cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Framing, Uncertainty, and Hostile Communications in a Crisis Experiment

During times of crisis, do cognitive processes shape leaders' procurement decisions in predictable ways? Drawing on psychological literature, we propose four factors that may have a substantial influence on how much money leaders engaged in ongoing disputes allocate to their military: (1) striving for superiority versus striving for parity in military resources; (2) uncertainty regarding the characteristics of weapons systems; (3) ambiguity regarding the overall capacities of weapons systems; and (4) the tone of messages that adversaries send to one another. The effects of these factors are investigated using a laboratory simulation that combines both experimental and quasi-experimental elements. The results indicate that striving for superiority has a significant effect on defense spending, as does the tone of an opponent's message. By way of contrast, neither uncertainty nor ambiguity exerts a statistically discernable impact on the level of defense spending. Language: en
A direct method and algorithm for determining the harmonic content of sinusoidal PWM waveforms suitable to low-level DSP and microcontrollers

A method for exact calculation of the harmonic content of the classic three-level sinusoidal PWM waveform for any modulation index is presented. Unlike methods that are based on the double Fourier series and Bessel functions, this method uses only the cosine function and linear algebra operators. As such it is well suited for both simulations and real-time control algorithms. For applications using low-level DSP's and microcontrollers, an approximate method is provided.
Trace element and Pb isotopic constraints on the provenance of the Rosroe and Derryveeny formations, South Mayo, Ireland

ABSTRACT: The Rosroe Formation comprises a series of Lower Ordovician (Llanvirn)conglomerates and sandstones, that lies on the southern limb of the South Mayo Trough, withinthe Iapetus Suture Zone of western Ireland. Trace element chemistry of granite boulders within theformation indicates a continental, rather than a volcanic arc character that can be correlated tolatest Precambrian granites within the Dalradian Metamorphic Block, part of the deformedLaurentian margin. A minority of the clasts may correlate with syn-collisional granites, similar to,but older than, the Oughterard Granite of Connemara. Pb isotope compositions of K-feldspargrains within the sandstones, measured by both ion microprobe and conventional massspectrometry, show a clear Laurentian a† nity, albeit with greater source variability in the sandgrains compared to a limited range in the proximal boulders. Palaeo-current indicatorsdemonstrate dominant derivation from the NE, with a signi® cant axial E± W ¯ ow. We proposethat the Rosroe Formation records unroo® ng of a rapidly exhuming Dalradian metamorphic beltin North Mayo, following extensional collapse of the Grampian Orogen starting at»468Ma,withminor input from a southerly arc source. The lack of metamorphic input from the S untildeposition of the Derryeeny Conglomerate argues that the Connemara terrane was not positionedS of South Mayo Trough through strike-slip faulting until after the end of Rosroe sedimentation(460± 443Ma).KEY WORDS: Caledonides, Connemara, Dalradian, geochemistry, isotopesThe early Llanvirn Rosroe Formation is a prominent, coarse-grained sequence of sandstones and conglomerates exposedon the southern limb of the South Mayo Trough of westernIreland (Fig. 1). The South Mayo Trough is unusual in beinglocated in the suture zone, but without having su• ered strongdeformation or metamorphism. Although it has been variouslyinterpreted in the past, a consensus now agrees that the troughrepresents the forarc to an intra-oceanic Lough Nafooey Arc(Dewey & Shackleton 1984). Deposited within the suturezone, the Rosroe Formation is ideally located to constrainthe timing and erosional response to docking of the apparentlyoceanic Lough Nafooey island arc and its forearc basin (SouthMayo Trough) against the passive margin of Laurentia. TheEarly Ordovician arc-continent collision event is consideredto be the cause of subsequent Grampian Orogeny (Dewey S Dewey & Ryan 1990; van Staal
Attentional Modulation of Brain Responses to Primary Appetitive and Aversive Stimuli

Studies of subjective well-being have conventionally relied upon self-report, which directs subjects’ attention to their emotional experiences. This method presumes that attention itself does not influence emotional processes, which could bias sampling. We tested whether attention influences experienced utility (the moment-by-moment experience of pleasure) by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the activity of brain systems thought to represent hedonic value while manipulating attentional load. Subjects received appetitive or aversive solutions orally while alternatively executing a low or high attentional load task. Brain regions associated with hedonic processing, including the ventral striatum, showed a response to both juice and quinine. This response decreased during the high-load task relative to the low-load task. Thus, attentional allocation may influence experienced utility by modulating (either directly or indirectly) the activity of brain mechanisms thought to represent hedonic value.
Greenhouse gases emissions from selected crops growing within organic farming

As part of the study, growing of selected crops (strawberries, garlic, carrot) in conventional and organic farming systems in the Czech Republic was evaluated. For evaluation, the simplified LCA analysis was used. It is focused on the production of greenhouse gases expressed in the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) per one unit of production. Emissions were calculated for agricultural phases – agricultural technology, fertilizers, pesticides and field emissions – using the IPCC methodology. There are evident differences in subprocesses and in the total emission load between conventional and organic farming systems. With strawberry growing, the GHG emission production is higher within the organic farming system due to low yields. With carrot and garlic growing, the organic farming system is more environmental friendly in terms of GHG emissions. Keywords: organic farming, GHG emissions, plant production, LCA
Cultural Heritage Conservation Easements: The Problem of Using Property Law Tools for Heritage Protection

Conservation easements are quickly becoming a favored tool for protection of cultural heritage. Perpetual encumbrances on the use of private land, most cultural heritage conservation easements are held by private conservation organizations known as land trusts. With minimal public oversight, land trusts decide which lands to protect in perpetuity and what the rules regarding use of those lands should be. A variety of concerns arise when protection of cultural heritage resides with private organizations. First, as governments abdicate cultural heritage protection to private organizations, the public’s role in site protection shifts. When private organizations and landowners negotiate which properties to protect and how to protect them, some culturally important sites go unprotected. Privatizing protection of cultural sites may reduce the ability of some members of the public to become involved in the decision of what to protect as well as hamper public oversight and enforcement of land-use restrictions. It may even reduce overall protection as public entities remove themselves from the cultural heritage protection game, ceding the territory to land trusts. Second, private perpetual restrictions problematize the balance between intergenerational rights and present responsibilities. Reverence of past cultural events and properties may hamper future growth as users of conservation easements restrict properties in perpetuity without enabling communities to revisit or modify the restrictions. Third, conservation easements may be protecting sites that were not in danger of exploitation. In such cases, conservation easements subsidize landowners with questionable public benefits. Finally, using conservation easements to protect sacred sites commoditizes cultural heritage. Paying people to protect cultural heritage could degrade cultural heritage or civic responsibility.
Fighting Back Against Achievement Culture: Cheating as an Act of Rebellion in a High-Pressure Secondary School

This article argues that document analysis can add a more nuanced understanding of student ethical reasoning and enhance current approaches to cheating research. To demonstrate the benefits of this approach, I examine the cheating epidemic at Stuyvesant High School through editorials in their school newspaper. Stuyvesant is known for academically talented students focused on elite college admission. My findings suggest that the influence of achievement culture on cheating is more complex than what was captured by the school’s internal cheating survey or in traditional cheating research. Further, contrary to existing expectations, students do not collaborate purely to boost their own academic performance. In a system they define as unfair and rigged, they collaborate even when it puts them at an academic disadvantage. The finding that there is a sense of communal rebellion against their achievement-oriented context demonstrates the efficacy of document analysis as a complementary approach for understanding...
Survey of College Students' Problems Identified by the Mooney Problem Check List:

Freshmen and sophomores (79 males, 62 females) at a commuter college in an industrial area were administered the Mooney Problem Check List. The Future ranked second highest in terms of serious problems for males but last for females. Social-Psychological Relations ranked third (tie) highest as a serious problem for females but only eighth highest for males. Males admitted to having not only more problems than females but also more serious problems. In addition, males indicated more of a willingness to talk over their problems with a trained person.
An Analysis of 490 HIV-infected MSMs in Kunming

Objective To find out the situation and tendency of HIV infection among MSM in Kunming(Yunnan Province).Methods The subjects were MSMs who received HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Kunming Center for Disease Control and Prevention from January 2007 to December 2008.We analyzed the information on their behaviors and information on demography.Results 490 MSMs received HIV tests,among whom those aging from 20 to 39 accounted for 73.1%.The results showed that 53 of them were HIV positive,with the infection rate of 10.82%.259 of them(52.86%)received their first HIV tests.43 of them(8.78%)got referral service.Conclusions HIV infection rate among MSMs in Kunming is rising continuously and this tends to result in epidemic outbreak.Therefore,various measures of intervention among this population become urgent and important.
Lumbar Mobility and Performance-Based Function: An Investigation in Older Adults with and without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective . To explore potential differences in lumbar mobility between older adults with and without chronic low back pain, and to determine if lumbar mobility contributes to physical performance in both groups. We hypothesized that older adults with pain would have greater lumbar mobility impairments than pain-free peers, and that lumbar mobility would be associated with performance in both groups, with stronger relationships among those with pain. Design . Matched case-control. Setting. Research laboratory. Patients. Community-dwelling older adults, aged 60–85 years, with (N = 54) and without (N = 54) chronic low back pain. Methods . Inclinometer-measured maximal angles of lumbar flexion, extension, and average side-bending, as well as time to complete performance measures, Repeated Chair Rise and Timed-Up-and-Go, were measured in both groups. Analysis of variance was used to explore the difference in lumbar mobility between groups. Adjusted linear regression was used to assess the independent relationship between lumbar mobility and physical function in both groups. Results . Those with pain had smaller angles of flexion ( P = 0.029) and extension ( P = 0.013). In the pain group, flexion explained 19% ( P = 0.001) and 8.9% ( P = 0.006) of the variance for time to complete the Repeated Chair Rise and Timed Up-and-Go tests, respectively. In the pain-free group, extension explained 12.7% ( P = 0.007) and 10.3% ( P = 0.008) of the variance for time to complete Repeated Chair Rise and Timed Up-and-Go tests, respectively. Conclusion . Older adults with chronic low back pain have more lumbar mobility impairments. Lumbar mobility may be a contributing factor to decreased performance in older adults. Flexion may be most important to performance in those with pain, while extension may be vital in those without pain.
Horizontal Saccadic Eye Movements to Visual and Auditory-Visual Double-Step Stimuli: Saccade Characteristics and Neural Input Estimations

Goal-oriented human saccades were recorded under double-step paradigm. The stimuli consisted of either visual or auditory-visual bi-sensory targets. Eye movement data were analyzed based on a 3rd-order linear horizontal saccadic eye movement model, where the inputs to the muscle were agonist and antagonist active-state tensions that were described by pulse-slide-step waveforms with a post inhibitory rebound burst (PIRB) based on a timeoptimal controller. Parameter estimations were calculated using the system identification technique for saccade parameters and neural inputs. Saccade amplitude transition function (ATF) and response latency indicated the saccade programming mechanism. The responses were affected by when the second peripheral target was presented. The neural input estimations supported the responsive neuron populations in the superior colliculus under different stimulus conditions, and indicated the double-step visual or auditory-visual stimulus may affect the synchrony of neuron firing. The study described here expanded our previous work and further supported the muscle model as well as the theory of the time-optimal saccade controller under physiological constraints.
Association Between Inpatient Sleep Loss and Hyperglycemia of Hospitalization

OBJECTIVE To determine whether inpatient sleep duration and efficiency are associated with a greater risk of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients with and without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study, medical inpatients ≥50 years of age were interviewed, and their charts were reviewed to obtain demographic data and diagnosis. Using World Health Organization criteria, patients were categorized as having normal blood glucose, impaired fasting blood glucose, or hyperglycemia based on morning glucose from the electronic health record. Wrist actigraphy measured sleep. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models, controlling for subject random effects, tested the association between inpatient sleep duration and proportional odds of hyperglycemia versus impaired fasting blood glucose or impaired fasting blood glucose versus normal blood glucose in hospitalized adults. RESULTS A total of 212 patients (60% female and 74% African American) were enrolled. Roughly one-third (73, 34%) had diabetes. Objective inpatient sleep measures did not differ between patients with or without diabetes. In ordinal logistic regression models, each additional hour of in-hospital sleep was associated with an 11% (odds ratio 0.89 [95% CI 0.80, 0.99]; P = 0.043) lower proportional odds of a higher glucose category the next morning (hyperglycemia vs. elevated and elevated vs. normal). Every 10% increase in sleep efficiency was associated with an 18% lower proportional odds of a higher glucose category (odds ratio 0.82 [95% CI 0.74, 0.89]; P CONCLUSIONS Among medical inpatients, both shorter sleep duration and worse sleep efficiency were independently associated with greater proportional odds of hyperglycemia and impaired fasting glucose.
Investigating the Variation of Ensemble Size on Bagging-Based Classifier Performance in Imbalanced Bioinformatics Datasets

Bagging ensemble techniques have been utilized effectively by practitioners in the field of bioinformatics to alleviate the problem of class imbalance and to improve the performance of classification models. However, many previous works have used bagging only with a single arbitrary number of iterations. In this study, we raise the question of what is the impact of altering the number of iterations/ensembles on the classification performance of bagging classifiers? To answer this question, we conducted an empirical study using four different choices of number of iterations (10, 20, 50, and 100) within the bagging algorithm, across 15 different imbalanced bioinformatics datasets. Our results indicate that the choice of 50 iterations performs slightly better than all others without any exception, but the difference in performance is statistically insignificant. Thus, we recommend bagging with 10 iterations because, it achieves quality classification results, additional iterations do not significantly improve performance, and, a smaller number of iterations would be computationally less costly. The unique contribution of this work is to examine the effects of the number of iterations on the classification performance of bagging classifiers in the context of imbalanced datasets in the bioinformatics field.
Application of Coaching and Behavioral Skills Training During a Preschool Practicum With a College Student With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The current study looked at the effects of coaching using behavioral skills training (BST) outlined by Parsons, Rollyson, and Reid. The participant was a young adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) enrolled in a preschool practicum course as part of the early childhood special education (ECSE) licensure program at the university that she attended. Impairment in social pragmatics and executive functioning are associated with ASD and are critical for engaging in an evaluative and analytic process necessary for success as an ECSE teacher. Coaching, using the BST model paired with observation and immediate feedback in the practicum environment, was used to systematically address the participant’s deficits in social pragmatics and executive functioning as it related to the practicum setting. The current applied study relied on a single-case demonstration to measure treatment outcomes and inform clinical decision making. Dependent measures in the study included visual scanning, verbal interactions, and enga...
Evidence for rapid topographic evolution and crater degradation on Mercury from simple crater morphometry

Examining the topography of impact craters and their evolution with time is useful for assessing how fast planetary surfaces evolve. Here, new measurements of depth/diameter (d/D) ratios for 204 craters of 2.5 to 5 km in diameter superposed on Mercury's smooth plains are reported. The median d/D is 0.13, much lower than expected for newly formed simple craters (~0.21). In comparison, lunar craters that postdate the maria are much less modified, and the median crater in the same size range has a d/D ratio that is nearly indistinguishable from the fresh value. This difference in crater degradation is remarkable given that Mercury's smooth plains and the lunar maria likely have ages that are comparable, if not identical. Applying a topographic diffusion model, these results imply that crater degradation is faster by a factor of approximately two on Mercury than on the Moon, suggesting more rapid landform evolution on Mercury at all scales.
Measurable process selection theorem and non-autonomous inclusions

A semi-process is an analog of the semi-flow for non-autonomous differential equations or inclusions. We prove an abstract result on the existence of measurable semi-processes in the situations where there is no uniqueness. Also, we allow solutions to blow up in finite time and then obtain local semi-processes.
Hybrid Nitric Oxide Donor and its Carrier for the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Diseases

Nitric oxide (NO) has been known to promote physiological angiogenesis to treat peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) by increasing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in endothelial cells (ECs) and preventing platelet adherence and leukocyte chemotaxis. However, the ongoing ischemic event during peripheral ischemia produces superoxide and diminishes the NO bioavailability by forming toxic peroxynitrite anion. Here we disclose an efficacious hybrid molecule 4-(5-Amino-1,2,3-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinol (SA-2) containing both antioxidant and NO donor functionalities that provide a therapeutic level of NO necessary to promote angiogenesis and to protect ECs against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Compound SA-2 scavenged reactive oxygen species, inhibited proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and promoted the tube formation from ECs. Copolymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with SA-2 provided a sustained release of NO over days, improved aqueous stability in serum, protected ECs against oxidative stress, and enhanced angiogenesis under stress conditions as compared to that of the control in the in vitro matrigel tube formation assay. These results indicated the potential use of SA-2 nanoparticles as an alternative therapy to treat PAD.
Improving offensive cyber security assessments using varied and novel initialization perspectives

Offensive cyber security assessment methods such as red teaming and penetration testing have grown in parallel with evolving threats to evaluate traditional and diverging attack surfaces. This paper provides a taxonomy of ethical hacker conducted offensive security assessments by categorization of their initial evaluation perspectives. Included in this taxonomy are the traditional assessment perspectives which initiate analysis and attack simulation against networks either externally, from within a DMZ or internally. A novel paradigm of critical perspective as an initial point for offensive security evaluation processes is also presented. This initialization from a critical perspective bolsters the holistic capabilities of offensive cyber security assessment by providing a new offensive security assessment option intended to begin evaluation at the last line of defense between malicious actors and the crown jewels of an organization. Then from such a perspective assess outwards from the deepest levels of trust and security. This method will be shown to improve the ability to mitigate the impact of threats regardless of their originating from within or without an organization. As such, the assessment initialization at a critical perspective provides a new approach to offensive security assessment different from what has traditionally been practiced by red teams and penetration testers.
Streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia stimulates molecular signaling that promotes cell cycle reentry in mouse hippocampus

Abstract Aims Cerebral atrophy resulting from neurodegeneration is highly prevalent in individuals with diabetes; however, the underlying mechanisms for diabetic neurodegeneration are not fully understood. Here we hypothesized that hyperglycemia induces molecular signaling that favors induction of proliferation in post mitotic, fully differentiated hippocampal neurons. Materials and methods Streptozotocin (150 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to four months old male mice to induce diabetes. Hippocampal tissue was subjected to molecular analysis of wingless-related integration site, extracellular signal regulated kinase, and brain derived neurotrophic factor signaling, and cell cycle regulation. Key findings Hyperglycemia did not alter wingless-related integration site signaling or cyclin E levels in the hippocampus. There were reductions in extracellular signal regulated kinase activation and brain derived neurotrophic factor levels along with elevated cyclin D1 levels. Significance These findings indicate that hyperglycemic conditions can stimulate cell cycle progression in the hippocampus in vivo. These new insights into the disease mechanisms could support the development of novel therapeutics aimed to provide neuroprotection in diabetic patients.
Magnetic Materials: Experimental Evidence of Chiral Ferrimagnetism in Amorphous GdCo Films (Adv. Mater. 27/2018)

Author(s): Streubel, Robert; Lambert, Charles-Henri; Kent, Noah; Ercius, Peter; N'Diaye, Alpha T; Ophus, Colin; Salahuddin, Sayeef; Fischer, Peter
Structure, Composition and Energy of Solid–Solid Interfaces

Abstract This article describes the structure, composition and energy of homophase and heterophase interfaces in metal alloys. Such interfaces include grain and twin boundaries, antiphase boundaries, and a number of different types of precipitate interfaces found in diffusional and martensitc phase transformations. The article describes quantitative methods that have been developed to understand and characterize the defect content of the interfaces, as well as the compositional changes that occur at the interfaces in alloys, including segregation. The quantitative analyses are compared with available experimental and/or computational data to illustrate their validity and to better understand the origin of the interfacial energy, an important thermodynamic property of the interfaces.
Initial results from the BNL dedicated simultaneous PET-MRI breast imaging system prototype

349 Objectives A dedicated simultaneous breast PET-MRI system is being developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory utilizing the modular approach developed in the RatCAP system. The BNL breast PET ring will have an inner diameter of 145 mm and an axial length of 96 mm. The scanner will consist of 210 detector blocks, each comprising of a 4 x 8 array of 2.2 x 2.2 x 20 mm3 LSO crystal coupled directly to a non-magnetic APD. The scanner will act as an insert that will fit inside a dedicated breast MRI RF coil hence enabling simultaneous PET-MRI imaging of the breast. Methods A prototype system has been developed by connecting two separate RatCAP flex circuits end to end. The ring is capable of holding 24 detector blocks. As a first step, we populated the ring with 12 detector blocks using 5 mm longLSO crystals and tested its coincidence capability and MRI compatibility. MRI tests were conducted by placing the prototype inside the Aurora 1.5 T dedicated breast MRI. Results Preliminary results have demonstrated the coincidence capability of the modular PET system. MRI tests with the PET insert have shown good signal intensity and fat suppression capability. Conclusions We have now assembled a prototype system, in which the PET ring is fully populated with 24 detector blocks consisting of 4x8 arrays of 2.2. x 2.2 x 15 mm3 LYSO crystals. The scanner has an inner diameter of approximately 100 mm and an axial extent of 18.5 mm. PET performance measures with emphasis on spatial resolution and depth of interaction effects due to the use of longer crystals will be presented. Research Support This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (OBER) under Prime Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886
The effects of waterlogging on rooting of soft red winter wheat

ABSTRACT Rhizosphere oxygen diffusion rates (ODR) that are deficient (66 ≥ 33 μg m 2 /s) to critical ( 2 /s) for wheat ( Triticum aestivum L., cv. Stacy) root growth are common during winter and early spring in a Southern Piedmont, USA, Cecil sandy loam (Typic Hapludult). A field study evaluated the relationships among rhizosphere ODR, soil temperature, and root growth during the wheat plants' reproductive phase. Minirhizotron and color video camera techniques were used to make root counts. Plants were grown with deficient and adequate ODR treatments. Soil water potential was monitored with tensiometers at 0.15 and 0.3 m depths. Supplemental water was added to the deficient ODR plots to maintain the 0.15 m depth soil water potential above -7 kPa, which is the deficient to critical ODR range. Platinum microelectrodes were used to measure ODR at the 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.45 m depths in the ODR-deficient plots. Soil water potential in the adequate ODR plots was less than -7 kPa during the plants' reproductive phase. Root counts were made on ten sampling dates during the reproductive period. Deficient ODR resulted in significantly (t-test) fewer roots at the 0.9 and 1.0 m depths for 8 and 9 sampling dates, respectively. Analysis of variance of transformed root counts detected significantly different rooting for depth, ODR treatment by depth, day, ODR treatment by day, and ODR treatment by depth by day. The best soil temperature for root growth appeared to be 15°C. Winter crops grown in the Southern Piedmont region, USA, should achieve higher yields with root systems adapted to deficient and critical soil ODR.
Vascular Complications in Laparoscopic and Robotic Urologic Surgery

Vascular injuries are among the most common major complications associated with laparoscopic urology. They can be the most devastating complications leading to blood loss, conversion to open surgery, multiple organ failure, shock, or death. These injuries may occur during any part of the procedure, while gaining laparoscopic access, during tissue dissection or isolating and ligating vascular structures.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Urinary Bladder: A Case Report.

Background: Aggressive large tumors of the bladder are not always malignant or invasive. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the bladder, a typically benign lesion, is challenging to diagnose as it presents similarly to other malignant disease processes. Awareness of the specific pathological features of these rare tumors is necessary to promote accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment. Case Presentation: We discuss a case of a 51-year-old Caucasian man who presented with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy demonstrated a large, sessile bladder mass concerning for bladder cancer. After an aggressive transurethral resection of this mass, pathology demonstrated an IMT. Lesions of this nature are extremely rare in the bladder and present similarly to an invasive bladder tumor. Conclusion: IMT is a rare typically benign tumor in the urinary bladder with a presentation concerning for malignant disease. Transurethral resection of the tumor is the standard for diagnosis; however, immunohistochemistry can be useful in distinguishing IMT from other spindle cell malignancies. After initial treatment with transurethral resection, patients have an ∼1.6% chance of lesion recurrence within 6 months. Given these findings, treatment with transurethral resection of bladder tumor in combination with routine cystoscopy and CT urogram every 3 to 6 months is adequate and reasonable for monitoring for local recurrences in the majority of cases.
Anatomical explanations of the pathogenesis of proximal hypospadias

Aims: The aim of this study was to try to explain the pathogenesis of proximal hypospadias based on anatomical and histological findings. Methods: During 9 years, we performed systematic biopsies (in the lateral areas of the urethral plate, as well as under this plate) in 81 patients treated for proximal hypospadias. The histological study was performed by routine coloring, hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson's trichrome, which colors the collagen fibers in blue, and monoclonal antibody against alpha-smooth muscle actin. Results: There is a fibrosis tissue abnormally present on the ventral side of the penis. This tissue consists of a mixture of fibrous connective tissue, nerve nets, short vessels, and smooth muscle fibers. The penis' dartos does not contain smooth muscle fibers. These fibers can come from a blood vessel or spongy tissue which existed during the neonatal period in the distal part of the penis before disappearing. Conclusions: The proximal hypospadias is due presumably to avascular necrosis of the distal part poorly vascularized of the corpus spongiosum.
Psychocognitive sequelae of critical illness and correlation with 3 months follow up.

Abstract Purpose Over a third of critical illness survivors manifest significant psychocognitive impairments following discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). It is not known which patient populations are at highest risk or if assessment at ICU discharge can guide outpatient treatment prioritization. Materials and methods Prospective single center study in an academic medical center encompassing six types of ICUs assessed prevalence of psychocognitive morbidity based on ICU type and associations between initial and 3 month follow-up evaluation. Adult patients with >48 h ICU stays completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (MoCA-blind). Results Of 299 patients who underwent initial assessment, 174 (58%) completed follow-up. Length of stay, MoCA-Blind, HADS-A/D and IES-R scores were similar across ICUs. Most commonly observed impairment in-hospital was cognitive (58%) followed by anxiety (45%), acute stress (39%) and depression (37%). There were significant correlations between in-hospital and follow-up psychocognitive outcomes. Conclusions There was no significant difference in impairment by ICU type. Significant correlation between the initial assessment and follow-up scores suggests that early screening of high risk patients may identify those at greatest risk of sustained morbidity and facilitate timely intervention.
Large price movements in housing markets

Abstract This paper examines large price run-ups with potential subsequent crashes and large price declines with potential subsequent rebounds in state-level and metropolitan-area-level housing markets in the U.S. over the past 40 years. We find that a sharper run-up in house prices predicts a higher probability of a crash, but a sharper decline does not necessarily predict a higher probability of a rebound. Changes in the effective interest rate in the local market can predict housing returns following large price run-ups, while it is harder to use the same factors to predict returns following large price declines. Such characteristics are robust to different thresholds of price movements.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from patients with SLE maintain an interferon signature during in vitro culture.

Abstract Background We have previously shown that SLE BMSC have decreased proliferation, increased ROS, increased DNA damage and repair (DDR), a senescence associated secretory phenotype, and increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase. We have also shown SLE BMSC produce increased amounts of interferon beta (IFNβ), have increased mRNA for several genes induced by IFNβ, and have a pro-inflammatory feedback loop mediated by a MAVS. To better understand the phenotype of SLE BMSC we conducted mRNA sequencing. Methods Patients fulfilling SLE classification criteria and age and sex matched healthy controls were recruited under an Institutional Review Board approved protocol. Bone marrow aspirates and peripheral blood samples were obtained. BMSC were isolated and grown in tissue culture. Early passage BMSC were harvested and mRNA samples were sent for RNAseq. Serum samples were assayed for IFNβ by ELISA. Results On the basis of top differentially expressed genes between SLE and healthy controls, SLE patients with high levels of serum IFNβ clustered together while SLE patients with low levels of IFNβ clustered with healthy controls. Those genes differentially expressed in SLE patients generally belonged to known IFN pathways, and showed a strong overlap with the set of genes differentially expressed in IFNβ high subjects, per se. Moreover, gene expression changes induced by treating healthy BMSC with exogenous IFNβ were remarkably similar to gene expression differences in SLE IFNβ high vs low BMSC. Conclusions BMSCs from SLE patients are heterogeneous. A subgroup of SLE BMSC is distinguished from other SLE BMSC and from controls by increased levels of mRNAs induced by type I interferons. This subgroup of SLE patients had increased levels of IFNβ in vivo.
Three Dimensional Coordinate Methodology to Determine Impella Device Positioning and Potential Impact on Mitral Regurgitation

Impella devices provide temporary mechanical circulatory support by means of a catheter based system with a microaxial rotor pump to establish continuous flow from the inflow port (IP) in the left ventricle to the outflow port in the aorta. The device has a large degree of mobility. Initial placement and repositioning are typically guided with two dimensional echocardiography, (2DE) using the parasternal long axis view (PLAX). The user's manual suggests placement of the device such that the inflow port is 3-4cm below the aortic valve (AV). This recommendation does not directly address the importance of the inflow port's position relative to the mitral apparatus. We developed a novel methodology to better quantify Impella position and assess its impact on the mitral valve. We analyzed 21 echocardiograms of patients with Impella devices in the left ventricle that had adequate 3DE images as well as assessment of MR. We used the AV and mitral valve (MV) coaptation points to establish a cylindrical coordinate system to map the device as it “travels” through the ventricle (Fig. 1). Using these points as landmarks, we were able to quantify the device's position relative to key anatomical structures. Z is the distance measured from the AV plane at the “origin”. The plane defined by theta is oriented such that the vertical axis (corresponding to π and 3/2π) bisects the aortic valve and the mitral valve. Using a full 360° range as opposed to a symmetrical 180° system provides coordinate data that can distinguish between lateral and septal facing positions. Employing this coordinate data, we compared these positions to degree of MR (acquired from the study report). Results: The majority of devices were positioned such that the IP was in Q4 or Q3 (12/21 and 7/21, respectively, Fig. 2). In two groups stratified by severity of MR, moderate to severe & none to mild, we found that distance between the IP and the MV was shorter in the moderate-severe group (umoderate-severe=.84cm, unone-mild=1.5cm; Student's T p=0.028, 1-tailed; Fig. 4). Conclusions: This novel methodology appears to provide a more robust quantitative analysis of the 3D positioning of the Impella IP. Proximity of the IP to the MV is associated with MR.
Role of cilia in the pathogenesis of congenital heart disease

An essential role for cilia in the pathogenesis of congenital heart disease (CHD) has emerged from findings of a large-scale mouse forward genetic screen. High throughput screening with fetal ultrasound imaging followed by whole exome sequencing analysis recovered a preponderance of cilia related genes and cilia transduced cell signaling genes among mutations identified to cause CHD. The perturbation of left-right patterning in CHD pathogenesis is suggested by the association of CHD with heterotaxy, but also by the finding of the co-occurrence of laterality defects with CHD in birth defect registries. Many of the cilia and cilia cell signaling genes recovered were found to be related to Hedgehog signaling. Studies in mice showed cilia transduced hedgehog signaling coordinates left-right patterning with heart looping and differentiation of the heart tube. Cilia transduced Shh signaling also regulates later events in heart development, including outflow tract septation and formation of the atrioventricular septum. More recent work has shown mutations in cilia related genes may also contribute to valve disease that largely manifest in adult life. Overall, these and other findings show cilia play an important role in CHD and also in more common valve diseases.
A Fresh Start: How to Address Regulations Suspended During the Coronavirus Crisis

As the COVID-19 crisis intensified, policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels started suspending or rescinding laws and regulations that hindered sen
Development and validation of a biomonitoring method to measure As, Cr, and Ni in human urine samples by ICP-UCT-MS.

Abstract We developed an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method using Universal Cell Technology (UCT) with a PerkinElmer NexION ICP-MS, to measure arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in human urine samples. The advancements of the UCT allowed us to expand the calibration range to make the method applicable for both low concentrations of biomonitoring applications and high concentrations that may be observed from acute exposures and emergency response. Our method analyzes As and Ni in kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode with helium (He) gas, and Cr in dynamic reaction cell (DRC) mode with ammonia (NH3) gas. The combination of these elements is challenging because a carbon source, ethanol (EtOH), is required for normalization of As ionization in urine samples, which creates a spectral overlap (40Ar12C+) on 52Cr. This method additionally improved lab efficiency by combining elements from two of our previously published methods(Jarrett et al., 2007; Quarles et al., 2014) allowing us to measure Cr and Ni concentrations in urine samples collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) beginning with the 2017–2018 survey cycle. We present our rigorous validation of the method selectivity and accuracy using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRM), precision using in-house prepared quality control materials, and a discussion of the use of a modified UCT, a BioUCell, to address an ion transmission phenomenon we observed on the NexION 300 platform when using higher elemental concentrations and high cell gas pressures. The rugged method detection limits, calculated from measurements in more than 60 runs, for As, Cr, and Ni are 0.23 μg L-1, 0.19 μg L-1, and 0.31 μg L-1, respectively.
Automatic phonetic classification of vocalic allophones in Tol

The aim of the present study involving automatic phonetic classification of /e/ and /u/ tokens in Tol is two-fold: first, I test existing claims about allophonic variation within these vowel classes, and second, I investigate allophonic variation within these vowel classes that has yet to be documented. The acoustic phonetic classifications derived in the present study contribute to a more detailed understanding of the allophonic systems operating within the Tol language. Operationalizing machine learning algorithms to investigate under-resourced, indigenous languages has the potential to provide detailed insights into the acoustic phonetic dynamics of a diverse range of vocalic systems.
A High Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated With Increased Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Objectives: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is an inexpensive and simple inflammatory marker. A higher ratio, indicative of an acute hyperinflammatory response or diminished overall physiologic health status, has been associated with poor prognoses. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of admission neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients admitted to the medical ICU with coronavirus disease 2019. Design: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Setting: Medical ICU from a large medical center. Patients: 2,071 consecutive patients admitted to the medical ICU with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 between March 15, 2020, and December 30, 2020, were grouped by neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio above or below the median (7.45) at the time of hospital admission. Interventions: Complete blood count with differential at the time of hospital admission. Measurements and Main Results: A neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio above 7.45 at the time of hospital admission was associated with increased need for mechanical ventilation (45.8% vs 38.0%, p < 0.0001), vasopressor therapy (55.6% vs 48.2%, p = 0.001), and decreased survival through 180 days (54.8% vs 67.0%, p < 0.0001). Patients with a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio exhibited a 1.32 (95% CI, 1.14-1.54) times greater risk of mortality than those with a low neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Conclusions: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio at the time of hospital admission is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. This prognostic indicator may assist clinicians appropriately identify patients at heightened risk for a severe disease course and tailor treatment accordingly.
Comparing Information in General Monotone Decision Problems

I study the value of information in monotone decision problems where the action spaces are potentially multidimensional. In these general environments, there exist sensible partial orders on actions and higher actions are optimal for higher signal realizations. As a criterion for comparing information structures, I develop a condition called monotone quasi-garbling meaning that an information structure is obtained by adding reversely monotone noise (more noisy in a lower state and less noisy in a higher state) to another. It is shown that monotone quasi-garbling is a sufficient condition for decision makers to get a higher ex-ante expected payoff. This new criterion generally permits more comparisons than the garbling condition by Blackwell (1951, 1953) and the effectiveness condition by Lehmann (1988). To illustrate, I apply the result to an optimal insurance problem and a nonlinear monopoly pricing problem.
In search of the right database text

This paper compares the content included in 13 database textbooks and gives guidelines to help textbook adoption teams assess whether a particular textbook is appropriate. The comparison includes information from 37 different textbook coverage areas, and refers to the guidance given by related literature and the IS 2002, CC2001, and CC2004 model curricula.
Bringing up INNOVACQ

During a search process that spanned a year, and an installation that took a few weeks, the University of New Mexico General Library replaced an antiquated acquisition system with INNOVACQ. This paper tells the story, from the criteria developed for the RFP to the effect on the people and procedures when automation brings rapid change. Implementing the system involved coordination between separate serials and acquisitions departments, between technical services areas and a large group of collection development personnel, between a central library and four branch libraries, and between two autonomous libraries sharing the same system. Modifications made to augment the turnkey system, transitional strategies to ease the impact of changes in the work environment, creative adaptations of the standard options in the functional modules, and implications for the future are all covered in detail.
Transport and secretion of truncated T cell receptor beta-chain occurs in the absence of association with CD3.

The T cell receptor (TCR) beta-chain is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum where it associates with the TCR alpha-chain and the members of the CD3 complex to form the complete receptor. When the other chains of the complex are not available, the beta-chain is rapidly degraded within the endoplasmic reticulum. When incomplete TCR.CD3 complexes are formed, they are transported through the Golgi apparatus and degraded in lysosomes. In this study, a truncated form of the TCR beta-chain has been made by removal of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic segments. Unlike the normal beta-chain, the truncated molecule is stable and is transported through the Golgi apparatus and secreted. This process occurs at a similar rate in both T and B cells, indicating that it is not affected by the presence or absence of CD3 components. These data suggest that an element in the transmembrane or cytoplasmic region of the beta-chain confers sensitivity to the degradative control mechanisms that regulate TCR expression.
History of Science - With Labs

We describe here an interdisciplinary lab science course for non-majors using the history of science as a curricular guide. Our experience with diverse instructors underscores the importance of the teachers and classroom dynamics, beyond the curriculum. Moreover, the institutional political context is central: are courses for non-majors valued and is support given to instructors to innovate? Two sample projects are profiled.