cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hybrid floating-point/logarithmic number system digital signal processor

The implementation of a novel hybrid floating-point processor is discussed. Additions are performed without any need for exponent alignment, and multiplications and divisions are performed in less time than that required for fixed-point additions. The processor is based on a combination of the logarithmic number system (LNS) representation with the signal digit (SD) representation. The SD number system offers parallelism at the digit level for the implementation of the various operations. A novel technique for parallel conversion of SD to sign-magnitude numbers is developed to enhance the overall design. The proposed processor compares favorably to previously developed hybrid floating-point processor designs. It is at least ten gate delays faster per addition/subtraction and eight gate delays faster per multiplication/division. >
The Sideband Intermediate Frequency Radio Communications System

A communications system is described which eliminates oscillator-frequency drift problems by incorporating an amplitude modulated transmitter modulated by an oscillator tuned to half the intermediate frequency of the receiver. The use of a balance modulator elimates the carrier and allows energy at the two sideband frequencies to be propagated to a receiver. In the receiver these two sidebands are beat against each other to produce the IF signal. No receiver local oscillator is required. Only one high-frequency oscillator, the transmitter carrier oscillator, is used in the entire system, and frequency drift problems are reduced to those of low-frequency oscillators. However, preliminary investigation indicates that a bandwidth of twice that of a regular communications system is required in most cases. The system may prove useful at frequencies between the microwave and infrared regions.
Influence of repeated oxytocic treatments on composition of bovine milk fat.

Abstract Fatty acid composition of bovine milk fat was not affected significantly by prolonged forced milk release. Monoglyceride content increased markedly with this treatment while phospholipid content was depressed slightly. Mastitis, as measured by the California Mastitis Test, Produced little effect on fatty acid composition of milk fat.
Bone Marrow– or Vessel Wall–Derived Osteoprotegerin Is Sufficient to Reduce Atherosclerotic Lesion Size and Vascular Calcification

Objective— Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a decoy receptor for the osteoclast differentiation factor receptor activator of NF-κB ligand. OPG regulates bone homeostasis, and its inactivation in mice results in severe osteoporosis. OPG deficiency in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice results in increased atherosclerotic lesion size and calcification. Furthermore, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand enhances macrophage-dependent smooth muscle cell calcification in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that reconstitution of ApoE−/−OPG−/− mice with ApoE−/−OPG+/+ bone marrow (BM) would be sufficient to rescue lesion progression and vascular calcification. Conversely, reconstitution of ApoE−/−OPG+/+ mice with ApoE−/−OPG−/− BM may accelerate lesion progression and vascular calcification. Approach and Results— ApoE−/−OPG−/− mice transplanted with ApoE−/−OPG+/+ BM developed smaller atherosclerotic lesions and deposited less calcium in the innominate artery than that of ApoE−/−OPG−/− mice transplanted with ApoE−/−OPG−/− BM. There were no differences in lesion size and calcification in ApoE−/−OPG+/+ mice transplanted with BM from ApoE−/−OPG−/− or ApoE−/−OPG+/+ mice. The large lesions observed in the ApoE−/−OPG−/− mice transplanted with OPG−/− BM were rich in chondrocyte-like cells, collagen, and proteoglycans. Importantly, the ApoE−/−OPG−/− mice transplanted with OPG+/+ BM remained osteoporotic, and the ApoE−/−OPG+/+ mice did not show signs of bone loss regardless of the type of BM received. In coculture experiments, macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells derived from ApoE−/−OPG−/− BM induced more vascular smooth muscle cell calcification than cells derived from ApoE−/−OPG+/+ mice. Conclusions— These results indicate that OPG derived either from the BM or from the vessel wall is sufficient to slow down lesion progression and vascular calcification independent of bone turnover. # Significance {#article-title-51}
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A regulatory gene, ptxS: evidence for negative autoregulation.

We have previously described a Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene, ptxR, which enhances exotoxin A production at the transcriptional level. We have also described another gene, ptxS, which is transcribed divergently from ptxR and interferes with the enhancement of exotoxin A synthesis by ptxR. However, the mechanisms through which ptxR and/or ptxS are regulated is not known. In this study, we attempted (by using the DNA gel shift assay) to determine if P. aeruginosa contains a potential regulatory protein that binds specifically to the ptxR or ptxS upstream region. In the initial analysis, different-sized gel shift bands were detected when a probe containing the ptxR-ptxS intergenic region was incubated with the lysate of P. aeruginosa PAO1. The strongest binding activity was detected with a smaller fragment that represents the ptxS upstream region. Additional deletion analysis localized the binding to a 52-bp fragment immediately upstream of ptxS. The gel shift band was not detected when the 52-bp fragment was incubated with the lysate of the ptxS isogenic mutant PAO1::ptxS. However, the binding band was regenerated when a plasmid carrying ptxS intact was introduced into PAO1::ptxS. In addition, the gel shift band was detected when the 52-bp fragment was incubated with a lysate of Escherichia coli in which ptxS was overexpressed from the T7 promoter. The effect of PtxS on ptxS expression was examined by using a ptxS-lacZ fusion plasmid. The level of β-galactosidase activity produced by PAO1::ptxS carrying the fusion plasmid was four- to fivefold higher than that produced by PAO1 carrying the same plasmid. Using DNase I footprinting analysis, the binding region was specified to a 20-bp fragment. Within the fragment, a 14-bp palindromic sequence exists that may function as a PtxS binding site. These results suggest that PtxS autoregulates its synthesis by binding to a specific sequence within the ptxS upstream region.
The Postelection Campaign: Competing Constructions of the Clinton Victory in 1992

This research examines the "contested character" of Bill Clinton's victory in the 1992 election through an application of Q technique and its methodology. A Q-sample comprised of pundits' reflections on the election was sorted by political scientists, journalists, and partisan activists in addition to a sampling of ordinary citizens. Results disclose four distinct versions of Clinton's victory, each with a different story to tell about the election, reasons for the outcome, and what may or may not be taken as lessons from the results. The accounts are examined in light of their distinguishing subjectivity and in relation to political and professional attributes of their proponents. A concluding discussion links these findings to subsequent difficulties with the Clinton administration's efforts to define itself while also citing issues for further research.
Tolerance across discordant xenogeneic barriers

: In contrast to islet transplants, which appear to enjoy privileged survival when transplanted across some species barriers, organ xenografts are subject to vigorous immunologic rejection. Part of this rejection is immediate and is caused by the binding of natural antibodies to vascular endothelial cells, followed by activation of complement and coagulation factors, and hyperacute destruction of the graft. Such hyperacute rejection, in a pig-to-monkey kidney model that we are studying, can be avoided by removal of natural antibodies, which we have accomplished by absorption procedures. However, the cellular immune response to xenografts is also stronger than that to allografts. One might therefore expect the amount of nonspecific immunosuppression that would be required to avoid xenograft rejection to be so great that recipients would succumb to infectious complications. For this reason, we have pursued an approach to discordant xenografting involving the induction of tolerance though establishment of mixed lymphohematopoietic chimerism. We summarize here the present status of these experiments.
Online dictionary learning from big data using accelerated stochastic approximation algorithms

Applications involving large-scale dictionary learning tasks motivate well online optimization algorithms for generally non-convex and non-smooth problems. In this big data context, the present paper develops an online learning framework by jointly leveraging the stochastic approximation paradigm with first-order acceleration schemes. The generally non-convex objective evaluated online at the resultant iterates enjoys quadratic rate of convergence. The generality of the novel approach is demonstrated in two online learning applications: (i) Online linear regression using the total least-squares approach; and, (ii) a semi-supervised dictionary learning approach to network-wide link load tracking and imputation of real data with missing entries. In both cases, numerical tests highlight the potential of the proposed online framework for big data network analytics.
Unusual Occurrence of Clinoptilolite: Fresno County, California

The “sand” fraction of a sample of marine shale (Danian, California) consists almost entirely of nearly uniform spheres of the zeolite clinoptilolite. Individual spheres are polycry-stalline. It is suggested that the zeolite formed diagenetically by alteration of matrix mont-morillonite in the presence of silica-rich pore waters. A suitably reactive silica source formerly was present; badly corroded remnants of diatoms and radiolarians persist.
Improving mass detection by adaptive and multiscale processing in digitized mammograms

A new CAD mass detection system was developed using adaptive and multi-scale processing methods for improving detection sensitivity/specificity, and its robustness to the variation in mammograms. The major techniques developed in system design include: (1) image standardization by applying a series of preprocessing to remove extrinsic signal, extract breast area, and normalize the image intensity; (2) multi- mode processing by decomposing image features using directional wavelet transform and non-linear multi-scale representation using anisotropic diffusion; (3) adaptive processing in image segmentation using localized adaptive thresholding and adaptive clustering; and (4) combined `hard'-`soft' classification by using a modified fuzzy decision tree and committee decision-making method. Evaluations and comparisons were taken with a training dataset containing 30 normal and 47 abnormal mammograms with totally 70 masses, and an independent testing dataset consisting of 100 normal images, 39 images with 48 minimal cancers and 25 images with 25 benign masses. A high detection performance of sensitivity TP equals 93% with false positive rate FP equals 3.1 per image and a good generalizability with TP equals 80% and FP equals 2.0 per image are obtained.
Midas, Cassandra & the Buddha: Curing Delusional Growth Myopia by Focusing on Thriving

This article discusses the problems of current measures of business and economic success and suggests an alternative approach. The mythological memes of Midas, Cassandra, and the Buddha are offered as a means to frame mindsets and to articulate a necessary shift in focus and reprioritization of key performance indicators.Indicators of well-being and technologies for eliminating negative environmental impacts exist. The key problem is that humanity – at every level – has its attention focused on delusional measures of success. A refocus onto measures of ecological and human thriving is an essential step – a sine qua non – for adjusting civilization, including business activity, such that it can survive into the 22nd Century and beyond.A key challenge is that financial growth metrics are deeply embedded in current systems and in the mindsets of people at all levels of current hierarchies. The goal of shifting mindsets and measures of success requires the engagement of many sectors of society, beginning with educational institutions and including managers in the private and public sectors. At the individual, firm, and societal levels, indicators of ecological health and human thriving must be elevated and treated as key measures of success. The stakes of current ecological and societal problems involve the lives and well-being of billions of people. The memes and metaphors discussed here provide a novel way to frame and discuss issues and solutions whose implementation are overdue and desperately needed at the individual, organizational, and collective levels.
STUDIES ON HOST-VIRUS INTERACTIONS IN THE CHICK EMBRYO-INFLUENZA VIRUS SYSTEM VIII. AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS DEEMBRYONATION TECHNICS

The combined passage of influenza A and B viruses in series, as reported by Sugg and Magill, has been confirmed. When the mixed passage materials were not too highly diluted both agents could be traced through 10 transfers. Growth curve experiments revealed that both agents developed independently, as measured by hemagglutination-inhibition tests in the presence of specific immune sera against one or the other type. However, the hemagglutinin titers of the 2 viruses in the mixed series were always substantially lower than those recorded when the strains were used individually as seed in the same concentrations as were employed in the mixed series. Assay of the infectivity titers of the individual strains in the presence of appropriate immune sera led to the demonstration that the time required for the growth cycle of influenza B virus varied with the dose of seed virus. With undiluted infected allantoic fluid as seed only 4 to 5 hours elapsed before new generations of virus were liberated. With increasing 10-fold dilution of the seed the constant period became increasingly longer until it stabilized at 8 to 10 hours. This finding offers an explanation for the seeming discrepancy between the observations on interference between the 2 viruses and the difference reported previously in the extent of their growth periods, on the one hand, and the fact that the 2 agents could be carried simultaneously in series through numerous passages in the chick embryo.
Simultaneous Self-Stimulation and Self-Inhibition of Uredospore Germination

With increasing dosage of bean rust uredospores per unit area or per unit volume of agar substrata, the percent germination of the spores decreased but the length of germ tubes increased. This self...
Instances of Simpson's Paradox

(1985). Instances of Simpson's Paradox. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 209-211.
Phytophagous Insects Reported from Cultivated and Weedy Varieties of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., in North America

This literature review was completed in 1979 as an outgrowth of previous studies by Goeden and Ricker (1974a, 1974b, 1975, 1976a, 1976b, 1976c) on the insect ecology of ragweeds ( Ambrosia spp.) in southern California. In evaluating native ragweed insects as candidate agents for biological weed control in eastern North America (Harris and Piper 1970, Goeden and Ricker 1976c) and the U.S.S.R. (Gilstrap and Goeden 1974, Goeden et al. 1974), their safety for the closely related, cultivated sunflower, Helianthus annuus var. macrocarpus (Decandolle) Cockerell, has been a prime concern. Accordingly, we reviewed the literature on H. annuus insects in North America as one means of determining the host specificities of ragweed insects (ZwoIfer and Harris 1971). We also surveyed the phytophagous insects associated with the wild sunflower, H. annuus var. lenticularis (Douglas) Cockerell, in southern California, viewing this region as a large, natural arena within which the specificities of ragweed insects for the introduced wild sunflower were bioassayed. Results of the latter faunistic survey will be published elsewhere.
Experimental Determination of Lift and Lift Distributions for Wings In Formation Flight

Methods to experimentally determine trailing vortex strengths and spanwise circulation distributions for two wings in formation flight using a flow measurement probe are presented. With these experiments we model compound aircraft flight either docked tip-totip, or flying in formation. Data were collected for the case of a full wing trailing a larger wing. The absence of fixed walls on either end of the wing permits the development of asymmetric shedding of vortices, and the determination of the asymmetric circulation distribution induced by the proximity of the leading wing. The pair consisted of a swept NACA 0012 non-cambered wing simulating one half of a leading aircraft and a rectangular cambered NACA 63-420 wing simulating the trailing aircraft. Velocity and vorticity distributions obtained along a near-field plane were processed to calculate wingtip vortex strengths. Vortex position instabilities and the shedding of vorticity inboard of the wingtips were observed. Circulation distributions for the trailing wing are measured. Comparisons are made to directly measured loads and to results reported earlier. Directly measured lift and drag coefficients were found to agree with existing literature.
Predictors of perioperative outcomes after carotid revascularization

Abstract Background The aim of our study was to compare and identify possible predictors of perioperative outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with carotid artery stenting (CAS) using the procedure-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Methods Patients who underwent CEA or CAS were identified in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2011-2013). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of perioperative outcomes (any stroke or death, myocardial infarction [MI], 30-d readmission and reoperation). Final models were constructed based on the lowest Akaike Information Criterion. Results A total of 10,169 patients underwent carotid revascularization (CEA: 9817 [96.5%] versus CAS: 352 [3.5%]). Most patients were male (61%). Patients who had CAS were younger (mean age [±standard deviation]: 69.1 [±9.7] versus 71.3 [±9.4] y, P versus 29.2%), congestive heart failure (4.8% versus 1.4%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.3% versus 10.2%) (all P P = 0.028). The odds of reoperation were higher in nonwhite patients compared with white patients (adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.97-1.84, P = 0.078). Perioperative MI and readmission were mostly related to patient's age and comorbidities. Conclusions In a national data set representing real-world outcome, CAS is associated with higher odds of postoperative mortality and stroke in comparison to CEA. Carotid revascularization procedure type is not a predictor of postoperative MI or readmission, suggesting that these outcomes are a function of other patient factors. Nonwhite race is a predictor of reoperation.
Environmental Liabilities of Bankrupt Enterprises

With the rapid development of China's economy,the environment and resources have been severely damaged.However,many companies escape from the environmental responsibility,through bankruptcy liquidation.This has to be picked up by the country,society and people from bankrupt enterprises environmental violations.Many environmental resources become the free enterprise business costs.China has so far failed to improve the legal system for the effective regulation and the regulation of such conduct.Protection of the environment has become a social practice and responsibility of the new bankruptcy law and environmental law requirements.
The Design of UrMus as a Meta-Environment for Mobile Music

UrMus is a meta-environment to support mobile music. By aiming to facilitate a design philosophy of openness and flexibility, it provides wide ranging technical support to be leveraged for diverse forms of musical expression on mobile devices. UrMus has evolved over a period of six years to support wide ranging music performance practices such as collaborative mobile live coding, networked mobile performances, and the use of machine-learning in mobile music. By taking a multi-paradigmatic approach, UrMus allows the user investigate representations for mobile music program directly on the mobile device.
Factors that affect Information and Communication Technology Adoption by Small Businesses in China

Emerging economies appear to be powering growth in their regions. While China is seen to lead growth in the emerging markets of Asia, 98% of its manufacturing and production base is powered by small businesses. These businesses represent the majority of all businesses in emerging countries and their growth increases with their successful adoption of Information Technology. As the driving force behind the economic growth of China, Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are shaping the ways in which small businesses are able to grow. The majority of current research into the user acceptance and adoption of ICTs focusses on the perceptions of users in large organizations often in developed countries. Since the growth of an emerging economy such as China is being powered by ICTs, this paper investigates what factors affect the acceptance of ICTs by small business owners in two provinces in China. Following an analysis of data collected from small business in a high growth province and a largely rural province, this paper arrives at a set of factors that affect the acceptance of ICT in China and their outcomes on small business development. Further research is being conducted into the outcomes of acceptance on development.
Ready for Change? Emotions and Resistance in the Face of Social Justice Leadership:

Inspired by true events, this case presents how the Northwestern Elementary leadership team confronts the challenges of deficit thinking on their campus. An action research study uncovers a glaring...
Decreased Mcl-1 protein level in the striatum of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a well-known neurotoxicant that can selectively destroy dopaminergic neurons and MPTP-treated animals are often used as models for studying aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD). While apoptosis has been suggested as a possible mechanism underlying MPTP-induced cell death and several apoptosis-associated proteins have been implicated in MPTP-animal models, relevant information regarding the possible involvement of Mcl-1 (myeloid cell leukemia 1) protein is missing. Mcl-l is an important member of the Bcl-2 family that is thought to be a highly regulated controller of cell death and survival. However, the expression level of Mcl-1 in response to MPTP-treatment has not been examined in any area of the brain previously. In the present study, an acute MPTP treatment regimen was utilized with male C57BL/6 mice (10 mg/kg i.p. injections, 4 times with 2 h intervals) and several protein markers were examined 24-h after the initial injection. Dramatic decreases in the immunoreactivities of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporters were observed. Western-blot analysis and immunocytochemical labeling demonstrated an MPTP-induced decrease in Mcl-1 protein levels in the striatum. In addition, the two proteins BAX and ERK, both of which are also involved in apoptosis signaling, were examined. While the total BAX levels showed no significant difference between the control and MPTP-treated groups, levels of phosphorylated ERK were significantly increased following MPTP-treatment. Since Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein, down-regulation of Mcl-1 following MPTP-treatment would be expected to lead to increased apoptotic activities processes, leading to increased neurodegeneration.
Solitary vs Gaussian Waves Gating of InGaAs/InP Avalanche Photodiode to Stabilize Dark Count Rate as Excess Voltage Increases

A mathematical model for dark count rate of soliton gated InGaAs/InP SPAD is developed. Results are compared with published experimental counts of Gaussian gating. Simulation results show DCR is not affected by increasing VEX.
Tumor thrombus in the large veins draining primary pelvic osteosarcoma on cross sectional imaging.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the frequency of tumor thrombus in the large veins draining primary pelvic osteosarcoma on early cross-sectional imaging studies and its effect on patient survival. Materials and methods Our retrospective study included all patients with primary pelvic osteosarcoma treated at our facility between January 2000 and May 2014, who were ≤ 45 years of age, and had adequate imaging studies and clinical follow up. Four radiologists evaluated for tumor in the large draining veins on initial CT, MRI and PET/CTs. A consensus evaluation by the four radiologists together with findings on operative reports, pathology reports or follow-up imaging was used as the reference standard. Results Thirty-nine patients with primary pelvic osteosarcoma met final inclusion criteria. Tumor thrombus was identified in the large draining veins in 10 of the 22 (45%) patients who underwent tumor resection and 10 of the 17 (59%) who did not. In the 22 patients who underwent tumor resection, tumor thrombus was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.03). Conclusions Tumor thrombus in the large draining veins is identified in a significant proportion of initial imaging studies in patients with pelvic osteosarcoma, and is associated with worse overall survival in patients who undergo tumor resection.
Effect of External Locus‐of‐Hope on Acquired Capability for Suicide

OBJECTIVE Of the three factors posited by Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide as necessary before suicide can occur, increased hope has been shown to reduce two (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness), but, counterintuitively, to increase the 3rd (acquired capability for suicide). A fuller understanding of this phenomenon may lie with Bernardo's locus-of-hope construct-pursuant to which hope may lie not only in one's own plans and capabilities (internal locus-of-hope) but in those of others (external locus-of-hope)-but to date no study has researched the relationship between external locus-of-hope and acquired capability for suicide. METHOD Data from a sample recruited online (N = 193; 88.6% aged 21-49; 59.1% men; 80.3% White) were analyzed using a 3-step hierarchical regression procedure designed to isolate the effects of external locus-of-hope on acquired capability for suicide by holding constant the effects of depression, demographic variables, and internal locus-of-hope. RESULTS Results confirmed that internal locus-of-hope positively predicts acquired capability for suicide and demonstrated that external locus-of-hope has the opposite effect: It is associated with lowered acquired capability for suicide. CONCLUSION It follows that interventions designed to raise one's level of externally located hope have the potential to deter suicidal individuals from actualizing their plans.
Royalties and the Extraction Rate of an Exhaustible Resource

An owner of an extractive resource typically does not extract the resource himself, choosing instead to sell extraction rights in the marketplace. For example, the United States government regularly sells extraction rights to coal, uranium, and petroleum on federal lands. A common feature of most extraction rights leases is payment of a royalty to the owner plus, possibly, a fixed-sum payment.†
Monolithic nanoporous NiFe alloy by dealloying laser processed NiFeAl as electrocatalyst toward oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract In this paper, monolithic nanoporous Ni Fe electrocatalyst is developed by dealloying a Ni Fe Al alloy, fabricated by a laser-based manufacturing method, as the electrocatalyst toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The nanoporous Ni Fe alloy displays an improved electrochemical performance by exhibiting an OER current density of 100 mA/cm2 at 442 mV overpotential in the 1 M KOH aqueous solution, which is better than that of laser processed bulk Ni Fe alloy (464 mV). The structures, crystallinities, and chemical compositions of the nanoporous Ni Fe electrocatalyst are characterized by SEM, XRD and EDXS. With an activity comparable to the electrocatalysts reported to date, the monolithic nanoporous Ni Fe electrodes are also highly flexible in mechanical configurations, due to the combined advantages of both laser and dealloying processes, which provide new options for OER electrode design.
Organ culture modeling of distraction osteogenesis

Bone cell mechanotransduction involves the process by which bone cells sense and coordinate their activity in response to mechanical loading. In vitro and in vivo models are commonly used but may overly simplify (in vitro) or complicate (in vivo) the response making the effects of the load difficult to discern or of questionable clinical relevance. The author previously proposed the use of an organ culture system for mechanotransduction studies. In contrast to previous organ culture research addressing accelerated resorption effects, the goal was to determine if a whole bone organ culture could remain viable in culture for a period of time sufficient to study the short-term response of physiologic loading-induced maintenance/osteogenesis. If successful, the organ culture system would provide more of a biomimetic environment simplifying the systemic response seen in vivo while increasing the biological relevance over in vitro systems. Here we continue with this work. That is, to be useful as a mechanotransduction model, the organ culture system needs to be able to correctly simulate relevant, clinical conditions. In the current paper, the applicability of an organ culture approach to simulate distraction osteogenesis is evaluated and initial effects on bone viability and mechanical performance are presented.
Julie Beacham, president of the Veterinary Management Group, Responds

> I agree that there remains a degree of confusion and some conflicting advice regarding the GDPR and its application in veterinary practice I thank David Harris, Susie Samuel and Edmund Probert for their comments and agree that there remains a degree of confusion and some conflicting advice regarding the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its application in veterinary practice. As an organisation, the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) (formerly the Veterinary Practice Management Association) began providing resources and training on GDPR over a year ago …
Evaluation of A Visual Programming Keyboard on Touchscreen Devices

Block-based programming languages are used by millions of people around the world. Blockly is a popular JavaScript library for creating visual block programming editors. To input a block, users employ a drag-and-drop input style. However, there are some limitations to this input style. We introduce a custom soft keyboard to input Blockly programs. This keyboard allows inputting, changing or editing blocks with a single touch. We evaluated the keyboard users' speed, number of touches, and errors while inputting a Blockly program and compared its performance with the drag-and-drop method. Our keyboard reduces the input errors by 68.37% and the keystrokes by 47.97 %. Moreover, it increases the input speed by 71.26% when compared to the drag-and-drop. The keyboard users perceived it to be physically less demanding with less effort than the drag-and-drop method. Moreover, participants rated the drag-and-drop method to have a higher frustration level. The Blockly keyboard was the preferred input method.
Predictors of low risk for dropout from the liver transplant waiting list for hepatocellular carcinoma in long wait time regions: Implications for organ allocation.

All patients with hepatocellular carcinoma meeting United Network for Organ Sharing T2 criteria currently receive the same listing priority for liver transplant (LT). A previous study from our center identified a subgroup with a very low risk of waitlist dropout who may not derive immediate LT benefit. To evaluate this issue at a national level, we analyzed within the United Network for Organ Sharing database 2052 patients with T2 hepatocellular carcinoma receiving priority listing from 2011 to 2014 in long wait time regions 1, 5, and 9. Probabilities of waitlist dropout were 18.3% at 1 year and 27% at 2 years. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with a lower risk of waitlist dropout included Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Na < 15, Child's class A, single 2- to 3-cm lesion, and α-fetoprotein ≤20 ng/mL. The subgroup of 245 (11.9%) patients meeting these 4 criteria at LT listing had a 1-year probability of dropout of 5.5% vs 20% for all others (P < .001). On explant, the low dropout risk group was more likely to have complete tumor necrosis (35.5% vs 24.9%, P = .01) and less likely to exceed Milan criteria (9.9% vs 17.7%, P = .03). We identified a subgroup with a low risk of waitlist dropout who should not receive the same LT listing priority.
Adaptive functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors: An examination of ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

Background Survivors of pediatric brain tumor are at risk for adaptive difficulties. The present study examined adaptive functioning in a multiethnic sample of survivors accounting for socioeconomic status, and whether demographic, diagnostic, and/or treatment-related variables predict adaptive outcomes. Method Participants included a multiethnic sample of survivors (58 Caucasian, 34 Hispanic, and 22 other non-Caucasian; M age = 14.05 years, SD = 4.33) who were approximately seven years post-treatment. Parents rated adaptive functioning and provided demographic information. Diagnostic and treatment-related information was abstracted from the electronic medical record. Results Parent ratings of adaptive functioning were similar across Caucasian, Hispanic, and other non-Caucasian survivors covarying for family income and primary caregiver education, both of which served as proxies for socioeconomic status. All ethnic groups were rated lower than the normative mean in overall adaptive functioning as well as the specific domains of conceptual, social, and practical skills. Demographic, diagnostic, and treatment-related variables were differentially associated with adaptive functioning in survivors of pediatric brain tumor, though socioeconomic status emerged as a strong significant predictor of adaptive functioning domains. Conclusions Adaptive outcomes do not differ as a function of ethnicity after accounting for primary caregiver education and family income. Racial and ethnic minorities may be at increased risk for poorer outcomes given their overrepresentation at lower income levels. Assessing demographic and treatment-related variables early on may be helpful in identifying children likely to develop adaptive difficulties.
MOD-LSP, MODIS-based parameters for hydrologic modeling of North American land cover change

Earth systems models require gridded land surface properties to compute fluxes of water, energy, and carbon within the landscape and to the atmosphere. However, most parameter sets contain time-invariant properties despite their known variability. Here we present new MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based land surface parameters (MOD-LSP) formatted for the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrologic model that account for seasonal and interannual variability and longer-term change over the continental United States, Mexico, and southern Canada at 0.0625° spatial resolution and monthly temporal resolution. MOD-LSP improves over previously-available parameter sets via: (1) land cover maps of higher native spatial resolution; (2) multiple versions corresponding to the land cover of years 1992, 2001, and 2011; (3) spatially-explicit mean annual cycles of land surface properties, including leaf area index, canopy fraction, and albedo, derived from 17 years of observations; and (4) additional 17-year time series of these properties. The MOD-LSP parameters are useful as inputs to the VIC model, as an example land surface scheme, to assess the hydrologic impacts of land cover change from interannual to decadal scales; and as stand-alone datasets characterizing the temporal variability of these properties as a function of land cover class. Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data (ISA-Tab format)
Reply to Spreng et al.: Multiecho fMRI denoising does not remove global motion-associated respiratory signals

In 2 human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets (89 “ME” subjects; 12 “NA” subjects), we used signal decay properties to separate 2 kinds of signals: S0 artifacts, which were spatially specific, and T2* modulations, which occurred over the whole brain (1). We established that whole-brain (global) fMRI signals were nearly unchanged before and after removal of S0 signals. Hence, most global signals are T2* signals, compatible with neural activity or with respiratory-related pCO2 changes. In a dataset with paired respiratory records (NA data), we illustrated that changes in respiratory traces were temporally accompanied by prominent global signal modulations, an association visible in “gray plots” of single scans (2). Across scans, variance in global signals correlated with variance in respiratory measures. Spreng et al. (3) critique our paper, stating that “there is no definitive evidence . . . that respiration effects . . . even substantively contribute . . . to residual global signal [following removal of S0 … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: jdp9009{at}nyp.org. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Robotic orchestration of organic reactions: yield optimization via an automated system with operator-specified reaction sequences

Application de ce systeme automatise pour l'obtention d'une vinyl sulfone fortement fonctionnalisee
The intersection of capsule gene expression, hypermucoviscosity and hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae

For ∼30 years, two distinct groups of clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae have been recognized. Classical strains (cKp) are typically isolated from patients with some degree of immunocompromise and are not virulent in mouse models of infection whereas hypervirulent strains (hvKp) are associated with community acquired invasive infections and are highly virulent in mouse models of infection. Hyperproduction of capsule and a hypermucoviscous colony phenotype have been strongly associated with the hypervirulence of hvKp strains. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the relationship between capsule gene expression, hypermucoviscosity and hypervirulence. Additionally, genes associated with hyperproduction of capsule and hypermucoviscosity in hvKp strains have been identified in a few cKp isolates. However, it is not clear how the acquisition of these genes impacts the virulence of cKp isolates. A better understanding of the potential risks of these strains is particularly important given that many of them are resistant to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems.
22q11.2 Deletion Status Influences Resource Utilization in Infants Requiring Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot and Common Arterial Trunk

22q11.2 deletion syndrome leads to both cardiac and non-cardiac developmental defects. We aimed to study the impact of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome on in-hospital outcomes in children undergoing surgical repair for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and truncus arteriosus (TA). Using the nationally representative Kids Inpatient Database (KID), we analyzed data from in-hospital pediatric patients for the years 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. We compared the in-hospital outcomes between those with and those without 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. There were 6126 cases of TOF and 968 cases of TA. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome were documented in 7.2% (n = 441) of the TOF and 27.4% (n = 265) of the TA group. 22q11.2 deletion did not significantly increase the risk of mortality in either group: [OR = 1.98 (95% CI 0.99–3.94), adjusted p = 0.053] for TOF and OR = 1.07 (95% CI 0.57–1.99), adjusted p = 0.82 for TA. However, the length of hospitalization was longer in the 22q11.2 deletion group by 8.6 days (95% CI 5.2–12), adjusted p < 0.001 for TOF and by 8.15 days (95% CI 1.05–15.25), adjusted p = 0.025 for the TA group. Acute respiratory failure [10.6% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001] and acute renal failure [6.3% vs 2.6%, p < 0.001] were higher in 22q11.2 deletion cohort within the TOF group but not in the TA group. Though survival is not affected, children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome who undergo surgical repair for TOF and TA use significantly more hospital resources—specifically longer hospital stay and higher hospitalization cost—than those without 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Prenatal or preoperative testing for 22q11deletion is indicated to make appropriate adjustments in parental, caregiver, and administrative expectations.
Mapping the Location of Nucleosomes in Simian Virus 40 chromatin Using the New England Biolabs FS Library Prep Kit.

The location of nucleosomes in chromatin significantly impacts many biological processes including DNA replication, repair and gene expression. A number of techniques have been developed for mapping nucleosome locations in chromatin including MN-Seq (micrococcal nuclease digestion followed by next generation sequencing), ATAC-Seq (Tagamet chromatin fragmentation followed by next generation sequencing), and ChIP-Seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation and fragmentation followed by next generation sequencing). All of these techniques have been successfully used, but each with its own limitations. Recently, New England Biolabs has marketed a new kit, the NEBNext UltraII FS Library Prep kit, for preparing libraries for next generation sequencing from purified genomic DNA. This kit is based on a novel proprietary DNA fragmentation procedure which appears to cleave DNA that is not bound by proteins. Because DNA is fragmented directly in the FS kit, we tested whether the kit might also be useful for mapping the location of nucleosomes in chromatin. Using Simian Virus 40 (SV40) chromatin isolated at different times in an infection, we have compared nucleosome mapping using the NEB FS kit (FS-Seq) to MN-Seq, ATAC-Seq, and ChIP-Seq. Mapping nucleosomes using FS-Seq generated nucleosome profiles similar to those generated by ATAC-Seq and ChIP-Seq in regulatory regions of the SV40 genome. We conclude that FS-Seq is a simple, robust, cost-effective procedure for mapping nucleosomes in SV40 chromatin that should be useful for other forms of chromatin as well. We also present evidence that the FS kit may be useful for mapping the location of transcription factors in chromatin when sequencing reads between 75 and 99 base pairs in size are analyzed.
Psychogenic Movement Disorders

Psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) can present with varied phenomenology that may resemble organic movement disorders. The diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation with a supporting history and classic features on neurologic examination. Ancillary testing, such as imaging and neurophysiologic studies, can provide supplementary information but is not necessary for diagnosis. There is no standard protocol for the treatment of PMDs, but a multidisciplinary approach has been recommended. This review discusses the clinical characteristics of various PMDs as well as ancillary testing, treatment, and research in the pathophysiology of this complex group of disorders.
Pediatric Delirium: a Review of Current Diagnosis and Management in the Intensive Care Setting

We describe preventative management, current screening tools, and treatment strategies for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) delirium. While there is ongoing research regarding medication efficacy for the treatment of delirium, there has been an increased emphasis on screening and prevention strategies. PICU delirium is an underappreciated diagnosis that is associated with increased morbidity and increased length of stay. Strategies to minimize risk of delirium, early recognition of delirium, and mitigation strategies combined with education and engagement of both medical staff and families are of utmost importance. Identification of efficacious medications for the treatment of delirium is ongoing.
Intracranial metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma: a case report and literature review.

Intracranial metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma is rare. A 70-year-old African American male with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma for the last 14 years, presented to our hospital complain...
Long-term X-ray variability of the symbiotic system RT Cru based on Chandra spectroscopy

RT Cru belongs to the rare class of hard X-ray emitting symbiotics, whose origin is not yet fully understood. In this work, we have conducted a detailed spectroscopic analysis of X-ray emission from RT Cru based on observations taken by the Chandra Observatory using the Low Energy Transmission Grating (LETG) on the High-Resolution Camera Spectrometer (HRC-S) in 2015 and the High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) on the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer S-array (ACIS-S) in 2005. Our thermal plasma modeling of the time-averaged HRC-S/LETG spectrum suggests a mean temperature of $kT \sim 1.3$ keV, whereas $kT \sim 9.6$ keV according to the time-averaged ACIS-S/HETG. The soft thermal plasma emission component ($\sim1.3$ keV) found in the HRC-S is heavily obscured by dense materials ($> 5 \times 10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$). The aperiodic variability seen in its light curves could be due to changes in either absorbing material covering the hard X-ray source or intrinsic emission mechanism in the inner layers of the accretion disk. To understand the variability, we extracted the spectra in the "low/hard" and "high/soft" spectral states, which indicated higher plasma temperatures in the low/hard states of both the ACIS-S and HRC-S. The source also has a fluorescent iron emission line at 6.4 keV, likely emitted from reflection off an accretion disk or dense absorber, which was twice as bright in the HRC-S epoch compared to the ACIS-S. The soft thermal component identified in the HRC-S might be an indication of a jet that deserves further evaluations using high-resolution imaging observations.
Trrack: A Library for Provenance-Tracking in Web-Based Visualizations

Provenance-tracking is widely acknowledged as an important feature of visualization systems. By tracking provenance data, visualization designers can provide a wide variety of functionality, ranging from action recovery (undo/redo), reproducibility, collaboration and sharing, to logging in support of quantitative and longitudinal evaluation. However, no widely used library that can provide that functionality is current available. As a consequence, visualization designers either develop ad hoc solutions that are rarely comprehensive, or do not track provenance at all. In this paper, we introduce a web-based software library — Trrack — that is designed for easy integration in existing or future visualization systems. Trrack supports a wide range of use cases, from simple action recovery, to capturing intent and reasoning, and can be used to share states with collaborators and store provenance on a server. Trrack also includes an optional provenance visualization component that supports annotation of states and aggregation of events.