cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A fast high-order solver for problems of scattering by heterogeneous bodies

A new high-order integral algorithm for the solution of scattering problems by heterogeneous bodies is presented. Here, a scatterer is described by a (continuously or discontinuously) varying refractive index n(x) within a two-dimensional (2D) bounded region; solutions of the associated Helmholtz equation under given incident fields are then obtained by high-order inversion of the Lippmann-Schwinger integral equation. The algorithm runs in O(Nlog(N)) operations where N is the number of discretization points. A wide variety of numerical examples provided include applications to highly singular geometries, high-contrast configurations, as well as acoustically/electrically large problems for which supercomputing resources have been used recently. Our method provides highly accurate solutions for such problems on small desktop computers in CPU times of the order of seconds.
Incremental rigidity scheme for recovering structure from motion: position-based versus velocity-based formulations

Perceptual studies suggest that the visual system may use a rigidity assumption in its recovery of three-dimensional structure from motion. Ullman [ Perception13, 255 ( 1984)] recently proposed a computational scheme that uses this assumption to recover the structure of rigid and nonrigid objects in motion. The scheme assumes the input to be discrete positions of elements in motion, under orthographic projection. We present formulations of Ullman’s method that use velocity information and perspective projection in the recovery of structure. Theoretical and computer analyses show that the velocity-based formulations provide a rough estimate of structure quickly but are not robust over an extended time. The stable long-term recovery of structure requires disparate views of moving objects.
Challenging Racist Nativist Framing: Acknowledging the Community Cultural Wealth of Undocumented Chicana College Students to Reframe the Immigration Debate

Using the critical race testimonios of ten Chicana undergraduate students at a toptier research university, Lindsay Perez Huber interrogates and challenges the racist nativist framing of undocumented Latina/o immigrants as problematic, burdensome, and "illegal." Specifically, a community cultural wealth framework (Yosso, 2005) is utilized and expanded to highlight the rich forms of capital existing within the families and communities of these young women that have allowed them to survive, resist, and navigate higher education while simultaneously challenging racist nativist discourses. Reflecting on her data and analysis, Perez Huber ends with a call for a human rights framework that demands the right of all students—and particularly Latinas/os—to live full and free lives.
Trade studies of a photovoltaic power system for a solar probe

For a solar array powering a mission designed to operate near the sun, a trade study was performed to calculate the effect of changing the operating temperature of the solar array on the required area of the thermal radiator required to moderate the array temperature.
Structural Chemistry of Necessarily Distorted Bis(Bipyridine) Complexes. The Crystal Structure of the Trans-[Bis(2,2'-Bipyridine)Bis(Triphenul-Phosphine)Ruthenium(II)] and Trans-[Bis(4,4'-Dimethyl-2,2'-Bipyridine)Bis(Pyridine)Ruthenium(ii)] Cations

The cation trans -[Ru(bpy) 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 ] 2+ and trans -[Ru(Me 2 bpy 2 ) 2 (py) 2 ] 2+ both contain bipyridine ligands which are distorted because of the crowding of the two chelate units. The hexafluorophosphate salt of the first cation crystallizers in space group P2 1 /n, with a = 11.630(1), b = 20.245(2), c = 11.299(1)A, &#x03B2 = 103.99(1)°, and Z = 2. R = 0.047 for 2396 observed reflections. The hexafluorophosphate salt of the second cation crystallizers in space group C2/m, with a = 18.392(2), b = 11.265(1), c = 13.383(1)A, &#x03B2 = 139.42(2)°, and Z = 2. R = 0.047 for 1403 observed reflections. The Ru of the first cation lies on an inversion center and the Ru of the second cation lies on a special position of 2/m symmetry. The distortions of a number of bipyridine complexes with the trans geometry are analyzed and found to fall into two categories, bowed or twisted. The two complexes of this report were found to have a bowed conformation.
Vegetation and deer response to mechanical shrub clearing and burning

Abstract Prescribed burning is a recommended maintenance treatment following mechanical treatments of south Texas brushlands, but it is unknown whether it is preferable to additional mechanical treatments to improve habitat for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Raf.). We tested the hypotheses that prescribed burning of aerated (top-growth removal of woody plants) plots during late summer would decrease protein-precipitating tannins in browse, increase forb biomass, and increase deer utilization compared to a second aeration. Ten patches of brush, ranging in size from 2.8–8.1 ha, were aerated during spring 1999. In late summer 2000, maintenance treatments were applied; 5 patches were burned and 5 were aerated a second time. Standing crop, nutritional quality, and tannin concentrations (browse only) of deer forages were estimated. Deer tracks crossing bulldozed lanes surrounding each patch were counted to estimate deer use. Standing crop of browse, forbs, grass, succulents, protein-precipitating tan...
Sex-specific exons control DNA methyltransferase in mammalian germ cells

The spermatozoon and oocyte genomes bear sex-specific methylation patterns that are established during gametogenesis and are required for the allele-specific expression of imprinted genes in somatic tissues. The mRNA for Dnmt1, the predominant maintenance and de novo DNA (cytosine-5)-methyl transferase in mammals, is present at high levels in postmitotic murine germ cells but undergoes alternative splicing of sex-specific 5′ exons, which controls the production and localization of enzyme during specific stages of gametogenesis. An oocyte-specific 5′ exon is associated with the production of very large amounts of active Dnmt1 protein, which is truncated at the N terminus and sequestered in the cytoplasm during the later stages of oocyte growth, while a spermatocyte-specific 5′ exon interferes with translation and prevents production of Dnmt1 during the prolonged crossing-over stage of male meiosis. During the course of postnatal oogenesis, Dnmt1 is present at high levels in nuclei only in growing dictyate oocytes, a stage during which gynogenetic developmental potential is lost and biparental developmental potential is gained.
First Record of Paratelenomus saccharalis (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on Kudzu Bug Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in Florida

The egg parasitoid Paratelonomus saccharalis (Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is reported for the first time on the eggs of the kudzu bug Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in Alachua County, Florida. This egg parasitoid was previously reported only in Georgia and Alabama. Sumario El parasitoide de huevos Paratelenomus saccharalis (Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) es reportado por primera vez en huevos de la chinche del kudzu Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) en el condado Alachua de la Florida. Este parasitoide de huevos habia sido previamente reportado solamente en Georgia y Alabama. View this article in BioOne
Can Media Campaigns Increase Participation in Premarital Education? The Case of the Utah Healthy Marriages Initiative

An increase in public funding for marriage and relationship education is boosting the availability of these services for lower-income couples. This study examines whether a 5-year media campaign embedded in the Utah Healthy Marriages Initiative increased awareness of the Initiative and participation in premarital education. A baseline survey of young adults in Utah, ages 18 to 29, at the launch of the 5-year multimedia campaign was conducted in 2008 and then repeated with an independent cohort in 2013 to assess population change over time. Participants married less than 5 years in 2013 were two to three times more likely to be aware of StrongerMarriage.org and the services it promotes compared with their peers in 2008. In addition, the percentage of persons who participated in premarital education increased from 32% to 39%, but this apparent increase faded away when controls for age and education were included. However, further tests revealed a near significant year-by-education interaction and a trend fo...
Software capacity planning: a methodology for a portfolio of high technology product development projects

High technology product development projects make extensive use of engineering software during the product development process. The suite of engineering software tools deployed during product development represents a significant portion of the product development costs. The ability to forecast the engineering software license capacity required to support product development plans is crucial for budgeting, return on investment (ROI) calculations, contract negotiations with the software suppliers, and the provision of an IT infrastructure necessary to support the execution of the software tools. This research shows that the usage of engineering application software in high technology is cyclical due to the characteristics of high technology product development. A rigorous methodology to compute the cycle boundaries based on usage history is proposed. Information of the usage cycles is used to modify the existing trend forecast to increase the prediction accuracy of future usage predictions. Data of the current usage of the projects in execution is then used to forecast the overall software capacity needed to support all current projects. Cyclic usage patterns also predict how the usage is expected to change in the future for the time period under study. Usage data is collected for the three main projects concurrently in execution. Of the three, one of the projects goes through its full development cycle. In this research we show (a) a rigorous methodology using Fourier analysis to extract the cyclical variations of the project that goes through its full development cycle and (b) the application of the cyclical variations to a trend forecast to improve the quality of the forecast. Single project forecasts are then combined to generate an overall engineering software capacity forecast for the enterprise. All engineering software licenses for both project and non-project work are shared by the enterprise from a central license pool. To determine the enterprise capacity requirement, the relationship between the key individual projects and the total usage is determined and used to predict future capacity.
Computer Experiments on Impurity Effects in Alpha-Iron

A series of dynamical computer experiments was performed on mechanical property changes produced by complexes consisting of impurity atoms in bound states with other lattice defects. Complexes based on interstitial and substitutional impurities were studied. Major emphasis was placed on the response of irradiated samples. Hence, complexes involving self-interstitials are treated in more detail than is the case for radiation-free environments. Strain tensor components are given for tetragonal complexes and building modules for ordered defect structures are described.
Minimal GKS

Minimal GKS is a subset of the Draft International Standard Graphical Kernel System. Minimal GKS has been implemented at Sandia in the programming language C. This implementation confirms that Minimal GKS does indeed have the anticipated advantages of easy implementation and small size. Experience in using this implementation has also demonstrated that Minimal GKS is easy to learn and use, yet is powerful enough for non-trivial, real-world applications.
The effects of acute and preventive migraine therapies in a mouse model of chronic migraine

Background The development of novel migraine therapies has been slow, in part because of the small number of clinically relevant animal models. We have recently developed a new mouse model of chronic migraine using chronic intermittent nitroglycerin, a known human migraine trigger. The objective of this study was to validate this model by testing known and potential migraine-preventive treatments. Methods Migraine therapies were administered to male and female mice for 11 days. On day 3, mice were tested with nitroglycerin every second day for nine days. Basal and nitroglycerin-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments. Results Chronic intermittent nitroglycerin produced acute hyperalgesia with each administration, and progressive and sustained basal hypersensitivity. The established preventive migraine therapy propranolol effectively blocked the development of acute and chronic nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, while valproate had no effect. Potential migraine-preventive therapies were also tested: Amiloride inhibited nitroglycerin-induced acute and chronic hyperalgesia; while memantine was ineffective. We also tested the acute migraine therapy sumatriptan, which did not alter nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, but instead resulted in acute and chronic hyperalgesia similar to that observed following nitroglycerin administration. Conclusions This study establishes the chronic nitroglycerin model as an additional screening tool to test novel migraine-preventive therapies.
N–N Bond Cleavage of 1,2-Diarylhydrazines and N–H Bond Formation via H-Atom Transfer in Vanadium Complexes Supported by a Redox-Active Ligand

Addition of stoichiometric quantites of 1,2-diarylhydrazines to the bis(imino)pyridine vanadium dinitrogen complex, [{(iPrBPDI)V(THF)}2(μ2-N2)] (iPrBPDI = 2,6-(2,6-iPr2-C6H3N═CPh)2C5H3N), resulted in N–N bond cleavage to yield the corresponding vanadium bis(amido) derivatives, (iPrBPDI)V(NHAr)2 (Ar = Ph, Tol). Spectroscopic, structural, and computational studies support an assignment as vanadium(III) complexes with chelate radical anions, [BPDI]•–. With excess 1,2-diarylhydrazine, formation of the bis(imino)pyridine vanadium imide amide compounds, (iPrBPDI)V(NHAr)NAr, were observed along with the corresponding aryldiazene and aniline. A DFT-computed N–H bond dissociation free energy of 69.2 kcal/mol was obtained for (iPrBPDI)V(NHPh)NPh, and interconversion between this compound and (iPrBPDI)V(NHPh)2 with (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxidanyl (TEMPO), 1,2-diphenylhydrazine, and xanthene experimentally bracketed this value between 67.1 and 73.3 kcal/mol. For (iPrBPDI)V(NHPh)2, the N–H BDFE was DFT-cal...
Group rewards, group composition and information sharing: A motivated information processing perspective

Abstract Invoking the Motivated Information Processing in Groups (MIP-G) model, we argue that group performance-based pay plays a dual role in stimulating both epistemic and prosocial motivation. We experimentally examine the effects of group incentives on information sharing both directly and as a substitute for personality-based epistemic and prosocial motivators. Results support a relationship between group performance-based pay and increased dispersed information sharing. The interaction effects of pay conditions and group composition provide additional support for a dual role for group-based pay. For groups low in openness-to-experience, pay based on group-performance enhances dispersed information-sharing. For groups low in agreeableness, a group pay-for-performance condition leads to more time in discussion which leads to greater sharing of dispersed information. Finally, through effects on discussion time and information sharing, group performance-based rewards increase task performance. By explicating the role of group rewards on information sharing, our study contributes to the MIP-G and decision-making literatures.
Design of millimeter wave antenna arrays for 5G cellular applications using FEKO

The technologies under development in the world of mobile broadband networks specifically focusing on the next generation of standards, namely 5G, are targeting the millimeter wave spectrum of 28 GHz and beyond. This paper discusses some of these futuristic technologies that are laying the foundation for the 5G standards, highlighting the concept of massive MIMO that employs antenna arrays and beamforming techniques to address the high data rate demands.
Invariance Properties Of Queueing Networks And Their Application To Computer/Communications Systems

AbstractDuring the past decade there has been a quantitative leap in the development of queueing theory as it relates to the design, control, and operation of computer communications systems. Much of the research centres on the so-called “product form solution” of the network state probabilities. This, in turn, has led to the discovery, in many specific cases, that the state probabilities are invariant with respect to the form of the service time distribution. No systematic investigation of this invariance has appeared in tJie computer/communications literature as of this date. Our main objectives in this paper, therefore, are to describe and define the class of queueing models which has this invariance property and to demonstrate that almost all such models have a common basis. The theoretical foundation for the classification of invariance (developed by Kovalenko (19, 20) and, independently, by Konig (17)) has not received much recognition. In this paper, Kovalenko’s main theorem is stated, the required...
Diffuse inflammation of cartilage; a case report of a hitherto unreported entity.

A case of rare occurrence has been presented in an attempt to secure a definite diagnosis. The multiple involvement of various types of cartilage in various parts of the body has resulted in an obscure clinical picture which does not conform to any known clinical entity. An effort has been made to report the case in sufficient detail and with sufficient illustrations to permit study and possible diagnosis by interested physicians.
Induction of Endothelial Cell Apoptosis by Cleaved High Molecular Weight Kininogen Is Mediated Through a Lck and p53-Dependent Pathway

Abstract Abstract 3305 Background and objective: High molecular weight kininogen (HK) is an abundant plasma protein that serves as an important component of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. HK normally circulates as in the single chain form, but may be cleaved by plasma kallikrein to release the nonapeptide bradykinin, resulting in the formation cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (HKa) that consists of a heavy and light chain linked by a single disulfide bond. Conformational changes occurring after kallikrein cleavage result in increased exposure of histidine and glycine-rich regions with kininogen domain 5 that impart HKa with unique properties, including the ability to inhibit angiogenesis by causing selective apoptosis of proliferating endothelial cells. However, the receptors that mediate the antiangiogenic activity of HKa remain controversial, and the signaling pathways that lead to apoptosis have not been defined. Previous studies suggested possible involvement of SRC family kinases (SFK) in this process, and the purpose of this work was to further define the activation of SFKs and their downstream targets during HKa-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Results: We first assessed the activation of SFKs in proliferating endothelial cells stimulated with bFGF before and after incubation with HKa (6–20 nM). SFKs are maintained in an inactive state through tyrosine phosphorylation of their C-terminal region mediated by the negative regulator C-terminal Src kinase (Csk). Exposure of endothelial cells to HKa caused downregulation of Csk in a dose-dependent manner within 60 minutes. In parallel, we observed a significant increase in expression of the proapoptotic SFK Lck in endothelial cells exposed to HKa, though expression of other SFKs including Lyn, Fyn, Src, Hck and Blk were not significantly altered. Increased expression of Lck was associated with activation of p53 and increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bax and Bak. Endothelial cell lysates prepared within 60 minutes of exposure to HKa demonstrated significant increases in the activity of caspases 3 and 7, as well as depletion of DNA fragmentation factors (DFF) 45 and 35, which cleave and inactivate DFF40, a major endonuclease involved in apoptosis. In parallel studies, endothelial cells depleted of Lck by treatment with Lck siRNA displayed loss of p53 phosphorylation, caspase 3 and 7 activity, and expression of Bax and Bad with no effects on the expression of Bad and Bid. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a critical role for Csk in regulation of SFK activation and endothelial homeostasis, and demonstrate that downregulation of Csk by HKa leads to activation of a Lck-dependent, p53-mediated apoptotic pathway. Increasing the expression of Lck may represent a novel mechanism for regulation of aberrant angiogenesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Dietary inflammatory index and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in African American women.

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC); yet, the contribution of inflammatory foods and nutrients to EOC risk has been understudied. We investigated the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII), a novel literature-derived tool to assess the inflammatory potential of one's diet, and EOC risk in African American (AA) women in the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES), the largest population-based case-control study of EOC in AA women to date. The energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) was computed per 1,000 kilocalories from dietary intake data collected through a food frequency questionnaire, which measured usual dietary intake in the year prior to diagnosis for cases or interview for controls. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for the association between the E-DII and EOC risk. 493 cases and 662 controls were included in the analyses. We observed a 10% increase in EOC risk per a one-unit change in the E-DII (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.03-1.17). Similarly, women consuming the most pro-inflammatory diet had a statistically significant increased EOC risk in comparison to the most anti-inflammatory diet (ORQuartile4/Quartile1=1.72; 95% CI=1.18-2.51). We also observed effect modification by age (p<0.05), where a strong, significant association between the E-DII and EOC risk was observed among women older than 60 years, but no association was observed in women aged 60 years or younger. Our findings suggest that a more pro-inflammatory diet was associated with an increased EOC risk, especially among women older than 60 years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Accelerating range queries for large-scale unstructured meshes

Scientific datasets are steadily growing in size, due to increasing resolution and scale. Unstructured meshes are essential to certain fields of engineering and science, but they present special challenges for efficient access and processing. The work described in this paper accelerates range queries for very large unstructured meshes using the GPU. Prior work in the area introduced a preprocessing phase that partitions large unstructured meshes in order to improve locality in storage and memory. Here, we apply the computational power and bandwidth of GPUs to the partitioning problem, significantly reducing preprocessing time. In order to keep the GPU busy, we have to overcome the poor locality of the original unstructured mesh. Toward this end, we developed our own approach to unstructured mesh I/O, called Direct Load. We show that Direct Load significantly outperforms a typical LRU cache. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate range queries. Our preprocessing steps allow us to parallelize range query processing with relatively simple GPU code. Experimental results show that our implementation outperforms the serial implementations by 4x for preprocessing and over 100 χ for range queries.
Erythrocytosis Following Testosterone Therapy

Abstract Introduction A rapid increase in awareness of androgen deficiency has led to substantial increases in prescribing of testosterone therapy (TTh), with benefits of improvements in mood, libido, bone density, muscle mass, body composition, energy, and cognition. However, TTh can be limited by its side effects, particularly erythrocytosis. This review examines the literature on testosterone-induced erythrocytosis and polycythemia. Aim To review the available literature on testosterone-induced erythrocytosis, discuss possible mechanisms for pathophysiology, determine the significance of formulation, and elucidate potential thromboembolic risk. Methods A literature review was performed using PubMed for articles addressing TTh, erythrocytosis, and polycythemia. Main Outcome Measures Mechanism, pharmacologic contribution, and risk of testosterone-induced erythrocytosis. Results For men undergoing TTh, the risk of developing erythrocytosis compared with controls is well established, with short-acting injectable formulations having the highest associated incidence. Potential mechanisms explaining the relation between TTh and erythrocytosis include the role of hepcidin, iron sequestration and turnover, erythropoietin production, bone marrow stimulation, and genetic factors. High blood viscosity increases the risk for potential vascular complications involving the coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular circulations, although there is limited evidence supporting a relation between TTh and vascular complications. Conclusion Short-acting injectable testosterone is associated with greater risk of erythrocytosis compared with other formulations. The mechanism of the pathophysiology and its role on thromboembolic events remain unclear, although some data support an increased risk of cardiovascular events resulting from testosterone-induced erythrocytosis. Ohlander SJ, Varghese B, Pastuszak AW. Erythrocytosis Following Testosterone Therapy. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:77–85.
Magnetic Compression Anastomosis (Magnamosis): First-In-Human Trial

Background Magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis) uses a pair of self-centering magnetic Harrison Rings to create an intestinal anastomosis without sutures or staples. We report the first-in-human case series using this unique device. Study Design We conducted a prospective, single-center, first-in-human pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and safety of creating an intestinal anastomosis using the Magnamosis device. Adult patients requiring any intestinal anastomosis to restore bowel continuity were eligible for inclusion. For each procedure, 1 Harrison Ring was placed in the lumen of each intestinal segment. The rings were brought together and mated, and left to form a side to side, functional end to end anastomosis. Device movement was monitored with serial x-rays until it was passed in the stool. Patients were monitored for adverse effects with routine clinic appointments, as well as questionnaires. Results Five patients have undergone small bowel anastomosis with the Magnamosis device. All 5 patients had severe systemic disease and underwent complex open urinary reconstruction procedures, with the device used to restore small bowel continuity after isolation of an ileal segment. All devices passed without obstruction or pain. No patients have had any complications related to their anastomosis, including anastomotic leaks, bleeding, or stricture at median follow-up of 13 months. Conclusions In this initial case series from the first-in-human trial of the Magnamosis device, the device was successfully placed and effectively formed a side to side, functional end to end small bowel anastomosis in all 5 patients. No patients have had any anastomotic complications at intermediate follow-up.
III-Nitride integrated photonics platform for the ultraviolet and visible spectral range

III-nitride semiconductors have drawn considerable attentions for its wide success in photonic devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, solar cells, and photodetectors. In addition to discrete devices, recent studies on III-nitride waveguides have now opened up new opportunities in integrated photonics circuits for biochemical sensing, beam steering, nonlinear optics, and quantum photonics applications in the ultraviolet and visible spectral region. For example, due to their wide bandgap, low material dispersion, and active integration capability, III-nitride materials are particularly attractive for integrated nonlinear optics applications, including second harmonic generation, comb generation, and parametric down conversion.
A constrained feature-based cardiac motion estimation method for cardiac PET

The goal is to develop and evaluate a new constrained feature-based cardiac motion estimation (ME) method for cardiac gated (CG) myocardial perfusion (MP) PET images to improve the accuracy of the estimated cardiac motion vector field (MVF). CG-MP PET projection data were generated from the 4D XCAT phantom with realistic anatomical structures and cardiac MVF models, and reconstructed using the STIR simulation and reconstruction software. The interventricular sulcus (IS) was extracted from each CG-MP PET image by applying B-spline extrapolation and interpolation methods to the extracted edges of the left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) walls. The estimated MVFs of the extracted ISs were calculated between adjacent CG frames. In the previously feature-based cardiac ME algorithm, the estimated IS MVF was used as an initial estimate in the conventional optical-flow ME algorithm. The information was found to reduce the aperture problem effect and provide more accurate cardiac MVF estimate as compared to without the information, using the cardiac MVF of the XCAT as the truth. In the new algorithm, it was used as an additional constraint to restrict the range of the search for the cardiac MVF estimate. The new approach was evaluated in terms of accuracy of the estimated cardiac MVF and compared with those using the previous methods. The evaluation results showed the estimated cardiac MVF obtained from using the IS as an initial estimate (S-initial) was more accurate than that using no initial estimate (0-initial) and was comparable to that using the truth MVF as the initial estimate (T-initial). The estimation accuracy was further improved with the S-initial and the IS motion as an additional constraint. In conclusion, we developed and evaluated a new constrained feature-based cardiac ME method for cardiac PET. We demonstrated the new method provided more accurate estimation of the cardiac MVF as compared to the conventional and a previously developed feature-based cardiac ME method for CG-MP PET.
Facile Synthesis of Ru-Based Octahedral Nanocages with Ultrathin Walls in a Face-Centered Cubic Structure

Noble-metal nanocages with ultrathin (less than 2 nm) walls and well-defined facets have received great interest owing to their remarkable utilization efficiency of atoms and facet-dependent catalytic activities toward various reactions. Here, we report the synthesis of Ru-based octahedral nanocages covered by {111} facets, together with ultrathin walls in a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure rather than the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) of bulk Ru. The involvement of slow injection for the Ru(III) precursor, the introduction of KBr, and the use of elevated temperature were all instrumental to the formation of Pd@Ru core–shell octahedra with a conformal, uniform shell and a smooth surface. The {111} facets were well preserved during the selective removal of the Pd cores via wet etching, even when the Ru walls were only five atomic layers in thickness. Through in situ XRD, we demonstrated that the fcc structure of the Ru nanocages was stable up to 300 °C. We also used first-principles, self-consistent dens...
Neck and Face

Diffuse or nodular goiter Thyroiditis Abscess Cyst Neoplasm (adenoma, carcinoma, metastases, lymphoma)
Returns to microcredit, cash grants and training for male and female microentrepreneurs in Uganda

Abstract Experimental tests of microfinance programs have found little or no impacts on business and household income outcomes. I present experimental evidence that the gender of the individual receiving a loan matters for the impacts measured. Microenterprise owners were randomly offered either capital with repayment (discounted loans) or without (grants) and were randomly chosen to receive business skills training in conjunction with the capital. I find no short-run effects for female-owned enterprises from either form of capital or the training. However, I find large effects on profits and sales for male-owned enterprises that were offered loans. There is no effect for men from the grants, suggesting repayment requirements increased the likelihood of productive investment. The results indicate that cash-constrained men—a sample that is not traditionally targeted by microcredit organizations—can benefit from subsidized microfinance.
The Relative Importance of Spatial and Temporal Autocorrelation

Spatial scientists wish to understand when space matters in studies dealing with phenomena evolving through time. Predictive models often exploit temporal and spatial autocorrelation latent in space–time datasets to make forecasts for these landscapes. In many cases, temporal autocorrelation offers a superior description of dynamics in a geographic landscape. However, especially after some perturbation event, the memory captured by temporal autocorrelation may become seriously corrupted, with one consequence being that spatial autocorrelation furnishes a superior description of, and forecasts for, a given phenomenon. This chapter discusses the relative importance of these two types of autocorrelation, providing examples of when each type dominates in a geographic landscape.
Boards of directors and firm leverage: Evidence from real estate investment trusts

Abstract We re-examine the negative association between leverage and returns while also focusing on the role of boards of directors. To do so, we utilize the unique setting of real estate investment trusts (REITs), their high leverage, and the volatility that the industry experienced during the recent financial crisis. We find that during the financial crisis REIT board activity increased, especially among firms with high leverage. We also find that board activity helps mitigate the previously reported negative effect of leverage on returns during this time period. Post-crisis, we find evidence suggesting that firms with more active boards reduce their leverage if their pre-crisis leverage was high. Further, firms with more active boards have better post-crisis returns. Our findings are robust to using different measures of activity that take into account director experience in real estate and finance.
Micro-CAE Mechanical Engineering Software Development at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Participating Universities and Technology Transfer

A concept in microcomputer-Aided Engineering has been evolving and maturing at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory during the past 4 years. In harmony with the goals of the project, several universities are participating in the development of software which will be useful both to engineering colleges and to practicing engineers. Among the universities who have had faculty participants in this project are University of California (Berkeley), University of Arkansas, Oregon State University, University of California (Santa Barbara), and Northern Arizona University. The goals of the project are that of * Developing, collecting, and/or converting approximately 40 applications software packages * Transferring Micro-CAE technology/software to universities LLNL defines Micro-CAE to be, “The use of special purpose microcomputer augmented software, invoked for the purpose of aiding engineers in modeling physical events and designing system.” The software is further characterized by: * User-System Interactiveness * High Degree of System Friendliness * Heavy Dependence on Automatic Graphics Interpretation The software will be made available to any university for instructional purposes at a cost of no more than what it costs to reproduce the diskettes and documentation. Approximately one-third of the software is now available, including REFRIG - A vapor-compression refrigeration modeling program, SPRING - A spring design program RANKINE - A steam power cycle modeling program VIBMAIN - A one-degree of freedom vibration modeling program SHAFT - A stepped-shaft design/modeling program BEARING - An oil-cooled bearing design program DELAWARE - A tube-in-shell heat exchanger program DOUPIPE - A double-pipe heat exchanger program MECHAN - A kinetic/kinematic mechanisms program INOUT - Interactive input/output routines KERNEL80 - Graphics primitive TRIX - A line editor and word processor The software will be made available to run under CP/M and MS-DOS operating systems. Learning effectiveness can be improved through the use of Micro-CAE. Effective implementation strategies will be discussed below.
Carcinomatous meningitis secondary to breast cancer: predictors of response to combined modality therapy.

Purpose. To identify the factors predictive of response and increasedsurvival in patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from breast cancerreceiving multi-modal therapy. Background. Leptomeningeal metastases (LM)are being diagnosed with increasing frequency as anti-cancer therapiesbecome more effective and result in prolonged patient survival. Patients andmethods. 32 women (range 28 to 74 years; median 49) with LM due tometastatic breast cancer were treated. Neurologic presentation included:cranial neuropathies (10 patients); headache (10); cauda equina syndrome(6); ataxia (6); meningismus (3); radioculopathy (2); myelopathy (2);confusion (2); and seizure (1). All patients underwent radiographicevaluation of the extent of CNS disease followed by radiotherapy (21 women)and intraventricular chemotherapy: (methotrexate 32 women; cytarabine 22;thio-TEPA 11). Results. CNS imaging (cranial MR, spine MR and radionuclideventriculography) demonstrated: interrupted CSF flow (21); subarachnoidnodules (8); parenchymal brain metastases (6); hydrocephalus (4); andepidural spinal cord compression (1). Cytologic responses were seen in 14women to first-, 7 to second- and 3 to third-line chemotherapy.Treatment-related toxicity included 21 women with aseptic meningitis and 10women with thrombocytopenia or neutropenia (5 related to intraventricularchemotherapy). Median survival was 7.5 months (range 1.5 to 16). 18 womendied of progressive LM or combined LM and systemic disease progression.Women with persistent interruption of CSF flow fared worse than women withnormal CSF flow (median survival 3 versus 10 months; p < 0.0001).Conclusion. LM in women with metastatic breast cancer may be palliated withcombined modality therapy, however, success of therapy and survival is basedupon pre-treatment CNS extent of disease evaluation.
Salvage Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Recurrence of localized prostate cancer after failed nonsurgical primary therapy remains a significant clinical problem. Although a technically demanding and potentially morbid procedure, salvage radical prostatectomy offers the best opportunity for cure and improved cancer-free survival in properly selected patients.
Somatic Cell Hybrids and Hybridomas

This minireview seeks to note some of the highlights in somatic cell hybrid research that led to the subsequent development of the unique, monoclonal antibody secreting, hybrid cell, the hybridoma. When Kohler and Milstein (1975) published their historical paper on producing monoclonal antibodies, their study represented the birth of a new technology, resulting from the marriage between cell biology and immunology.
SUBDOMINANT SOLUTIONS ADMITTING A PRESCRIBED STOKES PHENOMENON

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses subdominant solutions admitting a prescribed stokes phenomenon. It presents a general problem of constructing a system of linear differential equations that admits prescribed asymptotic behaviors of solutions and a prescribed Stokes phenomenon around an irregular singular point. Out-problem is different from that of Birkhoff, as, in given case, the prescribed asymptotic behavior of solutions depend on the parameters a1, …, am that must be determined by the special form of the differential equation and the prescribed Stotes phenomenon.
A separation of innate and learned vocal behaviors defines the symptomatology of spasmodic dysphonia

OBJECTIVE Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary spasms in the laryngeal muscles. It is thought to selectively affect speaking; other vocal behaviors remain intact. However, the patients' own perspective on their symptoms is largely missing, leading to partial understanding of the full spectrum of voice alterations in SD. METHODS A cohort of 178 SD patients rated their symptoms on the visual analog scale based on the level of effort required for speaking, singing, shouting, whispering, crying, laughing, and yawning. Statistical differences between the effort for speaking and the effort for other vocal behaviors were assessed using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests within the overall SD cohort as well as within different subgroups of SD. RESULTS Speech production was found to be the most impaired behavior, ranking as the most effortful type of voice production in all SD patients. In addition, singing required nearly similar effort as speaking, ranking as the second most altered vocal behavior. Shouting showed a range of variability in its alterations, being especially difficult to produce for patients with adductor form, co-occurring voice tremor, late onset of disorder, and familial history of dystonia. Other vocal behaviors, such as crying, laughing, whispering, and yawning, were within the normal ranges across all SD patients. CONCLUSION Our findings widen the symptomatology of SD, which has predominantly been focused on selective speech impairments. We suggest that a separation of SD symptoms is rooted in selective aberrations of the neural circuitry controlling learned but not innate vocal behaviors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1627-1633, 2019.
Development of the Resident Wellness Scale for Measuring Resident Wellness

Purpose Graduate medical education programs have a responsibility to monitor resident wellness. Residents are at risk of burnout, depression, and suicide. Burnout and depression are associated with poor patient care. Many existing tools measure burnout, depression, and general human well-being, but resident wellness is a distinct construct. We aimed to develop an instrument to measure resident wellness directly. Methods An expert panel from two purposefully different graduate medical education institutions generated a behavior- and experience-based model of resident wellness. The panel and resident leaders from both institutions generated 92 items, which were tested alongside anchor scales measuring burnout, depression, personality, optimism, life satisfaction, and social desirability in a convenience sample of 62 residents. Ten items were selected using a combination of factor analysis, a genetic algorithm, and purposeful selection. The 10-item scale was distributed to 5 institutions at which 376 residents completed it anonymously. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the scale. Results The model of resident wellness aligned with an accepted framework of well-being in the literature. The 10-item Resident Wellness Scale broadly covered the model and correlated meaningfully with anchor scales. The factor structure of the scale suggested sensitivity to meaningful work, life security, institutional support, and social support. Conclusions This novel Resident Wellness Scale is designed to track residents' wellness longitudinally. It is sensitive to aspects of resident wellness that have been shown to reduce burnout and depression and appears to be a psychometrically strong measure of resident wellness.
Mindfulness training for addictions: has neuroscience revealed a brain hack by which awareness subverts the addictive process?

Addiction is an age-old problem with desire pitted against self-control and will-power. In modern day substances (including food) and experiences (e.g. social media, internet gaming) are being increasingly engineered to get individuals ‘hooked’. Current cognitive control and reason-based paradigms may be losing a battle with urges, cravings and triggers that are more ubiquitous than ever (e.g. our smartphones). Yet, these methodologies may be overlooking basic reward-based learning paradigms (operant conditioning) that not only perpetuate addictive behaviors, but may also be the key to their undoing. Understanding core brain systems, including the role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in reward value comparison as part of this learning system may give fresh insight into not only the automaticity and perpetuation of addictions but also how they can be overcome (potentially without relying on cognitive control). Importantly, awareness and mindfulness in particular may be paramount to unlocking the power of reward-based learning to change addictive habit patterns.
Mass imputation for two-phase sampling

Abstract Two-phase sampling is a cost-effective method of data collection using outcome-dependent sampling for the second-phase sample. In order to make efficient use of auxiliary information and to improve domain estimation, mass imputation can be used in two-phase sampling. Rao and Sitter (1995) introduce mass imputation for two-phase sampling and its variance estimation under simple random sampling in both phases. In this paper, we extend the Rao–Sitter method to general sampling design. The proposed method is further extended to mass imputation for categorical data. A limited simulation study is performed to examine the performance of the proposed methods.
Family Support and Supporting Families

School of Law University of California, Davis 400 Mrak Hall Drive Davis, CA 95616 http://www.law.ucdavis.edu UC Davis Legal Studies Research Paper Series Research Paper No. 427 April 2015 Family Support and Supporting Families Courtney G. Joslin This paper can be downloaded without charge from The Social Science Research Network Electronic Paper Collection: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2601124
An Ultra-Wideband Millimeter-wave Antenna using a Novel Pentagon Filling Technique

A 5G ultra-wideband monopole antenna working in millimeter-wave spectrum is being proposed here. Operating band of the antenna is 24.42-40.29 GHz exhibiting an enormous bandwidth of 15.87 GHz. The bandwidth coverage has been achieved by structuring the antenna through a unique method of pentagon filling. Low loss 0.254 mm thick Rogers substrate was used to attain radiation efficiency of more than 95% and a peak gain of 4.86 dBi. The antenna is compact in size with dimensions of 8×7 mm2. The proposed antenna is deemed suitable for future 5G and millimeter-wave communications due to its attractive characteristics.
Comment: Mapping Neutrality Within the Affective Landscape: A Response to Yih, Uusberg, Qian, and Gross:

Yih, Uusberg, Qian, and Gross (2019) proposed an appraisal approach to help conceptualize five different states that researchers have used as neutral control conditions. This approach has the poten...