cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Narcissism and the pursuit of status.

Objective The purpose of the present studies was to examine the connections that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry had with various aspects of status. Method Study 1 examined the associations that narcissism had with the motivation to seek status in a sample of 1,219 community members. Study 2 examined whether narcissism interacted with the status-seeking motive to predict how individuals pursued status in a sample of 760 community members and college students. Study 3 used a daily diary approach to examine whether narcissism moderated the associations that daily perceptions of status and affiliation had with state self-esteem in 356 college students. Results Our results revealed that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry were somewhat similar in their desire for status but had divergent associations with other aspects of status (e.g., strategies employed to attain status, perceptions of status, reactions to perceived status). Conclusions The results of the present studies suggest that narcissistic admiration is associated with an agentic orientation to the pursuit of status, whereas narcissistic rivalry is associated with an antagonistic orientation to the pursuit of status. Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for our understanding of the connections between narcissism and status.
Cohen’s Method

In proving that the AC and the GCH are consistent with ZF Godel used the so called method of internal models. From the assumption that the universe V is a model of ZF Godel prescribed a method for producing a submodel L that is also a model of V = L, AC and GCH. This submodel is defined as the class of all sets having a certain property i.e. $${{L}^{\mathcal{M}}} = \left\{ {a\left| {\left( {\exists \alpha \in \mathcal{M}} \right)\left[ {a = F{}^\backprime \alpha } \right]} \right.} \right\}$$ .
1.1 – Carbanions of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Cations: (i) Synthesis and Structural Characterization

In this chapter the focus is primarily on the recent structural work concerning carbanions of alkali and alkaline earth cations that are widely utilized in synthetic organic chemistry. In this context the year 1981 is significant because the first detailed X-ray diffraction analyses of two lithium enolates of simple ketones, i.e. 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone and cyclopentanone, were published.1 Since 1981 a number of detailed X-ray diffraction analyses of synthetically useful enolate anions of alkali and alkaline earth cations have been described. Within this chapter, many recent structural characterizations will be examined with the overall goal of collating this new information especially as it pertains to increasing our knowledge and control over the reactivity of these most useful and important synthetic reagents. The chapter is organized by functional group because this classification is quite natural to synthetic chemists. The examples chosen have come to my attention while thinking about the role of these species in synthetic reactions. It is neither practical nor feasible to include in this chapter an exhaustive review of all structural characterizations of carbanions of alkali and alkaline earth cations.2 Should the complete list of all such structures be required, a comprehensive search of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) is recommended.3 Throughout this chapter structural references are given to six letter CSD reference codes as follows, (XXXXXX). These refcodes will assist in obtaining crystallographic coordinates directly from the CSD.
Smoking cessation in the elderly patient

SUMMARY An older smoker tends to be asked less often to quit although he or she has much to gain from achieving a nonsmoking status. Multiple barriers may interfere with attempting to quit including nicotine withdrawal, doubted self-efficacy, other smokers in one’s environment, or misperceptions of little gain from quitting. The physician is in a unique position to interact with the older smoker and through careful questioning, outline a quit smoking strategy that has the greatest chance for success. Every older smoker deserves a chance for increased quality as well as quantity in life.
Implementation of fNIRS for monitoring levels of expertise and mental workload

An accurate measure of mental workload would help improve operational safety and efficacy in many environments that involve multitasking or sustained vigilance. The current study utilized functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRs) to examine the relationship of the hemodynamic response in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as it related to mental workload, level of expertise, and task performance. DLPFC responses were monitored with fNIRs while 8 participants (4 with high practice, 4 novices) completed a quasirealistic computerized Warship Commander Task with various levels of difficulty. The results show that greater expertise was associated with relatively lower oxygenation (less neural activity) at low to moderate levels of taskload, but higher oxygenation and better performance at high levels of taskload. For novices, oxygenation was higher at moderate levels of taskload, but dropped precipitously at higher levels of taskload, along with performance, consistent with disengaging from the task. Results are interpreted within a "scaffoldingstorage" framework.
Nonlinear analysis of structures

Nonlinear Analysis of Structures presents a complete evaluation of the nonlinear static and dynamic behavior of beams, rods, plates, trusses, frames, mechanisms, stiffened structures, sandwich plates, and shells. These elements are important components in a wide variety of structures and vehicles such as spacecraft and missiles, underwater vessels and structures, and modern housing. Today's engineers and designers must understand these elements and their behavior when they are subjected to various types of loads. Coverage includes the various types of nonlinearities, stress-strain relations and the development of nonlinear governing equations derived from nonlinear elastic theory. This complete guide includes both mathematical treatment and real-world applications, with a wealth of problems and examples to support the text. Special topics include a useful and informative chapter on nonlinear analysis of composite structures, and another on recent developments in symbolic computation. Designed for both self-study and classroom instruction, Nonlinear Analysis of Structures is also an authoritative reference for practicing engineers and scientists.One of the world's leaders in the study of nonlinear structural analysis, Professor Sathyamoorthy has made significant research contributions to the field of nonlinear mechanics for twenty-seven years. His foremost contribution to date has been the development of a unique transverse shear deformation theory for plates undergoing large amplitude vibrations and the examination of multiple mode solutions for plates. In addition to his notable research, Professor Sathyamoorthy has also developed and taught courses in the field at universities in India, Canada, and the United States.
Population Genomics and Biogeography of the Northern Acorn Barnacle ( Semibalanus balanoides ) Using Pooled Sequencing Approaches

The northern acorn barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides) is a robust system for the study of evolutionary processes in the intertidal. S. balanoides has a well-characterized ecology, a wide circumboreal distribution, and a life history characterized by tractable environmental stressors at various ecological scales. In this chapter, we discuss a variety of topics concerning the development of S. balanoides as a model in ecological genomics as well as inferences of demography and historical phylogeography. In addition, we introduce two novel genomic tools for S. balanoides: the complete mtDNA sequence and the second draft of the nuclear genome (Sbal2). Using these tools, we conducted a reanalysis of previously described mtDNA haplotypes, a and b, as well as genome-wide levels of variation and population structure across the North Atlantic using pooled sequencing approaches. Analyses of sequence data from older and more recent Illumina platforms revealed the effects of technical bias in the estimates of population genomic metrics. We found concordant levels of nuDNA and mtDNA genetic variation with no evidence of demographic bottlenecks. We observed low genome-wide FST values across the Atlantic, suggesting a large number of ancestral polymorphisms and shared standing variation across the basin. Comparisons of genome-wide estimates of FST with those derived from a discriminant analysis of principal components uncovered population-structure-informative SNPs. This suggests the existence of latent population structure across broad scales, despite the capacity for extensive planktonic dispersal. Noticeably, our samples collected in Iceland displayed higher similarity to North American populations than to the rest of Europe. We hypothesize this is consistent with a periglacial refugium in Iceland concomitant with a barrier to gene flow caused by the North Atlantic current. Lastly, we discuss challenges and opportunities for the improvement of genomic tools in barnacles. Our reflections in this area are easily generalizable to most natural populations.
The effects of hindlimb unloading versus dietary cholesterol and resistance training on rat skeletal muscle responses

The loss of muscle mass and concomitantly strength, poses a serious risk to the elderly and to astronauts. Dietary cholesterol (CL), in conjunction with resistance training (RT), has been strongly associated with improvements in lean mass. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two opposing environments on rat skeletal muscle: (1) hindlimb unloading and (2) CL and RT. In protocol 1, 13 male Sprague-Dawley rats were unloaded for 28 days (HU; n = 6) or served as cage controls (CC; n = 7). In protocol 2, 42 rats were assigned to 1 of 6 groups: CC (n = 7), CC + CL (n = 4), RT controls (RTC; n = 7), RTC + CL (n = 8), RT (n = 8) and RT + CL (n = 8). RT/RTC consisted of squat-like exercise. RT had weights added progressively from 80 to 410 g over 5 weeks. CL was supplemented in the chow with either 180 ppm (controls) or 1800 ppm (CL). Lower limb muscles were harvested at the end of both protocols and analyzed by Western Blotting for sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) and low-density lipoprotein-receptor (LDL-R) and protein synthesis. Gastrocnemius and plantaris masses and their body mass ratios were significantly lower in the HU rats than control rats. The RT rats gained significantly less body and lean mass than the RTC groups, but the plantar flexor muscles did not show any significant differences among groups. Moreover, RT groups had significantly higher plantaris mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR) than the RTC and CC animals, with the CL groups showing greater FSR than control rats. No significant differences among groups in SREBP-2 or LDL-R were observed in either protocol. These studies provide evidence for a relationship between skeletal muscle and cholesterol metabolism, but the exact nature of that association remains unclear.
Eltrombopag promotes DNA repair in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

A causal link between hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) dysfunction and DNA damage accrual has been proposed. Clinically relevant strategies to maintain genome integrity in these cells are needed. Here we report that eltrombopag, a small molecule agonist of the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor used in the clinic, promotes DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in human HSPCs. We found that eltrombopag specifically activates the classic nonhomologous end-joining (C-NHEJ) DNA repair mechanism, a pathway known to support genome integrity. Eltrombopag-mediated DNA repair results in enhanced genome stability, survival, and function of primary human HSPCs, as demonstrated in karyotyping analyses, colony-forming unit assays and after transplantation in immunodeficient NSG mice. Eltrombopag may offer a new therapeutic modality to protect human HSPCs against genome insults.
Novel centrally active oxime reactivators of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by surrogates of sarin and VX

A novel oxime platform, the substituted phenoxyalkyl pyridinium oximes (US patent 9,227,937), was invented at Mississippi State University with an objective of discovering a brain-penetrating antidote to highly potent organophosphate anticholinesterases, such as the nerve agents. The goal was reactivation of inhibited brain acetylcholinesterase to attenuate the organophosphate-induced hypercholinergic activity that results in glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity and neuropathology. The currently approved oxime antidote in the US, 2-PAM, cannot do this. Using highly relevant surrogates of sarin and VX that leave acetylcholinesterase phosphylated with the same chemical moiety as their respective nerve agents, in vitro screens and in vivo tests in rats were conducted to identify the most efficacious members of this platform. The most promising novel oximes provided 24-h survival of lethal level surrogate exposure better than 2-PAM in almost all cases, and two of the oximes shortened the time to cessation of seizure-like behavior while 2-PAM did not. The most promising novel oximes attenuated neuropathology as indicated by immunohistochemical stains for both glia and neurons, while 2-PAM did not protect either glia or neurons. These results strongly suggest that these novel oximes can function within the brain to protect it, and therefore show great promise as potential future nerve agent antidotes.
Variation among American Elm Clones in Long-term Dieback, Growth, and Survival following Ophiostoma Inoculation

Abstract Rooted stem cuttings of eight American elm (Ulmus americana L.) cultivars or selections, in addition to rooted stem cuttings of two non-American elm cultivars, ‘Prospector’ (U. wilsoniana ...
Monitoring disturbance intervals in forests: a case study of increasing forest disturbance in Minnesota

We develop analytical methods and explore trends in disturbance interval via systematic forest inventory observations at a bioregional scale. Our study spans the dynamic ecotone at the intersection of southern boreal forest, mixed hardwood forest, and tall-grass prairie ecosystems in Minnesota, USA. Disturbance-related tree mortality is a major driver of demographic and successional change in this bioregion. We aim to provide reliable disturbance estimates for forest ecology and economic research. We develop methods applicable to any region with systematic forest inventory observations. We assess disturbances observed by the United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program on permanent sample plots in Minnesota, USA. A roughly 50% reduction in disturbance interval is apparent across all forest cover types and for most disturbance categories. The largest changes are for insect damage, disease, wind events, drought, and fire. Publicly available forest inventory data captures the frequency of disturbance events across bioregional landscapes and over time. Our methods serve to highlight rapid changes in rates of damage to standing trees within the study area.
Model Predictive Control with Secondary Objective Functions for Power Module Loss Reduction

This paper presents a finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) method to reduce the power module loss while meeting the converter performance requirements. Many modulation-level and system-level loss reduction strategies are proposed by either changing the switching frequency or adjusting the reactive power. However, increased control loops and complicated modulation schemes restrict the system performance and implementation. With the features of model predictive control, FCS-MPC has the capability to achieve several control targets by simultaneously optimizing multiple objective functions. In the proposed FCS-MPC, a secondary objective function is defined to reduce the power loss of semiconductor devices and relieve the thermal stress for power modules. This control mechanism provides the system with not only the straightforward effectiveness, but also maintaining the converter performance requirements. The proposed FCS-MPC is validated in the simulations and experiments. A 2.5-kW PWM rectifier prototype is developed to demonstrate the proposed control method.
Diagnostic Assessment of Schizophrenia

Diagnosis matters as it guides treatment with the goal of improving prognosis. In this chapter, I review how to make a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia with the help of diagnostic criteria. Diagnostic errors leading to a missed or mistaken diagnosis of schizophrenia are discussed. In addition, this chapter describes the elements of a comprehensive assessment of schizophrenia, beyond the categorical diagnosis of schizophrenia. For treatment goals and outcomes, clinicians need to assess psychotic and nonpsychotic symptom clusters (dimensions of schizophrenia), function, and quality of life. Rating scales can inform and enhance clinical care.
Connecting the Role of the Information Technology Function to its Contribution to the Organization

We investigate whether the information technology (IT) function’s competence and role affect organizational ambidexterity. We first hypothesize that IT function competence is positively related to ...
Chapter 19 – Bone Proteinases

Publisher Summary This chapter surveys the current knowledge of the proteinases expressed in bone. Although previously the osteoclast was considered to be the main producer of proteinases in bone, it has become increasingly clear that osteoblasts play a significant role in the production of many of these proteinases. Based on the structure and the catalytic mechanism of the active site involving particular amino acid residues and zinc, proteinases can be classified into four groups: metalloproteinases e.g., collagenase-3; serine proteinases, e.g., plasminogen activator; cysteine proteinases, e.g., cathepsin K; and aspartic proteinases, e.g., cathepsin D. The osteoblast has the ability to produce proteinases of all four classes, but far more is known about their production of collagenase and plasminogen activators, at least in vitro. The absolute role of any of these osteoblastic enzymes in vivo is still not fully known. Further work with knockouts of the respective enzymes is likely the only way to determine their required functions. These roles may not be restricted to assisting in the resorption process but may include functions to regulate bone development. Additionally, the osteoclast produces MMP-9 and cathepsin K, which appear to have similar roles in the two diverse processes.
Saliva as an Alternate Specimen Source for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Symptomatic Patients Using Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2.

Among the many facets of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is the unprecedented pressure it has placed on different points of the supply chain for hospital systems worldwide, such as collection devices for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The emergency use
Grip strength is more sensitive to changes in elbow position than isolated wrist extension strength in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Abstract Study Design This is an observational study. Introduction Because isometric wrist extension minimizes the effects of other muscles, the sensitivity of wrist extension strength testing on patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) should be evaluated. Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of the elbow position on wrist extension and grip strength in patients with LET. Methods Patients were screened for at least 2 of 5 clinical tests for LET. Between-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3, 1) for healthy individuals were examined for both grip and wrist extension strength at 0° and 90°. To compare the effects of elbow position on wrist extension strength to grip strength, a repeated measure analysis of variance was run using 2 within-group factors, test angles (0° and 90°), and the test type (wrist extension and grip). Results Nineteen patients with LET and twenty-one healthy participants were included. The between-day intrarater reliability for both wrist extension and grip strength was excellent for the healthy subjects across the 0° and 90° positions (ICC > .95). The analysis of variance yielded a significant interaction between the type of test and the angle of testing (P = .00). Discussion Both wrist extension strength and grip strength are reliable between-day measures. For patients with LET, there was a significant decrease in grip strength when testing at 0° compared with 90°. Conclusion In patients with LET, clinicians can expect wrist extension strength at 0° and 90° to be similar. Grip strength testing may be a more relevant clinical test at the initial evaluation.
Noise-Induced Limits of Detection in Frequency Locked Optical Microcavities

Ultra-high quality (Q) whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical microcavities have been shown to be sensitive biomolecular sensors due to their long photon confinement times. We have previously experimentally demonstrated that a system known as FLOWER (frequency locked optical whispering evanescent resonator) can detect single macromolecules. FLOWER uses frequency locking in combination with balanced detection and data processing to greatly improve the sensitivity, stabilization, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the detection limit of ultra-high-Q microcavities. Here we present the analytical basis for FLOWER and explore its limits of detection via numerical simulation. We examine the effects of key parameters such as Q-factor and frequency modulation depth on the SNR of FLOWER. We demonstrate that the frequency locked optical microcavity system is limited by the shot noise from the receiver, as well as the laser intensity noise. Using median filtering in combination with step-fitting algorithms, frequency locked ultra-high-Q microcavities can detect resonance shifts as small as 0.05 attometers at one millisecond time intervals. Our results can guide the choice of experimental parameters to achieve better sensing performance in a variety of target applications, including fundamental studies of protein-protein interactions and medical diagnostics and prognostics.
Feasibility of quantifying change in immune white cells in abdominal adipose tissue in response to an immune modulator in clinical obesity.

Background Obesity is often associated with inflammation in adipose tissue (AT) with release of mediators of atherogenesis. We postulated that it would be feasible to collect sufficient abdominal AT to quantify changes in a broad array of adaptive and innate mononuclear white cells in obese non-diabetic adults in response to a dipeptidyl protease inhibitor (DPP4i), known to inhibit activation of immune white cells. Methods Adults 18-55 years-of-age were screened for abdominal obesity and insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance but without known inflammatory conditions. Twenty-one eligible participants consented for study and were randomized 3:1 to receive sitagliptin (DPP4i) at 100mg or matching placebo daily for 28 days. Abdominal AT collected by percutaneous biopsy and peripheral blood mononuclear cell fractions were evaluated before and after treatment; plasma was stored for batch testing. Results Highly sensitive C-reactive protein, a global marker of inflammation, was not elevated in the study population. Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) type 3 (ILC-3) in abdominal AT decreased with active treatment compared with placebo (p = 0.04). Other immune white cells in AT and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fractions did not change with treatment compared to placebo (p>0.05); although ILC-2 declined in PBMCs (p = 0.007) in the sitagliptin treatment group. Two circulating biomarkers of atherogenesis, interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and sCD40L declined in plasma (p = 0.02 and p = 0.07, respectively) in the active treatment group, providing indirect validation of a net reduction in inflammation. Conclusions In this pilot study, two cell types of the innate lymphoid system, ILC-3 in AT and ILC-2 PBMCs declined during treatment and as did circulating biomarkers of atherogenesis. Changes in other immune cells were not demonstrable. The study showed that sufficient abdominal AT could be obtained to quantify white cells of both innate and adaptive immunity and to demonstrate changes during therapy with an immune inhibitor. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT02576.
Simulated X-Ray Radiographic Performance of a Bismuth-Loaded PVT Array

Recent material advancements in organic plastic scintillators enable marked increases in material detection efficiency, light yield, and pulse shape discrimination properties. These advances may resolve significant capability gaps for low-cost, portable, and durable dual-particle imaging (DPI) systems for nuclear safety, security, and safeguard purposes. One such material, a 21% bismuth-loaded polyvinyl toluene (BiPVT), is computationally evaluated as a small, pixelated radiographic array using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) and Zemax OpticStudio, and it is compared to identical evaluations of EJ-200 and EJ-256 arrays. MCNP software enables estimates of particle interaction and energy deposition, while OpticStudio computes optical light transport within each material. Computational estimates of spatial resolution and relative light collection at 370 kVp are found to agree with experimental results for both EJ-200 and EJ-256 arrays, thereby validating predictions of the same for the BiPVT array. As such, for equivalent exposures at 370 kVp, a BiPVT array may provide $\sim 20\times $ the light collection expected from EJ-200 and $\sim 10\times $ that expected from EJ-256. Similar comparisons of estimated light collection are also computed at 150 and 270 kVp, and these results suggest that BiPVT will provide significantly improved performance over EJ-200 and EJ-256 across all energies practical for portable X-ray radiography.
Mortality in adult patients with Eisenmenger Syndrome: 5-Years perspective

Abstract The number of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients worldwide is increasing. Eisenmenger syndrome continues developing in patients who, for various reasons, did not undergo early surgery for CHD but may also occur in previously operated patients. When Eisenmenger syndrome develops, repair of the underlying defect is contraindicated. We have previously published the largest to date, international study providing information on contemporary outcomes of Eisenmenger syndrome and identifying factors associated with higher risk of death. We have, herewith, performed further indepth analysis of our data, culminating to an absolute predicted 5-year mortality table for patients with ES, an important aid to optimal care. Selection criteria for lung or heart lung transplantation in Eisenmenger syndrome, in the absence of absolute mortality estimates for conservative management, have been uncertain and this is where our novel risk stratification tool should contribute.
Growth of Black Arsenic Phosphorus Thin Films and its Application for Field-Effect Transistors.

Black arsenic phosphorus single crystals were grown using a short-way transport technique resulting in crystals up to 12 x 110 μm and ranging from 200 nm to 2 μm thick. The reaction conditions require tin, tin(IV) iodide, grey arsenic, and red phosphorus placed in an evacuated quartz ampule and ramped up to a maximum temperature of 630 °C. The crystal structure and elemental composition were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cross-sectional transmission microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The data provides valuable insight into the growth mechanism. A previously developed b-P thin film growth technique can be adapted to b-AsP film growth with slight modifications to the reaction duration and reactant mass ratios. Devices fabricated from exfoliated bulk-b-AsP grown in the same reaction condition as the thin film growth process are characterized, showing an on-off current ratio of 102, a threshold voltage of -60 V, and a peak field-effect hole mobility of 23 cm2/V·s at Vd=-0.9 V and Vg=-60 V.
Maintaining serum ionized calcium during brisk walking attenuates the increase in bone resorption in older adults.

Abstract Background Endurance exercise can cause a decrease in serum ionized calcium (iCa) and increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone resorption, reflected by serum carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX). We developed a calcium clamp to prevent the decrease in iCa during exercise, which attenuated increases in PTH and CTX during vigorous cycling in young men. The goal was to determine whether this occurs in older adults during brisk walking. Methods Twelve older adults (6 men, 6 women) performed two identical 60-min treadmill walking bouts with Ca gluconate or half-normal saline infusion. Blood sampling for iCa, total calcium (tCa), phosphate (P), PTH, and CTX, occurred before, during, and for 4 h after exercise. Results iCa decreased during exercise with the saline infusion (p = 0.04) and this provoked increases in PTH and CTX (both p Conclusions Preventing the exercise-induced decrease in iCa markedly attenuated the increases in PTH and CTX. The cause of the decrease in iCa during exercise remains unclear, but the increases in PTH and CTX are likely counter-regulatory responses to defend serum iCa. This contention is supported by previous observations that the disruption of Ca homeostasis during exercise occurs regardless of training status. It will be important to establish whether this acute catabolic effect of exercise diminishes the potential chronic anabolic effects of exercise on bone.
Neural Network-based Inter-crystal Scatter Event Positioning in a PET System Design Based on 3D Position Sensitive Detectors

We demonstrate a simulation-based proof-of-concept for superior inter-crystal scatter (ICS) event positioning using a feed-forward neural network (NN) architecture compared to traditional winner-takes-all (WTA) and loser-takes-all (LTA) algorithms. Using a GATE Monte Carlo simulation of a 3D position-sensitive scintillation detector module comprising long crystals read out from the side using SiPMs with 3×3×3 mm3 effective detector voxels, we observe NN ICS event positioning accuracies of 0.753 to 0.680 when the number of interactions per annihilation photon ranges from 2 to 5: significantly more robust compared to 0.726 to 0.367 for LTA and 0.613 to 0.251 for WTA methods over the same range. We then scale the single-detector simulation into a 25 cm diameter PET brain imaging system and reconstruct contrast and resolution phantoms for image quality analysis. The NN model outperformed both WTA and LTA, with image normalized Mean Absolute Errors of 0.030 and 0.122 for contrast and resolution phantoms compared to 0.046, 0.178 and 0.034, 0.140 for WTA and LTA. The NN demonstrated 6.04 to 8.95% higher Contrast Recovery (from resolution phantom), 0.53 to 2.85% larger Contrast Noise Ratio (from contrast phantom), and 2.13 to 6.34% higher Modulation Transfer Function values (from resolution phantom) compared to LTA, which performed second-best. The upper bound for these NN relative improvements occurred with features near the spatial resolution limit of the simulated system (2 mm). Our results indicate the NN positioning approach we examined improves most image quality and quantitation figures of merit.
Decent Work Among People of Color: The Moderating Role of Critical Consciousness:

The present study examined critical consciousness in a sample of 476 adults of color from a Psychology of Working perspective. Using structural equation modeling, we tested three components of crit...
A proposed risk assessment score for gastrointestinal stromal tumors based on evaluation of 19,030 cases from the National Cancer Database

Standard risk assessment algorithms for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) are based on anatomic and histopathological variables with arbitrarily defined subcategories. Our goal was to improve risk assessment for GIST through retrospective analysis of patient data. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with GIST; the final cohort consisted of 19,030 cases. Main outcomes were metastasis at presentation and overall survival. A test dataset was used to reevaluate risk stratification parameters in multivariate regression models. A novel risk assessment system was applied to the validation dataset and compared to other currently used risk assessment schemes. Analysis of observed prevalence of metastases at presentation suggested 7 cm and mitotic rates > 10 per 5 mm2 as optimal threshold values. A proposed risk stratification score showed statistical superiority compared to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Joint Committee on Cancer, and modified National Institute of Health classifications in predicting probability of presentation with metastasis at diagnosis and 4-year overall survival after accounting for important covariables including patient age and comorbidities, year of diagnosis, and surgical/systemic therapeutic regimen. Reexamination of prognostic factors for GIST demonstrated that current threshold values for tumor size and mitotic rate are suboptimal. A risk stratification score based on revised categorization of these factors outperformed currently used risk assessment algorithms.
Lipedema and the Potential Role of Estrogen in Excessive Adipose Tissue Accumulation.

Lipedema is a painful fat disorder that affects ~11% of the female population. It is characterized by bilateral, disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue predominantly in the lower body. The onset of lipedema pathophysiology is thought to occur during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Although the identification and characterization of lipedema have improved, the underlying disease etiology remains to be elucidated. Estrogen, a key regulator of adipocyte lipid and glucose metabolism, and female-associated body fat distribution are postulated to play a contributory role in the pathophysiology of lipedema. Dysregulation of adipose tissue accumulation via estrogen signaling likely occurs by two mechanisms: (1). altered adipocyte estrogen receptor distribution (ERα/ERs ratio) and subsequent metabolic signaling and/or (2). increased release of adipocyte-produced steroidogenic enzymes leading to increased paracrine estrogen release. These alterations could result in increased activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), free fatty acid entry into adipocytes, glucose uptake, and angiogenesis while decreasing lipolysis, mitochondriogenesis, and mitochondrial function. Together, these metabolic alterations would lead to increased adipogenesis and adipocyte lipid deposition, resulting in increased adipose depot mass. This review summarizes research characterizing estrogen-mediated adipose tissue metabolism and its possible relation to excessive adipose tissue accumulation associated with lipedema.
General trends in predation and parasitism upon inoceramids

Inoceramid bivalves have a prolific evolutionary history spanning much of the Mesozoic, but they dramatically declined 1.5 Myr prior to the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. Only the enigmatic genus Tenuipteria survived until the terminal Cretaceous event. A variety of hypotheses have attempted to explain this disappearance. This study investigates the role that predation and parasitism may have played in the inoceramids' demise. Inoceramids show a range of predatory and parasitic features recorded in their shells ranging from extremely rare bore holes to the parasite-induced Hohlkehle. The stratigraphic record of these features suggests that they were virtually absent in inoceramids prior to the Late Turonian and became increasingly abundant through the remainder of the Cretaceous. These results suggest that predation and parasitism may have played a role in the inoceramid extinction, but more rigorous, quantitative data are required to test this hypothesis further.
Analytic Geometry of Euclidean Spaces

We begin by describing some geometrical concepts. This approach may seem strange in a book on algebra, but the influence of geometry is fundamental to our subject, since the underlying geometrical ideas provide motivation, examples, and applications for the algebraic constructions. In fact, the adjective “linear” in this book’s title means “pertaining to lines” (which in mathematics usually mean straight lines), and indicates the geometric origins of linear algebra.
Intrinsic motivation: flOw, video games, and participatory culture

Through a comparison of the free online Flash game updated for PlayStation 3 to World of Warcraft, I investigate participatory culture in the game community. The question of why people pursue activities that offer no monetary or similar reward is answered in part by analyzing fan-produced game modifications or mods.
Amino acid sequence studies on artiodactyl fibrinopeptides: I. Dromedary camel, mule deer, and cape buffalo☆

Abstract Amino acid sequence studies have been conducted on the fibrinopeptides A and B from dromedary camel, mule deer, and cape buffalo. This brings to 11 the number of artiodactyl genera whose fibrinopeptides have been studied. The unique variability of these polypeptides provides information about genetic error frequency during the evolution of vertebrate proteins.
Where Is the Treasure? Ask Interactive Geometry Software!.

In this paper I describe how I have used the classic buried treasure problem with prospective and practicing mathematics teachers to enhance their problem solving abilities and disposition to integrate interactive geometry software (IGS) into the learning environment. I illustrate how IGS may be used as a strategic tool to gain insight into the solution of a problem. When appropriate, students are guided in the development of arguments and proofs to justify their conjectures.
SU-E-J-253: The Radiomics Toolbox in the Computational Environment for Radiological Research (CERR)

Purpose: To present an open source and free platform to facilitate radiomics research — The “Radiomics toolbox” in CERR. Method: There is scarcity of open source tools that support end-to-end modeling of image features to predict patient outcomes. The “Radiomics toolbox” strives to fill the need for such a software platform. The platform supports (1) import of various kinds of image modalities like CT, PET, MR, SPECT, US. (2) Contouring tools to delineate structures of interest. (3) Extraction and storage of image based features like 1st order statistics, gray-scale co-occurrence and zonesize matrix based texture features and shape features and (4) Statistical Analysis. Statistical analysis of the extracted features is supported with basic functionality that includes univariate correlations, Kaplan-Meir curves and advanced functionality that includes feature reduction and multivariate modeling. The graphical user interface and the data management are performed with Matlab for the ease of development and readability of code and features for wide audience. Open-source software developed with other programming languages is integrated to enhance various components of this toolbox. For example: Java-based DCM4CHE for import of DICOM, R for statistical analysis. Results: The Radiomics toolbox will be distributed as an open source, GNU copyrighted software. The toolboxmore » was prototyped for modeling Oropharyngeal PET dataset at MSKCC. The analysis will be presented in a separate paper. Conclusion: The Radiomics Toolbox provides an extensible platform for extracting and modeling image features. To emphasize new uses of CERR for radiomics and image-based research, we have changed the name from the “Computational Environment for Radiotherapy Research” to the “Computational Environment for Radiological Research”.« less
Late Modernism, 1928–1945: Criticism and Theory

In contrast to the well-established body of criticism on early modernism in 20th-century literature, late modernism has only belatedly appeared in the critical discourse. This article presents a survey of criticism on thirties writing and writing between the World Wars in order to suggest that the early success of Auden Generation criticism narrowed the scope of the critical field. Since the late 1990s, a critical reassessment of writing between the late twenties and late forties has facilitated the emergence of late modernism. Combining cultural and historical assessment with attention to the period’s plurality of aesthetics, these contributions are vital to the theorization of late modernism beyond the dyadic model of the Auden Generation and to an analysis of late modernism that examines the conceptual work these texts perform in relation to modernist and postmodernist modalities. Drawing together the approaches of recent theorists of late modernism, this article concludes by offering an alternative framework for mapping a plurality of late modernist writers, one that examines late modernist poetics in relation to historical contexts.
Innovative adaptations of commercial flash memories for military systems

The advantages of using a commercial-grade component in military systems are cost and availability. This perception, coupled with the idea that commercial components adequately meet the quality and reliability requirements of the military systems marketplace, tempts the military system designer to utilize commercial components. The disadvantages of this practice far outweigh the advantages. This paper discusses these disadvantages by comparing the device performance of commercial grade components and of those adapted for the military systems marketplace. A comparison of cost, availability, and quality is discussed in great detail. Using flash memory as a vehicle, data will be presented, which compares commercial flash memories and adapted flash memories. Adapted flash memories are commercial flash memory components specially configured and screened for military operating environments. This supports the commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) trends in the military marketplace. Data will be presented showing specific examples of the improvements and the device performance gained when using adapted flash memories. Characteristics of these devices include device optimization at temperature extremes, and implementations of innovative test techniques.
Suicide by Gabapentin Overdose

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug that is prescribed for both FDA-approved and multiple off-label conditions, and has a relatively safe side-effect profile. Rare cases of overdose-related adverse effects have been reported in the literature. Described herein are the circumstances and autopsy findings of a 62-year-old woman with a history of depression, whose death was caused by intentional ingestion of excess gabapentin. The postmortem peripheral blood gabapentin concentration as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy was 88 μg/mL. Previously reported cases of individuals surviving gabapentin overdoses are discussed and compared with this case. Based on a review of the available literature, this appears to be the first published report of a death due solely to gabapentin toxicity. Language: en
An Employee Questionnaire for Assessing Patient Safety in Outpatient Surgery

Abstract : This paper provides information on the reliability and validity of an employee questionnaire developed in a study of patient safety in outpatient surgery. The Systems Engineering Intervention in Outpatient Surgery (SEIPS), a collaborative community perspective project currently underway at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, examines the impact of a systems engineering intervention on both employees and patients. In this paper, we describe the SEIPS employee questionnaire, which surveys various elements of the work system (e.g., communication, workplace, supplies, and patient safety climate), the care process, and employee outcomes (e.g., job satisfaction, stress, perceived quality and safety of care provided). Data from a sample of 289 staff members in 5 outpatient surgery centers (53 percent response rate) are used to examine reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, and predictive validity. The results provided evidence for the reliability and validity of the SEIPS study's employee questionnaire.
Children's Performance on a Binaural Fusion Task

Binaural auditory fusion of 108 children (4, 6, and 8 years old) was studied using three lists of monosyllabic words (WIPI) presented at two sensation levels (30 and 40 dB). The words were processed to produce three bandwidth conditions (100, 300, 600 Hz) and were administered via three presentation modes (binaural fusion 1, diotic, binaural fusion 2). Results showed improved discrimination scores with increasing age, sensation level, and filter bandwidth. Diotic scores were better than binaural fusion scores for the narrower bandwidth conditions, but the diotic enhancement effect was seriously compromised in the widest bandwidth (600 Hz) condition. The results confirmed the contention that prior research results were equivocal due, in large measure, to procedural variability. Methods for reducing such variability and enhancing the clinical viability of binaural fusion tasks are suggested.
Epidemiology and association of vascular and valvular calcium quantified by multidetector computed tomography in elderly asymptomatic subjects

The epidemiology of and association between vascular and valvular calcium as quantified by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) were studied in 416 elderly subjects with no history of coronary artery disease. Coronary calcium (CC), descending thoracic aortic calcium (DTAC), aortic valve calcium (AVC), and mitral valve calcium (MVC) were present in 282 (68%), 214 (51%), 152 (37%), and 68 (16%) subjects, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age and gender, subjects with AVC (odds ratio [OR] 2.3), MVC (OR 2.81), and DTAC (OR 2.79) were independently and significantly more likely to have CC. Further evidence is provided for the notion that calcifications in those regions are associated and that MDCT can be used as a tool for the global assessment of vascular and valvular calcium.
Anza Island: Novel Gameplay Using ASP

Procedural content generation (PCG) has the potential to create unique artifacts, levels, and gameplay mechanics. However, it remains challenging to generate content that satisfies gameplay constraints: methods to achieve this include generate-and-test, search-based generation, and constructive methods. In this paper, we present a prototype, a simple game, which demonstrates the use of an off-the-shelf logic program solver, Clingo, as an easy and expressive way to model these constraint problems, and find solutions that satisfy gameplay constraints. By delegating the difficult search optimization problem to an external program, we were able to quickly prototype PCG in a low-effort way by expressing the desired content as a set of rules and constraints, keeping the focus on the designer's intentions for the generated content, rather than specific methods used to create or find it. The expressiveness and versatility of this approach is demonstrated by applying this technique to two areas of PCG in the game.
Undermining Resistance Mobilization, Repression, and the Enforcement of Political Order

This study examines attempts by authorities to undermine overt collective challenges, such as protests, riots, or armed attacks, by targeting activities that precede and/or support such behavior. A...
Etch delineation of defects in phosphosilicate glass layers

Abstract A special etch has been developed to help delineate cracks and pin holes in phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layers over a silicon substrate. The etch darkens the crack and in most cases expands the visible region of the crack by a factor of five to ten times, thus making it readily visible using low power microscopy.