cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurovascular bundle-sparing radiotherapy for prostate cancer using MRI-CT registration: A dosimetric feasibility study.

Abstract Purpose Sexual dysfunction after radiotherapy for prostate cancer remains an important late adverse toxicity. The neurovascular bundles (NVB) that lie posterolaterally to the prostate are typically spared during prostatectomy, but in traditional radiotherapy planning they are not contoured as an organ-at-risk with dose constraints. Our goal was to determine the dosimetric feasibility of “NVB-sparing” prostate radiotherapy while still delivering adequate dose to the prostate. Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients with prostate cancer (with no extraprostatic disease on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) who that were treated with external beam radiotherapy, with the same primary planning target volume margins, to a dose of 79.2 Gy were evaluated. Pelvic MRI and simulation computed tomography scans were registered using dedicated software to allow for bilateral NVB target delineation on T2-weighted MRI. A volumetric modulated arc therapy plan was generated using the NVB bilaterally with 2 mm margin as an organ to spare and compared to the patient’s previously delivered plan. Dose-volume histogram endpoints for NVB, rectum, bladder, and planning target volume 79.2 were compared between the 2 plans using a 2-tailed paired t-test. Results The V70 for the NVB was significantly lower on the NVB-sparing plan (p Conclusions “NVB-sparing” radiotherapy is dosimetrically feasible using CT-MRI registration, and for volumetric modulated arc therapy technology — target coverage is acceptable without increased dose to other normal structures, but with higher target dose inhomogeneity. The clinical impact of “NVB-sparing” radiotherapy is currently under study at our institution.
The Windows NT operating system on a PowerPC microprocessor

This paper describes some of the major obstacles which were encountered and overcome during the porting of the Windows NT operating system to a PowerPC processor. The Motorola team charged with doing the porting is quite small relative to the scope of the project. Fortunately, the modularity and portability of the operating system structure allows for a small and specialized design team to be quite effective. >
A Medium-Voltage Medium-Frequency Isolated DC–DC Converter Based on 15-kV SiC MOSFETs

In this paper, a novel isolated dc-dc converter topology for medium-voltage (MV) applications is proposed by combining the advantages of resonant converters and dual active bridge (DAB) converters. In normal load scenario, this converter operates in an open loop resonant mode with a fixed switching frequency equals to the resonant frequency of the series resonant tank. Thus, zero voltage turn on at primary side and zero current turn off at secondary side are secured from zero to full load. When overload happens, the resonant capacitors will be clamped to the output voltage by the additional paralleled diodes. The proposed converter automatically switches to resonant and DAB mixed operation mode; therefore, the resonant current is naturedly limited. With zero to full load range soft switching and fast overload protection, the proposed topology is especially suitable for MV medium frequency applications utilizing high-voltage SiC MOSFETs. The converter operation modes are analyzed using time-domain waveforms and graphical state trajectory to derive the quantitative relationship between duty cycle, output voltage, and the overload current. Based on these relationships, a predictive duty cycle control is proposed to further limit the overload current of the resonant tank by sensing the output voltage. Combing the proposed topology and the predictive control, cycle-by-cycle overload and short-circuit protections are achieved. To fully utilize the capability of the 15-kV SiC MOSFET, magnetizing inductance, dead time, MV transformer, and resonant components are optimized with the operating range of 6-12 kV and 20-100 kHz. An experimental prototype running at 6 kV and 40 kHz is successfully tested with peak efficiency exceeding 98%. Test waveforms at no load and 10-kW full load validate the zero to full load range soft switching capability. Short circuit protection test demonstrates a 25-us overload protection speed.
Development of particle contaminants monitor system for gearbox lubricant prognostics

Lubricant oil degradation is a major cause of failures in industrial machines such as engines, pumps and gearboxes. Proactive oil maintenance techniques such as the offline oil sampling for laboratory analysis are often not only costly but are also susceptible to various influences during the oil sampling, transportation and testing. The novelty of this work is the development of a prognostic methodology for long-term predictions, describing the evolution in time of the identified fault indicators accurately and reliably. This paper presents the design of particle contaminants monitor system using Hall effect transducer for real-time lubricant condition monitoring. A prototype system has been developed, constructed and tested in a simulated gearbox environment, and the experimental results have demonstrated close correlation with established off-line laboratory techniques such as spectroscopic analysis. Bayesian probabilistic estimation has been applied for remaining useful life prediction using recursive filtering algorithms.
REGENERATION OF MAMMALIAN LIVER.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the regeneration of mammalian liver. Regeneration is commonly employed to describe the compensatory hypertrophy and hyperplasia that occur in liver in response to damage or loss of tissue. The chapter reviews experimental studies on the homeostatic control of hepatic growth, as exemplified primarily by regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy, with particular attention to the first cycle of cellular growth and division. Modifications of the regenerative response have been examined with particular attention to the control of variables. In addition to the usual environmental, dietary, genetic, and endocrine factors that may affect certain aspects of the process, attention is called to the fact that the times at which mitosis, and DNA synthesis reach their peaks vary significantly with the age of the animal. The degree of liver deficiency determines the extent of response above a certain threshold and the latter is much lower in young, rapidly growing rats. In a similar vein, techniques of evaluating the regenerative response are discussed with emphasis on the sources of error and drawbacks inherent in each. DNA synthesis, which is prerequisite to mitosis and of central importance in cellular proliferation, is discussed with emphasis on the interplay of various component reactions and points at which the process might be subject to regulation.
Transvaginal Bladder Neck Closure

The primary indication for an adult woman to undergo a transvaginal bladder neck closure is an eroded and destroyed bladder neck/urethra secondary to a chronic, indwelling catheter. While the indication for the initial catheter placement may be varied, the chain of events leading to this scenario is usually quite similar. The catheter is usually placed for refractory urinary incontinence or retention, usually of neurogenic etiology but not necessarily.
An estimation algorithm for fast kriging surrogates of computer models with unstructured multiple outputs

Abstract Computationally intensive computer models are used in many areas of engineering. In order to speed up the investigations, fast statistical surrogates have been developed in the literature. The surrogates addressed in this paper incorporate a general and unstructured covariance, best suited for modeling nonlinear and nonstationary multiple outputs. We propose an efficient algorithm to cope with the estimation of a large number of parameters. Then multivariate kriging is used to construct the fast surrogate. This algorithm can be embedded in both maximum likelihood and cross-validation estimation methods. We compare the proposed method with a current method based on principal components. The methodology is illustrated with a mechanical engineering application involving a vehicle suspension system.
Expansion of the phenotypic profile of the young child with XXY.

XXY is a common chromosomal abnormality which remains under diagnosed and not well understood, although it was first described more than 50 years ago. In the last ten years, with advancement in neuroimaging technology and the greater understanding of behavioral neurogenetics, there has been a resurgence of interest in children and adults with XXY. This homogenous population provides insight into the interaction between learning dysfunction, brain development and behavioral performance that may be investigated from birth onward. The unique attributes of the child from birth to 6 years of age with XXY is discussed in this paper. This paper postulates a novel reconceptualization of the phenotypic presentation of the boys with XXY. The neurodevelopmental profile of XXY is actually quite consistent over time with the common thread of speech and language deficits, motor dysfunction and frontal lobe deficits including attention, planning and organization. The early motor and speech disturbances are not random developmental delays, but rather the early presentation of the central nervous system dysfunction associated with XXY. Muscle tonus abnormalities are present in trunk, upper extremities and oral facial musculature in more than 80% of the infants with XXY.Androgen deficiency may be an integral part of the delays observed in boys with XXY, since androgen is influential in brain organization, neurobehavioral development, temperament and mood in humans. It is plausible that the earliest biomarker for androgen deficiency in XXY may be the decreased muscle tonus. Androgen deficiency may not be the only causative factor in the neurodevelopmental disturbance in individuals with XXY, but may promote a restorative function if timing and dosage is appropriate. The study of children with XXY offers an opportunity to observe the impact of the genetic and chromosomal influence on learning and behavior in a population with great homogeneity. XXY is a multifaceted spectrum disorder which demonstrates the complexity of the relationship between brain, behavior, genes and the environment. Language: en
Bisexual Politics and Spaces: An On-Campus Discussion

This article stemmed from a mutual interest in bisexuality, identity articulation, and the way in which spaces—physical and discursive—are allocated in the context of queer issues, particularly on ...
Do transgender children (gender) stereotype less than their peers and siblings

In the present work, we ask whether socially transitioned, transgender children differ from other children in their endorsement of gender stereotypes and response to others' gender nonconformity. We compare transgender children (N = 56) to a group of siblings of transgender children (N = 37), and a group of unrelated control participants (N = 56) during middle childhood (ages 6-8 years old). Our results indicate that transgender children and the siblings of transgender children endorse gender stereotypes less than the control group. Further, transgender children see violations of gender stereotypes as more acceptable, and they are more willing to indicate a desire to befriend and attend school with someone who violates gender stereotypes than the control participants. These results held after statistically controlling for demographic differences between families with and without transgender children. We discuss several possible reasons that can explain these differences.
Prosodic Impairment in Dementia: Review of the Literature.

Objective Prosody, an important aspect of spoken language, is defined as the emphasis placed on certain syllables, changes in tempo or timing, and variance in pitch and intonation. Most studies investigating expression and comprehension of prosody have focused primarily on emotional prosody and less extensively on supralexical prosody. The distinction is indeed important, as the latter conveys information such as interrogative or assertive mode, whereas the former delivers emotional connotation, such as happiness, anger, and sadness. These functions appear to rely on distinct neuronal networks, supported by functional neuroimaging studies that show activation of the right hemisphere, specifically in the right inferior frontal area during emotional detection. Conclusion This review summarizes the studies conducted on prosody impairment in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with emphasis on experiments designed to investigate the emotional vs. the supralexical aspect of speech production. We also discussed the available tools validated to test and quantify the prosodic impairment.
A biosignal analog front-end leveraging frequency translation

We propose a superheterodyne frequency mixing approach for extending the passband frequency response of existing biosensors such as neural recording devices. In this approach, we use a digital switching mixer to translate the frequency spectrum of a biological signal from its original passband to an intermediate frequency (IF). The IF signal is then amplified and digitized by an existing neural recording device, and the original signal passband is recovered by synchronous demodulation in post processing. We demonstrate this approach by translating a pre-recorded mouse electrocorticogram from a frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz up to an IF of 407 Hz, enabling the use of an existing IC having a low frequency cutoff of 12 Hz. With an input impedance of 10 MΩ, the total root mean square error (RMSE) of the reconstructed signal is on the order of 41 μV.
Physical examination of the hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula to detect early dysfunction

The maintenance of vascular access patency for end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis is necessary for survival. Many nephrologists, nurse practitioners, and nurses have limited experience with the physical examination of the arteriovenous fistula. In this review, we define key terms used in the assessment of an arteriovenous fistula. We discuss the arteriovenous fistula physical exam, including details of inspection, palpation, and auscultation. Using these concepts, we review the abnormal findings that can assist practitioners in determining the location of a stenosis. We review the existing literature that validates physical exam findings with gold standard tests such as ultrasound and angiography. Finally, we review data supporting the value of training physicians and nurses in arteriovenous fistula physical examination.
Coupling electron transport with maxwell equations for modelling optically tunable photonic elements

Numerical approach to modelling optically controlled photonic devices is presented. The model is based on a self-consistent solution of electron and hole transport equations, semiconductor Bloch equations and Maxwell equations.
An Experiential Approach to Understanding Physical Disability

(2007). An Experiential Approach to Understanding Physical Disability. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 1-7.
Scope of Peirce’s Theory of Induction

By Peirce’s “theory of induction,” I refer to a system or collection of ideas which Peirce formulated about the nature and validity of inductive inference or inductive reasoning. This system or collection of ideas covers Peirce’s writings from 1867 to 1905.1 During this period, Peirce wrote his most important papers on the logic of science and probability in his long philosophical career from 1857 to 1914.2 These papers, though only a minor portion of Peirce’s philosophical works, constitute a self- explanatory unit of study, simply because they deal with one single subject: the validity of synthetic inference.
Complications of Inflammatory Diseases of the Sinuses

The great majority of cases of sinusitis are uncomplicated. These infections, however, can result in significant morbidity and often mortality. One must be vigilant in detecting orbital or intracranial spread and iatrogenic injury from surgery because manifestations of these complications can be protean. A good knowledge of the anatomy, the clinical signs, and some key laboratory data is crucial to successful treatment of this challenging disease.
Making Sense, Making Do: Local District Implementation of a New State Induction Policy

Connecticut’s Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) program is in its early stages of implementation. This study examined how local school districts implemented TEAM and identified factors that affected implementation. It was based on interviews with twenty-two participants at the state, district, and local school levels. The intentions of the program designers at the state level were compared to district and school level understanding of the program’s intentions and how those understandings influenced implementation. Additionally, factors affecting local understanding and implementation of the new program were described. The findings of this study suggest that there was close alignment of understanding between the state and local implementers on the key provisions of the program related to its role as a professional development tool. The data reveal tacit rather than explicit understanding at the local level of the program’s intention to improve student achievement. Variations in understanding can be attributed to other factors including contextual, structural, cognitive, and affective elements.
A Design of Experiments Approach for Determining Sensitivities of Forming Limit Analyses to Experimental Parameters

Forming limit testing is widely used to characterize materials for use in forming operations. Subset-based Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has become a common method used in research laboratories to measure the forming limit strain fields, but no consistent method exists for forming limit determination from these data. In this work, we apply a design of experiments approach along with Finite Element Analyses to exercise potential experimental measurement requirements numerically (especially varying expected image resolutions and frame rates) to quantifying the sensitivities of various proposed forming limit analysis methods to changes in experimental setup and DIC processing parameters. The main goal is to determine the appropriate hardware to produce benchmark experimental data, and possibly highlight which forming limit analysis methods may be either overly sensitive, or preferably insensitive, to subjective processing decisions.
College students' daily coping, mood, and quality of life: Benefits of problem-focused engagement.

In this short communication, we investigated the relations of daily coping, mood, and quality of life in college students (n = 74) over seven consecutive days (n = 510). Specifically, we tested whether four types of daily coping (problem-focused engagement, problem-focused disengagement, emotion-focused engagement, and emotion-focused disengagement) were associated with three aspects of daily functioning (negative mood, positive mood, and quality of life). In a single multilevel multivariate regression model, we examined the day-to-day relations of the four coping strategies with mood and quality of life, while controlling for perceived stress. Results largely supported our hypotheses, such that problem-focused engagement was linked to lower negative mood and higher positive mood and quality of daily life, whereas the three other types of coping were negatively related or unrelated to daily functioning. These findings provide support for the benefits of problem-focused engagement in coping with everyday stressors of life as a college student, and implications for psychotherapy and counselling are discussed.
Learning Temporal Evolution of Spatial Dependence with Generalized Spatiotemporal Gaussian Process Models

A large number of scientific studies and engineering problems involve high-dimensional spatiotemporal data with complicated relationships. In this paper, we focus on a type of space-time interaction named \emph{temporal evolution of spatial dependence (TESD)}, which is a zero time-lag spatiotemporal covariance. For this purpose, we propose a novel Bayesian nonparametric method based on non-stationary spatiotemporal Gaussian process (STGP). The classic STGP has a covariance kernel separable in space and time, failed to characterize TESD. More recent works on non-separable STGP treat location and time together as a joint variable, which is unnecessarily inefficient. We generalize STGP (gSTGP) to introduce the time-dependence to the spatial kernel by varying its eigenvalues over time in the Mercer's representation. The resulting non-stationary non-separable covariance model bares a quasi Kronecker sum structure. Finally, a hierarchical Bayesian model for the joint covariance is proposed to allow for full flexibility in learning TESD. A simulation study and a longitudinal neuroimaging analysis on Alzheimer's patients demonstrate that the proposed methodology is (statistically) effective and (computationally) efficient in characterizing TESD. Theoretic properties of gSTGP including posterior contraction (for covariance) are also studied.
Measure Twice, Cut Once: Therapeutic Editing of HSPCs Requires Precise Planning.

Summary Hematologic diseases may be among the first clinical targets for therapeutic gene editing. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Schiroli et al. (2019) report a thorough, unbiased investigation of the impact of gene editing on hematopoietic stem and progenitor function and offer a clear path forward for editing in multiple tissues and conditions.
A Prospectively Designed Chart Review Comparison of Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer Versus Standard Jet Nebulizer to Deliver Bronchodilators in Asthma and COPD Patients in the Emergency Department

Background: Patients admitted to emergency departments (ED) with breathlessness are often ordered on bronchodilator therapy. Due to limited clinical response, dosing of these short acting bronchodilators has necessitated the use of hour-long aerosol therapy with jet nebulizers (JN) to accommodate the required high dosages for asthma and COPD patients admitted to our ED. Our aim was to determine whether treatment with vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) compared to (JN) would result in less total amount of albuterol (mg) required for adult asthma and COPD patients. Methods: We designed a prospective, single center, non-randomized chart review study of adult asthma and COPD patients in the ED with breathlessness requiring bronchodilator therapy (at the treating physician’s discretion). They were treated according to current standards with JN during period 1 or VMN during period 2 (sample size calculation, 80% power). At the end of the two treatment periods, demographic and endpoint data were extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) for patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was IRB approved. Results: A total of 199 patients (118 JN, 81 VMN) were extracted from the EMR between December 10, 2018 and April 5, 2019. The total mean amount of albuterol (mg) required was significantly less in asthma patients treated with VMN compared to JN (7.9 ± 5.4 vs. 13.8 ± 9.6. respectively) (P = .0003) but it was not significant in the COPD patients (7.6 ± 4.4 vs. 8.8 ± 6.5. respectively) (P = .84). Patients treated for asthma and COPD combined with VMN required significantly fewer treatments compared to JN (2.1 ± 1.6 vs. 2.7 ± 1.6. respectively) (P = .009). Total treatment time (minutes) for asthma patients treated with the VMN was significantly less than the JN (40.7 ± 24.9 vs. 63.1 ± 40.4. respectively) (P = .002) but for COPD it was not significant (40.4 ± 23.1 vs. 42.6 ± 26.3. respectively) (P = .99). In asthma patients, 1 in 42 (2.4%) VMN required an hour-long treatment compared to 30 in 63 (47.6%) in the JN group (P
The Relationship Between Asthma and Cardiovascular Disease: An Examination of the Framingham Offspring Study

Background Although asthma has been suggested as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), robust longitudinal evidence of this relationship is limited. Research Question Using Framingham Offspring Cohort data, the goal of this study was to longitudinally examine the association between asthma and lifetime risk of CVD while controlling for cardiovascular risk factors included in the Framingham Risk Score. Study Design and Methods Data were analyzed from a prospective population-based cohort of 3,612 individuals, ages 17 to 77 years, who participated in Framingham Offspring Study examinations from 1979 to 2014. Asthma was defined based on physician diagnosis during study interviews. Incident CVD included myocardial infarction, angina, coronary insufficiency, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and heart failure. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between asthma and CVD incidence. Results Overall, 533 (15%) participants had a diagnosis of asthma and 897 (25%) developed CVD during the course of the study. Unadjusted analyses revealed that asthma was associated with increased CVD incidence (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.17-1.68). Cox regression also showed an adjusted association between asthma and CVD incidence (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.54) after controlling for established cardiovascular risk factors. Interpretation This prospective analysis with > 35 years of follow-up shows that asthma is a risk factor for CVD after adjusting for potential confounders. When assessing risk of cardiovascular disease, asthma should be evaluated and managed as a risk factor contributing to morbidity and mortality.
Crystal structure of a 123 amino acids dimerization domain of Drosophila Caprin

Cytoplasmic activation/proliferation-associated protein (Caprin) proteins assume diverse functions in many important biological processes, including synaptic plasticity, stress response, innate immune response, and cellular proliferation. The Caprin family members are characterized by the presence of a highly conserved homologous region (HR1) at the N-terminus and arginine-glycine-rich (RGG) boxes at the C-terminus. We had previously determined the crystal structures of human Caprin-1 and Caprin-2 fragments corresponding to the C-terminal 2/3 of HR1. Both fragments adopt homodimeric structures. Based on sequence conservation, we speculated that all Caprin proteins should have similar homodimeric structures. Here we report the crystal structure of a fragment (residues 187-309) of Drosophila melanogaster Caprin (dCaprin). The dCaprin fragment adopts an all α-helical fold which self-associates to form a homodimer. The overall dCaprin homodimeric structure is similar to the Caprin-1 and Caprin-2 homodimeric structures. Most of the amino acids residues mediating homodimerization in the three structures are conserved among all Caprin family members. These structural and sequence data suggest that homodimerization through a conserved dimerization domain is a common structural feature of the Caprin protein family. The dimeric structures may also be involved in interaction with Caprin partners. Dimer formation creates a V-shape concave surface that may serve as a protein binding groove. The concave surfaces in Caprin-1, Caprin-2, and dCaprin should have different and specific binding partners due to the large difference in electrostatic potentials. We propose the existence of a multi-functional domain in Caprin proteins, which not only mediate homodimerization but also involve in interaction with specific Caprin partners.
Analyzing Burmese refugee children’s multimodal work: A case study

Abstract Researchers have investigated how family literacy practices can effectively support children’s literacy development in school. However, few studies have explored the lived experiences of Burmese refugee families in the United States. Utilizing a social semiotics multimodal perspective, this qualitative study examines how two Burmese refugee children made meaning by blending different modes. The data sources include video recordings, artifacts, and interviews. The findings illustrate three major themes that span time and space: family past experiences across global contexts, representation of current life experiences in the United States, and family beliefs carried across global contexts and Gawa’s dream for the future. The findings also show that the participants drew upon multimodal semiotic resources to create and share family storybooks. Implications include the importance of integrating multimodal perspectives into classroom learning and the possibilities of bridging home and school literacy.
Patient-Provider Discussion About Cancer Treatment Costs and Out-of-Pocket Spending: Implications for Shared Decision Making in Cancer Care.

Abstract Objectives Patient–provider discussion about treatment costs has been recognized as a key component of shared clinical decision making in cancer care. This study examined the association of patient–provider cost discussion with out-of-pocket spending among cancer survivors. Methods Using data from the 2016-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Supplement, cancer survivors in the United States who reported having a detailed discussion about treatment costs were identified. Multivariable generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log-link was fitted to analyze average total out-of-pocket spending between those who had the discussion and those who did not. We also examined whether having the cost discussion is associated with the likelihood of reporting receipt of all cancer care they believed was necessary using a multivariable logistic regression model. All analyses controlled for patient socioeconomic and health-related characteristics. Results Among 1525 individuals, representing 14.6 million cancer survivors in the United States (mean age, 65.5 years; 59% women; 80.4% white), only 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.7%-12.1%) reported having the detailed cost discussion with their providers during their cancer care. Having a cost discussion was associated with a −33.8% reduction in (95% CI, −38.2% to −29.6%; an absolute difference of −$478) average total out-of-pocket spending. The probability of receiving all necessary patient-reported cancer care was not different between those who had the discussion and those who did not. Conclusion Detailed patient–provider cost discussions were associated with lower average total out-of-pocket spending. Patients who had detailed cost discussions with providers did not seem to sacrifice the appropriate utilization of necessary cancer treatments.
The Influence of Airflow Via High-Flow Nasal Cannula on Duration of Laryngeal Vestibule Closure

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the influence of airflow via high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on the duration of laryngeal vestibule closure (dLVC) and Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores. Twenty-nine healthy adults participated in a repeated-measures design. Each participant completed a videofluoroscopic swallow study while receiving airflow via HFNC across a control condition of zero flow and conditions of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 L/min. Five raters rated dLVC and PAS scores. Laryngeal vestibule closure was complete on all swallows. Linear regression revealed that the amount of airflow via HFNC significantly influenced dLVC, F(1, 810) = 19.056, p 80% frequency compared to other PAS scores. Aspiration (PAS 7 or 8) did not occur. A Fisher's Exact test determined there was no association between normal/abnormal PAS score and no airflow/HFNC (p = .610). Findings indicate that for healthy adults, airflow via HFNC influenced dLVC in a dose-dependent manner with no change in airway invasion. The influence of HFNC on dLVC was a positive relationship, meaning when airflow increased, dLVC increased, and when airflow decreased, dLVC decreased. Modulation of dLVC in response to the amount of airflow highlights the ability of healthy adults to adapt to swallow conditions as needed to protect the airway.
Prospective Consensus Reporting by Gynecologic Pathology and Dermatopathology Improves Diagnosis of Vulvar Biopsies

Context.— Vulvar biopsy interpretation and reporting, particularly of vulvar dermatoses, can be challenging in daily practice for both surgical pathologists (SPs) and dermatopathologists (DPs). Objective.— To investigate whether prospective consensus reporting of vulvar biopsies by SPs and DPs would provide value and improve overall diagnostic concordance. Design.— Consecutive vulvar biopsies during a 6-month period were reviewed prospectively by both gynecologic SPs and DPs. Preliminary, independently generated diagnoses were recorded and then shared in consensus review (SPs+DPs). A third pathologist adjudicated cases without consensus. Multiple data elements were collected for each case: division (SP/DP), age, site, clinical history, diagnostic category, preliminary and final (consensus) diagnosis, need for adjudication, ancillary tests, and diagnostic discrepancy. Results.— Eighty-four biopsies (48 SP, 36 DP) from 70 patients were reviewed. Forty-two of 84 cases (50%) were neoplastic, 38 of 84 (45%) were reactive/inflammatory, with the remaining (5%) showing both or other features. Independent diagnoses were discrepant in 22 of 84 cases (26%), but consensus review resulted in an agreed-upon diagnosis in all cases, with adjudication required in 6 cases. Independent diagnostic agreement increased over time with a reduction in major and minor discrepancies between the first and second half of the study period. Conclusions.— Prospective review of vulvar biopsies by both SPs and DPs can improve overall reporting. Consensus review allows pathologists to gain diagnostic confidence in interpretation of inflammatory (for SPs) and neoplastic (for DPs) vulvar biopsies; therefore, intradepartmental consultation is of value, particularly in select cases.
So You Want to Train Psychiatry Residents in Ambulatory Primary Care Settings

Providing mental health services in primary care surroundings has potential advantages for both patient care and resident education. On the basis of the growing understanding of learning issues in ambulatory settings and the few descriptions of ambulatory primary care (APC) psychiatry rotations in the literature, the author proposes practical guidelines for consultation/liaison rotations in APC settings. Recommendations and references are given for educational objectives, the role of the resident, supervision and teaching, the format and funding of the rotation, and evaluation. Program directors contemplating new rotations should plan to evaluate and publish their efforts in order to add to our evidence-base in this area.
Abstract 16231: Long-term Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Non-st Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Long term outcomes of culprit multi-vessel and left main patients who presented with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and underwent either coronary artery bypass graf...
Using Applied Conversation Analysis in Patient Education.

The conversation strategies patients and clinicians use are important in determining patient satisfaction and adherence, and health outcomes following patient education—yet most studies are rife wi...
Contribution of membrane transporters to chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

Membrane transporters play a key role in determining the pharmacokinetic profile, therapeutic safety, and efficacy of many chemotherapeutic drugs by regulating cellular influx and efflux. Rapidly emerging evidence has shown that tissue-specific expression of transporters contributes to local drug accumulation and drug-drug interactions, and that functional alterations in these transporters can directly influence an individual's susceptibility to drug-induced toxicity. Comprehending the complex mechanism of transporter function in regulating drug distribution in tissues, such as the heart, is necessary in order to acquire novel therapeutic strategies aimed at evading unwanted drug accumulation and toxicities, and to ameliorate the safety of current therapeutic regimens. Here, we provide an overview of membrane transporters with a role in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and discuss novel strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Outcomes After Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With a SAPIEN 3 Valve in Patients With Cirrhosis of the Liver (a Tertiary Care Center Experience).

Little is known about the utility of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, and their outcomes have not been studied extensively in literature. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transfemoral TAVI with a SAPIEN 3 valve at our institution between April 2015 and December 2018. We identified 32 consecutive patients with evidence of cirrhosis of the liver on imaging (including ultrasound and/or computed tomography) and patients with severe symptomatic AS who underwent transfemoral TAVI with a SAPIEN 3 valve. Among 1,028 patients, 32 had cirrhosis of the liver and 996 constituted the control group without cirrhosis. Mean age in the cirrhosis group was 74.5 years compared with 81.2 years in the control group. Baseline variables were comparable between the groups. Compared with the noncirrhotic group, patients with cirrhosis had a similar 1-year mortality (12% vs 12%, p = 1), a lower 30-day new pacemaker after TAVI rate (6% vs 9%, p = 0.85), a higher 30-day and 1-year readmission rate for heart failure (11% vs 1% and 12% vs 5%, p = 0.12, respectively), and a similar 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate (15% vs 14%, p = 0.98). In conclusion, patients with severe AS with concomitant liver cirrhosis who underwent TAVI demonstrated comparable outcomes to their noncirrhotic counterparts.
Low Temperature Ceramic Waste Form: Characterization of Monazite Cement Composites

Central to the concept of geologic waste isolation is the design of a stable radioactive waste form. This paper describes research on an alternative low-temperature ceramic waste form. The concept is to utilize modified calcium silicate, aluminate and other cements as matrix solidification utilizing a hydration bonding or other low temperature bonding mechanism. Previous workers have shown that conventional cements are suitable for solidifying a variety of wastes (1). Advantages of cement-based solidification include relative ease of processing (2) and potentially low cost; indeed, intermediate level wastes have been incorporated in cementitious grouts at ORNL for a number of years (3).
Production of Types A and B Spores of Clostridium botulinum by the Biphasic Method: Effect on Spore Population, Radiation Resistance, and Toxigenicity

Abstract Spores of three strains each of type A and type B Clostridium botulinum were produced both by a biphasic (solid medium overlaid with an aqueous phase) and by a „conventional” (deep broth culture) procedure. Sporogenesis by the biphasic system was more rapid, convenient, and economical, and yielded as many or more heat-resistant (80 C, 10 min) spores per milliliter as by the conventional technique. Of several aqueous phases [thiamine-hydrochloride, yeast extract, (NH4)2SO4] tested with strain 62A, the highest spore colony counts were obtained with 2.0% (NH4)2SO4. The six strains formed maximum spore numbers in 5 to 6 days of incubation. Spores produced by the two methods had essentially equal radiation resistances (D and lag values), and their subcultures gave similar toxin titers (LD50 values).
Purification and characterization of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase from human liver

Although dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase has been purified to varying degrees from several species, very little is known about the human enzyme. The importance of this enzyme has recently been shown with cancer chemotherapy, particularly in patients with genetic deficiency of this enzyme. In the present study, this enzyme was purified 7800-fold to homogeneity from human liver by introducing several novel methods including chromatofocusing, HPLC gel filtration, reversed-phase HPLC for the enzyme assay. Purified human enzyme has a molecular mass of 210 +/- 5 kDa and appears to be composed of two subunits. The apparent pI is pH 4.6 (+/- 0.2). The human enzyme contains approximately four flavin nucleotide molecules (two each of FAD and FMN) and 33 iron atoms per molecule of enzyme. Kinetic studies with uracil, thymine, 5-fluorouracil, and NADPH were carried out. Amino acid composition and the N-terminal amino acid sequence of this enzyme were reported. A rabbit polyclonal antibody was raised and shown to be specific for the human liver enzyme. In conclusion, in the present manuscript, we report not only a novel procedure for purification of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase from human liver but also new data on its properties compared to other species, which will provide a basis for further biochemical and molecular studies of this enzyme.
Information assurance for enterprise fiber optic networks

A recent practical experience and emerging concepts in the protection of enterprise optical networks, such as those used by Fortune 500 companies worldwide is reviewed. Critical elements of data integrity are reviewed, including the cryptographic coprocessor features on mainframe enterprise-class servers, security issues on Fibre Channel networks with cascaded switching, and the hardening of untrusted storage area networks. Emerging protocols such as Encapsulating Security Payload over Fibre Channel and InfiniBand-to-Fibre Channel bridges are also considered. Finally, we discuss wavelength division multiplexing as a protocol independent channel extension and enabler for high data integrity architectures such as Geographically Dispersed Parallel Sysplex/spl reg/ over metropolitan area networks.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Arizona's Ineffective Tool for the Social Control of Driving Under the Influence

Throughout the past 20 years or so, the social construction of driving under the influence (DUI) as a social problem has effectuated changes in both formal and informal social controls over the DUI offender. The imposition of mandatory minimum sentences for DUI offenders appears to be one of the more popular tools of formal social control of late. This study examines the legislative history of Arizona's DUI laws from 1975 through 1995 and the corresponding changes in the DUI arrest rate in the state throughout the course of that same time period. The data suggest that a statistically significant decrease in DUI occurred as a result of the implementation of informal social controls throughout the relevant time frame but that ever-increasing criminal sanctions, including the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders, have had little or no effect on DUI behaviors in Arizona.
A Small Group Assignment Gives Students a Novel Opportunity to Demonstrate Current Clinical Controversies in a Self-Care Course

Objective. To design and implement a small-group assignment on current event, nonprescription drug therapy questions in a self-care course, and to evaluate student performance in predefined areas. Design. Students self-identified a current clinical question in nonprescription therapy, searched primary literature, and presented their findings to peers in class. Assessment. Students were evaluated using a grading rubric on communication skills, ability to retrieve and analyze biomedical literature, and ability to formulate and defend an evidence-based recommendation. Overall, students performed well in all competencies, with grades ranging from 84% to 100% (median=92%). Faculty members completing a postassignment survey gave positive feedback regarding the educational value of the assignment and the ease of use of the designed rubric. Conclusion. A course assignment that involved peer-to-peer presentations and dealt exclusively with applicable, relevant, clinical questions regarding nonprescription drug therapy gave students a novel opportunity to practice drug information skills.
Minimal authorship (of sorts)

I propose a minimal account of authorship that specifies the fundamental nature of the author-relation and its minimal domain composition in terms of a three-place causal-intentional relation holding between agents and sort-relative works. I contrast my account with the minimal account tacitly held by most authorship theories, which is a two-place relation holding between agents and works simpliciter. I claim that only my view can ground productive and informative principled distinctions between collective production and collective authorship.
Pulsed Plasma Polymerization of Benzaldehyde for Retention of the Aldehyde Functional Group

Pulsed plasma polymerization of benzaldehyde is used to produce thin films containing aldehyde functional groups. The effects of pulse peak power, pulse-on time, duty cycle, and monomer pressure on film composition, especially aldehyde functional groups, and surface polarity are examined. Film properties are determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis using these techniques shows retention of the aromatic structure occurs with the longest off times and smallest duty cycles while retention of the aldehyde group occurs only under plasma conditions that result in fragmentation of the aromatic ring, higher peak pulse power, and a relatively large duty cycle (20%).
Hyperspectral imagery transformations using real and imaginary features for improved classification

Several studies have reported that the use of derived spectral features, in addition to the original hyperspectral data, can facilitate the separation of similar classes. Linear and nonlinear transformations are employed to project data into mathematical spaces with the expectation that the decision surfaces separating similar classes become well defined. Therefore, the problem of discerning similar classes in expanded space becomes more tractable. Recent work presented by one of the authors discusses a dimension expansion technique based on generating real and imaginary complex features from the original hyperspectral signatures. A complex spectral angle mapper was employed to classify the data. In this paper, we extend this method to include other approaches that generate derivative-like and wavelet-based spectral features from the original data. These methods were tested with several supervised classification methods with two Hyperspectral Image (HSI) cubes.
Development and use of a Mathematical model for an antarctic Lake

We describe the development and use of the first mathematical computer model for a polar lake. This dynamic model graphically illustrates seasonal and annual predictions of the changes in the biomass of plankton and attached primary producers, decomposers and consumers, changes in the quantities of potential nutrients and organic matter. The model consists of 100 submodels of which 79 are algebraic equations and 21 are differential equations. It has proven valuable as a means of identifying voids in our limnological program and probable errors in field measurements.