Whites. OS improved over time among Whites only, with 1-year survival rates of 69, 72 and 74 months over the three time periods, respectively (p < .01). We found significant racial disparities in OS of AYA with AML. Further studies should examine clinician and patient care delivery factors that contribute to these disparities.
State of the Art Diffusion Weighted Imaging in the Breast: Recommended Protocol

Review of breast diffusion MRI and recommend a protocol on how to perform breast diffusion MRI. Breast diffusion MRI may help improve specificity and predict an early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in American women. Mammography is the only screening modality shown to decrease breast cancer related mortality. However, false positives, false negatives, and dense breast limit mammographic evaluation. Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI (DCE-MR) is the most sensitive imaging modality to evaluate for breast cancer, although specificity remains problematic. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) evaluates the microscopic motion of spins in tissue and is quantified by the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). DWI in assessment of breast cancer is under active investigation including the ACRIN 6698 multi-center trial. The role of DWI in the breast has focused on evaluation of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and has been limited by overlap in benign and malignant lesion appearance.
Interaction between epigenetic and metabolism in aging stem cells

Aging is accompanied by a decline in tissue function, regeneration, and repair. A large part of this decline is caused by the deterioration of tissue stem cell function. Understanding the mechanisms that drive stem cell aging and how to counteract them is a critical step for enhancing tissue repair and maintenance during aging. Emerging evidence indicates that epigenetic modifiers and metabolism regulators interact to impact lifespan, suggesting that this mechanism may also affect stem cell function with age. This review focuses on the interaction between chromatin and metabolism in the regulation of tissue stem cells during aging. We also discuss how these mechanisms integrate environmental stimuli such as nutrient stress to regulate stem cell function. Finally, this review examines new perspectives for regeneration, rejuvenation, and treatment of age-related decline of stem cell function.
Late Thromboembolic Events after Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with Guglielmi Detachable Coils

P98 Purpose: Thrombo-embolic complications associated with the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC) generally occur at the time of the procedure or soon after. The purpose of this report is to determine the frequency of late thrombo-embolic events after GDC. Methods: The records of 189 patients who underwent GDC repair of one or more intracranial aneurysms at our institution were reviewed. The occurence of an ischemic event referrable to a coiled aneurysm was determined by clinical, angiographic, and imaging data. Events occuring within 2 days of the endovascular procedure were considered peri-procedural. Kaplan-Meier analysis of ischemic events over time was performed. Results: Two patients suffered documented thrombo-embolic events. One patient presented 5 weeks after coiling with a transient ischemic attack. Angiography demonstrated thrombus on the surface of the coils at the neck of a large ophthalmic artery aneurysm. The second patient presented with a posterior circulation stroke 4 weeks after coiling of a large superior cerebellar artery aneurysm. Angiography showed no significant proximal disease, with thrombus beginning at the neck of the treated aneurysm and extending out both P1 segments. No intra-procedural problems during the initial coiling had occured with either patient. There was no evidence for protrusion of coils into the parent artery in either patient. Both patients had been receiving daily aspirin (325 mg). One additional patient reporting symptoms suggesting possible ischemics event was evaluated and diagnosed as having atypical migraines. The frequency of a clinical thromboembolic event during the first year after coiling (excluding procedural complications) was 1.1%. Conclusions: Thrombo-embolic events may occur as late as 5 weeks after endovascular treatment of aneurysms with GDC.
An indoor navigation aid for the visually impaired

This paper presents a 6-DOF pose estimation (PE) method and an indoor wayfinding system based on the method for the visually impaired (VI). The PE method involves two graph SLAM processes to reduce the accumulative pose error of device. In the first step, the floor plane is extracted from the 3D camera's point cloud and added as a landmark node into the graph for 6-DOF SLAM to reduce roll, pitch and Z errors. In the second step, the wall lines are extracted and incorporated into the graph for 3-DOF SLAM to reduce X, Y and yaw errors. The method reduces the 6-DOF pose error and results in more accurate pose with less computational time than the existing state-of-the-art planar SLAM methods. Based on the PE method, a wayfinding system is developed for navigating a VI person in an indoor environment. The system uses the estimated pose and floorplan to locate the device user in a building and guide the user by announcing the points of interest and navigational commands through a speech interface. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the PE method and demonstrate that the system may substantially ease an indoor navigation task.
The Linked-Convergent Distinction—A First Approximation

We need to distinguish linked versus convergent structure because judgments of acceptability and relevance are affected by which premises link together to form reasons for the conclusion. Many characterizations of the distinction however are vague or ambiguous, making discernment of structure problematic. In particular, the concept of “logical support” which many authors use in distinguishing linked from convergent structure is ambiguous. Does it mean that the reason gives some evidence or good evidence for the conclusion? We hold that when two or more premises must be taken together to form a relevant reason for the conclusion, the structure is linked, while the structure is convergent when the premises are independently relevant to the conclusion. To be relevant is to give some evidence, however minimal. Relevance then contrasts with strength of support, a modal notion. Many attempts to distinguish linked from convergent structure are ambiguous between relevance and modality. We test this distinction against several hard cases and find that it preserves intuitions. In particular, the case where the falsity of one independently relevant premise would defeat the force of the others does not require linked structure, but does require incorporating defeaters into our diagram. We do not link the premises but represent that the negations of each function as defeaters in the argument. By making the distinction on relevance considerations which can be intuitively recognized, our approach basically avoids introducing evaluative considerations of argument strength into determining structure, keeping analysis before evaluation.
Consideration for eliminating conjunctival closure in the enucleation procedure.

ABSTRACTTo compare post-operative results and complications in patients who undergo enucleation with or without suture closure of the conjunctiva. This was a retrospective chart review study. Review of 50 cases of enucleation surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital between July 2011 and December 2014. Criteria for inclusion in the study were all cases of enucleation that had extraocular muscles attached to a spherical orbital implant with or without conjunctival closure, and at least 2 months of postoperative follow up. Post-operative complications were evaluated. A total of 36 cases fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the study; 12 cases with direct sutured layered direct closure of Tenon's and then conjunctiva and 24 cases with Tenon's capsule sutured closure but without direct conjunctival sutured closure. No implant complications were identified in either group (p = 1.0). Mean follow-up for all groups was 16.71 months (range 2 to 43 mo., SD 11.94...
Language Activism on the Airwaves: Pulaar Radio Broadcasting in the Senegal River Valley

Community radio stations in Northern Senegal receive financial support from a range of NGOs and agencies, whose goals the radio stations earnestly attempt to serve. However, community radio broadcasting in Northern Senegal has also become a domain for the practice of language activism on behalf of Pulaar, a language spoken by a significant minority of Senegalese and Mauritanians. The stations devote many of their programs to discussions and talk shows intended to encourage linguistic loyalty and purity among audience members, who reside on both sides of the Senegal–Mauritania border. Drawing on recorded broadcasts, interviews, and participant–observation conducted among radio staff members and listeners, this article examines the connections that the stations have with a decades-old movement to promote Pulaar.
Applying radical empathy to Women's March documentation efforts: a reflection exercise

AbstractThe Women’s March was a global phenomenon, with close to 5 million people participating worldwide. With a protest this complex, it is easy to see that its related records will have historical value. Indeed, many repositories have called for ephemera and stories from the event. But is documenting the event itself enough? The March was criticised for its lack of intersectionality and inclusion: are these criticisms not crucial to future understandings? This article follows the work of bell hooks, Verne Harris, Jarrett Drake and others in the call for social justice in archival work. The work of Michelle Caswell and Marika Cifor on radical empathy is particularly well poised to answer these questions, because of its emphasis on prioritising people over records. Central to radical empathy are an archivist’s relationships with four constituents: the creator, the subject, the user and the community. Considering the roles of these stakeholders represent a departure in traditional archival theory, one tha...
Symbol Error Rate Performance of Box-Relaxation Decoders in Massive MIMO

The maximum-likelihood (ML) decoder for symbol detection in large multiple-input multiple-output wireless communication systems is typically computationally prohibitive. In this paper, we study a popular and practical alternative, namely the box-relaxation optimization (BRO) decoder, which is a natural convex relaxation of the ML. For independent identically distributed real Gaussian channels with additive Gaussian noise, we obtain exact asymptotic expressions for the symbol error rate (SER) of the BRO. The formulas are particularly simple, they yield useful insights, and they allow accurate comparisons to the matched-filter bound (MFB) and to linear decoders, such as zero-forcing and linear minimum mean square error. For binary phase-shift keying signals, the SER performance of the BRO is within 3 dB of the MFB for square systems, and it approaches the MFB as the number of receive antennas grows large compared to the number of transmit antennas. Our analysis further characterizes the empirical density function of the solution of the BRO, and shows that error events for any fixed number of symbols are asymptotically independent. The fundamental tool behind the analysis is the convex Gaussian min–max theorem.