cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myxoid liposarcoma: Fine-needle aspiration cytopathology in the molecular era. A report of 24 cases.

Introduction Application of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to soft tissue tumors remains underutilized in North America. Myxoid liposarcoma (LPS), the second most common subtype of LPS, is characterized primarily by t(12;16)(q13;p11) which is amenable to FISH analysis using a break-apart probe for DDIT3 . Little is known regarding FISH testing for DDIT3 on cytologic specimens. We report our FNA experience with myxoid LPS and application of this molecular probe. Materials and methods Specimens retrieved from our cytology database used search codes for myxoid LPS. Tissue files were searched for any cases with corresponding FNA biopsies. FNA biopsy was performed using a standard technique. Results From 24 FNA cases of myxoid LPS (mean age=52 years), a specific diagnosis was made in 87.5%. Two cases were diagnosed as spindle/round cell neoplasm, and 1 as suspicious for myxoid LPS. There were 2 false positive diagnoses and no false negatives. Nearly all cases arose in the extremities; thigh being most common. Principal cytologic features consisted of discrete myxocellular microfragments, a plexiform capillary pattern, and variable number of univacuolated lipoblasts. Uniformly banal ovoid nuclei were randomly scattered within myxocellular microfragments. FISH analysis for DDIT3 rearrangement from unstained smears and/or cell-block was positive in 13 cases, and unsuccessful in 3, with no false positive/false negative results. Conclusion Myxoid LPS is diagnosable in a high percentage of cases using FNA biopsy alone. Confirmatory FISH analysis for DDIT3 is not only possible, but also valuable for correctly recognizing this neoplasm.
Gabor filter polynomial approximation based on a novel evolutionary stochastic technique

A new particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has been developed, and combined with the differential evolution (DE) method. The novel evolutionary technique is utilized to approximate the sine and Gaussian functions of a Gabor filter, as polynomial functions, by the stochastic computation of an optimal set of coefficients. The new stochastic algorithm achieves a lower root mean square error of 0.0185, in comparison to sine and Gaussian approximations using state-machines from another work. Another important feature that adds more value to this work is the fact that polynomial functions can be constructed in hardware, through relatively simply operations, such as shift-add operations.
Community adaptations to environmental challenges under decentralized governance in southwestern Uruguay

Abstract Since the turn of the 21st century, climate change and globalization had substantial environmental impacts on the southwestern region of Uruguay. Rural community responses to environmental challenges have been influenced by recent political decentralization governments and programs. This study explores how community governance processes under decentralization influenced the mobilization of community capitals used for adaptation to environmental stresses in four communities of southwestern Uruguay. Research methods include semi-structured interviews conducted in 2012–2013 with key informants from market, state, and civil society and participant observation and minutes from local public meetings and assemblies in four communities of this region. Consultation facilitated adaptive actions by the national government to make national governmental programs and institutions more responsive to local needs. Community empowerment for adaptive actions at the local level was minimal, due to the limited resources that have been devolved, reinforcing historic and current dependency on regional and national governmental institutions for those resources.
Testing a Formula SAE Racecar on a Seven-Poster Vehicle Dynamics Simulator

Vehicle dynamics simulation is one of the newest and most valuable technologies being applied in the racing world today. Professional designers and race teams are investing heavily to test and improve the dynamics of their suspension systems through this new technology. This paper discusses the testing of one of Clemson Universitys most recent Formula SAE racecars on a seven-poster vehicle dynamics simulator; commonly known as a shaker rig. Testing of the current dampers using a shock dynamometer was conducted prior to testing and results are included for further support of conclusions. The body of the paper is a discussion of the setup and testing procedures involved with the dynamic simulator. The results obtained from the dynamic simulator tests are then analyzed in conjunction with the shock dynamometer results. Conclusions are formed from test results and methods for future improvements to be applied in Formula SAE racing are suggested. INTRODUCTION Formula SAE is an international competition where colleges and universities from around the world test their design skills and mechanical abilities as they compete against each other in Detroit, MI with racecars they have designed and fabricated. Clemson University has been exceedingly successful in all its competitions finishing in the top ten in each of these, including Rookie of the Year in 1998 with a finish of 6, which was repeated the following year. A well-developed suspension system is very important to be successful in the Formula SAE competition. Clemson therefore decided to test their dampers on a shock dynamometer in order to determine the quality of the current dampers while also placing their recent racecar on a seven-poster shaker rig. This would corroborate the qualitative data received through driver feedback and lap times during testing with quantitative data from the simulation, while also confirming previous assumptions for suspension setup. Figure 1. Clemson Formula SAE racecar setup on the seven-poster dynamic simulator. EQUIPMENT The seven-poster shaker rig can be used to test a broad range of vehicles from Formula One to NASCAR and even a Formula SAE racecar. The shaker rig simulates track surfaces and disturbances at each tire contact patch along with three downforce inputs simulating aerodynamic forces and inertial g-forces through hydraulic actuators. The rig is operated on a seismic mass to isolate the instrumentation from outside vibrations and provide more accurate results. It is powered by a hydraulic pump and a 100-hp, water-cooled electric motor, all of which are housed in a separate room [2].
The Response of the Criminal Law in Australia to Computer Abuse

Computer abuse is "any illegal, unethical or unauthorised behaviour relating to the automatic processing and transmission of data."It is an inherently vague concept, due primarily to the range of devices which can be classified as computers. Because it is difficult to comprehensively define computer abuse, its national and international extent cannot be established.The situation is compounded by a reluctance to publicise its incidence. Police consider only 10 per cent is revealed. Authors of a recent OECD report estimate that 75–80 per cent of computer related crime remains unreported. In Australia, as in other countries, there is a marked lack of official statistics. One estimate suggests 900 computer crimes a year are committed in this country. It is thought that computer related crime has cost the Australian community between $A80m.–200m. Annual losses are estimated at $40m. Statistics may be criticised on empirical grounds and estimates dismissed as reflecting apprehension rather than reality. Nevertheless, opportunities for abuse causing not only monetary loss but more serious consequences exist and can be expected to increase as the technology becomes entrenched. Clearly, computer abuse presents a current and potential challenge for the law in Australia and overseas.This article examines recent and proposed amendments to the criminal law in Australia to deal specifically with computer abuse.
Monovalent Cation Size and DNA Conformational Stability

The effect of monovalent cations on the thermal stability of a small model DNA hairpin has been measured by capillary electrophoresis, using an oligomer with 16 thymine residues as an unstructured control. The melting temperature of the model hairpin increases approximately linearly with the logarithm of increasing cation concentration in solutions containing Na+, K+, Li+, NH4+, Tris+, tetramethylammonium (TMA+), or tetraethylammonium (TEA+) ions, is approximately independent of cation concentration in solutions containing tetrapropylammonium (TPA+) ions, and decreases with the logarithm of increasing cation concentration in solutions containing tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) ions. At constant cation concentration, the melting temperature of the DNA model hairpin decreases in the order Li+ ∼ Na+ ∼ K+ > NH4+ > TMA+ > Tris+ > TEA+ > TPA+ > TBA+. Isothermal studies indicate that the decrease in the hairpin melting temperature with increasing cation hydrophobicity is not due to saturable, site-specific binding of ...
Coherent electron transparent tunneling through a single barrier within a Fabry-Perot cavity

Abstract Electromagnetic wave and quantum DeBroglie wave have many parallels between each other. We investigate the quantum mechanical counterpart of electromagnetic resonant tunneling through a non-absorbing metal layer. It is confirmed that an electron also has transparent transmission through a single barrier within a Fabry-Perot like cavity. This tunneling structure is actually a distortion of the Fabry-Perot echelon. We find that for a specific resonant electron energy, the cavity length is related to the electron’s DeBroglie wavelength; and the single barrier can be located at a series positions with an interval equal to a half of the DeBroglie wavelength, not just at the center of the cavity. This tunneling phenomenon will have novel applications in quantum devices such as the resonant tunneling diode and scanning tunneling microscope. The results of this paper should also have impact on related electromagnetic research and application.
Development of whole sporozoite malaria vaccines

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Despite recent advances, malaria remains a major health threat both to populations in endemic areas as well travelers, including military personnel, to these areas. Subunit vaccines have not yet achieved sufficient efficacy needed for use in any of these at risk populations.Areas covered: This review discusses the current status of various whole sporozoite vaccine approaches and is mainly focused on current clinical trials.Expert commentary: Nearly 100% efficacy was achieved by administering multiple bites of radiation-attenuated sporozoite (RAS) Plasmodium falciparum-infected mosquitoes; this is impractical for widespread use. Now, this high level efficacy has been reproduced using purified, metabolically active RAS (PfSPZ Sanaria® Vaccine), which is undergoing extensive clinical testing. Alternative whole sporozoite vaccines include immunization with fully infectious sporozoites under chloroquine prophylaxis (CPS) or as genetically-attenuated parasites (GAP). By also manufacturing ...
THE UNIT MEMBRANE AND THE DANIELLI-DAVSON MODEL1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of some of the current viewpoints about membrane structure and the development of the unit membrane concept. Current thoughts about membrane structure had their earliest origin in the work of Overton about the turn of the century. He postulated that there might be a lipid component in the membranes that was concerned with a particular feature of membrane permeability. In 1917, Langmuir published his pioneering experiments on monomolecular films and provided a firm basis for the current conceptions of membrane structure. He showed that lipid molecules could be made to spread out on a water surface at an air water interface with their polar ends pointing toward the water surface and their nonpolar carbon chains standing on end next to the air interface. During the 1930s, there were several significant steps made that led up to the so-called pauci-molecular theory of cell membrane structure, which was advanced by Danielli and Davson. Cole demonstrated in 1932 that the surface tension of sea urchin eggs was less than 0.1 dyne per centimeter. In 1934, Harvey and Shipiro measured the surface tension of oil droplets inside marine eggs by a very different technique. Later, unit membrane model was introduced, which stated that the lipid core is a continuous bilayer with the polar groups directed outward and associated with non-lipid monolayers.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoproteins: Entry, Replication, and Pathogenesis.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), an alphaherpesvirus that causes chicken pox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster), is a medically important pathogen that causes considerable morbidity and, on occasion, mortality in immunocompromised patients. Herpes zoster can afflict the elderly with a debilitating condition, postherpetic neuralgia, triggering severe, untreatable pain for months or years. The lipid envelope of VZV, similar to all herpesviruses, contains numerous glycoproteins required for replication and pathogenesis. This study aims to summarize the current knowledge about VZV glycoproteins and their roles in cell entry, replication, and pathogenesis. The functions for some VZV glycoproteins are known, such as gB, gH, and gL, in membrane fusion, cell-cell fusion regulation, and receptor binding properties. However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger or mediate VZV glycoproteins remain poorly understood. VZV glycoproteins are central to successful replication but their modus operandi during replication and pathogenesis remains elusive requiring further mechanistic-based studies.
Economistic and Humanistic Perspectives on Organizing (Chapter 4)

This chapter showcases how the two narratives for organizing/business (humanistic and economistic) inform and result in differing practices.
Discovery Science and Integrating Molecular Diagnosis into Clinical Practice

Abstract SCI-31 Recent discoveries have yielded profound insights into the genetic basis of myeloid malignancies. A central challenge is now to translate these discoveries into clinical practice. Genetic lesions are powerfully associated with specific aspects of clinical phenotype, including hematologic parameters, particular morphologic abnormalities, response to therapy, and overall survival. Moreover, gene expression profiling, evaluation of microRNA expression, and epigenetic analyses add further biological, prognostic, and predictive information. Current research studies aim to integrate existing clinical prognostic scoring systems with molecular data to refine the taxonomy of myeloid malignancies, to improve the prediction of prognosis and response to specific therapies, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies based on insights into disease biology. Disclosures: Ebert: Celgene: Consultancy; Genoptix: Consultancy.
Distributed backscattering due to stochastic defects in production O-band Si photonic waveguides

We report backscattering of −19 to −36 dB per 1mm of waveguide length. We find the dependence of backscattering intensity on waveguide geometry and polarization to be consistent with backscattering being dominated by sidewall defects.
A new interharmonics detection method based on spectrum leakage

With the widely application of a great quantity of nonlinear electrical components, harmonie and interharmonic components in power system have become a complicated problem. In the power system, there is fundamental wave, harmonics and interharmonics. The Fast Fourier Transform method can make the precise detection and analysis of integer harmonies come true, which based on simple transformation of FFT. In order to accurate detect interharmonics people must eliminate the interference between harmonie and fundamental. Their characteristic help us to distinguish them. In order to improve computing speed, three point method combine FFT Because of these improvement ,people can calculate interharmonics accuracy.
Abstract 304: Estrogen Plays a Protective Role in Advanced Heart Failure by Suppressing Cardiac Fibrosis Associated Genes via miR129 Induction

We have previously shown that short term treatment of estrogen(E2) can rescue advance heart failure(HF) and decreases associated fibrosis. We hypothesized that E2 can reduce fibrosis by regulating the levels of specific microRNAs including miR129-5p(miR129) through ERβ mediated mechanism. We used transaortic constriction to induce HF in male mice, and once the ejection fraction (EF) reached ~30%, one group of animals was sacrificed (HF), and the other group received 17b-estradiol via a subcutaneous pellet implant (0.012mg/pellet, n=16) (E2) for 10 days. Sham-operated mice served as CTRL. Serial echocardiography was performed to monitor cardiac structure and function. Short-term E2 treatment rescued pressure overload-induced decompensated HF in mice by restoring the EF from 33.17±1.12% to 53.05±1.29 (p In conclusion, E2 treatment during HF induces miR129 likely through ERβ. MiR129 represses fibrosis by targeting key genes associated with cardiac fibrosis, inhibits fibroblast proliferation and fibroblast to myofibroblast transition.
Screening for hemochromatosis: a cost-effectiveness study based on 12,258 patients.

Abstract Background/Aims: Current emphasis in hemochromatosis has focused on early detection and treatment to prevent permanent liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus far, only normal population and highrisk groups have been screened but not patients seeking medical care. Methods: Serum iron levels were determined in consecutive fasting blood samples collected in the morning from 12,258 Mayo Clinic patients. Results: One hundred twenty-seven patients had an initial serum iron concentration >- 180 μg/dL. Eight patients (age, 38–71 years; 7 men and 1 woman) had transferrin saturation >- 62% (range, 84–99) and serum ferritin value >- 400 μg/L (range, 457–4004) with no other explanation for the abnormal iron test results. Three patients (2 male and 1 female) had markedly elevated hepatic iron concentration (range, 11,080–29,719 μg/g dry wt) and hepatic iron index (range, 2.9–8.4) indicative of homozygous hemochromatosis. One patient who refused liver biopsy had 7 g of iron removed by phlebotomy and is likely homozygous. Two patients had hepatic iron indices Conclusions: The yield in this study, 0.33 cases of 1000 screened, is approximately one tenth of the predicted homozygote frequency by recent estimates. Even at this yield, screening appears cost-effective.
Development and Assessment of an Interprofessional Curriculum for Managing Diabetes During Ramadan

Objective. To develop an educational module that would optimize the diabetic management of individuals observing Ramadan, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the module based on the special needs ...
Common α-globin variants modify hematologic and other clinical phenotypes in sickle cell trait and disease.

Co-inheritance of α-thalassemia has a significant protective effect on the severity of complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), including stroke. However, little information exists on the association and interactions for the common African ancestral α-thalassemia mutation (−α3.7 deletion) and β-globin traits (HbS trait [SCT] and HbC trait) on important clinical phenotypes such as red blood cell parameters, anemia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In a community-based cohort of 2,916 African Americans from the Jackson Heart Study, we confirmed the expected associations between SCT, HbC trait, and the −α3.7 deletion with lower mean corpuscular volume/mean corpuscular hemoglobin and higher red blood cell count and red cell distribution width. In addition to the recently recognized association of SCT with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), we observed a novel association of the −α3.7 deletion with higher HbA1c levels. Co-inheritance of each additional copy of the −α3.7 deletion significantly lowered the risk of anemia and chronic kidney disease among individuals with SCT (P-interaction = 0.031 and 0.019, respectively). Furthermore, co-inheritance of a novel α-globin regulatory variant was associated with normalization of red cell parameters in individuals with the −α3.7 deletion and significantly negated the protective effect of α-thalassemia on stroke in 1,139 patients with sickle cell anemia from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) (P-interaction = 0.0049). Functional assays determined that rs11865131, located in the major alpha-globin enhancer MCS-R2, was the most likely causal variant. These findings suggest that common α- and β-globin variants interact to influence hematologic and clinical phenotypes in African Americans, with potential implications for risk-stratification and counseling of individuals with SCD and SCT.
Durability of Chemically Treated Plastic Soil for Unpaved Roads

Unpaved roads are subject to rapid deterioration and large deformations under mechanical and environmental stresses that can render them impassable. Prior work has shown that plastic soils can be mixed with a polymeric chemical admixture to create a hydrophobic material and potentially minimize these issues. The purpose of this work is to assess the durability of a low plasticity clay soil treated with a chemical admixture by evaluating changes in physical and mechanical behavior when subjected to alternating cycles of wetting and drying. Volumetric change, water content change, and mass loss were measured at the completion of each one of up to twelve wetting and drying cycles. Unconfined compression tests were performed after select cycles to assess changes in mechanical properties. Tests were also performed on specimens stabilized with Type I/II portland cement for comparison. It was found that the specimens with chemical admixture treatment survived a full twelve cycles of wetting and drying. The volume changes of the specimens were small (±2 %) and there was no apparent reduction in strength. The chemically stabilized soil retained its physical and mechanical properties in a manner comparable to cement stabilization of the same soil. These results suggest that the CAT produces a sufficiently stable material when subjected to alternating wetting and drying conditions and has potential applications in improving long-term performance of unpaved roads.
On the Differentiation of Certain Probabilities with Applications in Statistical Decision Theory

Let P λ be an absolutely continuous probability distribution on p-dimensional Euclidean space, dP λ = f x ,dx, where λ ≥ 0 is a parameter. Under certain smoothness conditions on fm, λ and the boundary of B λ, a formula is obtained for (∂/∂λ) P λ (B λ). This result is useful over a wide range of applications, and two examples appear in the following. First, we compute the UMVUE of θ from a N(θ, a θ + b) distribution (where a and b are known). In this case, the methodology can be viewed as a means of expediting Rao-Blackwell calculations. Another application is motivated by the papers of Hwang and Casella (1982) and (1984) who present improved confidence sets for the mean of a N p (θ, I) distribution. In these separate papers, Hwang and Casella exploit two different methods of differentiating the coverage probability. The two ideas are subsumed (and unified) by our general result, and some new representations of the derivative are obtained as well. Finally, our method shows promise as being a useful technique for studying the important problem of finding improved confidence sets for the normal mean vector when the scale parameter is unknown.
Field Evaluation Of Cathodic Protection Remote Monitoring Systems At Oil Facilities

In recent years, the Middle East oil industry has seen tremendous growth in oil producing and bandling facilities, matched by an increased number of cathodic protection (CP) installations. This article presents the advantages of having remote monitoring systems for CP and readily available data for CP reports and system evaluation.
How motivations for tipping vary with occupational differences in descriptive tipping norms

Abstract The current study attempts to replicate a previous study in this journal reporting that the effects of tipping motives varied across more and less frequently tipped occupations. Results support most, but not all, of the original findings using different measures and more control variables than those used in the original study. Specific findings include the following: (i) future-service motives are positively related to likelihood of tipping only rarely tipped occupations, (ii) social-esteem motives are negatively related to the likelihood of tipping rarely and occasionally (but not often) tipped occupations, (iii) duty motives are positively related to likelihood of tipping only often tipped occupations, (iv) reciprocity motives are positively related to likelihood of tipping only occasionally and often (but not rarely) tipped occupations, and (v) altruism motives are positively related to likelihood of tipping all occupations, but especially occasionally tipped ones.
Dietary Acculturation among Puerto Rican Adults Varies by Acculturation Construct and Dietary Measure.

Background The role of acculturation in dietary behaviors among Hispanics/Latinos in the United States remains unclear. Discrepancies may be explained by variations in acculturation constructs or ethnicity-specific dynamics. Objective We aimed to compare relations between 3 different acculturation constructs with dietary quality and patterns among Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data with 1194-1380 Puerto Ricans, aged 45-75 y. Acculturation was measured with the use of a language-based scale (0-100; higher score denotes more English use), a psychological-based scale (0-50; higher score denotes stronger US orientation), and years living in the mainland United States. Diet quality scores (higher scores denote healthier diet) were defined with the use of the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MeDS). Three dietary patterns were previously derived with the use of principal components analysis. Adjusted multivariable regression models tested the association of each acculturation construct with diet quality score or pattern. Interaction terms were included for income or education status. Results Psychological-based acculturation, but not the other constructs, was positively associated with AHEI (β ± SE: 0.013 ± 0.004; P = 0.002) and MeDS (0.009 ± 0.005; P = 0.041). Income, but not education, moderated this association (P = 0.03), with higher diet quality observed with higher income (>$25,000) and stronger US orientation. All constructs were inversely associated with a traditional dietary pattern, with the language-based scale being stronger (z score β ± SE: -0.160 ± 0.032; P < 0.0001) than the psychological-based scale (-0.097 ± 0.028; P = 0.001) or years living in the mainland United States (-0.058 ± 0.028; P = 0.041). No associations were observed for the Western or sweets/desserts patterns. Conclusions In Puerto Rican adults, stronger psychological US orientation was associated with higher diet quality, particularly with higher income. More Spanish use, stronger psychological Puerto Rican orientation, and shorter length of mainland-US residency were associated with traditional dietary patterns. Appropriate diet-related acculturation constructs should be carefully considered among Hispanics/Latinos. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01231958.
Analytical modeling of coastal dune erosion at South Padre Island: A consideration of the effects of vegetation roots and shear strength

Abstract Dune erosion exposes coastal communities to greater risks of sea level rise, severe storm surge impact, flooding and property damage. This study evaluated the contribution of vegetation roots to dune erosion volume reduction using an analytical solution of a wave impact model. A resistance coefficient obtained from direct field measurements of dune shear strength and root density at South Padre Island, Texas, U.S.A was introduced into the analytical solution. Findings show that resistance of coastal dunes to erosion depends on vegetation type; the average in-situ shear strength of dunes vegetated with monocot species (sea oats) was 41.7 ± 6.1 KPa which was significantly higher than those vegetated with dicot species (railroad vines, gulf croton and camphor weed) at 22.2 ± 4.8 KPa. The measured in-situ shear strength of dunes vegetated with sea oats also showed a positive correlation with root density for a limited number of samples. A range of values for a proposed new coefficient of 0.2–0.8 was estimated from the ratio of in-situ shear strength of bare dunes to the shear strength of dunes vegetated with sea oats and proposed for consideration in the wave impact model When applied to the analytical solution of the wave impact model in the collision regime, a lower coefficient value resulted in lower predicted erosion volumes while higher values resulted in higher erosion volume. The results from this study emphasized the importance of suitable dune vegetation for an overall resilient coastal dune system for protection against erosion and this work suggests an approach to help quantify the benefits of the vegetation on erosion mitigation, which was validated through a comparison with field measurements.
Strategies for Responding to Undocumented Immigrants With Kidney Disease

It is a tough road for undocumented immigrants with kidney disease. There are many barriers that these patients must overcome
A Pilot of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Public Speaking Anxiety Delivered with Group Videoconferencing and Virtual Reality Exposure

Abstract Two pilot studies (N = 11; N = 15) assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a weekly 6-session ACT group videoconferencing intervention for public speaking anxiety with participants in separate physical locations. Both studies found significant improvements in self-reported social anxiety symptoms from pre-treatment to follow-up, with high levels of patient satisfaction. Results provide support for group videoconferencing as a viable format for delivering behavioral treatments including acceptance-based interventions. The second study also found significant improvements in behavioral performance and supported the feasibility and utility of videotaped virtual audiences for homework exposure exercises. No significant differences in anxiety levels were experienced during in vivo homework exposures compared to virtual homework exposures. Practically, clinicians are encouraged to pay particular attention to optimizing physiological arousal during exposures and to consider technological and ethical factors of these formats.
Risk selfies and nonrational environmental communication

Risk associated with a Pacific Northwest earthquake was expressed through a moderately successful social media risk communication campaign known as #14gallons. #14gallons encouraged people to collect and store 14 gallons of fresh water per person and take a selfie with their water, tagging others to do the same. This article frames the hashtag campaign within scholarship on the rhetoric of risk, defines the genre of the "risk selfie," and then uses a modified version of Laurie Gries's iconographic tracking method to produce information about the campaign that can be productively employed by risk communication practitioners.
Norepinephrine and Serotonin are Required for Vagus Nerve Stimulation Directed Cortical Plasticity

Abstract Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with forelimb training drives robust, specific reorganization of movement representations in the motor cortex. This effect is hypothesized to be mediated by VNS-dependent engagement of neuromodulatory networks. VNS influences activity in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), but the involvement of these neuromodulatory networks in VNS-directed plasticity is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that cortical norepinephrine and serotonin are required for VNS-dependent enhancement of motor cortex plasticity. Rats were trained on a lever pressing task emphasizing proximal forelimb use. Once proficient, all rats received a surgically implanted vagus nerve cuff and cortical injections of either immunotoxins to deplete serotonin or norepinephrine, or vehicle control. Following surgical recovery, rats received half second bursts of 0.8 mA or sham VNS after successful trials. After five days of pairing intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was performed in the motor cortex contralateral to the trained limb. VNS paired with training more than doubled cortical representations of proximal forelimb movements. Depletion of either cortical norepinephrine or serotonin prevented this effect. The requirement of multiple neuromodulators is consistent with earlier studies showing that these neuromodulators regulate synaptic plasticity in a complimentary fashion.
Morphoelastic fiber remodeling in pressurized thick-walled cylinders with application to soft tissue collagenous tubes

Abstract We consider the mechanics of fiber remodeling in a pressurized thick walled cylinder where our focus is on the interaction between inflation and remodeling. The material is taken to consist of an incompressible neo-Hookean ground substance matrix in which the fibers are embedded. The fiber network is assumed to undergo a stretch mediated remodeling process, as suggested by experiments on enzymatic degradation of collagen fibers in biological soft tissues. In our treatment, such a remodeling process is defined in terms of a constant fiber-creation rate, and a fiber-dissolution rate that decreases with the amount of fiber stretch. Here we study how pressure loading of a tube affects this process within the cylindrical wall. The impact of two basic load carrying fibers models on the remodeling of the fiber network are explored, as well as the effect of two different choices for the fiber's natural configuration when replacement fibers are first synthesized.
Academic entitlement and counterproductive research behavior

This study explored whether academic entitlement predicts counterproductive research behaviors (CRBs), operationalized as study absences and careless responding. Academic entitlement has been linked with other forms of counterproductive academic behaviors, but most research has demonstrated this relationship using self-report measures. The current study employed behavioral measures of CRBs and found that academic entitlement (specifically externalized responsibility) predicted study absences and careless survey responding in undergraduate students. Academic entitlement was also predictive of careless task responding (but not study absences or careless survey responding) beyond personality and trait aggression.
Conscience in Early Modern English Literature

In Conscience in Early Modern English Literature, Abraham Stoll argues that the conscience experiences a “destructuring” during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in England, becoming “increas...
A Low-Complexity Approach to UV Communication Channel Model Evaluation

Ultraviolet (UV) communications has been extensively studied as a promising technology to overcome challenging communication environments that may include, e.g., lack of line-of-sight and radio-frequency denial. In particular, atmospheric scattering at UV wavelengths can provide for a unique non-line-of-sight optical communication channel, and much research has focused on modeling this channel. However, the computational complexity of the highest-fidelity models, which are based on Monte Carlo simulation, has limited their usefulness. Here, we propose a low-complexity method for model evaluation that is based on precomputation and interpolation. We illustrate this approach in the context of the optimization of networks of UV communications systems. The results demonstrate the utility of our proposed method, show the importance of applying rigorous channel modeling when configuring UV communication systems, and suggest that our approach may be of great use beyond the particular application studied here.
A CASE OF ACUTE CARDIOMYOPATHY DUE TO IMMUNE CHECKPOINT BLOCKER PEMBROLIZUMAB

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in management of many cancers has increased recently, given their exceptional efficacy in ensuring remission. However, their inflammatory side effects have been associated with cardio-toxicity A 71-year-old man with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (
Feeling the Burn: Intestinal Epithelial Cells Modify Their Lipid Metabolism in Response to Bacterial Fermentation Products.

Intestinal epithelial absorption of dietary lipids is a major determinant of animal energy balance and metabolic health. Recent studies uncovered significant roles for intestinal microbiota in this process, but underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. Araujo et al. (2020) identify two end-products of bacterial fermentation that regulate intestinal lipid absorption and metabolism.
Association of Initial Illness Severity and Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest With Targeted Temperature Management at 36 °C or 33 °C.

Importance It is uncertain what the optimal target temperature is for targeted temperature management (TTM) in patients who are comatose following cardiac arrest. Objective To examine whether illness severity is associated with changes in the association between target temperature and patient outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study compared outcomes for 1319 patients who were comatose after cardiac arrest at a single center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from January 2010 to December 2018. Initial illness severity was based on coma and organ failure scores, presence of severe cerebral edema, and presence of highly malignant electroencephalogram (EEG) after resuscitation. Exposure TTM at 36 °C or 33 °C. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and secondary outcomes were modified Rankin Scale and cerebral performance category. Results Among 1319 patients, 728 (55.2%) had TTM at 33 °C (451 [62.0%] men; median [interquartile range] age, 61 [50-72] years) and 591 (44.8%) had TTM at 36 °C (353 [59.7%] men; median [interquartile range] age, 59 [48-69] years). Overall, 184 of 187 patients (98.4%) with severe cerebral edema died and 234 of 243 patients (96.3%) with highly malignant EEG died regardless of TTM strategy. Comparing TTM at 33 °C with TTM at 36 °C in 911 patients (69.1%) with neither severe cerebral edema nor highly malignant EEG, survival was lower in patients with mild to moderate coma and no shock (risk difference, –13.8%; 95% CI, –24.4% to –3.2%) but higher in patients with mild to moderate coma and cardiopulmonary failure (risk difference, 21.8%; 95% CI, 5.4% to 38.2%) or with severe coma (risk difference, 9.7%; 95% CI, 4.0% to 15.3%). Interactions were similar for functional outcomes. Most deaths (633 of 968 [65.4%]) resulted after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, TTM at 33 °C was associated with better survival than TTM at 36 °C among patients with the most severe post–cardiac arrest illness but without severe cerebral edema or malignant EEG. However, TTM at 36 °C was associated with better survival among patients with mild- to moderate-severity illness.
Validating the origin of microseismic events in target reservoir using guided waves recorded by DAS

Abstract We develop a new algorithm that uses guided-wave energy in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) records to identify microseismic events originating within or very close to a shale reservoir....
Edward Arthur Boyse. 11 August 192314 July 2007

Edward Boyse was the consummate scientist. His interest was piqued by the unique, the undeveloped and the unthought of. When an area of study gained widespread attention, he moved on. The developme...
Evaluating E-Learning

Technological innovations have spurred exponential use of electronic resources for learners of all ages over the last decade. These global developments also require continual advancement of electronic e-learning evaluation. Evaluation is the process of clarifying what should be and comparing that to what is, to facilitate evaluative decisions about success and ways to achieve it. This article outlines a process for doing evaluations of e-learning and identifies common critical-evaluation elements. An extended case vignette of an e-learning evaluation and references to others and related literature illustrate the use of these critical elements and associated emerging results.
Toward efficient elastocaloric systems: Predicting material thermal properties with high fidelity

Abstract A critical need to accurately model thermal behaviors of materials that exhibit strong elastocaloric effects, including predicting the effects themselves at varying stresses and temperatures, has been addressed using a simple and versatile physics-based approach. The key factor leading to the high precision is approximating the underlying elastic phase transition as a smooth modification of lattice entropy between coexisting phases. Once the phase transformation entropy is modeled to match experimentally measured strain as a function of temperature and applied stress, estimating the heat capacity, entropy, and isothermal entropy and adiabatic temperature changes in temperature-stress coordinates becomes straightforward. This approach provides insight into how thermal properties of elastocaloric materials vary through the transition based on strain measurements that are simple to perform and interpret. In addition to aiding in the rapid evaluation of new and existing elastocaloric materials, this advance is expected to prove invaluable for accurate heat transfer modeling aimed at designing efficient regenerative elastocaloric cooling devices.
"We have to respect that option": The abortion aversion complex in safety-net healthcare organizations.

Abstract In July 2019, the Trump administration began implementing its domestic gag rule to ban discussion of abortion in pregnancy options counseling and ensure physical separation of contraceptive and abortion services at clinical sites funded by the federal government's Title X Family Planning program. In this paper, we examine how organizational policy utilization correlated with organization-level protocols for discussing abortion in options counseling interactions while the domestic gag rule policy was under legal contest. From April 2018 to July 2019, we conducted in-depth interviews with 50 administrators in charge of setting clinical protocols regarding options counseling after a positive pregnancy test at 20 Title X-covered and 14 non-Title X-covered safety-net healthcare organizations in Ohio. We found that organizational characteristics and Title X policy utilization did not explain the heterogeneity in approaches to abortion referral that administrators reported. Administrators from 2 of 20 organizations covered by Title X policy requirements pre-emptively restricted discussion of abortion in their facilities in advance of policy enactment. Meanwhile, administrators from 10 of 14 non-Title X-covered organizations did not restrict discussion of abortion. Our analysis demonstrates how safety-net healthcare organizations' response to federal policy is shaped by administrators' institutional entrepreneurship within the abortion aversion complex: a pattern of policy miscomprehension and endorsed abortion stigma that facilitates the structural stigmatization of abortion within safety-net healthcare organizations. We conclude that current efforts to reverse the domestic gag rule will fail unless local abortion aversion complexes are targeted with intervention.
The uncinate fasciculus in individuals with and at risk for bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental disorder, characterized by prominent mood swings and emotion regulation (ER) deficits. The uncinate fasciculus (UF), a white matter tract connecting the amygdala and the ventral prefrontal cortex, has been implicated in ER. Aberrancies in UF microstructure may be an endophenotype associated with increased risk for BD. However, studies in individuals with BD and their first-degree relatives (REL) have yielded inconsistent findings. This meta-analysis takes a region-of-interest approach to consolidate the available evidence and elucidate the role of the UF in the risk-architecture of BD. METHODS Using web-based search engines, we identified diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies focusing on the left and right UF and conducted meta-analyses comparing fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) between BD or REL and healthy control participants (HC). RESULTS We included 32 studies (nBD=1186, nREL=289, nHC=2315). Compared to HC, individuals with BD showed lower FA in the right (WMD=-0.31, p<0.0001) and left UF (WMD=-0.21, p = 0.010), and higher RD in the right UF (WMD=0.32, p = 0.009). We found no significant differences between REL and HC. In the right but not left UF, REL showed higher FA than BD (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION Our findings support aberrant UF microstructure, potentially related to alterations in myelination, as a mechanism, but not as an endophenotype of BD. However, given the limited power in the REL subsample, the latter finding must be considered preliminary. Studies examining the role of the UF in individuals at familial risk for BD are warranted.
Control of a Markov Chain with Unknown Dynamics and Cost Structure

This chapter deals with the application of the “absolutely expedient” learning algorithms (developed in chapter 3) for the problem of control of a finite state Markov chain whose transition probabilities as a function of a finite number of control actions are unknown. At any instant of time depending on the state of the Markov chain and the control action chosen a reward is incurred. It is assumed that this reward is a two valued (binary) random variable whose distribution as a function of the state and the control action is unknown, but the sequence of states actually visited by the Markov chain is available. In other words we consider a Markov chain whose dynamics and reward structure are unknown but the state is observable exactly.
Search for the decay KS0→π+σ−π0

An optical spark chamber experiment was performed to search for the decay KS0→π+σ−π0. K0-mesons were produced by 3 GeV/c π− in the reaction π−p→ΛK0. 99 events with decay times between 0.5 and 6.5 Ks0 lifetimes were analysed to givex+iy, the ratio of the amplitude KS0→π+σ−π0 to the amplitude KS0→π+σ−π0. We obtainedx=−0.09±0.19,y=0.56±0.43.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in liver transplant recipients.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in liver transplant (LT) recipients with refractory ascites/variceal bleeding and to compare the observed outcomes with those obtained in cirrhotic controls. Methods: Clinical features of 14 LT recipients referred for TIPS placement between August 1985 and September 2006 were reviewed and compared with published series and 28 cirrhotic control patients undergoing TIPS. Results: The median age of the 14 LT recipients was 52 years, 57% had chronic hepatitis C virus and the median time from LT to TIPS placement was 46 months. Portal vein thromboses in two patients and a procedural complication in another patient precluded TIPS deployment. Among the 11 patients who completed TIPS, the mean hepatic venous pressure gradient was significantly reduced post-TIPS (18.3 ± 6.1 to 9.0 ± 3.5 mmHg, P<0.01). However, only 50% of the patients with varices had no further bleeding and 57% of the refractory ascites patients required no further paracentesis. In addition to a single peri-procedural death and renal failure in three others, four patients (29%) developed infection and nine (82%) developed new onset or worsening encephalopathy at a median of 11 days post-TIPS. The 1-year patient survival of 14% was substantially lower than that observed in other series of LT recipients (57–67%) as well as the matched cirrhotic control group undergoing TIPS (58%). Conclusion: The frequent morbidity noted in LT recipients undergoing TIPS, coupled with the low 1-year patient survival, demonstrates that portal decompression provides only marginal short-term benefit in the absence of retransplantation.