cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response to Reduction of Blood Pressure Levels Study Group

We appreciate Dr Mann’s1 question about whether the lack of home or ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements in the Consideration of Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring to Target Reduction of Blood Pressure Levels (CONTROL) trial prevents the results from being considered definitive. In actuality, our study design minimized potential observer- and subject-expectation bias in the measurement of office BP. Therefore, the addition of either home or ambulatory BP would not have changed the study conclusion that impedance cardiography-guided therapy substantially improves BP control. It is important to underscore that device-based, therapeutic management trials typically require an unblinded design and are not a placebo-controlled arm. In our design, the use of a standard care as the comparator group was …
Pathophysiologic Mechanisms Underlying Apnea of Prematurity

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Characterize the unique features of neonatal respiratory control mechanisms. 2. Clarify how immature respiratory control contributes to neonatal apnea. 3. Identify the contribution of upper airway obstruction to episodes of mixed apnea. Idiopathic apnea of prematurity is a common disorder that requires therapeutic intervention to avoid potential morbidity in preterm infants who require neonatal intensive care. Severe, recurrent apneic episodes may lead to multiple investigations to rule out secondary disorders leading to apnea (see accompanying article in this issue). Although the incidence of neonatal apnea is inversely related to gestational age and is probably as high as 100% in the most immature preterm infants, the onset may be delayed by the presence of lung disease in the first days of life. Apnea of prematurity, especially if severe or persistent, has been associated with poor developmental outcome in school-age children, although a cause-and-effect relationship is difficult to establish. The definition of apnea varies among studies. Apnea of prematurity has been defined most widely as cessation of breathing in excess of 15 seconds’ duration, typically accompanied by desaturation and bradycardia. However, shorter episodes of apnea, and even periodic breathing, may be accompanied by bradycardia or hypoxemia. Prolonged desaturation episodes also have been reported in the absence of apnea or bradycardia, both in healthy preterm infants and in infants who have chronic lung disease. These episodes might represent obstructive apnea, hypoventilation, or possibly intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting, although episodes of desaturation and bradycardia almost always are preceded by apnea or hypoventilation. Apnea is classified traditionally into three categories based on the presence or absence of upper airway obstruction: central, obstructive, and mixed apneas. Central apnea is characterized by total cessation of inspiratory efforts with no evidence of obstruction. In obstructed apnea, the infant tries to breathe against …
Interdisciplinary oceanographic observations: the wave of the future

SUMMARY: Oceanographic measurements, though difficult and expensive, are essential for effective study, stewardship, preservation, and management of our oceanic and atmospheric systems. Ocean sciences have been driven by technologies enabling new observations, discoveries, and modelling of diverse interdisciplinary phenomena. Despite rapid advances in ocean sampling capabilities, the numbers of disciplinary variables that are necessary to solve oceanographic problems are large and increasing. In addition, the time and space scales of key processes span over ten orders of magnitude; presently, there remain major spectral gaps in our sampling. Thus, undersampling presents the main limitation to our understanding of global climate change; variability in fish biomass and regime shifts; and episodic and extreme events. Fortunately, recent advances in ocean platforms and in situ autonomous sampling systems and satellite sensors are enabling unprecedented rates of data acquisition as well as the expansion of temporal and spatial coverage. Consequently, improved sampling strategies will lead to a reduction in ocean forecasting error for predictions of a multitude of atmospheric and oceanic processes. Nonetheless, major challenges remain to massively increase the variety and quantity of ocean measurements and to effectively coordinate, synthesize, and distribute oceanographic data sets. In particular, numbers of measurements are limited by the costs of instruments and their deployment as well as data processing and production of useful data products and visualizations. Looking forward, many novel and innovative technologies involving computing, nanotechnology, robotics, information and telemetry technologies, space sciences, and molecular biology are being developed at a fast pace for numerous applications (Kaku, 1997; Kurzweil, 1999). It is anticipated that several of these can and will be transitioned to the ocean sciences and will prove to be extremely beneficial for oceanographers in the next few decades. Already, autonomous, ‘robotic’ in situ sampling, high spectral resolution optical and chemical instrumentation, multi-frequency acoustics, and biomolecular techniques are being utilized by a limited number of oceanographers. Also, increased temporal and spatial sampling capabilities for expanding numbers of interdisciplinary variables are being accelerated thanks to both new technologies and utilization of data assimilation models coupled with autonomous sampling platforms. Data networks coupled with internet connectivity are rapidly increasing access to and utilization of data sets. In this essay, we review recent technological progress for solving some key oceanographic problems and highlight some of the foreseeable challenges and opportunities of ocean science technologies and their applications.
Statistical monitoring of multistage, multiphase batch processes

The monitoring of intermediate phases of production is as important as monitoring and control of the final stage. Here a framework is proposed for monitoring overall process performance at the end of each batch.
Is the Therapeutic Window for Mitochondrial ROS Half-Open or Half-Closed?: Mixing Mitophagic Metaphors

The adult hearts relies on oxidative phosphorylation within the mitochondria as the primary source of energy production. A potential deleterious byproduct of oxidative phosphorylation is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS),1 and thus cardiac mitochondria are currently appreciated as the major source of ROS within the heart. Subsequently, elevations in mitochondrial ROS production have been identified as a key mediatory of many of the pathological changes that occur in the failing heart.1–4 Yet, therapeutic strategies to reduce ROS have failed to yield outcomes that might have been expected based on the supporting data,5 and it is important that we continue to expand out understanding of ROS signaling in the heart in order that we might improve treatment outcomes. Recent work by Song et al6 now demonstrates that although attenuating ROS production to normal levels via expression of mitochondrial targeted catalase (mCAT) in a model of mitofusin (Mfn)-deficient cardiomyopathy promotes mitochondrial fitness, the super suppression of ROS with high mCAT fails to improve mitochondrial quality. High mCAT levels in this Mfn deletion model were instead related to impairment of secondary autophagic pathways associated with mitochondrial quality control. The implication of this finding is that the contribution of local mitochondrial ROS to mitochondrial degradation is an important component of mitophagy-dependent quality control. Song et al6 extend their findings to suggest a therapeutic window of ROS suppression. Article, see p 348 ROS production increases in damaged mitochondria, and therefore, it is important that quality control mechanisms are in place to cull damaged mitochondria.7 Mitophagy is a specialized form of autophagy that maintains mitochondrial quality control in the heart. A principal component of mitochondrial culling …
A re-examination of the 1947 Manix, California, earthquake sequence and comparison to other sequences within the Mojave block

The 10 April 1947, Manix, California, earthquake ( M L = 6.2) is the largest earthquake to have occurred in the Mojave block in historic time. Left-lateral movement was observed along the Manix fault (strike of N70°E) following the earthquake; however, the large aftershocks of the sequence, as located by Richter and Nordquist (1951), align themselves along a trend of N30°W. This led Richter (1958) to conclude that rupture during the main shock was along the trend of the aftershocks and that the surface faulting was a secondary feature. In this study, relocation of the larger aftershocks of the sequence verifies the previously observed trend of N30°W, suggesting the aftershocks occurred along a fault conjugate to the Manix fault. Body waveform modeling of the main shock indicates that it was composed of two subevents. The location of the second subevent with respect to the first subevent suggests unilateral rupture to the southwest along the Manix fault, although the focal mechanisms of both events are consistent with either faulting along the Manix fault or a conjugate fault. Both subevents occurred at relatively shallow depths (5 to 7 km). A study of other recent earthquakes of M L ≧ 3.0 within the Mojave block indicates that the majority of earthquakes in the region occur at shallow depths (<7 km), although the heat flow in the area is 10 to 20 mW/m2 lower than in surrounding regions where deeper seismicity is present.
Updating Watson & Marks (1971): How Has Our Understanding of the Mechanisms of Extinction Learning Evolved and Where Is Our Field Going Next?

J. P. Watson and I. M. Marks published a seminal article in Behavior Therapy entitled “Relevant and Irrelevant Fear in Flooding—A Crossover Study of Phobic Patients” in 1971 that paved the way for important theoretical developments and empirical studies that examined the mechanisms underlying extinction learning. Indeed, in the 44 years since their article was published, our knowledge about how exposure therapy works has increased considerably. In this review, we explore the progress our field has made in understanding extinction learning and how Watson and Marks’ important work has influenced this progress. We provide a brief summary of the design and major findings of the Watson and Marks (1971) study, followed by a brief description of several theoretical conceptualizations of fear extinction that were developed following the article’s publication. We also review empirical studies that illustrate the “state of the science” with regard to the following key issues that were explored in Watson and Marks’ paper: (a) the effect of specificity of exposure stimuli content in exposure therapy on outcome; (b) fear activation as a mechanism of exposure; and (c) the associations between within- and between-session extinction learning and treatment outcome. The major findings of these three issues over the past 4 decades are summarized and discussed.
Issues and Procedures in Forging International University Partnerships

Partnerships between U.S. universities and institutions in other countries have often been problematic. Some universities think they have achieved partnership when they agree to cooperate on a project or even a proposal. Others feel they have a partnership when they sign a memorandum of understanding. The nature of any particular partnership, however, is often understood differently by the two (or more) institutions involved in the partnership. This difference in understanding often leads to miscommunication, frustration and strained relationships between the institutions and their representatives. The purpose of this article is to explore issues related to developing university partnerships across national boundaries. The two co-authors approach these issues from different points of view and from different experiences. Pooling those different perspectives, they draw conclusions about forming successful partnerships.
Precise measurement of coupling coefficients in distributed feedback lasers by using an external cavity

One of the most important device parameters of distributed- feedback (DFB) semiconductor lasers is the coupling coefficient k, which describes the strength of the coupling due to the internal diffraction grating between two counterpropagating waves. The coupling coefficient of actual devices has been determined by observing the stop-band width in below-threshold emission spectra.1 However, this is not an easy task unless reflectivity of both the cleaved facets is sufficiently reduced (typically less than 1%). If facet reflection exists, the intrinsic emission spectrum of the DFB cavity is distorted by the Fabry- Perot (FP) cavity, which makes precise determination of the stop-band width difficult. The stop-band width becomes dependent on the positions of the facets relative to the spatial phase of the grating.
Lift forces on colloidal particles in combined electroosmotic and Poiseuille flow.

Colloidal particles suspended in aqueous electrolyte solutions flowing through microchannels are subject to lift forces that repel the particles from the wall due to the voltage and pressure gradients commonly used to drive flows in microfluidic devices. There are very few studies that have considered particles subject to both an electric field and a pressure gradient, however. Evanescent-wave particle tracking velocimetry was therefore used to investigate the near-wall dynamics of a dilute suspension of 245 nm radius polystyrene particles in a monovalent electrolyte solution in Poiseuille and combined electroosmotic (EO) and Poiseuille flow through 30-μm-deep fused-silica channels. The lift force observed in Poiseuille flow, which is estimated from the near-wall particle distribution, appears to be proportional to the shear rate, a scaling consistent with hydrodynamic lift forces previously reported in field-flow fractionation studies. The estimates of the lift force observed in combined flow suggest tha...
Flexibility of Alliance Partner Choice in a Multipolar SystemModels and Tests

International system theorists usually hypothesize great flexibility of alliance partner choice among the major powers in a multipolar system. To test for the existence of such flexibility, three statistically testable hypotheses of alliance partner choice in a multipolar system are derived. Log-linear model procedures are developed for testing hypotheses of dyadic independence and homogeneity in alliance partner choice. A Markov chain model provides the framework to test the hypothesis of random temporal sequencing of alliance choice. Two data sets giving international alliance choices of the major powers are used to test these models. One data set contains only formal, i.e., written, alliances entered into between 1815 and 1913, and each of the three models is found to be consistent with these data. In the case of the second data set (containing formal and informal alliances entered into between 1814 and 1913), the dyadic independence and homogeneity models are rejected, but a random sequential Choice model is accepted. Differences among data sets are discussed, and it is concluded that the formal alliances more accurately reflect the structure of the major-power international system, and thus all three hypotheses are acceptable for the system.
Abstract 154: Estimating Treatment Effects in More Than Two Treatment Groups via Propensity Score Weighting: Practical Guidance and Application from Anticoagulant Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Study

Background: The methods for estimating and assessing propensity scores in the analysis of treatment effects between two treatment arms in observational studies have been well described in the outcomes research methodology literature. However, in practice, the decision makers may need information on the comparative effectiveness of more than two treatment strategies. There’s little guidance on the estimation of treatment effects using inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) in studies where more than two treatment arms are to be compared. Methods: Data from an observational cohort study on anticoagulant therapy in atrial fibrillation is used to illustrate the practical steps involved in estimating the IPTW from multiple propensity scores and assessing the balance achieved under certain assumptions. For all patients in the study, we estimated the propensity score for the treatment each patient received using a multinomial logistic regression. We used the inverse of the propensity scores as weights in Cox proportional hazards to compare study outcomes for each treatment group Results: Before IPTW adjustment, there were large and statistically significant baseline differences between treatment groups in terms of demographic, plan type, and clinical characteristics including validated stroke and bleeding risk scores. After IPTW, there were no significant differences in all measured baseline risk factors. In unadjusted estimates of stroke outcome, there were large differences between dabigatran [Hazard ratio, HR, 0.59 (95% CI: 0.53 - 0.66)], apixaban [HR, 0.69 (CI: 0.57, 0.83)], rivaroxaban [HR, 0.60 (CI: 0.53 0.68)] and warfarin users. After IPTW, estimated stroke risk differences were significantly reduced or eliminated between dabigatran [HR, 0.89 (CI: 0.80, 0.98)], apixaban [HR, 0.92 (0.76, 1.10)], rivaroxaban [HR, 0.84 (CI: 0.75, 0.95)] and warfarin users. Conclusions: Our results showed IPTW methods, correctly employed under certain assumptions, are practical and relatively simple tools to control for selection bias and other baseline differences in observational studies evaluating the comparative treatment effects of more than two treatment arms. When preserving sample size is important and in the presence of time-varying confounders, IPTW methods have distinct advantages over propensity matching or adjustment.
Joint injuries and their sequelae.

Despite their unique efficiency and stability, the joints of the hand are frequently injured. Injuries may range from a minor ‘sprain’ to a major disruption of all supporting structures, yet, being closed injuries and usually not detectable by roentgen examination, the actual pathology may be under -or overdiagnosed.
379 MEASURING PRACTICE IMMUNIZATION RATES IN THE ERA OF HIPAA: A STUDY FROM PROS

Background Measuring practice-specific immunization rates has become more complicated with HIPAA. Objective To validate a new, HIPAA-compliant method for tracking immunization rates. Methods Five practices in the AAP9s practice-based research network, Pediatric Research in Office Setting Network (PROS), collected immunization data on 50 consecutive patients aged 8-35 months using two methods. The reference standard method used two trained research nurses independently examining photocopied patient Vaccine Administration Records with resolution of any disagreement. In the quick-count (QC) method, each office staff recorded counts of the number of patient vaccine doses without submitting patient identifiable information. Up-to-date immunization status (UTD) at 8 months of age was assessed for each patient. Vaccines assessed were DTaP, Hib, Hep B, and polio vaccines. UTD was defined as 3 DTaP, 2 Hib, 2 Hep B and 2 polio vaccines. Measures examined included kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results Both methods were used to assess 237 patients. The mean percentage of patients9 UTD by 8 months of age using the reference standard method was 93% (practice range 85%-98%). The mean percentage of patients UTD by the QC method was 92% (practice range 83%-98%). No significant difference was found between the methods in assessing an individual9s UTD immunization status (McNemar9s test p > .18). Agreement with the reference standard was excellent (kappa = 0.85). QC was highly sensitive in determining up-to-date immunization status (99.5%) and had a specificity of (79%). QC had a positive predictive value for up-to-date immunizations of (98%) and negative predictive value of (94%). A debriefing survey demonstrated that all practices found the QC data collection form easy to follow. Conclusion We found the QC method to be a valid, reliable, and HIPAA-compliant tool for assessing practice immunization rates. In this era of increased patient privacy concerns, this new method of efficiently extracting immunization information will be a valuable tool for research and quality improvement directed at improving immunization rates.
pHi-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchange at the basolateral membrane of frog retinal pigment epithelium

Intracellular pH (pHi) measurements in frog retinal pigment epithelium using the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein demonstrate that the basolateral membrane contains ...
Deep-Ultraviolet Resonance Raman (DUVRR) Spectroscopy of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies Subjected to Thermal Stress.

The structural assessment of Rituximab, an IgG1 mAb, was investigated with deep-ultraviolet resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectroscopy. DUVRR spectroscopy was used to monitor the changes to the secondary structure of Rituximab under thermal stress. DUVRR spectra showed obvious changes from 22 to 72 °C. Specifically, changes in the amide I vibrational mode were assigned to an increase in unordered structure (random coil). Structural changes in samples heated to 72 °C were related to loss in drug potency via a complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) bioassay. The DUVRR spectroscopic method shows promise as a tool for the quality assessment of mAb drug products and would represent an improvement over current methodology in terms of analysis time and sample preparation. To determine the scope of the method, protein pharmaceuticals of different molecular weights (ranging from 4 to 143 kDa) and secondary structure (β-sheet, α-helix and unordered structure) were analyzed. The model illustrated the method’s sensitivity...
Making and Amending of Constitutions: Comparative and Rule of Law Perspectives on Turkey’s Constitutional Reform

Turkey is on the cusp of an historic occasion, the creation of a new constitution in the context of a democratic environment. This is an exciting and important moment in history for Turkey. As the process of making a new constitution, or amending the old one, moves forward, the author shares his perspective as a foreign law professor interested in the rule of law. Constitutional reform is a tremendous opportunity to support and advance the rule of law in Turkey. To promote the rule of law culture, the process should be as inclusive as possible of all citizens and minority groups, and the rights of individual citizens and those of minority groups should be protected by provisions of the new constitution. This article begins with a brief description of a rule of law framework for assessing constitutional changes, and then applies that framework to some of the more difficult issues being faced by Turkey.
Sum-rule for large-Nc QCD and application to heavy quarkonia

Abstract We introduce a sum-rule for large- N c QCD which relates the density of heavy quarkonium states, the state-averaged square of the wavefunction at the origin, and the heavy quark current-current correlator. Focusing on the region of energy just above perturbative threshold, we calculate the correlator by incorporating arbitrarily high orders in the QCD coupling α s . We use the sum-rule to determine the bottomonium potential using experimentally measured s-wave leptonic widths and compare the result with the potential obtained by direct calculation from the measured s-wave spectrum. We discuss the utility of the sum-rule method for accurate determination of the confining potential.
A Markov random field approach for modeling spatio-temporal evolution of microstructures

The following problem is addressed: 'Can one synthesize microstructure evolution over a large area given experimental movies measured over smaller regions?' Our input is a movie of microstructure evolution over a small sample window. A Markov random field (MRF) algorithm is developed that uses this data to estimate the evolution of microstructure over a larger region. Unlike the standard microstructure reconstruction problem based on stationary images, the present algorithm is also able to reconstruct time-evolving phenomena such as grain growth. Such an algorithm would decrease the cost of full-scale microstructure measurements by coupling mathematical estimation with targeted small-scale spatiotemporal measurements. The grain size, shape and orientation distribution statistics of synthesized polycrystalline microstructures at different times are compared with the original movie to verify the method.
A novel modular dual-active-bridge (MDAB) dc-dc converter with dc fault ride-through capability for battery energy storage systems

This paper proposes a novel modular dual-active-bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter for spilt-battery energy storage system (BESS) in medium-voltage dc (MVDC) grid application. Compared to modular cascaded DAB converter, the proposed topology has current-fed DAB characteristics, with directly dc current control to achieve dc fault ride-through capability. In addition, the proposed converter exhibits favorite features of DAB converter such as galvanic isolation, soft-switching condition and small passive components. The operating principle is described in details, and the corresponding control system is developed to realize the power flow and balancing control. A case study of 500 kW, 20 kHz BESS based on proposed converter is simulated for validation.
Developmental memory theories: Baldwin and Piaget.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the two theories of memory development that can be said to be complete by themselves. Baldwin and Piaget were able to sketch the broad outlines of a theory of memory development. It should be emphasized that for neither theorist memory makes a central issue. Baldwin is concerned with mental development generally and Piaget, as is well known, is genetic epistemologist who has written on memory primarily as it is necessary to do so while developing a theory of the changing structures of intelligence. The chapter presents the major features of Baldwin's and Piaget's theories of memory. In describing each theory, a number of comparisons are made between them.
A Novel Approach to Find an Optimal Path in MANET Using Reverse Reactive Routing Algorithm

In Mobile Ad hoc Network, reactive protocols don’t preserve routing information at the network node level, if there is no communication between the nodes. Reactive protocol determines a route to a specific destination when a particular packet is intends to send. We proposed a reverse reactive routing based route discovery approach, which is used to find an optimal route to the destination with lower overhead than flooding based reverse route discovery. Here we showed how the reverse reactive routing protocol performs to find an optimal path. The optimal path is obtained through three steps, which is reverse route calculation in route request (RREQ), reverse route calculation in route reply (RREP) and reverse route calculation in route error (RERR). Experiments have been carried out using network simulator (NS2) and the obtained results are performed better than reactive routing protocol (AODV).
Behavior of Riveted and Bolted Beam-to-Column Connections

Three specimens were assembled with high strength bolts and tested at different moment-to-shear ratios; one specimen was assembled with rivets for comparison; study of moment rotation characteristi...
“Hopelessly insane, some almost maniacs”: New York city’s war on “unfit” teachers

This article explores how Dr Emil Altman and the New York City Board of Education manipulated prevailing narratives of disability in a crusade to rid their city school system of “unfit” teachers during the late 1920s through to the early 1940s. Capitalising on fears of disability related to ideas about efficiency and eugenics, Altman and board officials redefined the purpose of the New York City Board of Education’s Medical Examiner, pathologised unsatisfactory teaching as illness or disability, introduced new standards and tests required to gain a permanent teaching licence, and forced over 100 teachers out of the school system. An examination of the New York Times coverage of this struggle over teacher tenure, retirement policy, competence, and pensions shows how skilfully Altman crafted rhetoric based in current ideas of fitness in order to expand his control over teacher examining and retiring and to help the Board of Education address a major budget deficit.
Cranial Tumor Surgical Outcomes at a High-Volume Academic Referral Center

Abstract Objective To determine adverse event rates for adult cranial neuro-oncologic surgeries performed at a high-volume quaternary academic center and assess the impact of resident participation on perioperative complication rates. Patients and Methods All adult patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention for an intracranial neoplastic lesion between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013, were included. Cases were categorized as biopsy, extra-axial/skull base, intra-axial, or transsphenoidal. Complications were categorized as neurologic, medical, wound, mortality, or none and compared for patients managed by a chief resident vs a consultant neurosurgeon. Results A total of 6277 neurosurgical procedures for intracranial neoplasms were performed. After excluding radiosurgical procedures and pediatric patients, 4151 adult patients who underwent 4423 procedures were available for analysis. Complications were infrequent, with overall rates of 9.8% (435 of 4423 procedures), 1.7% (73 of 4423), and 1.4% (63 of 4423) for neurologic, medical, and wound complications, respectively. The rate of perioperative mortality was 0.3% (14 of 4423 procedures). Case performance and management by a chief resident did not negatively impact outcome. Conclusion In our large-volume brain tumor practice, rates of complications were low, and management of cases by chief residents in a semiautonomous manner did not negatively impact surgical outcomes.
Modelling and control of two coordinated robot arms

In this paper we model two coordinated robot arms by considering the two arms (1) working on the same object simultaneously and (2) as a closed kinematic chain. In both formulations a new dynamic control method is discussed. It is based on feedback linearization and simultaneous output decoupling. In the first formulation the control method uses a dynamic coordinator acting on relative position and velocity task space errors and on relative force-torque errors between the two arms as sensed at the end effectors. This method is novel because we could superimpose the position and velocity error feedback with the force-torque error feedback in the task space simultaneously. In the second formulation the nonlinear feedback is augmented with optimal error correcting controller, which operates on the task level. This formulation has the advantage of automatically handling the coordination and load distribution between two robot arms through the dynamic equations. By choosing independent generalized coordinates, kinematic and dynamic constraints have been taken into account in the process of deriving the equations of motion.
New Methods for the Assessment and Treatment of the Hemiplegic Arm and Hand

This article reviews new methods for the neurophysiologic assessment of the hemiplegic upper limb. In addition, it also discusses existing techniques for arm and hand rehabilitation and evaluates several promising new treatment methods.
Spectral Methods in Non-Square Geometries

Chapter 7 shows how to apply the techniques developed in the previous two chapters to approximate solutions to steady and non-steady boundary-value problems on quadrilateral domains. Benchmark solutions include potentials in non-square domains, incompressible flow over a circular obstacle, potential in an annulus, advection-diffusion in curved channels, and acoustic scattering off a cylinder.
Abstract 2903: A novel compound induces synthetic lethality for p53 mutations in osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma is the second-highest cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Despite advances in chemotherapy and surgery, the survival rate for metastatic osteosarcoma remains below 30% for the last three decades. Discovery of new chemotherapy agents would be crucial for improving outcomes of osteosarcoma patients. Here, using high-throughput screening, we have found a new compound, called 2-{2-[(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)sulfanyl]-1,3-thiazol-4-yl}-N-(2-thienylmethyl)acetamide (referred to as KU0171032), as an inducer of apoptosis in various canine and human osteosarcoma cells. This compound shows minimal effects on non-transformed osteoblast and fibroblast cells. Intriguingly, KU0171032-induced apoptosis is more robust in osteosarcoma cells having mutant p53 or null for p53, as compared to cells with wild-type p53. Knockdown of wild-type p53 in U2OS and SJSA-1 cells significantly enhances sensitivity to KU0171032 with increase in DNA damage and caspase-3 cleavage. Moreover, KU0171032 significantly reduces in vivo tumor growth of osteosarcoma cells with p53 knockdown or carrying mutant p53. Our results strongly suggest that KU0171032 shows synthetic lethality with p53 mutations in osteosarcoma cells. Given that loss of p53 activity is frequent event in many cancer types including osteosarcoma while normal cells usually retain wild-type p53, this compound could be used to develop novel therapeutic strategies that capitalize on vulnerabilities in osteosarcoma and other types of cancer. Citation Format: Tomoo Iwakuma, Alejandro Parrales, Peter McDonald, Anuradha Roy, Mitchell W. Braun, Frank J. Schoenen, Jenna Wang, Steve Rogers, Melinda Broward, Tyce Bruns, Shrikant Anant, Dan A. Dixon, Fred Meyer, Katherine M. Chastain, Douglas H. Thamm, Scott J. Weir, Kathleen Neville, Joy M. Fulbright. A novel compound induces synthetic lethality for p53 mutations in osteosarcoma cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2903.
Nesting and Fitness: Lifetime Reproductive Success in House Mice Bidirectionally Selected for Thermoregulatory Nest-Building Behavior

To test the hypothesis that large, well-built, nests are an important component of fitness, we kept 12 mating pairs of two high-selected, two control, and two low-selected lines, selected for therrnoregulatory nest-building behavior, at 22 and 4°C with access to 10 g of cotton to build a nest, for a period of 180 days. Measurements included number of litters bom per family, number of young per litter born and surviving up to 40 days of age, nest type built by the parents, and weight gain of the young from weaning (20 days of age) to 40 days of age. In all lines the production and survival of offspring was substantially decreased at 4°C compared to 22°C, but the high-selected lines produced more and better-quality offspring, surviving up to 40 days of age at both temperatures compared to the control and low-selected lines. This indicates that thermoregulatory nest-building behavior and evolutionary fitness are closely associated.
Implant cut-out following cephalomedullary nailing of intertrochanteric femur fractures: Are helical blades to blame?

Abstract Introduction Implant cut-out remains a common cause of cephalomedullary nail (CMN) failure and patient morbidity following surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures. Recent studies have suggested an increased rate of CMN cut-out with helical blades as opposed to lag screws. We compared rates of overall cut-out between helical blades and lag screws and used bivariate and multivariate analysis to determine the role of proximal fixation method among other variables on risk for cut-out. Subgroup analysis was performed on the basis of failure mechanism; superior migration ( Fig. 2 ) versus medial perforation ( Fig. 3 ). Methods Three-hundred and thirteen patient charts were retrospectively reviewed over an 8-year period; 245 patients were treated with helical blades and 68 with lag screws. Radiographs were reviewed for fracture pattern, Tip-Apex Distance (TAD), Parker’s Ratio (PR) and reduction quality. Rate of implant cut-out was compared between groups and multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the ability of several independent variables to predict implant cut-out. Results Twenty cut-outs occurred; 15 with helical blades and 5 with lag screws. No difference in the rate of cut-out was observed between the two groups (p = 0.45). Poor fracture reduction was found to be a significant predictor of implant failure via bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis (p = Conclusion CMN cutout is likely multifactorial. A direct association between helical blade fixation and implant cut-out was not observed in our study. Amongst modifiable risk factors for implant failure, poorer fracture reduction was predictive of failure by cut-out. Subgroup analysis highlights differing modes of failure between lag screws and helical blades which warrants further investigation. Ideal TAD during helical blade fixation remains unknown.
Continuous integration in validation of modern, complex, embedded systems

This paper covers the challenges in software validation, especially in the context of complex, embedded systems. Problems related to limited validation environment resources (DUT - Devices Under Test, workload and traffic generators, measurement setups, test probes), stability and complexity of systems will be highlighted. Authors will describe validation strategy which responds to quality assurance and risk management requirements applied for real products provided to the market. Presented technologies covers solutions based on Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery process of modern, complex, embedded systems. Authors present both known and new solutions and approaches to known challenges, also suggest possible further development directions to improve efficiency and optimize product development cost.
A Call to Prosecute Drug Company Fraud As Organized Crime

This article argues that drug companies operate like the Mafia and that the government should therefore prosecute prescription drug fraud as organized crime under the Racketeering Influenced and Criminal Organizations Act (RICO). RICO provides prosecutors with procedural and evidentiary advantages that specifically target and help combat organized crime. Currently, Food and Drug Administration rules tempt drug company executives to engage in criminal fraud related to the testing, advertising, and sale of prescription drugs. As a result, prescription drugs are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. and kill more than 100,000 Americans every year. Despite these tragic outcomes, pharmaceutical executives and other complicit parties face few (if any) criminal sanctions for conducting these fraudulent schemes. Like the Mafia, drug companies utilize organized structures to delegate crimes (and criminal intent) throughout a strict hierarchy in order to avoid meaningful government sanction. A recognition that these executives, researchers, and doctors are engaged in organized crime would help stem this rising tide of corruption by triggering RICO. RICO treats everybody in the crime syndicate equally and does not allow high-ranking members to escape liability simply by having underlings carry out the enterprise’s overt criminal activity. Using RICO, the government joins complicit parties together and prosecutes the defendants for the same offense of participating in a criminal enterprise. A RICO conviction carries a 20-year prison sentence and a mandatory forfeiture of assets. These serious sanctions would force executives and sales representatives to think twice before misrepresenting clinical trial data and bribing doctors to prescribe harmful and ineffective drugs. Potential RICO liability would also dissuade doctors from accepting kickbacks and might even force politicians to reconsider accepting quid-pro-quo campaign contributions from drug company executives.
Characterization of the Impact of Drug Metabolism on the Gas-Phase Structures of Drugs Using Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry.

Conventional strategies for drug metabolite identification employ a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), which offers higher throughput but provides limited structural in...
Generality and knowledge: Hayek's constitutional theory of the liberal state

This paper examines Hayek's constitutional theory of the liberal state. Hayek argued powerfully that no central planner has sufficient knowledge to run an economy, and that no one has sufficient knowledge to determine ends for others. Pushed to their logical conclusion, these arguments would seem to prescribe the smallest possible state in both scope and size, or perhaps even no state at all. Elsewhere in his writings, however, Hayek explicitly endorsed government activity that goes far beyond a “night watchman” state (to include public works such as infrastructure, roads and bridge, as well as social insurance, conscription, a minimum safety net, and even countercyclical investment)—as long as state action was carefully constrained by a generality principle. After thoroughly setting forth Hayek's worries about knowledge and his proposals for acceptable station action, the paper synthesizes the two into a Hayekian constitutional theory of the liberal state, then closes with a brief discussion of some tensions in Hayek's work.
LACCASE2 Negatively Regulates Lignin Deposition of Arabidopsis Roots.

Lignin is a complex aromatic biopolymer in the secondary cell wall of vascular plants. It is crucial for providing physical strength and pathogen resistance to the plant. Lignified xylem vessels are also necessary for efficient water transport. Lignin is formed by oxidative polymerization of
CHAPTER 4 – SERIES SOLUTIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of series solutions. A solution of any linear first-order equation can be expressed in terms of the integrals of quantities that depend in a simple way on the coefficients of the equation. The chapter discusses large classes of differential equations whose solutions can be expressed either in terms of power series or as simple combinations of power series and elementary functions. The chapter discusses a method by which the coefficients in the power series expansions of the solutions can be calculated. The convergent series represent an analytic function that is the solution of the initial value problem.
AggreCount: An unbiased image analysis tool for identifying and quantifying cellular aggregates in a spatial manner

Abstract Protein quality control is maintained by a number of integrated cellular pathways that monitor the folding and functionality of the cellular proteome. Defects in these pathways lead to the accumulation of misfolded or faulty proteins that may become insoluble and aggregate over time. Protein aggregates significantly contribute to the development of a number of human diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. In vitro, imaging-based, cellular studies have defined key components that recognize and clear aggregates; however, no unifying method is available to quantify cellular aggregates. Here we describe an ImageJ macro called AggreCount to identify and measure protein aggregates in cells. AggreCount is designed to be intuitive, easy to use and customizable for different types of aggregates observed in cells. Minimal experience in coding is required to utilize the script. Based on a user defined image, AggreCount will report a number of metrics: (i) total number of cellular aggregates, (ii) percent cells with aggregates, (iii) aggregates per cell, (iv) area of aggregates and (v) localization of aggregates (cytosol, perinuclear or nuclear). A data table of aggregate information on a per cell basis as well as a summary table is provided for further data analysis. We demonstrate the versatility of AggreCount by analyzing a number of different cellular aggregates including aggresomes, stress granules and inclusion bodies caused by Huntingtin polyQ expansion.
A Grid-Forming Multi-Port Converter using Unified Virtual Oscillator Control

A multi-port converter (MPC) consisting of a grid-forming port, a DC port, and a split-phase-AC port is proposed which can be used as building blocks in hybrid AC-DC systems such as community microgrids enabling intra-community and inter-community energy sharing. Commercially available off-the-shelf SiC power modules are used to achieve a modular hardware design for ease of assembly and maintenance. Unified virtual oscillator control (uVOC) is used to enable grid-forming operation. uVOC enables enhanced fault ride-through with fast over-current limiting; furthermore, operation in grid-connected and islanded modes and seamless transition between the two are achieved. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) with secondary and tertiary level reference dispatch capability is obtained through an integrated cyber node enabled by open-source hardware and software. Experimental results using a full-scale prototype is provided to validate the design. Using a battery energy storage system (BESS) connected at the DC port of the MPC, black-start, islanded and grid-tied operation, unintentional islanding, and grid re-synchronization capabilities are demonstrated.
Euclidean Wilson loops and minimal area surfaces in lorentzian AdS 3

The AdS/CFT correspondence relates Wilson loops in $$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$ SYM theory to minimal area surfaces in AdS 5 × S 5 space. If the Wilson loop is Euclidean and confined to a plane (t, x) then the dual surface is Euclidean and lives in Lorentzian AdS 3 ⊂ AdS 5. In this paper we study such minimal area surfaces generalizing previous results obtained in the Euclidean case. Since the surfaces we consider have the topology of a disk, the holonomy of the flat current vanishes which is equivalent to the condition that a certain boundary Schrodinger equation has all its solutions anti-periodic. If the potential for that Schrodinger equation is found then reconstructing the surface and finding the area become simpler. In particular we write a formula for the Area in terms of the Schwarzian derivative of the contour. Finally an infinite parameter family of analytical solutions using Riemann Theta functions is described. In this case, both the area and the shape of the surface are given analytically and used to check the previous results.
Hip Arthroscopy Versus Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Acetabular Labral Tears in Patients Older Than 40 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial:

Background:Previous observational studies have suggested poor results of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of acetabular labral tears in patients older than 40 years.Purpose:To compare hip art...
Computational Imaging for Human Activity Analysis

Computational imaging is an emerging discipline that integrates knowledge from electronics and sensors, optics, and computer science and signal processing. This chapter surveys recent trends in computational imaging and their potential for improving contactless human activity analysis. In particular, the focus is on low-level sensing of physiological signals via photoplethysmography and skin imaging, motion sensing through event-based cameras and coded exposure techniques, privacy-preserving computational camera design, and the emerging application of non-line-of-sight imaging. Key examples are presented to illustrate recent research, and highlight opportunities for future advancement in the field.