cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preserved Reflexes and Partial Conduction-Block in CMT1C (P07.058)

OBJECTIVE: To present a case study of a patient with CMT1C with normal reflexes and partial conduction-block on EMG. BACKGROUND: Charcot-Marie-Tooth, type 1 (CMT1) is an inherited disorder resulting in diffuse demyelination of peripheral axons. The severity of symptoms is variable, however most patients present with deformities of the feet, absent muscle stretch reflexes and reduced sensation in a stocking-glove pattern. Mutations in the LITAF (Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha factor) gene, CMT1C, account for less than 1% of CMT1. These patients are not typically described as phenotypically distinct from other CMT1 subtypes on examination. Partial conduction-block on EMG has been described in this population. DESIGN/METHODS: Case Report. RESULTS: A 58-year-old woman of Polish and Russian descent presented with severe pes cavus, hammer toes and impaired balance since childhood. Her mother had similar symptoms. The patient9s examination was significant for her foot deformities, mild sensory loss in the feet and mild weakness of toe extension bilaterally. Her reflexes were normal (2+) throughout, including her ankles. Multiple EMGs over several years demonstrated uniformly slowed conduction velocities; however, partial conduction-block was noted in multiple nerves. A superimposed acquired demyelinating neuropathy was thought unlikely given the lack of acute/subacute symptom progression. Serum B12 level, SPEP/immunofixation were unremarkable. An EMG of the patient9s mother demonstrated similar slowing of conduction velocities without conduction-block. Previous gene testing including PMP 22 duplication/deletion/sequencing, CX-32, MPZ,EGR-2 and NF-L sequencing was negative. LITAF gene testing, sent based upon her history and presence of conduction-block in an apparently inherited neuropathy, revealed a pathogenic mutation. (G to A, nucleotide position 334, codon 112, amino acid change glycine to serine). CONCLUSIONS: Preserved reflexes may be seen CMT1C. Partial conduction-block in the setting of an inherited demyelinating neuropathy should prompt consideration of LITAF gene mutations. Disclosure: Dr. Quinn has nothing to disclose. Dr. Salameh has nothing to disclose.
Climatological Characteristics of Typical Daily Precipitation

AbstractPrecipitation is often quantified by the amount that falls over a given period of time but not the rate at which most of it falls or the rate associated with the most frequent events. Here, three metrics are introduced to distill salient characteristics of typical daily precipitation accumulation based on the full distribution of rainfall: rain amount peak (the rain rate at which the most rain falls), rain frequency peak (the most frequent nonzero rain rate), and rain amount width (a measure of the variability of typical precipitation accumulation). These metrics are applied to two observational datasets to describe the climatology of typical daily precipitation accumulation: GPCP 1° daily (October 1996–October 2015) and TMPA 3B42 (January 1998–October 2015). Results show that the rain frequency peak is similar to total rainfall in terms of geographical pattern and seasonal cycle and varies inversely with rain amount width. In contrast, the rain amount peak varies distinctly, reaching maxima on th...
A parenting education program for women in treatment for opioid-use disorder at an outpatient medical practice

Opioid use during pregnancy poses serious risks for the mother and the unborn child. Opioid-use disorder may be managed with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in an outpatient setting, but few MAT practices specifically address the challenges faced by pregnant women. This article describes a medical office-based educational support group for women in MAT for opioid-use disorder who were pregnant and/or parenting young children. Focus groups were conducted to elicit patient feedback. Women indicated that they found the educational support groups beneficial and offered suggestions. In-office educational support groups for pregnant women in treatment for opioid-use disorder are feasible and well received.
UAV assisted smart parking solution

Smart parking solutions for big cities are critically important for reducing traffic congestion and vehicle energy consumption in big cities. Visual-based detection methods have been proposed since their maintenance costs are typically lower. However, visual based detection methods in existing systems are not robust due to varying light intensities, occlusions, and their deployment costs can still be expensive. In this paper, we present a collaborative UAV aided smart parking solution where a small team of low cost UAVs are used to collaboratively identify free parking spots of parking lots within campuses. We design a novel navigation control scheme to allow such UAVs to avoid obstacles and cover the parking lots sufficiently. In addition, we also present a visual detection scheme using the generative adversarial network (GAN) which allows us to predict parking availability without requiring pre-identification of parking spots. Simulation results indicate that our approach show promising results.
Reconstructing the Evolution of the Submarine Monterey Canyon System From Os, Nd, and Pb Isotopes in Hydrogenetic Fe-Mn Crusts

The sources of terrestrial material delivered to the California margin over the past 7 Myr were assessed using 187Os/188Os, Nd, and Pb isotopes in hydrogenetic ferromanganese crusts from three seamounts along the central and southern California margin. From 6.8 to 4.5 (± 0.5) Ma, all three isotope systems show more radiogenic values at Davidson Seamount, located near the base of the Monterey Canyon System, than in Fe-Mn crusts from the more remote Taney and Hoss seamounts. At the Taney seamounts, approximately 225 km farther offshore from Davidson Seamount, 187Os/188Os values, but not Pb and Nd isotope ratios, also deviate from the Cenozoic seawater curve towards more radiogenic values from 6.8 to 4.5 (± 0.5) Ma. However, none of the isotope systems in Fe-Mn crusts deviate from seawater at Hoss Seamount located approximately 450 km to the south. The regional gradients in isotope ratios indicate that substantial input of dissolved and particulate terrestrial material into the Monterey Canyon System is responsible for the local deviations in the seawater Nd, Pb, and Os isotope compositions from 6.8 to 4.5 (± 0.5) Ma. The isotope ratios recorded in Fe-Mn crusts are consistent with a southern Sierra Nevada or western Basin and Range provenance of the terrestrial material which was delivered by rivers to the canyon. The exhumation of the modern Monterey Canyon must have begun between 10 and 6.8 ± 0.5 Ma, as indicated by our data, the age of incised strata, and paleo-location of the Monterey Canyon relative to the paleo-coastline.
Notes on Gerald Friedman

Since 2010, fiscal policy austerity has been a disaster for both Europe and the United States. But how much better could things be? How much good could be done by a restoration of a sensible fiscal...
Recession of Grasshopper Glacier, Montana, since 1898

Grasshopper Glacier is a cirque glacier in the central Rocky Mountains of the United States. It is a remnant of the “Little Ice Age”, rather than the more widespread and older Pinedale Glaciation. The glacier has not been monitored on a regular basis and very few maps have been published of the area, but it has been studied, photographed, occasionally mapped, and described by scientific and non-scientific groups, at different times since 1898. These photographic, cartographic, and written records make it possible to trace the fluctuations of this glacier since 1898. Grasshopper Glacier has had periods of positive mass balance, but the overall trend has been negative, with accelerated melting in recent years. It is estimated that Grasshopper Glacier has lost about 50% of its area and as much as 90% of its volume, since 1898. Other Rocky Mountain glaciers are experiencing similar wastage and, if current conditions continue, these glaciers will disappear by the middle of the next century.
Information Content Measures of Semantic Similarity Perform Better Without Sense-Tagged Text

This paper presents an empirical comparison of similarity measures for pairs of concepts based on Information Content. It shows that using modest amounts of untagged text to derive Information Content results in higher correlation with human similarity judgments than using the largest available corpus of manually annotated sense--tagged text.
Can pelvic node dissection at radical prostatectomy influence the nodal recurrence at salvage lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer

Purpose To verify the quality of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) performed at radical prostatectomy (RP) and its impact on nodal recurrence in patients undergoing salvage lymph node dissection (sLND). Materials and methods Retrospective review of 48 patients who underwent sLND for presumed nodal recurrence, to describe the PLND characteristics at RP and correlate the anatomical sites and number of suspicious nodes reported in radiological imaging and final pathology of sLND. Results Overall, at RP, 8 (16.7%) did not undergo PLND, 32 (66.7%) and 8 (16.7%) received a "limited" (between external iliac vein and obturator nerve) and an "extended" (external iliac, hypogastric, and obturator) dissection, respectively. Median nodes removed during limited and extended dissection were 2 and 24, respectively. At sLND, the mean age was 61.3 years and median prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 1.07 ng/mL. Median nodes removed at sLND were 17 with a median of 2 positive nodes. Recurrent nodes were identified within the template of an extended PLND in 62.5%, 50.0% and 12.5% patients, respectively, following prior no, limited and extended dissection at RP. Recurrence outside the expected lymphatic drainage pathway was noted in 37.5% patients with prior extended dissection at RP. There was a correlation between imaging and pathology specimen in 83% for node location and 58.3% for number of anatomical sites involved. Conclusions In prostate cancer patients undergoing sLND, most had inadequate PLND at the original RP. Pattern of nodal recurrence may be influenced by the prior dissection and pre sLND imaging appears to underestimate the nodal recurrence.
Optimization, analysis, and comparison of coils for EMI systems

Many different coil head configurations are used in electromagnetic induction (EMI) systems for sensing buried targets. The design of these types of coils is not well described in current literature, and it is difficult to compare the performance of different coil head designs to one another. Comparing two particular implementations is not particularly challenging, but fairly comparing general coil head designs is nontrivial. This work details normalized target sensitivity and soil sensitivity metrics that account for differences such as overall coil size, length, and wire diameter and for variations in sensitivity patterns. The metrics are used to optimize double-D, dipole/quadrupole, and concentric coil head designs, which are then analayzed and compared to one another.
Epistemically Justified Opinion

The theories of epistemic justification advanced in recent years are commonly offered as contributions to an adequate conception of knowledge and are, perhaps in consequence, either foundational or coherentist.1 I take exception to such theories here, arguing that they exaggerate the importance of knowledge for an adequate epistemology. I claim that an adequate epistemology requires a central concept of epistemic justification not subordinate to the concept of knowledge and that the needed concept (which I attempt to identify) should presupppose a new theory of empirical justification — one that is neither foundational nor coherentist. Since the theory I accept has interesting affinities with the coherence theory recently developed by Laurence BonJour,2 I comment freely on his theory in supporting my alternative.
Increased Cortical Excitability as a Critical Element in Schizophrenia Pathophysiology

The identification of schizophrenia predisposing genes critical for brain development and synaptic transmission has highlighted the developmental aspects of this disorder. Yet, symptoms typically emerge after adolescence, and environmental factors (both perinatally and during adolescence) also play a role in schizophrenia. As cortical interneurons have repeatedly been identified as abnormal in schizophrenia and these neurons and their dopamine innervation mature late (i.e., during adolescence), it is possible that early insults may affect these neurons but symptoms appear when interneurons should have matured. Abnormal interneuron activity, in particular in the prefrontal cortex, would increase cortical network activity, impairing information processing and the filtering of weak inputs (increasing “noise”). The specific profile of NMDA glutamate receptors cortical interneuron express may make them vulnerable to the effects of non-competing antagonists; in that way, the glutamate and GABA hypotheses of schizophrenia may converge by blockade of NMDA receptors in interneurons being responsible for symptoms. This specific distribution of NMDA receptor subtypes may allow the search of interneuron-targeting novel pharmacological tools, opening the possibility to restore balance in cortical networks.
Hepcidin—A Peptide Hormone at the Interface of Innate Immunity and Iron Metabolism

Hepcidin is a cationic amphipathic peptide made in the liver, released into plasma and excreted in urine. Hepcidin is the homeostatic regulator of intestinal iron absorption, iron recycling by macrophages, and iron mobilization from hepatic stores, but it is also markedly induced during infections and inflammation. Under the influence of hepcidin, macrophages, hepatocytes, and enterocytes retain iron that would otherwise be released into plasma. Hepcidin acts by inhibiting the efflux of iron through ferroportin, the sole known iron exporter that is expressed in the small intestine, and in hepatocytes and macrophages. As befits an iron-regulatory hormone, hepcidin synthesis is increased by iron loading, and decreased by anemia and hypoxia. Hepcidin is also rapidly induced by cytokines, including IL-6. The resulting decrease in plasma iron levels eventually limits iron availability to erythropoiesis and contributes to the anemia associated with infection and inflammation. The decrease in extracellular iron concentrations due to hepcidin probably limits iron availability to invading microorganisms, thus contributing to host defense.
Patterns of Death in Patients with Sepsis and the Use of Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid, and Thiamine to Prevent These Deaths.

Background: In general, patients with sepsis die from the host response to the infecting pathogen rather than from the infecting pathogen itself. Four patterns of death have been identified in sepsis, namely vasoplegic shock, single-organ respiratory failure (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS]), multi-system organ failure (MSOF), and persistent MSOF with ongoing inflammation and immunosuppression with recurrent infections (persistent inflammation-immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome [PICS]). To improve the outcome of sepsis adjunctive therapies that modulate the immune system have been tested; these therapies that have targeted specific molecules or pathways have universally failed. Conclusion: We propose that the combination of hydrocortisone, intravenous ascorbic acid, and thiamine (HAT therapy), which synergistically targets multiple pathways, restores the dysregulated immune system and organ injury, and reduces the risk of death and organ failure following sepsis.
Self-induced temperature correction for inter-phase heat transfer in Euler-Lagrange point-particle simulation

Abstract In a two-way coupled Euler-Lagrange simulation, particles are approximated as point sources and their momentum and energy exchange with the surrounding flow are modeled through point-particle force and heat transfer models. As the particle size increases and approaches the Eulerian grid, the feedback force and heat transfer become large and strongly affect the local flow at the particle location. The fluid velocity and temperature computed in the EL simulation when interpolated to the particle location will be substantially different from the corresponding undisturbed values. In this work we will follow the approach pursued in Balachandar et al. (2018) [1] for self-induced velocity correction to develop an analogous correction procedure for self-induced temperature. We obtain analytical solutions for the self-induced thermal perturbation for a steady uniform cross flow past a Gaussian filtered heat source under both steady and unsteady conditions. The analytical results are extended to finite Peclet number using numerical simulations. The resulting quasi-steady and unsteady models are tested with a simple problem of exponential thermal evolution against the corresponding EL simulation results. We also provide a simple criterion for when the self-induced temperature correction is needed in an Euler-Lagrange simulation.
Aortic Hemodynamics of Spiral-Flow-Generated Mechanical Assistance.

Background Mechanical circulatory support devices are being increasingly used as destination therapy in end-stage heart failure patients. Although current devices have significantly improved survival rates, the resulting hemodynamics remains nonphysiological. Spiral forms of blood flow are known to exist in the large arteries (eg, aorta) and serve as a biomimetic-motivation for generating these physiologically adapted flow regimes. We aimed to study the potential benefits of generating spiral flow at the mechanical circulatory support outflow graft and the resultant flow-fields in the aorta, including recirculation zones and endothelial wall shear stress (WSS) areas. Methods A three-dimensional model of an outflow graft virtually anastomosed end-to-side to an image-derived aortic arch was used in computational fluid dynamic simulations. To study the impact of both spiral flow modulation (clockwise/counterclockwise helical-flow content) and the outflow graft anastomosis angle (inferiorly/superiorly directed, anteriorly/posteriorly directed), flow velocities were measured, low/high WSS were computed, and fluid streamlines were visualized. Results Increased helical-flow content reduced regions of low velocity ( 80 dyn/cm2). The outflow graft anastomosis angle was a key determinant of aortic root washout and fluid-jet wall impingement. Despite counterclockwise spiral flow predominance in diminishing the size of recirculation/stasis zones compared to straight/clockwise flow, exceptions to this were noted with the superiorly directed and posteriorly directed graft placements. Conclusions Spiral flow-forms better tailored to the underlying three-dimensional aortic curvature and graft angle positioning is expected to help attenuate atherogenesis, preventing vascular remodeling and minimizing plaque formation/erosion in mechanically assisted circulation.
A phase-field model for hydride formation in polycrystalline metals: Application to δ-hydride in zirconium alloys

Abstract We report a phase-field model for simulating metal hydride formation involving large volume expansion in single- and polycrystals. As an example, we consider δ-hydride formation in α-zirconium (Zr), which involves both displacive crystallographic structural change and hydrogen diffusion process. Thermodynamic Gibbs energy functions are extracted from the available thermodynamic database based on the sublattice model for the interstitial solid solutions. Solute-grain boundary interactions and inhomogeneous elasticity of polycrystals are taken into consideration within the context of diffuse-interface description. The stress-free transformation strains of multiple variants for hcp-Zr (α) to fcc-hydride (δ) transformation are derived based on the well-established orientation relationship between the α and δ phases as well as the corresponding temperature-dependent lattice parameters. In particular, to account for the large volume expansion, we introduced the mixed interfacial coherency concept between those phases—basal planes are coherent and prismatic planes are semi-coherent in computing the strain energy contribution to the thermodynamics. We analyzed the morphological characteristics of hydrides involving multiple structural variants and their interactions with grain boundaries. Moreover, our simulation study allows for the exploration of the possible hydride re-orientation mechanisms when precipitating under applied tensile load, taking into account the variation in the interfacial coherency between hydrides and matrix, their elastic interactions with the applied stress, as well as their morphology-dependent interactions with grain boundaries. The phase-field model presented here is generally applicable to hydride formation in any binary metal–hydrogen systems.
3D Convolutional Neural Networks for Event-Related Potential detection

Deep learning techniques have recently been successful in the classification of brain evoked responses for multiple applications, including brain-machine interface. Single-trial detection in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of brain evoked responses, like event-related potentials (ERPs), requires multiple processing stages, in the spatial and temporal domains, to extract high level features. Convolutional neural networks, as a type of deep learning method, have been used for EEG signal detection as the underlying structure of the EEG signal can be included in such system, facilitating the learning step. The EEG signal is typically decomposed into 2 main dimensions: space and time. However, the spatial dimension can be decomposed into 2 dimensions that better represent the relationships between the sensors that are involved in the classification. We propose to analyze the performance of 2D and 3D convolutional neural networks for the classification of ERPs with a dataset based on 64 EEG channels. We propose and compare 6 conv net architectures: 4 using 3D convolutions, that vary in relation to the number of layers and feature maps, and 2 using 2D convolutions. The results support the conclusion that 3D convolutions provide better performance than 2D convolutions for the binary classification of ERPs.
Florida Dairy Industry Statistics: Economic Measures

This 7-page fact sheet brings together key economic and price data about Florida’s primary dairy industry collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Written by K.G. Arriola and A. De Vries, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, February 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an287
Human observer templates for lesion discrimination tasks.

We investigate a series of two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) discrimination tasks based on malignant features of abnormalities in low-dose lung CT scans. A total of 3 tasks are evaluated, and these consist of a size-discrimination task, a boundary-sharpness task, and an irregular-interior task. Target and alternative signal profiles for these tasks are modulated by one of two system transfer functions and embedded in ramp-spectrum noise that has been apodized for noise control in one of 4 different ways. This gives the resulting images statistical properties that are related to weak ground glass lesions in axial slices of low-dose lung CT images. We investigate observer performance in these tasks using a combination of statistical efficiency and classification images. We report results of 24 2AFC experiments involving the three tasks. A staircase procedure is used to find the approximate 80% correct discrimination threshold in each task, with a subsequent set of 2,000 trials at this threshold. These data are used to estimate statistical efficiency with respect to the ideal observer for each task, and to estimate the observer template using the classification-image methodology. We find efficiency varies between the different tasks with lowest efficiency in the boundary-sharpness task, and highest efficiency in the non-uniform interior task. All three tasks produce clearly visible patterns of positive and negative weighting in the classification images. The spatial frequency plots of classification images show how apodization results in larger weights at higher spatial frequencies.
Chapter 9 – Medical Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter describes fiber optic endoscopes, laser fibers, medical illuminators, and biosensors. It focuses on medical applications, although all these products have broader application. Fiber optic lighting systems have many commercial applications; they are used for emergency lighting, automotive lighting, traffic signals, signage, lighting sensors, commercial, and decorative lighting. They are also very useful in medical applications, coupled with fiberscopes or microscopes. Fiber optic lighting systems can be placed in high magnetic fields, such as near MRI machines, and can be used in stand-alone applications in this manner. While fiber sensors have broader industrial applications, especially in hard-to-reach places and hazardous areas where there is a danger from electrical sparks igniting explosions, they also have medical applications, especially working in conjunction with endoscopes. The use of fiber optics in endoscopy is the most significant application of fiber optics to the field of medicine.
A Template for Curriculum Development to Teach Complex Surgical or Endoscopic Techniques With Logistical Challenges.

Objective The current, unprecedented pace of change in medicine challenges healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date. To more effectively disseminate new surgical or endoscopic techniques a modern paradigm of training is required. Our aim was to develop a curricular framework for complex techniques that provide logistical challenges to training in order to increase safe, effective use. We use colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection (cESD) as an example. Design Curriculum development followed a multistep process representing best practice in training and education. First, a Clinical Needs Assessment established the demand for/sustainability of training. A Training Needs Analysis then identified the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform cESD. A modified Delphi process defined desired learner characteristics, identified indications/contraindications to cESD, and developed a procedural task list. A pilot simulation program gathered feedback from cESD faculty experts and learners. Finally, a Behavioral Observation Scale was developed as a clinical assessment tool to assess procedural performance. Setting The Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education. Participants The first Curriculum Design Summit engaged 11 clinical SMEs, 4 education and training SMEs, 3 market development SMEs, and 1 medical device research and design engineer. The second Curriculum Design Summit engaged 10 clinical SMEs, 4 education and training SMEs, and 4 market development SMEs. We also engaged 12 Learner SMEs at both hands-on pilot courses who currently are training to perform cESD. Results Desired learner criteria were defined (e.g., in practice >2 years, available case volume ≥25/year) to ensure ability and motivation of learners. Lesions were classified by (1) suitability for cESD (Clinical T1N0M0, Paris 0-IIa +1s > 2 cm, 0-IIc + IIa, 0-IIc), and (2) suitability for trainee experience level. A comprehensive cESD task list was constructed and an assessment tool created based on SME review of key characteristics (e.g., comprehensiveness and usability). Conclusion We describe a comprehensive framework to develop educational curricula for complex surgical/endoscopic techniques with logistical challenges. To illustrate the sustainability of this training model and impact on patient outcomes, we plan to further develop and implement this program nationally.
Cost-Analyses Studies in Barrett’s Esophagus: What Is Their Utility?

Approximately 10% to 15% of the chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease population is at risk for the development of Barrett's esophagus, particularly in the setting of other risk factors, including male gender, Caucasian race, age more than 50, and central obesity. The risk of cancer progression for patients with nondysplastic BE has been estimated to be approximately 0.2% to 0.5% per year. Given these low progression rates and the high cost of endoscopic surveillance, cost-effectiveness analyses in this area are useful to determine appropriate resource allocation.
Metaphotonic Computational Image Sensors

Metasurfaces created via multi-scale inverse electromagnetic design method, coupled with computational techniques can create ultra-compact, low-power and low-latency image sensor. We will show our work on such sensors for imaging and depth sensing.
Synthetic Aperture Radar

This book provides a clear and concise introduction to radar signal processing for nonspecialists - those who want to perform image enhancement, parameter estimation, pattern recognition, and other computer-based information extraction techniques on the radar imagery as well as cartographers, agronomists, and oceanographers. Four chapters lead the reader through the basics of radar processing, providing a thorough explanation of how to combine one dimensional radar returns into two dimensional images, a discussion of synthetic aperture radar (SAR), its optical interpretation and implementation, and an overview of other image reconstruction algorithms including tomography and ultrasound. End of chapter problems together with solutions make this volume ideal for a course on imaging systems and techniques.
A Time Duration Discrimination Task for the Study of Elapsed Time Processing in Rats

Space and time are both essential features of episodic memory. However, while spatial tasks have been used effectively to study the behavioral relevance of place cells, the behavioral paradigms utilized for the study of time cells have not used time duration as a variable that animals need to be aware of to solve the task. In order to evaluate how time flow is coded into memory, time duration needs to be a variable that animals use to solve the behavioral task. This protocol describes a novel behavioral paradigm, the time duration discrimination (TDD) task, which is designed to directly investigate the neurological mechanisms that underlie temporal processing. During the TDD task, rats navigate around a Figure-8 Maze, which contains a rectangular track with a central arm and a delay box at the end of the central arm. While confined to the delay box, rats experience a 10- or 20-second time delay, during which a tone will play for the duration of the 10- or 20-second delay. When the delay box opens, the rat will choose whether to turn left or right out of the delay box and receive a reward for the correct choice (e.g., 10 seconds = left turn; 20 seconds = right turn). By directly manipulating elapsed time, we can better explore the behavioral relevance of hippocampal time cells and whether the time-dependent activity seen in physiological recordings of hippocampal neurons reflects a neuronal representation of time flow that can be used by the animal for learning and storing memories. Graphic abstract: Elapsed time duration discrimination in rats.
Variable speed limit and ramp metering control of highway networks using Lax-Hopf Method : a Mixed Integer Linear Programming Approach

This paper presents a novel optimization formulation to solve the problem of variable speed limit control on road networks modeled by the Lighthill-Whitham-Richards (LWR) partial differential equation. It also presents some mathematical rules that allow for a reduction in the size and computational time of the optimization problem. Using the analytical solutions to the LWR model, an optimization problem is formulated for the variable speed limit and ramp metering control of traffic on highway networks using the Lax-Hopf algorithm. The resulting problem, which is non-linear in the decision variables, is transformed into a Mixed Integer Linear Program. An example is presented to show the effectiveness of the approach, including its application to a real-world highway network with multiple ramp connections. The possibility of linear relaxation of integer variables in the problem is also considered. Lastly, the method is compared to a classical Link Transmission Model formulation of the variable speed limit control problem.
Abstract 20109: Impact of Text Message Medication Reminders on Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure in a High Risk Urban Emergency Department Population

Background: Hypertension disproportionately affects urban African Americans, where medication adherence is often poor. Text message (TM) interventions have shown promise in improving medication adherence. Objectives: To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of daily, automated, and customized TM medication reminders on medication adherence and blood pressure (BP). Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of TM medication reminders with a convenience sample of cell phone owning African Americans with asymptomatic uncontrolled BP. Participants were recruited from an urban emergency department and received a 35-day supply of antihypertensive medications. Outcomes were measured at 30-day follow-up. Results: In total, 65 participants were randomized equally between control and intervention groups, and 57 (88%) completed the study. Our sample was largely male (54%), unemployed (47%), with a high school education (56%), and a total annual household income <$10,000/year (53%). Preliminary analyses revealed great support for the intervention. Out of 29 intervention participants, 100% agreed/strongly agreed that the program was easy to use, 97% would like to keep using the program, 97% were satisfied with the program, and 90% thought the program was helpful. Despite overwhelming acceptability among intervention participants, after 30 days, only 37% of control and 43% of intervention group participants were adherent to medications according to pill counts, and the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, there were slight, yet non-significant improvements in medication adherence at 30 days (M = .63 and 1.0 points, respectively). Both groups exhibited improved BP at 30 days (M = -17.6 and -19.4 mm Hg in systolic BP and M = -4.0 and -5.3 mm Hg in diastolic BP for control and intervention groups, respectively), but differences between groups were not significant. Conclusions: The intervention was feasible and acceptable among participants, but no significant differences were found between intervention and control groups at 30-day follow-up. Further work with longer follow-up and a larger sample is warranted to more adequately determine intervention efficacy.
Analyzing agribusiness competitiveness: The case of the United States sugar industry

Abstract The U.S. sugar industry has historically been insulated from volatilities in the world sugar market through the use of an import quota. Recent occurrences in the international agricultural policy arena have brought the need to examine the competitiveness of the United States sugar industry to the fore. Developments with respect to international agricultural policies, combined with a restructuring of United States domestic agricultural policy will undoubtedly reshape the environment in which the U.S. Sugar industry operates. This paper seeks to answer how the various regions and sectors will be able to compete in the world market. This paper starts by outlining an analytical framework to examine the impact of various sources that influence competitiveness in the sugar industry and identify several indicators of competitiveness.
Selecting K of N alternatives

In some decision contexts (e.g. graduate admissions) the task to select a subset of k distinct alternatives from among the N > k > 1 options available. For moderate values of N and k, the number of possible subsets of size k becomes quite large. Assuming alternatives are evaluated using consistent, though not explicit weights, selecting k, rather than 1, empirically excludes a substantial proportion (more than 80%) of the subsets; unfortunately to the unaided decision maker it is not obvious which subsets should be excluded. The tendency of subjects to select excludable subsets can be called an ‘infeasibility’ bias. The experimental evidence surprisingly shows no ‘infeasibility’ bias, as subjects overwhelmingly chose non-excluded selections.
Hypermethylation of the DAP-Kinase CpG Island Is a Common Alteration in B-Cell Malignancies

Death-associated protein kinase (DAP-Kinase) is a novel serine/threonine kinase whose expression is required for γ interferon-induced apoptosis. A previous study suggested that DAP-Kinase expression may be lost epigenetically in cancer cell lines, because treatment of several nonexpressing cell lines with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine resulted in the expression of DAP-Kinase. Using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), we examined the DAP-Kinase CpG island for hypermethylation in cancer. Normal lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cell lines are unmethylated in the 5′ CpG island of DAP-Kinase. However, in primary tumor samples, all Burkitt’s lymphomas and 84% of the B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas were hypermethylated in the DAP-Kinase CpG island. In contrast, none of the T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma samples and 15% or less of leukemia samples examined had hypermethylated DAP-Kinase alleles. U937, an unmethylated, DAP-Kinase–expressing leukemia cell line, was treated with γ interferon and underwent apoptosis; however, Raji, a fully methylated, DAP-Kinase nonexpressing Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line, only did so when treated with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine followed by γ interferon. Our findings in cell lines and primary tumors suggest that hypermethylation of the DAP-Kinase gene and loss of γ interferon-mediated apoptosis may be important in the development of B-cell malignancies and may provide a promising biomarker for B-cell–lineage lymphomas.
Face Threat and Facework Strategies When Family (Health) Secrets Are Revealed: A Comparison of South Korea and the United States

This study examined face threat and facework strategies when people witness family members disclosing sensitive health information to family outsiders. Korean and U.S. participants were expected to view these situations differently based on Confucian versus individualist identity and in-group privacy norms. Korean and U.S. college samples evaluated vignettes in which health information was disclosed to family outsiders. Koreans regarded the situations as more face threatening and endorsed dominating facework in these situations to a greater extent than did Americans. The 2 cultures also showed strong similarities. Results confirmed the cultural basis of privacy expectations but contradicted some accounts of culturally based facework. Koreans did not consistently endorse indirect facework, nor did Americans show notable directness in response to privacy violations.
Temporal variations in parameters reflecting terminal-electron-accepting processes in an aquifer contaminated with waste fuel and chlorinated solvents

Abstract A fundamental issue in aquifer biogeochemistry is the means by which solute transport, geochemical processes, and microbiological activity combine to produce spatial and temporal variations in redox zonation. In this paper, we describe the temporal variability of TEAP conditions in shallow groundwater contaminated with both waste fuel and chlorinated solvents. TEAP parameters (including methane, dissolved iron, and dissolved hydrogen) were measured to characterize the contaminant plume over a 3-year period. We observed that concentrations of TEAP parameters changed on different time scales and appear to be related, in part, to recharge events. Changes in all TEAP parameters were observed on short time scales (months), and over a longer 3-year period. The results indicate that (1) interpretations of TEAP conditions in aquifers contaminated with a variety of organic chemicals, such as those with petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents, must consider additional hydrogen-consuming reactions (e.g., dehalogenation); (2) interpretations must consider the roles of both in situ (at the sampling point) biogeochemical and solute transport processes; and (3) determinations of microbial communities are often necessary to confirm the interpretations made from geochemical and hydrogeological measurements on these processes.
Ion beam milling of thin films for optical fabrication

Abstract Ion beam milling of thin films is a promising approach to extending the use of thisemerging fabrication technology to optical substrates which cannot otherwise be ion milled due to roughness evolution. In this approach, an appropriate coating is applied over the optical surface to be figured and all required ion milling figure correction is done in the film rather than the substrate material. Despite the versatility of this approach, little has been reported on the roughness evolution of these films during ion milling. The work reported here examines the roughness evolution of several thin films including gold, copper, aluminum and silicon; all applied to fused silica substrates. The films were deposited by an ion beamsputtering process and ranged in thickness from a few hundred nanometers toseveral micrometers. Roughness evolution during ion milling was evaluated by exposing the thin films to an argon ion beam and measuring roughness at regular intervals until the thin film was completely removed. These results suggest that
Nuclear data sheets for A = 239

Abstract The available experimental data pertaining to the nuclear structure of A = 239 are compiled. The data from various decay and reaction experiments are compared, and level schemes combining all available information are presented. Arguments for assigning spins, parities, and Nilsson level assignments are given together with comments about the adopted level schemes. The adopted level and decay properties are based on data received before February 1971. Data received after that date have been added in proof.
Karhunen Loeve enhanced synthetic discriminant functions with application to the protein structure identification in cryo-electron microscopic images

In this paper we apply a modified synthetic discriminant function, SDF, based on Karhunen Loeve Transform to the recognition and identification of protein images formed from a cryo-electron microscopic imaging process. In the SDF filter synthesis, the use of whole image often presents a redundancy of features. Essentially, the Karhunen Loeve Transform is used as the means to incorporate training images in an SDF filter synthesis scenario. This method has the advantage of utilizing linearly independent training images, as the Karhunen Loeve Transform is the optimal method of decorrelating images. The transform establishes a new coordinate system. The axes of the new system are in the direction of the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix of the data population, and origin is set at the center of the data population. The principle component images resulted from such a realignment of the data provides us with the means for a new set of training images in a synthetic discriminant function filter, as the KLTSDF. We present the results of the application of this modified filter to a protein structure recognition problem.
Hilbert schemes and noncommutative deformations of type A Kleinian singularities

Abstract Let H k be a symplectic reflection algebra corresponding to a cyclic subgroup Γ ⊆ SL 2 C of order n and U k = e H k e the spherical subalgebra of H k . We show that for suitable k there is a filtered Z n − 1 -algebra R such that (1) there is an equivalence of categories R - qgr ≃ U k - mod ; (2) there is an equivalence of categories gr R - qgr ≃ Coh ( Hilb Γ C 2 ) . Here Coh ( Hilb Γ C 2 ) is the category of coherent sheaves on the Γ -Hilbert scheme and, for a graded algebra R , we write R - qgr for the quotient category of finitely generated graded R -modules modulo torsion.
Laser-induced arcing in cathode ray tubes

Laser-induced arcing in cathode ray tubes has been used to study the effect of spontaneous internal high-voltage arcs under normal operating conditions. Ruby and Nd:YAG laser systems were compared as laser sources for the breakdown. Various arc-suppression schemes for CRT systemwse were evaluated for future use.
Group Efficacy and Group Effectiveness: The Effects of Group Efficacy Over Time on Group Performance and Development.

Group efficacy is an emerging construct that has great potential for small group performance. Several studies have linked group efficacy to increased productivity. However, few studies have examined the relationship between group efficacy and other group variables that contribute to long-term group productivity. This study addresses the relationship between group efficacy and other group variables. Specifically, it examines the relationships between group efficacy and group viability, personal learning and development, satisfaction with leadership opportunities, and the ability to work independently within the group. Results suggest that group efficacy has a beneficial effect on group dynamics and overall group effectiveness. Groups with higher levels of group efficacy rated higher on group viability, learning and self-development while within the group, and opportunities for individual autonomy. Group efficacy was not found to have an impact on satisfaction with leadership opportunities. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are addressed.
Re-Visioning Technical Services: A Unique Opportunity to Examine the Past, Access the Present, and Create a Better Future

The unexpected resignation of a Technical Services co-manager allowed a unique opportunity for examining and re-visioning all workflows and staffing in a centralized Technical Services department serving the two libraries of the University of Northern Colorado. The past, present, and future of Technical Services, including the growing importance of electronic resources, was researched both within the institution and its peer institutions by a task force. Polling staff and faculty and thinking out of the box helped lead to an organizational model based on timelines rather than materials formats.
A new balloon catheter for coaxial embolization.

A new design for double lumen catheters which increases the size of the injection lumen by 30% is described.
An aggregate demand model for air passenger traffic in the hub-and-spoke network

Abstract In this paper, we build an aggregate demand model for air passenger traffic in a hub-and-spoke network. This model considers the roles of airline service variables such as service frequency, aircraft size, ticket price, flight distance, and number of spokes in the network. It also takes into account the influence of local passengers and social-economic and demographic conditions in the spoke and hub metropolitan areas. The hub airport capacity, which has a significant impact on service quality in the hub airport and in the whole hub-and-spoke network, is also taken into consideration. Our demand model reveals that airlines can attract more connecting passengers in a hub-and-spoke network by increasing service frequency than by increasing aircraft size in the same percentage. Our research confirms the importance of local service to connecting passengers, and finds that, interestingly, airlines’ services in the first flight leg are more important to attract passengers than those in the second flight segment. Based on data in this study, we also find that a 1% reduction of ticket price will bring about 0.9% more connecting passengers, and a 1% increase of airport acceptance rate can bring about 0.35% more connecting passengers in the network, with all else equal. These findings are helpful for airlines to understand the effects of changing their services, and also useful for us to quantify the benefits of hub airport expansion projects. At the end of this paper, we give an example as an application to demonstrate how the developed demand model could be used to valuate passengers’ direct benefit from airport capacity expansion.