cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A CYCLIC RED-BACKED VOLE (CLETHRIONOMYS GAPPERI) POPULATION AND SEEDFALL OVER 22 YEARS IN MAINE

Vole population dynamics are well characterized in Europe, Fennoscandia, and Japan, but long-term studies of vole dynamics in North America are rare and much needed. Summer relative abundance of southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi) fluctuated periodically during 22 years (1983‐2004) at the Holt Research Forest, Maine, suggesting an outbreak or cyclic dynamic. The time series had a 4.4-year period, and 2nd-order lagged relative abundance was significant in an autoregressive model. This was consistent with vole series in Fennoscandia and Japan. Above-average white pine (Pinus strobus) seed crops preceded C. gapperi peaks in 4 of 5 peak phases. In a model including P. strobus seeds, both seeds and 2nd-order lagged abundance terms were significant. Relative importance of P. strobus seeds to this omnivore needs to be established. High and low phases of C. gapperi corresponded with those of sympatric white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The 2ndorder autoregressive process, 4.4-year periodicity, and synchrony with P. leucopus indicated the C. gapperi dynamic was cyclic. This was a unique finding for the northeastern United States.
Avoiding a wrapped endotracheal tube in laser laryngeal surgery: experiences with apneic anesthesia and metal laser-flex endotracheal tubes.

Ninety-one laser laryngeal procedures using the apneic technique of anesthesia were performed in 28 patients between 2 months and 64 years of age. Seventy-two procedures (79%) were performed on children and 19 on adults. There were no complications. Eight laser laryngoscopies were performed using a new metal Laser-Flex® endotracheal tube. Obstruction of the endotracheal tube with a mucous plug occurred in one case. The apneic technique described in this paper provides a laser operative field free of an endotracheal tube, virtually eliminating the danger of a laser fire. It is a relatively safe and effective means of performing laser laryngeal surgery. In addition, the Laser-Flex endotracheal tube appears to be an acceptable alternative to a metallic tape-wrapped endotracheal tube.
Exploring Privacy Concerns about Personal Sensing

More and more personal devices such as mobile phones and multimedia players use embedded sensing. This means that people are wearing and carrying devices capable of sensing details about them such as their activity, location, and environment. In this paper, we explore privacy concerns about such personal sensing through interviews with 24 participants who took part in a three month study that used personal sensing to detect their physical activities. Our results show that concerns often depended on what was being recorded, the context in which participants worked and lived and thus would be sensed, and the value they perceived would be provided. We suggest ways in which personal sensing can be made more privacy-sensitive to address these concerns.
Selected aerothermodynamic design problems of hypersonic flight vehicles

Selected aerothermodynamic design problems of hypersonic flight vehicles by E.H. Hirschel and C. Weiland, Berlin: Springer, 2009, 512 pp., €105.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-3540899730 This is perhaps ...
Thermal and Electrical Injuries

Through progress in wound management, resuscitation, intensive care treatment, and a coordinated rehabilitation process, modern burn care has been able to deliver substantial increases in survival and improvement in functional outcomes for burn victims. The development of regionalized burn centers has contributed greatly to this progress. As the field of burns matures, burn centers are preparing to meet future challenges through collaborative efforts in disaster management and outcomes research.
Ensembles of classifiers from spatially disjoint data

We describe an ensemble learning approach that accurately learns from data that has been partitioned according to the arbitrary spatial requirements of a large-scale simulation wherein classifiers may be trained only on the data local to a given partition. As a result, the class statistics can vary from partition to partition; some classes may even be missing from some partitions. In order to learn from such data, we combine a fast ensemble learning algorithm with Bayesian decision theory to generate an accurate predictive model of the simulation data. Results from a simulation of an impactor bar crushing a storage canister and from region recognition in face images show that regions of interest are successfully identified.
Effect of Presputtering on the Adhesion of Cu to Teflon

Adhesion between Cu and Teflon has been greatly enhanced by a presputtering treatment of the Teflon prior to the deposition of Cu. Without such a treatment, the Cu-Teflon adhesion is weak, with a peel strength less than 1 gram/mm, and the Cu films can be easily peeled off using scotch tape. With the presputtering treatment, the adhesion rapidly increases, and reaches 50 grams/mm after 30 sec of sputtering. All the sputtered samples show strong adhesion, and the Cu films can only be scratched off forcefully using sharp tools. The presputtering treatment has changed the surface morphology of the Teflon and the deposited Cu layers, and also changes the chemical bonding between Cu and Teflon. The results are discussed to understand the mechanisms involved for the enhanced adhesion observed.
Fluoroalkylbenzenes: Synthesis of (S)-2.3-Dimethoxy-5-[(3-fluoro)propyll-6-hydroxy-N-](1-ethyl-2-pyr-rrolidinyl)methyllbenzamide

Abstract The synthesis of the titled fluoropropylsalicylamide ( 2 ) was achieved by a route which avoided the intramolecular cyclization reactions of ortho -[(3-fluoro)propyl]phenol substrates.
An Integrated Learning Framework for Recognition Based on Images

While the importance of representations for recognition has been widely recognized, in practice the choice of representations is often limited and applications are forced to choose relatively the best one among the available. In this paper, we advocate an integrated learning framework where the representation is learned with respect to a chosen performance criterion. For linear representations, this problem is posed as an optimization one on the underlying manifold determined by the constraints of the application; manifolds related to typical computer vision applications are given. To develop computationally effective algorithms, the underlying geometric structures are exploited. We demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework by finding optimal linear filters for recognition with other additional properties.
New class of chronic recording multichannel neural probes with post-implant self-deployed satellite recording sites

This paper introduces a new design for microprobes used in recording signals from neural tissue for extended periods of time. The new design provides the ability to displace sites, located at the tip of needles, away from the probe shank after implantation using microsprings. The sites record from tissue that is more viable and less impaired by the presence and implantation of the shank. Key technologies are presented that make this approach easily realizable within reasonable constrains. Silicon probes with 340 µm maximum width at the tip and 2 mm length were fabricated as mechanical test structures that have sufficient in-plane space to connect 6 sites, arbitrarily distributed across 1 mm along the shank. The springs are designed such that dipping into water / 0.4% heated agar (for 3 µm / 5 µm wide springs, respectively) retracts them, and bio-dissolvable coatings such as water, sugar and agar lock and release them. Insertion tests show that the fine needles withstand implantation and that the springs displace the comb more than 100 µm through brain surrogate after implantation.
Evaluating Fire Resistance of Steel Girders in Bridges

In current practice, no special measures are applied for enhancing structural fire safety of steel bridge girders. Further, there is very limited information and research data in the literature on the fire resistance of structural members in bridges. In this paper, the fire response of a steel bridge girder under different conditions is evaluated using the FEM computer program ANSYS. In the analysis, the critical factors that influence fire resistance, namely, fire scenario, fire insulation, and composite action arising from steel-concrete interaction, are accounted for. Results from numerical studies show that the composite action arising from steel-girder-concrete-slab interaction significantly enhances the structuralperformance(and fireresistance)ofasteelbridgegirderunder fireconditions.Othersignificantfactorsthatinfluence fireresistanceof steel bridge girders are fire insulation and type of fire scenario. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000412. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Fires; Fire resistance; Girder bridges; Steel bridges. Author keywords: Bridge fires; Fire resistance; Steel girders; FEM analysis.
Does It Make Sense to Restore Wildland Fire in Changing Climate

Forest restoration guided by historical reference conditions of fire regime, forest structure, and composition has been increasingly and successfully applied in fire-adapted forests of western North America. But because climate change is expected to alter vegetation distributions and foster severe disturbances, does it make sense to restore the ecological role of wildland fire through management burning and related activities such as tree thinning? I suggest that some site- and date-specific historical conditions may be less relevant, but reference conditions in the broad sense are still useful. Reference conditions encompass not only the recent past but also evolutionary history, reflecting the role of fire as a selective force over millennia. Taking a long-term functional view of historical reference conditions as the result of evolutionary processes can provide insights into past forest adaptations and migrations under various climates. As future climates change, historical reference data from lower, southerly, and drier sites may be useful in places that are higher, northerly, and currently wetter. Almost all models suggest that the future will have substantial increases in wildfire occurrence, but prior to recent human-caused fire exclusion, fire-adapted pine forests of western North America were among the most frequently burned in the world. Restoration of patterns of burning and fuels/forest structure that reasonably emulate historical conditions prior to fire exclusion is consistent with reducing the susceptibility of these ecosystems to catastrophic loss. Priorities may include fire and thinning treatments of upper elevation ecotones to facilitate forest migration, whereas vulnerable low-elevation forests may merit less management investment.
Using groundwater age distributions to estimate the effective parameters of Fickian and non-Fickian models of solute transport

Groundwater age distributions are used to estimate the parameters of Fickian, and non-Fickian, effective models of solute transport. Based on the similarities between the transport and age equations, we develop a deconvolution based approach that describes transport between two monitoring wells. We show that the proposed method gives exact estimates of the travel time distribution between two wells when the domain is stationary and that the method still provides useful information on transport when the domain is non-stationary. The method is demonstrated using idealized uniform and layered 2-D aquifers. Homogeneous transport is determined exactly and non-Fickian transport in a layered aquifer was also approximated very well, even though this example problem is shown to be scale-dependent. This work introduces a method that addresses a significant limitation of tracer tests and non-Fickian transport modeling which is the difficulty in determining the effective parameters of the transport model.
The Function of Humor for Prison Inmates

Survival mechanisms used by prison inmates have typically been studied using theoretical conceptualizations in a very abstract, general sense. Humor has been basically omitted from these theories. The present study uses participant observations and content analysis to examine ways in which humor functions in the prison environment. Anecdotal evidence is used to show that humor is a principal means of negotiating and managing the gap between a normal and a convict identity.
Physical Attractiveness, Happiness, Neuroticism, and Self-Esteem

The hypotheses that physical attractiveness is positively correlated with happiness, psychological health, and self-esteem was tested with 211 men and women undergraduates. Physical attractiveness was measured by judges' ratings, while happiness, psychological health (neuroticism), and self-esteem were measured by self-report inventories. Physical attractiveness was found to correlate positively with happiness (r equals .37), negatively with neuroticism (r equals minus.22), and positively with self-esteem (r equals .24) for women but not for men (corresponding rs equals .09, .03, and minus.04, respectively). These results were accounted for by the suggestion that physical attractiveness "buys" more for women than for men, and the most prominent outcomes obtained by physical attractiveness--friends and dates--are of greater value to women undergraduates than men. The superior outcomes obtained by the attractive women made them happy, psychologically healthy, and proud of themselves.
On solving elliptic stochastic partial differential equations

Abstract A model elliptic boundary value problem of second order, with stochastic coefficients described by the Karhunen–Loeve expansion is addressed. This problem is transformed into an equivalent deterministic one. The perturbation method and the method of successive approximations is analyzed. Rigorous error estimates in the framework of Sobolev spaces are given.
Nr5a2 maintains acinar cell differentiation and constrains oncogenic Kras-mediated pancreatic neoplastic initiation

Objectives Emerging evidence from mouse models suggests that mutant Kras can drive the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) precursors from acinar cells by enforcing ductal de-differentiation at the expense of acinar identity. Recently, human genome-wide association studies have identified NR5A2 , a key regulator of acinar function, as a susceptibility locus for human PDA. We investigated the role of Nr5a2 in exocrine maintenance, regeneration and Kras driven neoplasia. Design To investigate the function of Nr5a2 in the pancreas, we generated mice with conditional pancreatic Nr5a2 deletion ( PdxCre late ; Nr5a2 c/c ). Using this model, we evaluated acinar differentiation, regeneration after caerulein pancreatitis and Kras driven pancreatic neoplasia in the setting of Nr5a2 deletion. Results We show that Nr5a2 is not required for the development of the pancreatic acinar lineage but is important for maintenance of acinar identity. Nr5a2 deletion leads to destabilisation of the mature acinar differentiation state, acinar to ductal metaplasia and loss of regenerative capacity following acute caerulein pancreatitis. Loss of Nr5a2 also dramatically accelerates the development of oncogenic Kras driven acinar to ductal metaplasia and PDA precursor lesions. Conclusions Nr5a2 is a key regulator of acinar plasticity. It is required for maintenance of acinar identity and re-establishing acinar fate during regeneration. Nr5a2 also constrains pancreatic neoplasia driven by oncogenic Kras, providing functional evidence supporting a potential role as a susceptibility gene for human PDA.
Prediction of In Vivo Knee Joint Loads Using a Global Probabilistic Analysis

Musculoskeletal models are powerful tools that allow biomechanical investigations and predictions of muscle forces not accessible with experiments. A core challenge modelers must confront is validation. Measurements of muscle activity and joint loading are used for qualitative and indirect validation of muscle force predictions. Subject-specific models have reached high levels of complexity and can predict contact loads with surprising accuracy. However, every deterministic musculoskeletal model contains an intrinsic uncertainty due to the high number of parameters not identifiable in vivo. The objective of this work is to test the impact of intrinsic uncertainty in a scaled-generic model on estimates of muscle and joint loads. Uncertainties in marker placement, limb coronal alignment, body segment parameters, Hill-type muscle parameters, and muscle geometry were modeled with a global probabilistic approach (multiple uncertainties included in a single analysis). 5-95% confidence bounds and input/output sensitivities of predicted knee compressive loads and varus/valgus contact moments were estimated for a gait activity of three subjects with telemetric knee implants from the "Grand Challenge Competition." Compressive load predicted for the three subjects showed confidence bounds of 333 ± 248 N, 408 ± 333 N, and 379 ± 244 N when all the sources of uncertainty were included. The measured loads lay inside the predicted 5-95% confidence bounds for 77%, 83%, and 76% of the stance phase. Muscle maximum isometric force, muscle geometry, and marker placement uncertainty most impacted the joint load results. This study demonstrated that identification of these parameters is crucial when subject-specific models are developed.
Monomethyl fumarate promotes Nrf2-dependent neuroprotection in retinal ischemia-reperfusion

Retinal ischemia results in neuronal degeneration and contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple blinding diseases. Recently, the fumaric acid ester dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been FDA-approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, based on its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Its potential role as a neuroprotective agent for retinal diseases has received little attention. In addition, DMF’s mode of action remains elusive, although studies have suggested nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation as an important mechanism. Here we investigated the neuroprotective role of monomethyl fumarate (MMF), the biologically active metabolite of DMF, in retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and examined the role of Nrf2 in mediating MMF action. Wild-type C57BL/6J and Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice were subjected to 90 min of retinal ischemia followed by reperfusion. Mice received daily intraperitoneal injection of MMF. Inflammatory gene expression was measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) at 48 h after I/R injury. Seven days after I/R, qRT-PCR for Nrf2 target gene expression, immunostaining for Muller cell gliosis and cell loss in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and electroretinography for retinal function were performed. The results of this study confirmed that MMF reduces retinal neurodegeneration in an Nrf2-dependent manner. MMF treatment significantly increased the expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidative genes, suppressed inflammatory gene expression, reduced Muller cell gliosis, decreased neuronal cell loss in the GCL, and improved retinal function measured by electroretinogram (ERG) after retinal I/R injury in wild-type mice. Importantly, these MMF-mediated beneficial effects were not observed in Nrf2 KO mice. These results indicate that fumaric acid esters (FAEs) exert a neuronal protective function in the retinal I/R model and further validate Nrf2 modulation as a major mode of action of FAEs. This suggests that DMF and FAEs could be a potential therapeutic agent for activation of the Nrf2 pathway in retinal and possibly systemic diseases.
Strategic Growth Options, Uncertainty and R&D Investment

Real option theory predicts the inverse relation between uncertainty and corporate investment since investment is (at least partially) irreversible and uncertainty increases the value of option to wait. In contrast, strategic growth option framework shows that uncertainty may encourage investment in growth option because the value of option to wait is drastically eroded due to competition and an initial investment can confer greater capacity to take advantage of future growth opportunities. Consistent with the theory of strategic growth option, we document that firms will invest more in R&D when facing high idiosyncratic volatility. We further show that the switch of more R&D investment is more pronounced for firms in more competitive industries as well as for firms with less product market power. Our findings contribute to the literature on the effect of uncertainty on corporate investments by documenting that the preemptive strategy under competition is a main force that drives the positive relation between idiosyncratic volatility and R&D investment.
The Paradox of Service Industrialization

The emergent interdisciplinary area Service Science Management & Engineering (SSME) considers the study of people, technology and shared information as prime components in service systems. Quite frequently, however, the area regarding people is the one that draws less attention. In this theoretical paper we analyse how the knowledge and application of recent discoveries on the way in which the human mind perceives and stores concepts and events has important implications regarding service design. The paradox of service industrialization arises when defining a continuum between maximum industrialization of the service on one end and complete personalization on the other. The contribution of this work lies in pointing out research lines for Service Science (SSME).
First Degree Price Discrimination Goes to School

Personalized pricing is widely discussed but seldom observed, making studies of its efficacy rare. Yet, first degree price discrimination is common in the pricing of higher education, and I use data on prices and the characteristics of students admitted to a professional graduate program at a public university to estimate a matriculation demand function. I then derive linear pricing functions that maximize revenue for a target number of students. By allowing these functions to depend on progressively richer sets of observables, I explore the effect of personalization of pricing on profit. Tailoring prices to a one-dimensional measure of student quality would raise revenue by 2.2 per cent above the revenue with uniform pricing. Pricing based on both student quality and state residency raises revenue by 8.4 per cent, and further tailoring based on available observables raises prices 9.0 per cent above the maximum revenue under uniform pricing. Pricing that obeys current statutory tuition limits raises revenue less but still by just over half as much. I also infer the welfare weights that the pricing process implicitly attaches to student characteristics.
Amplitude and Phase Modulation of Light Using Fano-Resonant Meta-Surfaces Integrated with Graphene

We experimentally demonstrate amplitude and phase modulation in graphene-integrated Fano-resonant plasmonic metasurfaces. Order of magnitude modulation depth is achieved in mid-IR. Strong coupling between trapped graphene and metallic plasmons is predicted in high-mobility graphene.
Nutritional Strategies of Myomorph Rodents in North American Grasslands

Grass-eating and seed-eating myomorphs associate in temperate North American grassland environments. These two groups have distinctive nutritional specializations as expressed by different morphological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics. There seems to be opportunity for many more species of seed-eaters than grass-eaters to occupy a single grassland community, at least in the American area discussed herein.
Development of a Suitable Salt Form for a GPR40 Receptor Agonist

AMG 837 (1) is a novel GPR40 agonist selected for clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A lysine salt was initially identified as a development form. However, due to the poor crystallinity and severe hygroscopicity of this form, investigations on the free acid form of the drug substance and salt screening were conducted to identify an acceptable physical form for long-term development. A sodium and calcium salt were identified as potentially viable phases, and polymorph screening was conducted on both. The quality attributes of the salts were then compared to determine which phase would be preferred for development.
Geographical knowledge throughout the lifespan

The ability to locate cities on outline maps of the United States and of the local region of residence was studied in adults aged 20-92 years. For U.S. cities, accuracy increased with age, reaching asymptotic levels in the 50s and 60s. Beyond age 70, accuracy declined slightly for women but not for men. For cities in the local region, performance reached asymptote in the 30s and remained constant thereafter. Throughout the age range studied, men outperformed women and college-educated subjects performed better than persons with less education. Accuracy was positively correlated with travel history.
Influence of Cucurbitacin Content in Cotyledons of Cucurbitaceae Cultivars upon Feeding Behavior of Diabroticina Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Nineteen species and 46 cultivars of Cucurbita, Cucumis , and Citrullus were analyzed for seedling cucurbitacin (Cuc) content by Diabrotica feeding on thin-layer chromatography extracts. Seedlings, leaves, and fruits were monitored for damage in the field by Diabroticina. Beetle damage to the mature leaf and fruit was unrelated to seedling Cuc content or feeding damage. The information is of value in selecting resistant varieties of Cucurbitaceae cultivars for integrated pest management programs. A new analytical procedure for cucurbitacins using high-pressure liquid chromatography is described.
Current situation analysis on EPI human resource and cold-chain equipment in Guangdong

Objective: In order to understand the current situation in provincial Expanded program on immunization(EPI) related its human resource and cold chain equipment in Guangdong to explore the possibility for future development.Methods: Questionnaire survey had been applied in the cities,counties and township level of Disease Control and Prevention Centers.Results and suggestions: General speaking the provincial EPI human resource and cold chain system are much reasonable in Guangdong.It is an urgent need to improve EPI human resource team stability and enforce their quality,further improve the cold chain establishment.
[HIV-1 drug-resistance profiles of treated AIDS patients in Liaoning: genetic characteristics and prevalence].

Objective Since the advent in 2004 of highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART)in Liaoning,a dramatic improvement had been seen in the number of patients attaining undetectable viral loads(92/104),but the extent of mutation diversity on human immunodeficiency virus 1(HIV-1)and the prevalence of drug resistance had remained elusive.This study aimed to analyze both HIV-1 mutation profiles and prevalence related to antiretroviral resistance following therapeutic failure.Methods A total of 104 blood samples circling Liaoning from HAART-treated between 2004 and 2008 were studied.Patients' CD/ T-cell count and viral load were determined.HIV-1 pol(PR and part of RT)gene fragments were amplified from patients' plasma by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and nest-PCR,subsequently sequenced and analyzed.Results CD_4~+ T cell numbers and viral replication capacity were assessed.88.4%(92/104)of the patients were successful after initial non-suppressive NRTI & NNRTI-based HAART regimens.Subjects on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor(NKRTI)regimens developed more(6/104)drug-resistance mutations than those on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)regimens did(5/104).No protease-inhibitor(PI)drug resistance mutations developed.The whole rate of drug resistance mutations was about 6.73%.Subjects developing NNRTI-resistance (NNRTI-R)seemed more likely to develop drug-resistant viremia than with NRTI-based HAART.Conclusion This finding might have implications in which that the prevalence of drug-resistance mutations was low but remained risk of transmission in HIV-infected therapeutic failure.Meanwhile,data from the present study showed that there was a high frequency of primary mutations,which offered resistance to nrti and nnrti.Monitoring patients with treatment failure seems an important tool in helping the physicians to improve their treatment schedule and to carry out epidemiological surveillance programs. Key words: Acquired immunedeficiency syndrom; Human immunodeficiency virus; Drug-resistance; Genetic mutation
XANES of Some Ce Mixed-Valent Compounds

Ce compounds, alloys as well as Ce itself have been the subject of intensive investigation by L111-edge X-ray absorption (XA) spectroscopy.1–4 From an analysis of the X-ray absorption near-edge spectrum (XANES), one can obtain information regarding Ce valence,1–4 final-state effects5–7 as well as solid-state effects.7–9 Several Ce compounds and alloys have been probed1–4 by L111-edge XA spectroscopy for a determination of valence (v), an important parameter for the mixed-valent (MV) systems.
Production of antibodies to rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase. Cross-reactivity with other pterin-dependent hydroxylases.

A potent, specific antiserum to rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase was produced in sheep. Agar double-immunodiffusion reaction and enzyme inhibition studies revealed extensive cross-reactivity between the antiserum and phenylalanine hydroxylases from guinea pig, mouse, monkey, and human liver, as well as from rat kidney. No cross-reactivity with Pseudomonas phenylalanine hydroxylase could be demonstrated. Further studies suggested cross-reactivity with bovine adrenal and rat brain tyrosine hydroxylases, but not with rat brain tryptophan hydroxylase, rat kidney aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, or bovine adrenal dopamine β-hydroxylase.
Impact of Preoperative Atrial Fibrillation on Postoperative Thromboembolic Events After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is high. However, the impact of AF on clinical outcomes has not been clarified. We reviewed our 9-year experience of continuous flow (CF) LVADs to determine the impact of preoperative AF on stroke, device thrombosis, and survival. Methods Between March 2006 and May 2015, 231 patients underwent implantation of 240 CF LVADs, 127 (52.9%) as bridge to transplantation and 113 (47.1%) as destination therapy. Effect of AF on postoperative outcomes was assessed by using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard regression. Results There were 78 patients (32.5%) with preoperative AF with a mean age of 55.7 ± 11.4 years. A similar incidence of stroke was found in patients with and without AF, 12.8% versus 16.0%, respectively ( p = 0.803). Survival was similar, with 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month survivals of 96.2%, 91.7%, 84.5%, and 69.2%, respectively, for AF patients, versus 93.1%, 85.0%, 79.4%, and 74.1%, respectively, for non-AF patients ( p = 0.424). Preoperative AF was not a significant independent predictor of survival with the use of Cox proportional hazard regression (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 1.76). Conclusions Preoperative AF was associated with a similar incidence of postoperative stroke, device thrombosis, and survival. On the basis of these data, it seems unnecessary to perform a left atrial appendage ligation or to alter postoperative anticoagulation in patients with AF undergoing LVAD implantation.
The Cognitive Psychology Online Laboratory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of an online laboratory for use with cognitive psychology courses. Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes, such as decision making, language, memory, perception and problem solving, and as a field it has gathered a number of key studies that demonstrate important aspects of cognition in a laboratory setting. An accompanying laboratory experience in cognitive psychology allows students to better appreciate the relationship between, and need for careful control of, experimental variables. Furthermore, given that the majority of experiments in this field are now carried out on computers, a computer-based laboratory allows not only an efficient method of presenting laboratory exercises, but also experience interacting with the environment and equipment used in psychological research. The Cognitive Psychology Online Laboratory is a Java-based Web site that allows users to participate in classical experiments and informative demonstrations of major issues in cognitive psychology. Java is particularly suited for Internet-based programming applications because, unlike many computer languages, it is interpreted. A Java program comprises platform-independent instructions called bytecodes that could be installed on almost any computer platform. By designing programs with the Java programming language, laboratory demonstrations can be run on almost any computer via the World Wide Web. Because the laboratory is available on the World Wide Web, it is easily incorporated into psychology classes. Also placing the laboratory assignments on the Web avoids scheduling and equipment problems faced by traditional laboratories. The chapter provides guidelines for choosing topics to be presented in this format, and illustrates the design of two types of demonstrations. It also highlights the limitations of this approach
Akt: A Therapeutic Target in Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

ABSTRACTBackground: Liver transplantation is the second most common transplant procedure in the United States. A leading cause of post-transplantation organ dysfunction is I/R injury. During I/R injury, the serine/threonine kinase Akt is activated, stimulating downstream mediators to promote cellular survival. Due to the cellular effects of Akt, therapeutic manipulation of the Akt pathway can help reduce cellular damage during hepatic I/R that occurs during liver transplantation. Objective: A full description of therapeutic options available that target Akt to reduce hepatic I/R injury has not been addressed within the literature. The purpose of this review is to illuminate advances in the manipulation of Akt that can be used to therapeutically target I/R injury in the liver. Methods: An in depth literature review was performed using the Scopus and PubMed databases. A total of 75 published articles were utilized for this manuscript. Terminology searched includes a combination of “hepatic ischemia/reperfus...
Reminiscences of Chicago in the Fifties

I came to the Chicago Math Department for graduate study in 1952 after two years of undergraduate study at Saint Lawrence University in upper New York State. I knew practically no mathematics, but a knowledge of mathematics did not seem to be a prerequisite! The University required only that I pass a special exam on general knowledge and intellectual ability.
Towards patient-specific modeling of mitral valve repair: 3D transesophageal echocardiography-derived parameter estimation.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is routinely used to provide important qualitative and quantitative information regarding mitral regurgitation. Contemporary planning of surgical mitral valve repair, however, still relies heavily upon subjective predictions based on experience and intuition. While patient-specific mitral valve modeling holds promise, its effectiveness is limited by assumptions that must be made about constitutive material properties. In this paper, we propose and develop a semi-automated framework that combines machine learning image analysis with geometrical and biomechanical models to build a patient-specific mitral valve representation that incorporates image-derived material properties. We use our computational framework, along with 3D TEE images of the open and closed mitral valve, to estimate values for chordae rest lengths and leaflet material properties. These parameters are initialized using generic values and optimized to match the visualized deformation of mitral valve geometry between the open and closed states. Optimization is achieved by minimizing the summed Euclidean distances between the estimated and image-derived closed mitral valve geometry. The spatially varying material parameters of the mitral leaflets are estimated using an extended Kalman filter to take advantage of the temporal information available from TEE. This semi-automated and patient-specific modeling framework was tested on 15 TEE image acquisitions from 14 patients. Simulated mitral valve closures yielded average errors (measured by point-to-point Euclidean distances) of 1.86 ± 1.24 mm. The estimated material parameters suggest that the anterior leaflet is stiffer than the posterior leaflet and that these properties vary between individuals, consistent with experimental observations described in the literature.
External Growth and the Cross Section of Stock Returns

Prior research finds expected returns decrease in firm-level total asset growth. This study shows that external growth, measured as asset growth raised from capital markets, has stronger power than total asset growth predicting the cross section of average returns. External growth subsumes the total asset growth effect, and outperforms other measures of firm investments in predicting returns. The profitability of external growth strategies is not explained by well-documented factors (i.e., market, size, value, profitability, investment, and momentum). An external growth factor helps to explain a wide range of anomalies. Especially, it accounts for nearly half of momentum profits.
Abstract P6-09-41: Factors predicting treatment outcomes of angiosarcoma of breast: A 25 year single institution experience

Background: Primary (PAS) and secondary angiosarcoma (SAS) of breast account for 6.9 cm (8.3 vs 64.2 months, p = 0.03) were associated with poorer outcomes. Tumor grade was not related to OS. Adjuvant treatment (RT p = 0.49, chemotherapy p = 0.36) conferred no RFS or OS benefit. Conclusions: Patients with PAS were younger than SAS. Black race, multifocal presentation and larger tumor size predict worse clinical outcomes. Our institutional experience confirms the poor prognosis of angiosarcoma, and highlights the need for further research. Citation Format: Ammannagari N, Attwood K, Cheney R, Young JS, Kane JM, Salerno KE, Opyrchal M. Factors predicting treatment outcomes of angiosarcoma of breast: A 25 year single institution experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-41.
Moonlighting Motors: Kinesin, Dynein, and Cell Polarity

In addition to their well-known role in transporting cargoes in the cytoplasm, microtubule motors organize their own tracks – the microtubules. While this function is mostly studied in the context of cell division, it is essential for microtubule organization and generation of cell polarity in interphase cells. Kinesin-1, the most abundant microtubule motor, plays a role in the initial formation of neurites. This review describes the mechanism of kinesin-1-driven microtubule sliding and discusses its biological significance in neurons. Recent studies describing the interplay between kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein in the translocation of microtubules are discussed. In addition, we evaluate recent work exploring the developmental regulation of microtubule sliding during axonal outgrowth and regeneration. Collectively, the discussed works suggest that sliding of interphase microtubules by motors is a novel force-generating mechanism that reorganizes the cytoskeleton and drives shape change and polarization.
Self-evaluation of tobacco exposure by allied health students in a community college setting.

OBJECTIVE Tobacco education is among the initiatives encouraged for health professionals to help them appreciate the significance of addressing tobacco use among their patients. In this pilot study, a nicotine biomarker (cotinine) study was introduced to an applied microbiology course required of all allied health students. Participants assessed their own smoking status in the previous 24 h using a two-dimensional experimental design of a questionnaire and rapid urinary cotinine immunoassay. The study goals were >90% participation of the home-administered assay and high correlation of the results to cotinine standards. Allied health students (medical assistants, respiratory therapists, surgical technicians) were selected as the initial test group. METHODS The study was initiated 10 months after the college became 100% tobacco free. Participants were initially trained on the use and interpretation of the rapid cotinine test using three cotinine standards (0, 400, and 2000 ng/mL urine). Participants subsequently tested their own first-morning urine sample at home and then answered a questionnaire about their tobacco smoke (and/or nicotine) exposure in the previous 24-h period. RESULTS The cotinine laboratory was offered to a total of 161 students (88% female) over 24 months. Participants who reported no exposure to a nicotine product in any venue made up 55% of the group. Daily smokers made up 17% of the study participants as confirmed by their elevated cotinine levels (greater than 100 ng/mL urine). The remaining participants (28%) either resided with smokers and/or rode in an automobile with an individual smoking in the previous 24 h. Their cotinine levels were moderately elevated in some cases, particularly if they had ridden in a car with a smoker. CONCLUSION The pilot study met our objectives of >90% participation and high correlation of urinary cotinine levels with questionnaire self-reports.
Working with the Complexity and Refusing to Simplify: Undocuqueer Meaning Making at the Intersection of LGBTQ and Immigrant Rights Discourses.

ABSTRACTThis study brings gender, sexuality, and immigration status, and their conceptual margins, to the center of analysis via the narratives of 31 self-identified undocuqueer immigrants. Undocuqueer immigrants ascribe meaning to their experiences by producing alternate subjectivities and subject positions that resist multiple axes of oppression. These subjectivities problematize the exclusionary repercussions of single axis identity categorization that mostly benefit those who already have some structural privileges. Undocuqueer as a form of resistance to essentialized identity discourses was evidenced in participant’s opposition to heteronormative, homonormative, and DREAMer discourses. This study has implications for further understanding the way that queer politics and identity interact with various axes of inequality.
Balloon-Assisted Cannulation for Difficult Anterior Cerebral Artery Access

The anterior communicating artery is a common location for intracranial aneurysms. Compared to surgical clipping, endovascular coiling has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with ruptured aneurysms and we have seen a paradigm shift favoring this technique for treating aneurysms. Access to the anterior cerebral artery can be challenging, especially in patients with tortuous anatomy or subarachnoid hemorrhage or in patients presenting with vasospasm. We present a technique for cannulating the anterior cerebral artery using a balloon inflated in the proximal middle cerebral artery as a rebound surface.
Thermal acclimation of the temperature dependence of the VCmax of Rubisco in quinoa

Changes in the temperature dependence of the maximum carboxylation capacity (VCmax) of Rubisco during thermal acclimation of PN remain controversial. I tested for acclimation of the temperature dependence of VCmax in quinoa, wheat, and alfalfa. Plants were grown with day/night temperatures of 12/6, 20/14, and 28/22°C. Responses of PN to substomatal CO2 (Ci) and CO2 at Rubisco (Cc) were measured at leaf temperatures of 10–30°C. VCmax was determined from the initial slope of the PNvs. Ci or Cc curve. Slopes of linear regressions of 1/VCmaxvs. 1/T [K] provided estimates the activation energy. In wheat and alfalfa the increases in activation energy with growth temperature calculated using Ci did not always occur when using Cc, indicating the importance of mesophyll conductance when estimating the activation energy. However, in quinoa, the mean activation energy approximately doubled between the lowest and highest growth temperatures, whether based on Ci or Cc.
Hyperthermia Therapy Using Acoustic Phase

We have shown numerically that, in a medium with attenuation, heat induced by acoustic focusing leads to refraction of acoustic waves and disturbs the focus. The effect observed at the focus is either a self-focusing or a self-defocusing of the acoustic beam depending on the sign of \( \frac{{dc}} {{dT}} \) in the medium. We have proposed a procedure to maintain focus in the zone of interest using phase-conjugation invariance properties.
Pediatric Obesity: Observed Impact in the Ambulatory Surgery Setting

More obese children are presenting for surgery, reflecting an increase in comorbidities requiring surgery or an increased prevalence in the community. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of obesity in our pediatric surgery patient population, detect ethnic disparities amongst this cohort of obese patients and also to determine any increase in pediatric obesity related comorbidities requiring surgery. Day surgery patients between ages 3 and 17 years were prospectively studied over a 3-month period. The proportion of obese children, demographics, and surgical procedures were determined. Of the 1559 patients analyzed, 312 (20%) were obese. Close to half of this subset of children were of Hispanic descent. Adenotonsillectomy was the most common surgery; however, the case distribution of this cohort was similar to our operating room database. Prevalence of pediatric obesity in our day surgery patients therefore reflects that of the community and has not resulted in an increase in related comorbidities requiring surgery. Longitudinal studies to assess the incidence of pediatric obesity related complications will be beneficial.
Integration of SCR Functionality into Diesel Particulate Filters

Most modern diesel engine aftertreatment systems comprise functions to oxidize hydrocarbons and CO, reduce particulate emissions (mass and number), and reduce NOx enabling compliance with ever tightening regulations. A typical system layout based on SCR as a means to reduce NOx is shown in Fig. 20.1a.
On Getting Stuck: Negotiating Stuck Places in and Beyond Gender and Sexual Diversity-Focused Educational Research

In this article, Sara Staley presents a conceptualization of “stuck” places in the field of gender and sexual diversity educational research. She argues that in the process of pursuing complex questions about preparing educators to disrupt the cis-heteronormative context of schools, the field has created a master narrative in which the same dilemmas seem to arise. She draws on patterns of repetition in the literature to point to three tools that specify how the field has tried to manage and control the problem of cis-heteronormativity and the role of teachers therein. Critically reflecting on her own experience, she considers how embracing the impossible aspects of questions about teaching and the study of oppression might open up generative possibilities for moving through the stuck places in which educational researchers find themselves.
Compressive Sensing for Indoor Millimeter Wave Massive MIMO : (Invited Paper)

Under sparse channel assumptions, channel state information for the massive MIMO uplink can be effectively estimated without sampling every antenna. Assuming a slow flat fading multipath channel, orthogonal pilot signals, and a uniform rectangular array, channel estimation is performed by leveraging sparsity in the spatial and pilot code domains to reconstruct the channel to all antennas. Results of sampling from 25 percent of a 32 by 64 element massive MIMO array during the uplink piloting phase are presented. The sum rate achieved by using compressed sensing and sparse recovery channel estimates exceeds that achieved with the least squares channel estimate for the same number of sampled antennas.